PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS WHEN COMPLETING THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BOX A: DESCRIPTION OF HOMEUSA CERTIFICATE(S) ENCLOSED (ATTACH ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NECESSARY.) SEE INSTRUCTION 1. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME(S) AND ADDRESS OF REGISTERED HOMEUSA HOLDER(S) (PLEASE FILL IN EXACTLY AS NAME(S) APPEAR(S) ON CERTIFICATE(S) (PLEASE PRINT)* CERTIFICATES ENCLOSED - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NUMBER OF SHARES CERTIFICATE REPRESENTED BY NUMBER CERTIFICATE ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ TOTAL SHARES - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * Only HomeUSA Certificates registered in a single form may be deposited with this Letter of Transmittal. If HomeUSA Certificates are registered in different forms (e.g., John R. Doe and J.R. Doe), it will be necessary to fill in, sign and submit as many separate Letters of Transmittal as there are different registrations of HomeUSA Certificates. Additional copies of this Letter of Transmittal may be obtained from the Exchange Agent at the address and telephone number shown below. / / Check here if your HomeUSA Certificate(s) has (have) been lost, stolen or destroyed and contact the Exchange Agent immediately. See Instruction 11. LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO SURRENDER AND CONVERT CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF HOMEUSA, INC. IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER OF HOMEUSA, INC. WITH AND INTO HUSA ACQUISITION COMPANY, A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC. This Letter of Transmittal is being delivered to you in connection with the merger (the "MERGER") of HomeUSA, Inc. ("HOMEUSA") with and into HUSA Acquisition Company ("ACQUISITION SUB"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. ("FLEETWOOD"), pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of February 17, 1998 (the "MERGER AGREEMENT"), by and among Fleetwood, Acquisition Sub and HomeUSA. This Letter of Transmittal must be completed by registered holders of shares of HomeUSA common stock, par value $0.01 per share who have not already submitted an election form prior to the Merger (the "SHARES" or the "HOMEUSA COMMON STOCK"), in order to convert your HomeUSA shares into Fleetwood Common Stock as provided in the Merger Agreement. IF YOUR HOMEUSA CERTIFICATE(S) HAS (HAVE) BEEN LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED AND YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE IN REPLACING IT (THEM), SEE INSTRUCTION 11 TO THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. YOU CANNOT SUBMIT AN EFFECTIVE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL WITHOUT ATTACHING YOUR HOMEUSA CERTIFICATE(S) TO THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR, ALTERNATIVELY, (1) DELIVERING THE SHARES BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT'S ACCOUNT AT A BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY, (2) SUBMITTING A GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY AS PROVIDED HEREIN OR (3) SUBMITTING AN AFFIDAVIT AND INDEMNIFICATION REGARDING THE LOSS, THEFT OR DESTRUCTION OF SUCH HOMEUSA CERTIFICATE(S) REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO FLEETWOOD. Questions and requests for assistance or additional copies of the Letter of Transmittal may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address set forth below. THE EXCHANGE AGENT IS: BANKBOSTON, N.A. BY MAIL: BY OVERNIGHT DELIVERY: BankBoston, N.A. BankBoston, N.A. Corporate Agency and Corporate Agency and Reorganization Reorganization Post Office Box 8029 150 Royall Street Mail Stop 45-81-40 Mail Stop 45-01-40 Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8029 Canton, Massachusetts 02021 BY HAND DELIVERY: TELEPHONIC INQUIRIES/REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE: Securities Transfer & Reporting Services, Inc. (781) 575-3400 (STARS) 1 Exchange Plaza 55 Broadway, 3rd Floor New York, New York 10006 In connection with the closing of the Merger, and pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the undersigned hereby surrenders to you, as exchange agent (the "EXCHANGE AGENT"), for cancellation HomeUSA Certificates representing each share of the undersigned's HomeUSA Common Stock listed above in Box A, in exchange for the right to receive a number of whole shares of Fleetwood common stock, par value $1.00 per share (including the associated Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock Purchase Rights issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement dated as of November 10, 1988, by and between Fleetwood and BankBoston, NA, as rights agent) ("FLEETWOOD COMMON STOCK"), determined by dividing $10.25 (the "PER SHARE CASH AMOUNT") by the average (the "VALUATION PERIOD STOCK PRICE") of the closing sale prices for a share of Fleetwood Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE") for the ten trading day period ending on July 31, 1998 (i.e., the tenth day prior to the closing date of the Merger, August 10, 1998) or 0.2779 as publicly announced on July 31, 1998 and (ii) any cash payable in lieu of a fractional share of Fleetwood Common Stock to which the holder is entitled and (iii) the amount of dividends paid with respect to whole shares of Fleetwood Common Stock (in each case without interest and subject to withholding taxes) as well as, at the appropriate payment date, the amount of any dividends or other distributions with a record date after