This week we are exploring what you should know when buying a mobile home in Kansas. With over 88% of Kansas being used as farmland, there is plenty of space for mobile homes.
Did you know Kansas really is flatter than a pancake? Scientists proved it when they compared the topography of Kansas against that of a pancake from IHOP. Some interesting facts about mobile homes in Kansas include:
The average price of a pre-owned home: $27811
Average model year of a pre-owned home: 2002
Average pre-owned home size in square feet: 1228
Average sites in a manufactured home community: 114
Average year a community was developed: 1992
Number of all-age communities: 217
Knowledge is Power
When buying a mobile home in Kansas its important to know all you can before you make your purchase. For example, did you know that since 1992, Kansas has had a law in place that prevents cities and counties from excluding a manufactured home used for a residence from being excluded in residential areas? However, make sure before deciding where to place your home you call your city or county planning commission to be sure you won’t have any problems.
You can learn about financing, dealers, why manufactured homes are a smart purchase and more by visiting the Kansas Manufactured Housing Association page or contacting them at:
Kansas MHA
3521 SW 5th St.
Topeka, KS 66606
(785) 357-5256
Things to Know After the Sale
The rules for titling a mobile home in Kansas varies depends on whether you are buying a used or new mobile home. If buying used, you must transfer ownership, and the title must be assigned to the new owner. The seller must complete all information on the assignment except for the buyer’s printed name and signature.
If the seller does not have a title for the manufactured or mobile home he or she will need to obtain the title before transferring ownership. Keep in mind, a mobile or manufactured home cannot be sold on a bill of sale. You can find all the forms you need at the Kansas Department of Revenue site or by visiting your local DMV.
If buying a new manufactured home, you will be required to pay sales tax based on 60% of the purchase price prior to any trade-in allowance. Usually, your dealer will handle all the needed paperwork to make your new home yours.
What if There’s an Issue?
If you are buying a new mobile home, the home includes a one year warranty from the manufacturer. Any issues or defects from the factory or during installation are usually taken care of by contacting your dealer. They typically have a staff that handles any problems that occur.
Keep in mind you will need a record of any correspondence (typically contact them in writing via certified mail) so that you will have a paper trail in case your issues aren’t handled properly.
If you don’t get the issues resolved by working directly with your dealer, you will then need to contact the state and fill out a dispute resolution form. The Kansas Housing Corporation, Manufactured Housing Division, can help you get a resolution to your issues. The purchaser must complete the Dispute Resolution form inside the Dispute Resolution Packet. A check or money order for $100.00 made payable to “KHRC” is required. The Dispute Resolution form and the check must be mailed to:
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation
Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Programs
611 South Kansas Avenue, Suite 300
Topeka, Kansas 66603-3803
Mobile Home Living in Kansas
There doesn’t seem to be an abundance of mobile homes available in the state of Kansas right now. However, we did find a few great ones on Zillow to share with you!
Related: 100 Great Manufactured Home Porch Designs.
Like most other states we have covered, buying a mobile home in Kansas is a pretty easy process. And, we are sure to see manufactured homes become an even more popular housing choice as the population of Kansas continues to grow.
Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.
