PROVIDENT BANK
424B5, 1997-06-26
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
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<PAGE>   1
                                                        Rule 424(b)(5)
                                                        Registration Statement  
                                                        File No. 333-18897


         
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
 
(To Prospectus Dated June 19, 1997)
                                  $229,000,000
 
                           PROVIDENT BANK HOME EQUITY
                               LOAN TRUST 1997-2
                    $27,881,000 CLASS A-1 6.65% CERTIFICATES
                    $19,753,000 CLASS A-2 6.73% CERTIFICATES
                    $10,296,000 CLASS A-3 7.03% CERTIFICATES
                    $12,070,000 CLASS A-4 7.37% CERTIFICATES
               $159,000,000 CLASS A-5 VARIABLE RATE CERTIFICATES
           HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 1997-2
                            ------------------------
 
                              THE PROVIDENT BANK,
                         AS SELLER AND MASTER SERVICER

                            ------------------------
 
    The Home Equity Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 1997-2 (the
"Certificates"), will consist of five Classes (each, a "Class") of senior
Certificates: the Class A-1 Certificates, the Class A-2 Certificates, the Class
A-3 Certificates, the Class A-4 Certificates and the Class A-5 Certificates
(collectively, the "Class A Certificates") and one Class of subordinated
Certificates (the "Class R Certificates"). Only the Class A Certificates (the
"Offered Certificates") are being offered hereby.
 
    The Certificates will evidence in the aggregate the entire beneficial
interest in a pool (the "Mortgage Pool") of closed-end fixed and adjustable rate
mortgage loans (the "Mortgage Loans") consisting of two groups ("Loan Group 1"
and "Loan Group 2", respectively, and each a "Loan Group") held by Provident
Bank Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-2 (the "Trust") to be formed pursuant to a
Pooling and Servicing Agreement among The Provident Bank ("Provident"), as
seller (the "Seller") and as master servicer (the "Master Servicer"), and
Bankers Trust Company of California, N.A., as trustee (the "Trustee"). The Class
A-1 Certificates, the Class A-2 Certificates, the Class A-3 Certificates and the
Class A-4 Certificates (the "Group 1 Certificates") will represent undivided
ownership interests in Loan Group 1 which consists of Mortgage Loans with fixed
interest rates. The Class A-5 Certificates (the "Group 2 Certificates") will
represent undivided ownership interests in Loan Group 2 which consists of
Mortgage Loans with adjustable interest rates. The assets of the Trust will also
include certain other property. The Mortgage Loans are secured by first and
second deeds of trust or mortgages primarily on one- to four-family residential
properties.
 
                                                  (Cover continued on next page)
                            ------------------------
 
         PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD REVIEW THE INFORMATION SET FORTH
            UNDER "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE S-14 HEREIN AND ON PAGE 12
                        IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS.
                            ------------------------
 
  THE CERTIFICATES REPRESENT INTERESTS IN THE TRUST ONLY AND DO NOT REPRESENT
INTERESTS IN OR OBLIGATIONS OF PROVIDENT, THE TRUSTEE OR ANY AFFILIATE THEREOF,
EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROVIDED HEREIN. NEITHER THE CERTIFICATES NOR THE MORTGAGE
          LOANS ARE INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.
 
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
   AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
   ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS. ANY
             REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==============================================================================================================
                                                PRICE TO             UNDERWRITING            PROCEEDS TO
                                                PUBLIC(1)             DISCOUNT(2)           PROVIDENT(3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>                    <C>                    <C>
Per Class A-1 Certificate................       100.000000%             0.2125%              99.787500%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Class A-2 Certificate................       99.984375%              0.3250%              99.659375%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Class A-3 Certificate................       99.984375%              0.4750%              99.509375%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Class A-4 Certificate................       99.968750%              0.6000%              99.368750%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Class A-5 Certificate................       100.000000%             0.3500%              99.650000%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total....................................     $228,991,532.97         $801,270.38          $228,190,262.59
==============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from June 1, 1997 with respect to the Group 1
    Certificates and June 26, 1997 with respect to the Group 2 Certificates.
(2) Provident has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
    liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
(3) Before deducting expenses, estimated to be $400,000.
                            ------------------------
 
    The Offered Certificates are offered subject to prior sale and subject to
the Underwriters' right to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected
that delivery of the Offered Certificates will be made in book-entry form only
through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, Cedel Bank, societe
anonyme and the Euroclear System on or about June 26, 1997 (the "Closing Date").
The Offered Certificates will be offered in Europe and the United States of
America.
                            ------------------------
 
LEHMAN BROTHERS                                     DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
                                              SECURITIES CORPORATION
June 19, 1997
<PAGE>   2
 
(Cover continued from previous page)
 
    Distributions on the Class A Certificates will be made on the 25th day of
each month or, if such date is not a Business Day, then on the next succeeding
Business Day (each, a "Distribution Date"), commencing in July 1997. On each
Distribution Date, holders of the Class A Certificates will be entitled to
receive, from and to the limited extent of funds available in the Distribution
Account (as defined herein under "Description of the Certificates -- Deposits to
Collection Account and Distribution Account"), distributions with respect to
interest and principal calculated as set forth herein. The Certificates are not
guaranteed by Provident, the Trustee, the Master Servicer or any affiliate of
any thereof. However, the Class A Certificates will have the benefit of an
irrevocable and unconditional certificate guaranty insurance policy (the
"Policy") issued by MBIA Insurance Corporation (the "Certificate Insurer")
pursuant to which the Certificate Insurer will guarantee payments to the related
Certificateholders as described herein. See "DESCRIPTION OF THE
CERTIFICATES -- The Policy" herein.
 
                                     (LOGO)
 
    There is currently no market for the Offered Certificates and there can be
no assurance that such a market will develop or if it does develop that it will
continue. See "RISK FACTORS" herein.
 
    An election will be made to treat the assets of the Trust as a "real estate
mortgage investment conduit" (a "REMIC") for federal income tax purposes. As
described more fully herein and in the Prospectus, the Offered Certificates will
constitute "regular interests" in the REMIC. See "CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSEQUENCES" herein and "FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS" in the Prospectus.
 
    The Mortgage Loans that were identified as of June 1, 1997 will be
collectively referred to herein as the "Initial Mortgage Loans." The Agreement
will provide that additional closed-end, fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgage
loans (the "Subsequent Mortgage Loans") may be purchased by the Trust from the
Seller on the Closing Date. The Initial Mortgage Loans and the Subsequent
Mortgage Loans will be collectively referred to as the "Mortgage Loans." The
maximum amount of Subsequent Mortgage Loans to be transferred to the Trust on
the Closing Date for Loan Group 1 and Loan Group 2 is $11,631,957.84 and
$27,999,998.71, respectively.
                            ------------------------
 
    Certain persons participating in this offering may engage in transactions
that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the Certificates
offered hereby. Such transactions may include stabilizing and the purchase of
Class A Certificates to cover syndicate short positions. For a description of
these activities, see "UNDERWRITING" herein.
 
    UNTIL NINETY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, ALL DEALERS
EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE OFFERED CERTIFICATES, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING
IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND
PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS ACTING AS
UNDERWRITERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND PROSPECTUS WITH RESPECT TO
THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
                            ------------------------
 
    The Offered Certificates constitute part of a separate series of Home Equity
Loan Asset-Backed Certificates being offered by The Provident Bank from time to
time pursuant to its Prospectus dated June 19, 1997. This Prospectus Supplement
does not contain complete information about the offering of the Offered
Certificates. Additional information is contained in the Prospectus and
investors are urged to read both this Prospectus Supplement and the Prospectus
in full. Sales of the Offered Certificates may not be consummated unless the
purchaser has received both this Prospectus Supplement and the Prospectus.
<PAGE>   3
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
     The following summary of certain pertinent information is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the detailed information appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. Certain capitalized terms
used in the Summary are defined elsewhere in this Prospectus Supplement or in
the Prospectus. Reference is made to the Index of Defined Terms herein and in
the Prospectus for the definitions of certain capitalized terms.
 
Trust..................... Provident Bank Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-2 (the
                           "Trust") will be formed pursuant to a pooling and
                           servicing agreement (the "Agreement") to be dated as
                           of June 1, 1997 among The Provident Bank,
                           ("Provident"), as seller (the "Seller") and as master
                           servicer (together with any successor in such
                           capacity, the "Master Servicer"), and Bankers Trust
                           Company of California, N.A., as trustee (the
                           "Trustee"). The property of the Trust will include: a
                           pool (the "Mortgage Pool") of closed-end fixed and
                           adjustable rate mortgage loans (the "Mortgage
                           Loans"), secured by first and second deeds of trust
                           or mortgages on residential properties that are
                           primarily one-to four-family properties (the
                           "Mortgaged Properties"); payments in respect of the
                           Mortgage Loans received on and after the Cut-Off Date
                           (exclusive of (i) certain payments in respect of
                           interest accrued on the Mortgage Loans during May
                           1997 as described in the Agreement and (ii) payments
                           in respect of interest on the delinquent Mortgage
                           Loans due prior to the Cut-Off Date and received
                           thereafter); property that secured a Mortgage Loan
                           which has been acquired by foreclosure or deed in
                           lieu of foreclosure; rights under certain hazard
                           insurance policies covering the Mortgaged Properties;
                           funds on deposit in trust accounts (the "Initial
                           Interest Coverage Account" and the "Funding Account")
                           and certain other property, as described more fully
                           herein. In addition, Provident has caused the
                           Certificate Insurer to issue an irrevocable and
                           unconditional certificate guaranty insurance policy
                           (the "Policy") for the benefit of the holders of the
                           Class A Certificates, pursuant to which the
                           Certificate Insurer will guarantee payments to such
                           Certificateholders as described herein. The "Cut-off
                           Date" for any Mortgage Loan is June 1, 1997, or with
                           respect to any Mortgage Loan originated after June 1,
                           1997, the date of origination of such Mortgage Loan.
 
                           The Trust property will include the unpaid principal
                           balance of each Mortgage Loan as of its Cut-Off Date.
                           With respect to any date, the "Pool Principal
                           Balance" will be equal to the aggregate of the
                           Principal Balances of all Mortgage Loans as of such
                           date. The "Cut-Off Date Principal Balance" with
                           respect to each Mortgage Loan is the unpaid principal
                           balance thereof as of the related Cut-Off Date. With
                           respect to any date, the "Loan Group 1 Principal
                           Balance" and the "Loan Group 2 Principal Balance"
                           will be equal to the aggregate of the Principal
                           Balances of all Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 1 and
                           Loan Group 2, respectively, as of such date. The Loan
                           Group 1 Principal Balance and the Loan Group 2
                           Principal Balance are each sometimes referred to
                           herein as a "Loan Group Principal Balance." The
                           "Principal Balance" of a Mortgage Loan (other than a
                           Liquidated Mortgage Loan (as defined herein under
                           "DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES -- Principal")) on
                           any day is equal to the Cut-Off Date Principal
                           Balance of such Mortgage Loan, minus all collections
                           applied in reduction of its Cut-Off Date Principal
                           Balance. The Principal Balance of a Liquidated
                           Mortgage Loan after the Due Period in
 
                                       S-1
<PAGE>   4
 
                           which such Mortgage Loan becomes a Liquidated
                           Mortgage Loan shall be zero.
 
Securities................ The Home Equity Loan Asset-Backed Certificates,
                           Series 1997-2 (the "Certificates") will consist of
                           five Classes of senior certificates: the Class A-1
                           Certificates, the Class A-2 Certificates, the Class
                           A-3 Certificate, the Class A-4 Certificates and the
                           Class A-5 Certificates (collectively, the "Class A
                           Certificates") and one Class of subordinated
                           certificates (the "Class R Certificates"). Only the
                           Class A Certificates (the "Offered Certificates") are
                           offered hereby. Each Class of Offered Certificates
                           represents the right to receive payments of interest
                           at the rates set forth herein (with respect to each
                           such Class, the "Certificate Rate"), payable monthly,
                           and payments of principal to the extent provided
                           below. The Class A Certificates will be divided into
                           two groups (each, a "Certificate Group"). The Class
                           A-1, Class A-2, Class A-3 and Class A-4 Certificates
                           (the "Group 1 Certificates") will represent undivided
                           ownership interests in Loan Group 1 which consists of
                           Mortgage Loans with fixed interest rates. The Class
                           A-5 Certificates (the "Group 2 Certificates") will
                           represent undivided ownership interests in Loan Group
                           2 which consists of Mortgage Loans with adjustable
                           interest rates. The aggregate undivided interest in
                           the Trust represented by the Class A Certificates as
                           of the Cut-Off Date will equal $229,000,000 of
                           principal which represents 100% of the aggregate
                           Cut-Off Date Principal Balances of the Mortgage Loans
                           and the amount, if any, on deposit in the Funding
                           Account on the Closing Date which is available for
                           and not used to purchase Subsequent Mortgage Loans.
                           The aggregate undivided interest in Loan Group 1
                           represented by the Group 1 Certificates as of the
                           Cut-off Date will equal $70,000,000 of principal,
                           which represents 100% of the Cut-off Date Principal
                           Balances of the Loan Group 1 Mortgage Loans and the
                           amount, if any, on deposit in the Funding Account on
                           the Closing Date which is available for and not used
                           to purchase Subsequent Mortgage Loans for Loan Group
                           1. The aggregate undivided interest in Loan Group 2
                           represented by the Group 2 Certificates as of the
                           Cut-off Date will equal $159,000,000 of principal,
                           which represents 100% of the Cut-Off Date Principal
                           Balances of the Loan Group 2 Mortgage Loans and the
                           amount, if any, on deposit in the Funding Account on
                           the Closing Date which is available for and not used
                           to purchase Subsequent Mortgage Loans for Loan Group
                           2. The principal amount of a Class of Class A
                           Certificates (each, a "Class A Principal Balance") on
                           any date is equal to the applicable Class A Principal
                           Balance on the Closing Date minus the aggregate of
                           amounts actually distributed as principal to the
                           holders of such Class of Class A Certificates. On any
                           date, the "Aggregate Class A Principal Balance" is,
                           with respect to the Group 1 Certificates, the
                           aggregate of the Class Principal Balances of the
                           Group 1 Certificates and with respect to the Group 2
                           Certificates, the Class Principal Balance of the
                           Class A-5 Certificates on such date.
 
The Mortgage Loans........ The Mortgage Pool consists of Initial Mortgage Loans
                           with an aggregate Cut-Off Date Principal Balance of
                           $189,368,043.45 (the "Cut-off Date Initial Pool
                           Principal Balance"). The Mortgage Loans are
                           closed-end fixed and adjustable rate mortgage loans
                           secured by first and second deeds of trust or
                           mortgages on Mortgage Properties located in 33 states
                           and the District of Columbia. The Combined
                           Loan-to-Value Ratio of each Initial Mortgage Loan,
                           computed on the date such loan was originated, taking
                           into account the amounts of any related senior
                           mortgage loans (the "Combined
 
                                       S-2
<PAGE>   5
 
                           Loan-to-Value Ratio") did not exceed 100.00% as of
                           the Cut-Off Date. The weighted average original
                           Combined Loan-to-Value Ratio of the Initial Mortgage
                           Loans was 76.75% as of the Cut-Off Date. See
                           "DESCRIPTION OF THE MORTGAGE LOANS" herein.
 
                           The Mortgage Loans will be divided into two groups
                           (each, a "Loan Group"): "Loan Group 1" and "Loan
                           Group 2." The Initial Mortgage Loans in such Loan
                           Groups are referred to herein as "Loan Group 1
                           Initial Mortgage Loans" and "Loan Group 2 Initial
                           Mortgage Loans." The maximum amount of Subsequent
                           Mortgage Loans to be transferred to the Trust on the
                           Closing Date for Loan Group 1 and Loan Group 2 is
                           $11,631,957.84 and $27,999,998.71, respectively.
 
                           Interest on each Mortgage Loan is payable monthly on
                           the outstanding Principal Balance thereof at a rate
                           per annum (the "Loan Rate") specified in, or
                           calculated in accordance with, the related Mortgage
                           Note. As of the Cut-Off Date, the Loan Rates of the
                           Initial Mortgage Loans ranged from 7.35% to 15.99%
                           per annum and the weighted average Loan Rate was
                           10.69% per annum. The Cut-Off Date Principal Balances
                           of the Initial Mortgage Loans ranged from $6,700.00
                           to $711,884.84 and averaged $76,327.30. Each Initial
                           Mortgage Loan was originated in the period from
                           September 1995 to May 1997.
 
                           Loan Group 1.  All of the Mortgage Loans in Loan
                           Group 1 have Loan Rates which are fixed for the life
                           of such Mortgage Loans. As of the Cut-Off Date,
                           approximately 75.74% and 24.26% of the Loan Group 1
                           Initial Mortgage Loans (by Cut-Off Date Loan Group 1
                           Initial Principal Balance) were secured by first
                           liens and second liens, respectively. As of the
                           Cut-Off Date, there were 1,129 Loan Group 1 Initial
                           Mortgage Loans. As of the Cut-Off Date with respect
                           to the Loan Group 1 Initial Mortgage Loans, the Loan
                           Group 1 Principal Balance was $58,368,042.16 (the
                           "Cut-Off Date Loan Group 1 Initial Principal
                           Balance"); the average Principal Balance was
                           $51,698.89; the Loan Rates ranged from 8.69% to
                           15.99% per annum; the weighted average Loan Rate was
                           11.49% per annum; the weighted average Combined
                           Loan-to-Value Ratio was 74.60%; and the weighted
                           average remaining term to stated maturity was 207
                           months. Each Loan Group 1 Initial Mortgage Loan was
                           originated in the period from July 1996 to May 1997.
                           As of the Cut-Off Date, the remaining terms to stated
                           maturity of the Loan Group 1 Initial Mortgage Loans
                           ranged from 58 months to 360 months, the original
                           term to stated maturity of each Loan Group 1 Initial
                           Mortgage Loan ranged from 60 months to 360 months and
                           the weighted average original term to maturity was
                           208 months. As of the Cut-Off Date, the maximum
                           Principal Balance of the Loan Group 1 Initial
                           Mortgage Loans was $637,500.00 and the minimum
                           Principal Balance of the Loan Group 1 Initial
                           Mortgage Loans was $6,700.00. Approximately 42.74% of
                           the Loan Group 1 Initial Mortgage Loans (by Cut-Off
                           Date Loan Group 1 Initial Principal Balance) are
                           Balloon Loans. The monthly payment for each Balloon
                           Loan has been calculated based on a 360-month
                           amortization period. No Loan Group 1 Initial Mortgage
                           Loan will mature later than June 2027.
 
                           Loan Group 2.  As of the Cut-Off Date, approximately
                           95.82% and 4.18% of the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage
                           Loans (by Cut-Off Date Loan Group 2 Initial Principal
                           Balance) were secured by first liens and second
                           liens, respectively. As of the Cut-Off Date, there
                           were 1,352 Loan Group 2
 
                                       S-3
<PAGE>   6
 
                           Mortgage Loans. As of the Cut-Off Date, the Loan
                           Group 2 Initial Principal Balance was $131,000,001.29
                           (the "Cut-Off Date Loan Group 2 Initial Principal
                           Balance"). As of the Cut-Off Date with respect to the
                           Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans, the average
                           Principal Balance was $96,893.49; the Loan Rates
                           ranged from 7.35% to 14.98% per annum; the weighted
                           average Loan Rate was 10.33% per annum; the weighted
                           average Combined Loan-to-Value Ratio was 77.70%; and
                           the weighted average remaining term to stated
                           maturity was 359 months. Each Loan Group 2 Initial
                           Mortgage Loan was originated in the period from
                           September 1995 to May 1997. As of the Cut-Off Date,
                           the remaining terms to stated maturity of the Loan
                           Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans ranged from 340 months
                           to 360 months, the original term to stated maturity
                           of each Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loan was 360
                           months. As of the Cut-Off Date, the maximum Principal
                           Balance of the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans
                           was $711,884.84 and the minimum Principal Balance of
                           the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans was
                           $11,994.90. No Loan Group 2 Mortgage Loan is a
                           Balloon Loan. No Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loan
                           will mature later than July 2027 .
 
                           Substantially all of the Mortgage Loans in Loan Group
                           2 have Loan Rates which will adjust semi-annually
                           (after an initial fixed rate period (an "Initial
                           Period") with respect to such Mortgage Loans of
                           either six months, twenty-four months, thirty-six
                           months or sixty months) on the date set forth in the
                           related Mortgage Note (each, a "Change Date") to
                           equal the sum of (i) the average of the interbank
                           offered rates for six-month United States dollar
                           deposits in the London market, as published in The
                           Wall Street Journal as of the first business day of
                           the month immediately preceding the month of the
                           applicable Change Date (the "Loan Index") and (ii)
                           the number of basis points set forth in such Mortgage
                           Note (the "Gross Margin"), subject to rounding and to
                           the effects of the Periodic Cap, the applicable
                           Lifetime Cap and the applicable Lifetime Floor. The
                           "Periodic Cap" generally limits changes in the Loan
                           Rate for each Initial Mortgage Loan on each Change
                           Date to either 1.00% (for 1,163 Mortgage Loans
                           representing 85.68% of the Cut-Off Date Loan Group 2
                           Initial Principal Balance) or 1.25% (for 181 Mortgage
                           Loans representing 13.84% of the Cut-Off Date Loan
                           Group 2 Initial Principal Balance). The "Lifetime
                           Cap" is the maximum Loan Rate that may be borne by a
                           Mortgage Loan in Loan Group 2 over its life. As of
                           the Cut-Off Date, the weighted average Lifetime Cap
                           of the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans was
                           approximately 17.27% per annum, with a maximum
                           Lifetime Cap of 25.00% per annum and a minimum
                           Lifetime Cap of 14.25% per annum. The "Lifetime
                           Floor" is the minimum Loan Rate that may be borne by
                           a Mortgage Loan in Loan Group 2 over its life. As of
                           the Cut-Off Date, the minimum Lifetime Floor of the
                           Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans was 1.00%, the
                           maximum Lifetime Floor of the Loan Group 2 Initial
                           Mortgage Loans was 14.98% and the weighted average
                           Lifetime Floor of the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage
                           Loans was 10.17%. The Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 2
                           do not negatively amortize. On each Change Date for a
                           Mortgage Loan in Loan Group 2, the related Monthly
                           Payment will be adjusted to an amount which will pay
                           interest at the adjusted Loan Rate and fully amortize
                           the then-outstanding principal balance of such
                           Mortgage Loan over its remaining term.
 
                           See "DESCRIPTION OF THE MORTGAGE LOANS" herein.
 
                                       S-4
<PAGE>   7
 
Denominations............. The Class A Certificates will be offered for purchase
                           in denominations of $1,000 and multiples of $1 in
                           excess thereof.
 
Initial Interest Coverage
  Account................. On the Closing Date, cash will be deposited in a
                           trust account (the "Initial Interest Coverage
                           Account") in the name of the Trustee on behalf of the
                           Trust. The amount on deposit in the Initial Interest
                           Coverage Account will be used by the Trustee to fund
                           certain interest shortfalls on the first Distribution
                           Date as described herein under "DESCRIPTION OF THE
                           CERTIFICATES -- Initial Interest Coverage Account."
                           Amounts remaining in the Initial Interest Coverage
                           Account after the first Distribution Date and not
                           used for such purposes are required to be paid to the
                           Seller. The Initial Interest Coverage Account will
                           terminate immediately following the first
                           Distribution Date. The Initial Interest Coverage
                           Account will not be an asset of the REMIC.
 
Funding Account........... On the Closing Date, it is expected that
                           approximately $11,631,957.84 and $27,999,998.71 of
                           Subsequent Mortgage Loans will be transferred to the
                           Trust for Loan Group 1 and Loan Group 2,
                           respectively. See "DESCRIPTION OF THE MORTGAGE
                           LOANS -- Conveyance of Subsequent Mortgage Loans." In
                           the event that less than such amounts of Subsequent
                           Mortgage Loans are transferred to the Trust for the
                           respective Loan Group, an aggregate cash amount equal
                           to the excess of (i) $11,631,957.84 in the case of
                           Subsequent Mortgage Loans for Loan Group 1 and
                           $27,999,998.71 in the case of Subsequent Mortgage
                           Loans for Loan Group 2, over (ii) the aggregate
                           Cut-Off Date Principal Balance of the related
                           Subsequent Mortgage Loans for such Loan Group will be
                           deposited by the Seller in an account which will be
                           in the name of, and maintained by, the Trustee on
                           behalf of the Trust (the "Funding Account"). Such
                           amounts, if any, on deposit in the Funding Account in
                           respect of each Loan Group will be transferred by the
                           Trustee on the first Distribution Date into the
                           Distribution Account, and will be distributed as a
                           principal prepayment to Certificateholders of the
                           related Certificate Group then entitled to
                           distribution of principal. The Funding Account will
                           terminate immediately after the first Distribution
                           Date. The Funding Account will be an asset of the
                           Trust Fund; however, the REMIC election will not be
                           made with respect to the Funding Account. See "RISK
                           FACTORS -- The Subsequent Mortgage Loans,"
                           "PREPAYMENT AND YIELD CONSIDERATIONS," and
                           "DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES -- Distributions."
 
Registration of Class A
  Certificates............ The Class A Certificates will initially be issued in
                           book-entry form. Persons acquiring beneficial
                           ownership interests in the Class A Certificates
                           ("Certificate Owners") will hold their Class A
                           Certificate interests through The Depository Trust
                           Company ("DTC"), in the United States, or Cedel Bank
                           societe anonyme ("CEDEL") or the Euroclear System
                           ("Euroclear"), in Europe. Transfers within DTC, CEDEL
                           or Euroclear, as the case may be, will be in
                           accordance with the usual rules and operating
                           procedures of the relevant system. So long as the
                           Class A Certificates are Book-Entry Certificates (as
                           defined herein under "DESCRIPTION OF THE
                           CERTIFICATES -- Book-Entry Certificates"), such
                           Certificates will be evidenced by one or more
                           Certificates registered in the name of Cede & Co.
                           ("Cede"), as the nominee of DTC or one of the
                           relevant depositaries (collectively, the "European
                           Depositaries"). Cross-market transfers be-
 
                                       S-5
<PAGE>   8
 
                           tween persons holding directly or indirectly through
                           DTC, on the one hand, and counterparties holding
                           directly or indirectly through CEDEL or Euroclear, on
                           the other, will be effected in DTC through Citibank
                           N.A. ("Citibank") or The Chase Manhattan Bank
                           ("Chase"), the relevant depositaries of CEDEL and
                           Euroclear, respectively, and each a participating
                           member of DTC. The interests of such
                           Certificateholders will be represented by
                           book-entries on the records of DTC and participating
                           members thereof. No Certificate Owner will be
                           entitled to receive a definitive certificate
                           representing such person's interest, except in the
                           event that Definitive Certificates (as defined herein
                           under "DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES -- Book-Entry
                           Certificates") are issued under the limited
                           circumstances described herein. All references in
                           this Prospectus Supplement to any Class A
                           Certificates reflect the rights of Certificate Owners
                           only as such rights may be exercised through DTC and
                           its participating organizations for so long as such
                           Class A Certificates are held by DTC. See "RISK
                           FACTORS -- Book-Entry Certificates", "DESCRIPTION OF
                           THE CERTIFICATES -- Book-Entry Certificates" herein
                           and "ANNEX I" hereto.
 
Provident................. The Provident Bank ("Provident"), an Ohio banking
                           corporation (the "Seller" or the "Master Servicer,"
                           as applicable). The principal executive offices of
                           Provident are located at One East Fourth Street,
                           Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (Telephone: (513) 579-2000).
                           See "THE PROVIDENT BANK" in the Prospectus.
 
Certificate Rate.......... The "Certificate Rate" on any Distribution Date with
                           respect to the Class A-1, Class A-2, Class A-3 and
                           Class A-4 Certificates is 6.65%, 6.73%, 7.03 % and
                           7.37% per annum, respectively (or, with respect to
                           the Class A-4 Certificates, 7.87% for each
                           Distribution Date occurring after the date on which
                           the Seller has the right to terminate the Trust, as
                           described herein under "-- Optional Termination").
                           The "Certificate Rate" on any Distribution Date with
                           respect to the Class A-5 Certificates will equal the
                           lesser of (A) the Class A-5 Formula Rate and (B) the
                           Net Funds Cap for such Distribution Date. The "Class
                           A-5 Formula Rate" is the sum of the interbank offered
                           rate for one-month United States dollar deposits in
                           the London market (the "Certificate Index")
                           (calculated as described under "DESCRIPTION OF THE
                           CERTIFICATES -- The Certificate Rate") as of the
                           related LIBOR Determination Date (as defined herein)
                           and 0.23% (or 0.46% for each Distribution Date
                           occurring after the date on which the Seller has the
                           right to terminate the Trust, as described herein
                           under "-- Optional Termination"). The "Net Funds Cap"
                           for any Distribution Date shall equal the difference
                           between (A) the average of the Loan Rates of the
                           Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 2 as of the first day of
                           the month preceding the month of such Distribution
                           Date (or, in the case of the first Distribution Date,
                           the Closing Date), weighted on the basis of the
                           related Principal Balances as of such date and (B)
                           the sum of (i) the Master Servicing Fee Rate and the
                           rates at which the Trustee Fee and the premium
                           payable to the Certificate Insurer with respect to
                           the Class A-5 Certificates are calculated and (ii)
                           commencing with the thirteenth Distribution Date,
                           0.50% (computed on the basis of a 360-day year and
                           the actual number of days elapsed during the related
                           Interest Period). Interest on the Group 1
                           Certificates in respect of any Distribution Date will
                           accrue during the related Interest Period on the
                           basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day
                           months. Interest on the Group 2 Certificates in
                           respect of any
 
                                       S-6
<PAGE>   9
 
                           Distribution Date will accrue during the related
                           Interest Period on the basis of a 360-day year and
                           the actual number of days elapsed.
 
                           If on any Distribution Date, the Certificate Rate for
                           the Class A-5 Certificates is based on the Net Funds
                           Cap, holders of the Class A-5 Certificates will be
                           entitled to receive the Net Funds Cap Carryover
                           Amount to the extent of funds available therefor as
                           described herein. The Policy does not cover the
                           payment of, nor do the ratings assigned to the Class
                           A-5 Certificates address the likelihood of the
                           payment of, any Net Funds Cap Carryover Amount. See
                           "DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES -- Priority of
                           Distributions" herein.
 
                           The "Interest Period" means, with respect to each
                           Distribution Date and the Group 1 Certificates, the
                           period from the first day of the calendar month
                           preceding the month of such Distribution Date through
                           the last day of such calendar month. The "Interest
                           Period" means, with respect to each Distribution Date
                           and the Group 2 Certificates, the period from the
                           Distribution Date in the month preceding the month of
                           such Distribution Date (or, in the case of the first
                           Distribution Date, from the Closing Date) through the
                           day before such Distribution Date.
 
Distributions............. On the 25th day of each month, or if such a day is
                           not a Business Day, then the next succeeding Business
                           Day, commencing in July 1997 (each such day, a
                           "Distribution Date"), the Trustee will be required to
                           distribute from funds available therefor in the
                           Distribution Account (as described herein) to the
                           holders of the Offered Certificates of record as of
                           the applicable Record Date (as defined herein), in
                           the priorities described below, an aggregate amount
                           equal to the sum of (a) the Class Interest
                           Distribution for each Class of Offered Certificates,
                           and (b) the Class A Principal Distribution for each
                           Certificate Group. On each Distribution Date, the
                           Class A Principal Distribution for each Certificate
                           Group will be distributed as described below. See
                           "DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES -- Distributions"
                           herein.
 
                           Interest
 
                           On each Distribution Date, to the extent of funds
                           available therefor as described herein, interest will
                           be distributed with respect to each Class of Class A
                           Certificates in an amount (each, a "Class Interest
                           Distribution") equal to the sum of (a) interest
                           accrued during the related Interest Period at the
                           related Certificate Rate on the related Class A
                           Principal Balance immediately prior to such
                           Distribution Date (the "Class Monthly Interest
                           Distributable Amount") and (b) any Class Interest
                           Carryover Shortfall for such Class of Offered
                           Certificates for such Distribution Date. As to any
                           Distribution Date and Class of Offered Certificates,
                           the "Class Interest Carryover Shortfall" is the sum
                           of (i) the excess, if any, of the related Class
                           Monthly Interest Distributable Amount for the
                           preceding Distribution Date and any outstanding Class
                           Interest Carryover Shortfall with respect to such
                           Class on such preceding Distribution Date, over the
                           amount in respect of interest that is actually
                           distributed to such Class on such preceding
                           Distribution Date plus (ii) one month's interest on
                           such excess, to the extent permitted by law, at the
                           related Certificate Rate. The interest entitlement
                           described in clause (a) above will be reduced by such
                           Class' pro rata share of Civil Relief Act Interest
                           Shortfalls (as defined herein), if any, with respect
                           to the related Loan Group for such Distribution Date.
 
                                       S-7
<PAGE>   10
 
                           Civil Relief Act Interest Shortfalls will not be
                           covered by the Policy. See "DESCRIPTION OF THE
                           CERTIFICATES" herein.
 
                           On each Distribution Date, the Class Interest
                           Distribution Amount relating to each Class of Offered
                           Certificates in a Certificate Group will be
                           distributed on an equal priority and any shortfall in
                           the amount required to be distributed as interest
                           thereon to each such Class will be allocated among
                           such Classes pro rata based on the amount that would
                           have been distributed on each such Class in the
                           absence of such shortfalls.
 
                           Principal
 
                           On each Distribution Date, to the extent of funds
                           available therefor as described herein, principal
                           will be distributed to the holders of the Class A
                           Certificates of a Certificate Group then entitled to
                           distributions of principal in an amount equal to the
                           lesser of (a) the related Aggregate Class A Principal
                           Balance and (b) the related Class A Principal
                           Distribution for such Distribution Date. The "Class A
                           Principal Distribution" means, with respect to any
                           Distribution Date and Certificate Group, other than
                           the Final Distribution Date with respect to such
                           Certificate Group, the sum of the related Class A
                           Monthly Principal Distributable Amount for such
                           Distribution Date and any outstanding Class A
                           Principal Shortfall Amount for such Distribution Date
                           and on the Final Distribution Date, the related
                           Aggregate Class A Principal Balance.
 
                           So long as an Insurer Default has not occurred, the
                           Class A Principal Distribution relating to the Group
                           1 Certificates will be distributed sequentially to
                           the Class A-1, Class A-2, Class A-3 and Class A-4
                           Certificates, in that order, until the respective
                           Class Principal Balance thereof have been reduced to
                           zero. On any Distribution Date during the continuance
                           of an Insurer Default, the Class A Principal
                           Distribution relating to the Group 1 Certificates
                           will be distributed to each Class of Group 1
                           Certificates outstanding on a pro rata basis in
                           accordance with the Class Principal Balance of each
                           such Class immediately prior to such Distribution
                           Date. The Class A Principal Distribution relating to
                           the Group 2 Certificates will be distributed to the
                           holders of the Class A-5 Certificates.
 
                           "Class A Monthly Principal Distributable Amount"
                           means, with respect to any Distribution Date and
                           Certificate Group, the amount equal to the sum of the
                           following amounts (without duplication) with respect
                           to the immediately preceding Due Period (as defined
                           below): (i) each payment of principal on a Mortgage
                           Loan in the related Loan Group received by the Master
                           Servicer during such Due Period, including all full
                           and partial principal prepayments, (ii) the Principal
                           Balance as of the end of the immediately preceding
                           Due Period of each Mortgage Loan in the related Loan
                           Group that became a Liquidated Mortgage Loan during
                           the related Due Period, (iii) the portion of the
                           Purchase Price allocable to principal of all
                           repurchased Defective Mortgage Loans in the related
                           Loan Group with respect to such Due Period, (iv) any
                           Substitution Adjustment Amounts received on or prior
                           to the previous Determination Date and not yet
                           distributed with respect to the related Loan Group;
                           (v) the amount, if any, required to be distributed on
                           such Distribution Date to satisfy the required level
                           of overcollateralization for such Certificate Group
                           for such Distribution Date (the "Distributable Excess
                           Spread") and (vi) with respect to the
 
                                       S-8
<PAGE>   11
 
                           first Distribution Date, the amount, if any,
                           transferred from the Funding Account into the
                           Distribution Account in respect of such Certificate
                           Group.
 
                           "Class A Principal Shortfall Amount" means for any
                           Distribution Date and Certificate Group, the amount,
                           if any, by which the related Aggregate Class A
                           Principal Balance exceeds the related Loan Group
                           Principal Balance at the end of the related Due
                           Period after giving effect to all distributions of
                           the related Class A Monthly Principal Distributable
                           Amount (exclusive of Distributable Excess Spread) and
                           draws under the Policy for such Distribution Date.
 
                           If the required level of overcollateralization for a
                           Certificate Group is reduced below the then existing
                           amount of overcollateralization (described below) or
                           if the required level of overcollateralization for
                           such Certificate Group is satisfied, the amount of
                           the related Class A Monthly Principal Distributable
                           Amount on any Distribution Date will be
                           correspondingly reduced by the amount of such
                           reduction or by the amount necessary such that the
                           overcollateralization will not exceed the required
                           level of overcollateralization for such Certificate
                           Group after giving effect to the distribution in
                           respect of principal with respect to such Certificate
                           Group to be made on such Distribution Date.
 
                           "Due Period" means, with respect to any Determination
                           Date or Distribution Date, the calendar month
                           immediately preceding such Determination Date or
                           Distribution Date, as the case may be.
 
                           For a description of a "Liquidated Mortgage Loan" see
                           "DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES -- Principal"
                           herein.
 
                           "Excess Spread" means, with respect to any
                           Distribution Date and Loan Group, the positive
                           excess, if any, of (x) Available Funds (as defined
                           herein under "DESCRIPTION OF THE
                           CERTIFICATES -- Deposits to the Distribution
                           Account") for the related Certificate Group for such
                           Distribution Date over (y) the portion thereof
                           required to be distributed pursuant to subclauses A
                           and C, with respect to the Group 1 Certificates and
                           subclauses B and C, with respect to the Group 2
                           Certificates, in each case set forth under the
                           heading "DESCRIPTION OF CERTIFICATES -- Priority of
                           Distributions" on such Distribution Date.
                           Distributions of Excess Spread to the holders of
                           Class A Certificates will result in acceleration of
                           principal payments to the holders of such Class A
                           Certificates creating overcollateralization to the
                           extent required by the Agreement. This feature will
                           have the effect of reducing the weighted average
                           lives of the Class A Certificates. See "DESCRIPTION
                           OF CERTIFICATES --Overcollateralization Provisions"
                           and "PREPAYMENT AND YIELD CONSIDERATIONS" herein.
 
                           The last scheduled Distribution Date for each Class
                           of Offered Certificates is as follows: Class A-1
                           Certificates, October 25, 2010, Class A-2
                           Certificates, May 25, 2012, Class A-3 Certificates,
                           May 25, 2012, Class A-4 Certificates, July 25, 2028
                           and Class A-5 Certificates, July 25, 2028 . It is
                           expected that the actual last Distribution Date for
                           each Class of Offered Certificates will occur
                           significantly earlier than such scheduled
                           Distribution Dates. See "PREPAYMENT AND YIELD
                           CONSIDERATIONS."
 
Overcollateralization..... The credit enhancement provisions of the Trust result
                           in a limited acceleration of the Class A Certificates
                           of a Certificate Group relative to the
 
                                       S-9
<PAGE>   12
 
                           amortization of the Mortgage Loans in the related
                           Loan Group in the early months of the transaction.
                           The accelerated amortization is achieved by the
                           application of Excess Spread as described herein to
                           principal distributions on the Class A Certificates
                           of the related Certificate Group. This acceleration
                           feature creates, with respect to each Certificate
                           Group, overcollateralization (i.e., the excess of the
                           aggregate outstanding Principal Balance of the
                           Mortgage Loans in the related Loan Group over the
                           related Aggregate Class A Principal Balance). Once
                           the required level of overcollateralization is
                           reached for a Certificate Group, and subject to the
                           provisions described in the next paragraph, the
                           acceleration feature for such Certificate Group will
                           cease, until necessary to maintain the required level
                           of overcollateralization for such Certificate Group.
 
                           The Agreement will provide that, subject to certain
                           floors, caps and triggers, the required level of
                           overcollateralization with respect to a Certificate
                           Group may increase or decrease over time. An increase
                           in the required level of overcollateralization for a
                           Certificate Group will result if the delinquency or
                           default experience on the Mortgage Loans in the
                           related Loan Group exceeds certain levels set forth
                           in the Agreement. In that event, amortization of the
                           related Class A Certificates would be accelerated
                           relative to the Mortgage Loans in the related Loan
                           Group until the level of overcollateralization
                           reaches its required level. The required level of
                           overcollateralization with respect to a Certificate
                           Group may be decreased (and may be reduced to zero)
                           under certain circumstances, which will slow the
                           amortization of the Class A Certificates of the
                           related Certificate Group relative to the Mortgage
                           Loans in the related Loan Group.
 
                           See "PREPAYMENT AND YIELD CONSIDERATIONS" and
                           "DESCRIPTION OF THE
                           CERTIFICATES -- Overcollateralization Provisions."
 
Crosscollateralization.... In addition to the foregoing, the Agreement provides
                           for crosscollateralization through the application of
                           certain Available Funds generated by one Loan Group
                           to fund shortfalls in Available Funds and to satisfy
                           certain overcollateralization requirements in the
                           other Loan Group, subject to certain prior
                           requirements of such Available Funds. Excess Spread
                           generated by Loan Group 1 is not, however, available
                           to pay any Net Funds Cap Carryover Amount. See
                           "DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES -- Priority of
                           Distributions" and "PREPAYMENT AND YIELD
                           CONSIDERATIONS."
 
The Policy................ The Policy will unconditionally and irrevocably
                           guarantee principal payments (as described in the
                           next sentence) on the Class A Certificates plus
                           accrued and unpaid interest due on the Class A
                           Certificates. On each Distribution Date, a draw will
                           be made on the Policy equal to the sum of (a) the
                           Deficiency Amount for such Distribution Date and (b)
                           any Preference Amount (each, as defined herein under
                           "DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES -- The Policy"). In
                           addition, the Policy will guarantee the payment in
                           full of the applicable Aggregate Class A Principal
                           Balance to the Group 1 Certificates and the Group 2
                           Certificates on the Distribution Date in July 25,
                           2028 and July 25, 2028, respectively (each, a "Final
                           Distribution Date") (after giving effect to all other
                           distributions of principal on such Classes on such
                           Distribution Date).
 
                                      S-10
<PAGE>   13
 
                           In the absence of payments under the Policy, Class A
                           Certificateholders will directly bear the credit and
                           other risks associated with their undivided interest
                           in the Trust. See "DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES --
                           The Policy," herein.
 
The Certificate Insurer... MBIA Insurance Corporation, a New York stock
                           insurance company (the "Certificate Insurer"). See
                           "DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES -- The Policy" and
                           "THE CERTIFICATE INSURER" herein. The Certificate
                           Insurer will issue the Policy pursuant to the terms
                           of an Insurance Agreement, to be dated as of June 1,
                           1997, (the "Insurance Agreement") among the Seller,
                           the Trustee and the Certificate Insurer.
 
Servicing................. The Master Servicer will be responsible for
                           servicing, managing and making collections on the
                           Mortgage Loans. The Master Servicer will deposit all
                           collections in respect of the Mortgage Loans into the
                           Collection Account as described herein. On the
                           eighteenth day of the month (each, a "Determination
                           Date"), the Master Servicer will deliver such
                           information reasonably required by the Trustee in
                           order for the Trustee to calculate the amounts to be
                           paid, as described herein, to the Certificateholders
                           on the next Distribution Date. See "DESCRIPTION OF
                           THE CERTIFICATES -- Priority of Distributions." With
                           respect to each Due Period, the Master Servicer will
                           receive from payments in respect of interest on the
                           Mortgage Loans, on behalf of itself, a portion of
                           such payments as a monthly servicing fee (the "Master
                           Servicing Fee") in the amount of 0.50% per annum (the
                           "Master Servicing Fee Rate") on the Principal Balance
                           of each Mortgage Loan as of the first day of each
                           such Due Period. See "DESCRIPTION OF THE
                           CERTIFICATES -- Servicing Compensation and Payment of
                           Expenses." In certain limited circumstances, the
                           Master Servicer may resign or be removed, in which
                           event either the Trustee or a third-party servicer
                           will be appointed as successor master servicer. See
                           "DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES -- Certain Matters
                           Regarding the Master Servicer" herein.
 
Trustee................... Bankers Trust Company of California, N.A., a national
                           banking association (the "Trustee").
 
Monthly Advances.......... The Master Servicer is required to remit to the
                           Trustee no later than three Business Days prior to
                           each Distribution Date, for deposit in the
                           Distribution Account, an amount equal to interest
                           accrued but not received on each Mortgage Loan
                           through the related due date in accordance with the
                           Agreement (net of the Master Servicing Fee) (a
                           "Monthly Advance"). With respect to any Balloon Loan
                           that is delinquent on its maturity date, the Master
                           Servicer will continue to make Monthly Advances with
                           respect to such Balloon Loan in an amount equal to
                           one month's interest on the unpaid principal balance
                           at the applicable Loan Rate (net of the Master
                           Servicing Fee). Such obligation of the Master
                           Servicer continues with respect to each Mortgage Loan
                           until such Mortgage Loan becomes a Liquidated
                           Mortgage Loan. The Master Servicer is not required to
                           make any Monthly Advances including, without
                           limitation, Monthly Advances with respect to Balloon
                           Loans, which it determines would be nonrecoverable.
                           Monthly Advances are reimbursable to the Master
                           Servicer subject to certain conditions and
                           restrictions, and are intended to provide sufficient
                           funds for the payment of interest on the Class A
                           Certificates. See "DESCRIPTION OF THE
                           CERTIFICATES -- Advances" herein.
 
                                      S-11
<PAGE>   14
 
Prepayment Interest
Shortfalls and Civil
  Relief Act Interest
  Shortfalls.............. Not later than the Determination Date, the Master
                           Servicer is required to remit to the Trustee, without
                           any right of reimbursement, an amount equal to, with
                           respect to each Mortgage Loan as to which a principal
                           prepayment in full was received during the related
                           Due Period, the lesser of (a) the excess, if any, of
                           30 days' interest on the Principal Balance of such
                           Mortgage Loan at the Loan Rate (or at such lower rate
                           as may be in effect for such Mortgage Loan because of
                           application of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil
                           Relief Act of 1940, as amended (the "Civil Relief
                           Act")), minus the Master Servicing Fee for such
                           Mortgage Loan over the amount of interest actually
                           paid by the related Mortgagor in connection with such
                           principal prepayment in full (with respect to all
                           such Mortgage Loans, the "Prepayment Interest
                           Shortfall") and (b) the aggregate Master Servicing
                           Fee received by the Master Servicer in the most
                           recently ended Due Period.
 
                           Civil Relief Act Interest Shortfalls will not be
                           covered by the Policy, although Prepayment Interest
                           Shortfalls, after application of the Master Servicing
                           Fee for the related Due Period will be so covered.
                           The Master Servicer is not obligated to offset any of
                           the Master Servicing Fee against, or to provide any
                           other funds to cover, any shortfalls in interest
                           collections on the Mortgage Loans that are
                           attributable to the application of the Civil Relief
                           Act ("Civil Relief Act Interest Shortfalls"). See
                           "RISK FACTORS -- Payments on the Mortgage Loans"
                           herein.
 
Optional Termination...... The Seller may, at its option, terminate the
                           Agreement on any Distribution Date following the Due
                           Period at the end of which the aggregate Principal
                           Balance of the Mortgage Loans is less than 5% of the
                           sum of the Principal Balances of the Initial Mortgage
                           Loans and Subsequent Mortgage Loans as of the Cut-Off
                           Date at the price described herein under "DESCRIPTION
                           OF THE CERTIFICATES -- Termination; Retirement of the
                           Certificates."
 
Certain Federal Tax
  Considerations.......... In the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, special tax
                           counsel to the Trust and counsel to the Underwriters,
                           for federal income tax purposes, the Trust created by
                           the Agreement (exclusive of the Funding Account and
                           the Initial Interest Coverage Amount) will be treated
                           as a "real estate mortgage investment conduit"
                           ("REMIC"). The Class A Certificates will constitute
                           "regular interests" in the REMIC and will be treated
                           as debt instruments of the REMIC for federal income
                           tax purposes with payment terms equivalent to the
                           terms of such Certificates. The Residual Certificates
                           will constitute the sole class of "residual
                           interests" in the REMIC and will be the Class of
                           Residual Certificates, as described in the
                           Prospectus.
 
                           The holders of the Offered Certificates will be
                           required to include in income interest on such
                           Certificates in accordance with the accrual method of
                           accounting.
 
                           The Offered Certificates may, depending on their
                           issue price, be treated as having been issued with
                           original issue discount for federal income tax
                           purposes. For further information regarding the
                           federal income tax consequences of investing in the
                           Offered Certificates, see "CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX
                           CONSEQUENCES" herein and "FEDERAL INCOME TAX
                           CONSEQUENCES" in the Prospectus.
 
                                      S-12
<PAGE>   15
 
ERISA Considerations...... The acquisition of an Offered Certificate by a
                           pension or other employee benefit plan (a "Plan")
                           subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security
                           Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), could, in some
                           instances, result in a "prohibited transaction" or
                           other violation of the fiduciary responsibility
                           provisions of ERISA and Code Section 4975. Certain
                           exemptions from the prohibited transaction rules
                           could be applicable to the acquisition of such
                           Offered Certificates. Any Plan fiduciary considering
                           whether to purchase any Offered Certificate on behalf
                           of a Plan should consult with its counsel regarding
                           the applicability of the provisions of ERISA and the
                           Code.
 
                           Subject to the considerations and conditions
                           described under "ERISA CONSIDERATIONS" herein, it is
                           expected that the Offered Certificates may be
                           purchased by a Plan.
 
Legal Investment
  Considerations.......... The Offered Certificates will not constitute
                           "mortgage related securities" for purposes of the
                           Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement Act of 1984
                           ("SMMEA"), because some of the Mortgages securing the
                           Mortgage Loans are not first mortgages. Accordingly,
                           many institutions with legal authority to invest in
                           comparably rated securities based solely on first
                           mortgages may not be legally authorized to invest in
                           the Offered Certificates. See "LEGAL INVESTMENT
                           CONSIDERATIONS" herein and "LEGAL INVESTMENT" in the
                           Prospectus.
 
Certificate Rating........ It is a condition to the issuance of the Offered
                           Certificates that they receive ratings of "AAA" by
                           Standard and Poor's Ratings Services, a division of
                           The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P") and Fitch
                           Investors Service, L.P. ("Fitch") and "Aaa" by
                           Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's," and,
                           together with S&P and Fitch, the "Rating Agencies").
                           In general, ratings address credit risk and do not
                           address the likelihood of prepayments or the payment
                           of the Net Funds Cap Carryover Amount. See "RATINGS"
                           herein and "RISK FACTORS -- Rating of the Securities"
                           in the Prospectus.
 
                                      S-13
<PAGE>   16
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Consequences on Liquidity and Payment Delay Because of Owning Book-Entry
Certificates.  Issuance of the Offered Certificates in book-entry form may
reduce the liquidity of such Certificates in the secondary trading market since
investors may be unwilling to purchase Offered Certificates for which they
cannot obtain physical certificates. Since transactions in the Offered
Certificates can be effected only through DTC, CEDEL, Euroclear, participating
organizations, indirect participants and certain banks, the ability of a
Certificate Owner to pledge an Offered Certificate to persons or entities that
do not participate in the DTC, CEDEL or Euroclear system or otherwise to take
actions in respect of such Certificates, may be limited due to lack of a
physical certificate representing the Offered Certificates. Certificate Owners
may experience some delay in their receipt of distributions of interest and
principal on the Offered Certificates since such distributions will be forwarded
by the Trustee to DTC and DTC will credit such distributions to the accounts of
its Participants (as defined herein under "DESCRIPTION OF THE
CERTIFICATES -- Book-Entry Certificates") which will thereafter credit them to
the accounts of Certificate Owners either directly or indirectly through
indirect participants. See "DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES -- Book-Entry
Certificates" herein.
 
     Cash Flow Considerations and Risks of Shortfall.  With respect to 42.74% of
the Loan Group 1 Initial Mortgage Loans (by Cut-Off Date Loan Group 1 Initial
Principal Balance), collections on such Mortgage Loans may vary because, among
other things, borrowers are not required to make monthly payments of principal
that will be sufficient to amortize such Mortgage Loans by their maturity
(collectively, "Balloon Loans"). With respect to the Balloon Loans, general
credit risk may also be greater to holders of Group 1 Certificates than to
holders of instruments representing interests in level payment fully amortizing
first mortgage loans. The ability of a borrower to make a balloon payment may
depend on the ability of the borrower to obtain refinancing of the balance due
on a Balloon Loan. An increase in interest rates over the Loan Rate applicable
at the time a Balloon Loan was originated may have an adverse effect on the
borrower's ability to obtain refinancing or to pay the required monthly payment.
 
     Risk of Early Defaults.  All of the Initial Mortgage Loans were originated
within 20 months prior to the Cut-Off Date. The weighted average remaining term
to stated maturity of the Initial Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 1 and Loan Group
2 as of the Cut-Off Date is approximately 207 months and 359 months,
respectively. Although little data is available, defaults on mortgage loans,
including mortgage loans similar to the Initial Mortgage Loans, are generally
expected to occur with greater frequency in the early years of the terms of
mortgage loans.
 
     Prepayment Considerations and Effect on Yield to Maturity and Weighted
Average Life of Certificates. All of the Initial Mortgage Loans may be prepaid
in whole or in part at any time. However, approximately 64.60% of the Mortgage
Loans (by Cut-Off Date Initial Pool Principal Balance) are subject to prepayment
penalties which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Home equity loans, such
as the Mortgage Loans, have been originated in significant volume only during
the past few years and Provident is not aware of any publicly available studies
or statistics on the rate of prepayment of such loans. Generally, home equity
loans are not viewed by borrowers as permanent financing. Accordingly, the
Mortgage Loans may experience a higher rate of prepayment than purchase money
first mortgage loans. The Trust's prepayment experience may be affected by a
wide variety of factors, including general economic conditions, interest rates,
the availability of alternative financing and homeowner mobility. In addition,
all of the Mortgage Loans contain due-on-sale provisions and the Master Servicer
will be required by the Agreement to enforce such provisions unless (i) such
enforcement is not permitted by applicable law or (ii) the Master Servicer, in a
manner consistent with reasonable commercial practice, permits the purchaser of
the related Mortgaged Property to assume the Mortgage Loan. To the extent
permitted by applicable law, such assumption will not release the original
borrower from its obligation under any such Mortgage Loan. See "CERTAIN LEGAL
ASPECTS OF LOANS -- Due-on-Sale Clauses in Mortgage Loans" in the Prospectus.
 
     Certificate Rating Based Primarily on Claims-Paying Ability of the
Certificate Insurer.  The rating of the Offered Certificates will depend
primarily on an assessment by the Rating Agencies of the Mortgage Loans and upon
the claims-paying ability of the Certificate Insurer. Any reduction in a rating
assigned to the claims-
 
                                      S-14
<PAGE>   17
 
paying ability of the Certificate Insurer below the rating initially given to
the Offered Certificates may result in a reduction in the rating of the Offered
Certificates. The rating by the Rating Agencies of the Offered Certificates is
not a recommendation to purchase, hold or sell the Offered Certificates,
inasmuch as such rating does not comment as to the market price or suitability
for a particular investor. There is no assurance that the ratings will remain in
place for any given period of time or that the ratings will not be lowered or
withdrawn by the Rating Agencies. In general, the ratings address credit risk
and do not address the likelihood of prepayments. The ratings of the Offered
Certificates do not address the possibility of the imposition of United States
withholding tax with respect to non-U.S. persons.
 
     Nature of Collateral.  Even assuming that the Mortgaged Properties provide
adequate security for the Mortgage Loans, substantial delays could be
encountered in connection with the liquidation of Mortgage Loans that are
delinquent and resulting shortfalls in distributions to Class A
Certificateholders could occur if the Certificate Insurer were unable to perform
its obligations under the Policy. Further, liquidation expenses (such as legal
fees, real estate taxes, and maintenance and preservation expenses) will reduce
the proceeds payable to Certificateholders and thereby reduce the security for
the Mortgage Loans. In the event any of the Mortgaged Properties fail to provide
adequate security for the related Mortgage Loans, Class A Certificateholders
could experience a loss if the Certificate Insurer were unable to perform its
obligations under the Policy.
 
     The Initial Mortgage Loans are secured by first and second mortgages or
deeds of trust (representing approximately 89.63% and 10.37% of the Cut-Off Date
Initial Pool Principal Balance, respectively). With respect to Mortgage Loans
that are junior in priority to liens having a first priority with respect to the
related Mortgaged Property ("First Liens"), the Master Servicer has the power
under certain circumstances to consent to a new mortgage lien on such Mortgaged
Property having priority over such Mortgage Loan in connection with the
refinancing of such First Lien. Mortgage Loans secured by second mortgages are
entitled to proceeds that remain from the sale of the related Mortgaged Property
after any related senior mortgage loan and prior statutory liens have been
satisfied. In the event that such proceeds are insufficient to satisfy such
loans and prior liens in the aggregate and the Certificate Insurer is unable to
perform its obligations under the Policy, the Trust and, accordingly, the
Certificateholders, bear (i) the risk of delay in distributions while a
deficiency judgment against the borrower is sought and (ii) the risk of loss if
the deficiency judgment cannot be obtained or is not realized upon. See "CERTAIN
LEGAL ASPECTS OF LOANS" in the Prospectus.
 
     Legal Considerations Resulting from Sale Treatment.  The sale of the
Mortgage Loans from the Seller to the Trust will be treated by the Seller and
the Trust as a sale of the Mortgage Loans. The Seller will warrant that such
transfer is a sale of its interest in the Mortgage Loans. In the event of an
insolvency of the Seller, it is possible that a receiver or conservator for, or
a creditor of, the Seller, may argue that the sale of the Mortgage Loans by the
Seller was a pledge of such Mortgage Loans in connection with a borrowing by the
Seller rather than a true sale. Such an attempt, even if unsuccessful, could
result in delays in distributions on the Offered Certificates.
 
     The terms of the Agreement provide that the Seller will maintain possession
of the documentation relating to each Mortgage Loan (the "Mortgage File"), other
than the Mortgage Notes, which will be delivered to the Trustee on the Closing
Date, and the assignments of each Mortgage, which will be delivered to the
Trustee in recordable form within 90 days of the Closing Date. Within 30 days of
the occurrence of an Assignment Event, the Seller, at its expense, is required
to deliver the remainder of each Mortgage File to the Trustee and to either
cause the assignments of each Mortgage to be recorded, at its expense, or to
deliver to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that recordation of
such assignments is not necessary in order to perfect the interests of the Trust
in such Mortgages. Prior to recording, the interest of the Trustee in the
Mortgage Loans and the proceeds thereof may be subject to the claims of
creditors or to sale to a third party, as well as to a receiver or conservator
appointed in the event of the insolvency of the Seller.
 
     An "Assignment Event" will occur on the 30th day following either (i) the
occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, (ii) the reduction of the
Seller's long-term unsecured debt rating below "Baa2" by Moody's or "BBB" by S&P
or Fitch or (iii) the suspension, termination or withdrawal of the Seller's
long-term unsecured debt rating by Moody's or S&P.
 
                                      S-15
<PAGE>   18
 
     Subsequent Mortgage Loans.  The Seller will not select Subsequent Mortgage
Loans in a manner that it believes is adverse to the interest of the Class A
Certificateholders and the Certificate Insurer. However, Subsequent Mortgage
Loans originated or purchased by the Seller and sold to the Trust may be of a
different credit quality. Following the transfer of Subsequent Mortgage Loans to
the Trust, the aggregate characteristics of the Mortgage Loans then held in the
Trust may vary from those of the Initial Mortgage Loans. See "DESCRIPTION OF THE
MORTGAGE LOANS -- Conveyance of Subsequent Mortgage Loans" herein.
 
     In the event that on the Closing Date the Loan Group Principal Balance of
the Mortgage Loans in a Loan Group is less than the related Aggregate Class A
Principal Balance, the holders of the Class A Certificates of the related
Certificate Group then entitled to distributions of principal will receive, on
the first Distribution Date, an additional distribution allocable to principal
in an amount equal to such difference.
 
     The ability of the Trust to invest in Subsequent Mortgage Loans is largely
dependent upon the ability of the Seller to originate and/or purchase additional
loans. The ability of the Seller to originate and/or purchase additional loans
may be affected as a result of a variety of social and economic factors.
Economic factors include interest rates, unemployment levels, the rate of
inflation and consumer perception of economic conditions generally. However, the
Seller is unable to determine and has no basis to predict whether or to what
extent economic or social factors will affect the Seller's ability to originate
or purchase additional loans and therefore the availability of Subsequent
Mortgage Loans.
 
     Payments on the Mortgage Loans and Effect of Reduced Payments of Interest
on the Mortgage Loans. When a principal prepayment in full is made on a Mortgage
Loan, the Mortgagor is charged interest only up to the date of such prepayment,
instead of for a full month which may result in a Prepayment Interest Shortfall.
The Master Servicer is obligated to pay, without any right of reimbursement,
those shortfalls in interest collections that are attributable to Prepayment
Interest Shortfalls, but only to the extent of the Master Servicing Fee for the
related Due Period (any such payment, "Compensating Interest"). The Master
Servicing Fee will not be available to cover any shortfalls in interest
collections on the Mortgage Loans that are attributable to Civil Relief Act
Interest Shortfalls. Civil Relief Act Interest Shortfalls will not be covered by
payments under the Policy, although Prepayment Interest Shortfalls, after
application of the Master Servicing Fee as described above, will be so covered.
 
     Underwriting Standards.  As described herein, the Seller's underwriting
standards generally are less stringent than those of FNMA or FHLMC with respect
to a borrower's credit history and in certain other respects. A borrower's past
credit history may not preclude the Seller from making a loan; however, it will
reduce the size (and consequently the Combined Loan-to-Value Ratio) of the loan
that the Seller is willing to make. As a result of this approach to
underwriting, the Mortgage Loans in the Mortgage Pool may experience higher
rates of delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures than mortgage loans
underwritten in a more traditional manner.
 
     Risk of Losses as a Result of Geographic Concentration.  The Mortgaged
Properties relating to the Initial Mortgage Loans are located in 33 states and
the District of Columbia. However, approximately 18.80% (by Cut-Off Date Initial
Pool Principal Balance) of the Mortgaged Properties relating to the Initial
Mortgage Loans are located in Ohio. To the extent that Ohio may experience in
the future weaker economic conditions or greater rates of decline in real estate
values than the United States generally, the Mortgage Loans in the Mortgage Pool
may experience higher rates of delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures than
otherwise would be the case. The Seller can neither quantify the impact of any
recent property value declines on the Mortgage Loans nor predict whether, to
what extent or for how long such declines may continue.
 
     Effect of Mortgage Loan Yield on Class A-5 Certificate Rate.  The
Certificate Rate on the Class A-5 Certificates is based upon the value of the
Certificate Index which is different from the value of the Loan Index, as
described under "The Mortgage Pool -- Loan Group 2 Statistics." The Mortgage
Loans in Loan Group 2, after the applicable Initial Period, adjust semi-annually
based upon the Loan Index, whereas the Certificate Rate on the Class A-5
Certificates adjusts monthly based on the Certificate Index and is limited by
the Net Funds Cap (unless the Net Funds Cap Carryover Amount (the payment of
which is not insured by the Certificate Insurer and the payment of which is not
rated) are funded in full). Consequently the actual Certificate Rate on the
Class A-5 Certificates for such Distribution Date may not equal the Class A-5
 
                                      S-16
<PAGE>   19
 
Formula Rate for such Distribution Date. In particular, the Loan Rates on the
Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 2 adjust less frequently and do not adjust during
the Initial Period for such Mortgage Loans, with the result that the actual
Certificate Rate on the Class A-5 Certificates may be lower than Class A-5
Formula Rate for extended periods. In addition, the Certificate Index and the
Loan Index may respond to different economic and market factors, and there is
not necessarily any correlation between them. Thus, it is possible, for example,
that the Certificate Index may rise during periods in which the Loan Index is
falling or that, even if both the Certificate Index and the Loan Index rise
during the same period, the Certificate Index may rise much more rapidly than
the Loan Index.
 
     Approximately 33.57% of the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans (by Cut-Off
Date Loan Group 2 Initial Principal Balance) have fixed interest rates for a
six-month Initial Period following origination and adjust semi-annually
thereafter, approximately 10.07% of the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans (by
Cut-Off Date Loan Group 2 Initial Principal Balance) have fixed interest rates
for a two-year Initial Period following origination and adjust semi-annually
thereafter, approximately 53.74% of the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans (by
Cut-Off Date Loan Group 2 Initial Principal Balance) have fixed interest rates
for a three-year Initial Period following origination and adjust semi-annually
thereafter, and approximately 2.62% of the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans
(by Cut-Off Date Loan Group 2 Initial Principal Balance) have fixed interest
rates for a five-year Initial Period following origination and adjust
semi-annually thereafter. Mortgage Loans subject to an Initial Period are more
likely to be subject to the Periodic Rate Cap on their first Change Date.
 
                            THE CERTIFICATE INSURER
 
     The information set forth in this section and in the financial statements
of the Certificate Insurer incorporated by reference herein as described below
have been provided by the Certificate Insurer. No representation is made by the
Underwriter, the Seller, the Master Servicer or any of their affiliates as to
the accuracy or completeness of any such information.
 
     The Certificate Insurer is the principal operating subsidiary of MBIA Inc.,
a New York Stock Exchange listed company. MBIA Inc. is not obligated to pay the
debts of or claims against the Certificate Insurer. The Certificate Insurer is
domiciled in the State of New York and licensed to do business and is subject to
regulation under the laws of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,
the Virgin Islands of the United States and the Territory of Guam. The
Certificate Insurer has two European branches, one in the Republic of France and
the other in the Kingdom of Spain. New York has laws prescribing minimum capital
requirements, limiting classes and concentrations of investments and requiring
the approval of policy rates and forms. State laws also regulate the amount of
both the aggregate and individual risks that may be insured, the payment of
dividends by the Certificate Insurer, changes in control and transactions among
affiliates. Additionally, the Certificate Insurer is required to maintain
contingency reserves on its liabilities in certain amounts and for certain
periods of time.
 
     The consolidated financial statements of the Certificate Insurer, a wholly
owned subsidiary of MBIA Inc., and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and
December 31, 1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of MBIA Inc. for the year ended
December 31, 1996, and the consolidated financial statements of the Certificate
Insurer and its subsidiaries for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and for
the periods ending March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996 included in the Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q of MBIA Inc. for the period ending March 31, 1997, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus Supplement and shall be
deemed to be a part hereof. Any statement contained in a document incorporated
by reference herein shall be modified or superseded for the purposes of this
Prospectus Supplement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any
other subsequently filed document which is also incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded
shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part
of this Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                      S-17
<PAGE>   20
 
     All financial statements of the Certificate Insurer and its subsidiaries
included in documents filed by MBIA, Inc. pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, subsequent to the
date of this Prospectus Supplement and prior to the termination of the offering
of the Offered Certificates shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into
this Prospectus Supplement and to be a part hereof from the respective dates of
filing such documents.
 
     The tables below present selected financial information of the Certificate
Insurer determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed
or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities ("SAP") and generally accepted
accounting principles ("GAAP"):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         SAP
                                                          ----------------------------------
                                                          DECEMBER 31, 1996   MARCH 31, 1997
                                                          -----------------   --------------
                                                              (AUDITED)        (UNAUDITED)
                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                               <C>                 <C>
        Admitted Assets.................................       $ 4,476            $4,598
        Liabilities.....................................         3,009             3,067
        Capital and Surplus.............................         1,467             1,531
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         GAAP
                                                          ----------------------------------
                                                          DECEMBER 31, 1996   MARCH 31, 1997
                                                          -----------------   --------------
                                                              (AUDITED)        (UNAUDITED)
                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                               <C>                 <C>
        Assets..........................................       $ 5,066            $5,110
        Liabilities.....................................         2,262             2,262
        Shareholder's Equity............................         2,804             2,848
</TABLE>
 
     Copies of the financial statements of the Certificate Insurer are
incorporated by reference herein and copies of the Certificate Insurer's 1996
year-end audited financial statements prepared in accordance with statutory
accounting practices are available, without charge, from the Certificate
Insurer. The address of the Certificate Insurer is 113 King Street, Armonk, New
York 10504. The telephone number of the Certificate Insurer is (914) 273-4545.
 
     The Certificate Insurer does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy
or completeness of this Prospectus Supplement or any information or disclosure
contained herein, or omitted herefrom, other than with respect to the accuracy
of the information regarding the Policy and the Certificate Insurer set forth
under the headings "THE CERTIFICATE INSURER" and "DESCRIPTION OF THE
CERTIFICATES -- The Policy." Additionally, the Certificate Insurer makes no
representations regarding the Certificates or the advisability of investing in
the Certificates.
 
     Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rates the claims paying ability of the
Certificate Insurer "Aaa".
 
     Standard & Poor's Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies,
Inc., rates the claims paying ability of the Certificate Insurer "AAA".
 
     Fitch Investors Service, L.P. rates the claims paying ability of the
Certificate Insurer "AAA".
 
     Each rating of the Certificate Insurer should be evaluated independently.
The ratings reflect the respective rating agency's current assessment of the
creditworthiness of the Certificate Insurer and its ability to pay claims on its
policies of insurance. Any further explanation as to the significance of the
above ratings may be obtained only from the applicable rating agency.
 
     The above ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold the
Certificates, and such ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any
time by the rating agencies. Any downward revision or withdrawal of any of the
above ratings may have an adverse effect on the market price of the
Certificates. The Certificate Insurer does not guaranty the market price of the
Certificates nor does it guaranty that the ratings on the Certificates will not
be revised or withdrawn.
 
                                      S-18
<PAGE>   21
 
                               THE PROVIDENT BANK
 
     Provident will be responsible for servicing the Mortgage Loans for the
Trust in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. Advanta Mortgage Corp. USA
(the "Subservicer") will service the Mortgage Loans for Provident pursuant to a
Subservicing Agreement, to be dated as of June 1, 1997, between Provident and
the Subservicer. The terms and conditions of the Subservicing Agreement are
consistent with and do not violate the provisions of the Agreement. Such
subservicing does not relieve Provident from any of its obligations to service
the Mortgage Loans in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement.
See "-- Servicing and Collection Procedures."
 
     Provident is the principal banking subsidiary of Provident Financial Group,
Inc., a Cincinnati based commercial banking and financial services company
registered under the Bank Holding Company Act. Provident Financial Group, Inc.
operates throughout Ohio, Northern Kentucky, Southeastern Indiana and Florida.
As of March 31, 1997, Provident Financial Group, Inc. had total assets of $6.8
billion, net loans and leases of $5.0 billion, deposits of $4.8 billion and
total shareholders' equity of $541 million. Provident Financial Group, Inc.'s
tier 1 and total capital ratios were 9.48% and 13.25%, respectively. For the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, Provident Financial Group, Inc. had net
earnings of $81.2 million. For the three-month period ended March 31, 1997,
Provident Financial Group, Inc. had net earnings of $27.3 million. Provident
represents approximately 96% of Provident Financial Group, Inc.'s assets.
 
CREDIT AND UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES
 
     The following is a description of the underwriting guidelines customarily
employed by Provident with respect to Mortgage Loans which it purchases or
originates. Each Mortgage Loan was underwritten according to these guidelines.
Provident believes its standards are consistent with those utilized by home
equity lenders generally. The underwriting process is intended to assess both
the prospective borrower's ability to repay and the adequacy of the real
property security as collateral for the loan granted. In certain cases, loans
may be made outside of those guidelines with the prior approval of an
underwriting manager of Provident.
 
