How can I retrieve the title of the manufactured home we just bought?

Question

We bought a manufactured home but the previous owner won't sign the title over to us. We learned that 7 years of back taxes are owed on it after we bought it. The previous owner claims that we are responsible to pay the taxes in order to get the title transferred. WHAT!!!

Answer 1

You have made a huge mistake here if you are already committed to this purchase.  

You don't "retrieve" a title, the owner has to sign off, and now he is holding you over a barrel with the back taxes, which probably are your responsibility now if you already signed on.

Call an attorney tomorrow.  Early.  You are in deep trouble here.

Just for fun, edit your post and let us know how you "bought" this MH.

EDIT:  I'd call the title company you worked with, your title insurance may be able to help you out here.  There should have been a detitling of the MH done to make it real property at some point rather than chattal.

Answer 2

I sincerely HOPE that you have not paid a cent for this home yet.  If you gave the seller money without an immediate exchange for a clear signed title, you have made a HUGE error.  The seller has your money, and you have no title.

You CANNOT get title transferred to you without an owner signature.  You are not providing sufficient information relative to this situation, so I will simply advise that you contact an attorney tomorrow morning and explain what has occurred thus far.