Closing but prior to such surrender payable with respect to whole shares of Fleetwood Common Stock. In addition, the undersigned understands that Fleetwood will pay cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Fleetwood Common Stock otherwise issuable in connection with the Merger, as specified herein and referred to as the "MERGER CONSIDERATION." The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned is the registered holder of the Shares represented by the HomeUSA Certificate(s) surrendered herewith, with good title to the Shares described in Box A above and full power and authority to sell, assign and transfer such Shares, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances, and not subject to any adverse claims (a "HOMEUSA HOLDER"). The undersigned authorizes and instructs you, as Exchange Agent, to deliver such HomeUSA Certificate(s) to Fleetwood and receive on behalf of the undersigned, in exchange for the shares of HomeUSA Common Stock represented thereby, any check for cash, if any, and certificate for shares of Fleetwood Common Stock issuable as a result of the Merger pursuant to the Merger Agreement. If the HomeUSA Certificate(s) is (are) not delivered herewith or by book-entry transfer, there is furnished herewith (i) a guarantee of delivery of such HomeUSA Certificate(s) from a member of a registered national securities exchange, a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company having an office in the United States (provided below) in accordance with Instruction 4 or (ii) an affidavit and indemnification regarding the loss, theft or destruction of such HomeUSA Certificate(s) reasonably acceptable to Fleetwood in accordance with Instruction 11. The undersigned understands and acknowledges that all questions as to the validity, form and surrender of the Shares hereunder shall be reasonably determined by the Exchange Agent, and such determination shall be final and binding. Unless otherwise indicated under "Special Issuance and Payment Instructions" below, please issue any check and certificate for shares of Fleetwood Common Stock issuable in exchange for the Shares represented by the HomeUSA 2 Certificate(s) submitted hereby in the name of the HomeUSA Holder(s). Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under "Special Delivery Instructions" below, please mail any check and certificate for shares of Fleetwood Common Stock issuable in exchange for the Shares represented by the HomeUSA Certificate(s) submitted hereby to the registered holder(s) of the Shares at the address shown above in Box A. The undersigned will, upon request, execute any additional documents necessary or desirable to complete the surrender and exchange of such Shares. In addition, the undersigned hereby irrevocably appoints the Exchange Agent as attorney-in-fact for the undersigned to exercise all authority conferred in this Letter of Transmittal for the purposes set out in the Merger Agreement, and such authority will be binding on successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives of the undersigned and will survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned. In order to receive Fleetwood Common Stock, this Letter of Transmittal must be (i) completed and signed in the space provided in Box C below and on the Substitute Form W-9, if applicable, and (ii) mailed or delivered with your HomeUSA Certificate(s) (or a guarantee of delivery as provided herein or an affidavit and indemnification regarding the loss, theft or destruction of such HomeUSA Certificate(s) reasonably acceptable to Fleetwood in accordance with Instruction 11) to the Exchange Agent at any of the addresses set forth above, or delivered by book-entry transfer to the Exchange Agent's account at a Book-Entry Transfer Facility. The method of delivery of the Letter of Transmittal, the HomeUSA Certificate(s) and any other required document is at the election and risk of the HomeUSA Holder and delivery will be deemed made only when actually received by the Exchange Agent. The risk of loss of such Shares will pass only after the Exchange Agent has actually received the Shares. If the HomeUSA Certificate(s) is (are) sent by mail, it is recommended that it (they) be sent by registered mail, appropriately insured, with return receipt requested. In all cases, sufficient time for delivery should be allowed to ensure timely delivery. 3 SPECIAL ISSUANCE AND PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS See Instructions 1, 3, 4, 9 and 10. To be completed ONLY if the certificate representing shares of Fleetwood Common Stock or the check representing cash in lieu of fractional shares, as the case may be, is to be issued in the name of and mailed to someone other than the undersigned. NOTE: THE PERSON NAMED IN THESE SPECIAL ISSUANCE AND PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE THE PERSON WHO COMPLETES THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9. IF YOU COMPLETE THIS BOX, YOU WILL NEED A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE BY AN ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION. SEE INSTRUCTION 4. Issue the Merger Consideration in the name of and to: Name: _________________________________________________________________________ (Please Print) Address: ______________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ (Include Zip Code) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS See Instructions 1, 3 and 9. To be completed ONLY if the certificate representing shares of Fleetwood Common Stock and the check representing cash in lieu of fractional shares, as the case may be, issued in the name of the undersigned is to be sent to someone other than the undersigned or to the undersigned at an address other than that shown in Box A above. Mail the Merger Consideration to: Name: _________________________________________________________________________ (Please Print) Address: ______________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ (Include Zip Code) CHECK THIS BOX / / IF THIS IS A PERMANENT CHANGE OF ADDRESS. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 BOX C MUST BE COMPLETED. SEE INSTRUCTION 1. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BOX C: SIGNATURE(S) The undersigned represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to transfer the shares of HomeUSA Common Stock surrendered hereby and that the transferee will acquire good and unencumbered title thereto, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim when such Shares are accepted for exchange by the Exchange Agent. The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by Fleetwood or the Exchange Agent to be necessary and desirable to complete the transfer of the Shares surrendered hereby. Date: ________________________ PLEASE SIGN HERE Signature: ____________________________________________________________________ Signature: ____________________________________________________________________ Signature: ____________________________________________________________________ Signature(s) of registered holder(s) must be EXACTLY as name(s) appear(s) in Box A above or on the assignment authorizing transfer. If signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, the capacity of the person signing should be indicated. (See Instruction 7.) Dated: ________________________ Name(s): ______________________________________________________________________ (Please Print) Capacity: _____________________________________________________________________ Daytime Area Code and Telephone Number: _____________________________________________________________ THE EXCHANGE AGENT HAS BEEN INSTRUCTED NOT TO MAKE ANY EXCHANGE OF YOUR SHARES UNTIL THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL HAS BEEN EXECUTED AND DELIVERED TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SIGNATURE GUARANTEE (REQUIRED ONLY IN CASES SPECIFIED IN INSTRUCTION 4.) The undersigned hereby guarantees the signature(s) that appear(s) on this Letter of Transmittal. Dated: ________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ (Name of Firm Issuing Guarantee) (Please Print) ________________________________________________________________________________ (Fix Medallion Stamp Above) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PAYER'S NAME: BANKBOSTON, NA - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name(s) as shown on HomeUSA Certificate(s) (if joint ownership, list first and circle the name of the person or entity whose number is entered in Part I below). - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address (if HomeUSA Holder does not complete, signature in Part I will constitute a certification that the address listed in Box A is correct). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PART I--PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TIN IN SUBSTITUTE THE BOX AT RIGHT AND CERTIFY BY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER SIGNING AND DATING. See the enclosed FORM W-9 Guidelines for Certification of OR ------------------------ Taxpayer (See Instruction 12) Identification Number on EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Substitute Form W-9 for instructions. -----------------------------------------------------------------------Department of the Treasury PART II--Exempt Payees / / Internal Revenue Service I am a payee exempt from information and backup withholding. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- PART III--Awaiting TIN / / PAYER'S REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER You must also complete the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number if you IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN) check this box. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CERTIFICATION--UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY, I CERTIFY THAT: (1)--The number shown on the form is my correct Taxpayer Identification Number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), and (2)--I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding. CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS--You must cross out item (2) above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding because of underreporting interest or dividends on your tax return. However, if after being notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding you received another notification from the IRS that you are no longer subject to backup withholding, do not cross out item (2). If you are exempt from backup withholding, check the box in Part II above. (Also see the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9.) Signature ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date ---------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER I certify under penalty of perjury that a taxpayer identification number has not been issued to me and either (a) I have mailed or delivered an application to receive a taxpayer identification number to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration Office or (b) I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand that, notwithstanding that I