     Provident generally originates or purchases loans which either fully
amortize over a period not to exceed 360 months or provide for amortization over
a 360 month schedule with a "balloon" payment required at the maturity date,
which will not be less than fifteen (15) years after origination. The loan
amounts generally range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $500,000
unless a higher amount is specifically approved by a senior official of
Provident. Provident primarily originates or purchases non-purchase money first
or second mortgage loans although Provident also originates purchase money first
mortgage loans.
 
     The homes used for collateral to secure the loans may be either primary
residential (which includes second and vacation homes) or investor owned one- to
four-family homes, condominiums, townhouses or manufactured housing. Generally,
each home must have a minimum appraised value as described below. Mobile housing
or agricultural land are not accepted as collateral. In some cases, the loan may
be secured by the owner-occupied residence plus additional collateral.
 
     Each property proposed as security for a loan must be appraised not more
than six months prior to the date of such loan. The combined loan-to-value ratio
of the first and second mortgages generally may not exceed 85%. If a prior
mortgage exists, Provident first reviews the first mortgage history. If it
contains open-end, advance or negative amortization provisions, the maximum
potential first mortgage balance is used in calculating the combined
loan-to-value ratio which determines the maximum loan amount.
 
     For Provident's full documentation process, each mortgage applicant must
provide, and Provident must verify, personal financial information. The
applicant's total monthly obligations (which includes principal and interest on
each mortgage, tax assessments, other loans, charge accounts and all other
scheduled indebtedness) generally cannot exceed 60% of the applicant's gross
monthly income. Applicants who are salaried employees must provide current
employment information in addition to two recent years of employment history and
Provident verifies this information. Verifications are based on written
confirmation from employers or a combination of the two most recent pay stubs,
the two most recent years' W-2 tax forms and telephone confirmation from the
employer. Self-employed applicants must be self-employed in the same field for a
 
                                      S-19
<PAGE>   22
 
minimum of two years and must provide signed copies of complete federal income
tax returns (including schedules) filed for the most recent two years.
 
     For Provident's non-income verifier program, proof of one year history of
employment plus proof of current self-employed status is required. The
applicant's debt-to-income ratio is calculated based on income as certified by
the borrower on the application and must be reasonable. The maximum Combined
Loan-to-Value ratio may not exceed 85% for the non-income verifier program.
 
     A credit report by an independent credit reporting agency is required
reflecting the applicant's complete credit history. The credit report should
reflect all delinquencies of 30 days or more, repossessions, judgments,
foreclosures, garnishments, bankruptcies, divorce actions and similar adverse
credit events that can be discovered by a search of public records. If the
report is obtained more than 60 days prior to the loan closing, the lender must
determine that the reported information has not changed. Written verification is
obtained of any first mortgage balance if not reported by the credit bureau.
 
     Generally, the applicant should have an acceptable credit history given the
amount of equity available, the strength of the applicant's employment history
and the level of the applicant's income to debt obligations. The rescission
period (generally, a period of three days) must have expired prior to funding a
loan. The rescission period may not be waived by the applicant except as
permitted by law. Either an ALTA title insurance policy or an attorney's opinion
of title is required for all loans.
 
     The applicant is required to secure property insurance in an amount
sufficient to cover the new loan and any prior mortgage. If the sum of the
outstanding first mortgage, if any, and the home equity loan exceeds replacement
value, insurance equal to replacement value may be accepted. Provident must
ensure that its name and address is properly added to the "Mortgage Clause" of
the insurance policy. In the event Provident's name is added to a "Loss Payee
Clause" and the policy does not provide for written notice of policy changes or
cancellation, an endorsement adding such provision is required.
 
     Provident's credit underwriting guidelines require that any major deferred
maintenance on any property must be cured from the proceeds of the loan.
 
DELINQUENCY EXPERIENCE
 
     The following table sets forth Provident's delinquency experience on its
servicing portfolio of home equity loans (which includes home equity loans
subserviced by the Subservicer for Provident) similar to the Mortgage Loans for
the periods indicated. The Subservicer makes no representations or warranties
with respect to the delinquency information contained herein. There can be no
assurance that the delinquency experience on the Mortgage Loans will be
consistent with the historical information provided below. Accordingly, this
information should not be considered to reflect the credit quality of the
Mortgage Loans included in the Trust, or a basis of assessing the likelihood,
amount or severity of losses on the Mortgage Loans. The statistical data in the
table is based on all of the closed-end fixed and adjustable rate mortgage loans
in Provident's servicing portfolio.
 
     The information in the tables below has not been adjusted to eliminate the
effect of the significant growth in the size of Provident's mortgage loan
portfolio during the periods shown. Accordingly, delinquency as a percentage of
aggregate principal balance of mortgage loans serviced for each period may be
higher than those shown if a group of mortgage loans were artificially isolated
at a point in time and the information showed the activity only in that isolated
group. However, since most of the mortgage loans in Provident's mortgage loan
portfolio are not fully seasoned, the delinquency information for such an
isolated group would also be distorted to some degree. As of March 31, 1997,
there have been no losses on Provident's mortgage loan servicing portfolio.
 
     The following table sets forth information relating to the delinquency
experience of mortgage loans similar to and including the Mortgage Loans for the
quarters ended June 30, 1996, September 30, 1996, December 31, 1996 and March
31, 1997. As of March 31, 1997, there were two real estate owned properties in
 
                                      S-20
<PAGE>   23
 
Provident's mortgage loan portfolio, and mortgages representing $2,108,111.86 of
Provident's mortgage loan portfolio were in bankruptcy.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      QUARTER ENDED
                         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             MARCH 31, 1997            DECEMBER 31, 1996          SEPTEMBER 30, 1996           JUNE 30, 1996
                         -----------------------   --------------------------   -----------------------   -----------------------
                          NUMBER       DOLLAR       NUMBER        DOLLAR         NUMBER       DOLLAR       NUMBER       DOLLAR
                         OF LOANS      AMOUNT      OF LOANS       AMOUNT        OF LOANS      AMOUNT      OF LOANS      AMOUNT
                         --------   ------------   --------   ---------------   --------   ------------   --------   ------------
<S>                      <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>               <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>
Portfolio..............    5,782    $433,107,871     3,776     $287,409,449       2,622    $203,846,585     1,789    $150,130,803
Delinquency
  percentage(1)
  30-59 days...........     2.30%      2.86%          2.44%        2.72%           1.37%      1.74%          0.89%      1.23%
  60-89 days...........     1.07%      1.34%          0.79%        0.83%           0.53%      0.87%          0.00%      0.00%
  90 days or more(2)...     1.82%      2.54%          1.27%        1.80%           0.38%      0.34%          0.39%      0.51%
Total..................     5.19%      6.74%          4.50%        5.35%           2.29%      2.96%          1.29%      1.74%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) The delinquency percentage represents the number and principal balance of
    mortgage loans with payments contractually past due.
 
(2) Includes properties in foreclosure.
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF THE MORTGAGE LOANS
 
GENERAL
 
     The statistical information presented in this Prospectus Supplement is only
with respect to the Initial Mortgage Loans and describes the Initial Mortgage
Loans in Loan Group 1 and the Initial Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 2 based on
the characteristics of such Loan Groups as of the Cut-Off Date.
 
     The Subsequent Mortgage Loans are expected to be purchased by the Trust
from the Seller on the Closing Date. The Initial Mortgage Loans and the
Subsequent Mortgage Loans, if available, to be purchased by the Trust will be
originated or purchased by Provident, and sold by Provident, as Seller, to the
Trust. The Agreement will provide that the Mortgage Loans, following the
conveyance of the Subsequent Mortgage Loans, must in the aggregate conform to
certain specified characteristics described below under "-- Conveyance of
Subsequent Mortgage Loans". The Mortgaged Properties securing the Mortgage Loans
consist primarily of one- to four-family residential properties. The Mortgaged
Properties may be owner-occupied or non-owner occupied (which includes second
and vacation homes).
 
     All of the Mortgage Loans bear interest at rates (the "Loan Rates") that
are either fixed or adjustable and are evidenced by promissory notes (the
"Mortgage Notes") secured by deeds of trust or mortgages on Mortgaged
Properties. The Mortgage Loans are divided into two Loan Groups. "Loan Group 1"
consists of Mortgage Loans with fixed interest rates. "Loan Group 2" consists of
Mortgage Loans with adjustable interest rates.
 
     As of the Cut-Off Date, the Mortgage Pool consists of 2,481 Initial
Mortgage Loans with an aggregate Principal Balance as of the Cut-Off Date of
$189,368,043.45 (the "Cut-Off Date Initial Pool Principal Balance"). The
Mortgage Pool consists of closed-end, fixed and adjustable rate home equity
loans with remaining terms to stated maturity of not more than 360 months
(including both fully amortizing and Balloon Loans). Approximately 89.63% of the
Initial Mortgage Loans (by Cut-Off Date Initial Pool Principal Balance) are
secured by first lien mortgages on the Mortgaged Properties and 10.37% (by
Cut-Off Date Initial Pool Principal Balance) are secured by second liens on the
Mortgaged Properties. Approximately 2.74% of the Initial Mortgage Loans (by
Cut-Off Date Initial Pool Principal Balance) were 30 to 59 days delinquent. No
Initial Mortgage Loan was more than 59 days delinquent as of the Cut-Off Date
(assuming for purposes of this calculation that all months have 30 days). With
respect to the Initial Mortgage Loans, the average Cut-Off Date Principal
Balance was $76,327.30, the minimum Cut-Off Date Principal Balance was
$6,700.00, the maximum Cut-Off Date Principal Balance was $711,884.84, the
minimum Loan Rate and the maximum Loan Rate on the Cut-Off Date were 7.35% and
15.99% per annum, respectively, and the weighted average Loan Rate as of the
Cut-Off Date was 10.69% per annum. The weighted average Combined Loan-to-Value
Ratio of the Initial Mortgage Loans was 76.75% as of the Cut-Off Date.
Approximately 13.17% of the Initial
 
                                      S-21
<PAGE>   24
 
Mortgage Loans (by Cut-Off Date Initial Pool Principal Balance) are Balloon
Loans. Each Initial Mortgage Loan was originated on or after September 1995. The
remaining terms to stated maturity as of the Cut-Off Date of the Initial
Mortgage Loans range from 58 months to 360 months; the weighted average
remaining term to stated maturity of the Initial Mortgage Loans as of the
Cut-Off Date is 312 months.
 
     The Mortgage Loans provide that interest is charged to the borrowers
thereunder, and payments are due from such borrowers, as of a scheduled day of
each month which is fixed at the time of origination. Scheduled monthly payments
("Monthly Payments") made by the borrowers on the Mortgage Loans either earlier
or later than the scheduled due dates thereof will not affect the amortization
schedule or the relative application of such payments to principal and interest.
 
LOAN GROUP 1 STATISTICS
 
     The sum of the columns below may not equal the total indicated due to
rounding. In addition, unless otherwise set forth herein, all percentages set
forth herein with respect to the Initial Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 1 are
percentages of the Cut-Off Date Loan Group 1 Initial Principal Balance.
 
     As of the Cut-Off Date, the Initial Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 1
consisted of 1,129 loans, and the related Mortgaged Properties were located in
32 states and the District of Columbia. As of the Cut-Off Date, the Initial
Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 1 had an aggregate Principal Balance of
$58,368,042.16 (the "Cut-Off Date Loan Group 1 Initial Principal Balance"), the
maximum Principal Balance of any of the Initial Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 1
was $637,500.00, the minimum Principal Balance thereof was $6,700.00, and the
Principal Balance of such Initial Mortgage Loans averaged $51,698.89. As of the
Cut-off Date, the Loan Rates on the Initial Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 1
ranged from 8.69% to 15.99% per annum, and the weighted average Loan Rate for
the Initial Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 1 was 11.49% per annum. As of the
Cut-Off Date, the original term to stated maturity for each Initial Mortgage
Loan in Loan Group 1 ranged from 60 months to 360 months, the weighted average
original term to stated maturity was 208 months, the remaining term to stated
maturity ranged from 58 months to 360 months, the weighted average remaining
term to stated maturity was 207 months and the CLTV (as defined herein) ranged
from 9.44% to 100.00% with a weighted average CLTV of 74.60%. Each Initial
Mortgage Loan in Loan Group 1 was originated in the period from July 1996 to May
1997. As of the Cut-Off Date, approximately 75.74% and 24.26% of the Initial
Mortgage Loans were secured by first and second liens, respectively. As of the
Cut-Off Date, 57.26% of the Initial Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 1 require
Monthly Payments that will fully amortize such Mortgage Loans by their
respective maturity dates, and 42.74% of the Initial Mortgage Loans in Loan
Group 1 are Balloon Loans. As of the Cut-Off Date, the remaining terms to stated
maturity of the Balloon Loans ranged from 171 months to 180 months and the
weighted average remaining term to maturity of the Balloon Loans was 179 months.
 
                                      S-22
<PAGE>   25
 
                               PRINCIPAL BALANCES
                                  LOAN GROUP 1
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                  NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 1            DATE LOAN
            RANGE OF CUT-OFF DATE                  INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 1 INITIAL
              PRINCIPAL BALANCES                MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ----------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                   <C>
$      0.01-$ 10,000.00.......................           8          $      75,582.53             0.13%
$ 10,000.01-$ 20,000.00.......................         144              2,281,381.04             3.91
$ 20,000.01-$ 30,000.00.......................         192              4,890,339.10             8.38
$ 30,000.01-$ 40,000.00.......................         193              6,768,914.52            11.60
$ 40,000.01-$ 50,000.00.......................         188              8,530,784.34            14.62
$ 50,000.01-$ 60,000.00.......................         116              6,433,716.59            11.02
$ 60,000.01-$ 70,000.00.......................          80              5,222,100.33             8.95
$ 70,000.01-$ 80,000.00.......................          47              3,546,830.84             6.08
$ 80,000.01-$ 90,000.00.......................          47              3,985,218.76             6.83
$ 90,000.01-$100,000.00.......................          28              2,693,153.17             4.61
$100,000.01-$110,000.00.......................          19              1,981,087.37             3.39
$110,000.01-$120,000.00.......................          15              1,724,583.18             2.95
$120,000.01-$130,000.00.......................          10              1,244,480.70             2.13
$130,000.01-$140,000.00.......................           7                948,839.28             1.63
$140,000.01-$150,000.00.......................           5                725,127.02             1.24
$150,000.01-$160,000.00.......................           1                150,450.00             0.26
$160,000.01-$170,000.00.......................           1                167,145.98             0.29
$170,000.01-$180,000.00.......................           3                539,184.26             0.92
$180,000.01-$190,000.00.......................           5                924,010.70             1.58
$190,000.01-$200,000.00.......................           1                199,605.33             0.34
$200,000.01-$210,000.00.......................           2                408,745.16             0.70
$210,000.01-$220,000.00.......................           1                211,825.77             0.36
$220,000.01-$230,000.00.......................           3                677,561.45             1.16
$230,000.01-$240,000.00.......................           1                232,452.43             0.40
$240,000.01-$250,000.00.......................           3                743,491.09             1.28
$250,000.01-$300,000.00.......................           6              1,670,731.22             2.86
$350,000.01-$400,000.00.......................           2                731,200.00             1.29
$600,000.01-$650,000.00.......................           1                637,500.00             1.09
                                                 ---------          ----------------           ------
          Total...............................       1,129          $  58,368,042.16           100.00%
                                                 =========          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-23
<PAGE>   26
 
                      GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION BY STATE(1)
                                  LOAN GROUP 1
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                  NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 1            DATE LOAN
                                                   INITIAL              INITIAL           INITIAL GROUP 1
                    STATE                       MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ----------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                   <C>
Arizona.......................................          14          $     584,739.06             1.00%
California....................................          23              1,745,590.52             2.99
Colorado......................................          46              2,127,170.36             3.64
District of Columbia..........................           7                473,236.27             0.81
Florida.......................................         169              8,822,379.41            15.12
Georgia.......................................          21              1,365,253.66             2.34
Idaho.........................................          12                495,049.43             0.85
Illinois......................................          65              3,371,945.90             5.78
Indiana.......................................          69              2,720,612.82             4.66
Iowa..........................................           4                125,703.98             0.22
Kansas........................................           1                 40,375.00             0.07
Kentucky......................................          37              1,379,309.03             2.36
Maryland......................................          70              4,363,153.05             7.48
Michigan......................................          26              1,116,180.34             1.91
Minnesota.....................................          11                633,135.38             1.08
Missouri......................................          16                790,672.14             1.35
Montana.......................................           1                 27,292.94             0.05
Nevada........................................           7              1,251,742.55             2.14
New Mexico....................................           3                146,736.78             0.25
New York......................................           1                147,526.79             0.25
North Carolina................................          24              1,455,375.82             2.49
Ohio..........................................         288             13,111,827.30            22.46
Oregon........................................          39              2,107,195.07             3.61
Pennsylvania..................................          29                967,955.72             1.66
South Carolina................................          42              2,508,576.57             4.30
Tennessee.....................................           4                267,708.46             0.46
Utah..........................................          59              3,209,212.68             5.50
Vermont.......................................           1                 12,378.70             0.02
Virginia......................................          17              1,076,372.69             1.84
Washington....................................          21              1,868,342.80             3.20
Wisconsin.....................................           1                 32,776.69             0.06
Wyoming.......................................           1                 22,513.73             0.04
                                                ----------          ----------------           ------
          Total...............................       1,129          $  58,368,042.16           100.00%
                                                ==========          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Determined by property address designated as such in the related Mortgage.
 
                                      S-24
<PAGE>   27
 
                        COMBINED LOAN-TO-VALUE RATIOS(1)
                                  LOAN GROUP 1
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                  NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 1            DATE LOAN
                                                   INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 1 INITIAL
         COMBINED LOAN-TO-VALUE RATIO           MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ----------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                   <C>
 5.001%- 10.000%..............................           1          $      16,916.29             0.03%
10.001%- 15.000%..............................           3                 78,807.11             0.14
15.001%- 20.000%..............................           2                 34,831.78             0.06
20.001%- 25.000%..............................           4                 94,444.79             0.16
25.001%- 30.000%..............................           6                160,503.37             0.27
30.001%- 35.000%..............................          12                500,317.82             0.86
35.001%- 40.000%..............................           9                274,437.44             0.47
40.001%- 45.000%..............................          15                689,122.89             1.18
45.001%- 50.000%..............................          25              1,014,068.20             1.74
50.001%- 55.000%..............................          18                828,288.96             1.42
55.001%- 60.000%..............................          34              1,378,252.63             2.36
60.001%- 65.000%..............................          81              4,196,102.29             7.19
65.001%- 70.000%..............................         119              5,837,405.74            10.00
70.001%- 75.000%..............................         162             10,068,415.73            17.25
75.001%- 80.000%..............................         370             19,922,562.81            34.13
80.001%- 85.000%..............................         235             11,534,338.89            19.76
85.001%- 90.000%..............................          30              1,589,240.34             2.72
90.001%- 95.000%..............................           2                110,083.00             0.19
95.001%-100.000%..............................           1                 39,902.08             0.07
                                                 ---------          ----------------           ------
          Total...............................       1,129          $  58,368,042.16           100.00%
                                                 =========          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) The Combined Loan-to-Value Ratios ("CLTV") shown above are equal, with
    respect to each Initial Mortgage Loan, to (i) the sum of (a) the original
    principal balance of such Initial Mortgage Loan at the date of origination
    plus (b) the remaining balance of the senior lien(s), if any, at the date of
    origination of such Initial Mortgage Loan divided by (ii) the lesser of (a)
    the value of the related Mortgaged Property, based upon the appraisal made
    at the time of origination of such Initial Mortgage Loan or (b) the purchase
    price of such Mortgaged Property if the proceeds of such Initial Mortgage
    Loan are used to purchase such Mortgaged Property.
 
                                 LIEN POSITION
                                  LOAN GROUP 1
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           % OF CUT-OFF
                                                  NUMBER OF          CUT-OFF DATE            DATE LOAN
                                                   INITIAL           LOAN GROUP 1             GROUP 1
                LIEN POSITION                   MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ----------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                   <C>
First.........................................         738          $  44,205,478.48            75.74%
Second........................................         391             14,162,563.68            24.26
                                                 ---------          ----------------           ------
          Total...............................       1,129          $  58,368,042.16           100.00%
                                                 =========          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-25
<PAGE>   28
 
                           SECOND MORTGAGE RATIOS(1)
                                  LOAN GROUP 1
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                                     LOAN GROUP 1            DATE LOAN
                                                  NUMBER OF             INITIAL           GROUP 1 INITIAL
            SECOND MORTGAGE RATIO               MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ----------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                   <C>
10.0001%- 20.0000%............................         67           $   1,311,335.45             9.26%
20.0001%- 30.0000%............................        142               4,652,243.14            32.85
30.0001%- 40.0000%............................         93               3,836,544.39            27.09
40.0001%- 50.0000%............................         44               2,276,851.51            16.08
50.0001%- 60.0000%............................         19               1,054,697.25             7.45
60.0001%- 70.0000%............................          8                 320,385.48             2.26
70.0001%- 80.0000%............................         13                 586,802.35             4.14
80.0001%- 90.0000%............................          2                  77,420.33             0.55
90.0001%-100.0000%............................          3                  46,283.78             0.33
                                                  -------           ----------------           ------
          Total...............................        391           $  14,162,563.68           100.00%
                                                  =======           ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Applies only to Initial Mortgage Loans in a second lien position. The Second
    Mortgage Ratios shown above are equal, with respect to each Initial Mortgage
    Loan in a second lien position, the original principal balance of such
    Initial Mortgage Loan at the date of origination divided by the sum of (a)
    the original principal balance of such Initial Mortgage Loan at the date of
    origination plus (b) the remaining balance of the senior lien at the date of
    origination of such Initial Mortgage Loan.
 
                                      S-26
<PAGE>   29
 
                                   LOAN RATES
                                  LOAN GROUP 1
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE
                                                                    LOAN GROUP 1        % OF CUT-OFF
                                                  NUMBER OF           INITIAL             DATE LOAN
                                                   INITIAL           PRINCIPAL         GROUP 1 INITIAL
                  LOAN RATES                    MORTGAGE LOANS        BALANCE         PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ----------------------------------------------  --------------     --------------     -----------------
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                <C>
 8.501%- 8.750%...............................           1         $    93,487.29             0.16%
 8.751%- 9.000%...............................           1              40,825.34             0.07
 9.001%- 9.250%...............................          12             639,320.58             1.10
 9.251%- 9.500%...............................          11             611,795.21             1.05
 9.501%- 9.750%...............................          30           1,541,607.82             2.64
 9.751%-10.000%...............................          41           2,945,569.39             5.05
10.001%-10.250%...............................          57           3,324,217.21             5.70
10.251%-10.500%...............................          48           3,034,536.90             5.20
10.501%-10.750%...............................          86           5,184,333.33             8.88
10.751%-11.000%...............................         102           6,151,904.03            10.54
11.001%-11.250%...............................         104           4,983,829.03             8.54
11.251%-11.500%...............................          95           4,475,792.06             7.67
11.501%-11.750%...............................         100           5,019,589.97             8.60
11.751%-12.000%...............................          81           3,610,557.96             6.19
12.001%-12.250%...............................          54           2,690,067.77             4.61
12.251%-12.500%...............................          55           2,724,138.37             4.67
12.501%-12.750%...............................          74           3,033,527.20             5.20
12.751%-13.000%...............................          40           1,497,763.29             2.57
13.001%-13.250%...............................          27           1,569,066.66             2.69
13.251%-13.500%...............................          25           1,515,885.92             2.60
13.501%-13.750%...............................          32           1,151,770.72             1.97
13.751%-14.000%...............................          16             701,696.26             1.20
14.001%-14.250%...............................          11             770,134.15             1.32
14.251%-14.500%...............................           8             291,612.65             0.50
14.501%-14.750%...............................           6             266,612.93             0.46
14.751%-15.000%...............................           4             200,652.84             0.34
15.001%-15.250%...............................           2              79,316.00             0.14
15.251%-15.500%...............................           5             168,766.12             0.29
15.751%-16.000%...............................           1              49,665.18             0.09
                                                   -------         --------------           ------
          Total...............................       1,129         $58,368,042.16           100.00%
                                                   =======         ==============           ======
</TABLE>
 
                      REMAINING MONTHS TO STATED MATURITY
                                  LOAN GROUP 1
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE
                                                                    LOAN GROUP 1        % OF CUT-OFF
                                                  NUMBER OF           INITIAL             DATE LOAN
              REMAINING TERM TO                    INITIAL           PRINCIPAL         GROUP 1 INITIAL
               STATED MATURITY                  MORTGAGE LOANS        BALANCE         PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ----------------------------------------------  --------------     --------------     -----------------
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                <C>
1-60..........................................           8         $   156,836.03             0.27%
61-120........................................          61           1,710,089.57             2.93
121-180.......................................         854          44,245,574.38            75.80
181-240.......................................          83           3,594,368.97             6.16
301-360.......................................         123           8,661,173.21            14.84
                                                   -------         --------------           ------
          Total...............................       1,129         $58,368,042.16           100.00%
                                                   =======         ==============           ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-27
<PAGE>   30
 
                            MONTHS SINCE ORIGINATION
                                  LOAN GROUP 1
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                  NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 1            DATE LOAN
                                                   INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 1 INITIAL
           MONTHS SINCE ORIGINATION             MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ----------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                   <C>
0 months......................................         298          $  15,888,591.19            27.22%
1-6 months....................................         824             42,128,822.10            72.18
7-12 months...................................           7                350,628.87             0.60
                                                   -------          ----------------           ------
          Total...............................       1,129          $  58,368,042.16           100.00%
                                                   =======          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
                                 PROPERTY TYPE
                                  LOAN GROUP 1
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                  NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 1            DATE LOAN
                                                   INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 1 INITIAL
                PROPERTY TYPE                   MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ----------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                   <C>
Single Family.................................         968          $  49,301,749.91            84.47%
Two- to Four-Family...........................          74              4,221,113.64             7.23
Condo.........................................          50              2,578,470.34             4.42
Planned Unit Development (PUD)................          26              1,822,559.49             3.12
Other.........................................          11                444,148.78             0.76
                                                   -------          ----------------           ------
          Total...............................       1,129          $  58,368,042.16           100.00%
                                                   =======          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
                                 OCCUPANCY TYPE
                                  LOAN GROUP 1
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                  NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 1            DATE LOAN
                                                   INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 1 INITIAL
                OCCUPANCY TYPE                  MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ----------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                   <C>
Owner Occupied................................       1,010          $  52,792,554.36            90.45%
Non-Owner Occupied............................         119              5,575,487.80             9.55
                                                   -------          ----------------           ------
          Total...............................       1,129          $  58,368,042.16           100.00%
                                                   =======          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
LOAN GROUP 2 STATISTICS
 
     The sum of the columns below may not equal the total indicated due to
rounding. In addition, unless otherwise set forth herein, all percentages set
forth herein with respect to the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans are
percentages of the Cut-Off Date Loan Group 2 Initial Principal Balance.
 
     Substantially all of the Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 2 have Loan Rates
which will adjust semi-annually (after an initial fixed rate period (an "Initial
Period") with respect to such Mortgage Loans of either six months, twenty-four
months, thirty-six months or sixty months) on the date set forth in the related
Mortgage Note (each, a "Change Date") to equal the sum of (i) the average of the
interbank offered rates for six-month United States dollar deposits in the
London market, as published in The Wall Street Journal as of the first business
day of the month immediately preceding the month of the applicable Change Date
(the "Loan Index") and (ii) the number of basis points set forth in such
Mortgage Note (the "Gross Margin"), subject to rounding and to the effects of
the Periodic Cap, the applicable Lifetime Cap and the applicable Lifetime Floor.
The "Periodic Cap" generally limits changes in the Loan Rate for each Initial
Mortgage Loan on each Change Date to either 1.00% (for 1,163 Mortgage Loans
representing 85.68% of the Cut-Off Date Loan Group 2 Initial Principal Balance)
or 1.25% (for 181 Mortgage Loans representing 13.84% of the Cut-
 
                                      S-28
<PAGE>   31
 
Off Date Loan Group 2 Initial Principal Balance). The "Lifetime Cap" is the
maximum Loan Rate that may be borne by a Mortgage Loan in Loan Group 2 over its
life. The "Lifetime Floor" is the minimum Loan Rate that may be borne by a
Mortgage Loan in Loan Group 2 over its life. The Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 2
do not negatively amortize. On each Change Date for a Mortgage Loan in Loan
Group 2, the related Monthly Payment will be adjusted to an amount which will
pay interest at the adjusted Loan Rate and fully amortize the then-outstanding
principal balance of such Mortgage Loan over its remaining term.
 
     As of the Cut-Off Date, the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans consisted
of 1,352 loans, and the related Mortgaged Properties were located in 29 states
and the District of Columbia. As of the Cut-Off Date, the Loan Group 2 Initial
Mortgage Loans had an aggregate Principal Balance of $131,000,001.29 (the "Cut-
Off Date Loan Group 2 Initial Principal Balance"), the maximum Principal Balance
of any of the Loan Group 2 Mortgage Loans was $711,884.84, the minimum Principal
Balance thereof was $11,994.90 and the Principal Balance of such Mortgage Loans
averaged $96,893.49. As of the Cut-Off Date, the Loan Rates on the Loan Group 2
Initial Mortgage Loans ranged from 7.35% to 14.98% per annum, and the weighted
average Loan Rate for the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans was 10.33% per
annum. As of the Cut-Off Date, the original term to stated maturity for each
Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loan was 360 months, the remaining term to stated
maturity ranged from 340 months to 360 months, the weighted average remaining
term to stated maturity was 359 months and the CLTV (as defined herein) ranged
from 15.46% to 97.19% with a weighted average CLTV of 77.70%. Each Loan Group 2
Initial Mortgage Loan was originated in the period from September 1995 to May
1997. As of the Cut-Off Date, approximately 95.82% and 4.18% of the Mortgage
Loans were secured by first and second liens, respectively. No Mortgage Loan in
Loan Group 2 is a Balloon Loan.
 
     As of the Cut-Off Date, the weighted average Lifetime Cap of the Loan Group
2 Initial Mortgage Loans was approximately 17.27% per annum, with a maximum
Lifetime Cap of 25.00% per annum and a minimum Lifetime Cap of 14.25% per annum;
the weighted average Lifetime Floor of the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans
was approximately 10.17% per annum, with a maximum Lifetime Floor of 14.98% per
annum and a minimum Lifetime Floor of 1.00% per annum; and the Loan Group 2
Initial Mortgage Loans had a weighted average Gross Margin of approximately
6.06%, with a maximum Gross Margin of 10.50% and a minimum Gross Margin of 4.50
%. As of the Cut-Off Date, 10.07% of the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans
adjust after an Initial Period of two years; 53.74% of the Loan Group 2 Initial
Mortgage Loans adjust after an Initial Period of three years; 2.62% of the Loan
Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans adjust after an Initial Period of five years and
33.57% adjust semi-annually as of origination. The weighted average number of
months to the next Change Date of the Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans is
approximately 24.54 months, with a maximum number of months and a minimum number
of months of 61 and 1, respectively.
 
                                      S-29
<PAGE>   32
 
                               PRINCIPAL BALANCES
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
RANGE OF                                         NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 2            DATE LOAN
CUT-OFF DATE                                      INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 2 INITIAL
PRINCIPAL BALANCE                              MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ---------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                   <C>
$ 10,000.01-$ 20,000.00......................          21          $     358,668.13             0.27%
$ 20,000.01-$ 30,000.00......................          49              1,293,017.53             0.99
$ 30,000.01-$ 40,000.00......................          91              3,221,976.70             2.46
$ 40,000.01-$ 50,000.00......................         109              4,967,026.14             3.79
$ 50,000.01-$ 60,000.00......................         156              8,631,218.68             6.59
$ 60,000.01-$ 70,000.00......................         145              9,473,504.88             7.23
$ 70,000.01-$ 80,000.00......................         119              8,963,748.86             6.84
$ 80,000.01-$ 90,000.00......................         100              8,529,949.19             6.51
$ 90,000.01-$100,000.00......................         102              9,706,759.19             7.41
$100,000.01-$110,000.00......................          77              8,063,835.49             6.16
$110,000.01-$120,000.00......................          69              7,918,457.45             6.04
$120,000.01-$130,000.00......................          51              6,379,482.86             4.87
$130,000.01-$140,000.00......................          53              7,143,172.11             5.45
$140,000.01-$150,000.00......................          33              4,812,770.37             3.67
$150,000.01-$160,000.00......................          27              4,185,321.40             3.19
$160,000.01-$170,000.00......................          17              2,826,340.99             2.16
$170,000.01-$180,000.00......................          14              2,462,168.25             1.88
$180,000.01-$190,000.00......................          12              2,214,802.10             1.69
$190,000.01-$200,000.00......................          15              2,932,597.85             2.24
$200,000.01-$210,000.00......................          11              2,267,298.04             1.73
$210,000.01-$220,000.00......................           7              1,501,938.06             1.15
$220,000.01-$230,000.00......................           7              1,573,570.25             1.20
$230,000.01-$240,000.00......................           9              2,121,511.23             1.62
$240,000.01-$250,000.00......................           9              2,209,601.56             1.69
$250,000.01-$300,000.00......................          22              5,916,439.40             4.52
$300,000.01-$350,000.00......................          11              3,556,254.22             2.71
$350,000.01-$400,000.00......................           4              1,501,413.00             1.15
$400,000.01-$450,000.00......................           3              1,348,474.79             1.03
$450,000.01-$500,000.00......................           3              1,392,161.54             1.06
$500,000.01-$550,000.00......................           3              1,541,839.68             1.18
$550,000.01-$600,000.00......................           1                599,596.51             0.46
$650,000.01-$700,000.00......................           1                673,200.00             0.51
$700,000.01-$750,000.00......................           1                711,884,84             0.54
          Total..............................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-30
<PAGE>   33
 
                      GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION BY STATE(1)
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                 NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 2            DATE LOAN
                                                  INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 2 INITIAL
STATE                                          MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ---------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                   <C>
Arizona......................................          37          $   4,119,064,22             3.14%
California...................................          48              6,706,905.07             5.12
Colorado.....................................          57              6,079,740.81             4.64
District of Columbia.........................          11              1,316,523.59             1.00
Florida......................................         116             10,016,919.99             7.65
Georgia......................................          21              2,902,003.16             2.22
Idaho........................................          27              2,144,061.85             1.64
Illinois.....................................         114             12,688,665.85             9.69
Indiana......................................          73              4,923,267.34             3.76
Iowa.........................................           2                123,531.44             0.09
Kansas.......................................           2                 61,738.00             0.05
Kentucky.....................................          41              2,756,732.25             2.10
Maryland.....................................          62              7,209,074.39             5.50
Michigan.....................................          40              3,028,671.37             2.31
Minnesota....................................           6                859,969.75             0.66
Missouri.....................................          28              1,861,044.21             1.42
Montana......................................           7                536,795.18             0.41
New Mexico...................................           2                522,143.86             0.40
Nevada.......................................          40              5,492,024.36             4.19
North Carolina...............................          26              2,159,658.80             1.65
Ohio.........................................         292             22,492,320.54            17.17
Oklahoma.....................................           1                 45,000.00             0.03
Oregon.......................................          84              8,010,897.60             6.12
Pennsylvania.................................          12                835,922.05             0.64
South Carolina...............................          44              3,604,905.92             2.75
Tennessee....................................           5                526,084.27             0.40
Utah.........................................          63              8,949,371.67             6.83
Virginia.....................................           7              1,098,801.24             0.84
Washington...................................          76              9,237,210.60             7.05
Wisconsin....................................           8                690,951.93             0.53
          Total..............................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Determined by property address designated as such in the related Mortgage.
 
                                      S-31
<PAGE>   34
 
                        COMBINED LOAN-TO-VALUE RATIOS(1)
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                 NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 2            DATE LOAN
                                                  INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 2 INITIAL
COMBINED LOAN-TO-VALUE RATIO                   MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ---------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                   <C>
15.001%- 20.000%.............................           3          $     134,771.46             0.10%
25.001%- 30.000%.............................           2                134,200.00             0.10
30.001%- 35.000%.............................           3                136,130.81             0.10
35.001%- 40.000%.............................           7                356,780.46             0.27
40.001%- 45.000%.............................           3                148,320.34             0.11
45.001%- 50.000%.............................          13                780,785.87             0.60
50.001%- 55.000%.............................          15                855,134.35             0.65
55.001%- 60.000%.............................          27              2,750,972.56             2.10
60.001%- 65.000%.............................          62              5,856,985.87             4.47
65.001%- 70.000%.............................          96              9,099,648.23             6.95
70.001%- 75.000%.............................         204             20,002,082.10            15.27
75.001%- 80.000%.............................         454             46,455,947.14            35.46
80.001%- 85.000%.............................         407             38,872,081.08            29.67
85.001%- 90.000%.............................          52              5,073,704.10             3.87
90.001%- 95.000%.............................           2                188,361.11             0.14
95.001%-100.000%.............................           2                154,095.81             0.12
          Total..............................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) The Combined Loan-to-Value Ratios ("CLTV") shown above are equal, with
    respect to each Initial Mortgage Loan, to (i) the sum of (a) the original
    principal balance of such Initial Mortgage Loan at the date of origination
    plus (b) the remaining balance of the senior lien(s), if any, at the date of
    origination of such Initial Mortgage Loan divided by (ii) the lesser of (a)
    the value of the related Mortgaged Property, based upon the appraisal made
    at the time of origination of such Initial Mortgage Loan or (b) the purchase
    price of such Mortgaged Property if the proceeds of such Initial Mortgage
    Loan are used to purchase such Mortgaged Property.
 
                                 LIEN POSITION
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                 NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 1            DATE LOAN
                                                  INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 1 INITIAL
LIEN POSITION                                  MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ---------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                   <C>
First........................................       1,263          $ 125,529,275.83            95.82%
Second.......................................          89              5,470,725.46             4.18
          Total..............................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-32
<PAGE>   35
 
                           SECOND MORTGAGE RATIOS(1)
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                  NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 2            DATE LOAN
                                                   INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 2 INITIAL
SECOND MORTGAGE RATIO                           MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- --------------------------------------------    --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                   <C>
10.0001%- 20.0000%..........................          12             $  305,771.07               5.59%
20.0001%- 30.0000%..........................          21                960,127.45              17.55
30.0001%- 40.0000%..........................          23              1,533,243.45              28.03
40.0001%- 50.0000%..........................          19              1,669,439.47              30.52
50.0001%- 60.0000%..........................           4                457,748.23               8.37
60.0001%- 70.0000%..........................           6                271,229.94               4.96
70.0001%- 80.0000%..........................           2                155,415.85               2.84
90.0001%-100.0000%..........................           2                117,750.00               2.15
                                                      --
                                                                     -------------             ------
          Total.............................          89             $5,470,725.46             100.00%
                                                      ==             =============             ======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Applies only to Initial Mortgage Loans in a second lien position. The Second
    Mortgage Ratios shown above are equal, with respect to each Initial Mortgage
    Loan in a second lien position, the original principal balance of such
    Initial Mortgage Loan at the date of origination divided by the sum of (a)
    the original principal balance of such Initial Mortgage Loan at the date of
    origination plus (b) the remaining balance of the senior lien at the date of
    origination of such Initial Mortgage Loan.
 
                                      S-33
<PAGE>   36
 
                                   LOAN RATES
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                 NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 2            DATE LOAN
                                                  INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 2 INITIAL
                 LOAN RATES                    MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ---------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                   <C>
 7.251%- 7.500%..............................           2          $     216,879.94             0.17%
 7.501%- 7.750%..............................           5                484,246.00             0.37
 7.751%- 8.000%..............................           6                571,832.29             0.44
 8.001%- 8.250%..............................          17              1,480,095.63             1.13
 8.251%- 8.500%..............................          24              2,443,631.49             1.87
 8.501%- 8.750%..............................          41              4,480,883.08             3.42
 8.751%- 9.000%..............................          56              5,967,650.76             4.56
 9.001%- 9.250%..............................          42              4,154,531.73             3.17
 9.251%- 9.500%..............................          85              8,717,735.45             6.65
 9.501%- 9.750%..............................         112             12,463,279.80             9.51
 9.751%-10.000%..............................         126             12,662,009.20             9.67
10.001%-10.250%..............................         154             14,061,135.35            10.73
10.251%-10.500%..............................         113             11,665,611.83             8.91
10.501%-10.750%..............................         100             10,287,330.22             7.85
10.751%-11.000%..............................          89              8,211,906.58             6.27
11.001%-11.250%..............................          88              8,255,460.81             6.30
11.251%-11.500%..............................          74              6,586,708.64             5.03
11.501%-11.750%..............................          46              3,841,245.55             2.93
11.751%-12.000%..............................          68              5,696,945.93             4.35
12.001%-12.250%..............................          37              3,441,704.74             2.63
12.251%-12.500%..............................          20              2,067,322.56             1.58
12.501%-12.750%..............................          14              1,064,516.66             0.81
12.751%-13.000%..............................          11              1,136,421.06             0.87
13.001%-13.250%..............................           5                159,055.29             0.12
13.251%-13.500%..............................           2                 93,526.56             0.07
13.501%-13.750%..............................           4                302,495.07             0.23
13.751%-14.000%..............................           5                199,395.48             0.15
14.001%-14.250%..............................           1                 28,494.83             0.02
14.251%-14.500%..............................           1                 15,425.00             0.01
14.501%-14.750%..............................           2                150,293.38             0.11
14.751%-15.000%..............................           2                 92,230.38             0.07
                                                    -----           ---------------           ------
          Total..............................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
                                                    =====           ===============           ======
</TABLE>
 
                      REMAINING MONTHS TO STATED MATURITY
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                 NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 2            DATE LOAN
              REMAINING TERM TO                   INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 2 INITIAL
               STATED MATURITY                 MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ---------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                   <C>
301-360 months...............................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
                                                    -----           ---------------           ------
          Total..............................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
                                                    =====           ===============           ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-34
<PAGE>   37
 
                            MONTHS SINCE ORIGINATION
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                 NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 2            DATE LOAN
                                                  INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 2 INITIAL
          MONTHS SINCE ORIGINATION             MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ---------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                   <C>
0 months.....................................         376          $  34,414,074.71            26.27%
1-6 months...................................         921             91,030,909.12            69.49
7-12 months..................................          32              3,116,791.25             2.38
13-18 months.................................          21              2,179,104.76             1.66
19-24 months.................................           2                259,121.45             0.20
                                                    -----          ----------------           ------
          Total..............................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
                                                    =====          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
                                 PROPERTY TYPE
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                 NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 2            DATE LOAN
                                                  INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 2 INITIAL
                PROPERTY TYPE                  MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ---------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                   <C>
Single Family................................       1,132          $ 109,963,369.29            83.94%
Two- to Four-Family..........................          97             10,152,419.84             7.75
Condo........................................          77              5,406,176.26             4.13
Planned Unit Development (PUD)...............          42              5,128,095.44             3.91
Other........................................           4                349,940.46             0.27
                                                    -----          ----------------           ------
          Total..............................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
                                                    =====          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
                                 OCCUPANCY TYPE
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                 NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 2            DATE LOAN
                                                  INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 2 INITIAL
               OCCUPANCY TYPE                  MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ---------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                   <C>
Owner Occupied...............................       1,244          $ 121,582,254.53            92.81%
Non-Owner Occupied...........................         108              9,417,746.76             7.19
                                                    -----          ----------------           ------
          Total..............................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
                                                    =====          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-35
<PAGE>   38
 
                                  GROSS MARGIN
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                 NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 2            DATE LOAN
                                                  INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 2 INITIAL
                   MARGIN                      MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ---------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                   <C>
 4.251%- 4.500%..............................           1          $     208,590.00             0.16%
 4.501%- 4.750%..............................          49              4,629,477.40             3.53
 4.751%- 5.000%..............................          41              4,697,919.94             3.59
 5.001%- 5.250%..............................         196             18,674,350.71            14.26
 5.251%- 5.500%..............................         120             10,955,680.10             8.36
 5.501%- 5.750%..............................         278             28,141,321.33            21.48
 5.751%- 6.000%..............................         159             15,928,136.44            12.16
 6.001%- 6.250%..............................         129             12,464,630.97             9.51
 6.251%- 6.500%..............................          75              6,468,018.28             4.94
 6.501%- 6.750%..............................          89              7,198,713.18             5.50
 6.751%- 7.000%..............................          78              6,537,897.70             4.99
 7.001%- 7.250%..............................          31              3,413,895.58             2.61
 7.251%- 7.500%..............................          20              2,250,354.97             1.72
 7.501%- 7.750%..............................          16              1,500,491.77             1.15
 7.751%- 8.000%..............................          14              1,362,048.79             1.04
 8.001%- 8.250%..............................          14              1,831,459.82             1.40
 8.251%- 8.500%..............................          19              1,966,564.84             1.50
 8.501%- 8.750%..............................           9                770,602.76             0.59
 8.751%- 9.000%..............................           8                955,010.92             0.73
 9.001%- 9.250%..............................           3                602,840.96             0.46
10.001%-10.250%..............................           2                 67,494.83             0.05
10.251%-10.500%..............................           1                374,500.00             0.29
                                                    -----          ----------------           ------
     Total...................................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
                                                    =====          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
                                 INITIAL PERIOD
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                 NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 2            DATE LOAN
                                                  INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 2 INITIAL
               INITIAL PERIOD                  MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ---------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                   <C>
 6 months....................................         387          $  43,971,138.78            33.57%
24 months....................................         142             13,195,618.86            10.07
36 months....................................         785             70,401,571.19            53.74
60 months....................................          38              3,431,672.46             2.62
                                                    -----          ----------------           ------
     Total...................................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
                                                    =====          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-36
<PAGE>   39
 
                           NEXT LOAN RATE CHANGE DATE
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                 NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 2            DATE LOAN
                                                  INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 2 INITIAL
              NEXT CHANGE DATE                 MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ---------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                   <C>
June 1997....................................           2          $     225,362.69             0.17%
July 1997....................................           3                413,889.68             0.32
August 1997..................................          23              3,344,238.42             2.55
September 1997...............................          63              8,470,660.69             6.47
October 1997.................................         132             16,855,332.19            12.87
November 1997................................         120             11,072,170.73             8.45
December 1997................................          44              3,589,484.38             2.74
December 1998................................           1                158,040.47             0.12
March 1999...................................          17              1,683,451.70             1.29
April 1999...................................          60              5,213,070.90             3.98
May 1999.....................................          56              5,486,583.28             4.19
June 1999....................................          18              1,563,306.89             1.19
July 1999....................................           3                369,441.24             0.28
August 1999..................................           8                792,402.88             0.60
September 1999...............................           2                249,782.84             0.19
October 1999.................................           2                318,589.96             0.24
November 1999................................           3                215,415.41             0.16
December 1999................................           3                231,125.20             0.18
January 2000.................................           1                 69,187.93             0.05
February 2000................................           4                465,792.95             0.36
March 2000...................................          57              5,882,041.71             4.49
April 2000...................................         222             18,988,687.74            14.50
May 2000.....................................         273             24,190,018.95            18.47
June 2000....................................         196             17,621,050.00            13.45
July 2000....................................           1                 99,200.00             0.08
November 2000................................           2                118,127.68             0.09
December 2000................................           3                365,055.40             0.28
January 2001.................................           1                118,342.79             0.09
February 2001................................           1                 71,826.24             0.05
September 2001...............................           1                 99,111.11             0.08
March 2002...................................           1                101,152.64             0.08
April 2002...................................          12                840,482.39             0.64
May 2002.....................................           8                933,774.21             0.71
June 2002....................................           9                783,800.00             0.60
                                                   ------          ----------------           ------
          Total..............................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
                                                   ======          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-37
<PAGE>   40
 
                                  LIFETIME CAP
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                 NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 2            DATE LOAN
                                                  INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 2 INITIAL
                LIFETIME CAP                   MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ---------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                   <C>
14.001%-14.250%..............................           1          $      55,913.22             0.04%
14.251%-14.500%..............................           4                528,540.42             0.40
14.501%-14.750%..............................           5                484,246.00             0.37
14.751%-15.000%..............................           7                689,368.05             0.53
15.001%-15.250%..............................          16              1,424,182.41             1.09
15.251%-15.500%..............................          25              2,601,534.25             1.99
15.501%-15.750%..............................          41              4,283,913.80             3.27
15.751%-16.000%..............................          63              6,479,486.68             4.95
16.001%-16.250%..............................          41              4,083,369.42             3.12
16.251%-16.500%..............................          94              9,750,643.41             7.44
16.501%-16.750%..............................         112             12,488,885.74             9.53
16.751%-17.000%..............................         127             13,488,539.16            10.30
17.001%-17.250%..............................         154             14,094,766.79            10.76
17.251%-17.500%..............................         115             12,111,178.37             9.25
17.501%-17.750%..............................         101             10,398,263.57             7.94
17.751%-18.000%..............................          91              8,107,058.50             6.19
18.001%-18.250%..............................          81              7,519,259.59             5.74
18.251%-18.500%..............................          70              6,066,719.12             4.63
18.501%-18.750%..............................          42              3,421,624.22             2.61
18.751%-19.000%..............................          63              5,135,561.56             3.92
19.001%-19.250%..............................          35              3,174,940.16             2.42
19.251%-19.500%..............................          17              1,567,166.15             1.20
19.501%-19.750%..............................          15              1,117,747.04             0.85
19.751%-20.000%..............................          10                886,601.18             0.68
20.001%-20.250%..............................           5                159,055.29             0.12
20.251%-20.500%..............................           2                 93,526.56             0.07
20.501%-20.750%..............................           4                302,495.07             0.23
20.751%-21.000%..............................           5                199,395.48             0.15
21.001%-21.250%..............................           1                 28,494.83             0.02
21.251%-21.500%..............................           1                 15,425.00             0.01
21.501%-21.750%..............................           2                150,293.38             0.11
21.751%-22.000%..............................           1                 39,000.00             0.03
24.751%-25.000%..............................           1                 52,806.87             0.04
                                                   ------          ----------------           ------
          Total..............................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
                                                   ======          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-38
<PAGE>   41
 
                                 LIFETIME FLOOR
                                  LOAN GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CUT-OFF DATE          % OF CUT-OFF
                                                 NUMBER OF          LOAN GROUP 2            DATE LOAN
                                                  INITIAL              INITIAL           GROUP 2 INITIAL
               LIFETIME FLOOR                  MORTGAGE LOANS     PRINCIPAL BALANCE     PRINCIPAL BALANCE
- ---------------------------------------------  --------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                   <C>
 0.000%- 1.000%..............................          10          $   1,199,500.08             0.92%
 5.001%- 5.250%..............................           1                117,932.11             0.09
 5.251%- 5.500%..............................           8                714,940.31             0.55
 5.501%- 5.750%..............................           1                151,300.00             0.12
 5.751%- 6.000%..............................           1                 45,000.00             0.03
 7.251%- 7.500%..............................           3                473,573.74             0.36
 7.501%- 7.750%..............................           5                484,246.00             0.37
 7.751%- 8.000%..............................           6                571,832.29             0.44
 8.001%- 8.250%..............................          18              1,611,958.24             1.23
 8.251%- 8.500%..............................          25              2,550,359.52             1.95
 8.501%- 8.750%..............................          39              4,036,935.90             3.08
 8.751%- 9.000%..............................          59              6,211,252.21             4.74
 9.001%- 9.250%..............................          41              4,030,934.95             3.08
 9.251%- 9.500%..............................          90              9,228,870.89             7.04
 9.501%- 9.750%..............................         111             12,373,679.80             9.45
 9.751%-10.000%..............................         127             12,537,857.49             9.57
10.001%-10.250%..............................         153             14,258,739.71            10.88
10.251%-10.500%..............................         114             12,195,417.18             9.31
10.501%-10.750%..............................          94              9,843,574.57             7.51
10.751%-11.000%..............................          86              8,056,593.53             6.15
11.001%-11.250%..............................          81              7,519,325.14             5.74
11.251%-11.500%..............................          75              6,226,310.48             4.75
11.501%-11.750%..............................          45              3,596,777.88             2.75
11.751%-12.000%..............................          64              5,086,405.35             3.88
12.001%-12.250%..............................          34              3,120,643.62             2.38
12.251%-12.500%..............................          16              1,627,275.57             1.24
12.501%-12.750%..............................          13                996,427.68             0.76
12.751%-13.000%..............................          10              1,091,421.06             0.83
13.001%-13.250%..............................           5                159,055.29             0.12
13.251%-13.500%..............................           2                 93,526.56             0.07
13.501%-13.750%..............................           4                302,495.07             0.23
13.751%-14.000%..............................           6                252,625.86             0.19
14.001%-14.250%..............................           1                 28,494.83             0.02
14.251%-14.500%..............................           1                 15,425.00             0.01
14.501%-14.750%..............................           2                150,293.38             0.11
14.751%-15.000%..............................           1                 39,000.00             0.03
                                                   ------          ----------------           ------
          Total..............................       1,352          $ 131,000,001.29           100.00%
                                                   ======          ================           ======
</TABLE>
 
CONVEYANCE OF SUBSEQUENT MORTGAGE LOANS
 
     The Agreement permits the Trust to acquire up to approximately
$11,631,957.84 and $27,999,998.71 aggregate principal balance of Subsequent
Mortgage Loans for Loan Group 1 and Loan Group 2, respectively. Accordingly, the
statistical characteristics of the Mortgage Loans in the Trust will vary as of
the Closing Date upon the acquisition of Subsequent Mortgage Loans.
 
                                      S-39
<PAGE>   42
 
     The obligation of the Trust to purchase Subsequent Mortgage Loans on the
Closing Date is subject to the following requirements, any of which requirements
may be waived or modified in any respect by the Certificate Insurer: (i) such
Subsequent Mortgage Loan may not be 30 or more days contractually delinquent as
of the related Cut-Off Date; (ii) the remaining term to stated maturity of such
Subsequent Mortgage Loan will not exceed 30 years for fully amortizing loans or
15 years for "Balloon Loans" in Loan Group 1; (iii) such Subsequent Mortgage
Loan will be secured by a Mortgage in a first or second lien position; (iv) such
Subsequent Mortgage Loan will not have a Loan Rate less than 8.55% for Group I
and 7.35% for Group II; (v) such Subsequent Mortgage Loan will be otherwise
acceptable to the Certificate Insurer; (vi) such Subsequent Mortgage Loan shall
be secured by a mortgage on property which, at the time of the origination of
such Subsequent Mortgage Loan, has an appraised value of not more than
$1,000,000; (vii) following the purchase of such Subsequent Mortgage Loan by the
Trust for Loan Group 1, the Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 1 (including such
Subsequent Mortgage Loan) as of the Closing Date: (a) will have a weighted
average Loan Rate of at least 11.48%; (b) will have a weighted average remaining
term to stated maturity of less than 211 months; (c) will have a weighted
average CLTV of not more than 75%; (d) will not have more than 43% by aggregate
principal balance "Balloon Loans"; (e) will have no Mortgage Loan with a
principal balance in excess of $650,000; (f) will have a state concentration not
in excess of 22% for any one state; (g) will have no more than 9% Mortgage Loans
relating to non-owner occupied properties; and (h) will not include Mortgage
Loans in excess of 26% by aggregate principal balance secured by Mortgages in a
second lien position; and (viii) following the purchase of such Subsequent
Mortgage Loan by the Trust for Loan Group 2, the Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 2
(including such Subsequent Mortgage Loan) as of the Closing Date; (a) will have
a weighted average Loan Rate of at least 10.38%; (b) will have a weighted
average remaining term to stated maturity of less than 360 months; (c) will have
a weighted average combined loan-to-value ratio of not more than 78.1%; (d) will
have no Mortgage Loan with a principal balance in excess of $715,000; (e) will
have a state concentration not in excess of 17% for any one state; (f) will have
no more than 6.5% Mortgage Loans relating to non-owner occupied properties and
(g) will not have more than 4.5% of the related Mortgage Loans secured by a
Mortgage in a junior lien position.
 
                      PREPAYMENT AND YIELD CONSIDERATIONS
 
GENERAL
 
     The rate of principal payments on the Offered Certificates of each Class,
the aggregate amount of distributions on the Offered Certificates and the yield
to maturity of the Offered Certificates will be related to the rate and timing
of payments of principal on the Mortgage Loans in the related Loan Group. The
rate of principal payments on the Mortgage Loans will in turn be affected by the
amortization schedules of the Mortgage Loans and by the rate of principal
prepayments (including for this purpose prepayments resulting from refinancing,
liquidations of the Mortgage Loans due to defaults, casualties, condemnations
and repurchases by the Seller). The Mortgage Loans may be prepaid by the
Mortgagors at any time. However, approximately 64.60% of the Initial Mortgage
Loans (by Cut-Off Date Initial Pool Principal Balance) are subject to prepayment
penalties which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
 
THE CLASS A-5 CERTIFICATES
 
     The yield to investors in the Class A-5 Certificates will be sensitive to,
among other things, the level of the Loan Index and the Certificate Index. As
described herein, the Certificate Rate for the Class A-5 Certificates may in no
event exceed the lesser of the Class A-5 Formula Rate and the Net Funds Cap,
which depends, in large part, on the Loan Rates in effect during the preceding
calendar month. Although each of the Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 2 bears
interest at an adjustable rate after an Initial Period, such rate is subject to
a Periodic Rate Cap and a Lifetime Cap. If the Loan Index changes substantially
between Change Dates, the adjusted Loan Rate on the related Mortgage Loan may
not equal the Loan Index plus the related Gross Margin due to the constraint of
such caps. In such event, the related Loan Rate will be less than would have
been the case in the absence of such caps. In addition, the Loan Rate applicable
to any Change Date will be based on the Loan Index most recently announced as of
the first business day of the month immediately
 
                                      S-40
<PAGE>   43
 
preceding the month of the applicable Change Date. Thus, if the value of the
Loan Index with respect to a Mortgage Loan rises, the lag in time before the
corresponding Loan Rate increases will, all other things being equal, slow the
upward adjustment of the Net Funds Cap. Furthermore, Mortgage Loans that have
not reached their first Change Date are more likely to be subject to the
Periodic Rate Cap on their first Change Date. See "DESCRIPTION OF THE MORTGAGE
LOANS" herein.
 
     Although the Loan Rates on the Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 2 are subject
to adjustment after an Initial Period, the Loan Rates adjust less frequently
than the Certificate Rate and adjust by reference to the Loan Index. Changes in
the Certificate Index may not correlate with changes in the Loan Index and may
not correlate with prevailing interest rates. It is possible that an increased
level of Certificate Index could occur simultaneously with a lower level of
prevailing interest rates, which would be expected to result in faster
prepayments, thereby reducing the weighted average life of the Class A-5
Certificates.
 
PREPAYMENT CONSIDERATIONS
 
     Prepayments, liquidations and purchases of the Mortgage Loans in a Loan
Group (including any optional purchase by the Seller of the remaining Mortgage
Loans in connection with the termination of the Trust and any payment under the
Policy of the Class A Principal Balance on the Final Distribution Date for the
related Class) will result in distributions on the related Offered Certificates
of principal amounts which would otherwise be distributed over the remaining
terms of such Mortgage Loans. Since the rate of payment of principal of the
Mortgage Loans will depend on future events and a variety of factors, no
assurance can be given as to such rate or the rate of principal prepayments. The
extent to which the yield to maturity of an Offered Certificate may vary from
the anticipated yield will depend upon the degree to which a Certificate is
purchased at a discount or premium, and the degree to which the timing of
payments thereon is sensitive to prepayments, liquidations and purchases of such
Mortgage Loans.
 
     The rate of prepayment on the Mortgage Loans cannot be predicted. Home
equity loans such as the Mortgage Loans have been originated in significant
volume only during the past few years and Provident is not aware of any publicly
available studies or statistics on the rate of prepayment of such Mortgage
Loans. Generally, home equity loans are not viewed by borrowers as permanent
financing. Accordingly, the Mortgage Loans may experience a higher rate of
prepayment than purchase money first mortgage loans. The prepayment experience
of the Trust with respect to the Mortgage Loans may be affected by a wide
variety of factors, including economic conditions, prevailing interest rate
levels, the availability of alternative financing and homeowner mobility and
changes affecting the deductibility for Federal income tax purposes of interest
payments on home equity loans. All of the Mortgage Loans contain "due-on-sale"
provisions, and, with respect to the Mortgage Loans, the Master Servicer is
required by the Agreement to enforce such provisions, unless such enforcement is
not permitted by applicable law. The enforcement of a "due-on-sale" provision
will have the same effect as a prepayment of the related Mortgage Loan. See
"CERTAIN LEGAL ASPECTS OF LOANS -- Due-on-Sale Clauses in Mortgage Loans" in the
Prospectus.
 
     As with fixed rate obligations generally, the rate of prepayment on a pool
of mortgage loans with fixed rates such as the Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 1 is
affected by prevailing market rates for mortgage loans of a comparable term and
risk level. When the market interest rate is below the interest rate on a
mortgage loan, mortgagors may have an increased incentive to refinance their
mortgage loans. Depending on prevailing market rates, the future outlook for
market rates and economic conditions generally, some mortgagors may sell or
refinance mortgaged properties in order to realize their equity in the mortgaged
properties, to meet cash flow needs or to make other investments.
 
     All of the Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 2 are adjustable-rate mortgage
loans. As is the case with conventional fixed rate mortgage loans, adjustable
rate mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in
a declining interest rate environment. For example, if prevailing interest rates
fall significantly, adjustable rate mortgage loans could be subject to higher
prepayment rates than if prevailing interest rates remain constant because the
availability of fixed rate mortgage loans at competitive interest rates may
encourage mortgagors to refinance their adjustable rate mortgage loans to "lock
in" a lower fixed interest rate. The existence of the applicable Periodic Cap,
Lifetime Cap and Lifetime Floor also may affect the
 
                                      S-41
<PAGE>   44
 
likelihood of prepayments. In addition, the delinquency and loss experience of
the adjustable rate Mortgage Loans may differ from that of the fixed rate
Mortgage Loans because the amount of the Monthly Payments on the adjustable rate
Mortgage Loans are subject to adjustment on each Change Date. If such different
experience were to occur, the prepayment experience on the Group 2 Certificates
may differ from that on the Group 1 Certificates. However, no assurance can be
given as to the level of prepayments that the Mortgage Loans will experience.
 
     In addition to the foregoing factors affecting the weighted average life of
the Offered Certificates, the use of Excess Spread to pay principal of the
Offered Certificates to the extent required by the Agreement will result in the
acceleration of the Class A Certificates, as applicable, relative to the
amortization of the Mortgage Loans in the related Loan Group in the early months
of the transaction and may accelerate the first date on which each other Class
of Group 1 Certificates will begin to receive distributions of principal. This
acceleration feature creates overcollateralization which results from the excess
of the aggregate Principal Balance of Mortgage Loans in a Loan Group over the
Aggregate Class A Principal Balance of the related Certificate Group. Once the
required level of overcollateralization for a Certificate Group is reached, the
acceleration feature for such Certificate Group will cease, unless necessary to
maintain the required level of overcollateralization for such Certificate Group.
See "Description of the Certificates -- Overcollateralization Provisions" and
"-- Crosscollateralization."
 
PAYMENT DELAY FEATURE OF GROUP 1 CERTIFICATES
 
     The effective yield to the Certificateholders of the Group 1 Certificates
will be lower than the yield otherwise produced by the Certificate Rate for each
such Class and the purchase price of such Certificates because distributions
will not be payable to the Certificateholders until the 25th day of the month
following the month of accrual (without any additional distribution of interest
or earnings thereon in respect of such delay).
 
MANDATORY PREPAYMENT
 
     On the Closing Date, it is expected that approximately $11,631,957.84 and
$27,999,998.71 of Subsequent Mortgage Loans will be transferred to the Trust for
Loan Group 1 and Loan Group 2, respectively. In the event that less than such
amounts of Subsequent Mortgage Loans are transferred to the trust for a Loan
Group, the holders of Certificates of the related Certificate Group then
entitled to distribution of principal will receive on the first Distribution
Date, an additional distribution allocable to principal in an amount equal to
the excess of (i) $11,631,957.84 in the case of Loan Group 1 and $27,999,998.71
in the case of Loan Group 2 over (ii) the aggregate Cut-Off Date Principal
Balances of the related Subsequent Mortgage Loans for such Loan Group. Although
no assurances can be given, Provident intends that the principal amount of
Mortgage Loans in each Loan Group in the Trust on the Closing Date will
substantially equal the related Aggregate Class A Principal Balance.
Accordingly, there should be no material principal prepayment to the
Certificateholders due to a lack of Subsequent Mortgage Loans.
 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIVES
 
     Generally, greater than anticipated prepayments of principal will increase
the yield on Offered Certificates purchased at a price less than par and will
decrease the yield on Offered Certificates purchased at a price greater than
par. The effect on an investor's yield due to principal prepayments on the
Mortgage Loans occurring at a rate that is faster (or slower) than the rate
anticipated by the investor in the period immediately following the issuance of
the Certificates will not be entirely offset by a subsequent like reduction (or
increase) in the rate of principal payments. The weighted average life of the
Offered Certificates will also be affected by the amount and timing of
delinquencies and defaults on the Mortgage Loans and the recoveries, if any, on
defaulted Mortgage Loans and foreclosed properties.
 
     The "weighted average life" of a Certificate refers to the average amount
of time that will elapse from the date of issuance to the date each dollar in
respect of principal of such Certificate is repaid. The weighted average life of
any Class of the Class A Certificates will be influenced by, among other
factors, the rate at
 
                                      S-42
<PAGE>   45
 
which principal payments are made on the Mortgage Loans, including, with respect
to the Group 1 Certificates, final payments made upon the maturity of Balloon
Loans.
 
     Prepayments on Mortgage Loans are commonly measured relative to a
prepayment standard or model. The model used in this Prospectus Supplement is
the prepayment assumption, which represents an assumed rate of prepayment each
month relative to the then outstanding principal balance of the pool of mortgage
loans for the life of such mortgage loans. A 100% prepayment assumption (the
"Prepayment Assumption") assumes a conditional prepayment rate ("CPR") of 4% per
annum of the outstanding principal balance of such mortgage loans in the first
month of the life of the mortgage loans and an additional 1.45% (precisely
16/11) (expressed as a percentage per annum) in each month thereafter until the
twelfth month; beginning in the twelfth month and in each month thereafter
during the life of the mortgage loans, a conditional prepayment rate of 20% per
annum each month is assumed. As used in the table below, 0% Prepayment
Assumption assumes a conditional prepayment rate equal to 0% of the Prepayment
Assumption, i.e., no prepayments. Correspondingly, 115% Prepayment Assumption
assumes prepayment rates equal to 115% of the Prepayment Assumption, and so
forth. The Prepayment Assumption does not purport to be a historical description
of prepayment experience or a prediction of the anticipated rate of prepayment
of any pool of mortgage loans, including the Mortgage Loans. Provident believes
that no existing statistics of which it is aware provide a reliable basis for
holders of Offered Certificates to predict the amount or the timing of receipt
of prepayments on the Mortgage Loans.
 
     Since the tables were prepared on the basis of the assumptions in the
following paragraph, there are discrepancies between characteristics of the
actual Mortgage Loans and the characteristics of the Mortgage Loans assumed in
preparing the tables. Any such discrepancy may have an effect upon the
percentages of the Principal Balances outstanding and weighted average lives of
the Offered Certificates set forth in the tables. In addition, since the actual
Mortgage Loans in the Trust have characteristics which differ from those assumed
in preparing the tables set forth below, the distributions of principal on the
Offered Certificates may be made earlier or later than as indicated in the
tables.
 
     For the purpose of the tables below, it is assumed that: (i) the Mortgage
Loans consist of pools of loans with the level-pay and balloon amortization
characteristics set forth below, (ii) the amount of interest accrued on the
Mortgage Loans is reduced by amounts sufficient to pay servicing fees, trustee
fees and insurance premiums, (iii) the Closing Date for the Class A Certificates
is June 26, 1997, (iv) distributions on the Class A Certificates are made on the
25th day of each month regardless of the day on which the Distribution Date
actually occurs, commencing in July 1997 and are made in accordance with the
priorities described herein, (v) the scheduled monthly payments of principal and
interest on the Mortgage Loans will be timely delivered on the last day of each
month (with no defaults), commencing in June 1997, (vi) the Mortgage Loans'
prepayment rates are a multiple of the Prepayment Assumption, (vii) all
prepayments are prepayments in full received on the last day of each month
(commencing June 1997) and include 30 days' interest thereon, (viii) no optional
termination is exercised, (ix) each Class of Class A Certificates has the
respective Certificate Rate and initial Class A Principal Balance as set forth
herein, (x) the overcollateralization levels are set initially as specified in
the Agreement, and thereafter decrease in accordance with the provisions of the
Agreement, (xi) the Loan Index for each Due Period will be 5.9375%, (xii) the
Certificate Index for each Interest Period will be 5.6875%, (xiii) the Loan Rate
for each Mortgage Loan in Loan Group 2 is adjusted on its next Change Date (and
on subsequent Change Dates, if necessary) to equal the sum of (a) the assumed
level of the Loan Index and (b) the respective Gross Margin (such sum being
subject to the applicable caps and floors); (xiv) the Policy covers the
remaining Class A Principal Balance on the Final Distribution Date
 
                                      S-43
<PAGE>   46
 
for the related Class with respect to each Class of Class A Certificates and
(xv) the maximum amount of Subsequent Mortgage Loans is purchased by the Trust
on the Closing Date.
 
                                    GROUP 1
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                ORIGINAL        ORIGINAL        REMAINING
                              AMORTIZATION       TERM TO         TERM TO
  PRINCIPAL        LOAN           TERM          MATURITY        MATURITY       AMORTIZATION
 BALANCE($)       RATE(%)     (IN MONTHS)      (IN MONTHS)     (IN MONTHS)     METHODOLOGY
- -------------     -------     ------------     -----------     -----------     ------------
<S>               <C>         <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>
30,706,234.43      11.765          360             180             179             Balloon
25,588,263.44      11.176          175             175             174           Level Pay
 4,233,476.45      11.773          240             240             239           Level Pay
 9,472,025.68      11.358          360             360             359           Level Pay
</TABLE>
 
                                    GROUP 2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 ORIGINAL        REMAINING
                  CURRENT        NEXT                                                             TERM TO         TERM TO
  PRINCIPAL        LOAN         CHANGE         GROSS       LIFETIME    LIFETIME    PERIODIC      MATURITY        MATURITY
 BALANCE($)       RATE(%)        DATE        MARGIN(%)     CAP(%)      FLOOR(%)     CAP(%)      (IN MONTHS)     (IN MONTHS)
- -------------     -------     ----------     ---------     -------     -------     --------     -----------     -----------
<S>               <C>         <C>            <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>             <C>
 2,174,794.78      10.009     08/01/1997        6.283       16.693       9.693       1.135          360             355
 7,108,171.35      10.819     09/01/1997        7.192       17.320      10.546       1.105          360             356
22,465,829.73       9.679     10/01/1997        6.319       16.620       9.312       1.043          360             358
26,589,111.91       9.909     11/01/1997        6.222       16.726       9.676       1.015          360             359
 7,822,930.14      10.571     03/01/1999        5.935       17.498      10.571       1.066          360             357
 8,002,189.15      11.076     05/01/1999        6.337       18.012      10.946       1.056          360             358
 2,734,133.15      11.560     09/01/1999        6.001       18.304      11.560       1.186          360             352
 3,592,172.35      11.114     03/01/2000        6.119       18.131      10.182       1.119          360             358
23,601,518.41      10.585     04/01/2000        5.816       17.572      10.519       1.060          360             359
33,470,489.53      10.457     05/01/2000        5.765       17.458      10.366       1.015          360             360
16,913,086.77      10.345     06/01/2000        5.848       17.345      10.264       1.003          360             360
 1,472,294.37      10.946     10/01/2000        6.121       18.274      10.946       1.184          360             348
 3,053,278.37      10.267     05/01/2002        5.433       17.267      10.267       1.000          360             360
</TABLE>
 
     Subject to the foregoing discussion and assumptions, the following table
indicates the weighted average life of each Class of Class A Certificates, and
sets forth the percentages of the initial Class A Principal Balance of each such
Class of Class A Certificates that would be outstanding after each of the dates
shown at various percentages of Prepayment Assumption.
 
