Well, I never...

[Caterina Platt]

But then, it's because it's my first ever FHA manufactured appraisal. Done ooodles of conventional, never had this request before. Wanted to see if I had a hold of a twit underwriter, or if I can expect more of this in the future.

In the cost comments I have typed:

Dwelling exhibits HUD labels TRA 123456, and TRA 123457, (of course these have been changed to protect the innocent.. , no I'm too lazy to look it up at the moment) and appears to meet all guidelines set forth in 4150.2 Directive. Remaining estimated economic life, blah blah, ...

The underwriter is now requesting pictures of the HUD labels, and something from the appraiser stating the MH meets all of HUD's guidelines.

The processor upon recieving this call did ask the underwriter exactly what she required in reference to the guidelines. She would give no specifics, "She's an appraiser, she should know."

Have I left out normal FHA required items? Do you all supply pictures of the HUD labels?

 

[David C. Johnson]

Caterina,

I cannot be much help with your questions (or really even quite understand them), but I did want to comment on your thread title.

That was good!

I would have used it quick any number of times if I had thought of it.

dcj

 

[Pamela Crowley (Florida)]

Huh?

Don't know where the underwriter came up with that. Did you use the MH addendum? The best one I've seen is in Alamode where you can answer more than just 'Yes' or 'No' and add comments.

I would do that addendum and call it enough. If the underwriter wants more, tell her/him to look it up him/herself and put it in writing to you.

"Property appears to conform to HUD Handbook 4150.2. Foundation approval is subject to HUD/FHA Compliance Inspector and/or a Qualified Engineer."

The wording depends upon your particular situation. If you don't have Alamode, let me know and I'll send you the MH addendum via email.

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

Yes I supply photos of the HUD labels (requirement not written anywhere but underwriters do not believe appraisers). Sometimes I also supply a photo of the data plate (AKA Certificate of Compliance, map of USA), especially if the HUD labels have been removed or covered up with siding, furniture, builtins, junk, etc. If that occurs it is the underwriters responsibility to contact the Washington DC office to verify that the home was built to HUD code per the National HOC Referance Guide. The HUD label or the data plate verifies that the unit itself was constructed to HUD building code. I have the canned statement on page 4 of the VC sheet of: "Certification attesting to compliance with the Permanant Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing must be obtained from a licensed professional engineer for the the foundation that has been installed and included in the insuring file." It is the underwriter's responsibility to arrange for a engineer to go crawl around underneath the manufactured home and determine if the installation/foundation does meet the guide book (hopefully the engineer has read it). The supporting foundation underneath the home and the perimeter enclosure is required to be concrete, masonry or pre treated wood by HUD. Steel piers on concrete pads (about 99% under homes in AZ) are not acceptable to HUD.

 

[Pamela Crowley (Florida)]

Jo Ann,

Your wording is always better than mine. Thanks!

 

[Caterina Platt]

Thanks ladies! (and David, :lol: was hoping that would get a laugh)


You hit the nail on the head. First thing that popped into my head was "What, I gave her the HUD label numbers. Doesn't she believe me?" Grrr. She is already in possession of the engineer's foundation report and my crawl space photos, so I am going to try the Alamode MH Checklist and these additional pics and see if that makes 'er 'appy. I know 99% of the conventional lenders need them and I always include them in my conventional reports. Suppose FHA shouldn't be any different.

Good to know I'm not the only one and glad I asked. I was almost considering one of those 'absurd request fees' reqarding another trip out there for pictures of the HUD labels. I'll shoot them and the data plate as a habit now.

Thanks again!!

 

[larryhaskell]

Caterina:

Have done several MHs for FHA and never been ask for a photo of the plates. It has to be just to verify that there are plates on the home because I have a hard time reading the numbers from a foot away. Eyes aren't what they use to be. What goes after the eyes? Hearing. Huh. Damn. Pam is right about the MH form from alamode. Don't get asked for that either. I make the report subject to verification that the foundation meets HUD guidelines per an engineer.

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

Be very careful on which and how you answers those questions on a check list! I don't have Ala Mode and I don't fill out a check list unless the client throws a hissy fit. If they absoutely insist I send them one I have put together based on Fannie Mae guidelines. If they won't accept mine and have to have theirs, I type in that I am not an engineer, am not a home inspector, etc, etc under most of their questions. And the HUD label number will not be found by the front door (that question refers to a label that hasn't been used in 30 years) and the HUD label number is NOT the serial number. The serial number will only be on the data plate or in ownership documents. If painted or etched into the frame, it is usually right in front with the perimeter enclosed covering it up. As you can guess--I hate those MH checklists!!! They are totally worthless!!

By the way I include a photo of the HUD label even it is so painted over the same color as the siding, which means all you can see from three inches is a vauge oblong in the photo--but it keeps the underwriter happy.

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

The title of your post makes me think of the loan officer inquiry, "I heard that you...." It almost always gets answered with, "not in this lifetime".

 

[BenLuby]

First time we got asked for the stupid photo of the Tags, we had to drive sixty odd miles down every dirt road and cow slide in three counties to get back to the subject. Now, we do it on every single one because it saves headaches.
Besides, the pic's are digital, so the film is cheap. When in doubt, we take a shot of it. HUD stickers, serial numbers, maker of the toilet... doing mobile homes is a pain.
But, it is work. Don't send the checksheet unless they ask for it. I Think their purpose in life is to drive us all nuts.