have checked the box in Part III (and have completed this Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number), 31% of all reportable payments made to me will be withheld until I provide a properly certified taxpayer identification number to the Exchange Agent. Signature ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date ---------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CERTIFICATE FOR FOREIGN HOLDERS I certify under penalty of perjury that I am not a United States citizen or resident of the United States. Signature ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date ---------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, INCLUDING THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 CONTAINED HEREIN, MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 31% OF ANY CASH PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE MERGER OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUBSEQUENT DIVIDEND PAYMENTS MADE BY FLEETWOOD. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 INSTRUCTIONS This Letter of Transmittal must be completed and submitted to the Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on February 11, 1999, by any HomeUSA Holder. Until a record holder's HomeUSA Certificates are received by the Exchange Agent at one of the addresses set forth above (or affidavit and indemnification regarding the loss, theft or destruction of such HomeUSA Certificate reasonably acceptable to Fleetwood), together with this Letter of Transmittal and such other documents as the Exchange Agent may require, and until the same are processed for exchange by the Exchange Agent, such holders will not receive (i) any certificates representing shares of Fleetwood Common Stock or any check representing cash in lieu of fractional shares (if any) in exchange for their HomeUSA Certificates or (ii) any dividends or other distributions payable on shares of Fleetwood Common Stock to be received by such holders. No interest will accrue on any cash in lieu of fractional shares or such dividends. No such dividends or other distributions will be reinvested pursuant to any plan. If your HomeUSA Certificate(s) is (are) lost, stolen or destroyed, please contact the Exchange Agent immediately. See Instruction 11 below. 1. ACCEPTANCE. Each HomeUSA Holder must properly complete Box A, Box C and the remaining applicable sections of this Letter of Transmittal and deliver this Letter of Transmittal, together with the certificate(s) representing the shares of HomeUSA Common Stock (or a duly signed guarantee of delivery of such certificate(s) or affidavit and indemnification regarding the loss, theft or destruction of such HomeUSA Certificate(s) reasonably acceptable to Fleetwood). To properly complete Box A, the number of each HomeUSA Certificate surrendered herewith must be written in the column under the heading "Certificate Number." In addition, at the time the HomeUSA Certificate(s) (or the Shares pursuant to a book-entry transfer) are delivered pursuant to the Guarantee of Delivery, the guarantor must submit to the Exchange Agent another Letter of Transmittal with only the section entitled "Notice of Delivery Under Guarantee" properly completed (or must otherwise provide such information to the Exchange Agent). The term "AGENT'S MESSAGE" means a message, transmitted by a Book-Entry Transfer Facility to, and received by, the Exchange Agent and forming a part of a book- entry confirmation, which states that such Book-Entry Transfer Facility has received an express acknowledgment from the participant in such Book-Entry Transfer Facility delivering the Shares, that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of this Letter of Transmittal and that Fleetwood may enforce such agreement against the participant. The Exchange Agent will determine whether any Letter of Transmittal or any other required document is received on a timely basis and whether any Letter of Transmittal or any other required document has been properly completed. Any such determinations shall be conclusive and binding. For lost, stolen or destroyed HomeUSA Certificate(s), see Instruction 11. 2. NO FRACTIONAL SHARES. No certificate representing a fraction of a full share of Fleetwood Common Stock will be issued. In lieu thereof, the Exchange Agent will remit on Fleetwood's behalf cash, without interest, equal to the product of such fractional amount and the closing sale price of one share of Fleetwood Common Stock on the NYSE (as reported in the Wall Street Journal or, if not reported thereby, any other authoritative source) on the trading day immediately preceding the Closing Date. No HomeUSA Holder shall be entitled to dividends, voting rights or any other rights in respect to any fractional share. 3. GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES. Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal need not be guaranteed unless the "Special Issuance and Payment Instructions" section or the "Guarantee of Delivery" section has been completed. In such event, signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (an "ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION") pursuant to Rule 17Ad-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. PUBLIC NOTARIES CANNOT EXECUTE ACCEPTABLE GUARANTEES OF SIGNATURES. 