                                      S-44
<PAGE>   47
 
            PERCENT OF INITIAL CLASS A PRINCIPAL BALANCE OUTSTANDING
           AT THE FOLLOWING PERCENTAGES OF THE PREPAYMENT ASSUMPTION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               CLASS A-1                                 CLASS A-2
                                 -------------------------------------     --------------------------------------
      DISTRIBUTION DATE          0%    50%   100%   115%   150%   200%      0%    50%   100%   115%   150%   200%
- -----------------------------    ---   ---   ----   ----   ----   ----     ----   ---   ----   ----   ----   ----
<S>                              <C>   <C>   <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>   <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Initial Percentage...........    100   100   100    100    100    100       100   100   100    100    100    100
June 25, 1998................     90    74    57     52     40     23       100   100   100    100    100    100
June 25, 1999................     86    47    11      1      0      0       100   100   100    100     70     28
June 25, 2000................     82    24     0      0      0      0       100   100    65     48     12      0
June 25, 2001................     77     2     0      0      0      0       100   100    26      8      0      0
June 25, 2002................     72     0     0      0      0      0       100    76     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2003................     66     0     0      0      0      0       100    52     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2004................     59     0     0      0      0      0       100    31     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2005................     51     0     0      0      0      0       100    12     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2006................     43     0     0      0      0      0       100     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2007................     33     0     0      0      0      0       100     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2008................     23     0     0      0      0      0       100     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2009................     11     0     0      0      0      0       100     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2010................      0     0     0      0      0      0        96     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2011................      0     0     0      0      0      0        75     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2012................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2013................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2014................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2015................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2016................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2017................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2018................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2019................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2020................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2021................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2022................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2023................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2024................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2025................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2026................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2027................      0     0     0      0      0      0         0     0     0      0      0      0
Weighted Average Life to
  Maturity (years)*..........    7.5   2.0   1.2    1.1    0.9    0.7      14.5   6.2   3.5    3.0    2.4    1.8
Weighted Average Life to Call
  (years)*...................    7.5   2.0   1.2    1.1    0.9    0.7      14.5   6.2   3.5    3.0    2.4    1.8
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
* The weighted average life of a Certificate of any class is determined by (i)
  multiplying the amount of each distribution in reduction of the related Class
  A Principal Balance by the number of years from the date of issuance of the
  Certificate to the related Distribution Date, (ii) adding the results, and
  (iii) dividing the sum by the original principal balance of the Certificates.
 
                                      S-45
<PAGE>   48
 
            PERCENT OF INITIAL CLASS A PRINCIPAL BALANCE OUTSTANDING
           AT THE FOLLOWING PERCENTAGES OF THE PREPAYMENT ASSUMPTION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               CLASS A-3                                   CLASS A-4
                                ---------------------------------------     ---------------------------------------
     DISTRIBUTION DATE           0%    50%    100%   115%   150%   200%      0%    50%    100%   115%   150%   200%
- ----------------------------    ----   ----   ----   ----   ----   ----     ----   ----   ----   ----   ----   ----
<S>                             <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Initial Percentage..........     100    100   100    100    100    100       100    100   100    100    100    100
June 25, 1998...............     100    100   100    100    100    100       100    100   100    100    100    100
June 25, 1999...............     100    100   100    100    100    100       100    100   100    100    100    100
June 25, 2000...............     100    100   100    100    100     44       100    100   100    100    100    100
June 25, 2001...............     100    100   100    100     48      0       100    100   100    100    100     81
June 25, 2002...............     100    100    92     58      0      0       100    100   100    100     96     47
June 25, 2003...............     100    100    45     14      0      0       100    100   100    100     66     26
June 25, 2004...............     100    100     9      0      0      0       100    100   100     84     44     14
June 25, 2005...............     100    100     0      0      0      0       100    100    83     62     29      7
June 25, 2006...............     100     90     0      0      0      0       100    100    64     45     18      3
June 25, 2007...............     100     60     0      0      0      0       100    100    48     33     11      0
June 25, 2008...............     100     33     0      0      0      0       100    100    36     23      6      0
June 25, 2009...............     100      9     0      0      0      0       100    100    26     16      3      0
June 25, 2010...............     100      0     0      0      0      0       100     90    18     10      1      0
June 25, 2011...............     100      0     0      0      0      0       100     73    12      6      0      0
June 25, 2012...............       0      0     0      0      0      0        79     15     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2013...............       0      0     0      0      0      0        75     12     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2014...............       0      0     0      0      0      0        70     10     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2015...............       0      0     0      0      0      0        65      8     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2016...............       0      0     0      0      0      0        58      6     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2017...............       0      0     0      0      0      0        52      4     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2018...............       0      0     0      0      0      0        49      3     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2019...............       0      0     0      0      0      0        45      2     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2020...............       0      0     0      0      0      0        41      1     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2021...............       0      0     0      0      0      0        37      0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2022...............       0      0     0      0      0      0        32      0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2023...............       0      0     0      0      0      0        26      0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2024...............       0      0     0      0      0      0        20      0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2025...............       0      0     0      0      0      0        13      0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2026...............       0      0     0      0      0      0         5      0     0      0      0      0
June 25, 2027...............       0      0     0      0      0      0         0      0     0      0      0      0
Weighted Average Life to
  Maturity (years)*.........    14.9   10.5   6.0    5.2    4.0    3.0      21.3   15.0   10.5   9.3    7.3    5.3
Weighted Average Life to
  Call (years)*.............    14.9   10.5   6.0    5.2    4.0    3.0      21.3   14.9   10.2   8.8    6.9    5.0
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
* The weighted average life of a Certificate of any class is determined by (i)
  multiplying the amount of each distribution in reduction of the related Class
  A Principal Balance by the number of years from the date of issuance of the
  Certificate to the related Distribution Date, (ii) adding the results, and
  (iii) dividing the sum by the original principal balance of the Certificates.
 
                                      S-46
<PAGE>   49
 
            PERCENT OF INITIAL CLASS A PRINCIPAL BALANCE OUTSTANDING
           AT THE FOLLOWING PERCENTAGES OF THE PREPAYMENT ASSUMPTION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          CLASS A-5
                        ---------------------------------------------
 DISTRIBUTION DATE       0%      50%    100%    125%    150%    200%
- --------------------    -----   -----   -----   -----   -----   -----
<S>                     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Initial
  Percentage........      100     100     100     100     100     100
June 25, 1998.......       96      89      82      78      75      68
June 25, 1999.......       95      79      64      57      51      39
June 25, 2000.......       94      70      50      42      35      24
June 25, 2001.......       94      63      40      31      24      14
June 25, 2002.......       93      55      32      23      17       8
June 25, 2003.......       93      49      25      17      12       5
June 25, 2004.......       92      44      20      13       8       3
June 25, 2005.......       91      39      16      10       6       1
June 25, 2006.......       90      35      13       7       4       1
June 25, 2007.......       89      31      10       5       2       0
June 25, 2008.......       88      27       8       4       2       0
June 25, 2009.......       86      24       6       3       1       0
June 25, 2010.......       85      22       5       2       0       0
June 25, 2011.......       83      19       4       1       0       0
June 25, 2012.......       81      17       3       1       0       0
June 25, 2013.......       79      15       2       0       0       0
June 25, 2014.......       77      13       1       0       0       0
June 25, 2015.......       74      11       1       0       0       0
June 25, 2016.......       71      10       1       0       0       0
June 25, 2017.......       67       8       0       0       0       0
June 25, 2018.......       63       7       0       0       0       0
June 25, 2019.......       59       6       0       0       0       0
June 25, 2020.......       53       5       0       0       0       0
June 25, 2021.......       48       4       0       0       0       0
June 25, 2022.......       42       3       0       0       0       0
June 25, 2023.......       35       2       0       0       0       0
June 25, 2024.......       27       1       0       0       0       0
June 25, 2025.......       19       1       0       0       0       0
June 25, 2026.......        9       0       0       0       0       0
June 25, 2027.......        0       0       0       0       0       0
Weighted Average
  Life to Maturity
  (years)*..........     21.3     8.0     4.4     3.5     2.9     2.2
Weighted Average
  Life to Call
  (years)*..........     21.3     7.8     4.2     3.4     2.8     2.1
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
* The weighted average life of a Certificate of any class is determined by (i)
  multiplying the amount of each distribution in reduction of the related Class
  A Principal Balance by the number of years from the date of issuance of the
  Certificate to the related Distribution Date, (ii) adding the results, and
  (iii) dividing the sum by the original principal balance of the Certificates.
 
     These tables have been prepared based on the assumptions described above
(including the assumptions regarding the characteristics and performance of the
Mortgage Loans, which differ from the actual characteristics and performance
thereof) and should be read in conjunction therewith.
 
                                      S-47
<PAGE>   50
 
                        DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES
 
     The Certificates will be issued pursuant to the Agreement. The form of the
Agreement has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which
this Prospectus Supplement and the Prospectus are a part. The following
summaries describe certain provisions of the Agreement. The summaries do not
purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety
by reference to, all of the provisions of the Agreement. Wherever particular
sections or defined terms of the Agreement are referred to, such sections or
defined terms are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
 
GENERAL
 
     The Class A Certificates will be issued in five Classes, Class A-1
Certificates (the "Class A-1 Certificates"), Class A-2 Certificates (the "Class
A-2 Certificates"), Class A-3 Certificates (the "Class A-3 Certificates"), Class
A-4 Certificates (the "Class A-4 Certificates") and Class A-5 Certificates (the
"Class A-5 Certificates"). Only the Class A Certificates (the "Offered
Certificates") are being offered hereby. Each Class of Offered Certificates
represents the right to receive payments of interest at the Certificate Rate for
such Class and payments of principal as described below.
 
     The Offered Certificates will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and
multiples of $1 in excess thereof and will evidence specified undivided
interests in the Trust. The property of the Trust will consist of, to the extent
provided in the Agreement: (i) the Mortgage Loans; (ii) payments on the Mortgage
Loans received on and after the Cut-Off Date (exclusive of (i) certain payments
in respect of interest accrued on the Mortgage Loans during May 1997 as
described in the Agreement and (ii) payments in respect of interest on the
delinquent Mortgage Loans due prior to the Cut-Off Date and received
thereafter); (iii) Mortgaged Properties relating to the Mortgage Loans that are
acquired by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure; (iv) the Collection
Account, the Distribution Account, the Initial Interest Coverage Account and the
Funding Account and funds on deposit therein (excluding net earnings thereon);
and (v) rights under certain hazard insurance policies covering the Mortgaged
Properties. In addition, Provident has caused the Certificate Insurer to issue
an irrevocable and unconditional certificate guaranty insurance policy (the
"Policy") for the benefit of the holders of the Class A Certificates, pursuant
to which the Certificate Insurer will guarantee payments to such
Certificateholders as described herein. Definitive Certificates (as defined
below) will be transferable and exchangeable at the corporate trust office of
the Trustee, which will initially act as Certificate Registrar. See
"-- Book-Entry Certificates" below. No service charge will be made for any
registration of exchange or transfer of Certificates, but the Trustee may
require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental
charge.
 
     Each Mortgage Loan in the Trust will be assigned to one of two mortgage
loan groups ("Loan Group 1" and "Loan Group 2", respectively, and each a "Loan
Group"). The Class A Certificates will be divided into two groups (each, a
"Certificate Group"). The Class A-1, Class A-2, Class A-3 and Class A-4
Certificates (the "Group 1 Certificates") will represent undivided ownership
interests in the Mortgage Loans assigned to Loan Group 1, all collections
thereon (exclusive of (i) certain payments in respect of interest accrued on
such Mortgage Loans during May 1997 as described in the Agreement and (ii)
payments in respect of interest on the delinquent Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 1
due prior to the Cut-Off Date and received thereafter) and the proceeds thereof.
The Class A-5 Certificates (the "Group 2 Certificates") will represent undivided
ownership interests in the Mortgage Loans assigned to Loan Group 2, all
collections thereon (exclusive of payments in respect of (i) certain payments in
respect of interest accrued on such Mortgage Loans during May 1997 as described
in the Agreement and (ii) interest on the delinquent Mortgage Loans in Loan
Group 2 due prior to the Cut-Off Date and received thereafter) and the proceeds
thereof. The principal amount of a Class of Class A Certificates (each, a "Class
A Principal Balance") on any Distribution Date is equal to the applicable Class
A Principal Balance on the Closing Date minus the aggregate of amounts actually
distributed as principal to the holders of such Class of Class A Certificates.
On any date, the "Aggregate Class A Principal Balance" is, with respect to the
Group 1 Certificates, the aggregate of the Class Principal Balances of the Group
1 Certificate and with respect to the Group 2 Certificates, the Class Principal
Balance of the Class A-5 Certificates on such date.
 
                                      S-48
<PAGE>   51
 
     The Person in whose name a Certificate is registered as such in the
Certificate Register is referred to herein as a "Certificateholder."
 
     The "Percentage Interest" of a Class A Certificate as of any date of
determination will be equal to the percentage obtained by dividing the
denomination of such Certificate by the Class A Principal Balance for the
related Class as of the Cut-Off Date.
 
     The Certificates will not be listed on any securities exchange.
 
BOOK-ENTRY CERTIFICATES
 
     The Offered Certificates will be book-entry Certificates (the "Book-Entry
Certificates"). Persons acquiring beneficial ownership interests in the Offered
Certificates ("Certificate Owners") will hold their Offered Certificates through
The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") in the United States, or CEDEL or Euroclear
(in Europe) if they are participants of such systems, or indirectly through
organizations which are participants in such systems. The Book-Entry
Certificates will be issued in one or more certificates which equal the
aggregate principal balance of the Offered Certificates and will initially be
registered in the name of Cede, the nominee of DTC. CEDEL and Euroclear will
hold omnibus positions on behalf of their participants through customers'
securities accounts in CEDEL's and Euroclear's names on the books of their
respective depositaries which in turn will hold such positions in customers'
securities accounts in the depositaries' names on the books of DTC. Citibank
will act as depositary for CEDEL and Chase will act as depositary for Euroclear
(in such capacities, individually the "Relevant Depositary" and collectively the
"European Depositaries"). Investors may hold such beneficial interests in the
Book-Entry Certificates in minimum denominations representing Certificate
Principal Balances of $1,000 and in multiples of $1 in excess thereof. Except as
described below, no person acquiring a Book-Entry Certificate (each, a
"beneficial owner") will be entitled to receive a physical certificate
representing such Certificate (a "Definitive Certificate"). Unless and until
Definitive Certificates are issued, it is anticipated that the only
"Certificateholder" of the Offered Certificates will be Cede, as nominee of DTC.
Certificate Owners will not be Certificateholders as that term is used in the
Agreement. Certificate Owners are only permitted to exercise their rights
indirectly through Participants and DTC.
 
     The beneficial owner's ownership of a Book-Entry Certificate will be
recorded on the records of the brokerage firm, bank, thrift institution or other
financial intermediary (each, a "Financial Intermediary") that maintains the
beneficial owner's account for such purpose. In turn, the Financial
Intermediary's ownership of such Book-Entry Certificate will be recorded on the
records of DTC (such Financial Intermediary is referred to herein as a
"Participant") (or of a participating firm that acts as agent for the Financial
Intermediary, whose interest will in turn be recorded on the records of DTC, if
the beneficial owner's Financial Intermediary is not a DTC participant (such
Financial Intermediary is referred to herein as an "Indirect Participant"), and
on the records of CEDEL or Euroclear, as appropriate).
 
     Certificate Owners will receive all distributions of principal of, and
interest on, the Offered Certificates from the Trustee through DTC and DTC
Participants. While the Offered Certificates are outstanding (except under the
circumstances described below), under the rules, regulations and procedures
creating and affecting DTC and its operations (the "Rules"), DTC is required to
make book-entry transfers among Participants on whose behalf it acts with
respect to the Offered Certificates and is required to receive and transmit
distributions of principal of, and interest on, the Offered Certificates.
Participants and Indirect Participants with whom Certificate Owners have
accounts with respect to Offered Certificates are similarly required to make
book-entry transfers and receive and transmit such distributions on behalf of
their respective Certificate Owners. Accordingly, although Certificate Owners
will not possess certificates, the Rules provide a mechanism by which
Certificate Owners will receive distributions and will be able to transfer their
interest.
 
     Certificate Owners will not receive or be entitled to receive certificates
representing their respective interests in the Offered Certificates, except
under the limited circumstances described below. Unless and until Definitive
Certificates are issued, Certificate Owners who are not Participants may
transfer ownership of Offered Certificates only through Participants and
Indirect Participants by instructing such Participants and Indirect Participants
to transfer Offered Certificates, by book-entry transfer, through DTC for the
account of
 
                                      S-49
<PAGE>   52
 
the purchasers of such Offered Certificates, which account is maintained with
their respective Participants. Under the Rules and in accordance with DTC's
normal procedures, transfers of ownership of Offered Certificates will be
executed through DTC and the accounts of the respective Participants at DTC will
be debited and credited. Similarly, the Participants and Indirect Participants
will make debits or credits, as the case may be, on their records on behalf of
the selling and purchasing Certificate Owners.
 
     Because of time zone differences, credits of securities received in CEDEL
or Euroclear as a result of a transaction with a Participant will be made during
subsequent securities settlement processing and dated the business day following
the DTC settlement date. Such credits or any transactions in such securities
settled during such processing will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or
CEDEL Participants on such business day. Cash received in CEDEL or Euroclear as
a result of sales of securities by or through a CEDEL Participant (as defined
below) or Euroclear Participant (as defined below) to a DTC Participant will be
received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the
relevant CEDEL or Euroclear cash account only as of the business day following
settlement in DTC. For information with respect to tax documentation procedures
relating to the Certificates, see "FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES -- Federal
Income Tax Consequences to Foreign Investors" and "Backup Withholding" herein
and "GLOBAL CLEARANCE, SETTLEMENT AND TAX DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES -- Certain
U.S. Federal Income Tax Documentation Requirements" in Annex I hereto.
 
     Transfers between Participants will occur in accordance with DTC rules.
Transfers between CEDEL Participants and Euroclear Participants will occur in
accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.
 
     Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly
through DTC, on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through CEDEL
Participants or Euroclear Participants, on the other, will be effected in DTC in
accordance with DTC rules on behalf of the relevant European international
clearing system by the Relevant Depositary; however, such cross market
transactions will require delivery of instructions to the relevant European
international clearing system by the counterparty in such system in accordance
with its rules and procedures and within its established deadlines (European
time). The relevant European international clearing system will, if the
transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to the
Relevant Depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by
delivering or receiving securities in DTC, and making or receiving payment in
accordance with normal procedures for same day funds settlement applicable to
DTC. CEDEL Participants and Euroclear Participants may not deliver instructions
directly to the European Depositaries.
 
     DTC, which is a New York-chartered limited purpose trust company, performs
services for its participants, some of which (and/or their representatives) own
DTC. In accordance with its normal procedures, DTC is expected to record the
positions held by each DTC Participant in the Book-Entry Certificates, whether
held for its own account or as a nominee for another person. In general,
beneficial ownership of Book-Entry Certificates will be subject to the rules,
regulations and procedures governing DTC and DTC Participants as in effect from
time to time.
 
     CEDEL is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional
depository. CEDEL holds securities for its participating organizations ("CEDEL
Participants") and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions between CEDEL Participants through electronic book-entry changes in
accounts of CEDEL Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical
movement of certificates. Transactions may be settled in CEDEL in any of 28
currencies, including United States dollars. CEDEL provides to its CEDEL
Participants, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration,
clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities
lending and borrowing. CEDEL interfaces with domestic markets in several
countries. As a professional depository, CEDEL is subject to regulation by the
Luxembourg Monetary Institute. CEDEL Participants are recognized financial
institutions around the world, including underwriters, securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other
organizations. Indirect access to CEDEL is also available to others, such as
banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a CEDEL Participant, either directly or indirectly.
 
                                      S-50
<PAGE>   53
 
     Euroclear was created in 1968 to hold securities for its participants
("Euroclear Participants") and to clear and settle transactions between
Euroclear Participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery
against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of
certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and
cash. Transactions may be settled in any of 32 currencies, including United
States dollars. Euroclear includes various other services, including securities
lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries
generally similar to the arrangements for cross-market transfers with DTC
described above. Euroclear is operated by the Brussels, Belgium office of Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York (the "Euroclear Operator"), under contract
with Euroclear Clearance Systems S.C., a Belgian cooperative corporation (the
"Cooperative"). All operations are conducted by the Euroclear Operator, and all
Euroclear securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash accounts are accounts
with the Euroclear Operator, not the Cooperative. The Cooperative establishes
policy for Euroclear on behalf of Euroclear Participants. Euroclear Participants
include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and
other professional financial intermediaries. Indirect access to Euroclear is
also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a Euroclear Participant, either directly or indirectly.
 
     The Euroclear Operator is the Belgian branch of a New York banking
corporation which is a member bank of the Federal Reserve System. As such, it is
regulated and examined by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
and the New York State Banking Department, as well as the Belgian Banking
Commission.
 
     Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear Operator
are governed by the Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the
related Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System and applicable Belgian law
(collectively, the "Terms and Conditions"). The Terms and Conditions govern
transfers of securities and cash within Euroclear, withdrawals of securities and
cash from Euroclear, and receipts of payments with respect to securities in
Euroclear. All securities in Euroclear are held on a fungible basis without
attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts.
The Euroclear Operator acts under the Terms and Conditions only on behalf of
Euroclear Participants, and has no record of or relationship with persons
holding through Euroclear Participants.
 
     Distributions on the Book-Entry Certificates will be made on each
Distribution Date by the Trustee to DTC. DTC will be responsible for crediting
the amount of such payments to the accounts of the applicable DTC Participants
in accordance with DTC's normal procedures. Each DTC Participant will be
responsible for disbursing such payments to the beneficial owners of the
Book-Entry Certificates that it represents and to each Financial Intermediary
for which it acts as agent. Each such Financial Intermediary will be responsible
for disbursing funds to the beneficial owners of the Book-Entry Certificates
that it represents.
 
     Under a book-entry format, beneficial owners of the Book-Entry Certificates
may experience some delay in their receipt of payments, since such payments will
be forwarded by the Trustee to Cede. Distributions with respect to Certificates
held through CEDEL or Euroclear will be credited to the cash accounts of CEDEL
Participants or Euroclear Participants in accordance with the relevant system's
rules and procedures, to the extent received by the Relevant Depositary. Such
distributions will be subject to tax reporting in accordance with relevant
United States tax laws and regulations. See "FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSEQUENCES -- Federal Income Tax Consequences to Foreign Investors" and
"Backup Withholding" herein. Because DTC can only act on behalf of Financial
Intermediaries, the ability of a beneficial owner to pledge Book-Entry
Certificates to persons or entities that do not participate in the Depository
system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such Book-Entry Certificates,
may be limited due to the lack of physical certificates for such Book-Entry
Certificates. In addition, issuance of the Book-Entry Certificates in book-entry
form may reduce the liquidity of such Certificates in the secondary market since
certain potential investors may be unwilling to purchase Certificates for which
they cannot obtain physical certificates.
 
     Monthly and annual reports on the Trust will be provided to Cede, as
nominee of DTC, and may be made available by Cede to beneficial owners upon
request, in accordance with the rules, regulations and procedures creating and
affecting the Depository, and to the Financial Intermediaries to whose DTC
accounts the Book-Entry Certificates of such beneficial owners are credited.
 
                                      S-51
<PAGE>   54
 
     DTC has advised the Trustee that, unless and until Definitive Certificates
are issued, DTC will take any action permitted to be taken by the holders of the
Book-Entry Certificates under the Agreement only at the direction of one or more
Financial Intermediaries to whose DTC accounts the Book-Entry Certificates are
credited, to the extent that such actions are taken on behalf of Financial
Intermediaries whose holdings include such Book-Entry Certificates. CEDEL or the
Euroclear Operator, as the case may be, will take any other action permitted to
be taken by a Certificateholder under the Agreement on behalf of a CEDEL
Participant or Euroclear Participant only in accordance with its relevant rules
and procedures and subject to the ability of the Relevant Depositary to effect
such actions on its behalf through DTC. DTC may take actions, at the direction
of the related Participants, with respect to some Class A Certificates which
conflict with actions taken with respect to other Class A Certificates.
 
     Definitive Certificates will be issued to beneficial owners of the
Book-Entry Certificates, or their nominees, rather than to DTC, only if (a) DTC
or Provident advises the Trustee in writing that DTC is no longer willing,
qualified or able to discharge properly its responsibilities as nominee and
depository with respect to the Book-Entry Certificates and Provident or the
Trustee is unable to locate a qualified successor, (b) Provident, at its sole
option, with the consent of the Trustee, elects to terminate a book-entry system
through DTC or (c) after the occurrence of an Event of Servicing Termination (as
defined herein), beneficial owners having Percentage Interests aggregating not
less than 51% of the Aggregate Class A Principal Balance of the Book-Entry
Certificates advise the Trustee and DTC through the Financial Intermediaries and
the DTC Participants in writing that the continuation of a book-entry system
through DTC (or a successor thereto) is no longer in the best interests of
beneficial owners.
 
     Upon the occurrence of any of the events described in the immediately
preceding paragraph, the Trustee will be required to notify all beneficial
owners of the occurrence of such event and the availability through DTC of
Definitive Certificates. Upon surrender by DTC of the global certificate or
certificates representing the Book-Entry Certificates and instructions for
re-registration, the Trustee will issue Definitive Certificates, and thereafter
the Trustee will recognize the holders of such Definitive Certificates as
Certificateholders under the Agreement.
 
     Although DTC, CEDEL and Euroclear have agreed to the foregoing procedures
in order to facilitate transfers of Class A Certificates among participants of
DTC, CEDEL and Euroclear, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to
perform such procedures and such procedures may be discontinued at any time.
 
     Neither Provident, the Certificate Insurer nor the Trustee will have any
responsibility for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests of the Book-Entry Certificates held by
Cede, as nominee for DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
 
ASSIGNMENT OF MORTGAGE LOANS
 
     On the Closing Date Provident will transfer to the Trust all of its right,
title and interest in and to each Mortgage Loan, the related Mortgage Notes,
Mortgages and other related documents (collectively, the "Related Documents"),
including all payments received on or with respect to each such Mortgage Loan on
or after the related Cut-Off Date (exclusive of (i) certain payments in respect
of interest accrued on the Mortgage Loans during May 1997 as described in the
Agreement and (ii) payments in respect of interest on the delinquent Mortgage
Loans due prior to the Cut-Off Date and received thereafter). The Trustee,
concurrently with such transfer, will deliver the Certificates to Provident.
Each Mortgage Loan transferred to the Trust will be identified on a schedule
(the "Mortgage Loan Schedule") delivered to the Trustee pursuant to the
Agreement. The Mortgage Loan Schedule will include information as to the
Principal Balance of each Mortgage Loan as of its Cut-Off Date, its Loan Rate as
well as other information.
 
     Under the terms of the Agreement, Provident will maintain possession of the
documentation relating to each Mortgage Loan (the "Mortgage File"), other than
the Mortgage Notes, which will be delivered to the Trustee on the Closing Date,
and the assignments of each Mortgage, which will be delivered to the Trustee in
recordable form within 90 days of the Closing Date. Within 30 days of an
Assignment Event, Provident will
 
                                      S-52
<PAGE>   55
 
deliver the remainder of the Mortgage File pertaining to each Mortgage Loan to
the Trustee. In the Agreement, the Trustee will acknowledge the assignment of
the Mortgage Loans to the Trust. Provident will agree to hold the portion of the
Mortgage File being held by it for and on behalf of the Trustee.
 
     The Trustee will review the Mortgage Notes within 60 days of the Closing
Date and the assignments of each Mortgage within 180 days of the Closing Date,
and if any Mortgage Note or assignment is found to be defective in any material
respect and such defect is not cured within 90 days following notification
thereof to the Seller, the Seller will be obligated to either (i) substitute for
such Mortgage Loan an Eligible Substitute Mortgage Loan; however, such
substitution is permitted only within two years of the Closing Date and may not
be made unless an opinion of counsel is provided to the effect that such
substitution will not disqualify the Trust as a REMIC or result in a prohibited
transaction tax under the Code or (ii) purchase such Mortgage Loan at a price
(the "Purchase Price") equal to the outstanding Principal Balance of such
Mortgage Loan as of the date of purchase, plus all accrued and unpaid interest
thereon (such accrued and unpaid interest may constitute all or a portion of a
unreimbursed Monthly Advance), computed at the Loan Rate, plus the amount of any
unreimbursed Servicing Advances made by the Master Servicer. The Purchase Price
will be deposited in the Collection Account on or prior to the next succeeding
Determination Date after such obligation arises. The obligation of the Seller to
repurchase or substitute for a Defective Mortgage Loan is the sole remedy
regarding any defects in the Mortgage Loans and Related Documents available to
the Trustee or the Certificateholders. Within 60 days of an Assignment Event,
the Trustee will review the Mortgage File (to the extent not previously
reviewed) and if any Related Document is found to be defective in any material
respect and such defect is not cured within 90 days following notification to
the Seller, the Seller will be obligated to purchase or substitute for such
Mortgage Loan in the manner described above.
 
     In connection with the substitution of an Eligible Substitute Mortgage
Loan, the Seller will be required to deposit in the Collection Account on or
prior to the next succeeding Determination Date after such obligation arises an
amount (the "Substitution Adjustment Amount") equal to the excess of the
Principal Balance of the related Defective Mortgage Loan over the Principal
Balance of such Eligible Substitute Mortgage Loan.
 
     An "Eligible Substitute Mortgage Loan" is a Mortgage Loan substituted by
the Seller for a Defective Mortgage Loan which must, on the date of such
substitution, (i) have an outstanding Principal Balance (or in the case of a
substitution of more than one Mortgage Loan for a Defective Mortgage Loan, an
aggregate Principal Balance), not in excess of and not more than 5% less than
the Principal Balance of the Defective Mortgage Loan; (ii) have a Loan Rate not
less than the Loan Rate of the Defective Mortgage Loan and not more than 1% in
excess of the Loan Rate of such Defective Mortgage Loan; (iii) if such Defective
Mortgage Loan is in Loan Group 2, have a Loan Rate based on the same Loan Index
with the next Change Date no later than the next Change Date of the Defective
Mortgage Loan and have a Gross Margin that is not less than the Gross Margin of
the Defective Mortgage Loan and not more than 1% higher than the Gross Margin
for the Defective Mortgage Loan; (iv) have a Mortgage of the same or higher
level of priority as the Mortgage relating to the Defective Mortgage Loan at the
time such Mortgage was transferred to the Trust; (v) have a remaining term to
maturity not more than six months earlier and not later than the remaining term
to maturity of the Defective Mortgage Loan; (vi) comply with each representation
and warranty set forth in the Agreement (deemed to be made as of the date of
substitution); (vii) have an original Combined Loan-to-Value Ratio not greater
than that of the Defective Mortgage Loan; (viii) if such Defective Mortgage Loan
is in Loan Group 2, have a Lifetime Cap and a Periodic Cap no lower than the
Lifetime Cap and Periodic Cap, respectively, applicable to such Defective
Mortgage Loan; and (ix) be of the same type of Mortgaged Property as the
Defective Mortgage Loan or a detached single family residence. More than one
Eligible Substitute Mortgage Loan may be substituted for a Defective Mortgage
Loan if such Eligible Substitute Mortgage Loans meet the foregoing attributes in
the aggregate and such substitution is approved in writing in advance by the
Certificate Insurer.
 
     The Seller will make certain representations and warranties as to the
accuracy in all material respects of certain information furnished to the
Trustee with respect to each Mortgage Loan (e.g., Cut-Off Date Principal Balance
and the Loan Rate). In addition, the Seller will represent and warrant, on the
Closing Date, that, among other things: (i) the Seller has transferred and
assigned all of its right, title and interest in each Mortgage Loan and the
Related Documents, free of any lien; and (ii) each Mortgage Loan complied, at
the
 
                                      S-53
<PAGE>   56
 
time of origination, in all material respects with applicable state and federal
laws. Upon discovery of a breach of any such representation and warranty which
materially and adversely affects the interests of the Trust, the
Certificateholders or the Certificate Insurer in the related Mortgage Loan and
Related Documents, the Seller will have a period of 60 days after discovery or
notice of the breach to effect a cure. If the breach cannot be cured within the
60-day period, the Seller will be obligated to (i) substitute for such Defective
Mortgage Loan an Eligible Substitute Mortgage Loan or (ii) purchase such
Defective Mortgage Loan from the Trust. The same procedure and limitations that
are set forth above for the substitution or purchase of Defective Mortgage Loans
as a result of deficient documentation relating thereto will apply to the
substitution or purchase of a Defective Mortgage Loan as a result of a breach of
a representation or warranty in the Agreement that materially and adversely
affects the interests of the Trust, the Certificateholders or the Certificate
Insurer.
 
     Mortgage Loans required to be transferred to the Seller as described in the
preceding paragraphs are referred to as "Defective Mortgage Loans."
 
     Pursuant to the Agreement, the Master Servicer will service and administer
the Mortgage Loans as more fully set forth herein.
 
PAYMENTS ON MORTGAGE LOANS; DEPOSITS TO COLLECTION ACCOUNT AND DISTRIBUTION
ACCOUNT
 
     The Master Servicer shall establish and maintain in the name of the Trustee
a separate trust account (the "Collection Account") for the benefit of the
holders of the Certificates. The Collection Account will be an Eligible Account
(as defined herein). Subject to the investment provision described in the
following paragraphs, upon receipt by the Master Servicer of amounts in respect
of the Mortgage Loans (excluding amounts representing the Master Servicing Fee),
the Master Servicer will deposit such amounts in the Collection Account. Amounts
so deposited may be invested in Eligible Investments (as described in the
Agreement) maturing no later than one Business Day prior to the next succeeding
date on which amounts on deposit therein are required to be deposited in the
Distribution Account.
 
     The Trustee will establish an account (the "Distribution Account") into
which will be deposited amounts withdrawn from the Collection Account for
distribution to Certificateholders on a Distribution Date. The Distribution
Account will be an Eligible Account. Amounts on deposit therein may be invested
in Eligible Investments maturing on or before the Business Day prior to the
related Distribution Date.
 
     An "Eligible Account" is a segregated account that is (i) maintained with a
depository institution whose debt obligations at the time of any deposit therein
have the highest short-term debt rating by the Rating Agencies and whose
accounts are fully insured by either the Savings Association Insurance Fund
("SAIF") or the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation with a minimum long-term unsecured debt rating of "A2" by Moody's
and "A" by S&P and Fitch, and which is any of (a) a federal savings and loan
association duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
applicable banking laws of any state, (b) an institution duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the applicable banking laws of any state,
(c) a national banking association duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the federal banking laws or (d) a principal subsidiary of a bank
holding company, and in each case of (a) - (d), approved in writing by the
Certificate Insurer, (ii) a segregated trust account maintained with the
corporate trust department of a federal or state chartered depository
institution or trust company, having capital and surplus of not less than
$50,000,000, acting in its fiduciary capacity or (iii) otherwise acceptable to
each Rating Agency and the Certificate Insurer as evidenced by a letter from
each Rating Agency and the Certificate Insurer to the Trustee, without reduction
or withdrawal of their then current ratings of the Certificates.
 
     Eligible Investments are specified in the Agreement and are limited to
investments which meet the criteria of the Rating Agencies from time to time as
being consistent with their then current ratings of the Certificates.
 
                                      S-54
<PAGE>   57
 
MONTHLY ADVANCES
 
     Not later than three Business Days prior to each Distribution Date, the
Master Servicer will remit to the Trustee for deposit in the Distribution
Account an amount, to be distributed on the related Distribution Date, equal to
interest accrued but not received on each Mortgage Loan through the related due
date in accordance with the Agreement (net of the Master Servicing Fee) (the
"Monthly Advance"). With respect to any Balloon Loan that is delinquent on its
maturity date, the Master Servicer will continue to make Monthly Advances with
respect to such Balloon Loan in an amount equal to one month's interest on the
unpaid principal balance at the Loan Rate (net of the Master Servicing Fee).
Such obligation of the Master Servicer continues with respect to each Mortgage
Loan until such Mortgage Loan becomes a Liquidated Mortgage Loan; provided,
however, the Master Servicer is not required to make any Monthly Advances,
including, without limitation, Monthly Advances with respect to Balloon Loans,
which it determines would be a Nonrecoverable Advance.
 
     In the course of performing its servicing obligations, the Master Servicer
will pay all reasonable and customary "out-of-pocket" costs and expenses
incurred in the performance of its servicing obligations, including, but not
limited to, the cost of (i) the preservation, restoration and protection of the
Mortgaged Properties, (ii) any enforcement or judicial proceedings, including
foreclosures, and (iii) the management and liquidation of Mortgaged Properties
acquired in satisfaction of the related Mortgage. Each such expenditure will
constitute a "Servicing Advance".
 
     The Master Servicer's right to reimbursement for Servicing Advances is
limited to late collections on the related Mortgage Loan, including Liquidation
Proceeds, Insurance Proceeds and such other amounts as may be collected by the
Master Servicer from the related Mortgagor or otherwise relating to the Mortgage
Loan in respect of which such unreimbursed amounts are owed. The Master
Servicer's right to reimbursement for Monthly Advances shall be limited to late
collections of interest on any Mortgage Loan and to Liquidation Proceeds and
Insurance Proceeds on the related Mortgage Loan. The Master Servicer's right to
such reimbursements is prior to the rights of Certificateholders.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Master Servicer is not required to make
any Monthly Advance or Servicing Advance if in the good faith judgment and sole
discretion of the Master Servicer, the Master Servicer determines that such
advance will not be ultimately recoverable from collections received from the
Mortgagor in respect of the related Mortgage Loan or other recoveries in respect
of such Mortgage Loan (a "Nonrecoverable Advance"). However, if any Servicing
Advance or Monthly Advance is determined by the Master Servicer to be
nonrecoverable from such sources, the amount of such Nonrecoverable Advance may
be reimbursed to the Master Servicer from other amounts on deposit in the
Collection Account. The Master Servicer's right to such reimbursements is prior
to the rights of the Certificateholders.
 
DISTRIBUTION DATES
 
     On each Distribution Date, the holders of Offered Certificates of record as
of the applicable Record Date will be entitled to receive, from amounts then on
deposit in the Distribution Account, to the extent of funds available therefor
in accordance with the priorities and in the amounts described below under
"Priority of Distributions," an aggregate amount equal to the sum of (a) the
Class Interest Distribution for each Class of Offered Certificates and (b) the
Class A Principal Distribution for each Certificate Group. Distributions will be
made (i) in immediately available funds to holders of Offered Certificates
holding Certificates, the aggregate principal balance of which is at least
$1,000,000, by wire transfer or otherwise, to the account of such
Certificateholder at a domestic bank or other entity having appropriate
facilities therefor, if such Certificateholder has so notified the Trustee in
accordance with the Agreement, or (ii) by check mailed to the address of the
person entitled thereto as it appears as of the last Record Date on the register
(the "Certificate Register") maintained by the Trustee as registrar (the
"Certificate Registrar").
 
     The "Record Date" is, with respect to the Group 1 Certificates, the last
day of the month immediately preceding the month in which the related
Distribution Date occurs and with respect to the Group 2 Certificates, the day
immediately preceding such Distribution Date; provided, however, that if any
Group 2
 
                                      S-55
<PAGE>   58
 
Certificate becomes a Definitive Certificate, the Record Date for such Group 2
Certificate will be the last day of the month immediately preceding the month in
which the related Distribution Date occurs.
 
DEPOSITS TO THE DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT
 
     No later than four Business Days or, with respect to Monthly Advances,
three Business Days, prior to each Distribution Date, the following amounts in
respect of a Loan Group and the previous Due Period shall be deposited into the
Distribution Account and shall constitute the "Available Funds" for the related
Certificate Group for such Distribution Date: (i) (a) payments of principal and
interest on the Mortgage Loans in such Loan Group (net of amounts representing
the Master Servicing Fee with respect to each Mortgage Loan in the related Loan
Group and reimbursement for related Monthly Advances and Servicing Advances,
including Nonrecoverable Advances, and the interest portion of Payaheads
received during such Due Period intended for application in subsequent Due
Periods); and (b) the interest portion of Payaheads on the Mortgage Loans in
such Loan Group received in prior Due Periods intended for application in such
Due Period; (ii) Net Liquidation Proceeds and Insurance Proceeds with respect to
the Mortgage Loans in such Loan Group (net of amounts applied to the restoration
or repair of a Mortgaged Property); (iii) the Purchase Price for repurchased
Defective Mortgage Loans with respect to the Mortgage Loans in such Loan Group
and any related Substitution Adjustment Amounts; (iv) payments from the Master
Servicer in connection with (a) Monthly Advances, (b) Prepayment Interest
Shortfalls and (c) the termination of the Trust with respect to the Mortgage
Loans in such Loan Group as provided in the Agreement; and (v) any amounts paid
under the Policy in respect of the related Certificate Group.
 
     A "Payahead" is a scheduled monthly payment received by the Master Servicer
with the scheduled monthly payment for the current Due Date, intended by the
related Mortgagor to be applied on a subsequent Due Date (for example, because
the Mortgagor intends to be on vacation the following month). The interest
portion of Payaheads will be held in the Collection Account until deposited to
the Distribution Account as part of the Available Funds for the Due Period in
which the Due Date that the Mortgagor intends the application of such scheduled
monthly payment occurs. The principal portion of each Payahead will be part of
the Available Funds for the Due Period in which such Payahead was received.
 
PRIORITY OF DISTRIBUTIONS
 
     On each Distribution Date the Trustee shall withdraw from the Distribution
Account the sum of (a) the Available Funds with respect to the Group 1
Certificates and (b) the Available Funds with respect to the Group 2
Certificates (such sum, the "Amount Available"), and make the following
disbursements and transfers as described below and to the extent of the Amount
Available (except that amounts paid under the Policy shall only be available for
distribution to Class A Certificateholders):
 
          A. With respect to the Group 1 Certificates, the Available Funds with
     respect to such Certificate Group in the following order of priority;
 
             (i) to the Trustee, the Trustee fee for Loan Group 1 for such
        Distribution Date and to the Certificate Insurer, the amount owing to
        the Certificate Insurer under the Insurance Agreement for the premium
        payable in respect of the Group 1 Certificates;
 
             (ii) concurrently, to the holders of the Class A-1, Class A-2,
        Class A-3 and Class A-4 Certificates, an amount equal to the Class
        Interest Distribution for the Class A-1, Class A-2, Class A-3 and Class
        A-4 Certificates for such Distribution Date;
 
             (iii) sequentially, to the holders of the Class A-1, Class A-2,
        Class A-3 and Class A-4 Certificates, in that order, until the
        respective Class Principal Balance of each such Class is reduced to
        zero, the Class A Principal Distribution (other than the portion thereof
        constituting the Distributable Excess Spread) for such Distribution
        Date; and
 
             (iv) to the Certificate Insurer, the amount owing to the
        Certificate Insurer under the Insurance Agreement for reimbursement for
        prior draws made on the Policy in respect of the Group 1 Certificates.
 
                                      S-56
<PAGE>   59
 
          B. With respect to the Group 2 Certificates, the Available Funds with
     respect to such Certificate Group in the following order of priority;
 
             (i) to the Trustee, the Trustee fee for Loan Group 2 for such
        Distribution Date and to the Certificate Insurer, the amount owing to
        the Certificate Insurer under the Insurance Agreement for the premium
        payable in respect of the Group 2 Certificates;
 
             (ii) to the holders of the Class A-5 Certificates, an amount equal
        to the Class Interest Distribution for the Class A-5 Certificates for
        such Distribution Date;
 
             (iii) to the holders of the Class A-5 Certificates, the related
        Class A Principal Distribution for the Class A-5 Certificates (other
        than the portion thereof constituting the Distributable Excess Spread)
        for such Distribution Date; and
 
             (iv) to the Certificate Insurer, the amount owing to the
        Certificate Insurer under the Insurance Agreement for reimbursement for
        prior draws made on the Policy in respect of the Group 2 Certificates.
 
          C. On any Distribution Date, to the extent Available Funds for a
     Certificate Group are insufficient to make the distributions specified
     above pursuant to (i) - (iv) of the applicable subclause, Available Funds
     for the other Certificate Group remaining after making the distributions
     required to be made pursuant to (i) - (iv) of the applicable subclause for
     such other Certificate Group shall be distributed to the extent of such
     insufficiency in accordance with the priorities for distribution set forth
     in the subclause above with respect to the Certificate Group experiencing
     such insufficiency.
 
          D. Sequentially, to the holders of the Class A-1, Class A-2, Class A-3
     and Class A-4 Certificates, in that order, to the extent of the related
     Available Funds remaining, the related Distributable Excess Spread for such
     Distribution Date, until the respective Class Principal Balance is reduced
     to zero.
 
          E. To the holders of the Class A-5 Certificates, to the extent of the
     related Available Funds remaining, the related Distributable Excess Spread
     for such Distribution Date, until the Class A Principal Balance thereof is
     reduced to zero.
 
          F. After making the distributions referred to in subclauses A, B, C, D
     and E above, the Trustee shall make distributions in the following order of
     priority, to the extent of the balance of the Amount Available;
 
             (i) (a) sequentially, to the holders of the Class A-1, Class A-2,
        Class A-3 and Class A-4 Certificates, the excess of the related
        Distributable Excess Spread for such Distribution Date over the amount
        thereof distributed pursuant to subclause D above on such Distribution
        Date, until the Class Principal Balance of each such Class is reduced to
        zero and (b) to the holders of the Class A-5 Certificates, the excess of
        the related Distributable Excess Spread for such Distribution Date over
        the amount distributed pursuant to subclause E above on such
        Distribution Date, until the Class A Principal Balance thereof is
        reduced to zero.
 
             (ii) to the Master Servicer, the amount of any accrued and unpaid
        Master Servicing Fee;
 
             (iii) to the Master Servicer, the amount of Nonrecoverable Advances
        to the extent not previously reimbursed;
 
             (iv) to the Certificate Insurer, any other amounts owing to the
        Certificate Insurer under the Insurance Agreement;
 
             (v) solely from remaining Available Funds with respect to the Group
        2 Certificates, to the Class A-5 Certificateholders, the aggregate Net
        Funds Cap Carryover Amount; and
 
             (vi) to the Residual Certificateholders, the balance.
 
     "Net Funds Cap Carryover Amount" means, on any Distribution Date, the sum
of (A) if on such Distribution Date the Certificate Rate for the Class A-5
Certificates is based upon the Net Funds Cap, the excess of (i) the amount of
interest the Class A-5 Certificates would otherwise be entitled to receive on
such
 
                                      S-57
<PAGE>   60
 
Distribution Date had such rate been calculated at the Class A-5 Formula Rate
for such Distribution Date over (ii) the amount of interest payable on the Class
A-5 Certificates at the Net Funds Cap for such Distribution Date, (B) the Net
Funds Cap Carryover Amount for all previous Distribution Dates not previously
paid pursuant to subclause F(v) above, and (C) one month's interest on the
amount calculated in (B) at the Class A-5 Formula Rate for such Distribution
Date. The Policy does not cover the payment, nor do the ratings assigned to the
Class A-5 Certificates address the likelihood of the payment, of any Net Funds
Cap Carryover Amount.
 
THE CERTIFICATE RATE
 
     The "Certificate Rate" on any Distribution Date with respect to the Class
A-1, Class A-2, Class A-3 and Class A-4 Certificates will be 6.65%, 6.73%, 7.03%
and 7.37% per annum, respectively (or, with respect to the Class A-4
Certificates, 7.87% per annum for each Distribution Date after the date on which
the Seller has the right to terminate the Trust, as described under
"-- Termination; Purchase of Mortgage Loans" herein). Interest in respect of any
Distribution Date will accrue on the Group 1 Certificates during the related
Interest Period on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day
months.
 
     The "Certificate Rate" on any Distribution Date with respect to the Class
A-5 Certificates will equal the lesser of (A) the Class A-5 Formula Rate and (B)
the Net Funds Cap for such Distribution Date. With respect to the Class A-5
Certificates, interest in respect of any Distribution Date will accrue during
the related Interest Period on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number
of days elapsed.
 
     The "Class A-5 Formula Rate" is the sum of the interbank offered rate for
one-month United States dollar deposits in the London market (the "Certificate
Index") as of the related LIBOR Determination Date (as defined herein) plus
0.23% (or 0.46% for each Distribution Date occurring after the date on which the
Seller has the right to terminate the Trust). The "Net Funds Cap" for any
Distribution Date shall equal the difference between (A) the average of the Loan
Rates of the Mortgage Loans in Loan Group 2 as of the first day of the month
preceding the month of such Distribution Date (or, in the case of the first
Distribution Date, the Closing Date), weighted on the basis of the related
Principal Balances as of such date and (B) the sum of (i) the Master Servicing
Fee Rate and the rates at which the Trustee fee and the premium payable to the
Certificate Insurer with respect to the Class A-5 Certificates are calculated
and (ii) commencing with the thirteenth Distribution Date, 0.50% (computed on
the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed during the
related Interest Period).
 
     With respect to each Distribution Date, the Certificate Index shall be
established by the Trustee and will equal the rate for one month United States
dollar deposits quoted on Telerate Page 3750 as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on
the second LIBOR Business Day prior to the first day of the related Interest
Period (or the second LIBOR Business Day prior to the Closing Date, in the case
of the first Distribution Date) (each, a "LIBOR Determination Date"). "Telerate
Page 3750" means the display designated as page 3750 on the Telerate Service (or
such other page as may replace page 3750 on that service for the purpose of
displaying London interbank offered rates of major banks). If such rate does not
appear on such page (or such other page as may replace that page on that
service, or if such service is no longer offered, such other service for
displaying LIBOR or comparable rates as may be selected by the Trustee after
consultation with the Master Servicer), the rate will be the Reference Bank
Rate. The "Reference Bank Rate" will be determined on the basis of the rates at
which deposits in U.S. Dollars are offered by the reference banks (which shall
be three major banks that are engaged in transactions in the London interbank
market, selected by the Trustee after consultation with the Master Servicer) as
of 11:00 A.M., London time, on the day that is two LIBOR Business Days prior to
the immediately preceding Distribution Date to prime banks in the London
interbank market for a period of one month in amounts approximately equal to the
Class A Principal Balance of the Class A-5 Certificates then outstanding. The
Trustee will request the principal London office of each of the reference banks
to provide a quotation of its rate. If at least two such quotations are
provided, the rate will be the arithmetic mean of the quotations. If on such
date fewer than two quotations are provided as requested, the rate will be the
arithmetic mean of the rates quoted by one or more major banks in New York City,
selected by the Trustee after consultation with the Master Servicer, as of 11:00
A.M., New York City time, on such date for loans in U.S. Dollars to leading
European banks for a period of one month in amounts
 
                                      S-58
<PAGE>   61
 
approximately equal to the Class A Principal Balance of the Class A-5
Certificates then outstanding. If no such quotations can be obtained, the rate
will be the Certificate Index for the prior Distribution Date. "LIBOR Business
Day" means any day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday or (ii) a day on which
banking institutions in the State of New York or in the city of London, England
are required or authorized by law to be closed.
 
INTEREST
 
     On each Distribution Date, to the extent of funds available therefor in
accordance with the priorities described above under "-- Priorities of
Distribution," interest will be distributed with respect to each Class of Class
A Certificates in an amount (each, a "Class Interest Distribution") equal to the
sum of (a) interest accrued during the related Interest Period at the related
Certificate Rate on the related Class A Principal Balance immediately prior to
such Distribution Date (the "Class Monthly Interest Distributable Amount") and
(b) any Class Interest Carryover Shortfall for such Class of Class A
Certificates for such Distribution Date. As to any Distribution Date and Class
of Class A Certificates, Class Interest Carryover Shortfall is the sum of (i)
the excess of the related Class Monthly Interest Distributable Amount for the
preceding Distribution Date and any outstanding Class Interest Carryover
Shortfall with respect to such Class on such preceding Distribution Date, over
the amount in respect of interest that is actually distributed to such Class on
such preceding Distribution Date plus (ii) one month's interest on such excess,
to the extent permitted by law, at the related Certificate Rate. The interest
entitlement described in (a) above will be reduced by such Class' pro rata share
of Civil Relief Act Interest Shortfalls, if any, for the related Loan Group for
such Distribution Date. Civil Relief Act Interest Shortfalls will not be covered
by payments under the Policy.
 
PRINCIPAL
 
     On each Distribution Date, to the extent of funds available therefor, in
accordance with the priorities described above under "-- Priorities of
Distributions," principal will be distributed to the holders of Class A
Certificates of each Certificate Group in an amount equal to the lesser of (A)
the related Aggregate Class A Principal Balance and (B) the related Class A
Principal Distribution for such Distribution Date. The "Class A Principal
Distribution" means, with respect to any Distribution Date and Certificate
Group, other than the Final Distribution Date with respect to such Certificate
Group, the sum of the related Class A Monthly Principal Distributable Amount for
such Distribution Date and any Class A Principal Shortfall Amount for such
Distribution Date and on the Final Distribution Date, the related Aggregate
Class A Principal Balance.
 
     "Class A Monthly Principal Distributable Amount" means, with respect to any
Distribution Date and Certificate Group, the amount equal to the sum of the
following amounts (without duplication) with respect to the immediately
preceding Due Period (as defined below): (i) each payment of principal on a
Mortgage Loan in the related Loan Group received by the Master Servicer during
such Due Period, including all full and partial principal prepayments, (ii) the
Principal Balance as of the end of the immediately preceding Due Period of each
Mortgage Loan in the related Loan Group that became a Liquidated Mortgage Loan
during the related Due Period, (iii) the portion of the Purchase Price allocable
to principal of all repurchased Defective Mortgage Loans in the related Loan
Group with respect to such Due Period, (iv) any Substitution Adjustment Amounts
received on or prior to the previous Determination Date and not yet distributed
with respect to the related Loan Group, (v) the amount, if any, required to be
distributed on such Distribution Date to satisfy the required level of
overcollateralization for such Certificate Group for such Distribution Date (the
"Distributable Excess Spread") and (vi) with respect to the first Distribution
Date, the amount, if any, transferred from the Funding Account into the
Distribution Account in respect of such Certificate Group.
 
     If the required level of overcollateralization for a Certificate Group is
reduced below the then existing amount of overcollateralization (described
below) or if the required level of overcollateralization for such Certificate
Group is satisfied, the amount of the related Class A Monthly Principal
Distributable Amount on any Distribution Date will be correspondingly reduced by
the amount of such reduction or by the amount necessary such that the
overcollateralization will not exceed the required level of
overcollateralization for such Certificate Group after giving effect to the
distribution in respect of principal with respect to such Certificate Group to
be made on such Distribution Date.
 
                                      S-59
<PAGE>   62
 
     "Class A Principal Shortfall Amount" means for any Distribution Date and
Certificate Group, the amount, if any, by which the related Aggregate Class A
Principal Balance exceeds the related Loan Group Principal Balance at the end of
the related Due Period after giving effect to all distributions of the related
Class A Monthly Principal Distributable Amount (exclusive of Distributable
Excess Spread) and draws under the Policy for such Distribution Date.
 
     The application of Excess Spread to a Certificate Group as described herein
is intended to create overcollateralization to provide a source of additional
cashflow to cover losses on the Mortgage Loans in the related Loan Group. If the
amount of losses in a particular Due Period for such Loan Group exceeds the
amount of the related Excess Spread for the related Distribution Date, subject
to the provisions described below under "-- Crosscollateralization," the amount
distributed in respect of principal will be reduced. Net losses realized in
respect of Liquidated Mortgage Loans in a Loan Group (to the extent such amount
is not covered by Available Funds from the related Loan Group or the
crosscollateralization mechanics described herein) will reduce the amount of
overcollateralization, if any, with respect to the related Certificate Group. A
draw on the Policy in respect of principal will not be made until the Aggregate
Class A Principal Balance of a Certificates Group exceeds the aggregate
Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loans in the related Loan Group. See "-- The
Policy" herein. Accordingly, there may be Distribution Dates on which Class A
Certificateholders receive little or no distributions in respect of principal.
 
     On each Distribution Date following an Insurer Default, net losses realized
in respect of Mortgage Loans as to which the Servicer has determined that all
amounts which it expects to receive have been received will first reduce the
amount of overcollateralization.
 
     So long as an Insurer Default has not occurred and is continuing,
distributions of the Class A Principal Distribution with respect to the Group 1
Certificates will be applied, sequentially, to the distribution of principal to
the Class A-1, Class A-2, Class A-3 and Class A-4 Certificates, in that order,
such that no Class of Group 1 Certificates having a higher numerical designation
is entitled to distributions of principal until the Class Principal Balance of
each such Class of Group 1 Certificates having a lower numerical designation has
been reduced to zero. On any Distribution Date if an Insurer Default has
occurred and is continuing, the Class A Principal Distribution with respect to
the Group 1 Certificates will be applied to the distribution of principal of
each such Class outstanding on a pro rata basis in accordance with the Class
Principal Balance of each such Class.
 
     "Due Period" means, with respect to any Determination Date or Distribution
Date, the calendar month immediately preceding such Determination Date or
Distribution Date, as the case may be.
 
     A "Liquidated Mortgage Loan", as to any Distribution Date, is a Mortgage
Loan with respect to which the Master Servicer has determined, in accordance
with the servicing procedures specified in the Agreement, as of the end of the
preceding Due Period, that all Liquidation Proceeds which it expects to recover
with respect to such Mortgage Loan (including disposition of the related REO
Property) have been recovered.
 
     "Excess Spread" means, with respect to any Distribution Date and Loan
Group, the positive excess, if any, of (x) Available Funds for the related
Certificate Group for such Distribution Date over (y) the portion thereof
required to be distributed pursuant to subclauses A and C, with respect to the
Group 1 Certificates and subclauses B and C, with respect to the Group 2
Certificates, in each case set forth under the heading "DESCRIPTION OF
CERTIFICATES -- Priority of Distributions" on such Distribution Date.
 
     An "Insurer Default" will occur in the event the Certificate Insurer fails
to make a payment required under the Policy or if certain events of bankruptcy
or insolvency occur with respect to the Certificate Insurer.
 
THE POLICY
 
     The following information has been supplied by the Certificate Insurer for
inclusion in this Prospectus Supplement. Accordingly, Provident does not make
any representation as to the accuracy and completeness of such information.
 
                                      S-60
<PAGE>   63
 
     The Certificate Insurer, in consideration of the payment of the premium and
subject to the terms of the Policy, thereby unconditionally and irrevocably
guarantees to any Owner that an amount equal to each full and complete Insured
Payment will be received by the Trustee, or its successor, as trustee for the
Owners (the "Trustee"), on behalf of the Owners from the Certificate Insurer,
for distribution by the Trustee to each Owner of each Owner's proportionate
share of the Insured Payment. The Certificate Insurer's obligations under the
Policy with respect to a particular Insured Payment shall be discharged to the
extent funds equal to the applicable Insured Payment are received by the
Trustee, whether or not such funds are properly applied by the Trustee. Insured
Payments shall be made only at the time set forth in the Policy and no
accelerated Insured Payments shall be made regardless of any acceleration of the
Class A Certificates, unless such acceleration is at the sole option of the
Certificate Insurer.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph, the Policy does not cover
shortfalls, if any, attributable to the liability of the Trust, the REMIC or the
Trustee for withholding taxes, if any (including interest and penalties in
respect of any such liability).
 
     The Certificate Insurer will pay any Insured Payment that is a Preference
Amount on the Business Day following receipt on a Business Day by the Fiscal
Agent (as described below) of (i) a certified copy of the order requiring the
return of a preference payment, (ii) an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the
Certificate Insurer that such order is final and not subject to appeal, (iii) an
assignment in such form as is reasonably required by the Certificate Insurer,
irrevocably assigning to the Certificate Insurer all rights and claims of the
Owner relating to or arising under the Class A Certificates against the debtor
that made such preference payment or otherwise with respect to such preference
payment and (iv) appropriate instruments to effect the appointment of the
Certificate Insurer as agent for such Owner in any legal proceeding related to
such preference payment, such instruments being in a form satisfactory to the
Certificate Insurer, provided that if such documents are received after 12:00
noon, New York City time, on such Business Day, they will be deemed to be
received on the following Business Day. Such payments shall be disbursed to the
receiver or trustee in bankruptcy named in the final order of the court
exercising jurisdiction on behalf of the Owner and not to any Owner directly
unless such Owner has returned principal or interest paid on the Class A
Certificates to such receiver or trustee in bankruptcy, in which case such
payment shall be disbursed to such Owner.
 
     The Certificate Insurer will pay any other amount payable under the Policy
no later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the later of the Distribution
Date on which the related Deficiency Amount is due or the Business Day following
receipt in New York, New York on a Business Day by State Street Bank and Trust
Company, N.A., as Fiscal Agent for the Certificate Insurer or any successor
fiscal agent appointed by the Certificate Insurer (the "Fiscal Agent") of a
Notice (as described below); provided that if such Notice is received after
12:00 noon, New York City time, on such Business Day, it will be deemed to be
received on the following Business Day. If any such Notice received by the
Fiscal Agent is not in proper form or is otherwise insufficient for the purpose
of making claim under the Policy it shall be deemed not to have been received by
the Fiscal Agent for purposes of this paragraph, and the Certificate Insurer or
the Fiscal Agent, as the case may be, shall promptly so advise the Trustee and
the Trustee may submit an amended Notice.
 
     Insured Payments due under the Policy unless otherwise stated therein will
be disbursed by the Fiscal Agent to the Trustee on behalf of the Owners by wire
transfer of immediately available funds in the amount of the Insured Payment
less, in respect of Insured Payments related to Preference Amounts, any amount
held by the Trustee for the payment of such Insured Payment and legally
available therefor.
 
     The Fiscal Agent is the agent of the Certificate Insurer only and the
Fiscal Agent shall in no event be liable to the Owners for any acts of the
Fiscal Agent or any failure of the Certificate Insurer to deposit or cause to be
deposited, sufficient funds to make payments due under the Policy.
 
     As used in the Policy, the following terms shall have the following
meanings:
 
          "Agreement" means the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of
     June 1, 1997, between The Provident Bank, as Seller and Master Servicer and
     the Trustee, as trustee, without regard to any amendment or supplement
     thereto unless such amendment or modification has been approved in writing
     by the Certificate Insurer.
 
                                      S-61
<PAGE>   64
 
          "Business Day" means any day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday or
     (ii) a day on which the Certificate Insurer or banking institutions in the
     States of New York, Ohio or California are required or authorized by law or
     executive order to be closed.
 
          "Deficiency Amount" means for any Distribution Date (A) the excess, if
     any, of (i) Class Monthly Interest Distributable Amount for each Class of
     Class A Certificates (net of any Civil Relief Act Interest Shortfalls with
     respect to the related Loan Group) plus any Class Interest Carryover
     Shortfall for each Class of Class A Certificates over (ii) funds on deposit
     in the Distribution Account available to be distributed therefor on such
     Distribution Date and (B) the Guaranteed Principal Amount.
 
          "Guaranteed Principal Amount" means (a) for any Distribution Date
     (other than the Final Distribution Date for a Certificate Group) the
     amount, if any, by which the Aggregate Class A Principal Balance of each
     Certificate Group exceeds the related Loan Group Principal Balance at the
     end of the previous month (after giving effect to all distributions of
     principal on the related Class A Certificates on such Distribution Date)
     and (b) on the Distribution Date in July 25, 2028, with respect to the
     Group 1 Certificates and July 25, 2028, with respect to the Group 2
     Certificates (after giving effect to all other distributions of principal
     on the Group 1 Certificates and the Group 2 Certificates on such
     Distribution Date, as applicable), an amount equal to the applicable
     Aggregate Class A Principal Balance.
 
          "Insured Payment" means as of any Distribution Date, (i) any
     Deficiency Amount and (ii) any Preference Amount.
 
          "Notice" means the telephonic or telegraphic notice, promptly
     confirmed in writing by telecopy, substantially in the form of Exhibit A
     attached to the Policy, the original of which is subsequently delivered by
     registered or certified mail, from the Trustee specifying the Insured
     Payment which shall be due and owing on the applicable Distribution Date.
 
          "Owner" means each Holder (as defined in the Agreement) who, on the
     applicable Distribution Date, is entitled under the terms of the applicable
     Class A Certificates to payment thereunder.
 
          "Preference Amount" means any amount previously distributed to an
     Owner on the Class A Certificates that is recoverable and sought to be
     recovered as a voidable preference by a trustee in bankruptcy pursuant to
     the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C.), as amended from time to time
     in accordance with a final nonappealable order of a court having competent
     jurisdiction.
 
     Capitalized terms used in the Policy and not otherwise defined in the
Policy shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Agreement as of the
date of execution of the Policy, without giving effect to any subsequent
amendment or modification to the Agreement unless such amendment or modification
has been approved in writing by the Certificate Insurer.
 
     Any notice under the Policy or service of process on the Fiscal Agent or
the Certificate Insurer may be made at the address listed below for the Fiscal
Agent or the Certificate Insurer or such other address as the Certificate
Insurer shall specify in writing to the Trustee.
 
     The notice address of the Fiscal Agent is 61 Broadway, 15th Floor, New
York, New York 10006, Attention: Municipal Registrar and Paying Agency, or such
other address as the Fiscal Agent shall specify to the Trustee in writing.
 
     The Policy is being issued under and pursuant to, and shall be construed
under, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflict
of laws principles thereof.
 
     The insurance provided by the Policy is not covered by the
Property/Casualty Insurance Security Fund specified in Article 76 of the New
York Insurance Law.
 
     The Policy is not cancelable for any reason. The premium on the Policy is
not refundable for any reason including payment, or provision being made for
payment, prior to the maturity of the Class A Certificates.
 
                                      S-62
<PAGE>   65
 
OVERCOLLATERALIZATION
 
     The credit enhancement provisions of the Trust result in a limited
acceleration of the Class A Certificates of a Certificate Group relative to the
amortization of the Mortgage Loans in the related Loan Group in the early months
of the transaction. The accelerated amortization is achieved by the application
of Excess Spread as described herein to principal distributions on the Class A
Certificates of a Certificate Group. This acceleration feature creates, with
respect to each Certificate Group, overcollateralization (i.e., the excess of
the aggregate outstanding Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loans in the related
Loan Group over the related Aggregate Class A Principal Balance). Once the
required level of overcollateralization is reached for a Certificate Group, and
subject to the provisions described in the next paragraph, the acceleration
feature for such Certificate Group will cease, until necessary to maintain the
required level of overcollateralization for such Certificate Group.
 
     The Agreement provides that, subject to certain floors, caps and triggers,
the required level of overcollateralization with respect to a Certificate Group
may increase or decrease over time. Any decrease in the required level of
overcollateralization for a Loan Group will occur only at the sole discretion of
the Certificate Insurer. Any such decrease will have the effect of reducing the
amortization of the Class A Certificates of the related Certificate Group below
what it otherwise would have been.
 
CROSSCOLLATERALIZATION
 
     Certain Available Funds with respect to a Loan Group will be available to
cover certain shortfalls and to satisfy certain overcollateralization
requirements with respect to the Class A Certificates relating to the other Loan
Group, as described above under "-- Priority of Distributions". Excess Spread
generated by Loan Group 1 is not, however, available to pay any Net Funds Cap
Carryover Amount.
 
INITIAL INTEREST COVERAGE ACCOUNT
 
     On the Closing Date, cash will be deposited in the Initial Interest
Coverage Account, which account will be in the name of and maintained by the
Trustee and will be part of the Trust. The amount on deposit in the Initial
Interest Coverage Account will be used by the Trustee to fund, on the first
Distribution Date, the amount of interest accruing during the first Interest
Period with respect to each Certificate Group at the Certificate Rate for the
Class A Certificates of such Certificate Group on the amount by which the
Aggregate Class A Principal Balance as of the Closing Date exceeds the Cut-Off
Date Loan Group 1 Initial Principal Balance and Cut-Off Loan Group 2 Initial
Principal Balance. Any amounts remaining in the Initial Interest Coverage
Account after the first Distribution Date and not needed for such purpose will
be paid to the Seller and will not thereafter be available for distribution to
the Holders of the Class A Certificates. The Initial Interest Coverage Account
will terminate immediately following the first Distribution Date.
 
     Amounts on deposit in the Initial Interest Coverage Account will be
invested in Eligible Investments. The Initial Interest Coverage Account will not
be an asset of the REMIC. Any reinvestment income earned on the Initial Interest
Coverage Account will be taxable to the Seller.
 
FUNDING ACCOUNT
 
     On the Closing Date, it is expected that approximately $11,631,957.84 and
$27,999,998.71 of Subsequent Mortgage Loans will be transferred to the Trust for
Loan Group 1 and Loan Group 2, respectively. See "DESCRIPTION OF THE MORTGAGE
LOANS -- Conveyance of Subsequent Mortgage Loans." In the event that less than
such amounts of Subsequent Mortgage Loans are transferred to the Trust for the
respective Loan Group, an aggregate cash amount equal to the excess of (i)
$27,999,998.71 in the case of Subsequent Mortgage Loans for Loan Group 1 and
$11,631,957.84 in the case of Subsequent Mortgage Loans for Loan Group 2, over
(ii) the aggregate Cut-Off Date Principal Balances of the related Subsequent
Mortgage Loans for such Loan Group will be deposited by the Seller in an account
which will be in the name of, and maintained by, the Trustee on behalf of the
Trust (the "Funding Account"). Such amounts, if any, on deposit in the Funding
Account in respect of a Loan Group will be transferred by the Trustee on the
first Distribution Date into the Distribution Account, and will be distributed
as a principal prepayment to the
 
                                      S-63
<PAGE>   66
 
Class A Certificateholders of the related Certificate Group then entitled to
receive distributions of principal. Amounts on deposit in the Funding Account
will be invested in Eligible Investments. See "RISK FACTORS -- The Subsequent
Mortgage Loans" and "PREPAYMENT AND YIELD CONSIDERATIONS." Any reinvestment
income earned on amounts on deposit in the Funding Account will be taxable to
the Seller. The Funding Account will terminate immediately after the first
Distribution Date and will not be an asset of the REMIC.
 
REPORTS TO CERTIFICATEHOLDERS
 
     Concurrently with each distribution to the Certificateholders, the Trustee
will forward to each Certificateholder a statement (based solely on information
received from the Master Servicer) setting forth among other items with respect
to each Distribution Date:
 
          (i) the aggregate amount of the distribution to each Class of
     Certificateholders on such Distribution Date;
 
          (ii) the amount of distribution set forth in paragraph (i) above in
     respect of interest and the amount thereof in respect of any Class Interest
     Carryover Shortfall, and the amount of any Class Interest Carryover
     Shortfall remaining;
 
          (iii) the amount of distribution set forth in paragraph (i) above in
     respect of principal and the amount thereof in respect of the Class A
     Principal Carryover Shortfall, and any remaining Class A Principal
     Carryover Shortfall;
 
          (iv) the amount of Excess Spread for each Loan Group and the amount
     applied as to a distribution on the Certificates;
 
          (v) the amount, if any, by which the Aggregate Class A Principal
     Balance of a Certificate Group exceeds the related Loan Group Principal
     Balance at the end of the previous month (after giving effect to all
     distributions of principal on the related Class A Certificates on such
     Distribution Date);
 
          (vi) the amount paid under the Policy for such Distribution Date in
     respect of the Class Interest Distribution to each Class of Certificates;
 
          (vii) the Master Servicing Fee;
 
          (viii) the Pool Principal Balance, the Loan Group 1 Principal Balance
     and the Loan Group 2 Principal Balance, in each case as of the close of
     business on the last day of the preceding Due Period;
 
          (ix) the Aggregate Class A Principal Balance of each Certificate Group
     and Class Principal Balance of each Class of Class A Certificates in such
     Certificate Group, after giving effect to payments allocated to principal
     above;
 
          (x) the amount of overcollateralization relating to each Loan Group as
     of the close of business on the Distribution Date, after giving effect to
     distributions of principal on such Distribution Date;
 
          (xi) the number and aggregate Principal Balances of the Mortgage Loans
     of each Loan Group as to which the minimum monthly payment is delinquent
     for 30-59 days, 60-89 days and 90 or more days, respectively, as of the end
     of the preceding Due Period;
 
          (xii) the book value of any real estate which is acquired by the Trust
     through foreclosure or grant of deed in lieu of foreclosure;
 
          (xiii) the aggregate amount of prepayments received on the Mortgage
     Loans during the previous Due Period and specifying such amount for each
     Loan Group;
 
          (xiv) the weighted average Loan Rate on the Mortgage Loans and
     specifying such weighted average Loan Rate for each Loan Group as of the
     first day of the month prior to the Distribution Date;
 
          (xv) the amount of any Civil Relief Act Interest Shortfalls,
     specifying such amount for each Loan Group;
 
                                      S-64
<PAGE>   67
 
          (xvi) the amount of the Net Funds Cap Carryover Amount, if any; and
 
          (xvii) the amount of any Monthly Advances and Servicing Advances.
 
