Permanent foundation

[Tracey]

If a home is on masonry/concrete piers and the straps attached to them, does that constitute a permanent foundation? Or is there more to the requirements for a "permanent foundation". I am looking to purchase a 2002 manufactured home in another state and therefore cannot do all the investigating required, but I did see piers and straps, with metal skirting on the perimeter.(The seller is out of state as well and has never seen the property, he inherited it, so doesn't know either.)

[rmurray]

"Permanent Foundation" has different meanings to different lenders...A FHA or VA foundation will have to have a FHA inspector review and certify it meets the requirement...Conventional lenders depend on the opinion of appraisers...They might well all have different ideas...but generally if the home is set to the set up manuals requirements and inspected by a local inspector (which it was when new) and attached to the ground it will qualify...Some appraisers might take the position that it might need to be underpinned with masonry underpinning....That is nothing but a matter of opinion...not detailed rules by any lender....

Why the question?????

[Tracey]

I could not get conventional financing because of the home not being on a permanent foundation per my Realtor. Realtor saw that there was no concrete/brick underpinnings and said that was what constituted a permanent foundation. When I began to research various systems/alternatives to bring it into compliance (I'll have a balloon payment in 2 years and will have to re-finance) I came upon this website which directed me to the FHA site. I guess I should have let one of the bank's appraisers come out to actually look. I verbally told each lender that it wasn't on a permanent foundation because of what my Realtor said and therefore was turned away. What it all boils down to, if I don't have to do anything to the foundation, great. I'm planning on building a home on the property in 3-5 years and will be moving the home then and so would prefer not to have to deal with underpinnings.

[rmurray]

I suspected you have gotten faulty information..few real estate "professionals" know much about manufactured homes..worse yet many mortgage originators understand their own underwriting rules...I have done many home with conventional mortgages with vinyl skirting that had to be "permanent" foundations...Find an originator that is skilled in manufactured homes..Check with the finance section of this web site or ask dealers in your area for referrals...