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1. How do I verify that a manufactured/mobile home has been moved only once?

When a manufactured/mobile home is purchased from the factory or dealership, three Homeowner Information Identification cards are completed.  The site address of where the home is moving is listed on these cards.  One card goes to the manufacturer, another card is kept by the dealership, and the third card is given to the purchaser.  These cards identify the location of the original move.  

The dealership, manufacturer, and the homeowner’s manual should have a copy of the Homeowner Information Identification card in order to confirm the original move.

The Assessor-Treasurer’s Office does not have this information.  A move permit is not required when a new manufactured/mobile home is originally moved from the factory or dealership. 

2. Why isn't my manufactured/mobile home value going down annually? Shouldn't it depreciate like a car?

Manufactured and mobile homes are subject to the same market forces as other real estate, whether they are located in a park or on an individually owned site. They depreciate due to age and condition the same as site built homes, but market forces can also cause them to appreciate. The Assessor is required by law to assess all manufactured/mobile homes at 100% of market value annually.

3. Isn't the N.A.D.A. or Blue Book a better indication of the value of my manufactured/mobile home?

The N.A.D.A. Manufactured Housing Appraisal Guide or 'Blue Book' is only used as a guideline to determine the average retail value of a manufactured or mobile home. This book is used primarily by dealers to establish prices before moving and set up costs. In order to establish the local market value for a manufactured home, (whether it is in a park or on its own land) a physical appraisal must be done.

4. I sold my manufactured/mobile home two years ago and I'm still getting the tax statement. What should I do?

Please contact the Assessor-Treasurer's Office, Mobile Home Department at (253) 798-3676 or (253) 798-2718. You will be asked such questions as, Who did you sell it to? Did it move? Did you transfer title or complete a seller's report? Any information you can provide will assist the office in making the appropriate changes to the account and ensuring that the tax statement and all other related information are mailed to the purchaser rather than yourself.

5. I just purchased my manufactured/mobile home for less than the assessed value. How can my value be more than I paid for it?

Market value of your home is not necessarily determined by its purchase price. The sale must meet the definition of fair market value. Market Value means the amount of money a willing buyer, not obligated to buy would pay a willing seller, not obligated to sell. (WAC 458-14-005) Distress sales, sales of repossessed homes, estate sales and relative sales are not typically considered as representing fair market value. When a manufactured or mobile home is sold and it has to be removed from a site, the sale price is typically discounted to reflect the cost of moving and resetting the home.