     In the case of information furnished pursuant to clauses (ii) and (iii)
above, the amounts shall be expressed as a dollar amount per Certificate with a
$1,000 denomination.
 
     Within 60 days after the end of each calendar year, the Trustee will
forward to each Person, if requested in writing by such Person who was a
Certificateholder during the prior calendar year, a statement containing the
information set forth in clauses (ii) and (iii) above aggregated for such
calendar year.
 
LAST SCHEDULED DISTRIBUTION DATE
 
     The last scheduled Distribution Date for each Class of Offered Certificates
is as follows: Class A-1 Certificates, October 25, 2010, Class A-2 Certificates,
May 25, 2012, Class A-3 Certificates, May 25, 2012, Class A-4 Certificates, July
25, 2028 and Class A-5 Certificates, July 25, 2028. It is expected that the
actual last Distribution Date for each Class of Offered Certificates will occur
significantly earlier than such scheduled Distribution Dates. See "PREPAYMENT
AND YIELD CONSIDERATIONS".
 
     Such last scheduled Distribution Dates for the Class A-1, Class A-2 and
Class A-3 Certificates are based on the assumptions set forth under "--Weighted
Average Lives" above and on a 0% Prepayment Assumption with no Distributable
Excess Spread used to make accelerated payments of principal to the holders of
such Classes of Certificates. The last scheduled Distribution Dates for the
Class A-4 and Class A-5 Certificates have been calculated to equal the date
obtained assuming that the Mortgage Loan in the related Group having the latest
maturity amortizes according to its term plus one year.
 
COLLECTION AND OTHER SERVICING PROCEDURES ON MORTGAGE LOANS
 
     The Master Servicer will make reasonable efforts to collect all payments
called for under the Mortgage Loans and will, consistent with the Agreement,
follow such collection procedures which generally conform to the mortgage
servicing practices of prudent mortgage lending institutions which perform
servicing functions for their own account for mortgage loans of the same type as
the Mortgage Loans in the jurisdictions in which the related Mortgage Properties
are located. Consistent with the above, the Master Servicer may in its
discretion waive any late payment charge or any assumption or other fee or
charge that may be collected in the ordinary course of servicing the Mortgage
Loans.
 
     With respect to the Mortgage Loans, the Master Servicer may arrange with a
borrower a schedule for the payment of interest due and unpaid for a period,
provided that any such arrangement is consistent with the Master Servicer's
policies with respect to mortgage loans it owns or services which are similar to
the Mortgage Loans.
 
HAZARD INSURANCE
 
     The Master Servicer will cause to be maintained fire and hazard insurance
with extended coverage customary in the area where the Mortgaged Property is
located, in an amount which is at least equal to the lesser of (i) the
outstanding Principal Balance on the Mortgage Loan and any related senior
lien(s), and (ii) the full insurable value of the premises securing the Mortgage
Loan. Generally, if the Mortgaged Property is in an area identified in the
Federal Register by the Flood Emergency Management Agency as FLOOD ZONE "A",
such flood insurance has been made available and the Master Servicer determines
that such insurance is necessary in accordance with accepted mortgage servicing
practices of prudent lending institutions, the Master Servicer will cause to be
purchased a flood insurance policy with a generally acceptable insurance
carrier, in an amount representing coverage not less than the lesser of (a) the
outstanding Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loan and the First Lien, if any,
or (b) the maximum amount of insurance available under the National Flood
Insurance Act of 1968, as amended. The Master Servicer will also maintain on REO
Property, to the extent such insurance is available, fire and hazard insurance
in the applicable amounts described above, liability insurance and, to the
extent required and available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as
amended, and the Master Servicer determines that such insurance is necessary in
 
                                      S-65
<PAGE>   68
 
accordance with accepted mortgage servicing practices of prudent lending
institutions, flood insurance in an amount equal to that required above. Any
amounts collected by the Master Servicer under any such policies (other than
amounts to be applied to the restoration or repair of the Mortgaged Property, or
to be released to the Mortgagor in accordance with customary mortgage servicing
procedures) will be deposited in the Collection Account, subject to retention by
the Master Servicer to the extent such amounts constitute servicing compensation
or to withdrawal pursuant to the Agreement.
 
     In the event that the Master Servicer obtains and maintains a blanket
policy as provided in the Agreement insuring against fire and hazards of
extended coverage on all of the Mortgage Loans, then, to the extent such policy
names the Master Servicer or its designee as loss payee and provides coverage in
an amount equal to the aggregate unpaid principal balance of the Mortgage Loans
without coinsurance, and otherwise complies with the requirements of the first
paragraph of this subsection, the Master Servicer will be deemed conclusively to
have satisfied its obligations with respect to fire and hazard insurance
coverage.
 
REALIZATION UPON DEFAULTED MORTGAGE LOANS
 
     The Master Servicer will foreclose upon or otherwise comparably convert to
ownership Mortgaged Properties securing such of the Mortgage Loans as come into
default when, in accordance with applicable servicing procedures under the
Agreement, no satisfactory arrangements can be made for the collection of
delinquent payments. In connection with such foreclosure or other conversion,
the Master Servicer will follow such practices as it deems necessary or
advisable and as are in keeping with its general mortgage servicing activities,
provided that the Master Servicer will not be required to expend its own funds
in connection with foreclosure or other conversion, correction of default on a
related senior mortgage loan or restoration of any property unless, in its sole
judgment, such foreclosure, correction or restoration will increase Net
Liquidation Proceeds. The Master Servicer will be reimbursed out of Liquidation
Proceeds for advances of its own funds as liquidation expenses before any Net
Liquidation Proceeds are distributed to Certificateholders.
 
SERVICING COMPENSATION AND PAYMENT OF EXPENSES
 
     With respect to each Due Period, the Master Servicer will receive from
interest payments in respect of the Mortgage Loans a portion of such interest
payments as a monthly Master Servicing Fee in the amount equal to 0.50% per
annum (the "Master Servicing Fee Rate") on the Principal Balance of each
Mortgage Loan as of the first day of each such Due Period. All assumption fees,
late payment charges, prepayment penalties and other fees and charges, to the
extent collected from borrowers, will be retained by the Master Servicer as
additional servicing compensation.
 
     The Master Servicer's right to reimbursement for unreimbursed Servicing
Advances is limited to late collections on the related Mortgage Loan, including
Liquidation Proceeds, Insurance Proceeds and such other amounts as may be
collected by the Master Servicer from the related Mortgagor or otherwise
relating to the Mortgage Loan in respect of which such unreimbursed amounts are
owed. The Master Servicer's right to reimbursement for unreimbursed Monthly
Advances shall be limited to late collections of interest on any Mortgage Loan
and to liquidation proceeds and insurance proceeds on the related Mortgage Loan.
However, if any Servicing Advance or Monthly Advance is determined by the Master
Servicer to be nonrecoverable from such sources, the amount of such
nonrecoverable advances may be reimbursed to the Master Servicer from other
amounts on deposit in the Collection Account. The Master Servicer's right to
such reimbursements is prior to the rights of Certificateholders.
 
     Not later than the Determination Date, the Master Servicer is required to
remit to the Trustee, without any right of reimbursement, an amount equal to,
with respect to each Mortgage Loan as to which a principal prepayment in full
was received during the related Due Period, the lesser of (a) the excess, if
any, of 30 days' interest on the Principal Balance of such Mortgage Loan at the
Loan Rate (or at such lower rate as may be in effect for such Mortgage Loan
because of application of the Civil Relief Act), minus the Master Servicing Fee
for such Mortgage Loan, over the amount of interest actually paid by the related
Mortgagor in connection with such principal prepayment in full minus the Master
Servicing Fee for such Mortgage Loan (with respect to all
 
                                      S-66
<PAGE>   69
 
such Mortgage Loans, the "Prepayment Interest Shortfall") and (b) the sum of the
aggregate Master Servicer Fee received by the Master Servicer in the most
recently ended Due Period.
 
     Civil Relief Act Interest Shortfalls will not be covered by the Policy,
although Prepayment Interest Shortfalls, after application of the Master
Servicing Fee for the related Due Period, will be so covered. The Master
Servicer is not obligated to offset any of the Master Servicing Fee against, or
to provide any other funds to cover, any Civil Relief Act Interest Shortfalls.
See "RISK FACTORS -- Payments on the Mortgage Loans" in this Prospectus
Supplement.
 
EVIDENCE AS TO COMPLIANCE
 
     The Agreement provides for delivery on or before the last day of the fifth
month following the end of the Master Servicer's fiscal year, beginning in 1998,
to the Trustee, the Certificate Insurer and the Rating Agencies of an annual
statement signed by an officer of the Master Servicer to the effect that the
Master Servicer has fulfilled its material obligations under the Agreement
throughout the preceding fiscal year, except as specified in such statement.
 
     On or before the last day of the fifth month following the end of the
Master Servicer's fiscal year, beginning in 1998, the Master Servicer will
furnish a report prepared by a firm of nationally recognized independent public
accountants (who may also render other services to Provident) to the Trustee,
the Certificate Insurer and the Rating Agencies to the effect that such firm has
examined certain documents and the records relating to servicing of the Mortgage
Loans under the Uniform Single Attestation Program for Mortgage Bankers and such
firm's conclusion with respect thereto.
 
     The Master Servicer's fiscal year is the calendar year.
 
CERTAIN MATTERS REGARDING THE MASTER SERVICER
 
     The Agreement provides that the Master Servicer may not resign from its
obligations and duties thereunder, except in connection with a permitted
transfer of servicing, unless (i) such duties and obligations are no longer
permissible under applicable law as evidenced by an opinion of counsel delivered
to the Certificate Insurer or (ii) upon the satisfaction of the following
conditions: (a) the Master Servicer has proposed a successor master servicer to
the Trustee in writing and such proposed successor master servicer is reasonably
acceptable to the Trustee; (b) the Rating Agencies have confirmed to the Trustee
that the appointment of such proposed successor master servicer as the Master
Servicer will not result in the reduction or withdrawal of the then current
rating of the Certificates; and (c) such proposed successor master servicer is
reasonably acceptable to the Certificate Insurer. No such resignation will
become effective until the Trustee or a successor master servicer has assumed
the Master Servicer's obligations and duties under the Agreement.
 
     The Master Servicer may perform any of its duties and obligations under the
Agreement through one or more subservicers or delegates, which may be affiliates
of the Master Servicer. Notwithstanding any such arrangement, the Master
Servicer will remain liable and obligated to the Trustee and the
Certificateholders for the Master Servicer's duties and obligations under the
Agreement, without any diminution of such duties and obligations and as if the
Master Servicer itself were performing such duties and obligations.
 
     The Master Servicer may permit the placement of a subsequent senior
mortgage on any Mortgaged Property, provided that (a) the related Mortgage
succeeded to a first lien position after the Closing Date for such Mortgage Loan
and, immediately following the placement of such senior lien, such Mortgage is
in a second lien position and the outstanding principal amount of the mortgage
loan secured by such senior lien is no greater than the outstanding principal
amount of the first mortgage loan existing as of the Closing Date and the
recalculated combined loan-to-value ratio of the Mortgage Loan is not greater
than the Combined Loan-to-Value Ratio of such Mortgage Loan as of the Closing
Date; or (b) the Mortgage relating to the Mortgage Loan was in a second lien
position as of the Closing Date, the new senior lien secures a mortgage loan
that refinances an existing first mortgage loan and the outstanding principal
amount of such refinanced mortgage loan is no greater than the outstanding
principal amount of the first mortgage loan existing as of the Closing
 
                                      S-67
<PAGE>   70
 
Date and the recalculated combined loan-to-value ratio of such Mortgage Loan is
not greater than the Combined Loan-to-Value Ratio of such Mortgage Loan as of
the Closing Date.
 
     In addition, the Master Servicer may agree to changes in the terms of a
Mortgage Loan, provided, however, that such changes (i) will not cause the Trust
to fail to qualify as a REMIC (as evidenced by an opinion of counsel) and do not
adversely affect the interests of the Certificateholders or the Certificate
Insurer, (ii) are consistent with prudent business practices and (iii) do not
change the Loan Rate of such Mortgage Loan or extend the maturity date of such
Mortgage Loan in excess of one year or beyond twelve months prior to the Final
Distribution Date for the related Certificate Group. Any changes to the terms of
a Mortgage Loan that would cause the Trust to fail to qualify as a REMIC,
however, may be agreed to by the Master Servicer, provided that the Master
Servicer has determined such changes are necessary to avoid a prepayment of such
Mortgage Loan, such changes are in accordance with prudent business practices
and the Master Servicer purchases such Mortgage Loan in accordance with the
terms of the Agreement.
 
     The Agreement provides that the Master Servicer will indemnify the Trust
and the Trustee from and against any loss, liability, expense, damage or injury
suffered or sustained as a result of the Master Servicer's actions or omissions
in connection with the servicing and administration of the Mortgage Loans which
are not in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement. The Agreement
provides that neither Provident nor the Master Servicer nor their directors,
officers, employees or agents will be under any other liability to the Trust,
the Trustee, the Certificateholders or any other person for any action taken or
for refraining from taking any action pursuant to the Agreement. However,
neither Provident nor the Master Servicer will be protected against any
liability which would otherwise be imposed by reason of willful misconduct, bad
faith or gross negligence of Provident or the Master Servicer, as the case may
be, in the performance of their respective duties under the Agreement or by
reason of reckless disregard of their respective obligations thereunder. In
addition, the Agreement provides that the Master Servicer will not be under any
obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any legal action which is not
incidental to its servicing responsibilities under the Agreement. The Master
Servicer may, in its sole discretion, undertake any such legal action which it
may deem necessary or desirable with respect to the Agreement and the rights and
duties of the parties thereto and the interest of the Certificateholders
thereunder.
 
     Any corporation into which the Master Servicer may be merged or
consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or
consolidation to which the Master Servicer shall be a party, or any corporation
succeeding to the business of the Master Servicer shall be the successor of the
Master Servicer under the Agreement, without the execution or filing of any
paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties to the Agreement,
anything in the Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
     "Events of Default" will consist of: (i) (A) any failure of the Master
Servicer to make any required Monthly Advance or (B) any other failure of the
Master Servicer to deposit in the Collection Account or Distribution Account any
deposit required to be made under the Agreement, which failure continues
unremedied for two Business Days after the giving of written notice of such
failure to the Master Servicer by the Trustee, or to the Master Servicer and the
Trustee by the Certificate Insurer or any Certificateholder; (ii) any failure by
the Master Servicer duly to observe or perform in any material respect any other
of its covenants or agreements in the Agreement which, in each case, materially
and adversely affects the interests of the Certificateholders or the Certificate
Insurer and continues unremedied for 30 days after the giving of written notice
of such failure to the Master Servicer by the Trustee, or to the Master Servicer
and the Trustee by the Certificate Insurer or any Certificateholder; (iii) any
failure by the Master Servicer to make any required Servicing Advance, which
failure continues unremedied for a period of 30 days after the giving of written
notice of such failure to the Master Servicer by the Trustee, or to the Master
Servicer and the Trustee by the Certificate Insurer or any Certificateholder;
(iv) certain events of insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshalling of assets
and liabilities or similar proceedings relating to the Master Servicer and
certain actions by the Master Servicer indicating insolvency, reorganization or
inability to pay its obligations (an "Insolvency Event"); (v) any failure by the
Master Servicer to pay when due any amount payable by it under the
 
                                      S-68
<PAGE>   71
 
Agreement or the Insurance Agreement or (vi) the loss and delinquency
performance of the Mortgage Loans exceeding certain levels specified in the
Agreement.
 
     Upon the occurrence and continuation of the event described in clause (i)
(A) above, if any Monthly Advance is not made by 4:00 P.M., New York City time,
on the Business Day following written notice to the Master Servicer of such
event, the Trustee will immediately terminate the rights and obligations of the
Master Servicer under the Agreement and the Trustee will make such Monthly
Advance as the successor Master Servicer.
 
     Upon removal or resignation of the Master Servicer, the Trustee or, as
provided below, the Subservicer will be the successor master servicer (the
"Successor Master Servicer"). The Trustee or the Subservicer, as applicable, as
Successor Master Servicer, will be obligated to make Monthly Advances and
Servicing Advances and certain other advances unless it determines reasonably
and in good faith that such advances would not be recoverable.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, a delay in or failure of performance
referred to under clause (i) above for a period of ten (10) Business Days or
referred to under clause (ii) above for a period of thirty (30) Business Days,
shall not constitute an Event of Default if such delay or failure could not be
prevented by the exercise of reasonable diligence by the Master Servicer and
such delay or failure was caused by an act of God or other similar occurrence.
Upon the occurrence of any such event the Master Servicer shall not be relieved
from using its best efforts to perform its obligations in a timely manner in
accordance with the terms of the Agreement and the Master Servicer shall provide
the Trustee, Provident, the Certificate Insurer and the Certificateholders
prompt notice of such failure or delay by it, together with a description of its
efforts to so perform its obligations.
 
RIGHTS UPON AN EVENT OF DEFAULT
 
     So long as an Event of Default remains unremedied, either the Trustee,
Certificateholders holding Certificates evidencing at least 51% of the Voting
Rights in the Trust, with the consent of the Certificate Insurer, or the
Certificate Insurer may terminate all of the rights and obligations of the
Master Servicer under the Agreement and in and to the Mortgage Loans, whereupon
the Trustee or the Subservicer, if the Subservicer so elects, and only if such
Event of Default did not result from the failure of the Subservicer to perform
its obligations under the Subservicing Agreement, will succeed to all the
responsibilities, duties and liabilities of the Master Servicer under the
Agreement and will be entitled to similar compensation arrangements. In the
event that the Trustee would be obligated to succeed to all the
responsibilities, duties and liabilities of the Master Servicer but is unwilling
or unable so to act, it may appoint, or petition a court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of, a housing and home finance institution or
other mortgage loan or home equity loan servicer with all licenses and permits
required to perform its obligations under the Agreement and having a net worth
of at least $50,000,000 and acceptable to the Certificate Insurer to act as
successor to the Master Servicer under the Agreement. Pending such appointment,
the Trustee will be obligated to act in such capacity unless prohibited by law.
Such successor will be entitled to receive the same compensation that the Master
Servicer would otherwise have received (or such lesser compensation as the
Trustee and such successor may agree). A receiver or conservator for the Master
Servicer may be empowered to prevent the termination and replacement of the
Master Servicer if the only Event of Default that has occurred is an Insolvency
Event.
 
AMENDMENT
 
     The Agreement may be amended from time to time by the Seller, the Master
Servicer and the Trustee and with the consent of the Certificate Insurer, but
without the consent of the Certificateholders, to cure any ambiguity, to correct
or supplement any provisions therein which may be inconsistent with any other
provisions of the Agreement, to add to the duties of the Seller or the Master
Servicer to comply with any requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code or
any regulation thereunder, or to add or amend any provisions of the Agreement as
required by the Rating Agencies in order to maintain or improve any rating of
the Offered Certificates (it being understood that, after obtaining the ratings
in effect on the Closing Date,
 
                                      S-69
<PAGE>   72
 
neither the Seller, the Trustee, the Certificate Insurer nor the Master Servicer
is obligated to obtain, maintain, or improve any such rating) or to add any
other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the
Agreement which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the Agreement;
provided that such action will not, as evidenced by an opinion of counsel,
materially and adversely affect the interests of any Certificateholder or the
Certificate Insurer; provided, further, that any such amendment will not be
deemed to materially and adversely affect the Certificateholders and no such
opinion will be required to be delivered if the person requesting such amendment
obtains a letter from the Rating Agencies stating that such amendment would not
result in a downgrading of the then current rating of the Offered Certificates.
The Agreement may also be amended from time to time by the Seller, the Master
Servicer and the Trustee, with the consent of Certificateholders evidencing at
least 51% of the Percentage Interests of each Class affected thereby and the
Certificate Insurer for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in
any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of the Agreement or of modifying
in any manner the rights of the Certificateholders, provided that no such
amendment will (i) reduce in any manner the amount of, or delay the timing of,
collections of payments on the Certificates or distributions or payments under
the Policy which are required to be made on any Certificate without the consent
of the Certificateholder or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage required to
consent to any such amendment, without the consent of the holders of all Offered
Certificates then outstanding.
 
TERMINATION; PURCHASE OF MORTGAGE LOANS
 
     The Trust will terminate on the Distribution Date following the later of
(A) payment in full of all amounts owing to the Certificate Insurer unless the
Certificate Insurer shall otherwise consent and (B) the earliest of (i) the
Distribution Date on which the Aggregate Class A Principal Balance has been
reduced to zero, (ii) the final payment or other liquidation of the last
Mortgage Loan in the Trust, (iii) the optional purchase by the Seller of the
Mortgage Loans, as described below and (iv) the Distribution Date in           .
 
     Subject to provisions in the Agreement concerning adopting a plan of
complete liquidation, the Seller may, at its option, terminate the Agreement on
any Distribution Date following the Due Period at the end of which the Pool
Principal Balance is less than 5% of the sum of the Principal Balance of the
Initial Mortgage Loans and Subsequent Mortgage Loans as of the Cut-Off Date by
purchasing, on the next succeeding Distribution Date, all of the outstanding
Mortgage Loans at a price equal to the sum of the outstanding Pool Principal
Balance (subject to reduction as provided in the Agreement if the purchase price
is based in part on the appraised value of any REO Property included in the
Trust and such appraised value is less than the Principal Balance of the related
Mortgage Loan) and accrued and unpaid interest thereon at the weighted average
of the Loan Rates through the end of the Due Period preceding the final
Distribution Date together with all amounts due and owing to the Certificate
Insurer.
 
     Any such purchase shall be accomplished by deposit into the Distribution
Account of the purchase price specified above.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
     Under the Agreement, the Voting Rights will be allocated as follows: 99% to
the Class A Certificates and 1% to the Class R Certificates. Voting Rights
allocated to the Class A Certificates will be allocated among such Classes in
proportion to their respective Class Principal Balances. Voting Rights allocated
to a Class of Certificates will be further allocated among the Certificates of
such Class on the basis of their respective Percentage Interests. So long as no
Certificate Insurer Default is continuing, the Certificate Insurer will be
entitled to exercise the Voting Rights of the Class A Certificates.
 
THE TRUSTEE
 
     Bankers Trust Company of California, N.A., a national banking association,
has been named Trustee pursuant to the Agreement.
 
     The Trustee may have normal banking relationships with Provident and the
Master Servicer.
 
                                      S-70
<PAGE>   73
 
     The Trustee may resign at any time, in which event Provident will be
obligated to appoint a successor Trustee, as approved by the Certificate
Insurer. Provident may also remove the Trustee if the Trustee ceases to be
eligible to continue as such under the Agreement or if the Trustee becomes
insolvent. Upon becoming aware of such circumstances, Provident will be
obligated to appoint a successor Trustee, as approved by the Certificate
Insurer. Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a
successor Trustee will not become effective until acceptance of the appointment
by the successor Trustee.
 
     No holder of a Certificate will have any right under the Agreement to
institute any proceeding with respect to the Agreement unless such holder
previously has given to the Trustee written notice of default and unless
Certificateholders holding Certificates evidencing at least 51% of the Voting
Rights in the Trust have made written requests upon the Trustee to institute
such proceeding in its own name as Trustee thereunder and have offered to the
Trustee reasonable indemnity and the Trustee for 60 days has neglected or
refused to institute any such proceeding. The Trustee will be under no
obligation to exercise any of the trusts or powers vested in it by the Agreement
or to make any investigation of matters arising thereunder or to institute,
conduct or defend any litigation thereunder or in relation thereto at the
request, order or direction of any of the Certificateholders, unless such
Certificateholders have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity
against the cost, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred therein or
thereby.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The net proceeds to be received from the sale of the Certificates will be
applied by Provident towards the origination or purchase of the Mortgage Loans.
 
                    CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
     An election will be made to treat the Trust as a "real estate mortgage
investment conduit" for Federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). In the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP,
special tax counsel to the Trust and counsel to the Underwriters, assuming
compliance with the Agreement, the Trust will qualify as a REMIC, the Class A
Certificates will represent "regular interests" in the REMIC and the Class R
Certificates will represent the sole class of residual interests in the REMIC.
See "FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES -- Taxation of the REMIC and its Holders"
in the Prospectus.
 
     The Offered Certificates generally will be treated as debt instruments
issued by the REMIC for Federal income tax purposes. Income on such Certificates
must be reported under an accrual method of accounting.
 
     The Offered Certificates may, depending on their issue price, be issued
with original issue discount ("OID") for federal income tax purposes. Holders of
such Certificates issued with OID will be required to include OID in income as
it accrues under a constant yield method, in advance of the receipt of cash
attributable to such income. The OID Regulations do not contain provisions
specifically interpreting Code Section 1272(a)(6) which applies to prepayable
securities such as the Offered Certificates. Until the Treasury issues guidance
to the contrary, the Trustee intends to base its OID computation on Code Section
1272(a)(6) and the OID Regulations as described in the Prospectus. However,
because no regulatory guidance currently exists under Code Section 1272(a)(6),
there can be no assurance that such methodology represents the correct manner of
calculating OID.
 
     The yield used to calculate accruals of OID with respect to the Offered
Certificates with OID will be the original yield to maturity of such
Certificates, determined by assuming that the Mortgage Loans in Group 1 will
prepay in accordance with 115% of the Prepayment Assumption and that the
Mortgage Loans in Group 2 will prepay in accordance with 125% of the Prepayment
Assumption. No representation is made as to the actual rate at which the
Mortgage Loans will prepay.
 
     Prepayments on mortgage loans are commonly measured relative to a
prepayment standard or model. The Prepayment Assumption model used in this
Prospectus represents an assumed rate of prepayment each month relative to the
then outstanding principal balance of the pool of mortgage loans for the life of
such
 
                                      S-71
<PAGE>   74
 
mortgage loans. See "Prepayment and Yield Considerations -- Weighted Average
Lives". The Prepayment Assumption does not purport to be either an historical
description of the prepayment experience of any pool of mortgage loans or a
prediction of the anticipated rate of prepayment of any pool of mortgage loans,
including the Mortgage Loans, and there is no assurance that the Mortgage Loans
will prepay at the indicated percentage of the Prepayment Assumption. Provident
does not make any representation about the appropriateness of the Prepayment
Assumption model.
 
     A reasonable application of the principles of the OID Regulations to the
Class A-5 Certificates generally would be to report all income with respect to
such Certificates as original issue discount for each period, computing such
original issue discount (i) by assuming that the value of the applicable
Certificate Index will remain constant for purposes of determining the original
yield to maturity of each such Class of Certificates and projecting future
distributions on such Certificates, thereby treating such Certificates as fixed
rate instruments to which the original issue discount computation rules
described in the Prospectus can be applied, and (ii) by accounting for any
positive or negative variation in the actual value of the applicable index in
any period from its assumed value as a current adjustment to original issue
discount with respect to such period. See "FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSEQUENCES -- Taxation of Debt Securities -- Interest and Acquisition
Discount" in the Prospectus.
 
     The Offered Certificates will be treated as regular interests in a REMIC
under section 860G of the Code. Accordingly, the Offered Certificates will be
treated as (i) assets described in section 7701(a)(19)(C) of the Code and (ii)
"real estate assets" within the meaning of section 856(c)(5) of the Code, in
each case to the extent described in the Prospectus. Interest on the Offered
Certificates will be treated as interest on obligations secured by mortgages on
real property within the meaning of section 856(c)(3)(B) of the Code to the same
extent that the Offered Certificates are treated as real estate assets. See
"FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES" in the Prospectus.
 
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
 
     Certain Certificate Owners may be subject to backup withholding at the rate
of 31% with respect to interest paid on the Offered Certificates if the
Certificate Owners, upon issuance, fail to supply the Trustee or their broker
with their taxpayer identification number, furnish an incorrect taxpayer
identification number, fail to report interest, dividends, or other "reportable
payments" (as defined in the Code) properly, or, under certain circumstances,
fail to provide the Trustee or their broker with a certified statement, under
penalty of perjury, that they are not subject to backup withholding.
 
     The Trustee will be required to report annually to the IRS, and to each
Offered Certificateholder of record, the amount of interest paid (and OID
accrued, if any) on the Offered Certificates (and the amount of interest
withheld for Federal income taxes, if any) for each calendar year, except as to
exempt holders (generally, holders that are corporations, certain tax-exempt
organizations or nonresident aliens who provide certification as to their status
as nonresidents). As long as the only "Class A Certificateholder" of record is
Cede, as nominee for DTC, Certificate Owners and the IRS will receive tax and
other information including the amount of interest paid on such Certificates
owned from Participants and Indirect Participants rather than from the Trustee.
(The Trustee, however, will respond to requests for necessary information to
enable Participants, Indirect Participants and certain other persons to complete
their reports.) Each non-exempt Certificate Owner will be required to provide,
under penalty of perjury, a certificate on IRS Form W-9 containing his or her
name, address, correct Federal taxpayer identification number and a statement
that he or she is not subject to backup withholding. Should a nonexempt
Certificate Owner fail to provide the required certification, the Participants
or Indirect Participants (or the Paying Agent) will be required to withhold 31%
of the interest (and principal) otherwise payable to the holder, and remit the
withheld amount to the IRS as a credit against the holder's Federal income tax
liability.
 
     Such amounts will be deemed distributed to the affected Certificate owner
for all purposes of the Certificates, the Agreement and the Policy.
 
                                      S-72
<PAGE>   75
 
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO FOREIGN INVESTORS
 
     The following information describes the United States federal income tax
treatment of holders that are not United States persons ("Foreign Investors").
The term "Foreign Investor" means any person other than (i) a citizen or
resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, partnership or other entity
organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state or political
subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is includible in gross
income for United States federal income tax purposes, regardless of its source
or (iv) a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary
supervision of the administration of the trust and one or more United States
fiduciaries have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the
trust.
 
     The Code and Treasury regulations generally subject interest paid to a
Foreign Investor to a withholding tax at a rate of 30% (unless such rate were
changed by an applicable treaty). The withholding tax, however, is eliminated
with respect to certain "portfolio debt investments" issued to Foreign
Investors. Portfolio debt investments include debt instruments issued in
registered form for which the United States payor receives a statement that the
beneficial owner of the instrument is a Foreign Investor. The Offered
Certificates will be issued in registered form, therefore if the information
required by the Code is furnished (as described below) and no other exceptions
to the withholding tax exemption are applicable, no withholding tax will apply
to the Offered Certificates.
 
     For the Offered Certificates to constitute portfolio debt investments
exempt from the United States withholding tax, the withholding agent must
receive from the Certificate Owner an executed IRS Form W-8 signed under penalty
of perjury by the Certificate Owner stating that the Certificate Owner is a
Foreign Investor and providing such Certificate Owner's name and address. The
statement must be received by the withholding agent in the calendar year in
which the interest payment is made, or in either of the two preceding calendar
years.
 
     A Certificate Owner that is a nonresident alien or foreign corporation will
not be subject to United States federal income tax on gain realized on the sale,
exchange, or redemption of such Offered Certificate, provided that (i) such gain
is not effectively connected with a trade or business carried on by the
Certificate Owner in the United States, (ii) in the case of a Certificate Owner
that is an individual, such Certificate Owner is not present in the United
States for 183 days or more during the taxable year in which such sale, exchange
or redemption occurs and (iii) in the case of gain representing accrued
interest, the conditions described in the immediately preceding paragraph are
satisfied.
 
                                  STATE TAXES
 
     Provident makes no representations regarding the tax consequences of
purchase, ownership or disposition of the Offered Certificates under the tax
laws of any state. Investors considering an investment in the Certificates
should consult their own tax advisors regarding such tax consequences.
 
     All investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the Federal,
state, local or foreign income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and
disposition of the Certificates.
 
                              ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
 
     Any Plan fiduciary which proposes to cause a Plan to acquire any of the
Offered Certificates should consult with its counsel with respect to the
potential consequences under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and the Code, of the Plans acquisition and ownership
of such Certificates. See "ERISA CONSIDERATIONS" in the Prospectus.
 
     The U.S. Department of Labor has granted to Lehman Brothers Inc. ("Lehman
Brothers") Prohibited Transaction Exemption 91-14 (the "Exemption") which
exempts from the application of the prohibited transaction rules transactions
relating to (1) the acquisition, sale and holding by Plans of certain
certificates representing an undivided interest in certain asset-backed
pass-through trusts, with respect to which Lehman Brothers or any of its
affiliates is the sole underwriter or the manager or co-manager of the
underwriting
 
                                      S-73
<PAGE>   76
 
syndicate; and (2) the servicing, operation and management of such asset-backed
pass-through trusts, provided that the general conditions and certain other
conditions set forth in the Exemption are satisfied. The Exemption will apply to
the acquisition, holding and resale of the Class A Certificates by a Plan,
provided that certain conditions (certain of which are described below) are met.
 
     Among the conditions which must be satisfied for the Exemption to apply are
the following:
 
          (1) The acquisition of the Class A Certificates by a Plan is on terms
     (including the price for such Certificates) that are at least as favorable
     to the investing Plan as they would be in an arm's-length transaction with
     an unrelated party;
 
          (2) The rights and interests evidenced by the Class A Certificates
     acquired by the Plan are not subordinated to the rights and interests
     evidenced by other certificates of the Trust;
 
          (3) The Class A Certificates acquired by the Plan have received a
     rating at the time of such acquisition that is in one of the three highest
     generic rating categories from either S&P, Moody's, Fitch or Duff & Phelps
     Credit Rating Co.;
 
          (4) The sum of all payments made to and retained by an Underwriter in
     connection with the distribution of the Class A Certificates represents not
     more than reasonable compensation for underwriting such Certificates; the
     sum of all payments made to and retained by the Seller pursuant to the sale
     of the Mortgage Loans to the Trust represents not more than the fair market
     value of such Mortgage Loans; the sum of all payments made to and retained
     by the Master Servicer represent not more than reasonable compensation for
     the Master Servicer's services under the Agreement and reimbursement of the
     Master Servicer's reasonable expenses in connection therewith;
 
          (5) The Trustee is not an affiliate of any Underwriter, the Seller,
     the Master Servicer, the Certificate Insurer, any borrower whose
     obligations under one or more Mortgage Loans constitute more than 5% of the
     aggregate unamortized principal balance of the assets in the Trust, or any
     of their respective affiliates (the "Restricted Group"); and
 
          (6) The Plan investing in the Class A Certificates is an "accredited
     investor" as defined in Rule 501(a)(1) of Regulation D of the Securities
     and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
     The Underwriters believe that the Exemption will apply to the acquisition
and holding of the Class A Certificates by Plans and that all conditions of the
Exemption other than those within the control of the investors will be met. Any
Plan fiduciary considering whether to purchase any Class A Certificates on
behalf of a Plan should consult with its counsel regarding the applicability of
the fiduciary responsibility and prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and
the Code to such investment. Among other things, before purchasing any Class A
Certificates, a fiduciary of a Plan subject to the fiduciary responsibility
provisions of ERISA or an employee benefit plan subject to the prohibited
transaction provisions of the Code should make its own determination as to the
availability of the exemptive relief provided in the Exemption, and also
consider the availability of any other prohibited transaction exemptions.
 
                        LEGAL INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS
 
     Although, as a condition to their issuance, the Offered Certificates will
be rated in the highest rating category of the Rating Agencies, the Offered
Certificates will not constitute "mortgage related securities" for purposes of
the Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement Act of 1984 ("SMMEA"), because not all
of the Mortgages securing the Mortgage Loans are first mortgages. Accordingly,
many institutions with legal authority to invest in comparably rated securities
based on first mortgage loans may not be legally authorized to invest in the
Offered Certificates, which because they evidence interests in a pool that
includes junior mortgage loans are not "mortgage related securities" under
SMMEA. See "LEGAL INVESTMENT" in the Prospectus.
 
                                      S-74
<PAGE>   77
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
     Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement
(the "Underwriting Agreement"), among Provident and the Underwriters named below
(the "Underwriters"), Provident has agreed to sell to the Underwriters and each
of the Underwriters has severally agreed to purchase from Provident the
principal amount of Class A Certificates set forth below opposite their
respective names.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          CLASS A-1        CLASS A-2        CLASS A-3        CLASS A-4        CLASS A-5
      UNDERWRITER        CERTIFICATES     CERTIFICATES     CERTIFICATES     CERTIFICATES     CERTIFICATES
- -----------------------  ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
<S>                      <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Lehman Brothers Inc....  $ 20,911,000     $ 14,815,000     $  7,722,000     $  9,053,000     $119,250,000
Donaldson, Lufkin &
  Jenrette Securities
  Corporation..........  $  6,970,000     $  4,938,000     $  2,574,000     $  3,017,000     $ 39,750,000
                          -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------     ------------
          Total........  $ 27,880,000     $ 19,753,000     $ 10,296,000     $ 12,070,000     $159,000,000
                          ===========      ===========      ===========      ===========     ============
</TABLE>
 
     Provident has been advised that the Underwriters propose initially to offer
the Class A Certificates to certain dealers at such price less a selling
concession not to exceed the percentage of the Certificate denomination set
forth below, and that the Underwriters may allow and such dealers may reallow a
reallowance discount not to exceed the percentage of the Certificate
denomination set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  CLASS OF CERTIFICATE                  SELLING CONCESSION     REALLOWANCE DISCOUNT
    ------------------------------------------------    ------------------     --------------------
    <S>                                                 <C>                    <C>
    Class A-1.......................................          0.1625%                  0.100%
    Class A-2.......................................          0.2250%                  0.125%
    Class A-3.......................................          0.2750%                  0.150%
    Class A-4.......................................          0.3000%                  0.150%
    Class A-5.......................................          0.2500%                  0.125%
</TABLE>
 
     After the initial public offering, the public offering price, such
concessions and such discounts may be changed.
 
     Provident has been advised by the Underwriters that they presently intend
to make a market in the Class A Certificates offered hereby; however, no
Underwriter is obligated to do so, any market-making may be discontinued at any
time, and there can be no assurance that an active public market for the Class A
Certificates will develop.
 
     Until the distribution of the Class A Certificates is completed, rules of
the Commission may limit the ability of the Underwriters and certain selling
group members to bid for and purchase the Class A Certificates. As an exception
to these rules, the Underwriters are permitted to engage in certain transactions
that stabilize the price of the Class A Certificates. Such transactions consist
of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price
of the Class A Certificates.
 
     In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to
reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than
it might be in the absence of such purchases.
 
     Neither Provident nor any of the Underwriters makes any representation or
prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions
described above may have on the prices of the Class A Certificates. In addition,
neither Provident nor any of the Underwriters makes any representation that the
Underwriters will engage in such transactions or that such transactions, once
commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
 
     The Underwriting Agreement provides that Provident will indemnify the
Underwriters against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements of MBIA Insurance Corporation and
Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996,
 
                                      S-75
<PAGE>   78
 
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus Supplement, have been audited by
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, as set forth in their report
thereon, incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the authority of such
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     Certain legal matters with respect to the Class A Certificates will be
passed upon for Provident by Keating, Muething & Klekamp, P.L.L., Cincinnati,
Ohio. Certain federal income tax consequences with respect to the Certificates
will be passed upon for the Trust by Brown & Wood LLP, New York, New York. Brown
& Wood LLP, New York, New York will act as counsel for the Underwriters.
 
                                    RATINGS
 
     It is a condition to the issuance of the Class A Certificates that they
receive ratings of "AAA" by S&P and Fitch and "Aaa" by Moody's.
 
     A securities rating addresses the likelihood of the receipt by Class A
Certificateholders of distributions on the Mortgage Loans. The rating takes into
consideration the characteristics of the Mortgage Loans and the structural,
legal and tax aspects associated with the Class A Certificates. The ratings on
the Class A Certificates do not, however, constitute statements regarding the
likelihood or frequency of prepayments on the Mortgage Loans, the payment of the
Net Funds Cap Carryover Amount or the possibility that Class A
Certificateholders might realize a lower than anticipated yield.
 
     The ratings assigned to the Class A Certificates will depend primarily upon
the creditworthiness of the Certificate Insurer. Any reduction in a rating
assigned to the claims-paying ability of the Certificate Insurer below the
ratings initially assigned to the Class A Certificates may result in a reduction
of one or more of the ratings assigned to the Class A Certificates.
 
     A securities rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities
and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating
organization. Each securities rating should be evaluated independently of
similar ratings on different securities.
 
                                      S-76
<PAGE>   79
 
                             INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERMS                                                                   PAGE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>
Aggregate Class A Principal Balance...................................  S-2
Agreement.............................................................  S-1, S-61
Amount Available......................................................  S-56
Available Funds.......................................................  S-56
Assignment Event......................................................  S-15
Balloon Loans.........................................................  S-14
Beneficial Owner......................................................  S-49
BIF...................................................................  S-54
Book-Entry Certificates...............................................  S-49
Business Day..........................................................  S-62
Cede..................................................................  S-5
CEDEL.................................................................  S-5, S-50
CEDEL Participants....................................................  S-43
Certificate Group.....................................................  S-2, S-48
Certificate Index.....................................................  S-6, S-58
Certificate Insurer...................................................  Cover, S-11
Certificate Owners....................................................  S-5, S-49
Certificate Rate......................................................  S-2, S-6, S-58
Certificate Register..................................................  S-55
Certificate Registrar.................................................  S-55
Certificateholder.....................................................  S-49
Certificates..........................................................  Cover, S-2
Change Date...........................................................  S-4, S-28
Chase.................................................................  S-6
Citibank..............................................................  S-6
Civil Relief Act......................................................  S-12
Civil Relief Act Interest Shortfalls..................................  S-12
Class.................................................................  Cover
Class A Certificates..................................................  Cover, S-2
Class A Monthly Principal Distributable Amount........................  S-8, S-59
Class A Principal Balance.............................................  S-2, S-48
Class A Principal Distribution........................................  S-8, S-59
Class A Principal Shortfall Amount....................................  S-9, S-60
Class A-1 Certificates................................................  S-48
Class A-2 Certificates................................................  S-48
Class A-3 Certificates................................................  S-48
Class A-4 Certificates................................................  S-48
Class A-5 Certificates................................................  S-48
Class A-5 Formula Rate................................................  S-6, S-58
Class Interest Distribution...........................................  S-7, S-59
Class Monthly Interest Distributable Amount...........................  S-7, S-59
Class R Certificates..................................................  Cover, S-2
CLTV..................................................................  S-25, S-32
Closing Date..........................................................  Cover
Code..................................................................  S-71
Collection Account....................................................  S-54
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-77
<PAGE>   80
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERMS                                                                   PAGE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>
Combined Loan-to-Value Ratio..........................................  S-3
Compensating Interest.................................................  S-16
Cooperative...........................................................  S-51
CPR...................................................................  S-43, S-71
Cut-Off Date..........................................................  S-1
Cut-Off Date Initial Pool Principal Balance...........................  S-2, S-21
Cut-Off Date Loan Group 1 Initial Principal Balance...................  S-3, S-21
Cut-Off Date Loan Group 2 Initial Principal Balance...................  S-4, S-9
Cut-Off Date Pool Principal Balance...................................  S-21
Defective Mortgage Loans..............................................  S-54
Deficiency Amount.....................................................  S-62
Definitive Certificate................................................  S-49
Determination Date....................................................  S-11
Distributable Excess Spread...........................................  S-9, S-59
Distribution Account..................................................  S-54
Distribution Date.....................................................  Cover, S-7
DTC...................................................................  S-5, S-49
Due Period............................................................  S-9, S-60
Eligible Account......................................................  S-54
Eligible Substitute Mortgage Loan.....................................  S-53
ERISA.................................................................  S-13, S-73
Euroclear.............................................................  S-5
Euroclear Operator....................................................  S-51
Euroclear Participants................................................  S-51
European Depositaries.................................................  S-5, S-49
Events of Default.....................................................  S-68
Excess Spread.........................................................  S-9, S-60
Exemption.............................................................  S-73
Final Distribution Date...............................................  S-11
Financial Intermediary................................................  S-49
First Liens...........................................................  S-15
Fiscal Agent..........................................................  S-61
Fitch.................................................................  S-13
Foreign Investors.....................................................  S-72
Funding Account.......................................................  S-5, S-63
GAAP..................................................................  S-18
Global Securities.....................................................  S-70
Gross Margin..........................................................  S-4, S-28
Group 1 Certificates..................................................  Cover, S-2, S-48
Group 2 Certificates..................................................  Cover, S-2, S-48
Guaranteed Principal Amount...........................................  S-62
Indirect Participant..................................................  S-49
Initial Interest Coverage Account.....................................  S-5, S-51
Initial Period........................................................  S-4, S-28
Insolvency Event......................................................  S-67
Insurance Agreement...................................................  S-11
Insured Payment.......................................................  S-62
Insurer Default.......................................................  S-60
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-78
<PAGE>   81
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERMS                                                                   PAGE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>
Interest Period.......................................................  S-7
Lehman Brothers.......................................................  S-73
LIBOR Business Day....................................................  S-59
LIBOR Determination Date..............................................  S-58
Lifetime Cap..........................................................  S-4, S-29
Lifetime Floor........................................................  S-4, S-29
Liquidated Mortgage Loan..............................................  S-60
Loan Group............................................................  Cover, S-2, S-48
Loan Group 1..........................................................  Cover, S-3, S-48
Loan Group 2..........................................................  Cover, S-3, S-48
Loan Group 1 Initial Mortgage Loans...................................  S-3
Loan Group 2 Initial Mortgage Loans...................................  S-3
Loan Group 1 Principal Balance........................................  S-1
Loan Group 2 Principal Balance........................................  S-1
Loan Group Principal Balance..........................................  S-1
Loan Index............................................................  S-4, S-28
Loan Rate.............................................................  S-3, S-21
Master Servicer.......................................................  S-6
Master Servicing Fee..................................................  S-11
Master Servicing Fee Rate.............................................  S-11, S-66
Monthly Advance.......................................................  S-12, S-55
Monthly Payments......................................................  S-22
Moody's...............................................................  S-13
Mortgage File.........................................................  S-15, S-52
Mortgage Loan Schedule................................................  S-52
Mortgage Loans........................................................  Cover, S-2
Mortgage Notes........................................................  S-21
Mortgage Pool.........................................................  Cover, S-2
Mortgaged Properties..................................................  S-1
Net Funds Cap.........................................................  S-6, S-58
Net Funds Cap Carryover Amount........................................  S-57
Nonrecoverable Advance................................................  S-55
Notice................................................................  S-62
Offered Certificates..................................................  Cover, S-48
OID...................................................................  S-71
Owner.................................................................  S-62
Participant...........................................................  S-49
Payahead..............................................................  S-56
Percentage Interest...................................................  S-49
Periodic Cap..........................................................  S-4, S-28
Plan..................................................................  S-13
Policy................................................................  Cover, S-1, S-48
Pool Principal Balance................................................  S-1
Preference Amount.....................................................  S-62
Prepayment Assumption.................................................  S-43
Prepayment Interest Shortfall.........................................  S-12, S-66
Principal Balance.....................................................  S-1
Provident.............................................................  Cover, S-1, S-6
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-79
<PAGE>   82
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERMS                                                                   PAGE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>
Purchase Price........................................................  S-53
Rating Agencies.......................................................  S-13
Record Date...........................................................  S-55
Reference Bank Rate...................................................  S-58
Related Documents.....................................................  S-52
Relevant Depositary...................................................  S-49
REMIC.................................................................  Cover, S-13
Restricted Group......................................................  S-74
Rules.................................................................  S-49
S&P...................................................................  S-13
SAIF..................................................................  S-54
SAP...................................................................  S-18
Securities............................................................  S-2
Seller................................................................  Cover, S-1, S-6
Servicing Advance.....................................................  S-55
SMMEA.................................................................  S-13, S-74
Subsequent Mortgage Loans.............................................  Cover
Subservicer...........................................................  S-19
Substitution Adjustment Amount........................................  S-53
Successor Master Servicer.............................................  S-69
Telerate Page 3750....................................................  S-58
Terms and Conditions..................................................  S-51
Trust.................................................................  Cover, S-1
Trustee...............................................................  Cover, S-1, S-11, S-61
Underwriter...........................................................  S-74
Underwriting Agreement................................................  S-74
US Person.............................................................  S-84
Weighted Average Life.................................................  S-43
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-80
<PAGE>   83
 
                                    ANNEX I
 
GLOBAL CLEARANCE, SETTLEMENT AND TAX DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES
 
     Except in certain limited circumstances, the globally offered Home Equity
Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 1997-2 (the "Global Securities") will be
available only in book-entry form. Investors in the Global Securities may hold
such Global Securities through any of DTC, CEDEL or Euroclear. The Global
Securities will be tradeable as home market instruments in both the European and
U.S. domestic markets. Initial settlement and all secondary trades will settle
in same-day funds.
 
     Secondary market trading between investors holding Global Securities
through CEDEL and Euroclear will be conducted in the ordinary way in accordance
with their normal rules and operating procedures and in accordance with
conventional eurobond practice (i.e., seven calendar day settlement).
 
     Secondary market trading between investors holding Global Securities
through DTC will be conducted according to the rules and procedures applicable
to US corporate debt obligations and prior Home Equity Loan Asset-Backed
Certificates issues.
 
     Secondary cross-market trading between CEDEL or Euroclear and DTC
Participants holding Certificates will be effected on a delivery-against-payment
basis through the respective Depositaries of CEDEL and Euroclear (in such
capacity) and as DTC Participants.
 
     Non-US holders (as described below) of Global Securities will be subject to
U.S. withholding taxes unless such holders meet certain requirements and deliver
appropriate U.S. tax documents to the securities clearing organizations or their
participants.
 
INITIAL SETTLEMENT
 
     All Global Securities will be held in book-entry form by DTC in the name of
Cede & Co. as nominee of DTC. Investors' interests in the Global Securities will
be represented through financial institutions acting on their behalf as
Participants and Indirect Participants in DTC. As a result, CEDEL and Euroclear
will hold positions on behalf of their participants through their respective
Depositaries, which in turn will hold such positions in accounts as DTC
Participants.
 
     Investors electing to hold their Global Securities through DTC will follow
the settlement practices applicable to prior Home Equity Loan Asset-Backed
Certificates issues. Investor securities custody accounts will be credited with
their holdings against payment in same-day funds on the settlement date.
 
     Investors electing to hold their Global Securities through CEDEL or
Euroclear accounts will follow the settlement procedures applicable to
conventional eurobonds, except that there will be no temporary global security
and no "lock-up" or restricted period. Global Securities will be credited to the
securities custody accounts on the settlement date against payment in same-day
funds.
 
SECONDARY MARKET TRADING
 
     Since the purchaser determines the place of delivery, it is important to
establish at the time of the trade where both the purchaser's and seller's
accounts are located to ensure that settlement can be made on the desired value
date.
 
     Trading between DTC Participants.  Secondary market trading between DTC
Participants will be settled using the procedures applicable to prior Home
Equity Loan Asset-Backed Certificates issues in same-day funds.
 
     Trading between CEDEL and/or Euroclear Participants.  Secondary market
trading between CEDEL Participants or Euroclear Participants will be settled
using the procedures applicable to conventional eurobonds in same-day funds.
 
     Trading between DTC seller and CEDEL or Euroclear purchaser.  When Global
Securities are to be transferred from the account of a DTC Participant to the
account of a CEDEL Participant or a Euroclear
 
                                      S-81
<PAGE>   84
 
Participant, the purchaser will send instructions to CEDEL or Euroclear through
a CEDEL Participant or Euroclear Participant at least one business day prior to
settlement. CEDEL or Euroclear will instruct the respective Depositary, as the
case may be, to receive the Global Securities against payment. Payment will
include interest accrued on the Global Securities from and including the last
coupon payment date to and excluding the settlement date, on the basis of either
the actual number of days in such accrual period and a year assumed to consist
of 360 days or a 360-day year of 12 30-day months as applicable to the related
class of Global Securities. For transactions settling on the 31st of the month,
payment will include interest accrued to and excluding the first day of the
following month. Payment will then be made by the respective Depositary of the
DTC Participant's account against delivery of the Global Securities. After
settlement has been completed, the Global Securities will be credited to the
respective clearing system and by the clearing system, in accordance with its
usual procedures, to the CEDEL Participant's or Euroclear Participant's account.
The securities credit will appear the next day (European time) and the cash debt
will be back-valued to, and the interest on the Global Securities will accrue
from, the value date (which would be the preceding day when settlement occurred
in New York). If settlement is not completed on the intended value date (i.e.,
the trade fails), the CEDEL or Euroclear cash debt will be valued instead as of
the actual settlement date.
 
     CEDEL Participants and Euroclear Participants will need to make available
to the respective clearing systems the funds necessary to process same-day funds
settlement. The most direct means of doing so is to preposition funds for
settlement, either from cash on hand or existing lines of credit, as they would
for any settlement occurring within CEDEL or Euroclear. Under this approach,
they may take on credit exposure to CEDEL or Euroclear until the Global
Securities are credited to their accounts one day later.
 
     As an alternative, if CEDEL or Euroclear has extended a line of credit to
them, CEDEL Participants or Euroclear Participants can elect not to preposition
funds and allow that credit line to be drawn upon to finance settlement. Under
this procedure, CEDEL Participants or Euroclear Participants purchasing Global
Securities would incur overdraft charges for one day, assuming they cleared the
overdraft when the Global Securities were credited to their accounts. However,
interest on the Global Securities would accrue from the value date. Therefore,
in many cases the investment income on the Global Securities earned during that
one-day period may substantially reduce or offset the amount of such overdraft
charges, although this result will depend on each CEDEL Participant's or
Euroclear Participant's particular cost of funds.
 
     Since the settlement is taking place during New York business hours, DTC
Participants can employ their usual procedures for sending Global Securities to
the respective European Depositary for the benefit of CEDEL Participants or
Euroclear Participants. The sale proceeds will be available to the DTC seller on
the settlement date. Thus, to the DTC Participants a cross-market transaction
will settle no differently than a trade between two DTC Participants.
 
     Trading between CEDEL or Euroclear Seller and DTC Purchaser.  Due to time
zone differences in their favor, CEDEL Participants and Euroclear Participants
may employ their customary procedures for transactions in which Global
Securities are to be transferred by the respective clearing system, through the
respective Depositary, to a DTC Participant. The seller will send instructions
to CEDEL or Euroclear through a CEDEL Participant or Euroclear Participant at
least one business day prior to settlement. In these cases CEDEL or Euroclear
will instruct the respective Depositary, as appropriate, to deliver the Global
Securities to the DTC Participant's account against payment. Payment will
include interest accrued on the Global Securities from and including the last
coupon payment to and excluding the settlement date on the basis of either the
actual number of days in such accrual period and a year assumed to consist of
360 days or a 360-day year of 12 30-day months as applicable to the related
class of Global Securities. For transactions settling on the 31st of the month,
payment will include interest accrued to and excluding the first day of the
following month. The payment will then be reflected in the account of the CEDEL
Participant or Euroclear Participant the following day, and receipt of the cash
proceeds in the CEDEL Participant's or Euroclear Participant's account would be
back-valued to the value date (which would be the preceding day, when settlement
occurred in New York). Should the CEDEL Participant or Euroclear Participant
have a line of credit with its respective clearing system and elect to be in
debt in anticipation of receipt of the sale proceeds in its account, the back-
valuation will extinguish any overdraft incurred over that one-day period. If
settlement is not completed on the
 
                                      S-82
<PAGE>   85
 
intended value date (i.e., the trade fails), receipt of the cash proceeds in the
CEDEL Participant's or Euroclear Participant's account would instead be valued
as of the actual settlement date.
 
     Finally, day traders that use CEDEL or Euroclear and that purchase Global
Securities from DTC Participants for delivery to CEDEL Participants or Euroclear
Participants should note that these trades would automatically fail on the sale
side unless affirmative action were taken. At least three techniques should be
readily available to eliminate this potential problem:
 
          (a) borrowing through CEDEL or Euroclear for one day (until the
     purchase side of the day trade is reflected in their CEDEL or Euroclear
     accounts) in accordance with the clearing system's customary procedures;
 
          (b) borrowing the Global Securities in the U.S. from a DTC Participant
     no later than one day prior to settlement, which would give the Global
     Securities sufficient time to be reflected in their CEDEL or Euroclear
     account in order to settle the sale side of the trade; or
 
          (c) staggering the value dates for the buy and sell sides of the trade
     so that the value date for the purchase from the DTC Participant is at
     least one day prior to the value date for the sale to the CEDEL Participant
     or Euroclear Participant.
 
CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
 
     A beneficial owner of Global Securities holding securities through CEDEL or
Euroclear (or through DTC if the holder has an address outside the U.S.) will be
subject to the 30% U.S. withholding tax that generally applies to payments of
interest (including original issue discount) on registered debt issued by U.S.
Persons, unless (i) each clearing system, bank or other financial institution
that holds customers' securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business
in the chain of intermediaries between such beneficial owner and the U.S. entity
required to withhold tax complies with applicable certification requirements and
(ii) such beneficial owner takes one of the following steps to obtain an
exemption or reduced tax rate;
 
     Exemption for non-U.S. Persons (Form W-8).  Beneficial owners of Global
Securities that are non-U.S. Persons can obtain a complete exemption from the
withholding tax by filing a signed Form W-8 (Certificate of Foreign Status). If
the information shown on Form W-8 changes, a new Form W-8 must be filed within
30 days of such change.
 
     Exemption for non-U.S. Persons with effectively connected income (Form
4224).  A non-U.S. Person, including a non-U.S. corporation or bank with a U.S.
branch, for which the interest income is effectively connected with its conduct
of a trade or business in the United States, can obtain an exemption from the
withholding tax by filing Form 4224 (Exemption from Withholding of Tax on Income
Effectively Connected with the Conduct of a Trade or Business in the United
States).
 
     Exemption or reduced rate for non-U.S. Persons resident in treaty countries
(Form 1001).  Non-U.S. Persons that are Certificate Owners residing in a country
that has a tax treaty with the United States can obtain an exemption or reduced
tax rate (depending on the treaty terms) by filing Form 1001 (Ownership,
Exemption or Reduced Rate Certificate). If the treaty provides only for a
reduced rate, withholding tax will be imposed at that rate unless the filer
alternatively files Form W-8. Form 1001 may be filed by the Certificate Owners
or his agent.
 
     Exemption for U.S. Persons (Form W-9).  U.S. Persons can obtain a complete
exemption from the withholding tax by filing Form W-9 (Payer's Request for
Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification).
 
     U.S. Federal Income Tax Reporting Procedure.  The Certificate Owner of a
Global Security or, in the case of a Form 1001 or a Form 4224 filer, his agent,
files by submitting the appropriate form to the person through whom it holds
(the clearing agency, in the case of persons holding directly on the books of
the clearing agency). Form W-8 and Form 1001 are effective for three calendar
years and Form 4224 is effective for one calendar year.
 
                                      S-83
<PAGE>   86
 
     The term "U.S. Person" means (i) a citizen or resident of the United
States, (ii) a corporation or partnership organized in or under the laws of the
United States or any political subdivision thereof or (iii) an estate the income
of which is includible in gross income for United States tax purposes,
regardless of its source or a trust if a court within the United States is able
to exercise primary supervision of the administration of the trust and one or
more United States fiduciaries have the authority to control all substantial
decisions of the trust. This summary does not deal with all aspects of U.S.
Federal income tax withholding that may be relevant to foreign holders of the
Global Securities. Investors are advised to consult their own tax advisors for
specific tax advice concerning their holding and disposing of the Global
Securities.
 
                                      S-84
<PAGE>   87
 
PROSPECTUS
                            ASSET BACKED SECURITIES
                              (ISSUABLE IN SERIES)
                            ------------------------
 
    This Prospectus relates to the issuance of Asset Backed Certificates (the
"Certificates") and Asset Backed Notes (the "Notes" and, together with the
Certificates, the "Securities"), which may be issued from time to time in one or
more series (each, a "Series") by a Trust Fund created by The Provident Bank
("Provident") on terms determined at the time of sale and described in this
Prospectus and the related Prospectus Supplement. The Securities of a Series
will consist of Certificates which evidence beneficial ownership of a trust
established by Provident (each, a "Trust Fund"), and Notes secured by the assets
of a Trust Fund. As specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Trust
Fund for a Series of Securities will include certain assets (the "Trust Fund
Assets") which will consist of the following types of single family mortgage
loans (the "Loans"): (i) mortgage loans secured by first and/or subordinate
liens on one- to four-family residential properties (the "Mortgage Loans") and
(ii) closed-end loans (the "Closed-End Loans") and/or revolving home equity
loans or certain balances thereof (the "Revolving Credit Line Loans", together
with the Closed-End Loans, the "Home Equity Loans") secured by first or
subordinate liens on one- to four-family residential properties. The Trust Fund
Assets will be originated or be acquired by Provident and conveyed by Provident
to the related Trust Fund. A Trust Fund also may include insurance policies,
surety bonds, cash accounts, reinvestment income, guaranties or letters of
credit to the extent described in the related Prospectus Supplement. See "Index
of Defined Terms" on Page 85 of this Prospectus for the location of the
definitions of certain capitalized terms.
 
    Each Series of Securities will be issued in one or more classes. Each class
of Certificates of a Series will evidence beneficial ownership of a specified
percentage (which may be 0%) or portion of future interest payments and a
specified percentage (which may be 0%) or portion of future principal payments
on the related Trust Fund Assets. Each class of Notes of a Series will be
secured by the related Trust Fund Assets or, if so specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, a portion thereof. A Series of Securities may include one
or more classes that are senior in right of payment to one or more other classes
of Securities of such Series. One or more classes of Securities of a Series may
be entitled to receive distributions of principal, interest or any combination
thereof prior to one or more other classes of Securities of such Series on or
after the occurrence of specified events, in each case as specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement.
 
    Distributions to Securityholders will be made monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually or at such other intervals and on the dates specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement. Distributions on the Securities of a Series will
be made from the related Trust Fund Assets or proceeds thereof pledged for the
benefit of the Securityholders as specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
 
    The related Prospectus Supplement will describe any insurance or guarantee
provided with respect to the related Series of Securities including, without
limitation, any insurance or guarantee provided by the Department of Housing and
Urban Development, the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs or any
private insurer or guarantor. The only obligations of Provident with respect to
a Series of Securities will be to make certain representations and warranties to
the Trustee for the related Series of Securities. The principal obligations of
the Master Servicer named in the related Prospectus Supplement with respect to
the related Series of Securities will be limited to obligations pursuant to
certain representations and warranties and to its contractual servicing
obligations, including any obligation it may have to advance delinquent payments
on the related Trust Fund Assets.
 
    The yield on each class of Securities of a Series will be affected by, among
other things, the rate of payments of principal (including prepayments) on the
related Trust Fund Assets and the timing of receipt of such payments as
described under "Risk Factors -- Prepayment and Yield Considerations" and "Yield
and Prepayment Considerations" herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement.
A Trust Fund may be subject to early termination under the circumstances
described under "The Agreements -- Termination; Optional Termination" herein and
in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
    If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, one or more elections may
be made to treat a Trust Fund or specified portions thereof as a "real estate
mortgage investment conduit" ("REMIC") for federal income tax purposes. See
"Federal Income Tax Consequences."
                            ------------------------
 
     FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE
SECURITIES, SEE THE INFORMATION UNDER "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 12.
 
 THE CERTIFICATES OF A GIVEN SERIES WILL REPRESENT BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN, AND
  THE NOTES OF A GIVEN SERIES WILL REPRESENT OBLIGATIONS OF, THE RELATED TRUST
 FUND ONLY AND WILL NOT REPRESENT INTERESTS IN OR OBLIGATIONS OF PROVIDENT, THE
 MASTER SERVICER, OR ANY AFFILIATES THEREOF, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT DESCRIBED IN
  THE RELATED PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. THE SECURITIES AND THE LOANS WILL NOT BE
   INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY
 GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY OR BY PROVIDENT OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR
 ENTITY, EXCEPT IN EACH CASE TO THE EXTENT DESCRIBED IN THE RELATED PROSPECTUS
                                  SUPPLEMENT.
 
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
   AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
 ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE RELATED PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
           ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
 
    Prior to issuance there will have been no market for the Securities of any
Series and there can be no assurance that a secondary market for any Securities
will develop, or if it does develop, that it will continue or provide
Securityholders with a sufficient level of liquidity of investment. This
Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of Securities of any Series
unless accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement. Offers of the Securities may be
made through one or more different methods, including offerings through
underwriters, as more fully described under "Method of Distribution" herein and
in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
June 19, 1997
<PAGE>   88
 
     UNTIL 90 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF EACH PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, ALL DEALERS
EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE SECURITIES COVERED BY SUCH PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT,
WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THE DISTRIBUTION THEREOF, MAY BE REQUIRED TO
DELIVER SUCH PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THIS PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO
THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS AND PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT WHEN
ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
              PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR CURRENT REPORT ON FORM 8-K
 
     The Prospectus Supplement or Current Report on Form 8-K relating to the
Securities of each Series to be offered hereunder will, among other things, set
forth with respect to such Securities, as appropriate: (i) the aggregate
principal amount, interest rate and authorized denominations of each class of
such Series of Securities; (ii) information as to the assets comprising the
Trust Fund, including the general characteristics of the related Trust Fund
Assets included therein and, if applicable, the insurance policies, surety
bonds, guaranties, letters of credit or other instruments or agreements included
in the Trust Fund or otherwise, and the amount and source of any reserve account
or other cash account; (iii) the circumstances, if any, under which the Trust
Fund may be subject to early termination; (iv) the circumstances, if any, under
which the Notes of such Series are subject to redemption; (v) the method used to
calculate the amount of principal to be distributed or paid with respect to each
class of Securities; (vi) the order of application of distributions or payments
to each of the classes within such Series, whether sequential, pro rata, or
otherwise; (vii) the Distribution Dates with respect to such Series; (viii)
additional information with respect to the method of distribution of such
Securities; (ix) whether one or more REMIC elections will be made with respect
to the Trust Fund and, if so, the designation of the regular interests and the
residual interests; (x) the aggregate original percentage ownership interest in
the Trust Fund to be evidenced by each class of Certificates; (xi) the stated
maturity of each class of Notes of such Series; (xii) information as to the
nature and extent of subordination with respect to any class of Securities that
is subordinate in right of payment to any other class; and (xiii) information as
to the Master Servicer and the Trustee.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     Provident has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, with respect to the Securities. This Prospectus, which forms a part of
the Registration Statement, and the Prospectus Supplement relating to each
Series of Securities contain descriptions of the material terms of the documents
referred to herein and therein, but do not contain all of the information set
forth in the Registration Statement pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the
Commission. For further information, reference is made to such Registration
Statement and the exhibits thereto. Such Registration Statement and exhibits can
be inspected and copied at prescribed rates at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission at its Public Reference Section, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at its Regional Offices located as follows:
Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois
60661; and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New
York, New York 10048. The Commission also maintains a Web site at
http://www.sec.gov from which such Registration Statement and exhibits may be
obtained.
 
     No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation other than those contained in this Prospectus and any Prospectus
Supplement with respect hereto and, if given or made, such information or
representations must not be relied upon. This Prospectus and any Prospectus
Supplement with respect hereto do not constitute an offer to sell or a
solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the Securities offered
hereby and thereby nor an offer of the Securities to any person in any state or
other jurisdiction in which such offer would be unlawful. The delivery of this
Prospectus at any time does not imply that information herein is correct as of
any time subsequent to its date.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   89
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     All documents subsequently filed by or on behalf of the Trust Fund referred
to in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement with the Commission pursuant to
Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"), after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of any offering of the Securities issued by such Trust Fund shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to be a part of
this Prospectus from the date of the filing of such documents. Any statement
contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for all purposes of this
Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein (or in the
accompanying Prospectus Supplement) or in any other subsequently filed document
which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference modifies or replaces
such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be
deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus. Neither Provident nor the Master Servicer for any Series intends to
file with the Commission periodic reports with respect to the related Trust Fund
following completion of the reporting period required by Rule 15d-1 or
Regulation 15D under the Exchange Act.
 
     The Trustee or such other entity specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement on behalf of any Trust Fund will provide without charge to each
person to whom this Prospectus is delivered, on the written or oral request of
such person, a copy of any or all of the documents referred to above that have
been or may be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus (not including
exhibits to the information that is incorporated by reference unless such
exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into the information that
this Prospectus incorporates). Such requests should be directed to the Corporate
Trust Office of the Trustee or the address of such other entity specified in the
accompanying Prospectus Supplement. Included in the accompanying Prospectus
Supplement is the name, address, telephone number, and, if available, facsimile
number of the office or contact person at the Corporate Trust Office of the
Trustee or such other entity.
 
                           REPORTS TO SECURITYHOLDERS
 
     Periodic and annual reports concerning the related Trust Fund for a Series
of Securities will be forwarded to Securityholders. However, such reports will
neither be examined nor reported on by an independent public accountant. See
"Description of the Securities -- Reports to Securityholders".
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   90
 
                                SUMMARY OF TERMS
 
     This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the detailed
information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus and in the related Prospectus
Supplement with respect to the Series of Securities offered thereby and to the
related Agreement (as such term is defined below) which will be prepared in
connection with each Series of Securities. Unless otherwise specified,
capitalized terms used and not defined in this Summary of Terms have the
meanings given to them in this Prospectus and in the related Prospectus
Supplement. See "Index of Defined Terms" on Page 85 of this Prospectus for the
location of the definitions of certain capitalized terms.
 
Title of Securities........  Asset Backed Certificates (the "Certificates") and
                             Asset Backed Notes (the "Notes" and, together with
                             the Certificates, the "Securities"), which are
                             issuable in Series.
 
Provident..................  The Provident Bank ("Provident"), an Ohio banking
                             corporation in its capacity as transferor of the
                             Loans to the Trust Fund.
 
Trustee....................  The trustee(s) (the "Trustee") for each Series of
                             Securities will be specified in the related
                             Prospectus Supplement. See "The Agreements" herein
                             for a description of the Trustee's rights and
                             obligations.
 
Master Servicer............  The entity or entities named as Master Servicer
                             (the "Master Servicer") in the related Prospectus
                             Supplement, which may be Provident or an affiliate
                             thereof. See "The Agreements -- Certain Matters
                             Regarding the Master Servicer and Provident".
 
Trust Fund Assets..........  Assets of the Trust Fund for a Series of Securities
                             will include certain assets (the "Trust Fund
                             Assets") which will consist of the Loans, together
                             with payments in respect of such Trust Fund Assets,
                             as specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
                             At the time of issuance of the Securities of the
                             Series, Provident will assign the Loans comprising
                             the related Trust Fund to the Trustee, without
                             recourse. The Loans will be collected in a pool
                             (each, a "Pool") as of the first day of the month
                             of the issuance of the related Series of Securities
                             or such other date specified in the related
                             Prospectus Supplement (the "Cut-Off Date"). Trust
                             Fund Assets also may include insurance policies,
                             surety bonds, cash accounts, reinvestment income,
                             guaranties or letters of credit to the extent
                             described in the related Prospectus Supplement. See
                             "Credit Enhancement". In addition, if the related
                             Prospectus Supplement so provides, the related
                             Trust Fund Assets will include the funds on deposit
                             in an account (a "Pre-Funding Account") which will
                             be used to purchase additional Loans during the
                             period specified in such Prospectus Supplement. See
                             "The Agreements -- Pre-Funding Account".
 
Loans......................  The Loans will consist of (i) mortgage loans
                             secured by first and/or subordinate liens on one- 
                             to four-family residential properties (each, a
                             "Mortgage Loan") and (ii) closed-end loans (the
                             "Closed-End Loans") and/or revolving home equity
                             loans or certain balances thereof (the "Revolving
                             Credit Line Loans", together with the Closed-End
                             Loans, the "Home Equity Loans"). All Loans will
                             have been originated or purchased by Provident,
                             either directly or through an affiliate.
 
                             As specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
                             the Home Equity Loans will be secured by mortgages
                             or deeds of trust or other similar security
                             instruments creating a lien on a Mortgaged
                             Property, which may be subordinated to one or more
                             senior liens on the Mortgaged Property, as
                             described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   91
 
Description of the
Securities.................  Each Security will represent a beneficial ownership
                             interest in, or be secured by the assets of, a
                             Trust Fund created by Provident pursuant to an
                             Agreement among Provident, the Master Servicer and
                             the Trustee for the related Series. The Securities
                             of any Series may be issued in one or more classes
                             as specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
                             A Series of Securities may include one or more
                             classes of senior Securities (collectively, the
                             "Senior Securities") and one or more classes of
                             subordinate Securities (collectively, the
                             "Subordinated Securities"). Certain Series or
                             classes of Securities may be covered by insurance
                             policies or other forms of credit enhancement, in
                             each case as described under "Credit Enhancement"
                             herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
                             One or more classes of Securities of each Series
                             (i) may be entitled to receive distributions
                             allocable only to principal, only to interest or to
                             any combination thereof; (ii) may be entitled to
                             receive distributions only of prepayments of
                             principal throughout the lives of the Securities or
                             during specified periods; (iii) may be subordinated
                             in the right to receive distributions of scheduled
                             payments of principal, prepayments of principal,
                             interest or any combination thereof to one or more
                             other classes of Securities of such Series
                             throughout the lives of the Securities or during
                             specified periods; (iv) may be entitled to receive
                             such distributions only after the occurrence of
                             events specified in the related Prospectus
                             Supplement; (v) may be entitled to receive
                             distributions in accordance with a schedule or
                             formula or on the basis of collections from
                             designated portions of the related Trust Fund
                             Assets; (vi) as to Securities entitled to
                             distributions allocable to interest, may be
                             entitled to receive interest at a fixed rate or a
                             rate that is subject to change from time to time;
                             and (vii) as to Securities entitled to
                             distributions allocable to interest, may be
                             entitled to distributions allocable to interest
                             only after the occurrence of events specified in
                             the related Prospectus Supplement and may accrue
                             interest until such events occur, in each case as
                             specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. The
                             timing and amounts of such distributions may vary
                             among classes or over time, as specified in the
                             related Prospectus Supplement.
 
Distributions on the
Securities.................  Distributions on the Securities entitled thereto
                             will be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or
                             at such other intervals and on the dates specified
                             in the related Prospectus Supplement (each, a
                             "Distribution Date") out of the payments received
                             in respect of the assets of the related Trust Fund
                             or other assets pledged for the benefit of the
                             Securities as described under "Credit Enhancement"
                             herein to the extent specified in the related
                             Prospectus Supplement. The amount allocable to
                             payments of principal and interest on any
                             Distribution Date will be determined as specified
                             in the related Prospectus Supplement. The
                             Prospectus Supplement for a Series of Securities
                             will describe the method for allocating
                             distributions among Securities of different classes
                             as well as the method for allocating distributions
                             among Securities for any particular class.
 
                             The aggregate original principal balance of the
                             Securities will not exceed the aggregate
                             distributions allocable to principal that such
                             Securities will be entitled to receive. If
                             specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
                             Securities will have an aggregate original
                             principal balance equal to
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   92
 
                             the aggregate unpaid principal balance of the Trust
                             Fund Assets as of the related Cut-Off Date and will
                             bear interest in the aggregate at a rate equal to
                             the interest rate borne by the underlying Loans
                             (the "Loan Rate") net of the aggregate servicing
                             fees and any other amounts specified in the related
                             Prospectus Supplement or at such other interest
                             rate as may be specified in such Prospectus
                             Supplement.
 
                             The rate at which interest will be passed through
                             or paid to Securityholders (each, a "Pass-Through
                             Rate") entitled thereto may be a fixed rate or a
                             rate that is subject to change from time to time
                             from the time and for the periods, in each case, as
                             specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. Any
                             such rate may be calculated on a loan-by-loan
                             basis, weighted average basis, a notional amount or
                             other basis, in each case as described in the
                             related Prospectus Supplement.
 
Credit Enhancement.........  The Trust Fund Assets or the Securities of one or
                             more classes in the related Series may have the
                             benefit of one or more types of credit enhancement
                             as described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
                             The protection against losses afforded by any such
                             credit support may be limited. The type,
                             characteristics and amount of credit enhancement
                             will be determined based on the characteristics of
                             the Loans comprising the Trust Fund Assets and
                             other factors and will be established on the basis
                             of requirements of each Rating Agency rating the
                             Securities of such Series. See "Credit
                             Enhancement."
 
                             If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
                             the coverage provided by one or more of the forms
                             of credit enhancement described in this Prospectus
                             may apply concurrently to two or more separate
                             Trust Funds. If applicable, the related Prospectus
                             Supplement will identify the Trust Funds to which
                             such credit enhancement relates and the manner of
                             determining the amount of coverage provided to such
                             Trust Funds thereby and of the application of such
                             coverage to the identified Trust Funds.
 
A. Subordination...........  A Series of Securities may consist of one or more
                             classes of Senior Securities and one or more
                             classes of Subordinated Securities. The rights of
                             the holders of the Subordinated Securities of a
                             Series to receive distributions with respect to the
                             related Trust Fund Assets will be subordinated to
                             such rights of the holders of the Senior Securities
                             of the same Series to the extent described in the
                             related Prospectus Supplement. This subordination
                             is intended to enhance the likelihood of regular
                             receipt by holders of Senior Securities of such
                             Series of the full amount of monthly payments of
                             principal and interest due them. The protection
                             afforded to the holders of Senior Securities of a
                             Series by means of the subordination feature will
                             be accomplished by (i) the preferential right of
                             such holders to receive, prior to any distribution
                             being made in respect of the related Subordinated
                             Securities, the amounts of interest and/or
                             principal due them on each Distribution Date out of
                             the funds available for distribution on such date
                             in the related Security Account and, to the extent
                             described in the related Prospectus Supplement, by
                             the right of such holders to receive future
                             distributions on the related Trust Fund Assets that
                             would otherwise have been payable to the holders of
                             Subordinated Securities; (ii) reducing the
                             ownership interest (if applicable) of the related
                             Subordinated Securities; or (iii) a combination of
                             clauses (i) and (ii) above. If so specified in the
                             related Prospectus
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   93
 
                             Supplement, subordination may apply only in the
                             event of certain types of losses not covered by
                             other forms of credit support, such as hazard
                             losses not covered by standard hazard insurance
                             policies or losses due to the bankruptcy or fraud
                             of the borrower. The related Prospectus Supplement
                             will set forth information concerning, among other
                             things, the amount of subordination of a class or
                             classes of Subordinated Securities in a Series, the
                             circumstances in which such subordination will be
                             applicable, and the manner, if any, in which the
                             amount of subordination will decrease over time.
 
B. Reserve Account.........  One or more reserve accounts or other cash accounts
                             (each, a "Reserve Account") may be established and
                             maintained for each Series of Securities. The
                             related Prospectus Supplement will specify whether
                             or not such Reserve Accounts will be included in
                             the corpus of the Trust Fund for such Series and
                             will also specify the manner of funding such
                             Reserve Accounts and the conditions under which the
                             amounts in any such Reserve Accounts will be used
                             to make distributions to holders of Securities of a
                             particular class or released from such Reserve
                             Accounts.
 
C. Letter of Credit........  If so specified in the related Prospectus
                             Supplement, credit support for a Series may be
                             provided by one or more letters of credit. A letter
                             of credit may provide limited protection against
                             certain losses in addition to or in lieu of other
                             credit support, such as losses resulting from
                             delinquent payments on the Loans in the related
                             Trust Fund, losses from risks not covered by
                             standard hazard insurance policies, losses due to
                             bankruptcy of a borrower and application of certain
                             provisions of the federal Bankruptcy Code, and
                             losses due to denial of insurance coverage due to
                             misrepresentations made in connection with the
                             origination or sale of a Loan. The issuer of the
                             letter of credit (the "L/C Bank") will be obligated
                             to honor demands with respect to such letter of
                             credit, to the extent of the amount available
                             thereunder to provide funds under the circumstances
                             and subject to such conditions as are specified in
                             the related Prospectus Supplement. The liability of
                             the L/C Bank under its letter of credit will be
                             reduced by the amount of unreimbursed payments
                             thereunder.
 
                             The maximum liability of a L/C Bank under its
                             letter of credit will be an amount equal to a
                             percentage specified in the related Prospectus
                             Supplement of the initial aggregate outstanding
                             principal balance of the Loans in the related Trust
                             Fund or one or more Classes of Securities of the
                             related Series. The maximum amount available at any
                             time to be paid under a letter of credit will be
                             determined in the manner specified therein and in
                             the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
D. Insurance Policies;
Surety
  Bonds and Guarantees.....  If so specified in the related Prospectus
                             Supplement, credit support for a Series may be
                             provided by an insurance policy and/or a surety
                             bond issued by one or more insurance companies or
                             sureties. Such certificate guarantee insurance or
                             surety bond will guarantee timely distributions of
                             interest and/or full distributions of principal on
                             the basis of a schedule of principal distributions
                             set forth in or determined in the manner specified
                             in the related Prospectus Supplement. If specified
                             in the related Prospectus Supplement, one or more
                             bankruptcy bonds, special hazard insurance
                             policies, other insurance or third-party guarantees
                             may be used to
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   94
 
                             provide coverage for the risks of default or types
                             of losses set forth in such Prospectus Supplement.
 
E.
Over-Collateralization.....  If so provided in the Prospectus Supplement for a
                             Series of Securities, a portion of the interest
                             payment on each Loan may be applied as an
                             additional distribution in respect of principal to
                             reduce the principal balance of a certain class or
                             classes of such Series of Securities and, thus,
                             accelerate the rate of payment of principal on such
                             class or classes of such Series of Securities.
 
F. Mortgage Pool
  Insurance Policy.........  A mortgage pool insurance policy or policies may be
                             obtained and maintained for Loans relating to any
                             Series of Securities, which shall be limited in
                             scope and shall cover defaults on the related Loans
                             in an initial amount equal to a specified
                             percentage of the aggregate principal balance of
                             all Loans included in the Pool as of the related
                             Cut-Off Date.
 
G.
Cross-Collateralization....  If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
                             separate classes of a Series of Securities may
                             evidence the beneficial ownership of, or be secured
                             by, separate groups of assets included in a Trust
                             Fund. In such case, credit support may be provided
                             by a cross-collateralization feature which requires
                             that distributions be made to Securities evidencing
                             a beneficial ownership interest in, or secured by,
                             one or more asset groups prior to distributions to
                             Subordinated Securities evidencing a beneficial
                             ownership interest in, or secured by, other asset
                             groups within the same Trust Fund. See "Credit
                             Enhancement--Cross-Collateralization."
 
Advances...................  The Master Servicer and, if applicable, each
                             mortgage servicing institution that services a Loan
                             in a Pool on behalf of the Master Servicer (each, a
                             "Sub-Servicer") may be obligated to advance amounts
                             (each, an "Advance") corresponding to delinquent
                             interest and/or principal payments on such Loan
                             until the date, as specified in the related
                             Prospectus Supplement, on which the related
                             Property is sold at a foreclosure sale or the
                             related Loan is otherwise liquidated. Any
                             obligation to make Advances may be subject to
                             limitations as specified in the related Prospectus
                             Supplement. If so specified in the related
                             Prospectus Supplement, Advances may be drawn from a
                             cash account available for such purpose as
                             described in such Prospectus Supplement. Advances
                             will be reimbursable to the extent described under
                             "Description of the Securities -- Advances" herein
                             and in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
                             In the event the Master Servicer or Sub-Servicer
                             fails to make a required Advance, the Trustee may
                             be obligated to advance such amounts otherwise
                             required to be advanced by the Master Servicer or
                             Sub-Servicer. See "Description of the
                             Securities -- Advances."
 
Optional Termination.......  The Master Servicer or the party specified in the
                             related Prospectus Supplement, including the holder
                             of the residual interest in a REMIC, may have the
                             option to effect early retirement of a Series of
                             Securities through the purchase of the Trust Fund
                             Assets. The Master Servicer will deposit the
                             proceeds of any such purchase in the Security
                             Account for each Trust Fund as described under "The
                             Agreements -- Payments on Loans; Deposit to
                             Security Account." Any such purchase of Trust Fund
                             Assets and property acquired in respect of Trust
                             Fund Assets evidenced by a Series of Securities
                             will be made at the option of the Master
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   95
 
                             Servicer, such other person or, if applicable, such
                             holder of the REMIC residual interest, at a price
                             specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. The
                             exercise of such right will effect early retirement
                             of the Securities of that Series, but the right of
                             the Master Servicer, such other person or, if
                             applicable, such holder of the REMIC residual
                             interest, to so purchase is subject to the
                             principal balance of the related Trust Fund Assets
                             being less than the percentage specified in the
                             related Prospectus Supplement of the aggregate
                             principal balance of the Trust Fund Assets at the
                             Cut-Off Date for the Series. The foregoing is
                             subject to the provision that if a REMIC election
                             is made with respect to a Trust Fund, any such
                             purchase will be made only in connection with a
                             "qualified liquidation" of the REMIC within the
                             meaning of Section 860F(g)(4) of the Internal
                             Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
 
Legal Investment...........  The Prospectus Supplement for each Series of
                             Securities will specify which, if any, of the
                             classes of Securities offered thereby constitute
                             "mortgage related securities" for purposes of the
                             Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement Act of 1984
                             ("SMMEA"). Classes of Securities that qualify as
                             "mortgage related securities" will be legal
                             investments for certain types of institutional
                             investors to the extent provided in SMMEA, subject,
                             in any case, to any other regulations which may
                             govern investments by such institutional investors.
                             Institutions whose investment activities are
                             subject to review by federal or state authorities
                             should consult with their counsel or the applicable
                             authorities to determine whether an investment in a
                             particular class of Securities (whether or not such
                             class constitutes a "mortgage related security")
                             complies with applicable guidelines, policy
                             statements or restrictions. See "Legal Investment."
 
Federal Income Tax
  Consequences.............  The federal income tax consequences to
                             Securityholders will vary depending on whether one
                             or more elections are made to treat the Trust Fund
                             or specified portions thereof as a REMIC under the
                             provisions of the Code. The Prospectus Supplement
                             for each Series of Securities will specify whether
                             such an election will be made.
 
                             If a REMIC election is made, Securities
                             representing regular interests in a REMIC will
                             generally be taxable to holders in the same manner
                             as evidences of indebtedness issued by the REMIC.
                             Stated interest on such regular interests will be
                             taxable as ordinary income and taken into account
                             using the accrual method of accounting, regardless
                             of the holder's normal accounting method. If no
                             REMIC election is made, interest (other than
                             original issue discount ("OID")) on Securities that
                             are characterized as indebtedness for federal
                             income tax purposes will be includible in income by
                             holders thereof in accordance with their usual
                             method of accounting.
 
                             Certain classes of Securities may be issued with
                             OID. A Securityholder should be aware that the Code
                             and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder
                             do not adequately address certain issues relevant
                             to prepayable securities, such as the Securities.
 
                             Securityholders that will be required to report
                             income with respect to the related Securities under
                             the accrual method of accounting will do so without
                             giving effect to delays and reductions in
                             distributions attributable
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   96
 
                             to a default or delinquency on the Loans, except
                             possibly to the extent that it can be established
                             that such amounts are uncollectible. As a result,
                             the amount of income (including OID) reported by a
                             Securityholder in any period could significantly
                             exceed the amount of cash distributed to such
                             Securityholder in that period.
 
                             In the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, if a REMIC
                             election is made with respect to a Series of
                             Securities, then the arrangement by which such
                             Securities are issued will be treated as a REMIC as
                             long as all of the provisions of the applicable
                             Agreement are complied with and the statutory and
                             regulatory requirements are satisfied. Securities
                             will be designated as "regular interests" or
                             "residual interests" in a REMIC. A REMIC will not
                             be subject to entity-level tax. Rather, the taxable
                             income or net loss of a REMIC will be taken into
                             account by the holders of residual interests. Such
                             holders will report their proportionate share of
                             the taxable income of the REMIC whether or not they
                             receive cash distributions from the REMIC
                             attributable to such income. The portion of the
                             REMIC taxable income consisting of "excess
                             inclusions" may not be offset against other
                             deductions or losses of the holder, including the
                             net operating losses.
 
                             In the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, if a REMIC or a
                             partnership election is not made with respect to a
                             Series of Securities, then the arrangement by which
                             such Securities are issued will be classified as a
                             grantor trust under Subpart E, Part I of Subchapter
                             J of the Code and not as an association taxable as
                             a corporation. If so provided in the Prospectus
                             Supplement for a Series, there will be no
                             separation of the principal and interest payments
                             on the Loans. In such circumstances, the
                             Securityholder will be considered to have purchased
                             a pro rata undivided interest in each of the Loans.
                             In other cases, sale of the Securities will produce
                             a separation in the ownership of all or a portion
                             of the principal payments from all or a portion of
                             the interest payments on the Loans.
 
                             In the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, if a
                             partnership election is made, the Trust Fund will
                             not be treated as an association or a publicly
                             traded partnership taxable as a corporation as long
                             as all of the provisions of the applicable
                             Agreement are complied with and the statutory and
                             regulatory requirements are satisfied. If Notes are
                             issued by such Trust Fund, such Notes will be
                             treated as indebtedness for federal income tax
                             purposes. The holders of the Certificates issued by
                             such Trust Fund, if any, will agree to treat the
                             Certificates as equity interests in a partnership.
 
                             The Securities will be treated as assets described
                             in Section 7701(a)(19)(C) of the Code and as real
                             estate assets described in Section 856(c) of the
                             Code.
 
                             Generally, gain or loss will be recognized on a
                             sale of Securities in the amount equal to the
                             difference between the amount realized and the
                             seller's tax basis in the Securities sold.
 
                             The material federal income tax consequences for
                             investors associated with the purchase, ownership
                             and disposition of the Securities are set forth
                             herein under "Federal Income Tax Consequences". The
                             material federal income tax consequences for
                             investors associated with the purchase, ownership
                             and disposition of Securities of any particular
                             Series will be set forth under the heading "Federal
                             Income Tax Consequences"
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   97
 
                             in the related Prospectus Supplement. See "Federal
                             Income Tax Consequences".
 
ERISA Considerations.......  A fiduciary of any employee benefit plan or other
                             retirement plan or arrangement subject to the
                             Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
                             amended ("ERISA"), or the Code should carefully
                             review with its legal advisors whether the purchase
                             or holding of Securities could give rise to a
                             transaction prohibited or not otherwise permissible
                             under ERISA or the Code. See "ERISA
                             Considerations". Certain classes of Securities may
                             not be transferred unless the Trustee is furnished
                             with a letter of representation or an opinion of
                             counsel to the effect that such transfer will not
                             result in a violation of the prohibited transaction
                             provisions of ERISA and the Code and will not
                             subject the Trustee, Provident or the Master
                             Servicer to additional obligations. See
                             "Description of the Securities -- General" and
                             "ERISA Considerations".
 
Risk Factors...............  For a discussion of certain risks associated with
                             an investment in the Securities, see "Risk Factors"
                             on Page 12 herein and in the related Prospectus
                             Supplement.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   98
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Investors should consider the following factors in connection with the
purchase of the Securities.
 
LIMITED LIQUIDITY
 
     There will be no market for the Securities of any Series prior to the
issuance thereof, and there can be no assurance that a secondary market will
develop or, if it does develop, that it will provide Securityholders with
liquidity of investment or will continue for the life of the Securities of such
Series.
 
LIMITED SOURCE OF PAYMENTS--NO RECOURSE TO PROVIDENT OR MASTER SERVICER
 
     As further described in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Securities
of a Series will be payable solely from the Trust Fund for such Series and will
not have any claim against or security interest in any trust fund for any other
Series. There will be no recourse to Provident or any other person for any
failure to receive distributions on the Securities. Further, at the times set
forth in the related Prospectus Supplement, certain Trust Fund Assets and/or any
balance remaining in the Security Account immediately after making all payments
due on the Securities of such Series, after making adequate provision for future
payments on certain classes of Securities and after making any other payments
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, may be promptly released or
remitted to Provident, the Master Servicer, any credit enhancement provider or
any other person entitled thereto and will no longer be available for making
payments to Securityholders. Consequently, holders of Securities of each Series
must rely solely upon payments with respect to the Trust Fund Assets and the
other assets constituting the Trust Fund for a Series of Securities, including,
if applicable, any amounts available pursuant to any credit enhancement for such
Series, for the payment of principal of and interest on the Securities of such
Series.
 
     The Securities will not represent an interest in or obligation of
Provident, the Master Servicer or any of their respective affiliates. The only
obligation, if any, of Provident with respect to the Trust Fund Assets or the
Securities of any Series will be pursuant to certain representations and
warranties and certain document delivery requirements.
 
     Provident may be required to repurchase or substitute for any Loan with
respect to which such representations and warranties or document delivery
requirements are breached. There is no assurance, however, that Provident will
have the financial ability to effect such repurchase or substitution.
 
CREDIT ENHANCEMENT AND POSSIBLE LIMITATIONS ON EFFECTIVENESS
 
     Although credit enhancement is intended to reduce the risk of delinquent
payments or losses to holders of Securities entitled to the benefit thereof, the
amount of such credit enhancement will be limited, as set forth in the related
Prospectus Supplement, and may be subject to periodic reduction in accordance
with a schedule or formula or otherwise decline, and could be depleted under
certain circumstances prior to the payment in full of the related Series of
Securities, and as a result Securityholders of the related Series may suffer
losses. Moreover, such credit enhancement may not cover all potential losses or
risks. For example, credit enhancement may or may not cover fraud or negligence
by a loan originator or other parties. In addition, the Trustee will generally
be permitted to reduce, terminate or substitute all or a portion of the credit
enhancement for any Series of Securities, provided the applicable Rating Agency
indicates that the then-current rating of the Securities of such Series will not
be adversely affected. See "Credit Enhancement".
 
PREPAYMENT AND YIELD CONSIDERATIONS
 
     The timing of principal payments of the Securities of a Series will be
affected by a number of factors, including the following: (i) the extent of
prepayments (including for this purpose prepayments resulting from refinancing
or liquidations of the Loans due to defaults, casualties, condemnations and
repurchases by Provident or the Master Servicer) of the Loans comprising the
Trust Fund, which prepayments may be influenced by a variety of factors
including general economic conditions, prevailing interest rate levels, the
availability of alternative financing and homeowner mobility, (ii) the manner of
allocating principal and/or
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   99
 
payments among the classes of Securities of a Series as specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, (iii) the exercise by the party entitled thereto of any
right of optional termination and (iv) the rate and timing of payment defaults
and losses incurred with respect to the Trust Fund Assets. The repurchase of
Loans by Provident or the Seller may result from repurchases of Trust Fund
Assets due to material breaches of Provident's or the Seller's representations
and warranties, as applicable. The yields to maturity and weighted average lives
of the Securities will be affected primarily by the rate and timing of
prepayment of the Loans comprising the Trust Fund Assets. In addition, the
yields to maturity and weighted average lives of the Securities will be affected
by the distribution of amounts remaining in any Pre-Funding Account following
the end of the related Funding Period. Any reinvestment risks resulting from a
faster or slower incidence of prepayment of Loans held by a Trust Fund will be
borne entirely by the holders of one or more classes of the related Series of
Securities. See "Yield and Prepayment Considerations" and "The Agreements--Pre-
Funding Account."
 
     Interest payable on the Securities of a Series on a Distribution Date will
include all interest accrued during the period specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement. In the event interest accrues over a period ending two or
more days prior to a Distribution Date, the effective yield to Securityholders
will be reduced from the yield that would otherwise be obtainable if interest
payable on the Securities were to accrue through the day immediately preceding
each Distribution Date, and the effective yield (at par) to Securityholders will
be less than the indicated coupon rate. See "Description of the
Securities--Distributions on Securities--Distributions of Interest".
 
BALLOON PAYMENTS AND INCREASED RISK OF DEFAULT
 
     Certain of the Loans as of the related Cut-Off Date may not be fully
amortizing over their terms to maturity and, thus, will require substantial
principal payments (i.e., balloon payments) at their stated maturity. Loans with
balloon payments involve a greater degree of risk because the ability of a
borrower to make a balloon payment typically will depend upon its ability either
to timely refinance the loan or to timely sell the related Property. The ability
of a borrower to accomplish either of these goals will be affected by a number
of factors, including the level of available mortgage rates at the time of sale
or refinancing, the borrower's equity in the related Property, the financial
condition of the borrower and tax laws. Losses on such Loans that are not
otherwise covered by the credit enhancement described in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement will be borne by the holders of one or more classes of
Securities of the related Series.
 
NATURE OF MORTGAGES
 
     Change in Property Values and Possible Increase in Losses.  There are
several factors that could adversely affect the value of Properties such that
the outstanding balance of the related Loans, together with any senior financing
on the Properties, if applicable, would equal or exceed the value of the
Properties. Among the factors that could adversely affect the value of the
Properties are an overall decline in the residential real estate market in the
areas in which the Properties are located or a decline in the general condition
of the Properties as a result of failure of borrowers to maintain adequately the
Properties or of natural disasters that are not necessarily covered by
insurance, such as earthquakes and floods. In the case of Home Equity Loans,
such decline could extinguish the value of the interest of a junior mortgagee in
the Property before having any effect on the interest of the related senior
mortgagee. If such a decline occurs, the actual rates of delinquencies,
foreclosures and losses on all Loans could be higher than those currently
experienced in the mortgage lending industry in general. Losses on such Loans
that are not otherwise covered by the credit enhancement described in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement will be borne by the holder of one or more
classes of Securities of the related Series.
 
     Delays Due to Liquidation.  Even assuming that the Properties provide
adequate security for the Loans, substantial delays could be encountered in
connection with the liquidation of defaulted Loans and corresponding delays in
the receipt of related proceeds by Securityholders could occur. An action to
foreclose on a Property securing a Loan is regulated by state statutes and rules
and is subject to many of the delays and expenses of other lawsuits if defenses
or counterclaims are interposed, sometimes requiring several years to complete.
Furthermore, in some states an action to obtain a deficiency judgment is not
permitted following a
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   100
 
nonjudicial sale of a Property. In the event of a default by a borrower, these
restrictions, among other things, may impede the ability of the Master Servicer
to foreclose on or sell the Property or to obtain liquidation proceeds
sufficient to repay all amounts due on the related Loan. In addition, the Master
Servicer will be entitled to deduct from related liquidation proceeds all
expenses reasonably incurred in attempting to recover amounts due on defaulted
Loans and not yet repaid, including payments to senior lienholders, legal fees
and costs of legal action, real estate taxes and maintenance and preservation
expenses.
 
     Disproportionate Effect of Liquidation Expenses.  Liquidation expenses with
respect to defaulted Loans do not vary directly with the outstanding principal
balance of the Loan at the time of default. Therefore, assuming that a servicer
took the same steps in realizing upon a defaulted Loan having a small remaining
principal balance as it would in the case of a defaulted Loan having a large
remaining principal balance, the amount realized after expenses of liquidation
would be smaller as a percentage of the outstanding principal balance of the
small Loan than would be the case with the defaulted Loan having a large
remaining principal balance.
 
     Home Equity Loans; Junior Liens and Effect on Recoveries.  Since the
mortgages and deeds of trust securing the Home Equity Loans will be primarily
junior liens subordinate to the rights of the mortgagee under the related senior
mortgage(s) or deed(s) of trust, the proceeds from any liquidation, insurance or
condemnation proceeds will be available to satisfy the outstanding balance of
such junior lien only to the extent that the claims of such senior mortgagees
have been satisfied in full, including any related foreclosure costs. In
addition, a junior mortgagee may not foreclose on the property securing a junior
mortgage unless it forecloses subject to any senior mortgage, in which case it
must either pay the entire amount due on any senior mortgage to the related
senior mortgagee at or prior to the foreclosure sale or undertake the obligation
to make payments on any such senior mortgage in the event the mortgagor is in
default thereunder. The Trust Fund will not have any source of funds to satisfy
any senior mortgages or make payments due to any senior mortgagees and may
therefore be prevented from foreclosing on the related property.
 
     Consumer Protection Laws.  Applicable state laws generally regulate
interest rates and other charges, require certain disclosures, and require
licensing of certain originators and servicers of Loans. In addition, most
states have other laws, public policy and general principles of equity relating
to the protection of consumers, unfair and deceptive practices and practices
which may apply to the origination, servicing and collection of the Loans.
Depending on the provisions of the applicable law and the specific facts and
circumstances involved, violations of these laws, policies and principles may
limit the ability of the Master Servicer to collect all or part of the principal
of or interest on the Loans, may entitle the borrower to a refund of amounts
previously paid and, in addition, could subject the Master Servicer to damages
and administrative sanctions. See "Certain Legal Aspects of the Loans".
 
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS TO TRUST FUND
 
     Real property pledged as security to a lender may be subject to certain
environmental risks. Under the laws of certain states, contamination of a
property may give rise to a lien on the property to assure the costs of cleanup.
In several states, such a lien has priority over the lien of an existing
mortgage against such property. In addition, under the laws of some states and
under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA"), a lender may be liable, as an "owner" or
"operator", for costs of addressing releases or threatened releases of hazardous
substances that require remedy at a property, if agents or employees of the
lender have become sufficiently involved in the operations of the borrower,
regardless of whether the environmental damage or threat was caused by a prior
owner. Such costs could result in a loss to the holders of one or more classes
of Securities of the related Series. A lender also risks such liability on
foreclosure of the related property. See "Certain Legal Aspects of the
Loans--Environmental Risks".
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   101
 
CERTAIN OTHER LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE LOANS
 
     Consumer Protection Laws.  The Loans may also be subject to federal laws,
including:
 
          (i) the Federal Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z promulgated
     thereunder, which require certain disclosures to the borrowers regarding
     the terms of the Loans;
 
          (ii) the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B promulgated
     thereunder, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, race, color,
     sex, religion, marital status, national origin, receipt of public
     assistance or the exercise of any right under the Consumer Credit
     Protection Act, in the extension of credit;
 
          (iii) the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which regulates the use and
     reporting of information related to the borrower's credit experience; and
 
          (iv) for Loans that were originated or closed after November 7, 1989,
     the Home Equity Loan Consumer Protection Act of 1988, which requires
     additional application disclosures, limits changes that may be made to the
     Loan documents without the borrower's consent and restricts a lender's
     ability to declare a default or to suspend or reduce a borrower's credit
     limit to certain enumerated events.
 
     The Riegle Act.  Certain Mortgage Loans may be subject to the Riegle
Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (the "Riegle Act")
which incorporates the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994. These
provisions impose additional disclosure and other requirements on creditors with
respect to non-purchase money mortgage loans with high interest rates or high
up-front fees and charges. The provisions of the Riegle Act apply on a mandatory
basis to all Mortgage Loans originated on or after October 1, 1995. These
provisions can impose specific statutory liabilities upon creditors who fail to
comply with their provisions and may affect the enforceability of the related
Loans. In addition, any assignee of the creditor would generally be subject to
all claims and defenses that the consumer could assert against the creditor,
including, without limitation, the right to rescind the Mortgage Loan.
 
RATING OF THE SECURITIES
 
     It will be a condition to the issuance of a class of Securities offered
hereby that they be rated in one of the four highest rating categories by the
Rating Agency identified in the related Prospectus Supplement. Any such rating
would be based on, among other things, the adequacy of the value of the related
Trust Fund Assets and any credit enhancement with respect to such class and will
represent such Rating Agency's assessment solely of the likelihood that holders
of such class of Securities will receive payments to which such Securityholders
are entitled under the related Agreement. Such rating will not constitute an
assessment of the likelihood that principal prepayments on the related Loans
will be made, the degree to which the rate of such prepayments might differ from
that originally anticipated or the likelihood of early optional termination of
the Series of Securities. Such rating shall not be deemed a recommendation to
purchase, hold or sell Securities, inasmuch as it does not address market price
or suitability for a particular investor. Such rating will not address the
possibility that prepayment at higher or lower rates than anticipated by an
investor may cause such investor to experience a lower than anticipated yield or
that an investor purchasing a Security at a significant premium might fail to
recoup its initial investment under certain prepayment scenarios.
 
     There is also no assurance that any such rating will remain in effect for
any given period of time or that it may not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by
the Rating Agency in the future if in its judgment circumstances in the future
so warrant. In addition to being lowered or withdrawn due to any erosion in the
adequacy of the value of the Trust Fund Assets or any credit enhancement with
respect to a Series of Securities, such rating might also be lowered or
withdrawn because of, among other reasons, an adverse change in the financial or
other condition of a credit enhancement provider or a change in the rating of
such credit enhancement provider's long term debt.
 
     The amount, type and nature of credit enhancement, if any, established with
respect to a class of Securities will be determined on the basis of criteria
established by each Rating Agency rating classes of such Series. Such criteria
are sometimes based upon an actuarial analysis of the behavior of similar loans
in a larger
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   102
 
group. Such analysis is often the basis upon which each Rating Agency determines
the amount of credit enhancement required with respect to each such class. There
can be no assurance that the historical data supporting any such actuarial
analysis will accurately reflect future experience nor any assurance that the
data derived from a large pool of similar loans accurately predicts the
delinquency, foreclosure or loss experience of any particular pool of Loans. No
assurance can be given that the values of any Properties have remained or will
remain at their levels on the respective dates of origination of the related
Loans. If the residential real estate markets should experience an overall
decline in property values such that the outstanding principal balances of the
Loans in a particular Trust Fund and any other financing on the related
Properties become equal to or greater than the value of the Properties, the
rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses could be higher than those now
generally experienced in the mortgage lending industry. In addition, adverse
economic conditions (which may or may not affect real property values) may
affect the timely payment by mortgagors of scheduled payments of principal and
interest on the Loans and, accordingly, the rates of delinquencies, foreclosures
and losses with respect to any Trust Fund. To the extent that such losses are
not covered by credit enhancement, such losses will be borne, at least in part,
by the holders of one or more classes of Securities of the related Series. See
"Rating".
 
BOOK-ENTRY REGISTRATION AND REDUCTION OF LIQUIDITY OF SECURITIES
 
     If issued in book-entry form, such registration may reduce the liquidity of
the Securities in the secondary trading market since investors may be unwilling
to purchase Securities for which they cannot obtain physical certificates. Since
transactions in Book-Entry Securities can be effected only through the
Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), participating organizations, Financial
Intermediaries and certain banks, the ability of a Securityholder to pledge a
Book-Entry Security to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC
system may be limited due to lack of a physical certificate representing such
Securities. Security Owners will not be recognized as Securityholders as such
term is used in the related Agreement, and Security Owners will be permitted to
exercise the rights of Securityholders only indirectly through DTC and its
Participants.
 
     In addition, Securityholders may experience some delay in their receipt of
distributions of interest and principal on Book-Entry Securities since
distributions are required to be forwarded by the Trustee to DTC and DTC will
then be required to credit such distributions to the accounts of Depository
participants which thereafter will be required to credit them to the accounts of
Securityholders either directly or indirectly through Financial Intermediaries.
See "Description of the Securities--Book-Entry Registration of Securities".
 
PRE-FUNDING ACCOUNTS AND POSSIBLE PREPAYMENT RISK
 
     If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, on the related Closing
Date Provident will deposit cash in an amount (the "Pre-Funded Amount")
specified in such Prospectus Supplement into an account (the "Pre-Funding
Account"). In no event shall the Pre-Funded Amount exceed 50% of the initial
aggregate principal amount of the Certificates and/or Notes of the related
Series of Securities. The Pre-Funded Amount will be used to purchase Loans
("Subsequent Loans") in a period from the related Closing Date to a date not
more than one year after such Closing Date (such period, the "Funding Period")
from Provident. The Pre-Funding Account will be maintained with the Trustee for
the related Series of Securities and is designed solely to hold funds to be
applied by such Trustee during the Funding Period to pay to Provident the
purchase price for Subsequent Loans. Monies on deposit in the Pre-Funding
Account will not be available to cover losses on or in respect of the related
Loans. To the extent that the entire Pre-Funded Amount has not been applied to
the purchase of Subsequent Loans by the end of the related Funding Period, any
amounts remaining in the Pre-Funding Account will be distributed as a prepayment
of principal to the holders of the related Securities on the Distribution Date
immediately following the end of the Funding Period, in the amounts and pursuant
to the priorities set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement. Any
reinvestment risk resulting from such prepayment will be borne entirely by the
holders of one or more classes of the related Series of Securities.
 
BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY RISKS
 
     Provident and the Trust Fund will treat the transfer of Loans from
Provident to the Trust Fund as a sale for accounting purposes. However, in the
event of the insolvency of Provident, it is possible that a receiver or
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   103
 
conservator (or similar official) for Provident, may attempt to recharacterize
the sale of the Loans as a borrowing by Provident, secured by a pledge of the
Loans. Certain provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act may permit the
FDIC to avoid such security interest. This position, if argued before and/or
accepted by a court, could prevent timely payments of amounts due on the
Securities and result in a reduction of payments due on the Securities.
Provident will, however, mark its records to indicate that the Trust Fund Assets
relating to each Series have been sold to a Trust Fund.
 
     In the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of the Master Servicer, the
bankruptcy trustee or receiver may have the power to prevent the Trustee or the
Securityholders from appointing a successor Master Servicer. The time period
during which cash collections may be commingled with the Master Servicer's own
funds prior to each Distribution Date will be specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement. In the event of the insolvency of the Master Servicer and
if such cash collections are commingled with the Master Servicer's own funds for
at least ten days, the Trust Fund will likely not have a perfected interest in
such collections since such collections would not have been deposited in a
segregated account within ten days after the collection thereof, and the
inclusion thereof in the bankruptcy estate of the Master Servicer may result in
delays in payment and failure to pay amounts due on the Securities of the
related Series.
 
     In addition, federal and state statutory provisions, including the federal
bankruptcy laws and state laws affording relief to debtors, may interfere with
or affect the ability of the secured mortgage lender to realize upon its
security. For example, in a proceeding under the federal Bankruptcy Code, a
lender may not foreclose on a mortgaged property without the permission of the
bankruptcy court. The rehabilitation plan proposed by the debtor may provide, if
the mortgaged property is not the debtor's principal residence and the court
determines that the value of the mortgaged property is less than the principal
balance of the mortgage loan, for the reduction of the secured indebtedness to
the value of the mortgaged property as of the date of the commencement of the
bankruptcy, rendering the lender a general unsecured creditor for the
difference, and also may reduce the monthly payments due under such mortgage
loan, change the rate of interest and alter the mortgage loan repayment
schedule. The effect of any such proceedings under the federal Bankruptcy Code,
including but not limited to any automatic stay, could result in delays in
receiving payments on the Loans underlying a Series of Securities and possible
reductions in the aggregate amount of such payments.
 
VALUE OF TRUST FUND ASSETS
 
     There is no assurance that the market value of the Trust Fund Assets or any
other assets relating to a Series of Securities described under "Credit
Enhancement" herein will at any time be equal to or greater than the principal
amount of the Securities of such Series then outstanding, plus accrued interest
thereon. Moreover, upon an event of default under the Agreement for a Series of
Securities and a sale of the related Trust Fund Assets or upon a sale of the
assets of a Trust Fund for a Series of Securities, the Trustee, the Master
Servicer, the credit enhancer, if any, and any other service provider specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement generally will be entitled to receive the
proceeds of any such sale to the extent of unpaid fees and other amounts owing
to such persons under the related Agreement prior to distributions to
Securityholders. Upon any such sale, the proceeds thereof may be insufficient to
pay in full the principal of and interest on the Securities of such Series.
 
                                 THE TRUST FUND
 
GENERAL
 
     The Securities of each Series will represent interests in the assets of the
related Trust Fund, and the Notes of each Series will be secured by the pledge
of the assets of the related Trust Fund. The Trust Fund for each Series will be
held by the Trustee for the benefit of the related Securityholders. Each Trust
Fund will consist of certain assets (the "Trust Fund Assets") consisting of a
pool (each, a "Pool") comprised of Loans as specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, together with payments in respect of such Loans, as
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   104
 
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.* The Pool will be created on the
first day of the month of the issuance of the related Series of Securities or
such other date specified in the related Prospectus Supplement (the "Cut-Off
Date"). The Securities will be entitled to payment from the assets of the
related Trust Fund or other assets pledged for the benefit of the
Securityholders as specified in the related Prospectus Supplement and will not
be entitled to payments in respect of the assets of any other trust fund
established by Provident.
 
     Each Loan will have been originated or acquired by Provident in accordance
with the underwriting criteria specified below under "Loan
Program -- Underwriting Standards" or as otherwise described in the related
Prospectus Supplement. See "Loan Program -- Underwriting Standards". The Trust
Fund Assets will be conveyed without recourse by Provident to the related Trust
Fund.
 
     Provident will assign the Trust Fund Assets to the Trustee named in the
related Prospectus Supplement for the benefit of the holders of the Securities
of the related Series. The Master Servicer named in the related Prospectus
Supplement will service the Trust Fund Assets, either directly or through
Sub-Servicers, pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing Agreement among Provident,
the Master Servicer and the Trustee with respect to a Series consisting of
Certificates, or a master servicing agreement (each, a "Master Servicing
Agreement") between the Trustee and the Master Servicer with respect to a Series
consisting of Certificates and Notes, and will receive a fee for such services.
See "Loan Program" and "The Agreements". With respect to Loans serviced by the
Master Servicer through a Sub-Servicer, the Master Servicer will remain liable
for its servicing obligations under the related Agreement as if the Master
Servicer alone were servicing such Loans.
 
     As used herein, "Agreement" means, with respect to a Series consisting of
Certificates, the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, and with respect to a Series
consisting of Certificates and Notes, the Trust Agreement, the Indenture and the
Master Servicing Agreement, as the context requires.
 
     If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a Trust Fund relating
to a Series of Securities may be a business trust formed under the laws of the
state specified in the related Prospectus Supplement pursuant to a trust
agreement (each, a "Trust Agreement") between Provident and the trustee of such
Trust Fund.
 
     With respect to each Trust Fund, prior to the initial offering of the
related Series of Securities, the Trust Fund will have no assets or liabilities.
No Trust Fund is expected to engage in any activities other than acquiring,
managing and holding the related Trust Fund Assets and other assets contemplated
herein specified and in the related Prospectus Supplement and the proceeds
thereof, issuing Securities and making payments and distributions thereon and
certain related activities. No Trust Fund is expected to have any source of
capital other than its assets and any related credit enhancement.
 
     The only obligations of Provident with respect to a Series of Securities
will be to make certain representations and warranties to the Trustee for such
Series of Securities. With respect to any breach of a representation or warranty
which materially and adversely affects the interests of a Securityholder,
Provident will be obligated to cure such breach or repurchase or substitute for
the affected Loan or Loans. See "The Agreements -- Assignment of the Trust Fund
Assets". The obligations of the Master Servicer with respect to the Loans will
consist principally of its contractual servicing obligations under the related
Agreement (including its obligation to enforce the obligations of the
Sub-Servicers or Provident, or both, as more fully described herein under "Loan
Program -- Representations by Provident; Repurchases" and "The
Agreements -- Sub-Servicing" and "-- Assignment of the Trust Fund Assets") and
its obligation, if any, to make certain cash advances in the event of
delinquencies in payments on or with respect to the Loans in the amounts
described herein under "Description of the Securities -- Advances". The
obligations of the Master
 
- ---------------
 
     * Whenever the terms "Pool", "Certificates", "Notes" and "Securities" are
used in this Prospectus, such terms will be deemed to apply, unless the context
indicates otherwise, to one specific Pool and the Securities of one Series
including the Certificates representing certain undivided interests in, and/or
Notes secured by the assets of, a single Trust Fund consisting primarily of the
Loans in such Pool. Similarly, the term "Pass-Through Rate" will refer to the
Pass-Through Rate borne by the Certificates and the term "interest rate" will
refer to the interest rate borne by the Notes of one specific Series, as
applicable, and the term "Trust Fund" will refer to one specific Trust Fund.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   105
 
Servicer to make advances may be subject to limitations to the extent provided
herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
     The following is a brief description of the assets expected to be included
in the Trust Funds. If specific information respecting Trust Fund Assets is not
known at the time the related Series of Securities initially is offered, more
general information of the nature described below will be provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, and specific information will be set forth in a
report on Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
within fifteen days after the initial issuance of such Securities (the "Detailed
Description"). In no event, however, will more than 5% (by principal balance at
the Cut-Off Date) of the Mortgage Pool deviate from the characteristics of the
Loans set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement. A copy of the Agreement
with respect to each Series of Securities will be available for inspection at
the corporate trust office of the Trustee specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement. A schedule of the Loans relating to such Series will be attached to
the Agreement delivered to the Trustee upon delivery of the Securities.
 
THE LOANS
 
     General.  Loans will consist of Mortgage Loans and Home Equity Loans. As
more fully described in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Loans will be
"conventional" loans.
 
     The Loans in a Pool will have monthly payments due on the first day of each
month or on such other day of the month specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement. The payment terms of the Loans to be included in a Trust Fund will
be described in the related Prospectus Supplement and may include any of the
following features (or combination thereof), all as described below or in the
related Prospectus Supplement:
 
          (a) Interest may be payable at a fixed rate, a rate adjustable from
     time to time in relation to an index (which will be specified in the
     related Prospectus Supplement), a rate that is fixed for a period of time
     or under certain circumstances and is followed by an adjustable rate, a
     rate that otherwise varies from time to time, or a rate that is convertible
     from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate. Changes to an adjustable rate may
     be subject to periodic limitations, maximum rates, minimum rates or a
     combination of such limitations. Accrued interest may be deferred and added
     to the principal of a Loan for such periods and under such circumstances as
     may be specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. Loans may provide
     for the payment of interest at a rate lower than the specified interest
     rate borne by such Loan (the "Loan Rate") for a period of time or for the
     life of the Loan, and the amount of any difference may be contributed from
     funds supplied by the seller of the Property or another source.
 
          (b) Principal may be payable on a level debt service basis to fully
     amortize the Loan over its term, may be calculated on the basis of an
     assumed amortization schedule that is significantly longer than the
     original term to maturity or on an interest rate that is different from the
     Loan Rate or may not be amortized during all or a portion of the original
     term. Payment of all or a substantial portion of the principal may be due
     on maturity ("balloon payment"). Principal may include interest that has
     been deferred and added to the principal balance of the Loan.
 
          (c) Monthly payments of principal and interest may be fixed for the
     life of the Loan, may increase over a specified period of time or may
     change from period to period. Loans may include limits on periodic
     increases or decreases in the amount of monthly payments and may include
     maximum or minimum amounts of monthly payments.
 
          (d) Prepayments of principal may be subject to a prepayment fee, which
     may be fixed for the life of the Loan or may decline over time, and may be
     prohibited for the life of the Loan or for certain periods ("Lockout
     Periods"). Certain Loans may permit prepayments after expiration of the
     applicable Lockout Period and may require the payment of a prepayment fee
     in connection with any such subsequent prepayment. Other Loans may permit
     prepayments without payment of a fee unless the prepayment occurs during
     specified time periods. The Loans may include "due-on-sale" clauses which
     permit the mortgagee to demand payment of the entire Loan in connection
     with the sale or certain transfers of the
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   106
 
     related Property. Other Loans may be assumable by persons meeting the then
     applicable standards set forth in the Agreement.
 
     A Trust Fund may contain certain Loans ("Buydown Loans") that include
provisions whereby a third party partially subsidizes the monthly payments of
the borrowers on such Loans during the early years of such Loans, the difference
to be made up from a fund (a "Buydown Fund") contributed by such third party at
the time of origination of the Loan. A Buydown Fund will be in an amount equal
either to the discounted value or full aggregate amount of future payment
subsidies. The underlying assumption of buydown plans is that the income of the
borrower will increase during the buydown period as a result of normal increases
in compensation and inflation, so that the borrower will be able to meet the
full loan payments at the end of the buydown period. To the extent that this
assumption as to increased income is not fulfilled, the possibility of defaults
on Buydown Loans is increased. The related Prospectus Supplement will contain
information with respect to any Buydown Loan concerning limitations on the
interest rate paid by the borrower initially, on annual increases in the
interest rate and on the length of the buydown period.
 
     The real property which secures repayment of the Loans is referred to as
the "Mortgaged Properties". The Loans will be secured by mortgages or deeds of
trust or other similar security instruments creating a lien on a Mortgaged
Property. In the case of Home Equity Loans, such liens generally will be
subordinated to one or more senior liens on the related Mortgaged Properties as
described in the related Prospectus Supplement. The Mortgaged Properties are
referred to herein as the "Properties". The Properties relating to Loans will
consist of detached or semi-detached one- to four-family dwelling units,
townhouses, rowhouses, individual condominium units, individual units in planned
unit developments, manufactured homes and certain other dwelling units ("Single
Family Properties"). Such Properties may include vacation and second homes,
investment properties, and dwellings situated on leasehold estates. In the case
of leasehold interests, the term of the leasehold will exceed the scheduled
maturity of the Loan by at least five years, unless otherwise specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement. The Properties may be located in any one of the
fifty states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico or any other territory
of the United States.
 
     Loans with certain Loan-to-Value Ratios and/or certain principal balances
may be covered wholly or partially by primary mortgage guaranty insurance
policies (each, a "Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy"). The existence, extent
and duration of any such coverage will be described in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement.
 
     The aggregate principal balance of Loans secured by Properties that are
owner-occupied may be disclosed in the related Prospectus Supplement. The basis
for a representation that a given percentage of the Loans is secured by Single
Family Properties that are owner-occupied will be either (i) the making of a
representation by the borrower at origination of the Loan either that the
underlying Property will be used by the borrower for a period of at least six
months every year or that the borrower intends to use the Property as a primary
residence or (ii) a finding that the address of the underlying Property is the
borrower's mailing address.
 
     Home Equity Loans.  As more fully described in the related Prospectus
Supplement, interest on each Revolving Credit Line Loan, excluding introduction
rates offered from time to time during promotional periods, is computed and
payable monthly on the average daily outstanding principal balance of such Loan.
Principal amounts on a Revolving Credit Line Loan may be drawn down (up to a
maximum amount as set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement) or repaid
under each Revolving Credit Line Loan from time to time, but may be subject to a
minimum periodic payment. As specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
Trust Fund may include any amounts borrowed under a Revolving Credit Line Loan
after the Cut-Off Date. The full amount of a Closed-End Loan is advanced at the
inception of the Loan and generally is repayable in equal (or substantially
equal) installments of an amount to fully amortize such Loan at its stated
maturity or is a Balloon Loan. As more fully described in the related Prospectus
Supplement, interest on each Closed-End Loan is calculated on the basis of the
outstanding principal balance of such Loan multiplied by the Loan Rate thereon
and further multiplied by either a fraction, the numerator of which is the
number of days in the period elapsed since the preceding payment of interest was
made and the denominator of which is the number of days in the annual period for
which interest accrues on such Loan, or a fraction which is 30 over
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   107
 
360. Except to the extent provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
original terms to stated maturity of Closed-End Loans generally will not exceed
360 months. Under certain circumstances, under either a Revolving Credit Line
Loan or a Closed-End Loan, a borrower may choose an interest only payment option
and is obligated to pay only the amount of interest which accrues on the Loan
during the billing cycle. An interest only payment option may be available for a
specified period before the borrower must begin paying at least the minimum
monthly payment of a specified percentage of the average outstanding balance of
the Loan.
 
     Additional Information.  Each Prospectus Supplement will contain
information, as of the date of such Prospectus Supplement and to the extent then
specifically known to Provident, with respect to the Loans contained in the
related Pool, including (i) the aggregate outstanding principal balance and the
average outstanding principal balance of the Loans as of the applicable Cut-Off
Date, (ii) the type of property securing the Loan (e.g., single family
residences, individual units in condominium apartment buildings, two-to
four-family dwelling units or other real property), (iii) the original terms to
maturity of the Loans, (iv) the largest principal balance and the smallest
principal balance of any of the Loans, (v) the earliest origination date and
latest maturity date of any of the Loans, (vi) the Loan-to-Value Ratios or
Combined Loan-to-Value Ratios, as applicable, of the Loans, (vii) the Loan Rates
or annual percentage rates ("APR") or range of Loan Rates or APR's borne by the
Loans, (viii) the maximum and minimum per annum Loan Rates, and (ix) the
geographical location of the Loans. If specific information respecting the Loans
is not known to Provident at the time the related Securities are initially
offered, more general information of the nature described above will be provided
in the related Prospectus Supplement, and specific information will be set forth
in the Detailed Description.
 
     Generally, the "Loan-to-Value Ratio" of a Loan at any given time is the
fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the original
principal balance of the related Loan and the denominator of which is the
Collateral Value of the related Property. Generally, the "Combined Loan-to-Value
Ratio" of a Loan at any given time is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of
(i) the sum of (a) the original principal balance of the Loan (or, in the case
of a Revolving Credit Line Loan, the maximum amount thereof available) and (b)
the outstanding principal balance at the date of origination of the Loan of any
senior mortgage loan(s) or, in the case of any open-ended senior mortgage loan,
the maximum available line of credit with respect to such mortgage loan,
regardless of any lesser amount actually outstanding at the date of origination
of the Loan, to (ii) the Collateral Value of the related Property. The
"Collateral Value" of the Property, other than with respect to certain Loans the
proceeds of which were used to refinance an existing mortgage loan (each, a
"Refinance Loan"), is the lesser of (a) the appraised value determined in an
appraisal obtained at origination of such Loan and (b) the sales price for such
Property. In the case of Refinance Loans, the "Collateral Value" of the related
Property is the appraised value thereof determined in an appraisal obtained at
the time of refinancing.
 
     No assurance can be given that values of the Properties have remained or
will remain at their levels on the dates of origination of the related Loans. If
the residential real estate market should experience an overall decline in
property values such that the sum of the outstanding principal balances of the
Loans and any primary or secondary financing on the Properties, as applicable,
in a particular Pool become equal to or greater than the value of the
Properties, the actual rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses could be
higher than those now generally experienced in the mortgage lending industry. In
addition, adverse economic conditions and other factors (which may or may not
affect real property values) may affect the timely payment by borrowers of
scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Loans and, accordingly, the
actual rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses with respect to any Pool.
To the extent that such losses are not covered by subordination provisions or
alternative arrangements, such losses will be borne, at least in part, by the
holders of the Securities of the related Series.
 
SUBSTITUTION OF TRUST FUND ASSETS
 
     Substitution of Trust Fund Assets will be permitted in the event of
breaches of representations and warranties with respect to any original Trust
Fund Asset or in the event the documentation with respect to any Trust Fund
Asset is determined by the Trustee to be incomplete. The period during which
such substitution will be permitted generally will be indicated in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   108
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The net proceeds to be received by Provident from the sale of the Trust
Fund Assets by Provident to Trust Funds will be applied by Provident to the
purchase of additional trust fund assets or will be used by Provident for
general corporate purposes. Provident expects to sell Securities in Series
issued by the related Trust Fund from time to time, but the timing and amount of
offerings of Securities will depend on a number of factors, including the volume
of Trust Fund Assets originated or acquired by Provident and sold to the Trust
Fund, prevailing interest rates, availability of funds and general market
conditions.
 
                               THE PROVIDENT BANK
 
     Provident, an Ohio banking corporation, is the principal banking subsidiary
of Provident Financial Group, Inc., a Cincinnati-based bank holding company
registered under the Bank Holding Company Act. Provident Financial Group, Inc.
operates throughout Ohio, Northern Kentucky, Southeastern Indiana and Florida.
The principal executive offices of Provident are located at One East Fourth
Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (Telephone: (513) 579-2000).
 
     Neither Provident nor any of Provident's affiliates will insure or
guarantee distributions on the Securities of any Series.
 
                                  LOAN PROGRAM
 
     The Loans will have been originated or purchased by Provident, either
directly or through affiliates. The Loans so originated or acquired by Provident
will have been originated in accordance with the underwriting criteria specified
below under "Underwriting Standards" and as further described in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
 
UNDERWRITING STANDARDS
 
     Underwriting standards are applied by or on behalf of a lender to evaluate
the borrower's credit standing and repayment ability, and the value and adequacy
of the related Property as collateral. In general, a prospective borrower
applying for a Loan is required to fill out a detailed application designed to
provide to the underwriting officer pertinent credit information, including the
principal balance and payment history with respect to any senior mortgage, if
any, which will be verified by Provident. As part of the description of the
borrower's financial condition, the borrower generally is required to provide a
current list of assets and liabilities and a statement of income and expenses,
as well as an authorization to apply for a credit report which summarizes the
borrower's credit history with local merchants and lenders and any record of
bankruptcy. In most cases, an employment verification is obtained from an
independent source (typically the borrower's employer) which verification
reports, among other things, the length of employment with that organization and
the borrower's current salary. If a prospective borrower is self-employed, the
borrower may be required to submit copies of signed tax returns. The borrower
may also be required to authorize verification of deposits at financial
institutions where the borrower has demand or savings accounts.
 
     In determining the adequacy of the property to be used as collateral, an
appraisal will generally be made of each property considered for financing. The
appraiser is generally required to inspect the property, issue a report on its
condition and, if applicable, verify construction has been completed. The
appraisal is based on the market value of comparable homes, the estimated rental
income (if considered applicable by the appraiser) and the cost of replacing the
property. The value of the property being financed, as indicated by the
appraisal, must be such that it currently supports, and is anticipated to
support in the future, the outstanding loan balance.
 
     The maximum loan amount will vary depending upon a borrower's credit grade
and loan program but will not generally exceed $750,000. Variations in maximum
loan amount limits will be permitted based on compensating factors. Compensating
factors may generally include, to the extent specified in the related
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   109
 
Prospectus Supplement, low loan-to-value ratio, low debt-to-income ratio, stable
employment, favorable credit history and the nature of the underlying first
mortgage loan, if applicable.
 
     Provident's underwriting standards generally permit loans with
loan-to-value ratios at origination of up to 100% depending on the loan program,
type and use of the property, creditworthiness of the borrower and debt-
to-income ratio.
 
     After obtaining all applicable employment, credit and property information,
Provident will use a debt-to-income ratio to assist in determining whether the
prospective borrower has sufficient monthly income available to support the
payments of principal and interest on the Mortgage Loan in addition to other
monthly credit obligations. The "debt-to-income ratio" is the ratio of the
borrower's total monthly obligations (which includes principal and interest on
each mortgage, tax assessments, other loans, charge accounts and all other
scheduled indebtedness) to the borrower's gross monthly income. The maximum
monthly debt-to-income ratio will vary depending upon a borrower's credit grade
and loan program but will not generally exceed 60%. Variations in the monthly
debt-to-income ratio limit will be permitted based on compensating factors to
the extent specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
     If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a portion of the Loans
in a Trust Fund may have been originated under a limited documentation program.
Under a limited documentation program, more emphasis is placed on the value and
adequacy of the property as collateral and other assets of the borrower than on
credit underwriting. Under a limited documentation program, certain credit
underwriting documentation concerning income or income verification and/or
employment verification is waived.
 
     In the case of a Loan secured by a leasehold interest in real property, the
title to which is held by a third party lessor, Provident will represent and
warrant, among other things, that the remaining term of the lease and any
sublease is at least five years longer than the remaining term on the Loan.
 
     Certain of the types of Loans that may be included in a Trust Fund are
recently developed and may involve additional uncertainties not present in
traditional types of loans. For example, certain of such Loans may provide for
escalating or variable payments by the borrower. These types of Loans are
underwritten on the basis of a judgment that the borrowers have the ability to
make the monthly payments required initially. In some instances, a borrower's
income may not be sufficient to permit continued Loan payments as such payments
increase. These types of Loans may also be underwritten primarily upon the basis
of Loan-to-Value Ratios or other favorable credit factors.
 
QUALIFICATIONS OF PROVIDENT
 
     Provident will be required to satisfy the following qualifications.
Provident is, and each entity from which it acquires Loans must be, an
institution experienced in originating and servicing loans of the type contained
in the related Pool in accordance with accepted practices and prudent
guidelines, and must maintain satisfactory facilities to originate and service
those loans. Provident is a seller/servicer approved by the Federal National
Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
("FHLMC"). Provident is a mortgagee approved by the Federal Housing Authority
and is an institution the deposit accounts in which are insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC").
 
REPRESENTATIONS BY PROVIDENT; REPURCHASES
 
     Provident will have made representations and warranties in respect of the
Loans sold by Provident to the Trust Fund and evidenced by all, or a part, of a
Series of Securities. Such representations and warranties may include, among
other things: (i) that title insurance (or in the case of Properties located in
areas where such policies are generally not available, an attorney's certificate
of title) and any required hazard insurance policy were effective at origination
of each Loan and that each policy (or certificate of title as applicable)
remained in effect on the date of purchase of the Loan from Provident; (ii) that
Provident had good title to each such Loan and such Loan was subject to no
offsets, defenses, counterclaims or rights of rescission except to the extent
that any buydown agreement may forgive certain indebtedness of a borrower; (iii)
that each Loan constituted a valid lien on, or a perfected security interest
with respect to, the Property (subject only to
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   110
 
permissible liens disclosed, if applicable, title insurance exceptions, if
applicable, and certain other exceptions described in the Agreement), (iv) the
Property is undamaged by waste, fire, earthquake, earth movement, windstorm,
flood, tornado or other casualty, so as to affect adversely the value of the
Property; (v) that there were no delinquent tax or assessment liens against the
Property; (vi) that no required payment on a Loan was delinquent more than the
number of days specified in the related Prospectus Supplement; and (vii) that
each Loan was made in compliance with, and is enforceable under, all applicable
state and federal laws and regulations in all material respects.
 
     The Master Servicer or the Trustee will promptly notify Provident of any
breach of any representation or warranty made by it in respect of a Loan which
materially and adversely affects the interests of the Securityholders in such
Loan. If Provident cannot cure such breach within the number of days specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement following notice from the Master Servicer
or the Trustee, as the case may be, then Provident will be obligated either (i)
to repurchase such Loan from the Trust Fund at a price (the "Purchase Price")
equal to 100% of the unpaid principal balance thereof as of the date of the
repurchase plus unpaid accrued interest thereon to the first day of the month
following the month of repurchase at the Loan Rate (less any Advances or amount
payable as related servicing compensation if Provident is the Master Servicer)
or (ii) substitute for such Loan a replacement loan that satisfies the criteria
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. If a REMIC election is to be
made with respect to a Trust Fund, the Master Servicer or a holder of the
related residual certificate generally will be obligated to pay any prohibited
transaction tax which may arise in connection with any such repurchase or
substitution and the Trustee must have received a satisfactory opinion of
counsel that such repurchase or substitution will not cause the Trust Fund to
lose its status as a REMIC or otherwise subject the Trust Fund to a prohibited
transaction tax. This repurchase or substitution obligation will constitute the
sole remedy available to holders of Securities or the Trustee for a breach of
representation by Provident.
 
     Neither the Trustee nor the Master Servicer (unless the Master Servicer is
Provident) will be obligated to purchase or substitute a Loan if Provident
defaults on its obligation to do so, and no assurance can be given that
Provident will carry out its respective repurchase or substitution obligations
with respect to Loans.
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES
 
     Each Series of Certificates will be issued pursuant to separate agreements
(each, a "Pooling and Servicing Agreement" or a "Trust Agreement") among
Provident, the Master Servicer and the Trustee. A form of Pooling and Servicing
Agreement and Trust Agreement has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part. Each Series of Notes will be
issued pursuant to an indenture (the "Indenture") between the related Trust Fund
and the entity named in the related Prospectus Supplement as trustee (the
"Trustee") with respect to such Series, and the related Loans will be serviced
by the Master Servicer pursuant to a Master Servicing Agreement. A form of
Indenture and Master Servicing Agreement has been filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part.
 
     A Series of Securities may consist of both Notes and Certificates. Each
Agreement, dated as of the related Cut-Off Date, will be among Provident, the
Master Servicer and the Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Securities
of such Series. The provisions of each Agreement will vary depending upon the
nature of the Securities to be issued thereunder and the nature of the related
Trust Fund. The following are descriptions of the material provisions which may
appear in each Agreement. The descriptions are subject to, and are qualified in
their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the Agreement for each
Series of Securities and the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Provident will
provide a copy of the Agreement (without exhibits) relating to any Series of
Securities without charge upon written request of a holder of record of a
Security of such Series addressed to The Provident Bank, One East Fourth Street,
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, Attention: Secretary.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   111
 
GENERAL
 
     As described in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Securities of each
Series will be issued in book-entry or fully registered form, in the authorized
denominations specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, will, in the case
of Certificates, evidence specified beneficial ownership interests in, and in
the case of Notes, be secured by, the assets of the related Trust Fund created
pursuant to each Agreement and will not be entitled to payments in respect of
the assets included in any other Trust Fund established by Provident. Unless
otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Securities will
not represent obligations of Provident or any affiliate of Provident. Certain of
the Loans may be guaranteed or insured as set forth in the related Prospectus
Supplement. Each Trust Fund will consist of, to the extent provided in the
related Agreement, (i) the Trust Fund Assets, as from time to time are subject
to the related Agreement (exclusive of any amounts specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement ("Retained Interest")), including all payments of interest
and principal received with respect to the Loans after the Cut-Off Date (to the
extent not applied in computing the principal balance of such Loans as of the
Cut-Off Date (the "Cut-Off Date Principal Balance")); (ii) such assets as from
time to time are required to be deposited in the related Security Account, as
described below under "The Agreements -- Payments on Loans; Deposits to Security
Account"; (iii) property which secured a Loan and which is acquired on behalf of
the Securityholders by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure and (iv) any
insurance policies or other forms of credit enhancement required to be
maintained pursuant to the related Agreement. If so specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, a Trust Fund may also include one or more of the
following: reinvestment income on payments received on the Trust Fund Assets, a
Reserve Account, a mortgage pool insurance policy, a special hazard insurance
policy, a bankruptcy bond, one or more letters of credit, a surety bond,
guaranties or similar instruments.
 
     Each Series of Securities will be issued in one or more classes. Each class
of Certificates of a Series will evidence beneficial ownership of a specified
percentage (which may be 0%) or portion of future interest payments and a
specified percentage (which may be 0%) or portion of future principal payments
on, and each class of Notes of a Series will be secured by, the related Trust
Fund Assets. A Series of Securities may include one or more classes that are
senior in right to payment to one or more other classes of Securities of such
Series. Certain Series or classes of Securities may be covered by insurance
policies, surety bonds or other forms of credit enhancement, in each case as
described under "Credit Enhancement" herein and in the related Prospectus
Supplement. One or more classes of Securities of a Series may be entitled to
receive distributions of principal, interest or any combination thereof.
Distributions on one or more classes of a Series of Securities may be made prior
to one or more other classes, after the occurrence of specified events, in
accordance with a schedule or formula or on the basis of collections from
designated portions of the related Trust Fund Assets, in each case as specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement. The timing and amounts of such
distributions may vary among classes or over time as specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
 
     Distributions of principal and interest (or, where applicable, of principal
only or interest only) on the related Securities will be made by the Trustee on
each Distribution Date (i.e., monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or at such other
intervals and on the dates as are specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement) in proportion to the percentages specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement. Distributions will be made to the persons in whose names the
Securities are registered at the close of business on the dates specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement (each, a "Record Date"). Distributions will be
made in the manner specified in the related Prospectus Supplement to the persons
entitled thereto at the address appearing in the register maintained for
Securityholders (the "Security Register"); provided, however, that the final
distribution in retirement of the Securities will be made only upon presentation
and surrender of the Securities at the office or agency of the Trustee or other
person specified in the notice to Securityholders of such final distribution.
 
     The Securities will be freely transferable and exchangeable at the
Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as set forth in the related Prospectus
Supplement. No service charge will be made for any registration of exchange or
transfer of Securities of any Series, but the Trustee may require payment of a
sum sufficient to cover any related tax or other governmental charge.
 
     As to each Series, an election may be made to treat the related Trust Fund
or designated portions thereof as a "real estate mortgage investment conduit" or
"REMIC" as defined in the Code. The related Prospectus
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   112
 
Supplement will specify whether a REMIC election is to be made. Alternatively,
the Agreement for a Series of Securities may provide that a REMIC election may
be made at the discretion of Provident or the Master Servicer and may only be
made if certain conditions are satisfied. As to any such Series, the terms and
provisions applicable to the making of a REMIC election will be set forth in the
related Prospectus Supplement. If such an election is made with respect to a
Series of Securities, one of the classes will be designated as evidencing the
sole class of "residual interests" in the related REMIC, as defined in the Code.
All other classes of Securities in such a Series will constitute "regular
interests" in the related REMIC, as defined in the Code. As to each Series of
Securities with respect to which a REMIC election is to be made, the Master
Servicer, the Trustee or a holder of the related residual certificate will be
obligated to take all actions required in order to comply with applicable laws
and regulations.
 
DISTRIBUTIONS ON SECURITIES
 
     General.  In general, the method of determining the amount of distributions
on a particular Series of Securities will depend on the type of credit support,
if any, that is used with respect to such Series. See "Credit Enhancement". Set
forth below are descriptions of various methods that may be used to determine
the amount of distributions on the Securities of a particular Series. The
Prospectus Supplement for each Series of Securities will describe the method to
be used in determining the amount of distributions on the Securities of such
Series.
 
     Distributions allocable to principal and interest on the Securities will be
made by the Trustee out of, and only to the extent of, funds in the related
Security Account, including any funds transferred from any Reserve Account. As
between Securities of different classes and as between distributions of
principal (and, if applicable, between distributions of Principal Prepayments,
as defined below, and scheduled payments of principal) and interest,
distributions made on any Distribution Date will be applied as specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement. The Prospectus Supplement will also describe the
method for allocating distributions among Securities of a particular class.
 
     Available Funds.  All distributions on the Securities of each Series on
each Distribution Date will be made from the Available Funds described below, in
accordance with the terms described in the related Prospectus Supplement and
specified in the Agreement. "Available Funds" for each Distribution Date will
generally equal the amount on deposit in the related Security Account on such
Distribution Date (net of related fees and expenses payable by the related Trust
Fund) other than amounts to be held therein for distribution on future
Distribution Dates.
 
     Distributions of Interest.  Interest will accrue on the aggregate principal
balance of the Securities (or, in the case of Securities entitled only to
distributions allocable to interest, the aggregate notional amount) of each
class of Securities (the "Class Security Balance") entitled to interest from the
date, at the Pass-Through Rate or interest rate, as applicable (which in either
case may be a fixed rate or rate adjustable as specified in such Prospectus
Supplement), and for the periods specified in such Prospectus Supplement. To the
extent funds are available therefor, interest accrued during each such specified
period on each class of Securities entitled to interest (other than a class of
Securities that provides for interest that accrues, but is not currently
payable, referred to hereafter as "Accrual Securities") will be distributable on
the Distribution Dates specified in the related Prospectus Supplement until the
aggregate Class Security Balance of the Securities of such class has been
distributed in full or, in the case of Securities entitled only to distributions
allocable to interest, until the aggregate notional amount of such Securities is
reduced to zero or for the period of time designated in the related Prospectus
Supplement. The original Class Security Balance of each Security will equal the
aggregate distributions allocable to principal to which such Security is
entitled. Distributions allocable to interest on each Security that is not
entitled to distributions allocable to principal will be calculated based on the
notional amount of such Security. The notional amount of a Security will not
evidence an interest in or entitlement to distributions allocable to principal
but will be used solely for convenience in expressing the calculation of
interest and for certain other purposes.
 
