Underwriter new to FHA

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

I am not an engineer, but I have eyes and can see if there are metal straps to tie down the home.

HUD Handbook 4150.2 states "Existing manufactured homes in place over one year are to be inspected by the appraiser for evidence of permanent concrete footings with tie-downs anchored to the footings."

But since then they have come out with guidelines stating all manufactured home appraisals are subject to a foundation report stating the home meets HUD guidelines. We don't determine if it meets HUD guidelines because we are not engineers. Your appraisal should be "subject to" a foundation report even if somebody shows you a foundation report. It it their job to present that report to the DU underwriter for the underwriter to determine if it meets their guidelines.

It is "subject to" to protect the appraiser. If it is something different, it is not your fault. You can report what you see in your report, but remember the DU underwriter might require more work done to the foundation or another foundation report made.

 

[The Sheriff]

Here's the exact FHA verbiage I've been utilizing which incorporates tie downs, etc...

"the design of the permanent foundation must be in compliance with FHA criteria as evidenced by an engineer's certification verifying such compliance."

Here's some other verbiage that I include in my FHA manufactured property reports. Notice the key word "appear".

• Manufactured Home : Improvements - Non-permanent Foundation System and Attachment

The appraiser did view the subject from beneath the structure and it appeared to meet the necessary requirement to be considered adequately affixed. An unofficial document noted to be the subject property's 'Affidavit of Affixture' was viewed on the Pinal County recorders website. The subject property is being taxed as real property per the Pinal County Treasurer's office. It should be noted that this report is subject to an FHA required engineer's certification of compliance of the design of the permanent foundation.

The foundation for the subject consists of metal jack stands on concrete pads located at various intervals along the chassis. This substantially applies with the definition of the term "permanent foundation" found on page 1.4 of the "Guide to Foundation and Support Systems for Manufactured Homes". See attached photos for further support.

 

[rcsone]

.....I would prefer, "....appraiser offers no opinion as to the effectiveness or adequacy of the foundation or it attachment to the manufactured home and would refer any opinion, there of, to the engineer's certification....."......best to all.....rs

 

[OSU Beavers]

Well if there are no tie downs then I am saying "tie downs were not observed" no heming an hawing about it.