4. METHOD OF DELIVERY. THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF THE HOMEUSA CERTIFICATE(S) AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENT IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF THE HOMEUSA HOLDER AND DELIVERY WILL BE DEEMED MADE ONLY WHEN ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT. THE RISK OF LOSS OF SUCH SHARES WILL PASS ONLY AFTER THE EXCHANGE AGENT HAS ACTUALLY RECEIVED THE SHARES. IF SUCH CERTIFICATE(S) IS (ARE) SENT BY MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT IT (THEY) BE SENT BY REGISTERED MAIL, APPROPRIATELY INSURED, WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME FOR DELIVERY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY. For lost, stolen or destroyed certificates, see Instruction 11. 5. INADEQUATE SPACE. If the space provided herein is inadequate, the stock certificate numbers and the number of shares of HomeUSA Common Stock represented thereby should be listed on additional sheets and attached hereto. 6. SIGNATURES ON LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, STOCK POWERS AND ENDORSEMENTS. (a) All signatures must correspond exactly with the name written on the face of the HomeUSA Certificate(s) surrendered herewith without any alteration, variation or change whatsoever. 7 (b) If the HomeUSA Certificate(s) surrendered is (are) held of record by two or more joint owners, all such owners must sign this Letter of Transmittal. (c) If any surrendered shares of HomeUSA Common Stock are registered in different names on several HomeUSA Certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate copies of this Letter of Transmittal as there are different registrations of HomeUSA Certificates. (d) If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person(s) other than the record holder(s) of the HomeUSA Certificate(s) listed in Box A above (other than as set forth in paragraph (e) below), such certificates must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case signed exactly as the name(s) of the record holder(s) appears on such certificate(s). (e) If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity and such person is not the record holder of the accompanying HomeUSA Certificates, he or she must indicate the capacity when signing and must submit proper evidence of his or her authority to act. 7. STOCK TRANSFER TAXES. In the event that any transfer or other taxes become payable by reason of the issuance of the Merger Consideration in any name other than that of the HomeUSA Holder, such transferee or assignee must pay such tax to the Exchange Agent or must establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid. 8. SPECIAL ISSUANCE AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS. Indicate the name and/or address of the person(s) in whose name and to whom the Merger Consideration is to be issued and sent, respectively, if different from the name and/or address of the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal. Signatures must be guaranteed if the "Special Issuance and Payment Instructions" section has been completed. See Instruction 6. 9. WITHHOLDING. Each HomeUSA Holder surrendering certificates representing shares of HomeUSA Common Stock is required to provide the Exchange Agent with such holder's correct Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") on the Substitute Form W-9 and to certify whether such holder is subject to backup withholding. The TIN that must be provided is that of the HomeUSA Holder with respect to the HomeUSA Certificate(s) surrendered herewith or of the last transferee appearing on the transfers attached to or endorsed on such certificate(s) (or, if a check is made payable to another person as provided in the Box entitled "Special Issuance and Payment Instructions," then the TIN of such person). Failure to provide the information on the Substitute Form W-9 may subject the HomeUSA Holder to 31% federal income tax withholding on payments made to such holder with respect to the shares of HomeUSA Common Stock and on future dividends paid by Fleetwood. A HomeUSA Holder must cross out item (2) in the Certification Box of the Substitute Form W-9 if such holder has been notified by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that such holder is currently subject to backup withholding. The Box in Part III of the Substitute Form W-9 should be checked if the surrendering HomeUSA Holder has not been issued a TIN and has applied for a TIN or intends to apply for a TIN in the near future. If the Box in Part III is checked and the Exchange Agent is not provided with a TIN within 60 days thereafter, Fleetwood will withhold 31% of all such payments and dividends until a TIN is provided to the Exchange Agent. Foreign investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the need to complete IRS Form W-8 and any other forms that may be required. 10. LOST, STOLEN, OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES. If your HomeUSA Certificate(s) has (have) been lost, stolen or destroyed, please check the box directly below Box A. You should then contact the Exchange Agent, which will instruct you as to the steps you must take in order to surrender your HomeUSA Certificate(s) for exchange. At the sole discretion of the Exchange Agent, you may, as an alternative to submitting your HomeUSA Certificate(s), submit an affidavit and indemnification regarding the loss, theft or destruction of your HomeUSA Certificate(s) that is in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Fleetwood. 11. MISCELLANEOUS. NEITHER FLEETWOOD NOR THE EXCHANGE AGENT IS UNDER ANY DUTY TO GIVE ANY HOMEUSA HOLDER NOTICE OF DEFECTS IN ANY LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. FLEETWOOD AND THE EXCHANGE ACT SHALL NOT INCUR ANY LIABILITY FOR FAILURE TO GIVE SUCH NOTIFICATION, AND EACH OF FLEETWOOD AND THE EXCHANGE AGENT HAS THE ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL NOT PROPERLY COMPLETED OR TO WAIVE ANY IRREGULARITIES IN ANY LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 12. INFORMATION AND ADDITIONAL COPIES. Information and additional copies of this Letter of Transmittal may be obtained by telephoning the Exchange Agent at (781) 575-3400. 8 IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION Under federal income tax law, each registered holder of shares of HomeUSA Common Stock receiving cash pursuant to the Merger is required to provide the Exchange Agent, as Payer, with such holder's correct TIN on the Substitute Form W-9 above. If such holder is an individual, the TIN is his or her social security number. If the Exchange Agent is not provided with the correct TIN, the HomeUSA Holder may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the IRS. In addition, payments that are made to such holder may be subject to federal income tax backup withholding at a rate of 31%. Certain HomeUSA Holders (including, among others, all corporations and certain foreign individuals) are not subject to these backup withholding and reporting requirements. In order for a foreign individual to qualify as an exempt recipient, that holder must submit a statement, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that individual's exempt status. This may be accomplished by executing the certification for foreign holders at the bottom of the Substitute Form W-9 above. See the enclosed "Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9" for additional instructions. If backup withholding applies, the Exchange Agent is required to withhold 31% of any payments made to the HomeUSA Holder. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained. FOR INFORMATION AS TO THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECEIPT OF DIFFERENT FORMS OF MERGER CONSIDERATION, SEE "THE MERGER--CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS" IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS. IN ADDITION, HOMEUSA HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECEIPT OF DIFFERENT FORMS OF MERGER CONSIDERATION IN THE MERGER, AS WELL AS REGARDING THEIR ELIGIBILITY TO CLAIM AN EXEMPTION FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING. PURPOSE OF SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 To prevent backup withholding on payments that are made to a HomeUSA Holder, the holder is required to notify the Exchange Agent of his, her or its correct TIN by completing the form above certifying that the TIN provided on Substitute Form W-9 is correct (or that such holder is awaiting a TIN) and that (1) the HomeUSA Holder has not been notified by the IRS that he or she is subject to backup withholding as a result of the failure to report all interest or dividends or (2) the IRS has notified the HomeUSA Holder that he or she is no longer subject to backup withholding. WHAT NUMBER TO GIVE THE EXCHANGE AGENT Each HomeUSA Holder is required to give the Exchange Agent his, her or its social security number or employer identification number. If the HomeUSA Certificate(s) is (are) in more than one name or are not in the name of the actual owner, consult the enclosed "Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9" for additional guidance on which number to report. A HomeUSA Holder who does not have a TIN should check the Box in Part III of the Substitute Form W-9 and complete the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number if the holder has applied for a TIN or intends to apply for a TIN in the near future. If the Box in Part III is checked, payments to the holder will not be subject to backup withholding for 60 days. Payments made after 60 days will be subject to withholding unless the holder has furnished the Exchange Agent with his, her or its TIN. A holder who checks the Box in Part III in lieu of furnishing his or her TIN should furnish the Exchange Agent with his or her TIN as soon as it is received. STATUS OF HOLDER The term "UNITED STATES PERSON" means any person who is not a Foreign Person. The term "FOREIGN PERSON" means any person who (as to the United States, its territories and possessions, and all areas subject to its jurisdiction) is a foreign corporation, a non-resident alien individual, a non-resident fiduciary of a foreign estate or trust, or a foreign partnership. 9 GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO GIVE THE PAYER. Social Security numbers have nine digits separated by two hyphens: I.E., 000-00-0000. Employer identification numbers have nine digits separated by only one hyphen: I.E., 00-0000000. The table below will help determine the number to give the payer. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GIVE THE GIVE THE EMPLOYER FOR THIS TYPE OF SOCIAL SECURITY IDENTIFICATION ACCOUNT: NUMBER OF-- FOR THIS TYPE OF ACCOUNT: NUMBER OF-- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. An individual's The individual 8. Association, club, The organization account religious, charitable, or educational organization account 2. Two or more The actual owner of the individuals (joint account or, if combined account) funds, the first individual on the account(1) 3. Custodian account of The minor(2) 9. Partnership account The partnership a minor (Uniform Gift held in the name of to Minors Act) the business 4.a. The usual The grantor-trustee(1) 10. Association, club, or The organization revocable savings other tax-exempt trust account organization (grantor is also trustee) b. So-called trust The actual owner(1) 11. A broker or The broker or nominee account that is not a registered nominee legal or valid trust under State law 5. Sole proprietorship The owner(3) 12. Account with the The public entity account Department of Agriculture in the name of a public entity (such as a State or local government, school district, or prison) that receives agricultural program payments 6. A valid trust, The legal entity (Do not estate, or pension furnish the identifying trust number of the personal representative or trustee, unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.)