Jill Stradley
Jill Stradley writes about private sales, title transfers, and the paperwork that trips people up when buying or selling cars, boats, and everything in between. She got interested in the topic after a used car sale gone wrong taught her more about DMV requirements than she ever wanted to know. Now she breaks down what each state actually requires so other people don't have to learn the hard way.
Articles by Jill Stradley
Is It Safe to Buy a Car With a Bill of Sale but No Title?
You found a car you like at a price that makes sense and the seller is offering a bill of sale but says the title is unavailable, lost, or coming soon. It's a situation that comes up more than you'd expect in private sales, and the honest answer is that...
What Makes a Bill of Sale Legally Binding?
A bill of sale is a simple document but that simplicity sometimes makes people wonder whether it actually holds up when it matters. The answer is yes, a properly completed bill of sale is a legally binding contract. Understanding what makes it binding also tells you what can make it fall apart...
How to Sell a Car to Someone in Another State
Selling a car to an out-of-state buyer is more common than it used to be. Online listings reach buyers everywhere, and plenty of people are willing to travel or arrange shipping for the right vehicle at the right price. The sale itself isn't dramatically different from a local transaction, but there are enough extra considerations that going in without a plan tends to create problems...
What Documents Should a Private Car Seller Give You?
Buying a car from a private seller puts the research burden entirely on you. Unlike a dealership, there's no legal requirement for a private seller to hand you a packet of paperwork at closing. But there are documents you should absolutely expect, and walking away without them is a mistake that can cost you later...
Does Georgia Require a Bill of Sale?
Georgia is one of the more straightforward states when it comes to private vehicle sales, but straightforward doesn't mean there's nothing to know. If you're buying or selling a car privately in Georgia, here's exactly what the process looks like and where people typically go wrong...