The Rules 

In California, mobile homes were once taxed as vehicles. But after the law changed in 1979, mobile homes sold after July 1, 1980 were subjected to property taxes rather than vehicle license and registration fees. Each county calculates and collects property taxes and subjects them to state regulations and restrictions. 

There are some differences, however, based on where your mobile home is located. If you own the underlying land, you’ll be charged property taxes. On the other hand, if your home sits on rented land or in a mobile home park, you’ll be liable for taxes based on the value of your home’s structure, rather than for the value of the land on which it sits.  

In addition to property tax, mobile home owners are also charged use tax in cases where sales tax would apply. Use tax refers simply to a tax the government imposes on property owners for the use and enjoyment of their property. Typically, use tax is assessed and paid separately from typical property tax. 

The Exceptions 

Generally, sales and use tax do not apply to the sale of used mobile homes that are considered real property in California (and would otherwise be subject to property taxes). According to the State of California, a “used” mobile home is defined as one that has been “previously sold and registered or titled with any of the following: 1) the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) or with an appropriate agency or authority; 2) any other state, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States; 3) a foreign state, province, or country.” A new mobile home does not fit this definition and thus does implicate sales and use tax.  

Conversely, property tax applies to used mobile homes that are located on a permanent foundation IF they meet the following requirements: 1) The home was originally sold new on or after July 1, 1980, or 2) it was originally sold new before July 1, 1980, and later transferred to the property tax rolls. 

There are a few other exceptions, for instance, if you buy your mobile home from a family member, you may be exempt from paying tax. If you claim an exemption in this situation, you will need to provide proof of your family relationship with the seller when you register your mobile home. 

If you’d like to learn more about your tax liability for your used or new mobile home, be sure to reach out to an experienced accountant or attorney. If you’d like to explore how Harmony Communities can help you find a place to call home, we would love to hear from you. 

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful. 

The post Sales and Use Tax for the Sale of Pre-Owned Manufactured Homes appeared first on Other CMS.

While sinking some money into preparing your home for sale is inevitable, it doesn’t have to bankrupt you. There are some inexpensive tweaks you can make that will go far – from simply cleaning up to create more curb appeal, to buying a few cans of paint. Here are five ways to not only prepare your mobile home for sale but also to increase its appeal andits value to your prospective buyers.

#1: Cultivate curb appeal.

Freshening your home’s exterior is one of the most effective ways to sell, as it creates a powerful first impression for your prospective buyers. The best way to do this is to clean up your exterior with a coat of paint, preferably in a neutral tone. However, if this isn’t in your budget, invest in a good power wash to ensure the home is clean and presentable. At an absolute minimum, be sure to inspect the exterior of your home for any rot, mold, or mildew, and address it by either cleaning it off or hiring someone to remediate it.

#2: Invest in simple landscaping.

For similar reasons, landscaping makes all the difference when it comes to selling a home. While you don’t necessarily need to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars into a professional landscaping service, you canrake leaves, mow the lawn, pull weeds, plant flowers, sweep the walkway, clean off (or repaint) your mailbox, and add window boxes. It doesn’t have to be expensive or upscale (no need for up lighting or cascading fountains!) – what matters most is that it is clean and presentable.

#3: Give it a deep clean.

Few things are more off-putting than stepping into a dirty, messy home (or one with a lingering odor). Invest in a thorough deep clean or do it yourself if you’re confident you can tackle it. Aside from dusting, vacuuming, clearing clutter, and ensuring the bathrooms and kitchens are sparkling, have your carpet and windows professionally cleaned to remove any stains and grime. Even if your home isn’t entirely updated inside, if it’s clean, your prospective buyers will be able to picture themselves living there and making the upgrades they want. Don’t distract them with filth, smells, and mess. 

#4: Commit to simple upgrades.

Keep your space looking fresh for your prospective buyers by making small, inexpensive upgrades. Here are a few ideas:

• Floors: Replace carpet with laminate flooring in a trendy, dark-brown color.
• Kitchen: Paint cabinets a fresh white or a cool gray, and change out the cabinet pulls to create a more contemporary look.
• Bathrooms: DIY a trendy tile floor and swap out bulky medicine cabinets with open-shelving made out of reclaimed wood.
• Fixtures: Replace dated light fixtures with more contemporary ones, preferably in a light color, as lighter colors tend to make rooms appear larger.

#5: Stage it.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, stage your home to create maximum appeal for your prospective buyers and to encourage them to make the best offer possible. Staging your home for sale is about more than just shuffling furniture around. Here are a few tips to get your home ready for that first showing:

• Hang mirrors to create the illusion that your rooms are larger.
• Add fresh flowers or green plants to create a fresh, homey feel.
• Light a scented candle.
• Hide any pet beds, food bowls, and toys. Some people may be turned off if they see evidence of an animal living in the house.
• Hide any dirty laundry baskets and make sure all dishes are in the dishwasher or put away – not stacked in the sink.
• When it comes to arranging your furniture, focus on appearance rather than functionality. For instance, even if you like placing your recliner two feet from the television, this probably won’t look very appealing to an outsider. Consider arranging your furniture in a way that draws the eye outward and upward to create the illusion of space – even if this arrangement isn’t functional for your family. Remember: selling a home is temporary, so make the adjustments you need in order to make your space presentable.

While you’ll likely spend some money and time preparing your home for sale, these simple tips can make the process as simple as possible while increasing your home’s value and appeal. By implementing these small steps one by one, you will ensure your mobile home attracts the right owner who can enjoy it as much as you have.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Five Ways to Increase Your Mobile Home’s Value Before Selling appeared first on Other CMS.