(4) 7. Corporate account The corporation - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. (2) Circle the minor's name and furnish the minor's social security number. (3) Show the name of the owner. (4) List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension trust. Note: If no name is circled when there is more than one name, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed. 10 OBTAINING A NUMBER If you do not have a taxpayer identification number or you don't know your number, obtain Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Number Card, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, at the local office of the Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service and apply for a number. PAYEES EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING Payees specifically exempted from backup withholding on ALL payments include the following: - A corporation. - A financial institution. - An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), or an individual retirement plan. - The United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof. - A state, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or any subdivision or instrumentality thereof. - A foreign government, a political subdivision of a foreign government, or any agency or instrumentality thereof. - An international organization or any agency, or instrumentality thereof. - A registered dealer in securities or commodities registered in the U.S. or a possession of the U.S. - A real estate investment trust. - A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a). - An exempt charitable remainder trust, or a non-exempt trust described in section 4947(a)(1). - An entity registered at all times under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 who regularly acts as a broker. - A foreign central bank of issue. Payments of dividends and patronage dividends not generally subject to backup withholding include the following: - Payments to nonresident aliens subject to withholding under section 1441. - Payments to partnerships not engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. and which have at least one nonresident partner. - Payments of patronage dividends where the amount received is not paid in money. - Payments made by certain foreign organizations. Payments of interest not generally subject to backup withholding include the following: - Payments of interest on obligations issued by individuals. Note: You may be subject to backup withholding if this interest is $600 or more and is paid in the course of the payer's trade or business and you have not provided your correct taxpayer identification number to the payer. - Payments of tax-exempt interest (including exempt-interest dividends under section 852). - Payments described in section 6049(b)(5) to non-resident aliens. - Payments on tax-free covenant bonds under section 1451. - Payments made by certain foreign organizations. Exempt payees described above should file the Substitute Form W-9 to avoid possible erroneous backup withholding. FILE THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 WITH THE EXCHANGE AGENT, FURNISH YOUR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, CHECK THE BOX IN PART II, AND RETURN IT TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT. IF THE PAYMENTS ARE INTEREST, DIVIDENDS, OR PATRONAGE DIVIDENDS, ALSO SIGN AND DATE THE FORM. Certain payments other than interest, dividends, and patronage dividends, that are not subject to information reporting are also not subject to backup withholding. For details, see the regulations under sections 6041, 6041(a), 6045, and 6050A. PRIVACY ACT NOTICE.--Section 6109 requires most recipients of dividend, interest, or other payments to give taxpayer identification numbers to payers (such as the Exchange Agent) who must report the payments to the IRS. The IRS uses the numbers for identification purposes. Payers must be given the numbers whether or not recipients are required to file tax returns. Beginning January 1, 1984, payers must generally withhold 31% of taxable interest, dividend, and 11 certain other payments to a payee who does not furnish a taxpayer identification number to a payer. Certain penalties may also apply. PENALTIES (1) PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO FURNISH TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.--If you fail to furnish your taxpayer identification number to a payer, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect. (2) CIVIL PENALTY FOR FALSE INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO WITHHOLDING.--If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis which results in no imposition of backup withholding, you are subject to a penalty of $500. (3) CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FALSIFYING INFORMATION.--Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR TAX ADVISOR OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. 12