Arizona recently loosened restrictions on transfer of certain mobile and manufactured housing units, simplifying the procedure for potential sellers.

The move is an effort to better compete with surrounding states in the mobile home sale sector.

Until now, anyone wishing to sell such a unit was required to obtain a separate broker or dealer license from the Arizona Department of Housing (ADH) Manufactured Housing Division.

Relatively few ADH-licensed dealers for manufactured housing remain in the state, according to the Arizona Association of Realtors, which said that many Arizona sellers found themselves on the wrong end of deeply discounted prices Elsewhere, mobile home sellers fared better, the association said.

Arizona State Rep. Jeff Weninger (R-Chandler) introduced legislation to streamline the process, suggesting exemptions. Gov. Doug Ducey signed HB 2072 into law in late March and it's slated to become effective this year.

The measure will permit a real estate broker or salesperson to perform sales duties on behalf of a licensed manufactured housing dealer for units located in a mobile home park if the dealer complies with required fees and paperwork.

Additionally, such a professional will be allowed to act on behalf of a private party as long as the person remains in compliance with the Arizona Department of Real Estate.

Because of Weninger’s efforts, the playing field will become more level for all sellers of mobile homes statewide.