Part 3 – USDA Manufactured Home Loan Guidelines: USDA Manufactured Home Loan Foundation Requirements

USDA Manufactured Home Loan Guidelines: What are USDA Manufactured Home Loan Foundation Requirements in Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama? 

Last week we discussed USDA Manufactured Home Minimum Property Requirements. As we continue with our series on USDA Manufactured Home Loan guidelines, understanding the USDA specific foundation requirements is a critical next step to the process.

In today’s short video, we will dive into the details about USDA Manufactured Home Foundation Requirements and help separate fact from fiction

However, before we get started, don’t forget to take advantage and download our Manufactured Home Blueprint for Success with the link below. This free guide is designed to walk you through the manufactured home qualifying process step-by-step and is a great tool for both homebuyers and Realtors alike.

USDA Manufactured Home Loan Guidelines: USDA Manufactured Home Loan Foundation Requirements in Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama

As a starting point, our discussion today will be focused on existing manufactured homes. If you do have questions regarding new construction USDA manufactured home loans, please reach out to our dedicated team so we can assist.

USDA Manufactured Home Loan Foundation Guidelines

USDA loans follow FHA HUD Handbook standards with regards to manufactured home foundation requirements.

USDA guidelines require that eligible manufactured homes:

Must be installed on a permanent foundation in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and HUD installation standards. Guidelines are presently published in the “Permanent Foundation Guide for Manufactured Housing” (HUD-4930.3G)

I have also included the link for where these standards can be found at:

http://www.huduser.org/portal/publications/destech/permfound.html.

USDA Manufactured Home Loan Structural Engineer Report

USDA guidelines also state that a “certification of a proper foundation is required”.

This is commonly referred to as a structural engineer’s report which has to certify that the foundation meets HUD Handbook requirements.

However, if the foundation does not meet these requirements, it can still be upgraded to meet these standards through a process commonly referred to as a retrofit.

What is a USDA manufactured home loan retrofit?

After the engineer’s report is received, upgrades and improvements may be required in order for the foundation to conform to HUD Handbook requirements. Retrofitting is the term used for the process of upgrading or modernizing the existing foundation to meet USDA loan minimum property requirements.

This could involve adding or updating items such as the anchors, straps, or skirting to comply with HUD installation standards and thus meet USDA manufactured home guidelines.

Please note that any retrofit costs may be paid by the seller or buyer but understanding that this could be a potential cost upfront in the process is an important communication point that many lenders miss.

USDA Manufactured Home Loan Summary

Most importantly, don’t get overwhelmed by the details, if you have any questions about USDA manufactured home loans, remember to contact our dedicated team of USDA experts so we can go to work for you!

Now, the unfortunate truth is that most lenders can’t even spell USDA, but in our office, we eat, breathe, and sleep USDA loans!

Whether you have a transaction in trouble or are trying to maximize your qualifying ability, just call, text, or email to discuss your scenario so we can show you the “Metroplex” difference!

Toll Free: 800-806-9836 x280
Call/Text: 863-593-2001
Email: SeanS@MPLX.org

As always, I want everyone to make it a great day and look forward to seeing you right here for the next tip of the week!

P.S. – Here is the link for our USDA Manufactured Home Blueprint for Success