What Is a 433A?

A 433A is a California document that officially records a manufactured home as being placed on a permanent foundation. It is filed with the County Recorder and required by:

  • FHA loans

  • VA loans

  • Conventional loans

  • Many escrow and underwriting departments

Once recorded, the home is treated as real property, not personal property.

 

Why Lenders Require a 433A

Lenders want proof that the home:

  • Is properly attached to a permanent foundation

  • Meets HUD/FHA installation standards

  • Has been inspected and certified by a licensed engineer

  • Is safe, secure, and compliant

Without a 433A, lenders cannot finalize the loan.

 

What the Engineer Checks

Before issuing the certification, the engineer verifies:

  • Tie‑downs are secure and not rusted

  • Piers are level and permanent

  • Pads are not cracked

  • Skirting is intact with no gaps

  • Access panels are present and open easily

  • No standing water under the home

  • Blocking is correct height and not shifting

If any of these fail, the engineer cannot issue the certification.

 

Why Escrow Needs It

Escrow uses the 433A to confirm:

  • The home meets HUD/FHA rules

  • The foundation is compliant

  • The engineer has signed off

  • The county has recorded the document

Missing a 433A causes:

  • Escrow delays

  • Appraisal conditions

  • Loan approval issues

  • Re‑inspection fees

 

How the 433A Process Works

  1. Foundation Inspection We check to see what you currently have along with checking all of the permits associated with the property.

  2. Corrections (if needed) Tie‑downs, piers, skirting, blocking, water issues, etc.

  3. Engineer Certification Issued Once compliant, the engineer signs the foundation report.

  4. County Recording The 433A is submitted and recorded with the county.

  5. Escrow / Lender Receives Final Documents Loan can move forward.

 

How We Help

We handle the entire process:

  • Foundation corrections

  • Engineer inspection

  • Engineer certification

  • 433A recording

  • Delivery to escrow / lender

  • Service Areas

 

  • Thousand Palms

  • Indio

  • Palm Desert

  • Desert Hot Springs

  • Anza

  • Coachella Valley

  • High Desert
  • Aguanga
  • Palm Springs
  • Beaumont
  • Cherry Valley

 

 

Beyond The Ordinary

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