     Interest payable on the Securities of a Series on a Distribution Date will
include all interest accrued during the period specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement. In the event interest accrues over a period
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   113
 
ending two or more days prior to a Distribution Date, the effective yield to
Securityholders will be reduced from the yield that would otherwise be
obtainable if interest payable on the Security were to accrue through the day
immediately preceding such Distribution Date, and the effective yield (at par)
to Securityholders will be less than the indicated coupon rate.
 
     With respect to any class of Accrual Securities, if specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement, any interest that has accrued but is not paid on
a given Distribution Date will be added to the aggregate Class Security Balance
of such class of Securities on that Distribution Date. Distributions of interest
on any class of Accrual Securities will commence only after the occurrence of
the events specified in such Prospectus Supplement. Prior to such time, the
beneficial ownership interest in the Trust Fund or the principal balance, as
applicable, of such class of Accrued Securities, as reflected in the aggregate
Class Security Balance of such class of Accrual Securities, will increase on
each Distribution Date by the amount of interest that accrued on such class of
Accrual Securities during the preceding interest accrual period but that was not
required to be distributed to such class on such Distribution Date. Any such
class of Accrual Securities will thereafter accrue interest on its outstanding
Class Security Balance as so adjusted.
 
     Distributions of Principal.  The related Prospectus Supplement will specify
the method by which the amount of principal to be distributed on the Securities
on each Distribution Date will be calculated and the manner in which such amount
will be allocated among the classes of Securities entitled to distributions of
principal. The aggregate Class Security Balance of any class of Securities
entitled to distributions of principal generally will be the aggregate original
Class Security Balance of such class of Securities specified in such Prospectus
Supplement, reduced by all distributions reported to the holders of such
Securities as allocable to principal and, (i) in the case of Accrual Securities,
as described in the related Prospectus Supplement, increased by interest accrued
but not then distributable on such Accrual Securities and (ii) in the case of
adjustable rate Securities, subject to the effect of negative amortization, if
applicable.
 
     If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, one or more classes of
Securities will be entitled to receive all or a disproportionate percentage of
the payments of principal which are received from borrowers in advance of their
scheduled due dates and are not accompanied by amounts representing scheduled
interest due after the month of such payments ("Principal Prepayments") in the
percentages and under the circumstances or for the periods specified in such
Prospectus Supplement. Any such allocation of Principal Prepayments to such
class or classes of Securities will have the effect of accelerating the
amortization of such Securities while increasing the interests evidenced by one
or more other classes of Securities in the Trust Fund. Increasing the interests
of the other classes of Securities relative to that of certain Securities is
intended to preserve the availability of the subordination provided by such
other Securities. See "Credit Enhancement -- Subordination".
 
     Unscheduled Distributions.  If specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Securities will be subject to receipt of distributions before
the next scheduled Distribution Date under the circumstances and in the manner
described below and in such Prospectus Supplement. If applicable, the Trustee
will be required to make such unscheduled distributions on the day and in the
amount specified in the related Prospectus Supplement if, due to substantial
payments of principal (including Principal Prepayments) on the Trust Fund
Assets, the Trustee or the Master Servicer determines that the funds available
or anticipated to be available from the Security Account and, if applicable, any
Reserve Account, may be insufficient to make required distributions on the
Securities on such Distribution Date. Unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the amount of any such unscheduled distribution that is
allocable to principal will not exceed the amount that would otherwise have been
required to be distributed as principal on the Securities on the next
Distribution Date. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the unscheduled distributions will include interest at the
applicable Pass-Through Rate (if any) or interest rate (if any) on the amount of
the unscheduled distribution allocable to principal for the period and to the
date specified in such Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   114
 
ADVANCES
 
     To the extent provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Master
Servicer will be required to advance on or before each Distribution Date (from
its own funds, funds advanced by Sub-Servicers or funds held in the Security
Account for future distributions to the holders of Securities of the related
Series) an amount equal to the aggregate of payments of interest and/or
principal that were delinquent on the related Determination Date (as such term
is defined in the related Prospectus Supplement) and were not advanced by any
Sub-Servicer, subject to the Master Servicer's determination that such advances
may be recoverable out of late payments by borrowers, Liquidation Proceeds,
Insurance Proceeds or otherwise.
 
     In making Advances, the Master Servicer will endeavor to maintain a regular
flow of scheduled interest and principal payments to Securityholders, rather
than to guarantee or insure against losses. If Advances are made by the Master
Servicer from cash being held for future distribution to Securityholders, the
Master Servicer will replace such funds on or before any future Distribution
Date to the extent that funds in the applicable Security Account on such
Distribution Date would be less than the amount required to be available for
distributions to Securityholders on such date. Any Master Servicer funds
advanced will be reimbursable to the Master Servicer out of recoveries on the
specific Loans with respect to which such Advances were made (e.g., late
payments made by the related borrower, any related Insurance Proceeds,
Liquidation Proceeds or proceeds of any Loan purchased by Provident or a
Sub-Servicer pursuant to the related Agreement). Advances by the Master Servicer
(and any advances by a Sub-Servicer) also will be reimbursable to the Master
Servicer (or Sub-Servicer) from cash otherwise distributable to Securityholders
(including the holders of Senior Securities) to the extent that the Master
Servicer determines that any such Advances previously made are not ultimately
recoverable as described above. To the extent provided in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Master Servicer also will be obligated to make Advances, to the
extent recoverable out of Insurance Proceeds, Liquidation Proceeds or otherwise,
in respect of certain taxes and insurance premiums not paid by borrowers on a
timely basis. Funds so advanced are reimbursable to the Master Servicer to the
extent permitted by the related Agreement. The obligations of the Master
Servicer to make advances may be supported by a cash advance reserve fund, a
surety bond or other arrangement of the type described herein under "Credit
Enhancement", in each case as described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
     In the event the Master Servicer or a Sub-Servicer fails to make a required
Advance, the Trustee will be obligated to make such Advance in its capacity as
successor servicer if it is acting in such capacity. If the Trustee makes such
an Advance, it will be entitled to be reimbursed for such Advance to the same
extent and degree as the Master Servicer or a Sub-Servicer is entitled to be
reimbursed for Advances. See "Description of the Securities -- Distributions on
Securities".
 
REPORTS TO SECURITYHOLDERS
 
     Prior to or concurrently with each distribution on a Distribution Date, the
Master Servicer or the Trustee will furnish to each Securityholder of record of
the related Series a statement setting forth, to the extent applicable to such
Series of Securities, among other things:
 
          (i) the amount of such distribution allocable to principal, separately
     identifying the aggregate amount of any Principal Prepayments and, if so
     specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, any applicable prepayment
     penalties included therein;
 
          (ii) the amount of such distribution allocable to interest;
 
          (iii) the amount of any Advance;
 
          (iv) the aggregate amount (a) otherwise allocable to the Subordinated
     Securityholders on such Distribution Date, and (b) withdrawn from the
     Reserve Account, if any, that is included in the amounts distributed to the
     Senior Securityholders;
 
          (v) the outstanding principal balance or notional amount of each class
     of the related Series of Securities after giving effect to the distribution
     of principal on such Distribution Date;
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   115
 
          (vi) the percentage of principal payments on the Loans (excluding
     prepayments), if any, which each such class will be entitled to receive on
     the following Distribution Date;
 
          (vii) the percentage of Principal Prepayments on the Loans, if any,
     which each such class will be entitled to receive on the following
     Distribution Date;
 
          (viii) the related amount of the servicing compensation retained or
     withdrawn from the Security Account by the Master Servicer, and the amount
     of additional servicing compensation received by the Master Servicer
     attributable to penalties, fees, excess Liquidation Proceeds and other
     similar charges and items;
 
          (ix) the number and aggregate principal balances of Loans as to which
     the minimum monthly payment is delinquent 30-59 days, 60-89 days and 90 or
     more days, respectively, as of the close of business on the last day of the
     calendar month preceding such Distribution Date;
 
          (x) the book value of any real estate acquired through foreclosure or
     grant of a deed in lieu of foreclosure;
 
          (xi) the Pass-Through Rate or interest rate, as applicable, if
     adjusted from the date of the last statement, of any such class expected to
     be applicable to the next distribution to such class;
 
          (xii) if applicable, the amount remaining in any Reserve Account at
     the close of business on the Distribution Date;
 
          (xiii) the Pass-Through Rate or interest rate, as applicable, as of
     the day prior to the immediately preceding Distribution Date; and
 
          (xiv) any amounts remaining under letters of credit, Pool policies or
     other forms of credit enhancement.
 
     Where applicable, any amount set forth above may be expressed as a dollar
amount per single Security of the relevant class having the Percentage Interest
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. The report to Securityholders
for any Series of Securities may include additional or other information of a
similar nature to that specified above.
 
     In addition, within a reasonable period of time after the end of each
calendar year, the Master Servicer or the Trustee will mail to each
Securityholder of record at any time during such calendar year a report (a) as
to the aggregate of amounts reported pursuant to (i) and (ii) above for such
calendar year or, in the event such person was a Securityholder of record only
during a portion of such calendar year, for the applicable portion of such year
and (b) such other customary information as may be deemed necessary or desirable
for Securityholders to prepare their tax returns.
 
CATEGORIES OF CLASSES OF SECURITIES
 
     The Securities of any Series may be comprised of one or more classes. Such
classes, in general, fall into different categories. The following chart
identifies and generally defines certain of the more typical categories. The
Prospectus Supplement for a Series of Securities may identify the classes which
comprise such Series by reference to the following categories:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CATEGORIES OF CLASSES                                         DEFINITION
- ----------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>
                                          PRINCIPAL TYPES
Accretion Directed......................  A class that receives principal payments from the
                                          accreted interest from specified classes of Accrual
                                          Securities. An Accretion Directed class also may
                                          receive principal payments from principal paid on
                                          the underlying Trust Fund Assets for the related
                                          Series.
</TABLE>
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   116
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CATEGORIES OF CLASSES                                         DEFINITION
- ----------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>
Component Securities....................  A class consisting of "Components." The Components
                                          of a class of Component Securities may have
                                          different principal and/or interest payment
                                          characteristics but together constitute a single
                                          class. Each Component of a class of Component
                                          Securities may be identified as falling into one or
                                          more of the categories in this chart.
Notional Amount Securities..............  A class having no principal balance and bearing
                                          interest on the related notional amount. The
                                          notional amount is used for purposes of the
                                          determination of interest distributions.
Planned Principal Class
  (also sometimes referred to as
  "PACs")...............................  A class that is designed to receive principal
                                          payments using a predetermined principal balance
                                          schedule derived by assuming two constant
                                          prepayment rates for the underlying Trust Fund
                                          Assets. These two rates are the endpoints for the
                                          "structuring range" for the Planned Principal
                                          Class. The Planned Principal Classes in any Series
                                          of Securities may be subdivided into different
                                          categories (e.g., Primary Planned Principal
                                          Classes, Secondary Planned Principal Classes and so
                                          forth) having different effective structuring
                                          ranges and different principal payment priorities.
                                          The structuring range for the Secondary Planned
                                          Principal Class of a Series of Securities will be
                                          narrower than that for the Primary Planned
                                          Principal Class of such Series.
Scheduled Principal Class...............  A class that is designed to receive principal
                                          payments using a predetermined principal balance
                                          schedule but is not designated as a Planned
                                          Principal Class or Targeted Principal Class. In
                                          many cases, the schedule is derived by assuming two
                                          constant prepayment rates for the underlying Trust
                                          Fund Assets. These two rates are the endpoints for
                                          the "structuring range" for the Scheduled Principal
                                          Class.
Sequential Pay..........................  Classes that receive principal payments in a
                                          prescribed sequence, that do not have predetermined
                                          principal balance schedules and that under all
                                          circumstances receive payments of principal
                                          continuously from the first Distribution Date on
                                          which they receive principal until they are
                                          retired. A single class that receives principal
                                          payments before or after all other classes in the
                                          same Series of Securities may be identified as a
                                          Sequential Pay class.
Strip...................................  A class that receives a constant proportion, or
                                          "strip," of the principal payments on the
                                          underlying Trust Fund Assets.
Support Class (also sometimes referred
  to as "Companion Classes")............  A class that receives principal payments on any
                                          Distribution Date only if scheduled payments have
                                          been made on specified Planned Principal Classes,
                                          Targeted Principal Classes and/or Scheduled
                                          Principal Classes.
</TABLE>
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   117
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CATEGORIES OF CLASSES                                         DEFINITION
- ----------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>
Targeted Principal Class (also sometimes
  referred to as "TACs")................  A class that is designed to receive principal
                                          payments using a predetermined principal balance
                                          schedule derived by assuming a single constant
                                          prepayment rate for the underlying Trust Fund
                                          Assets.
                                          INTEREST TYPES
Fixed Rate..............................  A class with an interest rate that is fixed
                                          throughout the life of the class.
Floating Rate...........................  A class with an interest rate that resets
                                          periodically based upon a designated index and that
                                          varies directly with changes in such index.
Inverse Floating Rate...................  A class with an interest rate that resets
                                          periodically based upon a designated index and that
                                          varies inversely with changes in such index.
Variable Rate...........................  A class with an interest rate that resets
                                          periodically and is calculated by reference to the
                                          rate or rates of interest applicable to specified
                                          assets or instruments (e.g., the Loan Rates borne
                                          by the underlying Loans).
Interest Only...........................  A class that receives some or all of the interest
                                          payments made on the underlying Trust Fund Assets
                                          and little or no principal. Interest Only Classes
                                          have either a nominal principal balance or a
                                          notional amount. A nominal principal balance
                                          represents actual principal that will be paid on
                                          the class. It is referred to as nominal since it is
                                          extremely small compared to other classes. A
                                          notional amount is the amount used as a reference
                                          to calculate the amount of interest due on an
                                          Interest Only Class that is not entitled to any
                                          distributions in respect of principal.
Principal Only..........................  A class that does not bear interest and is entitled
                                          to receive only distributions in respect of
                                          principal.
Partial Accrual.........................  A class that accretes a portion of the amount of
                                          accrued interest thereon, which amount will be
                                          added to the principal balance of such class on
                                          each applicable Distribution Date, with the
                                          remainder of such accrued interest to be
                                          distributed currently as interest on such class.
                                          Such accretion may continue until a specified event
                                          has occurred or until such Partial Accrual Class is
                                          retired.
Accrual.................................  A class that accretes the amount of accrued
                                          interest otherwise distributable on such class,
                                          which amount will be added as principal to the
                                          principal balance of such class on each applicable
                                          Distribution Date. Such accretion may continue
                                          until some specified event has occurred or until
                                          such Accrual Class is retired.
</TABLE>
 
BOOK-ENTRY REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES
 
     As described in the related Prospectus Supplement, if not issued in fully
registered form, each class of Securities will be registered as book-entry
certificates (the "Book-Entry Securities"). Persons acquiring beneficial
ownership interests in the Securities ("Security Owners") will hold their
Securities through DTC in the United States, or Cedel Bank, societe anonyme
("CEDEL"), or the Euroclear System ("Euroclear") in
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   118
 
Europe, if they are participants of such systems, or indirectly through
organizations which are participants in such systems. The Book-Entry Securities
will be issued in one or more certificates which equal the aggregate principal
balance of the Securities and will initially be registered in the name of Cede &
Co., the nominee of DTC. CEDEL and Euroclear will hold omnibus positions on
behalf of their participants through customers' securities accounts in CEDEL's
and Euroclear's names on the books of their respective depositaries which in
turn will hold such positions in customers' securities accounts in the
depositaries' names on the books of DTC. Citibank, N.A., will act as depositary
for CEDEL and The Chase Manhattan Bank will act as depositary for Euroclear (in
such capacities, individually the "Relevant Depositary" and collectively the
"European Depositaries"). Except as described below, no person acquiring a
Book-Entry Security (each, a "beneficial owner") will be entitled to receive a
physical certificate representing such Security (a "Definitive Security").
Unless and until Definitive Securities are issued, it is anticipated that the
only "Securityholder" of the Securities will be Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC.
Security Owners are only permitted to exercise their rights indirectly through
Participants and DTC.
 
     The beneficial owner's ownership of a Book-Entry Security will be recorded
on the records of the brokerage firm, bank, thrift institution or other
financial intermediary (each, a "Financial Intermediary") that maintains the
beneficial owner's account for such purpose. In turn, the Financial
Intermediary's ownership of such Book-Entry Security will be recorded on the
records of DTC (or of a participating firm that acts as agent for the Financial
Intermediary, whose interest will in turn be recorded on the records of DTC, if
the beneficial owner's Financial Intermediary is not a DTC participant, and on
the records of CEDEL or Euroclear, as appropriate).
 
     Security Owners will receive all distributions of principal of, and
interest on, the Securities from the Trustee through DTC and DTC participants.
While the Securities are outstanding (except under the circumstances described
below), under the rules, regulations and procedures creating and affecting DTC
and its operations (the "Rules"), DTC is required to make book-entry transfers
among Participants on whose behalf it acts with respect to the Securities and is
required to receive and transmit distributions of principal of, and interest on,
the Securities. Participants and indirect participants with whom Security Owners
have accounts with respect to Securities are similarly required to make
book-entry transfers and receive and transmit such distributions on behalf of
their respective Security Owners. Accordingly, although Security Owners will not
possess certificates, the Rules provide a mechanism by which Security Owners
will receive distributions and will be able to transfer their interest.
 
     Security Owners will not receive or be entitled to receive certificates
representing their respective interests in the Securities, except under the
limited circumstances described below. Unless and until Definitive Securities
are issued, Security Owners who are not Participants may transfer ownership of
Securities only through Participants and indirect participants by instructing
such Participants and indirect participants to transfer Securities, by
book-entry transfer, through DTC for the account of the purchasers of such
Securities, which account is maintained with their respective Participants.
Under the Rules and in accordance with DTC's normal procedures, transfers of
ownership of Securities will be executed through DTC and the accounts of the
respective Participants at DTC will be debited and credited. Similarly, the
Participants and indirect participants will make debits or credits, as the case
may be, on their records on behalf of the selling and purchasing Security
Owners.
 
     Because of time zone differences, credits of securities received in CEDEL
or Euroclear as a result of a transaction with a Participant will be made during
subsequent securities settlement processing and dated the business day following
the DTC settlement date. Such credits or any transactions in such securities
settled during such processing will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or
CEDEL Participants on such business day. Cash received in CEDEL or Euroclear as
a result of sales of securities by or through a CEDEL Participant (as defined
herein) or Euroclear Participant (as defined herein) to a DTC Participant will
be received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the
relevant CEDEL or Euroclear cash account only as of the business day following
settlement with DTC.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   119
 
     Transfers between Participants will occur in accordance with DTC rules.
Transfers between CEDEL Participants and Euroclear Participants will occur in
accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.
 
     Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly
through DTC, on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through CEDEL
Participants or Euroclear Participants, on the other, will be effected in DTC in
accordance with DTC rules on behalf of the relevant European international
clearing system by the Relevant Depositary; however, such cross-market
transactions will require delivery of instructions to the relevant European
international clearing system by the counterparty in such system in accordance
with its rules and procedures and within its established deadlines (European
time). The relevant European international clearing system will, if the
transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to the
Relevant Depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by
delivering or receiving securities in DTC, and making or receiving payment in
accordance with normal procedures for same day funds settlement applicable to
DTC. CEDEL Participants and Euroclear Participants may not deliver instructions
directly to the European Depositaries.
 
     CEDEL is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional
depository. CEDEL holds securities for its participating organizations ("CEDEL
Participants") and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions between CEDEL Participants through electronic book-entry changes in
accounts of CEDEL Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical
movement of certificates. Transactions may be settled in CEDEL in any of 28
currencies, including United States dollars. CEDEL provides to its CEDEL
Participants, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration,
clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities
lending and borrowing. CEDEL interfaces with domestic markets in several
countries. As a professional depository, CEDEL is subject to regulation by the
Luxembourg Monetary Institute. CEDEL Participants are recognized financial
institutions around the world, including underwriters, securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other
organizations. Indirect access to CEDEL is also available to others, such as
banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a CEDEL Participant, either directly or indirectly.
 
     Euroclear was created in 1968 to hold securities for its participants
("Euroclear Participants") and to clear and settle transactions between
Euroclear Participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery
against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of
certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and
cash. Transactions may be settled in any of 32 currencies, including United
States dollars. Euroclear includes various other services, including securities
lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries
generally similar to the arrangements for cross-market transfers with DTC
described above. Euroclear is operated by the Brussels, Belgium office of Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York ("Morgan" and in such capacity, the
"Euroclear Operator"), under contract with Euroclear Clearance Systems S.C., a
Belgian cooperative corporation (the "Belgian Cooperative"). All operations are
conducted by Morgan, and all Euroclear securities clearance accounts and
Euroclear cash accounts are accounts with the Euroclear Operator, not the
Belgian Cooperative. The Belgian Cooperative establishes policy for Euroclear on
behalf of Euroclear Participants. Euroclear Participants include banks
(including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and other professional
financial intermediaries. Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to
other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a
Euroclear Participant, either directly or indirectly.
 
     Morgan is the Belgian branch of a New York banking corporation which is a
member bank of the Federal Reserve System. As such, it is regulated and examined
by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the New York State
Banking Department, as well as the Belgian Banking Commission.
 
     Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with Morgan are governed by
the Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the related Operating
Procedures of the Euroclear System and applicable Belgian law (collectively, the
"Terms and Conditions"). The Terms and Conditions govern transfers of securities
and cash within Euroclear, withdrawals of securities and cash from Euroclear,
and receipts of payments with respect to securities in Euroclear. All securities
in Euroclear are held on a fungible basis
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   120
 
without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance
accounts. The Euroclear Operator acts under the Terms and Conditions only on
behalf of Euroclear Participants, and has no record of or relationship with
persons holding through Euroclear Participants.
 
     Under a book-entry format, beneficial owners of the Book-Entry Securities
may experience some delay in their receipt of payments, since such payments will
be forwarded by the Trustee to Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. Distributions with
respect to Securities held through CEDEL or Euroclear will be credited to the
cash accounts of CEDEL Participants or Euroclear Participants in accordance with
the relevant system's rules and procedures, to the extent received by the
Relevant Depositary. Such distributions will be subject to tax reporting in
accordance with relevant United States tax laws and regulations. See "Federal
Income Tax Consequences -- Tax Treatment of Foreign Investors" and "-- Tax
Consequences to Holders of the Notes -- Backup Withholding" herein. Because DTC
can only act on behalf of Financial Intermediaries, the ability of a beneficial
owner to pledge Book-Entry Securities to persons or entities that do not
participate in the Depository system may be limited due to the lack of physical
certificates for such Book-Entry Securities. In addition, issuance of the
Book-Entry Securities in book-entry form may reduce the liquidity of such
Securities in the secondary market since certain potential investors may be
unwilling to purchase Securities for which they cannot obtain physical
certificates.
 
     Monthly and annual reports on the Trust will be provided to Cede & Co., as
nominee of DTC, and may be made available by Cede & Co. to beneficial owners
upon request, in accordance with the rules, regulations and procedures creating
and affecting the Depository, and to the Financial Intermediaries to whose DTC
accounts the Book-Entry Securities of such beneficial owners are credited.
 
     DTC has advised the Trustee that, unless and until Definitive Securities
are issued, DTC will take any action permitted to be taken by the holders of the
Book-Entry Securities under the applicable Agreement only at the direction of
one or more Financial Intermediaries to whose DTC accounts the Book-Entry
Securities are credited, to the extent that such actions are taken on behalf of
Financial Intermediaries whose holdings include such Book-Entry Securities.
CEDEL or the Euroclear Operator, as the case may be, will take any other action
permitted to be taken by a Securityholder under the Agreement on behalf of a
CEDEL Participant or Euroclear Participant only in accordance with its relevant
rules and procedures and subject to the ability of the Relevant Depositary to
effect such actions on its behalf through DTC. DTC may take actions, at the
direction of the related Participants, with respect to some Securities which
conflict with actions taken with respect to other Securities.
 
     Upon the occurrence of any of the events described in the immediately
preceding paragraph, the Trustee will be required to notify all beneficial
owners of the occurrence of such event and the availability through DTC of
Definitive Securities. Upon surrender by DTC of the global certificate or
certificates representing the Book-Entry Securities and instructions for
re-registration, the Trustee will issue Definitive Securities, and thereafter
the Trustee will recognize the holders of such Definitive Securities as
Securityholders under the applicable Agreement.
 
     Although DTC, CEDEL and Euroclear have agreed to the foregoing procedures
in order to facilitate transfers of Securities among participants of DTC, CEDEL
and Euroclear, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform
such procedures and such procedures may be discontinued at any time.
 
     None of the Master Servicer, Provident or the Trustee will have any
responsibility for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests of the Book-Entry Securities held by
Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   121
 
                               CREDIT ENHANCEMENT
 
GENERAL
 
     Credit enhancement may be provided with respect to one or more classes of a
Series of Securities or with respect to the related Trust Fund Assets. Credit
enhancement may be in the form of a limited financial guaranty policy issued by
an entity named in the related Prospectus Supplement, the subordination of one
or more classes of the Securities of such Series, the establishment of one or
more Reserve Accounts, the use of a cross-collateralization feature, use of a
mortgage pool insurance policy, bankruptcy bond, special hazard insurance
policy, surety bond, letter of credit, guaranteed investment contract,
overcollateralization, or another method of credit enhancement contemplated
herein and described in the related Prospectus Supplement, or any combination of
the foregoing. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
credit enhancement will not provide protection against all risks of loss and
will not guarantee repayment of the entire principal balance of the Securities
and interest thereon. If losses occur which exceed the amount covered by credit
enhancement or which are not covered by the credit enhancement, Securityholders
will bear their allocable share of any deficiencies.
 
     If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the coverage provided by
one or more of the forms of credit enhancement described in this Prospectus may
apply concurrently to two or more separate Trust Funds. If applicable, the
related Prospectus Supplement will identify the Trust Funds to which such credit
enhancement relates and the manner of determining the amount of coverage
provided to such Trust Funds thereby and of the application of such coverage to
the identified Trust Funds.
 
SUBORDINATION
 
     If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, protection afforded
to holders of one or more classes of Securities of a Series by means of the
subordination feature may be accomplished by the preferential right of holders
of one or more other classes of such Series (the "Senior Securities") to
distributions in respect of scheduled principal, Principal Prepayments, interest
or any combination thereof that otherwise would have been payable to holders of
Subordinated Securities under the circumstances and to the extent specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement. Protection may also be afforded to the
holders of Senior Securities of a Series by: (i) reducing the ownership interest
(if applicable) of the related Subordinated Securities; (ii) a combination of
the immediately preceding sentence and clause (i) above; or (iii) as otherwise
described in the related Prospectus Supplement. If so specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, delays in receipt of scheduled payments on the Loans and
losses on defaulted Loans may be borne first by the various classes of
Subordinated Securities and thereafter by the various classes of Senior
Securities, in each case under the circumstances and subject to the limitations
specified in such Prospectus Supplement. The aggregate distributions in respect
of delinquent payments on the Loans over the lives of the Securities or at any
time, the aggregate losses in respect of defaulted Loans which must be borne by
the Subordinated Securities by virtue of subordination and the amount of the
distributions otherwise distributable to the Subordinated Securityholders that
will be distributable to Senior Securityholders on any Distribution Date may be
limited as specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. If aggregate
distributions in respect of delinquent payments on the Loans or aggregate losses
in respect of such Loans were to exceed an amount specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, Senior Securityholders would experience losses on their
Securities.
 
     In addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, if so specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, all or any portion of distributions otherwise payable to
Subordinated Securityholders on any Distribution Date may instead be deposited
into one or more Reserve Accounts established with the Trustee or distributed to
Senior Securityholders. Such deposits may be made on each Distribution Date, for
specified periods or until the balance in the Reserve Account has reached a
specified amount and, following payments from the Reserve Account to Senior
Securityholders or otherwise, thereafter to the extent necessary to restore the
balance in the Reserve Account to required levels, in each case as specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement. Amounts on deposit in the Reserve Account may
be released to the holders of certain classes of Securities at the times and
under the circumstances specified in such Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   122
 
     If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, various classes of
Senior Securities and Subordinated Securities may themselves be subordinate in
their right to receive certain distributions to other classes of Senior and
Subordinated Securities, respectively, through a cross-collateralization
mechanism or otherwise. As between classes of Senior Securities and as between
classes of Subordinated Securities, distributions may be allocated among such
classes (i) in the order of their scheduled final Distribution Dates, (ii) in
accordance with a schedule or formula, (iii) in relation to the occurrence of
events, or (iv) otherwise, in each case as specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement. As between classes of Subordinated Securities, payments to holders
of Senior Securities on account of delinquencies or losses and payments to any
Reserve Account will be allocated as specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
 
LETTER OF CREDIT
 
     The letter of credit, if any, with respect to a Series of Securities will
be issued by the bank or financial institution specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement (the "L/C Bank"). Under the letter of credit, the L/C Bank
will be obligated to honor drawings thereunder in an aggregate fixed dollar
amount, net of unreimbursed payments thereunder, equal to the percentage
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement (i) of the aggregate principal
balance of the Loans on the related Cut-Off Date or (ii) of one or more Classes
of Securities. If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the letter
of credit may permit drawings in the event of losses not covered by insurance
policies or other credit support, such as losses arising from damage not covered
by standard hazard insurance policies, losses resulting from the bankruptcy of a
borrower and the application of certain provisions of the federal Bankruptcy
Code, or losses resulting from denial of insurance coverage due to
misrepresentations in connection with the origination of a Loan. The amount
available under the letter of credit will, in all cases, be reduced to the
extent of the unreimbursed payments thereunder. The obligations of the L/C Bank
under the letter of credit for each Series of Securities will expire at the
earlier of the date specified in the related Prospectus Supplement or the
termination of the Trust Fund. See "The Agreements -- Termination: Optional
Termination." A copy of the letter of credit for a Series, if any, will be filed
with the Commission as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed
within 15 days of issuance of the Securities of the related Series.
 
INSURANCE POLICIES, SURETY BONDS AND GUARANTIES
 
     If so provided in the Prospectus Supplement for a Series of Securities,
deficiencies in amounts otherwise payable on such Securities or certain classes
thereof will be covered by insurance policies and/or surety bonds provided by
one or more insurance companies or sureties. Such instruments may cover, with
respect to one or more classes of Securities of the related Series, timely
distributions of interest and/or full distributions of principal on the basis of
a schedule of principal distributions set forth in or determined in the manner
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. In addition, if specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement, a Trust Fund may also include bankruptcy bonds,
special hazard insurance policies, other insurance or guaranties for the purpose
of (i) maintaining timely payments or providing additional protection against
losses on the assets included in such Trust Fund, (ii) paying administrative
expenses or (iii) establishing a minimum reinvestment rate on the payments made
in respect of such assets or principal payment rate on such assets. Such
arrangements may include agreements under which Securityholders are entitled to
receive amounts deposited in various accounts held by the Trustee upon the terms
specified in such Prospectus Supplement. A copy of any such instrument for a
Series will be filed with the Commission as an exhibit to a Current Report on
Form 8-K to be filed with the Commission within 15 days of issuance of the
Securities of the related Series.
 
OVER-COLLATERALIZATION
 
     If so provided in the Prospectus Supplement for a Series of Securities, a
portion of the interest payment on each Loan may be applied as an additional
distribution in respect of principal to reduce the principal balance of a
certain class or classes of Securities and, thus, accelerate the rate of payment
of principal on such class or classes of Securities relative to the principal
balance of the Loans in the related Trust Fund.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   123
 
RESERVE ACCOUNTS
 
     If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, credit support with
respect to a Series of Securities will be provided by the establishment and
maintenance with the Trustee for such Series of Securities, in trust, of one or
more Reserve Accounts for such Series. The related Prospectus Supplement will
specify whether or not any such Reserve Accounts will be included in the Trust
Fund for such Series.
 
     The Reserve Account for a Series will be funded (i) by the deposit therein
of cash, United States Treasury securities, instruments evidencing ownership of
principal or interest payments thereon, letters of credit, demand notes,
certificates of deposit or a combination thereof in the aggregate amount
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, (ii) by the deposit therein from
time to time of certain amounts, as specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement to which the Subordinated Securityholders, if any, would otherwise be
entitled or (iii) in such other manner as may be specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
 
     Any amounts on deposit in the Reserve Account and the proceeds of any other
instrument upon maturity will be held in cash or will be invested in "Permitted
Investments" which may include (i) direct obligations of, or obligations fully
guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by, the United States
or any agency or instrumentality thereof, provided that such obligations are
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States; (ii) repurchase
agreements on obligations specified in clause (i) maturing not more than three
months from the date of acquisition thereof, provided that the short-term
unsecured debt obligations of the party agreeing to repurchase such obligations
are at the time rated by each Rating Agency in its highest short-term rating
category; (iii) certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances
(which, if Moody's is a Rating Agency, shall each have an original maturity of
not more than 90 days and, in the case of bankers' acceptances, shall in no
event have an original maturity of more than 365 days) of any U.S. depository
institution or trust company incorporated under the laws of the United States or
any state thereof and subject to supervision and examination by federal and/or
state banking authorities, provided that the unsecured short-term debt
obligations of such depository institution or trust company at the date of
acquisition thereof have been rated by each Rating Agency in its highest
unsecured short-term debt rating category; (iv) commercial paper (having
original maturities of not more than 90 days) of any corporation incorporated
under the laws of the United States or any state thereof which on the date of
acquisition has been rated by the Rating Agencies in their highest short-term
rating categories; (v) short-term investment funds ("STIFS") sponsored by any
trust company or bank incorporated under the laws of the United States or any
state thereof which on the date of acquisition has been rated by the Rating
Agencies in their respective highest rating category of long-term unsecured
debt; (vi) interests in any money market fund which at the date of acquisition
of the interests in such fund and throughout the time as the interest is held in
such fund has the rating specified in the related Prospectus Supplement by each
Rating Agency; and (vii) other obligations or securities that are acceptable to
each Rating Agency as a Permitted Investment hereunder and will not result in a
reduction in the then current rating of the Securities, as evidenced by a letter
to such effect from such Rating Agency and with respect to which the Master
Servicer has received confirmation that, for tax purposes, the investment
complies with the last clause of this definition; provided that no instrument
described hereunder shall evidence either the right to receive (a) only interest
with respect to the obligations underlying such instrument or (b) both principal
and interest payments derived from obligations underlying such instrument and
the interest and principal payments with respect to such instrument provided a
yield to maturity at par greater than 120% of the yield to maturity at par of
the underlying obligations; and provided, further, that no instrument described
hereunder may be purchased at a price greater than par if such instrument may be
prepaid or called at a price less than its purchase price prior to its stated
maturity. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, any
instrument deposited therein will name the Trustee, in its capacity as trustee
for the holders of the Securities, as beneficiary and will be issued by an
entity acceptable to each Rating Agency that rates the Securities of the related
Series. Additional information with respect to such instruments deposited in the
Reserve Accounts will be set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
     Any amounts so deposited and payments on instruments so deposited will be
available for withdrawal from the Reserve Account for distribution to the
holders of Securities of the related Series for the purposes, in the manner and
at the times specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   124
 
POOL INSURANCE POLICIES
 
     If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a separate pool
insurance policy ("Pool Insurance Policy") will be obtained for the Pool and
issued by the insurer (the "Pool Insurer") named in such Prospectus Supplement.
Each Pool Insurance Policy will, subject to the limitations described below,
cover loss by reason of default in payment on Loans in the Pool in an amount
equal to a percentage specified in such Prospectus Supplement of the aggregate
principal balance of such Loans on the Cut-Off Date which are not covered as to
their entire outstanding principal balances by Primary Mortgage Insurance
Policies. As more fully described below, the Master Servicer will present claims
thereunder to the Pool Insurer on behalf of itself, the Trustee and the holders
of the Securities of the related Series. The Pool Insurance Policies, however,
are not blanket policies against loss, since claims thereunder may only be made
respecting particular defaulted Loans and only upon satisfaction of certain
conditions precedent described below. The Pool Insurance Policies generally will
not cover losses due to a failure to pay or denial of a claim under a Primary
Mortgage Insurance Policy.
 
     The Pool Insurance Policies generally will provide that no claims may be
validly presented unless (i) any required Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy is
in effect for the defaulted Loan and a claim thereunder has been submitted and
settled; (ii) hazard insurance on the related Property has been kept in force
and real estate taxes and other protection and preservation expenses have been
paid; (iii) if there has been physical loss or damage to the Property, it has
been restored to its physical condition (reasonable wear and tear excepted) at
the time of issuance of the policy; and (iv) the insured has acquired good and
merchantable title to the Property free and clear of liens except certain
permitted encumbrances. Upon satisfaction of these conditions, the Pool Insurer
will have the option either (a) to purchase the property securing the defaulted
Loan at a price equal to the principal balance thereof plus accrued and unpaid
interest at the Loan Rate to the date of such purchase and certain expenses
incurred by the Master Servicer on behalf of the Trustee and Securityholders, or
(b) to pay the amount by which the sum of the principal balance of the defaulted
Loan plus accrued and unpaid interest at the Loan Rate to the date of payment of
the claim and the aforementioned expenses exceeds the proceeds received from an
approved sale of the Property, in either case net of certain amounts paid or
assumed to have been paid under the related Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy.
If any Property securing a defaulted Loan is damaged and proceeds, if any, from
the related hazard insurance policy or the applicable special hazard insurance
policy are insufficient to restore the damaged Property to a condition
sufficient to permit recovery under the Pool Insurance Policy, the Master
Servicer will not be required to expend its own funds to restore the damaged
Property unless it determines that (i) such restoration will increase the
proceeds to Securityholders on liquidation of the Loan after reimbursement of
the Master Servicer for its expenses and (ii) such expenses will be recoverable
by it through proceeds of the sale of the Property or proceeds of the related
Pool Insurance Policy or any related Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy.
 
     The Pool Insurance Policies generally will not insure (and many Primary
Mortgage Insurance Policies do not insure) against loss sustained by reason of a
default arising from, among other things, (i) fraud or negligence in the
origination or servicing of a Loan, including misrepresentation by the borrower,
the originator or persons involved in the origination thereof, or (ii) failure
to construct a Property in accordance with plans and specifications. A failure
of coverage attributable to one of the foregoing events might result in a breach
of Provident's representations described above, and, in such events might give
rise to an obligation on the part of Provident to repurchase the defaulted Loan
if the breach cannot be cured by Provident. No Pool Insurance Policy will cover
(and many Primary Mortgage Insurance Policies do not cover) a claim in respect
of a defaulted Loan occurring when the servicer of such Loan, at the time of
default or thereafter, was not approved by the applicable insurer.
 
     The original amount of coverage under each Pool Insurance Policy generally
will be reduced over the life of the related Securities by the aggregate dollar
amount of claims paid less the aggregate of the net amounts realized by the Pool
Insurer upon disposition of all foreclosed properties. The amount of claims paid
will include certain expenses incurred by the Master Servicer as well as accrued
interest on delinquent Loans to the date of payment of the claim or such other
date set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement. Accordingly, if aggregate
net claims paid under any Pool Insurance Policy reach the original policy limit,
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   125
 
coverage under that Pool Insurance Policy will be exhausted and any further
losses will be borne by the related Securityholders.
 
CROSS-COLLATERALIZATION
 
     If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the beneficial ownership
of separate groups of assets included in a Trust Fund may be evidenced by
separate classes of the related Series of Securities. In such case, credit
support may be provided by a cross-collateralization feature which requires that
distributions be made to Securities evidencing a beneficial ownership interest
in, or secured by, one or more asset groups within the same Trust Fund prior to
distributions to Subordinated Securities evidencing a beneficial ownership
interest in, or secured by, one or more other asset groups within such Trust
Fund. Cross-collateralization may be provided by (i) the allocation of certain
excess amounts generated by one or more asset groups to one or more other asset
groups within the same Trust Fund or (ii) the allocation of losses with respect
to one or more asset groups to one or more other asset groups within the same
Trust Fund. The Prospectus Supplement for a Series of Securities which includes
a cross-collateralization feature will describe the manner and conditions for
applying such cross-collateralization feature.
 
                      YIELD AND PREPAYMENT CONSIDERATIONS
 
     The yields to maturity and weighted average lives of the Securities will be
affected primarily by the amount and timing of principal payments received on or
in respect of the Trust Fund Assets included in the related Trust Fund. The
original terms to maturity of the Loans in a given Pool will vary depending upon
the type of Loans included therein. Each Prospectus Supplement will contain
information with respect to the type and maturities of the Loans in the related
Pool. The related Prospectus Supplement will specify the circumstances, if any,
under which the related Loans will be subject to prepayment penalties. The
prepayment experience on the Loans in a Pool will affect the weighted average
life of the related Series of Securities.
 
     The rate of prepayment on the Loans cannot be predicted. Home equity loans
and home improvement contracts have been originated in significant volume only
during the past few years and Provident is not aware of any publicly available
studies or statistics on the rate of prepayment of such loans. Generally, home
equity loans and home improvement contracts are not viewed by borrowers as
permanent financing. Accordingly, such Loans may experience a higher rate of
prepayment than traditional first mortgage loans. On the other hand, because
home equity loans such as the Revolving Credit Line Loans generally are not
fully amortizing, the absence of voluntary borrower prepayments could cause
rates of principal payments lower than, or similar to, those of traditional
fully-amortizing first mortgage loans. The prepayment experience of the related
Trust Fund may be affected by a wide variety of factors, including general
economic conditions, prevailing interest rate levels, the availability of
alternative financing, homeowner mobility and the frequency and amount of any
future draws on any Revolving Credit Line Loans. Other factors that might be
expected to affect the prepayment rate of a pool of home equity mortgage loans
or home improvement contracts include the amounts of, and interest rates on, the
underlying senior mortgage loans, and the use of first mortgage loans as
long-term financing for home purchase and subordinate mortgage loans as
shorter-term financing for a variety of purposes, including home improvement,
education expenses and purchases of consumer durables such as automobiles.
Accordingly, such Loans may experience a higher rate of prepayment than
traditional fixed-rate mortgage loans. In addition, any future limitations on
the right of borrowers to deduct interest payments on home equity loans for
federal income tax purposes may further increase the rate of prepayments of the
Loans. The enforcement of a "due-on-sale" provision (as described below) will
have the same effect as a prepayment of the related Loan. See "Certain Legal
Aspects of the Loans -- Due-on-Sale Clauses".
 
     The yield to an investor who purchases Securities in the secondary market
at a price other than par will vary from the anticipated yield if the rate of
prepayment on the Loans is actually different than the rate anticipated by such
investor at the time such Securities were purchased.
 
     Collections on Home Equity Loans may vary because, among other things,
borrowers may (i) make payments during any month as low as the minimum monthly
payment for such month or, during the interest-only period for certain Revolving
Credit Line Loans and, in more limited circumstances, Closed-End Loans,
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   126
 
with respect to which an interest-only payment option has been selected, the
interest and the fees and charges for such month or (ii) make payments as high
as the entire outstanding principal balance plus accrued interest and the fees
and charges thereon. In addition, collections on the Loans may vary due to
seasonal purchasing and the payment habits of borrowers.
 
     As specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, certain of the
conventional Loans will contain "due-on-sale" provisions permitting the
mortgagee to accelerate the maturity of the Loan upon sale or certain transfers
by the borrower of the related Property. Thus, the rate of prepayments on such
Loans may be lower than that of conventional Loans bearing comparable interest
rates. The Master Servicer generally will enforce any due-on-sale or
due-on-encumbrance clause to the extent it has knowledge of the conveyance or
further encumbrance or the proposed conveyance or proposed further encumbrance
of the Property and reasonably believes that it is entitled to do so under
applicable law. See "The Agreements -- Collection Procedures" and "Certain Legal
Aspects of the Loans" for a description of certain provisions of each Agreement
and certain legal developments that may affect the prepayment experience on the
Loans.
 
     The rate of prepayments with respect to conventional mortgage loans has
fluctuated significantly in recent years. In general, if prevailing rates fall
significantly below the Loan Rates borne by the Loans, such Loans are more
likely to be subject to higher prepayment rates than if prevailing interest
rates remain at or above such Loan Rates. Conversely, if prevailing interest
rates rise appreciably above the Loan Rates borne by the Loans, such Loans are
more likely to experience a lower prepayment rate than if prevailing rates
remain at or below such Loan Rates. However, there can be no assurance that such
will be the case.
 
     When a full prepayment is made on a Loan, the borrower is charged interest
on the principal amount of the Loan so prepaid only for the number of days in
the month actually elapsed up to the date of the prepayment, rather than for a
full month. The effect of prepayments in full will be to reduce the amount of
interest passed through or paid in the following month to holders of Securities
because interest on the principal amount of any Loan so prepaid will generally
be paid only to the date of prepayment. Partial prepayments in a given month may
be applied to the outstanding principal balances of the Loans so prepaid on the
first day of the month of receipt or the month following receipt. In the latter
case, partial prepayments will not reduce the amount of interest passed through
or paid in such month. Generally, neither full nor partial prepayments will be
passed through or paid until the month following receipt.
 
     Even assuming that the Properties provide adequate security for the Loans,
substantial delays could be encountered in connection with the liquidation of
defaulted Loans and corresponding delays in the receipt of related proceeds by
Securityholders could occur. An action to foreclose on a Property securing a
Loan is regulated by state statutes and rules and is subject to many of the
delays and expenses of other lawsuits if defenses or counterclaims are
interposed, sometimes requiring several years to complete. Furthermore, in some
states an action to obtain a deficiency judgment is not permitted following a
nonjudicial sale of a property. In the event of a default by a borrower, these
restrictions, among other things, may impede the ability of the Master Servicer
to foreclose on or sell the Property or to obtain liquidation proceeds
sufficient to repay all amounts due on the related Loan. In addition, the Master
Servicer will be entitled to deduct from related liquidation proceeds all
expenses reasonably incurred in attempting to recover amounts due on defaulted
Loans and not yet repaid, including payments to senior lienholders, legal fees
and costs of legal action, real estate taxes and maintenance and preservation
expenses.
 
     Liquidation expenses with respect to defaulted mortgage loans do not vary
directly with the outstanding principal balance of the loan at the time of
default. Therefore, assuming that a servicer took the same steps in realizing
upon a defaulted mortgage loan having a small remaining principal balance as it
would in the case of a defaulted mortgage loan having a large remaining
principal balance, the amount realized after expenses of liquidation would be
smaller as a percentage of the remaining principal balance of the small mortgage
loan than would be the case with the defaulted mortgage loan having a large
remaining principal balance.
 
     Applicable state laws generally regulate interest rates and other charges,
require certain disclosures, and require licensing of certain originators and
servicers of Loans. In addition, most have other laws, public policy and general
principles of equity relating to the protection of consumers, unfair and
deceptive practices and practices which may apply to originating, servicing and
collecting Loans. Depending on the provisions of the
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   127
 
applicable law and the specific facts and circumstances involved, violations of
these laws, policies and principles may limit the ability of the Master Servicer
to collect all or part of the principal of or interest on the Loans, may entitle
the borrower to a refund of amounts previously paid and, in addition, could
subject the Master Servicer to damages and administrative sanctions.
 
     If the rate at which interest is passed through or paid to the holders of
Securities of a Series is calculated on a Loan-by-Loan basis, disproportionate
principal prepayments among Loans with different Loan Rates will affect the
yield on such Securities. In most cases, the effective yield to Securityholders
will be lower than the yield otherwise produced by the applicable Pass-Through
Rate or interest rate and purchase price, because while interest will accrue on
each Loan from the first day of the month (unless otherwise specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement), the distribution of such interest will not be
made earlier than the month following the month of accrual.
 
     Under certain circumstances, the Master Servicer, the holders of the
residual interests in a REMIC or any person specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement may have the option to purchase the assets of a Trust Fund and
thereby affect earlier retirement of the related Series of Securities. See "The
Agreements -- Termination; Optional Termination".
 
     The relative contribution of the various factors affecting prepayment may
vary from time to time. There can be no assurance as to the rate of payment of
principal of the Trust Fund Assets at any time or over the lives of the
Securities.
 
     The Prospectus Supplement relating to a Series of Securities will discuss
in greater detail the effect of the rate and timing of principal payments
(including prepayments), delinquencies and losses on the yield, weighted average
lives and maturities of such Securities.
 
                                 THE AGREEMENTS
 
     Set forth below is a description of the material provisions of each
Agreement which are not described elsewhere in this Prospectus. The description
is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of
each Agreement. Where particular provisions or terms used in the Agreements are
referred to, such provisions or terms are as specified in the Agreements.
 
ASSIGNMENT OF THE TRUST FUND ASSETS
 
     Assignment of the Loans.  At the time of issuance of the Securities of a
Series, Provident will assign the Loans comprising the related Trust Fund to the
Trustee, without recourse, together with all principal and interest received by
or on behalf of Provident on or with respect to such Loans after the Cut-Off
Date, other than principal and interest due on or before the Cut-Off Date and
other than any Retained Interest specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
The Trustee will, concurrently with such assignment, deliver such Securities to
Provident in exchange for the Loans. Each Loan will be identified in a schedule
appearing as an exhibit to the related Agreement. Such schedule will include
information as to the outstanding principal balance of each Loan after
application of payments due on or before the Cut-Off Date, as well as
information regarding the Loan Rate or APR, the maturity of the Loan, the
Loan-to-Value Ratios or Combined Loan-to-Value Ratios, as applicable, at
origination and certain other information.
 
     Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
Agreement will require that, within the time period specified therein, Provident
will also deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee (or to the custodian
hereinafter referred to) as to each Mortgage Loan or Home Equity Loan, among
other things, (i) the mortgage note or contract endorsed without recourse in
blank or to the order of the Trustee, (ii) the mortgage, deed of trust or
similar instrument (a "Mortgage") with evidence of recording indicated thereon
(except for any Mortgage not returned from the public recording office, in which
case Provident will deliver or cause to be delivered a copy of such Mortgage
together with a certificate that the original of such Mortgage was delivered to
such recording office), (iii) an assignment of the Mortgage to the Trustee,
which assignment will be in recordable form in the case of a Mortgage
assignment, and (iv) such other security documents, including those relating to
any senior interests in the Property, as may be specified in the related
Prospectus
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   128
 
Supplement or the related Agreement. Unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, Provident will not promptly cause the assignments of the
Mortgages to be recorded in the appropriate public office for real property
records. If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, some or all of the
Loan documents may not be delivered to the Trustee until after the occurrence of
certain events specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
     The Trustee (or the custodian hereinafter referred to) will review such
Loan documents within the time period specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement after receipt thereof, and the Trustee will hold such documents in
trust for the benefit of the related Securityholders. Unless otherwise specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement, if any such document is found to be
missing or defective in any material respect, the Trustee (or such custodian)
will notify the Master Servicer and Provident. If Provident cannot cure the
omission or defect within the time period specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement after receipt of such notice, Provident will be obligated to either
(i) purchase the related Loan from the Trust Fund at the Purchase Price or (ii)
if so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, remove such Loan from the
Trust Fund and substitute in its place one or more other Loans that meets
certain requirements set forth therein. There can be no assurance that Provident
will fulfill this purchase or substitution obligation. Unless otherwise
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, this obligation to cure,
purchase or substitute constitutes the sole remedy available to the
Securityholders or the Trustee for omission of, or a material defect in, a
constituent document.
 
     The Trustee will be authorized to appoint a custodian pursuant to a
custodial agreement to maintain possession of and, if applicable, to review the
documents relating to the Loans as agent of the Trustee.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, with respect to a Trust Fund for
which a REMIC election is to be made, no purchase or substitution of a Loan will
be made if such purchase or substitution would result in a prohibited
transaction tax under the Code.
 
     No Recourse to Provident or Master Servicer.  As described above under
"-- Assignment of the Loans," Provident will assign the Loans comprising the
related Trust Fund to the Trustee, without recourse. However, Provident will be
obligated to repurchase or substitute for any Loan as to which certain
representations and warranties are breached or for failure to deliver certain
documents relating to the Loans as described herein under "Assignment of the
Loans" and "Loan Program -- Representations by Provident; Repurchases." These
obligations to purchase or substitute constitute the sole remedy available to
the Securityholders or the Trustee for a breach of any such representation or
warranty or failure to deliver a constituent document.
 
PAYMENTS ON LOANS; DEPOSITS TO SECURITY ACCOUNT
 
     The Master Servicer will establish and maintain or cause to be established
and maintained with respect to the related Trust Fund a separate account or
accounts for the collection of payments on the related Trust Fund Assets in the
Trust Fund (the "Security Account") which, unless otherwise specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement, must be either (i) maintained with a depository
institution whose short-term debt obligations and long-term debt obligations at
the time of any deposit therein and throughout the time the interest is
maintained are rated as specified in the related Prospectus Supplement by the
Rating Agencies, and the deposits in such account or accounts are fully insured
by either the Bank Insurance Fund (the "BIF") or the Savings Association
Insurance Fund ("SAIF") (as successor to the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance
Corporation) and which is any of (a) a federal savings and loan association duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the applicable banking
laws of any state, (b) an institution duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the applicable banking laws of any state, (c) a national
banking association duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the federal banking laws or (d) a principal subsidiary of a bank holding
company, (ii) a segregated trust account maintained with the corporate trust
department of a federal or state chartered depository or trust company, having
capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000, acting in its fiduciary
capacity, or (iii) an account otherwise acceptable to each Rating Agency as
evidenced by a letter from each Rating Agency to the Trustee, without reduction
or withdrawal of the then current ratings of the Securities. The collateral
eligible to secure amounts in the Security Account is limited to Permitted
Investments. A Security Account may be maintained as an interest bearing account
or
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   129
 
the funds held therein may be invested pending each succeeding Distribution Date
in Permitted Investments. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Master Servicer or its designee will be entitled to receive any
such interest or other income earned on funds in the Security Account as
additional compensation and will be obligated to deposit in the Security Account
the amount of any loss immediately as realized. The Security Account may be
maintained with the Master Servicer or with a depository institution that is an
affiliate of the Master Servicer, provided it meets the standards set forth
above.
 
     The Master Servicer will deposit or cause to be deposited in the Security
Account for each Trust Fund, to the extent applicable and unless otherwise
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the following payments and
collections received or advances made by or on behalf of it subsequent to the
Cut-Off Date (other than certain payments due on or before the Cut-Off Date and
exclusive of any amounts representing Retained Interest):
 
          (i) all payments on account of principal, including Principal
     Prepayments and, if specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, any
     applicable prepayment penalties, on the Loans;
 
          (ii) all payments on account of interest on the Loans, net of
     applicable servicing compensation;
 
          (iii) all proceeds (net of unreimbursed payments of property taxes,
     insurance premiums and similar items ("Insured Expenses") incurred, and
     unreimbursed Advances made, by the Master Servicer, if any) of the hazard
     insurance policies and any Primary Mortgage Insurance Policies, to the
     extent such proceeds are not applied to the restoration of the property or
     released to the Mortgagor in accordance with the Master Servicer's normal
     servicing procedures (collectively, "Insurance Proceeds") and all other
     cash amounts (net of unreimbursed expenses incurred in connection with
     liquidation or foreclosure ("Liquidation Expenses") and unreimbursed
     Advances made, by the Master Servicer, if any) received and retained in
     connection with the liquidation of defaulted Loans, by foreclosure or
     otherwise ("Liquidation Proceeds"), together with any net proceeds received
     on a monthly basis with respect to any properties acquired on behalf of the
     Securityholders by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure;
 
          (iv) all proceeds of any Loan or property in respect thereof purchased
     by Provident as described under "Loan Program -- Representations by
     Provident; Repurchases" or "-- Assignment of Trust Fund Assets" above and
     all proceeds of any Loan repurchased as described under "-- Termination;
     Optional Termination" below;
 
          (v) all payments required to be deposited in the Security Account with
     respect to any deductible clause in any blanket insurance policy described
     under "-- Hazard Insurance" below;
 
          (vi) any amount required to be deposited by the Master Servicer in
     connection with losses realized on investments for the benefit of the
     Master Servicer of funds held in the Security Account and, to the extent
     specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, any payments required to be
     made by the Master Servicer in connection with prepayment interest
     shortfalls; and
 
          (vii) all other amounts required to be deposited in the Security
     Account pursuant to the Agreement.
 
     The Master Servicer may from time to time direct the institution that
maintains the Security Account to withdraw funds from the Security Account for
the following purposes:
 
          (i) to pay to the Master Servicer the servicing fees described in the
     related Prospectus Supplement, the master servicing fees (subject to
     reduction) and, as additional servicing compensation, earnings on or
     investment income with respect to funds in the Security Account credited
     thereto;
 
          (ii) to reimburse the Master Servicer for Advances, such right of
     reimbursement with respect to any Loan being limited to amounts received
     that represent late recoveries of payments of principal and/or interest on
     such Loan (or Insurance Proceeds or Liquidation Proceeds with respect
     thereto) with respect to which such Advance was made;
 
          (iii) to reimburse the Master Servicer for any Advances previously
     made which the Master Servicer has determined to be nonrecoverable;
 
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<PAGE>   130
 
          (iv) to reimburse the Master Servicer from Insurance Proceeds for
     expenses incurred by the Master Servicer and covered by the related
     insurance policies;
 
          (v) to reimburse the Master Servicer for unpaid master servicing fees
     and unreimbursed out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Master
     Servicer in the performance of its servicing obligations, such right of
     reimbursement being limited to amounts received representing late
     recoveries of the payments for which such advances were made;
 
          (vi) to pay to the Master Servicer, with respect to each Loan or
     property acquired in respect thereof that has been purchased by the Master
     Servicer pursuant to the Agreement, all amounts received thereon and not
     taken into account in determining the principal balance of such repurchased
     Loan;
 
          (vii) to reimburse the Master Servicer or Provident for expenses
     incurred and reimbursable pursuant to the Agreement;
 
          (viii) to withdraw any amount deposited in the Security Account and
     not required to be deposited therein; and
 
          (ix) to clear and terminate the Security Account upon termination of
     the Agreement.
 
     In addition, unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, on or prior to the business day immediately preceding each
Distribution Date, the Master Servicer shall withdraw from the Security Account
the amount of Available Funds, to the extent on deposit, for deposit in an
account maintained by the Trustee for the related Series of Securities.
 
     The applicable Agreement may require the Master Servicer to establish and
maintain one or more escrow accounts into which Mortgagors deposit amounts
sufficient to pay taxes, assessments, hazard insurance premiums or comparable
items. Withdrawals from the escrow accounts maintained for Mortgagors may be
made to effect timely payment of taxes, assessments and hazard insurance
premiums or comparable items, to reimburse the Master Servicer out of related
assessments for maintaining hazard insurance, to refund to Mortgagors amounts
determined to be overages, to remit to Mortgagors, if required, interest earned,
if any, on balances in any of the escrow accounts, to repair or otherwise
protect the Property and to clear and terminate any of the escrow accounts. The
Master Servicer will be solely responsible for administration of the escrow
accounts and will be expected to make advances to such account when a deficiency
exists therein.
 
PRE-FUNDING ACCOUNT
 
     If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Master Servicer
will establish and maintain a Pre-Funding Account, in the name of the related
Trustee on behalf of the related Securityholders, into which Provident will
deposit cash in an amount equal to the Pre-Funded Amount on the related Closing
Date. The Pre-Funding Account will be maintained with the Trustee for the
related Series of Securities and is designed solely to hold funds to be applied
by such Trustee during the Funding Period to pay to Provident the purchase price
for Subsequent Loans. Monies on deposit in the Pre-Funding Account will not be
available to cover losses on or in respect of the related Loans. The Pre-Funded
Amount will not exceed 50% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the
Securities of the related Series. The Pre-Funded Amount will be used by the
related Trustee to purchase Subsequent Loans from Provident from time to time
during the Funding Period. The Funding Period, if any, for a Trust Fund will
begin on the related Closing Date and will end on the date specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement, which in no event will be later than the date
that is one year after the related Closing Date. Monies on deposit in the
Pre-Funding Account may be invested in Permitted Investments under the
circumstances and in the manner described in the related Agreement. Earnings on
investment of funds in the Pre-Funding Account will be deposited into the
related Security Account or such other trust account as is specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement and losses will be charged against the funds on
deposit in the Pre-Funding Account. Any amounts remaining in the Pre-Funding
Account at the end of the Funding Period will be distributed to the related
Securityholders in the manner and priority specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, as a prepayment of principal of the related Securities.
 
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<PAGE>   131
 
     In addition, if so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, on the
related Closing Date Provident will deposit in an account (the "Capitalized
Interest Account") cash in such amount as is necessary to cover shortfalls in
interest on the related Series of Securities that may arise as a result of
utilization of the Pre-Funding Account as described above. The Capitalized
Interest Account shall be maintained with the Trustee for the related Series of
Securities and is designed solely to cover the above-mentioned interest
shortfalls. Monies on deposit in the Capitalized Interest Account will not be
available to cover losses on or in respect of the related Loans. To the extent
that the entire amount on deposit in the Capitalized Interest Account has not
been applied to cover shortfalls in interest on the related Series of Securities
by the end of the Funding Period, any amounts remaining in the Capitalized
Interest Account will be paid to Provident.
 
SUB-SERVICING
 
     The Master Servicer may enter into an agreement (a "Sub-Servicing
Agreement") with any servicing entity which will act as the Sub-Servicer for the
related Loans, which Sub-Servicing Agreement will not contain any terms
inconsistent with the related Agreement. Notwithstanding any such subservicing
arrangement, unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
Master Servicer will remain liable for its servicing duties and obligations
under the Master Servicing Agreement as if the Master Servicer alone were
servicing the Loans.
 
COLLECTION PROCEDURES
 
     The Master Servicer, directly or through one or more Sub-Servicers, will
make reasonable efforts to collect all payments called for under the Loans and
will, consistent with each Agreement and any Pool Insurance Policy, Primary
Mortgage Insurance Policy, bankruptcy bond or alternative arrangements, follow
such collection procedures as are customary with respect to loans that are
comparable to the Loans. Consistent with the above, the Master Servicer may, in
its discretion, (i) waive any assumption fee, late payment or other charge in
connection with a Loan and (ii) to the extent not inconsistent with the coverage
of such Loan by a Pool Insurance Policy, Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy,
bankruptcy bond or alternative arrangements, if applicable, arrange with a
borrower a schedule for the liquidation of delinquencies consistent with the
Master Servicer's policies with respect to the mortgage loans it owns and
services for others. To the extent the Master Servicer is obligated to make or
cause to be made Advances, such obligation will remain during any period of such
an arrangement.
 
     In any case in which property securing a Loan has been, or is about to be,
conveyed by the mortgagor or obligor, the Master Servicer will, to the extent it
has knowledge of such conveyance or proposed conveyance, exercise or cause to be
exercised its rights to accelerate the maturity of such Loan under any
due-on-sale clause applicable thereto, but only if the exercise of such rights
is permitted by applicable law. If these conditions are not met or if the Master
Servicer reasonably believes it is unable under applicable law to enforce such
due-on-sale clause, the Master Servicer will enter into or cause to be entered
into an assumption and modification agreement with the person to whom such
property has been or is about to be conveyed, pursuant to which such person
becomes liable for repayment of the Loan and, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, the mortgagor remains liable thereon. Any fee collected by or on
behalf of the Master Servicer for entering into an assumption agreement will be
retained by or on behalf of the Master Servicer as additional servicing
compensation. See "Certain Legal Aspects of the Loans -- Due-on-Sale Clauses".
In connection with any such assumption, the terms of the related Loan may not be
changed.
 
HAZARD INSURANCE
 
     Except as otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
Master Servicer will require the mortgagor or obligor on each Loan to maintain a
hazard insurance policy providing for no less than the coverage of the standard
form of fire insurance policy with extended coverage customary for the type of
Property in the state in which such Property is located. Such coverage will be
in an amount that is at least equal to the lesser of (i) the maximum insurable
value of the improvements securing such Loan from time to time, (ii) the
combined principal balance owing on such Loan and any mortgage loan senior to
such Loan and (iii) the minimum amount required to compensate for damage or loss
on a replacement cost basis. All
 
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<PAGE>   132
 
amounts collected by the Master Servicer under any hazard policy (except for
amounts to be applied to the restoration or repair of the Property or released
to the mortgagor or obligor in accordance with the Master Servicer's normal
servicing procedures) will be deposited in the related Security Account. In the
event that the Master Servicer maintains a blanket policy insuring against
hazard losses on all the Loans comprising part of a Trust Fund, it will
conclusively be deemed to have satisfied its obligation relating to the
maintenance of hazard insurance. Such blanket policy may contain a deductible
clause, in which case the Master Servicer will be required to deposit from its
own funds into the related Security Account the amounts which would have been
deposited therein but for such clause.
 
     In general, the standard form of fire and extended coverage policy covers
physical damage to or destruction of the improvements securing a Loan by fire,
lightning, explosion, smoke, windstorm and hail, riot, strike and civil
commotion, subject to the conditions and exclusions particularized in each
policy. Although the policies relating to the Loans may have been underwritten
by different insurers under different state laws in accordance with different
applicable forms and therefore may not contain identical terms and conditions,
the basic terms thereof are dictated by respective state laws, and most such
policies typically do not cover any physical damage resulting from the
following: war, revolution, governmental actions, floods and other water-related
causes, earth movement (including earthquakes, landslides and mud flows),
nuclear reactions, wet or dry rot, vermin, rodents, insects or domestic animals,
theft and, in certain cases, vandalism. The foregoing list is merely indicative
of certain kinds of uninsured risks and is not intended to be all inclusive. If
the Property securing a Loan is located in a federally designated special flood
area at the time of origination, the Master Servicer will require the mortgagor
or obligor to obtain and maintain flood insurance.
 
     The hazard insurance policies covering properties securing the Loans
typically contain a clause which in effect requires the insured at all time to
carry insurance of a specified percentage (generally 80% to 90%) of the full
replacement value of the insured property in order to recover the full amount of
any partial loss. If the insured's coverage falls below this specified
percentage, then the insurer's liability in the event of partial loss will not
exceed the larger of (i) the actual cash value (generally defined as replacement
cost at the time and place of loss, less physical depreciation) of the
improvements damaged or destroyed or (ii) such proportion of the loss as the
amount of insurance carried bears to the specified percentage of the full
replacement cost of such improvements. Since the amount of hazard insurance the
Master Servicer may cause to be maintained on the improvements securing the
Loans declines as the principal balances owing thereon decrease, and since
improved real estate generally has appreciated in value over time in the past,
the effect of this requirement in the event of partial loss may be that hazard
insurance proceeds will be insufficient to restore fully the damaged property.
If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a special hazard insurance
policy will be obtained to insure against certain of the uninsured risks
described above. See "Credit Enhancement."
 
     If the Property securing a defaulted Loan is damaged and proceeds, if any,
from the related hazard insurance policy are insufficient to restore the damaged
Property, the Master Servicer is not required to expend its own funds to restore
the damaged Property unless it determines (i) that such restoration will
increase the proceeds to Securityholders on liquidation of the Loan after
reimbursement of the Master Servicer for its expenses and (ii) that such
expenses will be recoverable by it from related Insurance Proceeds or
Liquidation Proceeds.
 
     If recovery on a defaulted Loan under any related Insurance Policy is not
available, or if the defaulted Loan is not covered by an Insurance Policy, the
Master Servicer will be obligated to follow or cause to be followed such normal
practices and procedures as it deems necessary or advisable to realize upon the
defaulted Loan. If the proceeds of any liquidation of the Property securing the
defaulted Loan are less than the principal balance of such Loan plus interest
accrued thereon that is payable to Securityholders, the Trust Fund will realize
a loss in the amount of such difference plus the aggregate of expenses incurred
by the Master Servicer in connection with such proceedings which are
reimbursable under the Agreement. In the unlikely event that any such
proceedings result in a total recovery which is, after reimbursement to the
Master Servicer of its expenses, in excess of the principal balance of such Loan
plus interest accrued thereon that is payable to Securityholders, the Master
Servicer will be entitled to withdraw or retain from the Security Account
amounts representing its normal servicing compensation with respect to such Loan
and, unless otherwise specified in
 
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<PAGE>   133
 
the related Prospectus Supplement, amounts representing the balance of such
excess, exclusive of any amount required by law to be forwarded to the related
borrower, as additional servicing compensation.
 
     If the Master Servicer or its designee recovers Insurance Proceeds which,
when added to any related Liquidation Proceeds and after deduction of certain
expenses reimbursable to the Master Servicer, exceed the principal balance of
such Loan plus interest accrued thereon that is payable to Securityholders, the
Master Servicer will be entitled to withdraw or retain from the Security Account
amounts representing its normal servicing compensation with respect to such
Loan. In the event that the Master Servicer has expended its own funds to
restore the damaged Property and such funds have not been reimbursed under the
related hazard insurance policy, it will be entitled to withdraw from the
Security Account out of related Liquidation Proceeds or Insurance Proceeds an
amount equal to such expenses incurred by it, in which event the Trust Fund may
realize a loss up to the amount so charged. Since Insurance Proceeds cannot
exceed deficiency claims and certain expenses incurred by the Master Servicer,
no such payment or recovery will result in a recovery to the Trust Fund which
exceeds the principal balance of the defaulted Loan together with accrued
interest thereon. See "Credit Enhancement".
 
     The proceeds from any liquidation of a Loan will be applied in the
following order of priority: first, to reimburse the Master Servicer for any
unreimbursed expenses incurred by it to restore the related Property and any
unreimbursed servicing compensation payable to the Master Servicer with respect
to such Loan; second, to reimburse the Master Servicer for any unreimbursed
Advances with respect to such Loan; third, to accrued and unpaid interest (to
the extent no Advance has been made for such amount) on such Loan; and fourth,
as a recovery of principal of such Loan.
 
REALIZATION UPON DEFAULTED LOANS
 
     Primary Mortgage Insurance Policies.  If so specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Master Servicer will maintain or cause to be
maintained, as the case may be, in full force and effect, a Primary Mortgage
Insurance Policy with regard to each Loan for which such coverage is required.
Primary Mortgage Insurance Policies reimburse certain losses sustained by reason
of defaults in payments by borrowers. The Master Servicer will not cancel or
refuse to renew any such Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy in effect at the time
of the initial issuance of a Series of Securities that is required to be kept in
force under the applicable Agreement unless the replacement Primary Mortgage
Insurance Policy for such cancelled or nonrenewed policy is maintained with an
insurer whose claims-paying ability is sufficient to maintain the current rating
of the classes of Securities of such Series that have been rated.
 
SERVICING AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND PAYMENT OF EXPENSES
 
     The principal servicing compensation to be paid to the Master Servicer in
respect of its master servicing activities for each Series of Securities will be
equal to the percentage per annum described in the related Prospectus Supplement
(which may vary under certain circumstances) of the outstanding principal
balance of each Loan, and such compensation will be retained by it from
collections of interest on such Loan in the related Trust Fund (the "Master
Servicing Fee"). As compensation for its servicing duties, a Sub-Servicer, if
any, will be entitled to a monthly servicing fee as described in the related
Prospectus Supplement. In addition, the Master Servicer or Sub-Servicer will
retain all prepayment charges, assumption fees and late payment charges, to the
extent collected from borrowers, and any benefit that may accrue as a result of
the investment of funds in the applicable Security Account (unless otherwise
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement).
 
     The Master Servicer will pay or cause to be paid certain ongoing expenses
associated with each Trust Fund and incurred by it in connection with its
responsibilities under the related Agreement, including, without limitation, and
if so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, payment of any fee or
other amount payable in respect of any credit enhancement arrangements, payment
of the fees and disbursements of the Trustee, any custodian appointed by the
Trustee, the certificate registrar and any paying agent, and payment of expenses
incurred in enforcing the obligations of Sub-Servicers. The Master Servicer will
be entitled to
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   134
 
reimbursement of expenses incurred in enforcing the obligations of Sub-Servicers
under certain limited circumstances.
 
EVIDENCE AS TO COMPLIANCE
 
     Each Agreement will provide that on or before a specified date in each
year, a firm of independent public accountants will furnish a statement to the
Trustee to the effect that, on the basis of the examination by such firm
conducted substantially in compliance with the Uniform Single Attestation
Program for Mortgage Bankers or the Audit Program for Mortgages serviced for
FHLMC, the servicing by or on behalf of the Master Servicer of the Trust Fund
Assets pursuant to the Agreement was conducted in compliance therewith except
for any significant exceptions or errors in records that, in the opinion of the
firm, the Audit Program for Mortgages serviced for FHLMC, or the Uniform Single
Attestation Program for Mortgage Bankers, it is required to report. In rendering
its statement such firm may rely, as to matters relating to the direct servicing
of Loans by Sub-Servicers, upon comparable statements for examinations conducted
substantially in compliance with the Uniform Single Attestation Program for
Mortgage Bankers or the Audit Program for Mortgages serviced for FHLMC (rendered
within one year of such statement) of firms of independent public accountants
with respect to the related Sub-Servicer.
 
     Each Agreement will also provide for delivery to the Trustee, on or before
a specified date in each year, of an annual statement signed by two officers of
the Master Servicer to the effect that the Master Servicer has fulfilled its
obligations under the Agreement throughout the preceding year.
 
     Copies of the annual accountants' statement and the statement of officers
of the Master Servicer may be obtained by Securityholders of the related Series
without charge upon written request to the Master Servicer at the address set
forth in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
CERTAIN MATTERS REGARDING THE MASTER SERVICER AND PROVIDENT
 
     The Master Servicer under each Pooling and Servicing Agreement or Master
Servicing Agreement, as applicable, will be named in the related Prospectus
Supplement. Any of Provident, an affiliate of Provident or another entity may
serve as Master Servicer.
 
     Each Agreement will provide that the Master Servicer may not resign from
its obligations and duties under the Agreement except upon (a) appointment of a
successor servicer and receipt by the Trustee of a letter from the Rating Agency
that such resignation and appointment will not result in a downgrade of the
Securities and (b) a determination that its duties thereunder are no longer
permissible under applicable law. The Master Servicer may, however, be removed
from its obligations and duties as set forth in the Agreement. No such
resignation will become effective until the Trustee or a successor servicer has
assumed the Master Servicer's obligations and duties under the Agreement.
 
     Each Agreement will further provide that neither the Master Servicer,
Provident nor any director, officer, employee, or agent of the Master Servicer
or Provident will be under any liability to the related Trust Fund or
Securityholders for any action taken or for refraining from the taking of any
action in good faith pursuant to the Agreement, or for errors in judgment;
provided, however, that neither the Master Servicer, Provident nor any such
person will be protected against any liability which would otherwise be imposed
by reason of wilful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the
performance of duties thereunder or by reason of reckless disregard of
obligations and duties thereunder. Each Agreement will further provide that the
Master Servicer, Provident and any director, officer, employee or agent of the
Master Servicer or Provident will be entitled to indemnification by the related
Trust Fund and will be held harmless against any loss, liability or expense
incurred in connection with any legal action relating to the Agreement or the
Securities, other than any loss, liability or expense related to any specific
Loan or Loans (except any such loss, liability or expense otherwise reimbursable
pursuant to the Agreement) and any loss, liability or expense incurred by reason
of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of
duties thereunder or by reason of reckless disregard of obligations and duties
thereunder. In addition, each Agreement will provide that neither the Master
Servicer nor Provident will be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or
defend any legal action which is not incidental to its respective
responsibilities under the Agreement and which in its opinion may
 
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<PAGE>   135
 
involve it in any expense or liability. The Master Servicer or Provident may,
however, in its discretion undertake any such action which it may deem necessary
or desirable with respect to the Agreement and the rights and duties of the
parties thereto and the interests of the Securityholders thereunder. In such
event, the legal expenses and costs of such action and any liability resulting
therefrom will be expenses, costs and liabilities of the Trust Fund, and the
Master Servicer or Provident, as the case may be, will be entitled to be
reimbursed therefor out of funds otherwise distributable to Securityholders.
 
     Except as otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, any
person into which the Master Servicer may be merged or consolidated, or any
person resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Master Servicer
is a party, or any person succeeding to the business of the Master Servicer,
will be the successor of the Master Servicer under each Agreement, provided that
such person is qualified to sell mortgage loans to, and service mortgage loans
on behalf of, FNMA or FHLMC and further provided that such merger, consolidation
or succession does not adversely affect the then current rating or ratings of
the class or classes of Securities of such Series that have been rated.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; RIGHTS UPON EVENT OF DEFAULT
 
     Pooling and Servicing Agreement; Master Servicing Agreement.  Except as
otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, Events of Default
under each Agreement will consist of (i) any failure by the Master Servicer to
make any required deposit pursuant to the related Agreement (other than an
Advance) which continues unremedied for five days after the giving of written
notice of such failure to the Master Servicer by the Trustee, or to the Master
Servicer and the Trustee by a holder of the Securities of the related Series;
(ii) any failure by the Master Servicer to make an Advance as required under the
Agreement; (iii) any failure by the Master Servicer duly to observe or perform
in any material respect any of its other covenants or agreements in the
Agreement which continues unremedied for thirty days after the giving of written
notice of such failure to the Master Servicer by the Trustee, or to the Master
Servicer and the Trustee by a holder of the Securities of the related Series;
and (iv) certain events of insolvency, readjustments of debt, marshalling of
assets and liabilities or similar proceedings and certain actions by or on
behalf of the Master Servicer indicating its insolvency, reorganization or
inability to pay its obligations.
 
     If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Agreement will
permit the Trustee to sell the Trust Fund Assets in the event that payments in
respect thereto are insufficient to make payments required in the Agreement. The
Trust Fund Assets will be sold only under the circumstances and in the manner
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
     Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, so long as
an Event of Default under an Agreement remains unremedied, the Trustee may (and
at the direction of holders of Securities evidencing not less than 51% of the
aggregate Percentage Interests and under such other circumstances as may be
specified in such Agreement, the Trustee shall) terminate all of the rights and
obligations of the Master Servicer under the Agreement relating to such Trust
Fund and in and to the related Trust Fund Assets, whereupon the Trustee will
succeed to all of the responsibilities, duties and liabilities of the Master
Servicer under the Agreement, including, if specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the obligation to make Advances, and will be entitled to similar
compensation arrangements; provided, however, that if the Event of Default
results from the Master Servicer's failure to make an Advance, the Trustee shall
terminate the Master Servicer. In the event that the Trustee is unwilling or
unable so to act, it may appoint, or petition a court of competent jurisdiction
for the appointment of, a mortgage loan servicing institution with a net worth
of a least $50,000,000 to act as successor to the Master Servicer under the
Agreement. Pending such appointment, the Trustee is obligated to act in such
capacity. The Trustee and any such successor may agree upon the servicing
compensation to be paid, which in no event may be greater than the compensation
payable to the Master Servicer under the Agreement.
 
     Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, no
Securityholder, solely by virtue of such holder's status as a Securityholder,
will have any right under any Agreement to institute any proceeding with respect
to such Agreement, unless such holder previously has given to the Trustee
written notice of default and unless the holders of Securities of any class of
such Series evidencing not less than 25% of the
 
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<PAGE>   136
 
aggregate Percentage Interests constituting such class have made written request
upon the Trustee to institute such proceeding in its own name as Trustee
thereunder and have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity, and the Trustee
for 60 days has neglected or refused to institute any such proceeding.
 
     Indenture.  Except as otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, Events of Default under the Indenture for each Series of Notes
include: (i) a default in the payment of any principal of or interest on any
Note of such Series which continues unremedied for five days after written
notice of such default is given as specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement; (ii) failure to perform in any material respect any other covenant
of Provident or the Trust Fund in the Indenture which continues for a period of
thirty days after notice thereof is given in accordance with the procedures
described in the related Prospectus Supplement; (iii) certain events of
bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or liquidation of Provident or the Trust
Fund; or (iv) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Notes of that
Series including but not limited to certain defaults on the part of the issuer,
if any, of a credit enhancement instrument supporting such Notes.
 
     If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes of any Series at the time
outstanding occurs and is continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of a
majority of the then aggregate outstanding amount of the Notes of such Series
may declare the principal amount (or, if the Notes of that Series have an
interest rate of 0%, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in
the terms of that Series, as provided in the related Prospectus Supplement) of
all the Notes of such Series to be due and payable immediately. Such declaration
may, under certain circumstances, be rescinded and annulled by the holders of
more than 50% of the Percentage Interests of the Notes of such Series.
 
     If, following an Event of Default with respect to any Series of Notes, the
Notes of such Series have been declared to be due and payable, the Trustee may,
in its discretion, notwithstanding such acceleration, elect to maintain
possession of the collateral securing the Notes of such Series and to continue
to apply distributions on such collateral as if there had been no declaration of
acceleration if such collateral continues to provide sufficient funds for the
payment of principal of and interest on the Notes of such Series as they would
have become due if there had not been such a declaration. In addition, the
Trustee may not sell or otherwise liquidate the collateral securing the Notes of
a Series following an Event of Default, other than a default in the payment of
any principal or interest on any Note of such Series which continues unremedied
for five days after written notice of such default is given as specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement, unless (a) the holders of 100% of the Percentage
Interests of the Notes of such Series consent to such sale, (b) the proceeds of
such sale or liquidation are sufficient to pay in full the principal of and
accrued interest, due and unpaid, on the outstanding Notes of such Series at the
date of such sale or (c) the Trustee determines that such collateral would not
be sufficient on an ongoing basis to make all payments on such Notes as such
payments would have become due if such Notes had not been declared due and
payable, and the Trustee obtains the consent of the holders of 66 2/3% of the
Percentage Interests of the Notes of such Series.
 
     In the event that the Trustee liquidates the collateral in connection with
an Event of Default involving a default in the payment of principal of or
interest on the Notes of a Series which continues unremedied for five days after
written notice of such default is given as specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Indenture provides that the Trustee will have a prior lien on
the proceeds of any such liquidation for unpaid fees and expenses. As a result,
upon the occurrence of such an Event of Default, the amount available for
distribution to the Noteholders would be less than would otherwise be the case.
However, the Trustee may not institute a proceeding for the enforcement of its
lien except in connection with a proceeding for the enforcement of the lien of
the Indenture for the benefit of the Noteholders after the occurrence of such an
Event of Default.
 
     Except as otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, in the
event the principal of the Notes of a Series is declared due and payable as
described above, the holders of any such Notes issued at a discount from par may
be entitled to receive no more than an amount equal to the unpaid principal
amount thereof less the amount of such discount which is unamortized.
 
     Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee, in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing with respect
to a Series of Notes, the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any
of the rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any
of the
 
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<PAGE>   137
 
holders of Notes of such Series unless such holders offered to the Trustee
security or indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and
liabilities which might be incurred by it in complying with such request or
direction. Subject to such provisions for indemnification and certain
limitations contained in the Indenture, the holders of a majority of the then
aggregate outstanding amount of the Notes of such Series shall have the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the
Trustee with respect to the Notes of such Series, and the holders of a majority
of the then aggregate outstanding amount of the Notes of such Series may, in
certain cases, waive any default with respect thereto, except a default in the
payment of principal or interest or a default in respect of a covenant or
provision of the Indenture that cannot be modified without the waiver or consent
of all the holders of the outstanding Notes of such Series affected thereby.
 
AMENDMENT
 
     Except as otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, each
Agreement may be amended by Provident, the Master Servicer and the Trustee,
without the consent of any of the Securityholders, (i) to cure any ambiguity;
(ii) to correct or supplement any provision therein which may be defective or
inconsistent with any other provision therein; or (iii) to make any other
revisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Agreement which
are not inconsistent with the provisions thereof, provided that such action will
not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any
Securityholder. An amendment will be deemed not to adversely affect in any
material respect the interests of the Securityholders if the person requesting
such amendment obtains a letter from each Rating Agency requested to rate the
class or classes of Securities of such Series stating that such amendment will
not result in the downgrading or withdrawal of the respective ratings then
assigned to such Securities. In addition, to the extent provided in the related
Agreement, an Agreement may be amended without the consent of any of the
Securityholders to change the manner in which the Security Account is
maintained, provided that any such change does not adversely affect the then
current rating on the class or classes of Securities of such Series that have
been rated. In addition, if a REMIC election is made with respect to a Trust
Fund, the related Agreement may be amended to modify, eliminate or add to any of
its provisions to such extent as may be necessary to maintain the qualification
of the related Trust Fund as a REMIC, provided that the Trustee has received an
opinion of counsel to the effect that such action is necessary or helpful to
maintain such qualification. Each Agreement may also be amended by Provident,
the Master Servicer and the Trustee with consent of holders of Securities of
such Series evidencing not less than 51% of the aggregate Percentage Interests
of each class affected thereby for the purpose of adding any provisions to or
changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of the Agreement or
of modifying in any manner the rights of the holders of the related Securities;
provided, however, that no such amendment may (i) reduce in any manner the
amount of or delay the timing of, payments received on Loans which are required
to be distributed on any Security without the consent of the holder of such
Security, or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Securities of any class the
holders of which are required to consent to any such amendment without the
consent of the holders of all Securities of such class covered by such Agreement
then outstanding. If a REMIC election is made with respect to a Trust Fund, the
Trustee will not be entitled to consent to an amendment to the related Agreement
without having first received an opinion of counsel to the effect that such
amendment will not cause such Trust Fund to fail to qualify as a REMIC.
 
TERMINATION; OPTIONAL TERMINATION
 
     Pooling and Servicing Agreement; Trust Agreement.  Unless otherwise
specified in the related Agreement, the obligations created by each Pooling and
Servicing Agreement and Trust Agreement for each Series of Securities will
terminate upon the payment to the related Securityholders of all amounts held in
the Security Account by the Master Servicer and required to be paid to them
pursuant to such Agreement following the later of (i) the final payment of or
other liquidation of the last of the Trust Fund Assets subject thereto or the
disposition of all property acquired upon foreclosure of any such Trust Fund
Assets remaining in the Trust Fund and (ii) the purchase by the Master Servicer
or, if REMIC treatment has been elected and if specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, by the holder of the residual interest in the REMIC or
any other party specified to have such right (see "Federal Income Tax
Consequences" below), from the related
 
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<PAGE>   138
 
Trust Fund of all of the remaining Trust Fund Assets and all property acquired
in respect of such Trust Fund Assets.
 
     Unless otherwise specified by the related Prospectus Supplement, any such
purchase of Trust Fund Assets and property acquired in respect of Trust Fund
Assets evidenced by a Series of Securities will be made at the option of the
Master Servicer, such other person or, if applicable, such holder of the REMIC
residual interest, at a price specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
The exercise of such right will affect early retirement of the Securities of
that Series, but the right of the Master Servicer, such other person or, if
applicable, such holder of the REMIC residual interest, to so purchase is
subject to the principal balance of the related Trust Fund Assets being less
than the percentage specified in the related Prospectus Supplement of the
aggregate principal balance of the Trust Fund Assets at the Cut-Off Date for the
Series. The foregoing is subject to the provision that if a REMIC election is
made with respect to a Trust Fund, any repurchase pursuant to clause (ii) above
will be made only in connection with a "qualified liquidation" of the REMIC
within the meaning of Section 860F(g)(4) of the Code.
 
     Indenture.  The Indenture will be discharged with respect to a Series of
Notes (except with respect to certain continuing rights specified in the
Indenture) upon the delivery to the Trustee for cancellation of all the Notes of
such Series or, with certain limitations, upon deposit with the Trustee of funds
sufficient for the payment in full of all of the Notes of such Series.
 
     In addition to such discharge with certain limitations, the Indenture will
provide that, if so specified with respect to the Notes of any Series, the
related Trust Fund will be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of
the Notes of such Series (except for certain obligations relating to temporary
Notes and exchange of Notes, to register the transfer of or exchange Notes of
such Series, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated Notes of such Series, to
maintain paying agencies and to hold monies for payment in trust) upon the
deposit with the Trustee, in trust, of money and/or direct obligations of or
obligations guaranteed by the United States of America which through the payment
of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will
provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and each
installment of interest on the Notes of such Series on the last scheduled
Distribution Date for such Notes and any installment of interest on such Notes
in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the Notes of such Series. In
the event of any such defeasance and discharge of Notes of such Series, holders
of Notes of such Series would be able to look only to such money and/or direct
obligations for payment of principal and interest, if any, on their Notes until
maturity.
 
THE TRUSTEE
 
     The Trustee under each Agreement will be named in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. The commercial bank or trust company serving as Trustee may have
normal banking relationships with Provident, the Master Servicer and any of
their respective affiliates.
 
                       CERTAIN LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE LOANS
 
     The following discussion contains summaries, which are general in nature,
of certain legal matters relating to the Loans. Because such legal aspects are
governed primarily by applicable state law (which laws may differ
substantially), the descriptions do not, except as expressly provided below,
reflect the laws of any particular state, nor do they encompass the laws of all
states in which the security for the Loans is situated. The descriptions are
qualified in their entirety by reference to the applicable federal laws and the
appropriate laws of the states in which Loans may be originated.
 
GENERAL
 
     The Loans for a Series may be secured by deeds of trust, mortgages,
security deeds or deeds to secure debt, depending upon the prevailing practice
in the state in which the property subject to the loan is located. Deeds of
trust are used almost exclusively in California instead of mortgages. A mortgage
creates a lien upon the real property encumbered by the mortgage, which lien is
generally not prior to the lien for real estate taxes
 
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<PAGE>   139
 
and assessments. Priority between mortgages depends on their terms and generally
on the order of recording with a state or county office. There are two parties
to a mortgage, the mortgagor, who is the borrower and owner of the mortgaged
property, and the mortgagee, who is the lender. Under the mortgage instrument,
the mortgagor delivers to the mortgagee a note or bond and the mortgage.
Although a deed of trust is similar to a mortgage, a deed of trust formally has
three parties, the borrower-property owner called the trustor (similar to a
mortgagor), a lender (similar to a mortgagee) called the beneficiary, and a
third-party grantee called the trustee. Under a deed of trust, the borrower
grants the property, irrevocably until the debt is paid, in trust, generally
with a power of sale, to the trustee to secure payment of the obligation. A
security deed and a deed to secure debt are special types of deeds which
indicate on their face that they are granted to secure an underlying debt. By
executing a security deed or deed to secure debt, the grantor conveys title to,
as opposed to merely creating a lien upon, the subject property to the grantee
until such time as the underlying debt is repaid. The trustee's authority under
a deed of trust, the mortgagee's authority under a mortgage and the grantee's
authority under a security deed or deed to secure debt are governed by law and,
with respect to some deeds of trust, the directions of the beneficiary.
 
FORECLOSURE/REPOSSESSION
 
     Deed of Trust.  Foreclosure of a deed of trust is generally accomplished by
a non-judicial sale under a specific provision in the deed of trust which
authorizes the trustee to sell the property at public auction upon any default
by the borrower under the terms of the note or deed of trust. In certain states,
such foreclosure also may be accomplished by judicial action in the manner
provided for foreclosure of mortgages. In addition to any notice requirements
contained in a deed of trust, in some states (such as California), the trustee
must record a notice of default and send a copy to the borrower-trustor, to any
person who has recorded a request for a copy of any notice of default and notice
of sale, to any successor in interest to the borrower-trustor, to the
beneficiary of any junior deed of trust and to certain other persons. In some
states (including California), the borrower-trustor has the right to reinstate
the loan at any time following default until shortly before the trustee's sale.
In general, the borrower, or any other person having a junior encumbrance on the
real estate, may, during a statutorily prescribed reinstatement period, cure a
monetary default by paying the entire amount in arrears plus other designated
costs and expenses incurred in enforcing the obligation. Generally, state law
controls the amount of foreclosure expenses and costs, including attorney's
fees, which may be recovered by a lender. After the reinstatement period has
expired without the default having been cured, the borrower or junior lienholder
no longer has the right to reinstate the loan and must pay the loan in full to
prevent the scheduled foreclosure sale. If the deed of trust is not reinstated
within any applicable cure period, a notice of sale must be posted in a public
place and, in most states (including California), published for a specific
period of time in one or more newspapers. In addition, some state laws require
that a copy of the notice of sale be posted on the property and sent to all
parties having an interest of record in the real property. In California, the
entire process from recording a notice of default to a non-judicial sale usually
takes four to five months.
 
     Mortgages.  Foreclosure of a mortgage is generally accomplished by judicial
action. The action is initiated by the service of legal pleadings upon all
parties having an interest in the real property. Delays in completion of the
foreclosure may occasionally result from difficulties in locating necessary
parties. Judicial foreclosure proceedings are often not contested by any of the
parties. When the mortgagee's right to foreclosure is contested, the legal
proceedings necessary to resolve the issue can be time consuming. After the
completion of a judicial foreclosure proceeding, the court generally issues a
judgment of foreclosure and appoints a referee or other court officer to conduct
the sale of the property. In some states, mortgages may also be foreclosed by
advertisement, pursuant to a power of sale provided in the mortgage.
 
     Although foreclosure sales are typically public sales, frequently no third
party purchaser bids in excess of the lender's lien because of the difficulty of
determining the exact status of title to the property, the possible
deterioration of the property during the foreclosure proceedings and a
requirement that the purchaser pay for the property in cash or by cashier's
check. Thus the foreclosing lender often purchases the property from the trustee
or referee for an amount equal to the principal amount outstanding under the
loan, accrued and unpaid interest and the expenses of foreclosure in which event
the mortgagor's debt will be extinguished or the lender may purchase for a
lesser amount in order to preserve its right against a borrower to seek a
deficiency
 
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<PAGE>   140
 
judgment in states where such judgment is available. Thereafter, subject to the
right of the borrower in some states to remain in possession during the
redemption period, the lender will assume the burden of ownership, including
obtaining hazard insurance and making such repairs at its own expense as are
necessary to render the property suitable for sale. The lender will commonly
obtain the services of a real estate broker and pay the broker's commission in
connection with the sale of the property. Depending upon market conditions, the
ultimate proceeds of the sale of the property may not equal the lender's
investment in the property. Any loss may be reduced by the receipt of any
mortgage guaranty insurance proceeds.
 
     Courts have imposed general equitable principles upon foreclosure, which
are generally designed to mitigate the legal consequences to the borrower of the
borrower's defaults under the loan documents. Some courts have been faced with
the issue of whether federal or state constitutional provisions reflecting due
process concerns for fair notice require that borrowers under deeds of trust
receive notice longer than that prescribed by statute. For the most part, these
cases have upheld the notice provisions as being reasonable or have found that
the sale by a trustee under a deed of trust does not involve sufficient state
action to afford constitutional protection to the borrower.
 
     When the beneficiary under a junior mortgage or deed of trust cures the
default and reinstates or redeems by paying the full amount of the senior
mortgage or deed of trust, the amount paid by the beneficiary so to cure or
redeem becomes a part of the indebtedness secured by the junior mortgage or deed
of trust. See "Junior Mortgages; Rights of Senior Mortgagees" below.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
 
     Real property pledged as security to a lender may be subject to unforeseen
environmental risks. Under the laws of certain states, contamination of a
property may give rise to a lien on the property to assure the payment of the
costs of clean-up. In several states such a lien has priority over the lien of
an existing mortgage against such property. In addition, under CERCLA, the
United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") may impose a lien on
property where EPA has incurred clean-up costs. However, a CERCLA lien is
subordinate to pre-existing, perfected security interests.
 
     Under the laws of some states and under CERCLA, it is conceivable that a
secured lender may be held liable as an "owner" or "operator" for the costs of
addressing releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances at a
property, even though the environmental damage or threat was caused by a prior
or current owner or operator. CERCLA imposes liability for such costs on any and
all "responsible parties," including owners or operators. However, CERCLA
excludes from the definition of "owner or operator" a secured creditor who holds
indicia of ownership primarily to protect its security interest but without
"participating in the management" of the Property (the "Secured Creditor
Exclusion"). Thus, if a lender's activities begin to encroach on the actual
management of a contaminated facility or property, the lender may incur
liability as an "owner or operator" under CERCLA. Similarly, if a lender
forecloses and takes title to a contaminated facility or property, the lender
may incur CERCLA liability in various circumstances, including, but not limited
to, when it holds the facility or property as an investment (including leasing
the facility or property to third party) or fails to market the property in a
timely fashion.
 
     Whether actions taken by a lender would constitute participation in the
management of a mortgaged property or the business of a borrower so as to render
the secured creditor exemption unavailable to a lender has been a matter of
judicial interpretation of the statutory language, and court decisions have been
inconsistent. In 1990, the Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit suggested
that the mere capacity of the lender to influence a borrower's decisions
regarding disposal of hazardous substances was sufficient participation in the
management of the borrower's business to deny the protection of the Secured
Creditor Exclusion to the lender.
 
     This ambiguity appears to have been resolved by the enactment of the Asset
Conservation, Lender Liability and Deposit Insurance Protection Act of 1996,
which was signed into law by President Clinton on September 30, 1996. The new
legislation provides that in order to be deemed to have participated in the
management of a mortgaged property, a lender must actually participate in the
operational affairs of the property or the borrower. The legislation also
provides that participation in the management of the property
 
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<PAGE>   141
 
does not include "merely having the capacity to influence, or unexercised right
to control" operations. Rather, a lender will lose the protection of the Secured
Creditor Exclusion only if it exercises decision-making control over the
borrower's environmental compliance and hazardous substance handling and
disposal practices, or assumes day-to-day management of all operational
functions of the mortgaged property. If a lender is or becomes liable, it can
bring an action for contribution against any other "responsible parties,"
including a previous owner or operator, who created the environmental hazard,
but those persons or entities may be bankrupt or otherwise judgment proof. The
costs associated with environmental cleanup may be substantial. It is
conceivable that such costs arising from the circumstances set forth above would
result in a loss to Securityholders.
 
     CERCLA does not apply to petroleum products, and the Secured Creditor
Exclusion does not govern liability for cleanup costs under federal laws other
than CERCLA, in particular Subtitle I of the federal Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act ("RCRA"), which regulates underground petroleum storage tanks
(except heating oil tanks). The EPA has adopted a lender liability rule for
underground storage tanks under Subtitle I of RCRA. Under such rule, a holder of
a security interest in an underground storage tank or real property containing
an underground storage tank is not considered an operator of the underground
storage tank as long as petroleum is not added to, stored in or dispensed from
the tank. In addition, under the Asset Conservation, Lender Liability and
Deposit Insurance Protection Act of 1996, the protections accorded to lenders
under CERCLA are also accorded to the holders of security interests in
underground storage tanks. Liability for cleanup of petroleum contamination may,
however, be governed by state law, which may not provide for any specific
protection for secured creditors.
 
     Except as otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, at the
time the Loans were originated, no environmental assessments or very limited
environmental assessments of the Properties were conducted.
 
RIGHTS OF REDEMPTION
 
     In some states, after sale pursuant to a deed of trust or foreclosure of a
mortgage, the borrower and foreclosed junior lienors are given a statutory
period in which to redeem the property from the foreclosure sale. In certain
other states (including California), this right of redemption applies only to
sales following judicial foreclosure and not to sales pursuant to a non-judicial
power of sale. In most states where the right of redemption is available,
statutory redemption may occur upon payment of the foreclosure purchase price,
accrued interest and taxes. In other states, redemption may be authorized if the
former borrower pays only a portion of the sums due. The effect of a statutory
right of redemption is to diminish the ability of the lender to sell the
foreclosed property. The exercise of a right of redemption would defeat the
title of any purchaser from the lender subsequent to foreclosure or sale under a
deed of trust. Consequently, the practical effect of the redemption right is to
force the lender to retain the property and pay the expenses of ownership until
the redemption period has run. In some states, there is no right to redeem
property after a trustee's sale under a deed of trust.
 
ANTI-DEFICIENCY LEGISLATION; BANKRUPTCY LAWS; TAX LIENS
 
     Certain states have imposed statutory and judicial restrictions that limit
the remedies of a beneficiary under a deed of trust or a mortgagee under a
mortgage. In some states, including California, statutes and case law limit the
right of the beneficiary or mortgagee to obtain a deficiency judgment against
borrowers financing the purchase of their residence or following sale under a
deed of trust or certain other foreclosure proceedings. A deficiency judgment is
a personal judgment against the borrower equal in most cases to the difference
between the amount due to the lender and the fair market value of the real
property at the time of the foreclosure sale. As a result of these prohibitions,
it is anticipated that in most instances the Master Servicer will utilize the
non-judicial foreclosure remedy and will not seek deficiency judgments against
defaulting borrowers.
 
     Some state statutes require the beneficiary or mortgagee to exhaust the
security afforded under a deed of trust or mortgage by foreclosure in an attempt
to satisfy the full debt before bringing a personal action against
 
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<PAGE>   142
 
the borrower. In certain other states, the lender has the option of bringing a
personal action against the borrower on the debt without first exhausting such
security; however, in some of these states, the lender, following judgment on
such personal action, may be deemed to have elected a remedy and may be
precluded from exercising remedies with respect to the security. Consequently,
the practical effect of the election requirement, when applicable, is that
lenders will usually proceed first against the security rather than bringing a
personal action against the borrower. In some states, exceptions to the
anti-deficiency statutes are provided for in certain instances where the value
of the lender's security has been impaired by acts or omissions of the borrower,
for example, in the event of waste of the property. Finally, other statutory
provisions limit any deficiency judgment against the former borrower following a
foreclosure sale to the excess of the outstanding debt over the fair market
value of the property at the time of the public sale. The purpose of these
statutes is generally to prevent a beneficiary or a mortgagee from obtaining a
large deficiency judgment against the former borrower as a result of low or no
bids at the foreclosure sale.
 
     In addition to anti-deficiency and related legislation, numerous other
federal and state statutory provisions, including the federal bankruptcy laws
and state laws affording relief to debtors, may interfere with or affect the
ability of the secured mortgage lender to realize upon its security. For
example, in a proceeding under the federal Bankruptcy Code, a lender may not
foreclose on a mortgaged property without the permission of the bankruptcy
court. The rehabilitation plan proposed by the debtor may provide, if the
mortgaged property is not the debtor's principal residence and the court
determines that the value of the mortgaged property is less than the principal
balance of the mortgage loan, for the reduction of the secured indebtedness to
the value of the mortgaged property as of the date of the commencement of the
bankruptcy, rendering the lender a general unsecured creditor for the
difference, and also may reduce the monthly payments due under such mortgage
loan, change the rate of interest and alter the mortgage loan repayment
schedule. The effect of any such proceedings under the federal Bankruptcy Code,
including but not limited to any automatic stay, could result in delays in
receiving payments on the Loans underlying a Series of Securities and possible
reductions in the aggregate amount of such payments.
 
     The federal tax laws provide priority to certain tax liens over the lien of
a mortgage or secured party.
 
DUE-ON-SALE CLAUSES
 
     Each conventional Loan generally will contain a due-on-sale clause which
will generally provide that if the mortgagor or obligor sells, transfers or
conveys the Property, the Loan or contract may be accelerated by the mortgagee
or secured party. Court decisions and legislative actions have placed
substantial restrictions on the right of lenders to enforce such clauses in many
states. For instance, the California Supreme Court in August 1978 held that
due-on-sale clauses were generally unenforceable. However, the Garn-St Germain
Depository Institutions Act of 1982 (the "Garn-St Germain Act"), subject to
certain exceptions, preempts state constitutional, statutory and case law
prohibiting the enforcement of due-on-sale clauses. As a result, due-on-sale
clauses are generally enforceable except in those states whose legislatures
exercised their authority to regulate the enforceability of such clauses with
respect to mortgage loans that were (i) originated or assumed during the "window
period" under the Garn-St Germain Act which ended in all cases not later than
October 15, 1982, and (ii) originated by lenders other than national banks,
federal savings institutions and federal credit unions. FHLMC has taken the
position in its published mortgage servicing standards that, out of a total of
eleven "window period states," five states (Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, New
Mexico and Utah) have enacted statutes extending, on various terms and for
varying periods, the prohibition on enforcement of due-on-sale clauses with
respect to certain categories of "window period loans". Also, the Garn-St
Germain Act does "encourage" lenders to permit assumption of loans at the
original rate of interest or at some other rate less than the average of the
original rate and the market rate.
 
     As to loans secured by an owner-occupied residence, the Garn-St Germain Act
sets forth nine specific instances in which a mortgagee covered by the Act may
not exercise its rights under a due-on-sale clause, notwithstanding the fact
that a transfer of the property may have occurred. The inability to enforce a
due-on-sale clause may result in transfer of the related Property to an
uncreditworthy person, which could increase the likelihood of default or may
result in a mortgage bearing an interest rate below the current market rate
being
 
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<PAGE>   143
 
assumed by a new home buyer, which may affect the average life of the Loans and
the number of Loans which may extend to maturity.
 
     In addition, under federal bankruptcy law, due-on-sale clauses may not be
enforceable in bankruptcy proceedings and may, under certain circumstances, be
eliminated in any modified mortgage resulting from such bankruptcy proceeding.
 
ENFORCEABILITY OF PREPAYMENT AND LATE PAYMENT FEES
 
     Forms of notes, mortgages and deeds of trust used by lenders may contain
provisions obligating the borrower to pay a late charge if payments are not
timely made, and in some circumstances may provide for prepayment fees or
penalties if the obligation is paid prior to maturity. In certain states, there
are or may be specific limitations upon the late charges which a lender may
collect from a borrower for delinquent payments. Certain states also limit the
amounts that a lender may collect from a borrower as an additional charge if the
loan is prepaid. Under certain state laws, prepayment charges may not be imposed
after a certain period of time following the origination of mortgage loans with
respect to prepayments on loans secured by liens encumbering owner-occupied
residential properties. Since many of the Properties will be owner-occupied, it
is anticipated that prepayment charges may not be imposed with respect to many
of the Loans. The absence of such a restraint on prepayment, particularly with
respect to fixed rate Loans having higher Loan Rates, may increase the
likelihood of refinancing or other early retirement of such Loans or contracts.
Late charges and prepayment fees are typically retained by servicers as
additional servicing compensation.
 
APPLICABILITY OF USURY LAWS
 
     Title V of the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control
Act of 1980 ("Title V") provides that state usury limitations shall not apply to
certain types of residential first mortgage loans originated by certain lenders
after March 31, 1980. The Office of Thrift Supervision, as successor to the
Federal Home Loan Bank Board, is authorized to issue rules and regulations and
to publish interpretations governing implementation of Title V. Title V
authorized the states to reimpose interest rate limits by adopting, before April
1, 1983, a law or constitutional provision which expressly rejects application
of the federal law. Fifteen states adopted such a law prior to the April 1, 1983
deadline. In addition, even where Title V was not so rejected, any state is
authorized by the law to adopt a provision limiting discount points or other
charges on mortgage loans covered by Title V. Certain states have taken action
to reimpose interest rate limits and/or to limit discount points or other
charges.
 
SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' CIVIL RELIEF ACT
 
     Generally, under the terms of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act
of 1940, as amended (the "Relief Act"), a borrower who enters military service
after the origination of such borrower's Loan (including a borrower who is a
member of the National Guard or is in reserve status at the time of the
origination of the Loan and is later called to active duty) may not be charged
interest above an annual rate of 6% during the period of such borrower's active
duty status, unless a court orders otherwise upon application of the lender. It
is possible that such interest rate limitation could have an effect, for an
indeterminate period of time, on the ability of the Master Servicer to collect
full amounts of interest on certain of the Loans. Unless otherwise provided in
the related Prospectus Supplement, any shortfall in interest collections
resulting from the application of the Relief Act could result in losses to
Securityholders. The Relief Act also imposes limitations which would impair the
ability of the Master Servicer to foreclose on an affected Loan during the
borrower's period of active duty status. Moreover, the Relief Act permits the
extension of a Loan's maturity and the re-adjustment of its payment schedule
beyond the completion of military service. Thus, in the event that such a Loan
goes into default, there may be delays and losses occasioned by the inability to
realize upon the Property in a timely fashion.
 
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<PAGE>   144
 
JUNIOR MORTGAGES; RIGHTS OF SENIOR MORTGAGEES
 
     To the extent that the Loans comprising the Trust Fund for a Series are
secured by mortgages which are junior to other mortgages held by other lenders
or institutional investors, the rights of the Trust Fund (and therefore the
Securityholders) as mortgagee under any such junior mortgage are subordinate to
those of any mortgagee under any senior mortgage. The senior mortgagee has the
right to receive hazard insurance and condemnation proceeds and to cause the
property securing the Loan to be sold upon default of the mortgagor, thereby
extinguishing the junior mortgagee's lien unless the junior mortgagee asserts
its subordinate interest in the property in foreclosure litigation and,
possibly, satisfies the defaulted senior mortgage. A junior mortgagee may
satisfy a defaulted senior loan in full and, in some states, may cure a default
and bring the senior loan current, in either event adding the amounts expended
to the balance due on the junior loan. In most states, absent a provision in the
mortgage or deed of trust, no notice of default is required to be given to a
junior mortgagee.
 
     The standard form of the mortgage used by most institutional lenders
confers on the mortgagee the right both to receive all proceeds collected under
any hazard insurance policy and all awards made in connection with condemnation
proceedings, and to apply such proceeds and awards to any indebtedness secured
by the mortgage, in such order as the mortgagee may determine. Thus, in the
event improvements on the property are damaged or destroyed by fire or other
casualty, or in the event the property is taken by condemnation, the mortgagee
or beneficiary under a senior mortgage will have the prior right to collect any
insurance proceeds payable under a hazard insurance policy and any award of
damages in connection with the condemnation and to apply the same to the
indebtedness secured by the senior mortgage. Proceeds in excess of the amount of
senior mortgage indebtedness, in most cases, may be applied to the indebtedness
of a junior mortgage.
 
     Another provision sometimes found in the form of the mortgage or deed of
trust used by institutional lenders obligates the mortgagor to pay before
delinquency all taxes and assessments on the property and, when due, all
encumbrances, charges and liens on the property which appear prior to the
mortgage or deed of trust, to provide and maintain fire insurance on the
property, to maintain and repair the property and not to commit or permit any
waste thereof, and to appear in and defend any action or proceeding purporting
to affect the property or the rights of the mortgagee under the mortgage. Upon a
failure of the mortgagor to perform any of these obligations, the mortgagee is
given the right under certain mortgages to perform the obligation itself, at its
election, with the mortgagor reimbursing the mortgagee for any sums expended by
the mortgagee on behalf of the mortgagor. All sums so expended by the mortgagee
become part of the indebtedness secured by the mortgage.
 
     The form of credit line trust deed or mortgage generally used by most
institutional lenders which make Revolving Credit Line Loans typically contains
a "future advance" clause, which provides, in essence, that additional amounts
advanced to or on behalf of the borrower by the beneficiary or lender are to be
secured by the deed of trust or mortgage. Any amounts so advanced after the
Cut-Off Date with respect to any Mortgage will not be included in the Trust
Fund. The priority of the lien securing any advance made under the clause may
depend in most states on whether the deed of trust or mortgage is called and
recorded as a credit line deed of trust or mortgage. If the beneficiary or
lender advances additional amounts, the advance is entitled to receive the same
priority as amounts initially advanced under the trust deed or mortgage,
notwithstanding the fact that there may be junior trust deeds or mortgages and
other liens which intervene between the date of recording of the trust deed or
mortgage and the date of the future advance, and notwithstanding that the
beneficiary or lender had actual knowledge of such intervening junior trust
deeds or mortgages and other liens at the time of the advance. In most states,
the trust deed or mortgage lien securing mortgage loans of the type which
includes home equity credit lines applies retroactively to the date of the
original recording of the trust deed or mortgage, provided that the total amount
of advances under the home equity credit line does not exceed the maximum
specified principal amount of the recorded trust deed or mortgage and except as
to advances made after receipt by the lender of a written notice of lien from a
judgment lien creditor of the trustor.
 
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<PAGE>   145
 
CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS
 
     Numerous federal and state consumer protection laws impose substantive
requirements upon mortgage lenders in connection with originating, servicing and
enforcing loans secured by Single Family Properties. These laws include the
federal Truth-in-Lending Act and Regulation Z promulgated thereunder, Real
Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Regulation B promulgated thereunder, Equal
Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Credit Billing Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act and
related statutes and regulations. In particular, Regulation Z requires certain
disclosures to borrowers regarding terms of the Loans; the Equal Credit
Opportunity Act and Regulation B promulgated thereunder prohibit discrimination
in the extension of credit on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion,
marital status, national origin, receipt of public assistance or the exercise of
any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act; and the Fair Credit
Reporting Act regulates the use and reporting of information related to the
borrower's credit experience. Certain provisions of these laws impose specific
statutory liabilities upon lenders who fail to comply therewith. In addition,
violations of such laws may limit the ability of Provident to collect all or
part of the principal of or interest on the Loans and could subject Provident
and in some cases its assignees to damages and administrative enforcement.
 
                        FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
GENERAL
 
     The following is a summary of the anticipated material federal income tax
consequences of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of the Securities and
is based on advice of Brown & Wood LLP, special counsel to the Trust Fund. The
summary is based upon the provisions of the Code, the regulations promulgated
thereunder, including, where applicable, proposed regulations, and the judicial
and administrative rulings and decisions now in effect, all of which are subject
to change or possible differing interpretations. The statutory provisions,
regulations, and interpretations on which this interpretation is based are
subject to change, and such a change could apply retroactively.
 
     The summary does not purport to deal with all aspects of federal income
taxation that may affect particular investors in light of their individual
circumstances, nor with certain types of investors subject to special treatment
under the federal income tax laws. This summary focuses primarily upon investors
who will hold Securities as "capital assets" (generally, property held for
investment) within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, but much of the
discussion is applicable to other investors as well. Prospective investors are
advised to consult their own tax advisers concerning the federal, state, local
and any other tax consequences to them of the purchase, ownership and
disposition of the Securities.
 
     The federal income tax consequences to Holders will vary depending on
whether (i) the Securities of a Series are classified as indebtedness; (ii) an
election is made to treat the Trust Fund relating to a particular Series of
Securities as a REMIC under the Code; (iii) the Securities represent an
ownership interest in some or all of the assets included in the Trust Fund for a
Series; or (iv) an election is made to treat the Trust Fund relating to a
particular Series of Certificates as a partnership. The Prospectus Supplement
for each Series of Securities will specify how the Securities will be treated
for federal income tax purposes and will discuss whether a REMIC election, if
any, will be made with respect to such Series. Prior to issuance of each Series
of Securities, the Trust Fund shall file with the Commission a Form 8-K on
behalf of the related Trust Fund containing an opinion of Brown & Wood LLP with
respect to the validity of the information set forth under "Federal Income Tax
Consequences" herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
TAXATION OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
     Status as Real Property Loans.  Except to the extent otherwise provided in
the related Prospectus Supplement, Brown & Wood LLP will have advised Provident
that: (i) Securities held by a domestic building and loan association will
constitute "loans. . . secured by an interest in real property" within the
meaning of Code section 7701(a)(19)(C)(v); and (ii) Securities held by a real
estate investment trust will constitute "real estate assets" within the meaning
of Code section 856(c)(5)(A) and interest on such Securities will be
 
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<PAGE>   146
 
considered "interest on obligations secured by mortgages on real property or on
interests in real property" within the meaning of Code section 856(c)(3)(B).
 
     The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, as part of the repeal of the
bad debt reserve method for thrift institutions, repealed the application of
Code section 593(d) to any taxable year beginning after December 31, 1995.
 
     Interest and Acquisition Discount.  Securities representing regular
interests in a REMIC ("Regular Interest Securities") are generally taxable to
Holders in the same manner as evidences of indebtedness issued by the REMIC.
Stated interest on the Regular Interest Securities will be taxable as ordinary
income and taken into account using the accrual method of accounting, regardless
of the Holder's normal accounting method. Interest (other than original issue
discount) on Securities (other than Regular Interest Securities) that are
characterized as indebtedness for federal income tax purposes will be includible
in income by Holders thereof in accordance with their usual methods of
accounting. Securities characterized as debt for federal income tax purposes and
Regular Interest Securities will be referred to hereinafter collectively as
"Debt Securities."
 
     Debt Securities that are Compound Interest Securities will, and certain of
the other Debt Securities may, be issued with "original issue discount" ("OID").
The following discussion is based in part on the rules governing OID which are
set forth in Sections 1271-1275 of the Code and the Treasury regulations issued
thereunder on February 2, 1994 (the "OID Regulations"). A Holder should be
aware, however, that the OID Regulations do not adequately address certain
issues relevant to prepayable securities, such as the Debt Securities.
 
     In general, OID, if any, will equal the difference between the stated
redemption price at maturity of a Debt Security and its issue price. A Holder of
a Debt Security must include such OID in gross income as ordinary interest
income as it accrues under a method taking into account an economic accrual of
the discount. In general, OID must be included in income in advance of the
receipt of the cash representing that income. The amount of OID on a Debt
Security will be considered to be zero if it is less than a de minimis amount
determined under the Code.
 
     The issue price of a Debt Security is the first price at which a
substantial amount of Debt Securities of that class are sold to the public
(excluding bond houses, brokers, underwriters or wholesalers). If less than a
substantial amount of a particular class of Debt Securities is sold for cash on
or prior to the related Closing Date, the issue price for such class will be
treated as the fair market value of such class on such Closing Date. The issue
price of a Debt Security also includes the amount paid by an initial Debt
Security Holder for accrued interest that relates to a period prior to the issue
date of the Debt Security. The stated redemption price at maturity of a Debt
Security includes the original principal amount of the Debt Security, but
generally will not include distributions of interest if such distributions
constitute "qualified stated interest."
 
     Under the OID Regulations, qualified stated interest generally means
interest payable at a single fixed rate or qualified variable rate (as described
below) provided that such interest payments are unconditionally payable at
intervals of one year or less during the entire term of the Debt Security. The
OID Regulations state that interest payments are unconditionally payable only if
a late payment or nonpayment is expected to be penalized or reasonable remedies
exist to compel payment. Certain Debt Securities may provide for default
remedies in the event of late payment or nonpayment of interest. The interest on
such Debt Securities will be unconditionally payable and constitute qualified
stated interest, not OID. However, absent clarification of the OID Regulations,
where Debt Securities do not provide for default remedies, the interest payments
will be included in the Debt Security's stated redemption price at maturity and
taxed as OID. Interest is payable at a single fixed rate only if the rate
appropriately takes into account the length of the interval between payments.
Distributions of interest on Debt Securities with respect to which deferred
interest will accrue, will not constitute qualified stated interest payments, in
which case the stated redemption price at maturity of such Debt Securities
includes all distributions of interest as well as principal thereon. Where the
interval between the issue date and the first Distribution Date on a Debt
Security is either longer or shorter than the interval between subsequent
Distribution Dates, all or part of the interest foregone, in the case of the
longer interval, and all of the additional interest, in the case of the shorter
interval, will be included in the stated redemption
 
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<PAGE>   147
 
price at maturity and tested under the de minimis rule described below. In the
case of a Debt Security with a long first period which has non-de minimis OID,
all stated interest in excess of interest payable at the effective interest rate
for the long first period will be included in the stated redemption price at
maturity and the Debt Security will generally have OID. Holders of Debt
Securities should consult their own tax advisors to determine the issue price
and stated redemption price at maturity of a Debt Security.
 
     Under the de minimis rule, OID on a Debt Security will be considered to be
zero if such OID is less than 0.25% of the stated redemption price at maturity
of the Debt Security multiplied by the weighted average maturity of the Debt
Security. For this purpose, the weighted average maturity of the Debt Security
is computed as the sum of the amounts determined by multiplying the number of
full years (i.e., rounding down partial years) from the issue date until each
distribution in reduction of stated redemption price at maturity is scheduled to
be made by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of each distribution
included in the stated redemption price at maturity of the Debt Security and the
denominator of which is the stated redemption price at maturity of the Debt
Security. Holders generally must report de minimis OID pro rata as principal
payments are received, and such income will be capital gain if the Debt Security
is held as a capital asset. However, accrual method Holders may elect to accrue
all de minimis OID as well as market discount under a constant interest method.
 
     Debt Securities may provide for interest based on a qualified variable
rate. Under the OID Regulations, interest is treated as payable at a qualified
variable rate and not as contingent interest if, generally, (i) such interest is
unconditionally payable at least annually, (ii) the issue price of the debt
instrument does not exceed the total noncontingent principal payments and (iii)
interest is based on a "qualified floating rate," an "objective rate," or a
combination of "qualified floating rates" that do not operate in a manner that
significantly accelerates or defers interest payments on such Debt Security. In
the case of Compound Interest Securities, certain Interest Weighted Securities
(as defined herein under "-- Interest Weighted Securities"), and certain of the
other Debt Securities, none of the payments under the instrument will be
considered qualified stated interest, and thus the aggregate amount of all
payments will be included in the stated redemption price.
 
     The Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") recently issued final regulations
(the "Contingent Regulations") governing the calculation of OID on instruments
having contingent interest payments. The Contingent Regulations specifically do
not apply for purposes of calculating OID on debt instruments subject to Code
Section 1272(a)(6), such as the Debt Security. Additionally, the OID Regulations
do not contain provisions specifically interpreting Code Section 1272(a)(6).
Until the Treasury issues guidance to the contrary, the Trustee intends to base
its computation on Code Section 1272(a)(6) and the OID Regulations as described
in this Prospectus. However, because no regulatory guidance currently exists
under Code Section 1272(a)(6), there can be no assurance that such methodology
represents the correct manner of calculating OID.
 
     The Holder of a Debt Security issued with OID must include in gross income,
for all days during its taxable year on which it holds such Debt Security, the
sum of the "daily portions" of such OID. The amount of OID includible in income
by a Holder will be computed by allocating to each day during a taxable year a
pro rata portion of the OID that accrued during the relevant accrual period. In
the case of a Debt Security that is not a Regular Interest Security and the
principal payments on which are not subject to acceleration resulting from
prepayments on the Loans, the amount of OID includible in income of a Holder for
an accrual period (generally the period over which interest accrues on the debt
instrument) will equal the product of the yield to maturity of the Debt Security
and the adjusted issue price of the Debt Security, reduced by any payments of
qualified stated interest. The adjusted issue price is the sum of its issue
price plus prior accruals or OID, reduced by the total payments made with
respect to such Debt Security in all prior periods, other than qualified stated
interest payments.
 
     The amount of OID to be included in income by a Holder of a debt
instrument, such as certain Classes of the Debt Securities, that is subject to
acceleration due to prepayments on other debt obligations securing such
instruments (a "Pay-Through Security"), is computed by taking into account the
anticipated rate of prepayments assumed in pricing the debt instrument (the
"Prepayment Assumption"). The amount of OID that will accrue during an accrual
period on a Pay-Through Security is the excess (if any) of the sum of
 
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(a) the present value of all payments remaining to be made on the Pay-Through
Security as of the close of the accrual period and (b) the payments during the
accrual period of amounts included in the stated redemption price of the
Pay-Through Security, over the adjusted issue price of the Pay-Through Security
at the beginning of the accrual period. The present value of the remaining
payments is to be determined on the basis of three factors: (i) the original
yield to maturity of the Pay-Through Security (determined on the basis of
compounding at the end of each accrual period and properly adjusted for the
length of the accrual period), (ii) events which have occurred before the end of
the accrual period and (iii) the assumption that the remaining payments will be
made in accordance with the original Prepayment Assumption. The effect of this
method is to increase the portions of OID required to be included in income by a
Holder to take into account prepayments with respect to the Loans at a rate that
exceeds the Prepayment Assumption, and to decrease (but not below zero for any
period) the portions of OID required to be included in income by a Holder of a
Pay-Through Security to take into account prepayments with respect to the Loans
at a rate that is slower than the Prepayment Assumption. Although OID will be
reported to Holders of Pay-Through Securities based on the Prepayment
Assumption, no representation is made to Holders that Loans will be prepaid at
that rate or at any other rate.
 
     Provident may adjust the accrual of OID on a Class of Regular Interest
Securities (or other regular interests in a REMIC) in a manner that it believes
to be appropriate to take account of realized losses on the Loans, although the
OID Regulations do not provide for such adjustments. If the IRS were to require
that OID be accrued without such adjustments, the rate of accrual of OID for a
Class of Regular Interest Securities could increase.
 
     Certain classes of Regular Interest Securities may represent more than one
class of REMIC regular interests. Unless otherwise provided in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Trustee intends, based on the OID Regulations, to
calculate OID on such Securities as if, solely for the purposes of computing
OID, the separate regular interests were a single debt instrument.
 
     A subsequent Holder of a Debt Security will also be required to include OID
in gross income, but such a Holder who purchases such Debt Security for an
amount that exceeds its adjusted issue price will be entitled (as will an
initial Holder who pays more than a Debt Security's issue price) to offset such
OID by comparable economic accruals of portions of such excess.
 
     Effects of Defaults and Delinquencies.  Holders will be required to report
income with respect to the related Securities under an accrual method without
giving effect to delays and reductions in distributions attributable to a
default or delinquency on the Loans, except possibly to the extent that it can
be established that such amounts are uncollectible. As a result, the amount of
income (including OID) reported by a Holder of such a Security in any period
could significantly exceed the amount of cash distributed to such Holder in that
period. The Holder will eventually be allowed a loss (or will be allowed to
report a lesser amount of income) to the extent that the aggregate amount of
distributions on the Securities is deducted as a result of a Loan default.
However, the timing and character of such losses or reductions in income are
uncertain and, accordingly, Holders of Securities should consult their own tax
advisors on this point.
 
     Interest Weighted Securities.  It is not clear how income should be accrued
with respect to Regular Interest Securities or Stripped Securities (as defined
under "-- Tax Status as a Grantor Trust; General" herein) the payments on which
consist solely or primarily of a specified portion of the interest payments on
qualified mortgages held by the REMIC or on Loans underlying Pass-Through
Securities ("Interest Weighted Securities"). The Issuer intends to take the
position that all of the income derived from an Interest Weighted Security
should be treated as OID and that the amount and rate of accrual of such OID
should be calculated by treating the Interest Weighted Security as a Compound
Interest Security. However, in the case of Interest Weighted Securities that are
entitled to some payments of principal and that are Regular Interest Securities,
the IRS could assert that income derived from an Interest Weighted Security
should be calculated as if the Security were a security purchased at a premium
equal to the excess of the price paid by such Holder for such Security over its
stated principal amount, if any. Under this approach, a Holder would be entitled
to amortize such premium only if it has in effect an election under Section 171
of the Code with respect to all taxable debt instruments held by such Holder, as
described below. Alternatively, the IRS could assert that an
 
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<PAGE>   149
 
Interest Weighted Security should be taxable under the rules governing bonds
issued with contingent payments. Such treatment may be more likely in the case
of Interest Weighted Securities that are Stripped Securities as described below.
See "-- Tax Status as a Grantor Trust; Discount or Premium on Pass-Through
Securities."
 
     Variable Rate Debt Securities.  In the case of Debt Securities bearing
interest at a rate that varies directly, according to a fixed formula, with an
objective index, it appears that (i) the yield to maturity of such Debt
Securities and (ii) in the case of Pay-Through Securities, the present value of
all payments remaining to be made on such Debt Securities, should be calculated
as if the interest index remained at its value as of the issue date of such
Securities. Because the proper method of adjusting accruals of OID on a variable
rate Debt Security is uncertain, Holders of variable rate Debt Securities should
consult their own tax advisers regarding the appropriate treatment of such
Securities for federal income tax purposes.
 
     Market Discount.  A purchaser of a Security may be subject to the market
discount rules of Sections 1276-1278 of the Code. A Holder that acquires a Debt
Security with more than a prescribed de minimis amount of "market discount"
(generally, the excess of the principal amount of the Debt Security over the
purchaser's purchase price) will be required to include accrued market discount
in income as ordinary income in each month, but limited to an amount not
exceeding the principal payments on the Debt Security received in that month
and, if the Securities are sold, the gain realized. Such market discount would
accrue in a manner to be provided in Treasury regulations but, until such
regulations are issued, such market discount would in general accrue either (i)
on the basis of a constant yield (in the case of a Pay-Through Security, taking
into account a prepayment assumption) or (ii) in the ratio of (a) in the case of
Securities (or in the case of a Pass-Through Security (as defined herein under
"-- Tax Status as a Grantor Trust"), as set forth below, the Loans underlying
such Security) not originally issued with OID, stated interest payable in the
relevant period to total stated interest remaining to be paid at the beginning
of the period or (b) in the case of Securities (or, in the case of a
Pass-Through Security, as described below, the Loans underlying such Security)
originally issued at a discount, OID in the relevant period to total OID
remaining to be paid.
 
     Section 1277 of the Code provides that, regardless of the origination date
of the Debt Security (or, in the case of a Pass-Through Security, the Loans),
the excess of interest paid or accrued to purchase or carry a Security (or, in
the case of a Pass-Through Security, as described below, the underlying Loans)
with market discount over interest received on such Security is allowed as a
current deduction only to the extent such excess is greater than the market
discount that accrued during the taxable year in which such interest expense was
incurred. In general, the deferred portion of any interest expense will be
deductible when such market discount is included in income, including upon the
sale, disposition, or repayment of the Security (or in the case of a
Pass-Through Security, an underlying Loan). A Holder may elect to include market
discount in income currently as it accrues, on all market discount obligations
acquired by such Holder during the taxable year such election is made and
thereafter, in which case the interest deferral rule will not apply.
 
     Premium.  A Holder who purchases a Debt Security (other than an Interest
Weighted Security to the extent described above) at a cost greater than its
stated redemption price at maturity, generally will be considered to have
purchased the Security at a premium, which it may elect to amortize as an offset
to interest income on such Security (and not as a separate deduction item) on a
constant yield method. Although no regulations addressing the computation of
premium accrual on securities similar to the Securities have been issued, the
legislative history of the 1986 Act indicates that premium is to be accrued in
the same manner as market discount. Accordingly, it appears that the accrual of
premium on a Class of Pay-Through Securities will be calculated using the
Prepayment Assumption used in pricing such Class. If a Holder makes an election
to amortize premium on a Debt Security, such election will apply to all taxable
debt instruments (including all REMIC regular interests and all pass-through
certificates representing ownership interests in a trust holding debt
obligations) held by the Holder at the beginning of the taxable year in which
the election is made, and to all taxable debt instruments acquired thereafter by
such Holder, and will be irrevocable without the consent of the IRS. Purchasers
who pay a premium for the Securities should consult their tax advisers regarding
the election to amortize premium and the method to be employed.
 
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     On June 27, 1996, the IRS issued proposed regulations (the "Amortizable
Bond Premium Regulations") dealing with amortizable bond premium. These
regulations specifically do not apply to prepayable debt instruments subject to
Code Section 1272(a)(6) such as the Securities. Absent further guidance from the
IRS, the Trustee intends to account for amortizable bond premium in the manner
described above. Prospective purchasers of the Securities should consult their
tax advisors regarding the possible application of the Amortizable Bond Premium
Regulations.
 
     Election to Treat All Interest as Original Issue Discount.  The OID
Regulations permit a Holder of a Debt Security to elect to accrue all interest,
discount (including de minimis market or original issue discount) and premium
income as interest, based on a constant yield method for Debt Securities
acquired on or after April 4, 1994. If such an election were to be made with
respect to a Debt Security with market discount, the Holder of the Debt Security
would be deemed to have made an election to include in income currently market
discount with respect to all other debt instruments having market discount that
such Holder of the Debt Security acquires during the year of the election or
thereafter. Similarly, a Holder of a Debt Security that makes this election for
a Debt Security that is acquired at a premium will be deemed to have made an
election to amortize bond premium with respect to all debt instruments having
amortizable bond premium that such Holder owns or acquires. The election to
accrue interest, discount and premium on a constant yield method with respect to
a Debt Security is irrevocable.
 
TAXATION OF THE REMIC AND ITS HOLDERS
 
     General.  In the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, special counsel to the Trust
Fund, if a REMIC election is made with respect to a Series of Securities, then
the arrangement by which the Securities of that Series are issued will be
treated as a REMIC as long as all of the provisions of the applicable Agreement
are complied with and the statutory and regulatory requirements are satisfied.
Securities will be designated as "Regular Interests" or "Residual Interests" in
a REMIC, as specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
     Except to the extent specified otherwise in a Prospectus Supplement, if a
REMIC election is made with respect to a Series of Securities, (i) Securities
held by a domestic building and loan association will constitute "a regular or a
residual interest in a REMIC" within the meaning of Code Section
7701(a)(19)(C)(xi) (assuming that at least 95% of the REMIC's assets consist of
cash, government securities, "loans secured by an interest in real property,"
and other types of assets described in Code Section 7701(a)(19)(C)); and (ii)
Securities held by a real estate investment trust will constitute "real estate
assets" within the meaning of Code Section 856(c)(6)(B), and income with respect
to the Securities will be considered "interest on obligations secured by
mortgages on real property or on interests in real property" within the meaning
of Code Section 856(c)(3)(B) (assuming, for both purposes, that at least 95% of
the REMIC's assets are qualifying assets). If less than 95% of the REMIC's
assets consist of assets described in (i) or (ii) above, then a Security will
qualify for the tax treatment described in (i), (ii) or (iii) in the proportion
that such REMIC assets are qualifying assets.
 
     The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, as part of the repeal of the
bad debt reserve method for thrift institutions, repealed the application of
Code Section 593(d) to any taxable year beginning after December 31, 1995.
 
REMIC EXPENSES; SINGLE CLASS REMICS
 
     As a general rule, all of the expenses of a REMIC will be taken into
account by Holders of the Residual Interest Securities. In the case of a "single
class REMIC," however, the expenses will be allocated, under Treasury
regulations, among the Holders of the Regular Interest Securities and the
Holders of the Residual Interest Securities (as defined herein) on a daily basis
in proportion to the relative amounts of income accruing to each Holder on that
day. In the case of a Holder of a Regular Interest Security who is an individual
or a "pass-through interest holder" (including certain pass-through entities,
but not including real estate investment trusts), such expenses will be
deductible only to the extent that such expenses, plus other "miscellaneous
itemized deductions" of the Holder, exceed 2% of such Holder's adjusted gross
income. In addition, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1990, the
amount of itemized deductions otherwise
 
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allowable for the taxable year for an individual whose adjusted gross income
exceeds the applicable amount (which amount will be adjusted for inflation for
taxable years beginning after 1990) will be reduced by the lesser of (i) 3% of
the excess of adjusted gross income over the applicable amount or (ii) 80% of
the amount of itemized deductions otherwise allowable for such taxable year. The
reduction or disallowance of this deduction may have a significant impact on the
yield of the Regular Interest Security to such a Holder. In general terms, a
single class REMIC is one that either (i) would qualify under existing Treasury
regulations as a grantor trust if it were not a REMIC (treating all interests as
ownership interests, even if they would be classified as debt for federal income
tax purposes) or (ii) is similar to such a trust and which is structured with
the principal purpose of avoiding the single class REMIC rules. Unless otherwise
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the expenses of the REMIC will
be allocated to Holders of the related Residual Interest Securities.
 
TAXATION OF THE REMIC
 
     General.  Although a REMIC is a separate entity for federal income tax
purposes, a REMIC is not generally subject to entity-level tax. Rather, the
taxable income or net loss of a REMIC is taken into account by the Holders of
Residual Interests. As described above, the Regular Interests are generally
taxable as debt of the REMIC.
 
     Calculation of REMIC Income.  The taxable income or net loss of a REMIC is
determined under an accrual method of accounting and in the same manner as in
the case of an individual, with certain adjustments. In general, the taxable
income or net loss will be the difference between (i) the gross income produced
by the REMIC's assets, including stated interest and any OID or market discount
on Loans and other assets, and (ii) deductions, including stated interest and
OID accrued on Regular Interest Securities, amortization of any premium with
respect to Loans, and servicing fees and other expenses of the REMIC. A Holder
of a Residual Interest Security that is an individual or a "pass-through
interest holder" (including certain pass-through entities, but not including
real estate investment trusts) will be unable to deduct servicing fees payable
on the Loans or other administrative expenses of the REMIC for a given taxable
year, to the extent that such expenses, when aggregated with such Holder's other
miscellaneous itemized deductions for that year, do not exceed two percent of
such Holder's adjusted gross income.
 
     For purposes of computing its taxable income or net loss, the REMIC should
have an initial aggregate tax basis in its assets equal to the aggregate fair
market value of the Regular Interests and the Residual Interests on the Startup
Day (generally, the day that the interests are issued). That aggregate basis
will be allocated among the assets of the REMIC in proportion to their
respective fair market values.
 
     The OID provisions of the Code apply to loans of individuals originated on
or after March 2, 1984, and the market discount provisions apply to loans
originated after July 18, 1984. Subject to possible application of the de
minimis rules, the method of accrual by the REMIC of OID income on such Loans
will be equivalent to the method under which Holders of Pay-Through Securities
accrue OID (i.e., under the constant yield method taking into account the
Prepayment Assumption). The REMIC will deduct OID on the Regular Interest
Securities in the same manner that the Holders of the Regular Interest
Securities include such discount in income, but without regard to the de minimis
rules. See "Taxation of Debt Securities" above. However, a REMIC that acquires
Loans at a market discount must include such market discount in income
currently, as it accrues, on a constant interest basis.
 
     To the extent that the REMIC's basis allocable to Loans that it holds
exceeds their principal amounts, the resulting premium, if attributable to
mortgages originated after September 27, 1985, will be amortized over the life
of the Loans (taking into account the Prepayment Assumption) on a constant yield
method. Although the law is somewhat unclear regarding recovery of premium
attributable to Loans originated on or before such date, it is possible that
such premium may be recovered in proportion to payments of Loan principal.
 
     Prohibited Transactions and Contributions Tax.  The REMIC will be subject
to a 100% tax on any net income derived from a "prohibited transaction." For
this purpose, net income will be calculated without taking into account any
losses from prohibited transactions or any deductions attributable to any
prohibited
 
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<PAGE>   152
 
transaction that resulted in a loss. In general, prohibited transactions
include: (i) subject to limited exceptions, the sale or other disposition of any
qualified mortgage transferred to the REMIC; (ii) subject to limited exceptions,
the sale or other disposition of a cash flow investment; (iii) the receipt of
any income from assets not permitted to be held by the REMIC pursuant to the
Code; or (iv) the receipt of any fees or other compensation for services
rendered by the REMIC. It is anticipated that a REMIC will not engage in any
prohibited transactions in which it would recognize a material amount of net
income. In addition, subject to a number of exceptions, a tax is imposed at the
rate of 100% on amounts contributed to a REMIC after the close of the
three-month period beginning on the Startup Day. The Holders of Residual
Interest Securities will generally be responsible for the payment of any such
taxes imposed on the REMIC. To the extent not paid by such Holders or otherwise,
however, such taxes will be paid out of the Trust Fund and will be allocated pro
rata to all outstanding classes of Securities of such REMIC.
 
TAXATION OF HOLDERS OF RESIDUAL INTEREST SECURITIES
 
     The Holder of a Security representing a Residual Interest (a "Residual
Interest Security") will take into account the "daily portion" of the taxable
income or net loss of the REMIC for each day during the taxable year in which
such Holder held the Residual Interest Security. The daily portion is determined
by allocating to each day in any calendar quarter its ratable portion of the
taxable income or net loss of the REMIC for such quarter, and by allocating that
amount among the Holders (on such day) of the Residual Interest Securities in
proportion to their respective holdings on such day.
 
     The Holder of a Residual Interest Security must report its proportionate
share of the taxable income of the REMIC whether or not it receives cash
distributions from the REMIC attributable to such income or loss. The reporting
of taxable income without corresponding distributions could occur, for example,
in certain REMIC issues in which the Loans held by the REMIC were issued or
acquired at a discount, since mortgage prepayments cause recognition of discount
income, while the corresponding portion of the prepayment could be used in whole
or in part to make principal payments on Regular Interests issued without any
discount or at an insubstantial discount (if this occurs, it is likely that cash
distributions will exceed taxable income in later years). Taxable income may
also be greater in earlier years of certain REMIC issues as a result of the fact
that interest expense deductions, as a percentage of outstanding principal on
Regular Interest Securities, will typically increase over time as lower yielding
Securities are paid, whereas interest income with respect to Loans will
generally remain constant over time as a percentage of Loan principal.
 
     In any event, because the Holder of a Residual Interest is taxed on the net
income of the REMIC, the taxable income derived from a Residual Interest
Security in a given taxable year will not be equal to the taxable income
associated with investment in a corporate bond or stripped instrument having
similar cash flow characteristics and pretax yield. Therefore, the after-tax
yield on the Residual Interest Security may be less than that of such a bond or
instrument.
 
     Limitation on Losses.  The amount of the REMIC's net loss that a Holder may
take into account currently is limited to the Holder's adjusted basis at the end
of the calendar quarter in which such loss arises. A Holder's basis in a
Residual Interest Security will initially equal such Holder's purchase price,
and will subsequently be increased by the amount of the REMIC's taxable income
allocated to the Holder, and decreased (but not below zero) by the amount of
distributions made and the amount of the REMIC's net loss allocated to the
Holder. Any disallowed loss may be carried forward indefinitely, but may be used
only to offset income of the REMIC generated by the same REMIC. The ability of
Holders of Residual Interest Securities to deduct net losses may be subject to
additional limitations under the Code, as to which such Holders should consult
their tax advisers.
 
     Distributions.  Distributions on a Residual Interest Security (whether at
their scheduled times or as a result of prepayments) will generally not result
in any additional taxable income or loss to a Holder of a Residual Interest
Security. If the amount of such payment exceeds a Holder's adjusted basis in the
Residual Interest Security, however, the Holder will recognize gain (treated as
gain from the sale of the Residual Interest Security) to the extent of such
excess.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   153
 
     Sale or Exchange.  A Holder of a Residual Interest Security will recognize
gain or loss on the sale or exchange of a Residual Interest Security equal to
the difference, if any, between the amount realized and such Holder's adjusted
basis in the Residual Interest Security at the time of such sale or exchange.
Except to the extent provided in regulations, which have not yet been issued,
any loss upon disposition of a Residual Interest Security will be disallowed if
the selling Holder acquires any residual interest in a REMIC or similar mortgage
pool within six months before or after such disposition.
 
     Excess Inclusions.  The portion of the REMIC taxable income of a Holder of
a Residual Interest Security consisting of "excess inclusion" income may not be
offset by other deductions or losses, including net operating losses, on such
Holder's federal income tax return. Further, if the Holder of a Residual
Interest Security is an organization subject to the tax on unrelated business
income imposed by Code Section 511, such holder's excess inclusion income will
be treated as unrelated business taxable income of such Holder. In addition,
under Treasury regulations yet to be issued, if a real estate investment trust,
a regulated investment company, a common trust fund, or certain cooperatives
were to own a Residual Interest Security, a portion of dividends (or other
distributions) paid by the real estate investment trust (or other entity) would
be treated as excess inclusion income. If a Residual Security is owned by a
foreign person, excess inclusion income is subject to tax at a rate of 30% which
may not be reduced by treaty, is not eligible for treatment as "portfolio
interest" and is subject to certain additional limitations. See "Tax Treatment
of Foreign Investors." The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 has
eliminated the special rule permitting Section 593 institutions ("thrift
institutions") to use net operating losses and other allowable deductions to
offset their excess inclusion income from REMIC residual certificates that have
"significant value" within the meaning of the REMIC Regulations, effective for
taxable years beginning after December 31, 1995, except with respect to residual
certificates continuously held by a thrift institution since November 1, 1995.
 
     In addition, the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 provides three
rules for determining the effect of excess inclusions on the alternative minimum
taxable income of a residual Holder. First, alternative minimum taxable income
for such residual Holder is determined without regard to the special rule that
taxable income cannot be less than excess inclusions. Second, a residual
Holder's alternative minimum taxable income for a tax year cannot be less than
excess inclusions for the year. Third, the amount of any alternative minimum tax
net operating loss deductions must be computed without regard to any excess
inclusions. These rules are effective for tax years beginning after December 31,
1986, unless a residual Holder elects to have such rules apply only to tax years
beginning after August 20, 1996.
 
     The excess inclusion portion of a REMIC's income is generally equal to the
excess, if any, of REMIC taxable income for the quarterly period allocable to a
Residual Interest Security, over the daily accruals for such quarterly period of
(i) 120% of the long-term applicable federal rate on the Startup Day multiplied
by (ii) the adjusted issue price of such Residual Interest Security at the
beginning of such quarterly period. The adjusted issue price of a Residual
Interest at the beginning of each calendar quarter will equal its issue price
(calculated in a manner analogous to the determination of the issue price of a
Regular Interest), increased by the aggregate of the daily accruals for prior
calendar quarters, and decreased (but not below zero) by the amount of loss
allocated to a Holder and the amount of distributions made on the Residual
Interest Security before the beginning of the quarter. The long-term federal
rate, which is announced monthly by the Treasury Department, is an interest rate
that is based on the average market yield of outstanding marketable obligations
of the United States government having remaining maturities in excess of nine
years.
 
     Under the REMIC Regulations, in certain circumstances, transfers of
Residual Securities may be disregarded. See "-- Restrictions on Ownership and
Transfer of Residual Interest Securities" and "-- Tax Treatment of Foreign
Investors" below.
 
     Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of Residual Interest Securities.  As
a condition to qualification as a REMIC, reasonable arrangements must be made to
prevent the ownership of a Residual Interest by any "Disqualified Organization."
Disqualified Organizations include the United States, any State or political
subdivision thereof, any foreign government, any international organization, or
any agency or instrumentality of any of the foregoing, a rural electric or
telephone cooperative described in Section 1381(a)(2)(C) of the Code, or any
entity exempt from the tax imposed by Sections 1-1399 of the Code, if such
entity is not subject
 
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to tax on its unrelated business income. Accordingly, the applicable Pooling and
Servicing Agreement will prohibit Disqualified Organizations from owning a
Residual Interest Security. In addition, no transfer of a Residual Interest
Security will be permitted unless the proposed transferee shall have furnished
to the Trustee an affidavit representing and warranting that it is neither a
Disqualified Organization nor an agent or nominee acting on behalf of a
Disqualified Organization.
 
     If a Residual Interest Security is transferred to a Disqualified
Organization (in violation of the restrictions set forth above), a substantial
tax will be imposed on the transferor of such Residual Interest Security at the
time of the transfer. In addition, if a Disqualified Organization holds an
interest in a pass-through entity (including, among others, a partnership,
trust, real estate investment trust, regulated investment company, or any person
holding as nominee), that owns a Residual Interest Security, the pass-through
entity will be required to pay an annual tax on its allocable share of the
excess inclusion income of the REMIC.
 
     Under the REMIC Regulations, if a Residual Interest Security is a
"noneconomic residual interest," as described below, a transfer of a Residual
Interest Security to a United States person will be disregarded for all Federal
tax purposes unless no significant purpose of the transfer was to impede the
assessment or collection of tax. A Residual Interest Security is a "noneconomic
residual interest" unless at the time of the transfer (i) the present value of
the expected future distributions on the Residual Interest Security at least
equals the product of the present value of the anticipated excess inclusions and
the highest rate of tax for the year in which the transfer occurs, and (ii) the
transferor reasonably expects that the transferee will receive distributions
from the REMIC at or after the time at which the taxes accrue on the anticipated
excess inclusions in an amount sufficient to satisfy the accrued taxes. If a
transfer of a Residual Interest is disregarded, the transferor would be liable
for any Federal income tax imposed upon taxable income derived by the transferee
from the REMIC. The REMIC Regulations provide no guidance as to how to determine
if a significant purpose of a transfer is to impede the assessment or collection
of tax. A similar type of limitation exists with respect to certain transfers of
Residual Interests by foreign persons to United States persons. See "-- Tax
Treatment of Foreign Investors."
 
     Mark to Market Rules.  Prospective purchasers of a Residual Interest
Security should be aware that the IRS recently finalized regulations (the
"Mark-to-Market Regulations") which provide that a Residual Interest Security
acquired after January 3, 1995 cannot be marked-to-market. The Mark-to-Market
Regulations replace the temporary regulations which allowed a Residual Interest
Security to be marked-to-market provided that it was not a negative value
Residual Interest and did not have the same economic effect as a negative value
Residual Interest. Prospective purchasers of a Residual Interest Security should
consult their tax advisors regarding the possible application of the
Mark-to-Market Regulations.
 
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
 
     The REMIC's books must be maintained on a calendar year basis and the REMIC
must file an annual federal income tax return. The REMIC will also be subject to
the procedural and administrative rules of the Code applicable to partnerships,
including the determination of any adjustments to, among other things, items of
REMIC income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit, by the IRS in a unified
administrative proceeding.
 
TAX STATUS AS A GRANTOR TRUST
 
     General.  As specified in the related Prospectus Supplement if a REMIC or
partnership election is not made, in the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, special
counsel to Provident, the Trust Fund relating to a Series of Securities will be
classified for federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust under Subpart E,
Part I of Subchapter J of the Code and not as an association taxable as a
corporation (the Securities of such Series, "Pass-Through Securities"). In some
Series there will be no separation of the principal and interest payments on the
Loans. In such circumstances, a Holder will be considered to have purchased a
pro rata undivided interest in each of the Loans. In other cases ("Stripped
Securities"), sale of the Securities will produce a separation in the ownership
of all or a portion of the principal payments from all or a portion of the
interest payments on the Loans.
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   155
 
     Each Holder must report on its federal income tax return its share of the
gross income derived from the Loans (not reduced by the amount payable as fees
to the Trustee and the Servicer and similar fees (collectively, the "Servicing
Fees")), at the same time and in the same manner as such items would have been
reported under the Holder's tax accounting method had it held its interest in
the Loans directly, received directly its share of the amounts received with
respect to the Loans, and paid directly its share of the Servicing Fees. In the
case of Pass-Through Securities other than Stripped Securities, such income will
consist of a pro rata share of all of the income derived from all of the Loans
and, in the case of Stripped Securities, such income will consist of a pro rata
share of the income derived from each stripped bond or stripped coupon in which
the Holder owns an interest. The holder of a Security will generally be entitled
to deduct such Servicing Fees under Section 162 or Section 212 of the Code to
the extent that such Servicing Fees represent "reasonable" compensation for the
services rendered by the Trustee and the Servicer (or third parties that are
compensated for the performance of services). In the case of a noncorporate
Holder, however, Servicing Fees (to the extent not otherwise disallowed, e.g.,
because they exceed reasonable compensation) will be deductible in computing
such Holder's regular tax liability only to the extent that such fees, when
added to other miscellaneous itemized deductions, exceed 2% of adjusted gross
income and may not be deductible to any extent in computing such Holder's
alternative minimum tax liability. In addition, the amount of itemized
deductions otherwise allowable for the taxable year for an individual whose
adjusted gross income exceeds the applicable amount (which amount will be
adjusted for inflation) will be reduced by the lesser of (i) 3% of the excess of
adjusted gross income over the applicable amount or (ii) 80% of the amount of
itemized deductions otherwise allowable for such taxable year.
 
     Discount or Premium on Pass-Through Securities.  The Holder's purchase
price of a Pass-Through Security is to be allocated among the Loans in
proportion to their fair market values determined as of the time of purchase of
the Securities. In the typical case, the Trustee (to the extent necessary to
fulfill its reporting obligations) will treat each Loan as having a fair market
value proportional to the share of the aggregate principal balances of all of
the Loans that it represents, since the Securities, unless otherwise specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement, will have a relatively uniform interest
rate and other common characteristics. To the extent that the portion of the
purchase price of a Pass-Through Security allocated to a Loan (other than to a
right to receive any accrued interest thereon and any undistributed principal
payments) is less than or greater than the portion of the principal balance of
the Loan allocable to the Security, the interest in the Loan allocable to the
Pass-Through Security will be deemed to have been acquired at a discount or
premium, respectively.
 
     The treatment of any discount will depend on whether the discount
represents OID or market discount. In the case of a Loan with OID in excess of a
prescribed de minimis amount or a Stripped Security, a Holder of a Security will
be required to report as interest income in each taxable year its share of the
amount of OID that accrues during that year in the manner described above. OID
with respect to a Loan could arise, for example, by virtue of the financing of
points by the originator of the Loan, or by virtue of the charging of points by
the originator of the Loan in an amount greater than a statutory de minimis
exception, in circumstances under which the points are not currently deductible
pursuant to applicable Code provisions. Any market discount or premium on a Loan
will be includible in income, generally in the manner described above, except
that in the case of Pass-Through Securities, market discount is calculated with
respect to the Loans underlying the Certificate, rather than with respect to the
Security. A Holder that acquires an interest in a Loan originated after July 18,
1984 with more than a de minimis amount of market discount (generally, the
excess of the principal amount of the Loan over the purchaser's allocable
purchase price) will be required to include accrued market discount in income in
the manner set forth above. See "-- Taxation of Debt Securities; Market
Discount" and "-- Premium" above.
 
     In the case of market discount on a Pass-Through Security attributable to
Loans originated on or before July 18, 1984, the Holder generally will be
required to allocate the portion of such discount that is allocable to a Loan
among the principal payments on the Loan and to include the discount allocable
to each principal payment in ordinary income at the time such principal payment
is made. Such treatment would generally result in discount being included in
income at a slower rate than discount would be required to be included in income
using the method described in the preceding paragraph.
 
                                       69
<PAGE>   156
 
     Stripped Securities.  A Stripped Security may represent a right to receive
only a portion of the interest payments on the Loans, a right to receive only
principal payments on the Loans, or a right to receive certain payments of both
interest and principal. Certain Stripped Securities ("Ratio Strip Securities")
may represent a right to receive differing percentages of both the interest and
principal on each Loan. Pursuant to Section 1286 of the Code, the separation of
ownership of the right to receive some or all of the interest payments on an
obligation from ownership of the right to receive some or all of the principal
payments results in the creation of "stripped bonds" with respect to principal
payments and "stripped coupons" with respect to interest payments. Section 1286
of the Code applies the OID rules to stripped bonds and stripped coupons. For
purposes of computing OID, a stripped bond or a stripped coupon is treated as a
debt instrument issued on the date that such stripped interest is purchased with
an issue price equal to its purchase price or, if more than one stripped
interest is purchased, the ratable share of the purchase price allocable to such
stripped interest.
 
     Servicing Fees in excess of reasonable Servicing Fees ("Excess Servicing
Fees") will be treated under the stripped bond rules. If the Excess Servicing
Fees are less than 100 basis points (i.e., 1% interest on the Loan principal
balance) or the Securities are initially sold with a de minimis discount
(assuming no Prepayment Assumption is required), any non-de minimis discount
arising from a subsequent transfer of the Securities should be treated as market
discount. The IRS appears to require that reasonable Servicing Fees be
calculated on a Loan-by-Loan basis, which could result in some Loans being
treated as having more than 100 basis points of interest stripped off.
 
     The Code, OID Regulations and judicial decisions provide no direct guidance
as to how the interest and OID rules are to apply to Stripped Securities and
other Pass-Through Securities. Under the method described above for Pay-Through
Securities (the "Cash Flow Bond Method"), a Prepayment Assumption is used and
periodic recalculations are made which take into account with respect to each
accrual period the effect of prepayments during such period. However, the 1986
Act does not, absent Treasury regulations, appear specifically to cover
instruments such as the Stripped Securities which technically represent
ownership interests in the underlying Loans, rather than being debt instruments
"secured by" those Loans. Nevertheless, it is believed that the Cash Flow Bond
Method is a reasonable method of reporting income for such Securities, and it is
expected that OID will be reported on that basis unless otherwise specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement. In applying the calculation to Pass-Through
Securities, the Trustee will treat all payments to be received by a Holder with
respect to the underlying Loans as payments on a single installment obligation.
The IRS could, however, assert that OID must be calculated separately for each
Loan underlying a Security.
 
     Under certain circumstances, if the Loans prepay at a rate faster than the
Prepayment Assumption, the use of the Cash Flow Bond Method may accelerate a
Holder's recognition of income. If, however, the Loans prepay at a rate slower
than the Prepayment Assumption, in some circumstances the use of this method may
decelerate a Holder's recognition of income.
 
     In the case of a Stripped Security that is an Interest Weighted Security,
the Trustee intends, absent contrary authority, to report income to
Securityholders as OID, in the manner described above for Interest Weighted
Securities.
 
     Possible Alternative Characterizations.  The characterizations of the
Stripped Securities described above are not the only possible interpretations of
the applicable Code provisions. Among other possibilities, the IRS could contend
that (i) in certain Series, each non-Interest Weighted Security is composed of
an unstripped undivided ownership interest in Loans and an installment
obligation consisting of stripped principal payments; (ii) the non-Interest
Weighted Securities are subject to the contingent payment provisions of the
Contingent Regulations; or (iii) each Interest Weighted Stripped Security is
composed of an unstripped undivided ownership interest in Loans and an
installment obligation consisting of stripped interest payments.
 
     Given the variety of alternatives for treatment of the Stripped Securities
and the different federal income tax consequences that result from each
alternative, potential purchasers are urged to consult their own tax advisers
regarding the proper treatment of the Securities for federal income tax
purposes.
 
     Character as Qualifying Loans.  In the case of Stripped Securities, there
is no specific legal authority existing regarding whether the character of the
Securities, for federal income tax purposes, will be the same as
 
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the Loans. The IRS could take the position that the Loans' character is not
carried over to the Securities in such circumstances. Pass-Through Securities
will be, and, although the matter is not free from doubt, Stripped Securities
should be, considered to represent "real estate assets" within the meaning of
Section 856(c)(6)(B) of the Code and "loans secured by an interest in real
property" within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(19)(C)(v) of the Code; and
interest income attributable to the Securities should be considered to represent
"interest on obligations secured by mortgages on real property or on interests
in real property" within the meaning of Section 856(c)(3)(B) of the Code.
Reserves or funds underlying the Securities may cause a proportionate reduction
in the above-described qualifying status categories of Securities.
 
SALE OR EXCHANGE
 
     Subject to the discussion below with respect to Trust Funds as to which a
partnership election is made, a Holder's tax basis in its Security is the price
such Holder pays for a Security, plus amounts of original issue or market
discount included in income and reduced by any payments received (other than
qualified stated interest payments) and any amortized premium. Gain or loss
recognized on a sale, exchange, or redemption of a Security, measured by the
difference between the amount realized and the Security's basis as so adjusted,
will generally be capital gain or loss, assuming that the Security is held as a
capital asset. In the case of a Security held by a bank, thrift, or similar
institution described in Section 582 of the Code, however, gain or loss realized
on the sale or exchange of a Regular Interest Security will be taxable as
ordinary income or loss. In addition, gain from the disposition of a Regular
Interest Security that might otherwise be capital gain will be treated as
ordinary income to the extent of the excess, if any, of (i) the amount that
would have been includible in the Holder's income if the yield on such Regular
Interest Security had equaled 110% of the applicable federal rate as of the
beginning of such Holder's holding period, over the amount of ordinary income
actually recognized by the Holder with respect to such Regular Interest
Security. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993, the maximum tax
rate on ordinary income for individual taxpayers is 39.6% and the maximum tax
rate on long-term capital gains reported after December 31, 1990 for such
taxpayers is 28%. The maximum tax rate on both ordinary income and long-term
capital gains of corporate taxpayers is 35%.
 
MISCELLANEOUS TAX ASPECTS
 
     Backup Withholding.  Subject to the discussion below with respect to Trust
Funds as to which a partnership election is made, a Holder, other than a Holder
of a Residual Interest Security, may, under certain circumstances, be subject to
"backup withholding" at a rate of 31% with respect to distributions or the
proceeds of a sale of certificates to or through brokers that represent interest
or OID on the Securities. This withholding generally applies if the Holder of a
Security (i) fails to furnish the Trustee with its taxpayer identification
number ("TIN"); (ii) furnishes the Trustee an incorrect TIN; (iii) fails to
report properly interest, dividends or other "reportable payments" as defined in
the Code; or (iv) under certain circumstances, fails to provide the Trustee or
such Holder's securities broker with a certified statement, signed under penalty
of perjury, that the TIN provided is its correct number and that the Holder is
not subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding will not apply, however,
with respect to certain payments made to Holders, including payments to certain
exempt recipients (such as exempt organizations) and to certain Nonresidents (as
defined below). Holders should consult their tax advisers as to their
qualification for exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for
obtaining the exemption.
 
     The Trustee will report to the Holders and to the Servicer for each
calendar year the amount of any "reportable payments" during such year and the
amount of tax withheld, if any, with respect to payments on the Securities.
 
TAX TREATMENT OF FOREIGN INVESTORS
 
     Subject to the discussion below with respect to Trust Funds as to which a
partnership election is made, under the Code, unless interest (including OID)
paid on a Security (other than a Residual Interest Security) is considered to be
"effectively connected" with a trade or business conducted in the United States
by a
 
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nonresident alien individual, foreign partnership or foreign corporation
("Nonresidents"), such interest will normally qualify as portfolio interest
(except where (i) the recipient is a holder, directly or by attribution, of 10%
or more of the capital or profits interest in the issuer, or (ii) the recipient
is a controlled foreign corporation to which the issuer is a related person) and
will be exempt from federal income tax. Upon receipt of appropriate ownership
statements, the issuer normally will be relieved of obligations to withhold tax
from such interest payments. These provisions supersede the generally applicable
provisions of United States law that would otherwise require the issuer to
withhold at a 30% rate (unless such rate were reduced or eliminated by an
applicable tax treaty) on, among other things, interest and other fixed or
determinable, annual or periodic income paid to Nonresidents. Holders of
Pass-Through Securities and Stripped Securities, including Ratio Strip
Securities, however, may be subject to withholding to the extent that the Loans
were originated on or before July 18, 1984.
 
     Interest and OID of Holders who are foreign persons are not subject to
withholding if they are effectively connected with a United States business
conducted by the Holder. They will, however, generally be subject to the regular
United States income tax.
 
     Payments to Holders of Residual Interest Securities who are foreign persons
will generally be treated as interest for purposes of the 30% (or lower treaty
rate) United States withholding tax. Holders should assume that such income does
not qualify for exemption from United States withholding tax as "portfolio
interest." It is clear that, to the extent that a payment represents a portion
of REMIC taxable income that constitutes excess inclusion income, a Holder of a
Residual Interest Security will not be entitled to an exemption from or
reduction of the 30% (or lower treaty rate) withholding tax rule. If the
payments are subject to United States withholding tax, they generally will be
taken into account for withholding tax purposes only when paid or distributed
(or when the Residual Interest Security is disposed of). The Treasury has
statutory authority, however, to promulgate regulations which would require such
amounts to be taken into account at an earlier time in order to prevent the
avoidance of tax. Such regulations could, for example, require withholding prior
to the distribution of cash in the case of Residual Interest Securities that do
not have significant value. Under the REMIC Regulations, if a Residual Interest
Security has tax avoidance potential, a transfer of a Residual Interest Security
to a Nonresident will be disregarded for all federal tax purposes. A Residual
Interest Security has tax avoidance potential unless, at the time of the
transfer, the transferor reasonably expects that the REMIC will distribute to
the transferee amounts that will equal at least 30% of each excess inclusion,
and that such amounts will be distributed at or after the time at which the
excess inclusions accrue and not later than the calendar year following the
calendar year of accrual. If a Nonresident transfers a Residual Interest
Security to a United States person, and if the transfer has the effect of
allowing the transferor to avoid tax on accrued excess inclusions, then the
transfer is disregarded and the transferor continues to be treated as the owner
of the Residual Interest Security for purposes of the withholding tax provisions
of the Code. See "-- Excess Inclusions."
 
TAX CHARACTERIZATION OF THE TRUST FUND AS A PARTNERSHIP
 
     Brown & Wood LLP, special counsel to Provident, will deliver its opinion
that a Trust Fund for which a partnership election is made will not be an
association (or publicly traded partnership) taxable as a corporation for
federal income tax purposes. This opinion will be based on the assumption that
the terms of the Trust Agreement and related documents will be complied with,
and on counsel's conclusions that (1) the Trust Fund will not have certain
characteristics necessary for a business trust to be classified as an
association taxable as a corporation and (2) the nature of the income of the
Trust Fund will exempt it from the rule that certain publicly traded
partnerships are taxable as corporations or the issuance of the Securities has
been structured as a private placement under an IRS safe harbor, so that the
Trust Fund will not be characterized as a publicly traded partnership taxable as
a corporation.
 
     If the Trust Fund were taxable as a corporation for federal income tax
purposes, the Trust Fund would be subject to corporate income tax on its taxable
income. The Trust Fund's taxable income would include all its income, possibly
reduced by its interest expense on the Notes. Any such corporate income tax
could materially reduce cash available to make payments on the Notes and
distributions on the Certificates, and Certificateholders could be liable for
any such tax that is unpaid by the Trust Fund.
 
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<PAGE>   159
 
TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HOLDERS OF THE NOTES
 
     Treatment of the Notes as Indebtedness.  The Trust Fund will agree, and the
Noteholders will agree by their purchase of Notes, to treat the Notes as debt
for federal income tax purposes. Brown & Wood LLP, special counsel to Provident,
will, except as otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, advise
Provident that the Notes will be classified as debt for federal income tax
purposes. The discussion below assumes this characterization of the Notes is
correct.
 
     OID, Indexed Securities, etc.  The discussion below assumes that all
payments on the Notes are denominated in U.S. dollars, and that the Notes are
not Indexed Securities or Strip Notes. Moreover, the discussion assumes that the
interest formula for the Notes meets the requirements for "qualified stated
interest" under the OID Regulations, and that any OID on the Notes (i.e., any
excess of the principal amount of the Notes over their issue price) does not
exceed a de minimis amount (i.e., 0.25% of their principal amount multiplied by
the number of full years included in their term), all within the meaning of the
OID Regulations. If these conditions are not satisfied with respect to any given
series of Notes, additional tax considerations with respect to such Notes will
be disclosed in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
     Interest Income on the Notes.  Based on the above assumptions, except as
discussed in the following paragraph, the Notes will not be considered issued
with OID. The stated interest thereon will be taxable to a Noteholder as
ordinary interest income when received or accrued in accordance with such
Noteholder's method of tax accounting. Under the OID Regulations, a Holder of a
Note issued with a de minimis amount of OID must include such OID in income, on
a pro rata basis, as principal payments are made on the Note. It is believed
that any prepayment premium paid as a result of a mandatory redemption will be
taxable as contingent interest when it becomes fixed and unconditionally
payable. A purchaser who buys a Note for more or less than its principal amount
will generally be subject, respectively, to the premium amortization or market
discount rules of the Code.
 
     A Holder of a Note that has a fixed maturity date of not more than one year
from the issue date of such Note (a "Short-Term Note") may be subject to special
rules. An accrual basis Holder of a Short-Term Note (and certain cash method
Holders, including regulated investment companies, as set forth in Section 1281
of the Code) generally would be required to report interest income as interest
accrues on a straight-line basis over the term of each interest period. Other
cash basis Holders of a Short-Term Note would, in general, be required to report
interest income as interest is paid (or, if earlier, upon the taxable
disposition of the Short-Term Note). However, a cash basis Holder of a
Short-Term Note reporting interest income as it is paid may be required to defer
a portion of any interest expense otherwise deductible on indebtedness incurred
to purchase or carry the Short-Term Note until the taxable disposition of the
Short-Term Note. A cash basis taxpayer may elect under Section 1281 of the Code
to accrue interest income on all nongovernment debt obligations with a term of
one year or less, in which case the taxpayer would include interest on the
Short-Term Note in income as it accrues, but would not be subject to the
interest expense deferral rule referred to in the preceding sentence. Certain
special rules apply if a Short-Term Note is purchased for more or less than its
principal amount.
 
     Sale or Other Disposition.  If a Noteholder sells a Note, the Holder will
recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount
realized on the sale and the Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Note. The
adjusted tax basis of a Note to a particular Noteholder will equal the Holder's
cost for the Note, increased by any market discount, acquisition discount, OID
and gain previously included by such Noteholder in income with respect to the
Note and decreased by the amount of bond premium (if any) previously amortized
and by the amount of principal payments previously received by such Noteholder
with respect to such Note. Any such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if
the Note was held as a capital asset, except for gain representing accrued
interest and accrued market discount not previously included in income. Capital
losses generally may be used only to offset capital gains.
 
     Foreign Holders.  Interest payments made (or accrued) to a Noteholder who
is a nonresident alien, foreign corporation or other non-United States person (a
"foreign person") generally will be considered "portfolio interest", and
generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax and
withholding tax if the interest is not effectively connected with the conduct of
a trade or business within the United States by
 
                                       73
<PAGE>   160
 
the foreign person and the foreign person (i) is not actually or constructively
a "10 percent shareholder" of the Trust Fund or Provident (including a Holder of
10% of the outstanding Certificates) or a "controlled foreign corporation" with
respect to which the Trust Fund or Provident is a "related person" within the
meaning of the Code and (ii) provides the Owner Trustee or other person who is
otherwise required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to the Notes with an
appropriate statement (on Form W-8 or a similar form), signed under penalties of
perjury, certifying that the beneficial owner of the Note is a foreign person
and providing the foreign person's name and address. If a Note is held through a
securities clearing organization or certain other financial institutions, the
organization or institution may provide the relevant signed statement to the
withholding agent; in that case, however, the signed statement must be
accompanied by a Form W-8 or substitute form provided by the foreign person that
owns the Note. If such interest is not portfolio interest, then it will be
subject to United States federal income and withholding tax at a rate of 30
percent, unless reduced or eliminated pursuant to an applicable tax treaty.
 
     Any capital gain realized on the sale, redemption, retirement or other
taxable disposition of a Note by a foreign person will be exempt from United
States federal income and withholding tax, provided that (i) such gain is not
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United
States by the foreign person and (ii) in the case of an individual foreign
person, the foreign person is not present in the United States for 183 days or
more in the taxable year.
 
     Backup Withholding.  Each Holder of a Note (other than an exempt Holder
such as a corporation, tax-exempt organization, qualified pension and
profit-sharing trust, individual retirement account or nonresident alien who
provides certification as to status as a nonresident) will be required to
provide, under penalties of perjury, a certificate containing the Holder's name,
address, correct federal taxpayer identification number and a statement that the
Holder is not subject to backup withholding. Should a nonexempt Noteholder fail
to provide the required certification, the Trust Fund will be required to
withhold 31 percent of the amount otherwise payable to the Holder, and remit the
withheld amount to the IRS as a credit against the Holder's federal income tax
liability.
 
     Possible Alternative Treatments of the Notes.  If, contrary to the opinion
of Brown & Wood LLP, special counsel to the Trust Fund, the IRS successfully
asserted that one or more of the Notes did not represent debt for federal income
tax purposes, the Trust Fund might be treated as a publicly traded partnership
that would not be taxable as a corporation because it would meet certain
qualifying income tests. Nonetheless, treatment of the Notes as equity interests
in such a publicly traded partnership could have adverse tax consequences to
certain Holders. For example, income to certain tax-exempt entities (including
pension funds) would be "unrelated business taxable income", income to foreign
Holders generally would be subject to U.S. tax and U.S. tax return filing and
withholding requirements, and individual Holders might be subject to certain
limitations on their ability to deduct their share of the Trust Fund's expenses.
 
TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HOLDERS OF THE CERTIFICATES
 
     Treatment of the Trust Fund as a Partnership.  The Trust Fund and the
Master Servicer will agree, and the Certificateholders will agree by their
purchase of Certificates, to treat the Trust Fund as a partnership for purposes
of federal and state income tax, franchise tax and any other tax measured in
whole or in part by income, with the assets of the partnership being the assets
held by the Trust Fund, the partners of the partnership being the
Certificateholders, and the Notes being debt of the partnership. However, the
proper characterization of the arrangement involving the Trust Fund, the
Certificates, the Notes, the Trust Fund and the Servicer is not clear because
there is no authority on transactions closely comparable to that contemplated
herein.
 
     A variety of alternative characterizations are possible. For example,
because the Certificates have certain features characteristic of debt, the
Certificates might be considered debt of the Trust Fund. Any such
characterization would not result in materially adverse tax consequences to
Certificateholders as compared to the consequences from treatment of the
Certificates as equity in a partnership, described below. The following
discussion assumes that the Certificates represent equity interests in a
partnership.
 
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<PAGE>   161
 
     Indexed Securities, etc.  The following discussion assumes that all
payments on the Certificates are denominated in U.S. dollars, none of the
Certificates are Indexed Securities or Strip Certificates, and that a Series of
Securities includes a single class of Certificates. If these conditions are not
satisfied with respect to any given Series of Certificates, additional tax
considerations with respect to such Certificates will be disclosed in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
     Partnership Taxation.  As a partnership, the Trust Fund will not be subject
to federal income tax. Rather, each Certificateholder will be required to
separately take into account such Holder's allocated share of income, gains,
losses, deductions and credits of the Trust Fund. The Trust Fund's income will
consist primarily of interest and finance charges earned on the Loans (including
appropriate adjustments for market discount, OID and bond premium) and any gain
upon collection or disposition of Loans. The Trust Fund's deductions will
consist primarily of interest accruing with respect to the Notes, servicing and
other fees, and losses or deductions upon collection or disposition of Loans.
 
     The tax items of a partnership are allocable to the partners in accordance
with the Code, Treasury regulations and the partnership agreement (here, the
Trust Agreement and related documents). The Trust Agreement will provide, in
general, that the Certificateholders will be allocated taxable income of the
Trust Fund for each month equal to the sum of (i) the interest that accrues on
the Certificates in accordance with their terms for such month, including
interest accruing at the Pass-Through Rate for such month and interest on
amounts previously due on the Certificates but not yet distributed; (ii) any
Trust Fund income attributable to discount on the Loans that corresponds to any
excess of the principal amount of the Certificates over their initial issue
price (iii) prepayment premium payable to the Certificateholders for such month;
and (iv) any other amounts of income payable to the Certificateholders for such
month. Such allocation will be reduced by any amortization by the Trust Fund of
premium on Loans that corresponds to any excess of the issue price of
Certificates over their principal amount. All remaining taxable income of the
Trust Fund will be allocated to Provident. Based on the economic arrangement of
the parties, this approach for allocating Trust Fund income should be
permissible under applicable Treasury regulations, although no assurance can be
given that the IRS would not require a greater amount of income to be allocated
to Certificateholders. Moreover, even under the foregoing method of allocation,
Certificateholders may be allocated income equal to the entire Pass-Through Rate
plus the other items described above even though the Trust Fund might not have
sufficient cash to make current cash distributions of such amount. Thus, cash
basis Holders will in effect be required to report income from the Certificates
on the accrual basis and Certificateholders may become liable for taxes on Trust
Fund income even if they have not received cash from the Trust Fund to pay such
taxes. In addition, because tax allocations and tax reporting will be done on a
uniform basis for all Certificateholders but Certificateholders may be
purchasing Certificates at different times and at different prices,
Certificateholders may be required to report on their tax returns taxable income
that is greater or less than the amount reported to them by the Trust Fund.
 
     All of the taxable income allocated to a Certificateholder that is a
pension, profit sharing or employee benefit plan or other tax-exempt entity
(including an individual retirement account) will constitute "unrelated business
taxable income" generally taxable to a Holder under the Code.
 
     An individual taxpayer's share of expenses of the Trust Fund (including
fees to the Servicer but not interest expense) would be miscellaneous itemized
deductions. Such deductions might be disallowed to the individual in whole or in
part and might result in such Holder being taxed on an amount of income that
exceeds the amount of cash actually distributed to such Holder over the life of
the Trust Fund.
 
     The Trust Fund intends to make all tax calculations relating to income and
allocations to Certificateholders on an aggregate basis. If the IRS were to
require that such calculations be made separately for each Loan, the Trust Fund
might be required to incur additional expense but it is believed that there
would not be a material adverse effect on Certificateholders.
 
     Discount and Premium.  It is believed that the Loans were not issued with
OID, and, therefore, the Trust Fund should not have OID income. However, the
purchase price paid by the Trust Fund for the Loans may be greater or less than
the remaining principal balance of the Loans at the time of purchase. If so, the
Loan will have been acquired at a premium or discount, as the case may be. (As
indicated above, the Trust
 
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<PAGE>   162
 
Fund will make this calculation on an aggregate basis, but might be required to
recompute it on a Loan by Loan basis.)
 
     If the Trust Fund acquires the Loans at a market discount or premium, the
Trust Fund will elect to include any such discount in income currently as it
accrues over the life of the Loans or to offset any such premium against
interest income on the Loans. As indicated above, a portion of such market
discount income or premium deduction may be allocated to Certificateholders.
 
     Section 708 Termination.  Pursuant to final Treasury regulations issued May
9, 1997 under section 708 of the Code a sale or exchange of 50 percent or more
of the capital and profits in the Issuer would cause a deemed contribution of
assets of the Issuer (the "old partnership") to a new partnership (the "new
partnership") in exchange for interests in the new partnership. Such interests
would be deemed distributed to the partners of the old partnership in
liquidation thereof, which would not constitute a sale or exchange.
 
     Disposition of Certificates.  Generally, capital gain or loss will be
recognized on a sale of Certificates in an amount equal to the difference
between the amount realized and the seller's tax basis in the Certificates sold.
A Certificateholder's tax basis in a Certificate will generally equal the
Holder's cost increased by the Holder's share of Trust Fund income (includible
in income) and decreased by any distributions received with respect to such
Certificate. In addition, both the tax basis in the Certificates and the amount
realized on a sale of a Certificate would include the Holder's share of the
Notes and other liabilities of the Trust Fund. A Holder acquiring Certificates
at different prices may be required to maintain a single aggregate adjusted tax
basis in such Certificates, and, upon sale or other disposition of some of the
Certificates, allocate a portion of such aggregate tax basis to the Certificates
sold (rather than maintaining a separate tax basis in each Certificate for
purposes of computing gain or loss on a sale of that Certificate).
 
     Any gain on the sale of a Certificate attributable to the Holder's share of
unrecognized accrued market discount on the Loans would generally be treated as
ordinary income to the Holder and would give rise to special tax reporting
requirements. The Trust Fund does not expect to have any other assets that would
give rise to such special reporting requirements. Thus, to avoid those special
reporting requirements, the Trust Fund will elect to include market discount in
income as it accrues.
 
     If a Certificateholder is required to recognize an aggregate amount of
income (not including income attributable to disallowed itemized deductions
described above) over the life of the Certificates that exceeds the aggregate
cash distributions with respect thereto, such excess will generally give rise to
a capital loss upon the retirement of the Certificates.
 
     Allocations Between Transferors and Transferees.  In general, the Trust
Fund's taxable income and losses will be determined monthly and the tax items
for a particular calendar month will be apportioned among the Certificateholders
in proportion to the principal amount of Certificates owned by them as of the
close of the last day of such month. As a result, a Holder purchasing
Certificates may be allocated tax items (which will affect its tax liability and
tax basis) attributable to periods before the actual transaction.
 
     The use of such a monthly convention may not be permitted by existing
regulations. If a monthly convention is not allowed (or only applies to
transfers of less than all of the partner's interest), taxable income or losses
of the Trust Fund might be reallocated among the Certificateholders. The Trust
Fund's method of allocation between transferors and transferees may be revised
to conform to a method permitted by future regulations.
 
     Section 754 Election.  In the event that a Certificateholder sells its
Certificates at a profit (loss), the purchasing Certificateholder will have a
higher (lower) basis in the Certificates than the selling Certificateholder had.
The tax basis of the Trust Fund's assets will not be adjusted to reflect that
higher (or lower) basis unless the Trust Fund were to file an election under
Section 754 of the Code. In order to avoid the administrative complexities that
would be involved in keeping accurate accounting records, as well as potentially
onerous information reporting requirements, the Trust Fund will not make such
election. As a result, Certificateholders might be allocated a greater or lesser
amount of Trust Fund income than would be appropriate based on their own
purchase price for Certificates.
 
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<PAGE>   163
 
     Administrative Matters.  The Owner Trustee is required to keep or have kept
complete and accurate books of the Trust Fund. Such books will be maintained for
financial reporting and tax purposes on an accrual basis and the fiscal year of
the Trust Fund will be the calendar year. The Trustee will file a partnership
information return (IRS Form 1065) with the IRS for each taxable year of the
Trust Fund and will report each Certificateholder's allocable share of items of
Trust Fund income and expense to Holders and the IRS on Schedule K-1. The Trust
Fund will provide the Schedule K-1 information to nominees that fail to provide
the Trust Fund with the information statement described below and such nominees
will be required to forward such information to the beneficial owners of the
Certificates. Generally, Holders must file tax returns that are consistent with
the information return filed by the Trust Fund or be subject to penalties unless
the Holder notifies the IRS of all such inconsistencies.
 
     Under Section 6031 of the Code, any person that holds Certificates as a
nominee at any time during a calendar year is required to furnish the Trust Fund
with a statement containing certain information on the nominee, the beneficial
owners and the Certificates so held. Such information includes (i) the name,
address and taxpayer identification number of the nominee and (ii) as to each
beneficial owner (x) the name, address and identification number of such person,
(y) whether such person is a United States person, a tax-exempt entity or a
foreign government, an international organization, or any wholly owned agency or
instrumentality of either of the foregoing, and (z) certain information on
Certificates that were held, bought or sold on behalf of such person throughout
the year. In addition, brokers and financial institutions that hold Certificates
through a nominee are required to furnish directly to the Trust Fund information
as to themselves and their ownership of Certificates. A clearing agency
registered under Section 17A of the Exchange Act is not required to furnish any
such information statement to the Trust Fund. The information referred to above
for any calendar year must be furnished to the Trust Fund on or before the
following January 31. Nominees, brokers and financial institutions that fail to
provide the Trust Fund with the information described above may be subject to
penalties.
 
     Provident or the Trustee will be designated as the tax matters partner in
the related Trust Agreement and, as such, will be responsible for representing
the Certificateholders in any dispute with the IRS. The Code provides for
administrative examination of a partnership as if the partnership were a
separate and distinct taxpayer. Generally, the statute of limitations for
partnership items does not expire before three years after the date on which the
partnership information return is filed. Any adverse determination following an
audit of the return of the Trust Fund by the appropriate taxing authorities
could result in an adjustment of the returns of the Certificateholders, and,
under certain circumstances, a Certificateholder may be precluded from
separately litigating a proposed adjustment to the items of the Trust Fund. An
adjustment could also result in an audit of a Certificateholder's returns and
adjustments of items not related to the income and losses of the Trust Fund.
 
     Tax Consequences to Foreign Certificateholders.  It is not clear whether
the Trust Fund would be considered to be engaged in a trade or business in the
United States for purposes of federal withholding taxes with respect to non-U.S.
persons because there is no clear authority dealing with that issue under facts
substantially similar to those described herein. Although it is not expected
that the Trust Fund would be engaged in a trade or business in the United States
for such purposes, the Trust Fund will withhold as if it were so engaged in
order to protect the Trust Fund from possible adverse consequences of a failure
to withhold. The Trust Fund expects to withhold on the portion of its taxable
income that is allocable to foreign Certificateholders pursuant to Section 1446
of the Code, as if such income were effectively connected to a U.S. trade or
business, at a rate of 35% for foreign holders that are taxable as corporations
and 39.6% for all other foreign holders. Subsequent adoption of Treasury
regulations or the issuance of other administrative pronouncements may require
the Trust Fund to change its withholding procedures. In determining a Holder's
withholding status, the Trust Fund may rely on IRS Form W-8, IRS Form W-9 or the
Holder's certification of nonforeign status signed under penalties of perjury.
 
     The term "U.S. Person" means a citizen or resident of the United States, a
corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the
laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, or an estate
whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source of
income, or a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise
primary supervision of the administration of the trust and one or more United
States fiduciaries have the authority to control all substantial decisions of
the trust.
 
                                       77
<PAGE>   164
 
     Each foreign Holder might be required to file a U.S. individual or
corporate income tax return (including, in the case of a corporation, the branch
profits tax) on its share of the Trust Fund's income. Each foreign Holder must
obtain a taxpayer identification number from the IRS and submit that number to
the Trust Fund on Form W-8 in order to assure appropriate crediting of the taxes
withheld. A foreign Holder generally would be entitled to file with the IRS a
claim for refund with respect to taxes withheld by the Trust Fund taking the
position that no taxes were due because the Trust Fund was not engaged in a U.S.
trade or business. However, interest payments made (or accrued) to a
Certificateholder who is a foreign person generally will be considered
guaranteed payments to the extent such payments are determined without regard to
the income of the Trust Fund. If these interest payments are properly
characterized as guaranteed payments, then the interest will not be considered
"portfolio interest." As a result, Certificateholders will be subject to United
States federal income tax and withholding tax at a rate of 30 percent, unless
reduced or eliminated pursuant to an applicable treaty. In such case, a foreign
Holder would only be entitled to claim a refund for that portion of the taxes in
excess of the taxes that should be withheld with respect to the guaranteed
payments.
 
     Backup Withholding.  Distributions made on the Certificates and proceeds
from the sale of the Certificates will be subject to a "backup" withholding tax
of 31% if, in general, the Certificateholder fails to comply with certain
identification procedures, unless the Holder is an exempt recipient under
applicable provisions of the Code.
 
                            STATE TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
     In addition to the federal income tax consequences described in "Federal
Income Tax Consequences," potential investors should consider the state and
local income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of
the Securities. State and local income tax law may differ substantially from the
corresponding federal law, and this discussion does not purport to describe any
aspect of the income tax laws of any state or locality. Therefore, potential
investors should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the various
state and local tax consequences of an investment in the Securities.
 
                              ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
 
     The following describes certain considerations under ERISA and the Code,
which apply only to Securities of a Series that are not divided into subclasses.
If Securities are divided into subclasses, the related Prospectus Supplement
will contain information concerning considerations relating to ERISA and the
Code that are applicable to such Securities.
 
     ERISA imposes requirements on employee benefit plans (and on certain other
retirement plans and arrangements, including individual retirement accounts and
annuities, Keogh plans and collective investment funds and separate accounts in
which such plans, accounts or arrangements are invested) (collectively "Plans")
subject to ERISA and on persons who are fiduciaries with respect to such Plans.
Generally, ERISA applies to investments made by Plans. Among other things, ERISA
requires that the assets of Plans be held in trust and that the trustee, or
other duly authorized fiduciary, have exclusive authority and discretion to
manage and control the assets of such Plans. ERISA also imposes certain duties
on persons who are fiduciaries of Plans. Under ERISA, any person who exercises
any authority or control respecting the management or disposition of the assets
of a Plan is considered to be a fiduciary of such Plan (subject to certain
exceptions not here relevant). Certain employee benefit plans, such as
governmental plans (as defined in ERISA Section 3(32)) and, if no election has
been made under Section 410(d) of the Code, church plans (as defined in ERISA
Section 3(33)), are not subject to ERISA requirements. Accordingly, assets of
such plans may be invested in Securities without regard to the ERISA
considerations described above and below, subject to the provisions of
applicable state law. Any such plan which is qualified and exempt from taxation
under Code Sections 401(a) and 501(a), however, is subject to the prohibited
transaction rules set forth in Code Section 503.
 
     On November 13, 1986, the United States Department of Labor (the "DOL")
issued final regulations concerning the definition of what constitutes the
assets of a Plan. (Labor Reg. Section 2510.3-101). Under
 
                                       78
<PAGE>   165
 
this regulation, the underlying assets and properties of corporations,
partnerships and certain other entities in which a Plan makes an "equity"
investment could be deemed for purposes of ERISA to be assets of the investing
Plan in certain circumstances. However, the regulation provides that, generally,
the assets of a corporation or partnership in which a Plan invests will not be
deemed for purposes of ERISA to be assets of such Plan if the equity interest
acquired by the investing Plan is a publicly-offered security. A
publicly-offered security, as defined in the Labor Reg. Section 2510.3-101, is a
security that is widely held, freely transferable and registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
     In addition to the imposition of general fiduciary standards of investment
prudence and diversification, ERISA prohibits a broad range of transactions
involving Plan assets and persons ("Parties in Interest") having certain
specified relationships to a Plan and imposes additional prohibitions where
Parties in Interest are fiduciaries with respect to such Plan. Because the Loans
may be deemed Plan assets of each Plan that purchases Securities, an investment
in the Securities by a Plan might be a prohibited transaction under ERISA
Sections 406 and 407 and subject to an excise tax under Code Section 4975 unless
a statutory or administrative exemption applies.
 
     In Prohibited Transaction Exemption 83-1 ("PTE 83-1"), which amended
Prohibited Transaction Exemption 81-7, the DOL exempted from ERISA's prohibited
transaction rules certain transactions relating to the operation of residential
mortgage pool investment trusts and the purchase, sale and holding of "mortgage
pool pass-through certificates" in the initial issuance of such certificates.
PTE 83-1 permits, subject to certain conditions, transactions which might
otherwise be prohibited between Plans and Parties in Interest with respect to
those Plans related to the origination, maintenance and termination of mortgage
pools consisting of mortgage loans secured by first or second mortgages or deeds
of trust on single-family residential property, and the acquisition and holding
of certain mortgage pool pass-through certificates representing an interest in
such mortgage pools by Plans. If the general conditions (discussed below) of PTE
83-1 are satisfied, investments by a Plan in Securities that represent interests
in a Pool consisting of Loans ("Single Family Securities") will be exempt from
the prohibitions of ERISA Sections 406(a) and 407 (relating generally to
transactions with Parties in Interest who are not fiduciaries) if the Plan
purchases the Single Family Securities at no more than fair market value and
will be exempt from the prohibitions of ERISA Sections 406(b)(1) and (2)
(relating generally to transactions with fiduciaries) if, in addition, the
purchase is approved by an independent fiduciary, no sales commission is paid to
the pool sponsor, the Plan does not purchase more than 25% of all Single Family
Securities, and at least 50% of all Single Family Securities are purchased by
persons independent of the pool sponsor or pool trustee. PTE 83-1 does not
provide an exemption for transactions involving Subordinate Securities.
Accordingly, no transfer of a Subordinate Security or a Security which is not a
Single Family Security may be made to a Plan unless specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
 
     The discussion in this and the next succeeding paragraph applies only to
Single Family Securities. Provident believes that, for purposes of PTE 83-1, the
term "mortgage pass-through certificate" would include: (i) Securities issued in
a Series consisting of only a single class of Securities; and (ii) Securities
issued in a Series in which there is only one class of such Securities; provided
that the Securities in the case of clause (i), or the Securities in the case of
clause (ii), evidence the beneficial ownership of both a specified percentage of
future interest payments (greater than 0%) and a specified percentage (greater
than 0%) of future principal payments on the Loans. It is not clear whether a
class of Securities that evidences the beneficial ownership in a Trust Fund
divided into Loan groups, beneficial ownership of a specified percentage of
interest payments only or principal payments only, or a notional amount of
either principal or interest payments, or a class of Securities entitled to
receive payments of interest and principal on the Loans only after payments to
other classes or after the occurrence of certain specified events would be a
"mortgage pass-through certificate" for purposes of PTE 83-1.
 
     PTE 83-1 sets forth three general conditions which must be satisfied for
any transaction to be eligible for exemption: (i) the maintenance of a system of
insurance or other protection for the pooled mortgage loans and property
securing such loans, and for indemnifying Securityholders against reductions in
pass-through payments due to property damage or defaults in loan payments in an
amount not less than the greater of one percent of the aggregate principal
balance of all covered pooled mortgage loans or the principal balance of the
 
                                       79
<PAGE>   166
 
largest covered pooled mortgage loan; (ii) the existence of a pool trustee who
is not an affiliate of the pool sponsor; and (iii) a limitation on the amount of
the payment retained by the pool sponsor, together with other funds inuring to
its benefit, to not more than adequate consideration for selling the mortgage
loans plus reasonable compensation for services provided by the pool sponsor to
the pool. Provident believes that the first general condition referred to above
will be satisfied with respect to the Securities in a Series issued without a
subordination feature, or the Securities only in a Series issued with a
subordination feature, provided that the subordination and Reserve Account,
subordination by shifting of interests, the pool insurance or other form of
credit enhancement described under "Credit Enhancement" herein (such
subordination, pool insurance or other form of credit enhancement being the
system of insurance or other protection referred to above) with respect to a
Series of Securities is maintained in an amount not less than the greater of one
percent of the aggregate principal balance of the Loans or the principal balance
of the largest Loan. See "Description of the Securities" herein. In the absence
of a ruling that the system of insurance or other protection with respect to a
Series of Securities satisfies the first general condition referred to above,
there can be no assurance that these features will be so viewed by the DOL. The
Trustee will not be affiliated with Provident.
 
     Each Plan fiduciary who is responsible for making the investment decisions
whether to purchase or commit to purchase and to hold Single Family Securities
must make its own determination as to whether the first and third general
conditions, and the specific conditions described briefly in the preceding
paragraphs, of PTE 83-1 have been satisfied, or as to the availability of any
other prohibited transaction exemptions. Each Plan fiduciary should also
determine whether, under the general fiduciary standards of investment prudence
and diversification, an investment in the Securities is appropriate for the
Plan, taking into account the overall investment policy of the Plan and the
composition of the Plan's investment portfolio.
 
     The DOL has granted to certain underwriters individual administrative
exemptions (the "Underwriter Exemptions") from certain of the prohibited
transaction rules of ERISA and the related excise tax provisions of Section 4975
of the Code with respect to the initial purchase, the holding and the subsequent
resale by Plans of certificates in pass-through trusts that consist of certain
receivables, loans and other obligations that meet the conditions and
requirements of the Underwriter Exemptions.
 
     While each Underwriter Exemption is an individual exemption separately
granted to a specific underwriter, the terms and conditions which generally
apply to the Underwriter Exemptions are substantially the following:
 
          (1) the acquisition of the certificates by a Plan is on terms
     (including the price for the certificates) that are at least as favorable
     to the Plan as they would be in an arm's-length transaction with an
     unrelated party;
 
          (2) the rights and interests evidenced by the certificates acquired by
     the Plan are not subordinated to the rights and interests evidenced by
     other certificates of the trust fund;
 
          (3) the certificates required by the Plan have received a rating at
     the time of such acquisition that is one of the three highest generic
     rating categories from Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, a Division of The
     McGraw-Hill Companies ("S&P"), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"),
     Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co. ("DCR") or Fitch Investors Service, Inc.
     ("Fitch");
 
          (4) the trustee must not be an affiliate of any other member of the
     Restricted Group as defined below;
 
          (5) the sum of all payments made to and retained by the underwriters
     in connection with the distribution of the certificates represents not more
     than reasonable compensation for underwriting the certificates; the sum of
     all payments made to and retained by the seller pursuant to the assignment
     of the loans to the trust fund represents not more than the fair market
     value of such loans; the sum of all payments made to and retained by the
     servicer and any other servicer represents not more than reasonable
     compensation for such person's services under the agreement pursuant to
     which the loans are pooled and reimbursements of such person's reasonable
     expenses in connection therewith; and
 
                                       80
<PAGE>   167
 
          (6) the Plan investing in the certificates is an "accredited investor"
     as defined in Rule 501(a)(1) of Regulation D of the Securities and Exchange
     Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
     The trust fund must also meet the following requirements:
 
          (i) the corpus of the trust fund must consist solely of assets of the
     type that have been included in other investment pools;
 
          (ii) certificates in such other investment pools must have been rated
     in one of the three highest rating categories of S&P, Moody's, Fitch or DCR
     for at least one year prior to the Plan's acquisition of certificates; and
 
          (iii) certificates evidencing interests in such other investment pools
     must have been purchased by investors other than Plans for at least one
     year prior to any Plan's acquisition of certificates.
 
     Moreover, the Underwriter Exemptions generally provide relief from certain
self-dealing/conflict of interest prohibited transactions that may occur when
the Plan fiduciary causes a Plan to acquire certificates in a trust as to which
the fiduciary (or its affiliate) is an obligor on the receivables held in the
trust, provided that, among other requirements: (i) in the case of an
acquisition in connection with the initial issuance of certificates, at least
fifty percent (50%) of each class of certificates in which Plans have invested
is acquired by persons independent of the Restricted Group (as defined below),
(ii) such fiduciary (or its affiliate) is an obligor with respect to five
percent (5%) or less of the fair market value of the obligations contained in
the trust; (iii) the Plan's investment in certificates of any class does not
exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of all of the certificates of that class
outstanding at the time of the acquisition; and (iv) immediately after the
acquisition, no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the assets of the Plan
with respect to which such person is a fiduciary is invested in certificates
representing an interest in one or more trusts containing assets sold or
serviced by the same entity. The Underwriter Exemptions do not apply to Plans
sponsored by Provident, the related Underwriter, the Trustee, the Master
Servicer, any insurer with respect to the Loans, any obligor with respect to
Loans included in the Trust Fund constituting more than five percent (5%) of the
aggregate unamortized principal balance of the assets in the Trust Fund, or any
affiliate of such parties (the "Restricted Group").
 
     The Prospectus Supplement for each Series of Securities will indicate the
classes of Securities, if any, offered thereby as to which it is expected that
an Underwriter Exemption will apply.
 
     The Underwriter Exemption contains several requirements, some of which
differ from those in PTE 83-l. The Underwriter Exemption contains an expanded
definition of "certificate" which includes an interest which entitles the holder
to pass-through payments of principal, interest and/or other payments. The
Underwriter Exemption contains an expanded definition of "trust" which permits
the trust corpus to consist of secured consumer receivables. The definition of
"trust", however, does not include any investment pool unless, inter alia, (i)
the investment pool consists only of assets of the type which have been included
in other investment pools, (ii) certificates evidencing interests in such other
investment pools have been purchased by investors other than Plans for at least
one year prior to the Plan's acquisition of certificates pursuant to the
Underwriter Exemption, and (iii) certificates in such other investment pools
have been rated in one of the three highest generic rating categories of the
four credit rating agencies noted below. Generally, the Underwriter Exemption
holds that the acquisition of the certificates by a Plan must be on terms
(including the price for the certificates) that are at least as favorable to the
Plan as they would be in an arm's length transaction with an unrelated party.
The Underwriter Exemption requires that the rights and interests evidenced by
the certificates not be "subordinated" to the rights and interests evidenced by
other certificates of the same trust. The Underwriter Exemption requires that
certificates acquired by a Plan have received a rating at the time of their
acquisition that is in one of the three highest generic rating categories of
S&P, Moody's, Fitch or DCR. The Underwriter Exemption specifies that the pool
trustee must not be an affiliate of the pool sponsor, nor an affiliate of the
Underwriter, the pool servicer, any obligor with respect to mortgage loans
included in the trust constituting more than five percent (5%) of the aggregate
unamortized principal balance of the assets in the trust, or any affiliate of
such entities. Finally, the Underwriter Exemption stipulates that any Plan
investing in
 
                                       81
<PAGE>   168
 
the certificates must be an "accredited investor" as defined in Rule 501(a)(1)
of Regulation D of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended.
 
     Any Plan fiduciary which proposes to cause a Plan to purchase Securities
should consult with their counsel concerning the impact of ERISA and the Code,
the applicability of PTE 83-1 and the Underwriter Exemption, and the potential
consequences in their specific circumstances, prior to making such investment.
Moreover, each Plan fiduciary should determine whether under the general
fiduciary standards of investment prudence and diversification an investment in
the Securities is appropriate for the Plan, taking into account the overall
investment policy of the Plan and the composition of the Plan's investment
portfolio.
 
                                LEGAL INVESTMENT
 
     The Prospectus Supplement for each Series of Securities will specify which,
if any, of the classes of Securities offered thereby constitute "mortgage
related securities" for purposes of the Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement
Act of 1984 ("SMMEA"). Classes of Securities that qualify as "mortgage related
securities" will be legal investments for persons, trusts, corporations,
partnerships, associations, business trusts, and business entities (including
depository institutions, life insurance companies and pension funds) created
pursuant to or existing under the laws of the United States or of any state
(including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) whose authorized
investments are subject to state regulations to the same extent as, under
applicable law, obligations issued by or guaranteed as to principal and interest
by the United States or any such entities. Under SMMEA, if a state enacted
legislation prior to October 4, 1991 specifically limiting the legal investment
authority of any such entities with respect to "mortgage related securities",
Securities will constitute legal investments for entities subject to such
legislation only to the extent provided therein. Approximately twenty-one states
adopted such legislation prior to the October 4, 1991 deadline.
 
     SMMEA also amended the legal investment authority of federally-chartered
depository institutions as follows: federal savings and loan associations and
federal savings banks may invest in, sell or otherwise deal in Securities
without limitations as to the percentage of their assets represented thereby,
federal credit unions may invest "in mortgage related securities", and national
banks may purchase securities for their own account without regard to the
limitations generally applicable to investment securities set forth in 12 U.S.C.
24 (Seventh), subject in each case to such regulations as the applicable federal
authority may prescribe. In this connection, federal credit unions should review
the National Credit Union Administration ("NCUA") Letter to Credit Unions No.
96, as modified by Letter to Credit Unions No. 108, which includes guidelines to
assist federal credit unions in making investment decisions for "mortgage
related securities" and the NCUA's regulation "Investment and Deposit
Activities" (12 C.F.R. Part 703), which sets forth certain restrictions on
investments by federal credit unions in "mortgage related securities" (in each
case whether or not the class of Securities under consideration for purchase
constituted a "mortgage related security").
 
     All depository institutions considering an investment in the Securities
(whether or not the class of Securities under consideration for purchase
constitutes a "mortgage related security") should review the Federal Financial
Institutions Examination Council's Supervisory Policy Statement on the
Securities Activities (to the extent adopted by their respective regulators)
(the "Policy Statement") setting forth, in relevant part, certain securities
trading and sales practices deemed unsuitable for an institution's investment
portfolio, and guidelines for (and restrictions on) investing in mortgage
derivative products, including "mortgage related securities", which are
"high-risk mortgage securities" as defined in the Policy Statement. According to
the Policy Statement, such "high-risk mortgage securities" include securities
such as Securities not entitled to distributions allocated to principal or
interest, or Subordinated Securities. Under the Policy Statement, it is the
responsibility of each depository institution to determine, prior to purchase
(and at stated intervals thereafter), whether a particular mortgage derivative
product is a "high-risk mortgage security", and whether the purchase (or
retention) of such a product would be consistent with the Policy Statement.
 
     The foregoing does not take into consideration the applicability of
statutes, rules, regulations, orders, guidelines or agreements generally
governing investments made by a particular investor, including, but not limited
to "prudent investor" provisions which may restrict or prohibit investment in
securities which are not "interest bearing" or "income paying".
 
                                       82
<PAGE>   169
 
     There may be other restrictions on the ability of certain investors,
including depository institutions, either to purchase Securities or to purchase
Securities representing more than a specified percentage of the investor's
assets. Investors should consult their own legal advisors in determining whether
and to what extent the Securities constitute legal investments for such
investors.
 
                             METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     Securities are being offered hereby in Series from time to time (each
Series evidencing or relating to a separate Trust Fund) through any of the
following methods:
 
          1. By negotiated firm commitment underwriting and public reoffering by
     underwriters;
 
          2. By agency placements through one or more placement agents primarily
     with institutional investors and dealers; and
 
          3. By placement directly by Provident with institutional investors.
 
     A Prospectus Supplement will be prepared for each Series which will
describe the method of offering being used for that Series and will set forth
the identity of any underwriters thereof and either the price at which such
Series is being offered, the nature and amount of any underwriting discounts or
additional compensation to such underwriters and the proceeds of the offering to
Provident, or the method by which the price at which the underwriters will sell
the Securities will be determined. Each Prospectus Supplement for an
underwritten offering will also contain information regarding the nature of the
underwriters' obligations, any material relationship between Provident and any
underwriter and, where appropriate, information regarding any discounts or
concessions to be allowed or reallowed to dealers or others and any arrangements
to stabilize the market for the Securities so offered. In firm commitment
underwritten offerings, the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of
the Securities of such Series if any such Securities are purchased. Securities
may be acquired by the underwriters for their own accounts and may be resold
from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated
transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined
at the time of sale.
 
     Underwriters and agents may be entitled under agreements entered into with
Provident to indemnification by Provident against certain civil liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to
contribution with respect to payments which such underwriters or agents may be
required to make in respect thereof.
 
     If a Series is offered other than through underwriters, the Prospectus
Supplement relating thereto will contain information regarding the nature of
such offering and any agreements to be entered into between Provident and
purchasers of Securities of such Series.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     Certain legal matters relating to the Securities of each Series will be
passed upon for Provident by Keating, Muething & Klekamp, P.L.L., Cincinnati,
Ohio. Certain legal matters relating to certain federal income tax consequences
with respect to the Securities will be passed upon for the Trust Fund by Brown &
Wood LLP, New York, New York.
 
                             FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     A new Trust Fund will be formed with respect to each Series of Securities
and no Trust Fund will engage in any business activities or have any assets or
obligations prior to the issuance of the related Series of Securities.
Accordingly, no financial statements with respect to any Trust Fund will be
included in this Prospectus or in the related Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                       83
<PAGE>   170
 
                                     RATING
 
     It is a condition to the issuance of the Securities of each Series offered
hereby and by the Prospectus Supplement that they shall have been rated in one
of the four highest rating categories by the nationally recognized statistical
rating agency or agencies (each, a "Rating Agency") specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
 
     Any such rating would be based on, among other things, the adequacy of the
value of the Trust Fund Assets and any credit enhancement with respect to such
class and will reflect such Rating Agency's assessment solely of the likelihood
that Holders of a class of Securities will receive payments to which such
Securityholders are entitled under the related Agreement. Such rating will not
constitute an assessment of the likelihood that principal prepayments on the
related Loans will be made, the degree to which the rate of such prepayments
might differ from that originally anticipated or the likelihood of early
optional termination of the Series of Securities. Such rating should not be
deemed a recommendation to purchase, hold or sell Securities, inasmuch as it
does not address market price or suitability for a particular investor. Each
security rating should be evaluated independently of any other security rating.
Such rating will not address the possibility that prepayment at higher or lower
rates than anticipated by an investor may cause such investor to experience a
lower than anticipated yield or that an investor purchasing a Security at a
significant premium might fail to recoup its initial investment under certain
prepayment scenarios.
 
     There is also no assurance that any such rating will remain in effect for
any given period of time or that it may not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by
the Rating Agency in the future if in its judgment circumstances in the future
so warrant. In addition to being lowered or withdrawn due to any erosion in the
adequacy of the value of the Trust Fund Assets or any credit enhancement with
respect to a Series, such rating might also be lowered or withdrawn for other
reasons, including, but not limited to, an adverse change in the financial or
other condition of a credit enhancement provider or a change in the rating of
such credit enhancement provider's long-term debt.
 
     The amount, type and nature of credit enhancement, if any, established with
respect to a Series of Securities will be determined on the basis of criteria
established by each Rating Agency rating classes of such Series. Such criteria
are sometimes based upon an actuarial analysis of the behavior of mortgage loans
in a larger group. Such analysis is often the basis upon which each Rating
Agency determines the amount of credit enhancement required with respect to each
such class. There can be no assurance that the historical data supporting any
such actuarial analysis will accurately reflect future experience nor any
assurance that the data derived from a large pool of mortgage loans accurately
predicts the delinquency, foreclosure or loss experience of any particular pool
of Loans. No assurance can be given that values of any Properties have remained
or will remain at their levels on the respective dates of origination of the
related Loans. If the residential real estate markets should experience an
overall decline in property values such that the outstanding principal balances
of the Loans in a particular Trust Fund and any secondary financing on the
related Properties become equal to or greater than the value of the Properties,
the rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses could be higher than those
now generally experienced in the mortgage lending industry. In additional,
adverse economic conditions (which may or may not affect real property values)
may affect the timely payment by mortgagors of scheduled payments of principal
and interest on the Loans and, accordingly, the rates of delinquencies,
foreclosures and losses with respect to any Trust Fund. To the extent that such
losses are not covered by credit enhancement, such losses will be borne, at
least in part, by the Holders of one or more classes of the Securities of the
related Series.
 
                                       84
<PAGE>   171
 
                             INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       TERM                                            PAGE
                                       ----                                          ---------
<S>                                                                                  <C>
Accrual Securities.................................................................         26
Advance............................................................................          8
Agreement..........................................................................         18
Amortizable Bond Premium Regulations...............................................         64
APR................................................................................         21
Available Funds....................................................................         26
Balloon payment....................................................................         19
Belgian Cooperative................................................................         33
Beneficial owner...................................................................         32
BIF................................................................................         42
Book-Entry Securities..............................................................         32
Buydown Fund.......................................................................         20
Buydown Loans......................................................................         20
Capitalized Interest Account.......................................................         45
Cash Flow Bond Method..............................................................         70
CEDEL..............................................................................         32
CEDEL Participants.................................................................         33
CERCLA.............................................................................         14
Certificates.......................................................................       1, 4
Class Security Balance.............................................................         26
Closed-End Loans...................................................................       1, 4
Code...............................................................................          9
Collateral Value...................................................................         21
Combined Loan-to-Value Ratio.......................................................         21
Commission.........................................................................          2
Companion Classes..................................................................         30
Components.........................................................................         30
Contingent Regulations.............................................................         61
Cut-Off Date.......................................................................      4, 18
Cut-Off Date Principal Balance.....................................................         25
DCR................................................................................         80
Debt Securities....................................................................         59
Debt-to-income ratio...............................................................         23
Definitive Security................................................................         32
Detailed Description...............................................................         19
Distribution Date..................................................................          5
DOL................................................................................         79
DTC................................................................................         16
EPA................................................................................         54
ERISA..............................................................................         11
Euroclear..........................................................................         32
Euroclear Operator.................................................................         33
Euroclear Participants.............................................................         33
European Depositaries..............................................................         32
Excess Servicing Fees..............................................................         70
Exchange Act.......................................................................          3
</TABLE>
 
                                       85
<PAGE>   172
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       TERM                                            PAGE
                                       ----                                          ---------
<S>                                                                                  <C>
FDIC...............................................................................         23
FHLMC..............................................................................         23
Financial Intermediary.............................................................         32
Fitch..............................................................................         80
FNMA...............................................................................         23
Foreign person.....................................................................         73
Funding Period.....................................................................         16
Garn-St Germain Act................................................................         56
Home Equity Loans..................................................................       1, 4
Indenture..........................................................................         24
Insurance Proceeds.................................................................         43
Insured Expenses...................................................................         43
Interest Weighted Securities.......................................................         62
IRS................................................................................         61
L/C Bank...........................................................................      7, 36
Liquidation Expenses...............................................................         43
Liquidation Proceeds...............................................................         43
Loan Rate..........................................................................      6, 19
Loan-to-Value Ratio................................................................         21
Loans..............................................................................          1
Lockout Periods....................................................................         19
Mark-to-Market Regulations.........................................................         68
Master Servicer....................................................................          4
Master Servicing Agreement.........................................................         18
Master Servicing Fee...............................................................         47
Moody's............................................................................         80
Morgan.............................................................................         33
Mortgage...........................................................................         41
Mortgage Loan......................................................................          4
Mortgage Loans.....................................................................          1
Mortgaged Properties...............................................................         20
NCUA...............................................................................         82
Nonresidents.......................................................................         72
Notes..............................................................................       1, 4
OID................................................................................      9, 60
OID Regulations....................................................................         60
PACs...............................................................................         30
Parties in Interest................................................................         79
Pass-Through Rate..................................................................          6
Pass-Through Securities............................................................         68
Pay-Through Security...............................................................         61
Permitted Investments..............................................................         37
Plans..............................................................................         78
Policy Statement...................................................................         82
Pool...............................................................................      4, 17
Pool Insurance Policy..............................................................         38
Pool Insurer.......................................................................         38
Pooling and Servicing Agreement....................................................         24
</TABLE>
 
                                       86
<PAGE>   173
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       TERM                                            PAGE
                                       ----                                          ---------
<S>                                                                                  <C>
Pre-Funded Amount..................................................................         16
Pre-Funding Account................................................................      4, 16
Prepayment Assumption..............................................................         61
Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy..................................................         20
Principal Prepayments..............................................................         27
Properties.........................................................................         20
Provident..........................................................................       1, 4
PTE 83-1...........................................................................         79
Purchase Price.....................................................................         24
Rating Agency......................................................................         84
Ratio Strip Securities.............................................................         70
RCRA...............................................................................         55
Record Date........................................................................         25
Refinance Loan.....................................................................         21
Regular Interest Securities........................................................         60
Relevant Depositary................................................................         32
Relief Act.........................................................................         57
REMIC..............................................................................          1
Reserve Account....................................................................          7
Residual Interest Security.........................................................         66
Restricted Group...................................................................         81
Retained Interest..................................................................         24
Revolving Credit Line Loans........................................................       1, 4
Riegle Act.........................................................................         15
Rules..............................................................................         32
S&P................................................................................         80
SAIF...............................................................................         42
Secured Creditor Exclusion.........................................................         54
Securities.........................................................................       1, 4
Security Account...................................................................         42
Security Owners....................................................................         32
Security Register..................................................................         25
Senior Securities..................................................................      5, 35
Series.............................................................................          1
Servicing Fees.....................................................................         69
Short-Term Note....................................................................         73
Single Family Properties...........................................................         20
Single Family Securities...........................................................         79
SMMEA..............................................................................      9, 82
STIFS..............................................................................         37
Stripped Securities................................................................         68
Sub-Servicer.......................................................................          8
Sub-Servicing Agreement............................................................         45
Subordinated Securities............................................................          5
Subsequent Loans...................................................................         16
TACs...............................................................................         31
Terms and Conditions...............................................................         33
Thrift institutions................................................................         67
</TABLE>
 
                                       87
<PAGE>   174
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       TERM                                            PAGE
                                       ----                                          ---------
<S>                                                                                  <C>
TIN................................................................................         71
Title V............................................................................         57
Trust Agreement....................................................................     18, 24
Trust Fund.........................................................................          1
Trust Fund Assets..................................................................   1, 4, 17
Trustee............................................................................      4, 24
U.S. Person........................................................................         78
Underwriter Exemptions.............................................................         80
</TABLE>
 
                                       88
<PAGE>   175
 
============================================================
 
  NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY PROVIDENT OR
THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS DO NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THOSE TO WHICH THEY RELATE OR
AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, TO ANY PERSON IN ANY
JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE
DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THEIR
RESPECTIVE DATES.
 
                               ------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                             PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  PAGE
                                                  ----
<S>                                               <C>
Summary.........................................   S-1
Risk Factors....................................  S-14
The Certificate Insurer.........................  S-17
The Provident Bank..............................  S-19
Description of the Mortgage Loans...............  S-21
Prepayment and Yield Considerations.............  S-40
Description of the Certificates.................  S-48
Use of Proceeds.................................  S-71
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences.........  S-71
State Taxes.....................................  S-73
ERISA Considerations............................  S-73
Legal Investment Considerations.................  S-74
Underwriting....................................  S-75
Experts.........................................  S-75
Legal Matters...................................  S-76
Ratings.........................................  S-76
Index of Defined Terms..........................  S-77
Annex I.........................................  S-81
PROSPECTUS
Prospectus Supplement...........................     2
Available Information...........................     2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
  Reference.....................................     3
Reports to Securityholders......................     3
Summary of Terms................................     4
Risk Factors....................................    12
The Trust Fund..................................    17
Use of Proceeds.................................    22
The Provident Bank..............................    22
Loan Program....................................    22
Description of the Securities...................    24
Credit Enhancement..............................    35
Yield and Prepayment Considerations.............    39
The Agreements..................................    41
Certain Legal Aspects of the Loans..............    52
Federal Income Tax Consequences.................    59
State Tax Considerations........................    78
ERISA Considerations............................    78
Legal Investment................................    82
Method of Distribution..........................    83
Legal Matters...................................    83
Financial Information...........................    83
Rating..........................................    84
Index of Defined Terms..........................    85
</TABLE>
 
============================================================
============================================================
                                  $229,000,000
                              PROVIDENT BANK HOME
                            EQUITY LOAN TRUST 1997-2
                                HOME EQUITY LOAN
                           ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES
                                 SERIES 1997-2
                    $27,881,000 CLASS A-1 6.65% CERTIFICATES
                    $19,753,000 CLASS A-2 6.73% CERTIFICATES
                    $10,296,000 CLASS A-3 7.03% CERTIFICATES
                    $12,070,000 CLASS A-4 7.37% CERTIFICATES
               $159,000,000 CLASS A-5 VARIABLE RATE CERTIFICATES
 
                              THE PROVIDENT BANK,
                                 AS SELLER AND
                                MASTER SERVICER
                            ------------------------
 
                             PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
                                 JUNE 19, 1997
                            ------------------------
                                LEHMAN BROTHERS
                          DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
               SECURITIES CORPORATION
          ============================================================


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