VA Form 26-8644: Placement Certificate for Manufactured Home

VA Form 26-8644: Placement Certificate for Manufactured Home – Veterans seeking to finance a manufactured home through a VA loan must navigate specific requirements, including proper placement and installation documentation. VA Form 26-8644, officially titled the Placement Certificate for Manufactured Home, plays a key role in this process. This article explains the form’s purpose, who needs it, how to complete it, and its importance in securing VA home loan guaranty for manufactured housing.

What Is VA Form 26-8644?

VA Form 26-8644 is a certification document required for VA-guaranteed loans involving manufactured homes. It confirms that the manufactured home has been properly delivered, installed, and placed at the specified location, and that the veteran has received all necessary warranties and accessories.

The form includes certifications from both the veteran and the dealer (for dealer-seller transactions). It falls under Section 3712, Chapter 37, Title 38, U.S.C., which governs VA manufactured home loans. The current revision date is September 1996, and it supersedes earlier versions.

Download the official form here:
Download VA Form 26-8644 (PDF)

Purpose of the Placement Certificate in VA Manufactured Home Loans

The primary purpose of VA Form 26-8644 is to protect the veteran and support the lender’s submission for VA loan guaranty. By signing it, the veteran acknowledges:

  • The home was placed at the correct address.
  • All furnishings, equipment, and accessories from the sales agreement were received.
  • No improper inducements (like cash rebates or future commissions) were offered.
  • The veteran understands that VA does not guarantee the quality of the home or installation.
  • The original manufacturer’s or dealer’s warranty was received.

Dealers certify proper installation, delivery of documents, and compliance with invoice and warranty requirements. This form is typically submitted as part of the loan closing package, alongside other documents like VA Form 26-8149 (Report of Manufactured Home and/or Lot Loan).

Who Needs to Complete VA Form 26-8644?

  • Veterans or eligible service members using VA loan benefits to purchase a new or used manufactured home.
  • Dealers/sellers in transactions where they are involved in the sale and installation.
  • It applies to loans for manufactured homes classified as real estate (permanently affixed to owned land).

This form is not needed for standard site-built homes.

VA Manufactured Home Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for VA financing, a manufactured home must meet strict criteria (per VA Pamphlet 26-7 and HUD standards):

  • Built on or after June 15, 1976 (HUD Code compliant).
  • Permanently affixed to a permanent foundation meeting HUD Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing (PFGMH), state, and local codes.
  • Minimum size: Often 700 sq ft for multi-section homes; wheels, axles, and hitch must be removed.
  • Classified as real property under state law (title conversion from personal property/chattel to real estate).
  • HUD Certification Label (“red tag”) and interior Data Plate present.
  • Meets VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) in Chapter 12 of the Lender’s Handbook.

Note: VA loans generally require the veteran to own the land; financing on leased park land is typically not allowed.

How to Fill Out and Submit VA Form 26-8644?

  1. Do not sign until the home is fully delivered, installed, and contains all items from the sales agreement.
  2. Provide the VA Loan Number, financial institution details, and complete description of the manufactured home (type, year, model, serial number, size).
  3. Veteran completes the certification section and signs.
  4. Dealer (if applicable) completes and signs their section.
  5. Submit with the loan package to the lender for VA guaranty processing.

Important: Signing this form is a legal certification under penalty of perjury. Fraud or misrepresentation can lead to severe penalties.

  • VA Form 26-1880: Request for Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
  • VA Form 26-8599: Manufactured Home Warranty (new homes).
  • VA Form 26-8730: Used Manufactured Home Warranty.
  • Manufacturer’s invoice with specific certifications.
  • Foundation certification by a licensed professional engineer (often required).
  • Appraisal and compliance with VA MPRs.

Work closely with a VA-approved lender experienced in manufactured home loans, as requirements can be more complex than for site-built homes.

Benefits of Using VA Loans for Manufactured Homes

  • No down payment (for eligible veterans with full entitlement).
  • Competitive interest rates and flexible credit guidelines.
  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI).
  • Protection through VA guaranty and oversight.

Common Questions About VA Form 26-8644

Is the form still current?
Yes, the September 1996 version remains the official form available on VA.gov.

Can I download and fill it out digitally?
It is a fillable PDF. Use the official link above.

What if the home is used?
The form still applies, with additional requirements like system inspection reports and used home warranty.

Final Tips for Veterans

  • Verify the manufactured home meets all HUD, VA, and local requirements before purchase.
  • Consult a VA-approved lender early in the process.
  • Ensure proper title conversion to real property.
  • Work with experienced professionals for foundation certification and installation.

For the most accurate guidance, visit official VA resources or speak with a qualified lender. VA loans provide powerful homeownership opportunities for veterans, including through manufactured homes when all standards are met.

Official Resources: