GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORP
8-K, 1997-10-02
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
Previous: GLEN BURNIE BANCORP, S-1, 1997-10-02
Next: FIRST USA CREDIT CARD MASTER TRUST, 424B5, 1997-10-02



<PAGE>
 

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                         -----------------------------


                                   FORM 8-K

                                CURRENT REPORT



                    Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                        Securities Exchange Act of 1934



Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 16, 1997



                       GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                as originator of Certificates for Home Improvement
                             and Home Equity Loans
                                 Series 1997-D
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


        Delaware                   01-08916                       41-1807858
- ----------------------------  ------------------------      -------------------
(State or other Jurisdiction  (Commission File Number)       (I.R.S. Employer
     of incorporation)                                      Identification No.)

 
1100 Landmark Towers, 345 St. Peter Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102-1639
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   (Address of principal executive offices)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (612) 293-3400
                                                    --------------


                                Not Applicable
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         (Former name or former address, if changed since last report)


<PAGE>
 

ITEM 1.  Changes in Control of Registrant.
- -------  -------------------------------- 

         Not applicable.

ITEM 2.  Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.
- -------  ------------------------------------ 

         Not applicable

ITEM 3.  Bankruptcy or Receivership.
- -------  -------------------------- 

         Not applicable

ITEM 4.  Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accounting.
- -------  --------------------------------------------- 

         Not applicable

ITEM 5.  Other Events.
- -------  ------------ 

         On September 16, 1997, the Registrant sold approximately $750,000,000
         of Certificates for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans, Series 
         1997-D, evidencing beneficial ownership interests in a trust 
         consisting of a pool of home improvement loan contracts, fixed-rate 
         home equity loan contracts and adjustable rate home equity loan 
         contracts conveyed by Green Tree Financial Corporation.

ITEM 6.  Resignations of Registrant's Directors.
- -------  -------------------------------------- 

         Not applicable

ITEM 7.  Financial Statements and Exhibits.
- -------  --------------------------------- 

         (a) Financial statements of businesses acquired.

             Not applicable

         (b) Pro forma financial information.

             Not applicable


                                       2


<PAGE>
 

         (c) Exhibits.

             The following is filed herewith.  The exhibit numbers correspond
             with Item 601(b) of Regulation S-K.

             Exhibit No.     Description
             -----------     -----------

                 4.1         Pooling and Servicing Agreement between Green Tree
                             Financial Corporation, as Seller and Servicer, and
                             First Trust National Association, as Trustee, 
                             dated as of August 1, 1997, relating to 
                             Certificates for Home Improvement and Home Equity 
                             Loans, Series 1997-D


                 8.1         Tax opinion of Briggs and Morgan Professional
                             Association, dated September 16, relating to REMIC
                             matters


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

                             GREEN TREE FINANCIAL
                             CORPORATION
                             as originator of Certificates for
                             Home Improvment and Home 
                             Equity Loans Series 1997-D
 
 
                             By:  /s/ Scott T. Young
                                 ------------------------------------
                                 Scott T. Young
                                 Vice President and Controller 


                                       3


<PAGE>
 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit
- -------
Number                                                        
- ------- 
 
4.1     Pooling and Servicing Agreement between Green Tree                
        Financial Corporation, as Seller and Servicer, and
        First Trust National Association, as Trustee, dated as 
        of August 1, 1997, relating to Certificates for Home
        Improvement and Home Equity Loans, Series 1997-D


8.1     Tax opinion of Briggs and Morgan, Professional
        Association, dated September 16, 1997, relating to
        REMIC matters


                                       4



<PAGE>
 
                                                                       Execution

            Certificates for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans
                                 Series 1997-D


                        POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

                                    between

                       GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                              Seller and Servicer

                                      and

                       FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
             not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee
                                      of

              HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 1997-D

                          Dated as of August 1, 1997
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS....................................................  1-1
     SECTION 1.01.  General................................................  1-1
     SECTION 1.02.  Specific Terms.........................................  1-1
 
ARTICLE II - ESTABLISHMENT OF TRUST; TRANSFER OF CONTRACTS.................  2-1
     SECTION 2.01.  Closing................................................  2-1
     SECTION 2.02.  Conditions to the Closing..............................  2-1
     SECTION 2.03.  Conveyance of the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts.....  2-3
     SECTION 2.04.  Acceptance by Trustee..................................  2-5
     SECTION 2.05.  REMIC Provisions.......................................  2-6
 
ARTICLE III - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES...............................  3-1
     SECTION 3.01.  Representations and Warranties Regarding the Company...  3-1
     SECTION 3.02.  Representations and Warranties Regarding Each Contract.  3-2
     SECTION 3.03.  Representations and Warranties Regarding the Contracts
               in the Aggregate............................................  3-6
     SECTION 3.04.  Representations and Warranties Regarding the Contract
               Files.......................................................  3-9
     SECTION 3.05.  Repurchases of Contracts for Breach of Representations
               and Warranties.............................................. 3-10
     SECTION 3.06.  No Repurchase Under Certain Circumstances.............. 3-12
 
ARTICLE IV - PERFECTION OF TRANSFER AND PROTECTION OF
          SECURITY INTERESTS...............................................  4-1
     SECTION 4.01.  Transfer of Contracts..................................  4-1
     SECTION 4.02.  Costs and Expenses.....................................  4-2
 
ARTICLE V - SERVICING OF CONTRACTS.........................................  5-1
     SECTION 5.01.  Responsibility for Contract Administration.............  5-1
     SECTION 5.02.  Standard of Care.......................................  5-1
     SECTION 5.03.  Records................................................  5-2
     SECTION 5.04.  Inspection.............................................  5-2
     SECTION 5.05.  Certificate Account....................................  5-2
     SECTION 5.06.  Enforcement............................................  5-5
     SECTION 5.07.  Trustee to Cooperate...................................  5-6
     SECTION 5.08.  Costs and Expenses.....................................  5-7
     SECTION 5.09.  Maintenance of Insurance...............................  5-8
     SECTION 5.10.  Merger or Consolidation of Servicer....................  5-8
</TABLE> 

                                       i
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
ARTICLE VI - REPORTS AND TAX MATTERS.......................................  6-1
     SECTION 6.01.  Monthly Reports........................................  6-1
     SECTION 6.02.  Officer's Certificate..................................  6-2
     SECTION 6.03.  Other Data.............................................  6-2
     SECTION 6.04.  Annual Report of Accountants...........................  6-2
     SECTION 6.05.  Statements to Certificateholders and Class C 
               Certificateholders..........................................  6-3
     SECTION 6.06.  Payment of Taxes....................................... 6-15
 
ARTICLE VII - SERVICE TRANSFER.............................................  7-1
     SECTION 7.01.  Events of Termination..................................  7-1
     SECTION 7.02.  Transfer...............................................  7-2
     SECTION 7.03.  Trustee to Act; Appointment of Successor...............  7-2
     SECTION 7.04.  Notification to Certificateholders and Class C
               Certificateholders..........................................  7-3
     SECTION 7.05.  Effect of Transfer.....................................  7-3
     SECTION 7.06.  Transfer of Certificate Account........................  7-4
 
ARTICLE VIII - PAYMENTS....................................................  8-1
     SECTION 8.01.  Monthly Payments.......................................  8-1
     SECTION 8.02.  Advances...............................................  8-2
     SECTION 8.03.  Limited Guaranties.....................................  8-3
     SECTION 8.04.  Permitted Withdrawals from the Certificate Account; 
               Payments....................................................  8-4
     SECTION 8.05.  Reassignment of Repurchased and Replaced Contracts..... 8-16
     SECTION 8.06.  Servicer's Purchase Option............................. 8-16
     SECTION 8.07.  [RESERVED]............................................. 8-17
     SECTION 8.08.  Excess Proceeds Account................................ 8-17
     SECTION 8.09.  Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account........................ 8-18
     SECTION 8.10.  Distributions on the Subsidiary REMIC Regular 
               Interests................................................... 8-19
 
ARTICLE IX - THE CERTIFICATES AND THE CLASS C CERTIFICATES.................  9-1
     SECTION 9.01.  The Certificates and Class C Certificates..............  9-1
     SECTION 9.02.  Registration of Transfer and Exchange of Certificates
               and the Class C Certificate.................................  9-2
     SECTION 9.03.  No Charge; Disposition of Void Certificates or Class C
               Certificates................................................  9-6
     SECTION 9.04.  Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates or 
               Class C Certificates........................................  9-6
     SECTION 9.05.  Persons Deemed Owners..................................  9-7
     SECTION 9.06.  Access to List of Certificateholders' and Class C
</TABLE> 

                                      ii
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
               Certificateholders' Names and Addresses.....................  9-7
     SECTION 9.07.  Authenticating Agents..................................  9-7
 
ARTICLE X - INDEMNITIES.................................................... 10-1
     SECTION 10.01. Real Estate............................................ 10-1
     SECTION 10.02. Liabilities to Obligors................................ 10-1
     SECTION 10.03. Tax Indemnification.................................... 10-1
     SECTION 10.04. Servicer's Indemnities................................. 10-1
     SECTION 10.05. Operation of Indemnities............................... 10-2
     SECTION 10.06. REMIC Tax Matters...................................... 10-2
 
ARTICLE XI - THE TRUSTEE................................................... 11-1
     SECTION 11.01. Duties of Trustee...................................... 11-1
     SECTION 11.02. Certain Matters Affecting the Trustee.................. 11-2
     SECTION 11.03. Trustee Not Liable for Certificates, Class C 
               Certificates or Contracts................................... 11-3
     SECTION 11.04. Trustee May Own Certificates........................... 11-4
     SECTION 11.05. Rights of Certificateholders to Direct Trustee and to
               Waive Events of Termination................................. 11-4
     SECTION 11.06. The Servicer to Pay Trustee's Fees and Expenses........ 11-4
     SECTION 11.07. Eligibility Requirements for Trustee................... 11-5
     SECTION 11.08. Resignation or Removal of Trustee...................... 11-5
     SECTION 11.09. Successor Trustee...................................... 11-6
     SECTION 11.10. Merger or Consolidation of Trustee..................... 11-7
     SECTION 11.11. Tax Returns............................................ 11-7
     SECTION 11.12. Obligor Claims......................................... 11-7
     SECTION 11.13. Appointment of Co-Trustee or Separate Trustee.......... 11-8
     SECTION 11.14. Certain Matters Relating to FHA Insurance.............. 11-9
     SECTION 11.15. Trustee and First Bank System, Inc.....................11-10
     SECTION 11.16. Trustee Advances.......................................11-10
 
ARTICLE XII - MISCELLANEOUS................................................ 12-1
     SECTION 12.01. Servicer Not to Resign; Delegation of Servicing Duties. 12-1
     SECTION 12.02. Company Not to Engage in Certain Transactions with
               Respect to the Trust........................................ 12-1
     SECTION 12.03. Maintenance of Office or Agency........................ 12-1
     SECTION 12.04. Termination............................................ 12-2
     SECTION 12.05. Acts of Certificateholders and Class C 
               Certificateholders.......................................... 12-5
     SECTION 12.06. Calculations........................................... 12-6
     SECTION 12.07. Assignment or Delegation by Company.................... 12-6
     SECTION 12.08. Amendment.............................................. 12-6
     SECTION 12.09. Notices................................................ 12-8
</TABLE> 

                                      iii
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>                                                                         <C>
     SECTION 12.10. Merger and Integration................................  12-9
     SECTION 12.11. Headings..............................................  12-9
     SECTION 12.12. Governing Law......................................... 12-10
</TABLE> 

EXHIBIT A - FORM OF CLASS HI: A CERTIFICATE

EXHIBIT B - FORM OF CLASS HI: M CERTIFICATE

EXHIBIT C - FORM OF CLASS HI: B CERTIFICATE

EXHIBIT D-1 - FORM OF CLASS HE: A CERTIFICATE

EXHIBIT D-2 - FORM OF CLASS HE: A-1 ARM CERTIFICATE

EXHIBIT D-3 - FORM OF CLASS HE: A-8 IO CERTIFICATE

EXHIBIT E - FORM OF CLASS HE: M CERTIFICATE

EXHIBIT F - FORM OF CLASS HE: B CERTIFICATE

EXHIBIT G - FORM OF ASSIGNMENT

EXHIBIT H - FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF OFFICER

EXHIBIT I - FORM OF OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE COMPANY

EXHIBIT J - FORM OF TRUSTEE'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT

EXHIBIT K - FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF SERVICING OFFICER

EXHIBIT L - FORM OF CLASS C [MASTER] [SUBSIDIARY] CERTIFICATE

EXHIBIT M-1 - FORM OF CERTIFICATE REGARDING REPURCHASED
         CONTRACTS

EXHIBIT M-2 - FORM OF CERTIFICATE REGARDING REPURCHASED
         CONTRACTS

EXHIBIT N - FORM OF REPRESENTATION LETTER

EXHIBIT O-1 - LIST OF HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTS

                                      iv
<PAGE>
 
EXHIBIT O-2 - LIST OF FIXED RATE HOME EQUITY CONTRACTS

EXHIBIT O-3 - LIST OF ADJUSTABLE RATE HOME EQUITY CONTRACTS

EXHIBIT P - LIST OF FHA-INSURED CONTRACTS

EXHIBIT Q - FORM OF MONTHLY REPORT

EXHIBIT R - FORM OF ADDITION NOTICE

EXHIBIT S - FORM OF SUBSEQUENT TRANSFER INSTRUMENT

EXHIBIT T - FORM OF OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE (SUBSEQUENT TRANSFER)

                                       v
<PAGE>
 
     AGREEMENT, dated as of August 1, 1997, between Green Tree Financial
Corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, as Seller and Servicer (the "Company"), and First Trust National
Association, a national banking association organized and existing under the
laws of the United States, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee
(the "Trustee") of Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D (the
"Trust").
 
     WHEREAS, in the regular course of its business, the Company purchases,
originates and services home improvement contracts and promissory notes, which
contracts and notes provide for installment payments by or on behalf of the
purchasers of the home improvements and grant mortgages, deeds of trust or
security deeds on the real estate that is the subject of the home improvements;
 
     WHEREAS, in the regular course of its business, the Company purchases,
originates and services home equity loans, which loans provide for installment
payments by or on behalf of the borrowers and grant mortgages, deeds of trust or
security deeds on certain real estate securing such loans;
 
     WHEREAS, the Company intends to sell mortgage pass-through certificates
(collectively, the "Certificates"), to be issued hereunder in twenty classes
(each, a "Class"), which in the aggregate will evidence the entire beneficial
ownership interest in the Trust Fund (as defined herein), consisting primarily
of the Contracts (as defined herein);

     WHEREAS, as provided herein, the Trustee will make an election to treat the
entire segregated pool of assets comprising the Subsidiary REMIC (as defined
herein) and subject to this Agreement as a real estate mortgage investment
conduit (a "REMIC") for federal income tax purposes and such segregated pool of
assets will be designated as the "Subsidiary REMIC";

     WHEREAS, the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests (as defined herein) will be
"regular interests" in the Subsidiary REMIC and the Class C Subsidiary
Certificate will be the sole class of "residual interests" in the Subsidiary
REMIC for purposes of the REMIC Provisions (as defined herein) under the federal
income tax law;

     WHEREAS, a segregated pool of assets consisting of the Subsidiary REMIC
Regular Interests will be designated as the "Master REMIC", and the Trustee will
make a separate REMIC election with respect thereto; and

     WHEREAS, the Certificates will be "regular interests" in the Master REMIC,
and the Class C Master Certificate will be the sole class of "residual
interests" in the Master REMIC for purposes of the REMIC Provisions (as defined
herein) under federal income tax law; and
<PAGE>
 
     WHEREAS, the Company and the Trustee wish to set forth the terms and
conditions on which the Trustee, on behalf of the "Certificateholders" and
"Class C Certificateholders" (as defined herein) will acquire the Contracts and
the Company will service the Contracts;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements
hereinafter set forth, the Company and the Trustee agree as provided herein:


                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS
                                  -----------

     SECTION 1.01.  General.
                    ------- 

     For the purpose of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided
or unless the context otherwise requires, the terms defined in this Article
include the plural as well as the singular, the words "herein," "hereof" and
"hereunder" and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole
and not to any particular article, section or other subdivision, and Section
references refer to Sections of the Agreement.
 
     SECTION 1.02.  Specific Terms.
                    -------------- 

     "Addition Notice"  means with respect to the transfer of Subsequent Home
      ---------------                                                        
Equity Contracts to the Trust pursuant to Section 2.03 of this Agreement, a
notice, substantially in the form of Exhibit R, which shall be given not later
than five Business Days prior to the related Subsequent Transfer Date, of the
Company's designation of Subsequent Home Equity Contracts to be sold to the
Trust and the aggregate Cut-off Date Principal Balances of such Subsequent Home
Equity Contracts.

     "Additional Contract" means a Home Improvement Contract or Home Equity
      -------------------                                                  
Contract identified as such on the List of Contracts attached hereto.

     "Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contract" means each closed-end home equity
      ------------------------------------                                   
loan identified as such in the List of Contracts, which Adjustable Rate Home
Equity Contract is to be assigned and conveyed by the Company to the Trust, and
includes, without limitation, all related mortgages, deeds of trust and security
deeds and any and all rights to receive payments due pursuant thereto after the
Cut-off Date, or Subsequent Cut-off Date in the case of a Subsequent Home Equity
Contract.

                                      1-1
<PAGE>
 
     "Advance" means, with respect to any Payment Date, the amounts, if any,
      -------                                                               
deposited by the Servicer or the Trustee, as applicable, in the Certificate
Account for such Payment Date pursuant to Section 8.02.
 
     "Advance Payment" means any payment by an Obligor in advance of the Due
      ---------------                                                       
Period in which it would be due under such Contract and which payment is not a
Principal Prepayment.
 
     "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person controlling or
      ---------                                                               
controlled by or under common control with such specified Person.  For the
purposes of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any specified
Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person,
directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by
contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" or "controlled" have meanings
correlative to the foregoing.

     "Aggregate Certificate Principal Balance" means the sum of the Sub-Pool HI
      ---------------------------------------                                  
Certificate Principal Balance and the Sub-Pool HE Certificate Principal Balance.
 
     "Agreement" means this Pooling and Servicing Agreement, as it may be
      ---------                                                          
amended from time to time.
 
     "Amount Held for Future Distribution" means, as to any Payment Date, (1)
      -----------------------------------                                    
with respect to the Home Improvement Contracts, the total of the amounts held in
the Certificate Account in respect of the Home Improvement Contracts on the last
day of the preceding Due Period on account of Advance Payments on the Home
Improvement Contracts in respect of such Due Period and (2) with respect to the
Home Equity Contracts, the total of the amounts held in the Certificate Account
in respect of the Home Equity Contracts on the last day of the preceding Due
Period on account of Advance Payments on the Home Equity Contracts in respect of
such Due Period.
 
     "Applicants" has the meaning assigned in Section 9.06.
      ----------                                           

     "Authenticating Agent" means any authenticating agent appointed pursuant to
      --------------------                                                      
Section 9.07.

     "Available Funds Pass-Through Rate" means, for any Payment Date, a rate per
      ---------------------------------                                         
annum equal to the weighted average of the Expense Adjusted Contract Rates on
the then outstanding Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts.

     "Balloon Loan" means a Home Equity Contract that provides for the payment
      ------------                                                            
of the unamortized principal balance of such Contract in a single payment at the
maturity of such Contract that is greater than the preceding monthly payment.

                                      1-2
 
<PAGE>
 
     "Book-Entry Certificate" means any Certificate registered in the name of
      ----------------------                                                 
the Depository or its nominee, ownership of which is reflected on the books of
the Depository or on the books of a person maintaining an account with such
Depository (directly or as an indirect participant in accordance with the rules
of such Depository).
 
     "Business Day" means any day other than (a) a Saturday or a Sunday, or (b)
      ------------                                                             
another day on which banking institutions in the city in which the Person taking
action hereunder are authorized or obligated by law, executive order, or
governmental decree to be closed.

     "Calculation Agent" means the Person who establishes LIBOR with respect to
      -----------------                                                        
each Interest Reset Period.  The Calculation Agent shall be the Trustee unless
the Trustee is unable or unwilling so to act, in which case the Calculation
Agent shall be a financial institution appointed by the Seller.

     "Certificate" means a Sub-Pool HI Certificate or a Sub-Pool HE Certificate.
      -----------                                                               
 
     "Certificate Account" means a separate trust account created and maintained
      -------------------                                                       
pursuant to Section 5.05 in the name of the Trust in an Eligible Institution.

     "Certificate Owner" means the person who is the beneficial owner of a Book-
      -----------------                                                        
Entry Certificate or, if Definitive Certificates have been issued,
Certificateholders.

     "Certificate Register" means the register maintained pursuant to Section
      --------------------                                                   
9.02.

     "Certificate Registrar" or "Registrar" means the registrar appointed
      ---------------------      ---------                               
pursuant to Section 9.02.

     "Certificateholder" or "Holder" means the person in whose name a
      -----------------      ------                                  
Certificate or Class C Certificate is registered on the Certificate Register,
except that, solely for the purposes of giving any consent, waiver, request or
demand pursuant to this Agreement, any Certificate or Class C Certificate
registered in the name of the Company or any Affiliate shall be deemed not to be
outstanding and the Percentage Interest evidenced thereby shall not be taken
into account in determining whether the requisite Percentage Interest necessary
to effect any such consent, request, waiver or demand has been obtained;
provided, however, that, solely for the purpose of determining whether the
- --------  -------                                                         
Trustee is entitled to rely upon any such consent, waiver, request or demand,
only Certificates or Class C Certificates which the Trustee knows to be so owned
shall be so disregarded.

                                     1-3 
<PAGE>
 
     "Class," "Class HI: A," "Class HI: M," "Class HI: B," "Class HE: A," "Class
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
HE: M," "Class HE: B," or "Class C" means pertaining to Class HI: A
- ----------------------------------                                 
Certificates, Class HI: M Certificates, Class HI: B Certificates, Class HE: A
Certificates, Class HE: M Certificates, Class HE: B Certificates, and/or the
Class C Certificates, as the case may be.

     "Class C Certificate" means any one of the Class C Master or Class C
      -------------------                                                
Subsidiary Certificates.

     "Class C Certificateholder" means the person in whose name a Class C
      -------------------------                                          
Certificate is registered on the Certificate Register.

     "Class C Master Certificate" means a certificate for Home Improvement and
      --------------------------                                              
Home Equity Loans, Series 1997-D, bearing the designation Class C Master,
executed and delivered by the Trustee substantially in the form of Exhibit L,
and evidencing an interest designated as a "residual interest" in the Master
REMIC for purposes of the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class C Subsidiary Certificate" means a certificate for Home Improvement
      ------------------------------                                          
and Home Equity Loans, Series 1997-D, bearing the designation Class-C
Subsidiary, executed and delivered by the Trustee substantially in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit L, and evidencing an interest designated as a
"residual interest" in the Subsidiary REMIC for purposes of the REMIC
provisions.

     "Class C Subsidiary Distribution Amount"  means, as to any Payment Date,
      --------------------------------------                                 
the amounts, if any, distributable in respect of the Class C Subsidiary
Certificate pursuant to Sections 8.04(b) and (d).

     "Class HE: A Certificates" means the Class HE: A-1 ARM, Class HE: A-1,
      ------------------------                                             
Class HE: A-2, Class HE: A-3, Class HE: A-4, Class HE: A-5, Class HE: A-6, Class
HE: A-7, and Class HE: A-8 IO Certificates, collectively.

     "Class HE: A Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, the lesser
      -------------------------------                                           
of (a) the Sub-Pool HE Amount Available and (b) the Class HE: A Formula
Distribution Amount; provided that, after the Class HE: A-7 Cross-over date, the
                     --------                                                   
Class HE: A Distribution Amount shall be zero.
 
     "Class HE: A Formula Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, an
      ---------------------------------------                                   
amount equal to the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to the first Payment
Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but excluding October 15,
1997) at (1) the Class HE: A-1 ARM Pass-Through Rate on the Class HE: A-1 ARM
Principal Balance, (2) the Class HE: A-1 Pass-Through Rate on the Class HE: A-1
Principal Balance, (3) the Class HE: A-2 Pass-Through Rate on the Class HE: A-2
Principal

                                      1-4
<PAGE>
 
Balance, (4) the Class HE: A-3 Pass-Through Rate on the Class HE: A-3 Principal
Balance, (5) the Class HE: A-4 Pass-Through Rate on the Class HE: A-4 Principal
Balance, (6) the Class HE: A-5 Pass-Through Rate on the Class HE: A-5 Principal
Balance, (7) the Class HE: A-6 Pass-Through Rate on the Class HE: A-6 Principal
Balance, (8) the Class HE: A-7 Pass-Through Rate on the Class HE: A-7 Principal
Balance, and (9) the Class HE: A-8 IO Pass-Through Rate on the Class HE: A-8 IO
Notional Principal Amount, in each case to be calculated immediately prior to
such Payment Date, (b) the aggregate of the Unpaid Class HE: A Interest
Shortfalls, if any, with respect to each Class of Class HE: A Certificates, and
(c)(i) if there is no Class HE: A Liquidation Loss Principal Amount as to such
Payment Date, the Class HE: A Formula Principal Distribution Amount, or (ii) if
there is a Class HE: A Liquidation Loss Principal Amount as to such Payment
Date, the amount determined in accordance with Section 8.04(d)(3)(i); provided,
however, that the aggregate of all amounts distributed for all Payment Dates
pursuant to clause (c) shall not exceed the aggregate of the Original Class
Principal Balances of Class HE:A.

     "Class HE: A Formula Interest Distribution Amount" means, as to each Class
      ------------------------------------------------                         
of Class HE: A Certificates and any Payment Date, the sum of (1) the amount
specified in clause (a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8) or (9), as
appropriate, of the definition of the term "Class HE: A Formula Distribution
Amount" and (2) the Unpaid Class HE: A Interest Shortfall, if any, with respect
to such Class.

     "Class HE: A Formula Principal Distribution Amount" means, as to any
      -------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date the sum of the Class HE: A-1 ARM Formula Principal Distribution
Amount and the Sub-Pool HE Senior Percentage of the Sub-Pool HE Formula
Principal Distribution Amount.

     "Class HE: A Interest Shortfall" means, as to each Class of Class HE: A
      ------------------------------                                        
Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if any, by which the Class HE: A
Formula Interest Distribution Amount for such Class exceeds the amount
distributed to Holders of such Class on such Payment Date pursuant to Section
8.04(d)(2).

     "Class HE: A Liquidation Loss Principal Amount" means, as to any Payment
      ---------------------------------------------                          
Date, the amount, if any, by which the sum of the Pool Scheduled Principal
Balance of Sub-Pool HE plus the Pre-Funded Amount is less than the Class HE: A
Principal Balance.

     "Class HE: A Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the sum of
      -----------------------------                                           
the Class HE: A-1 ARM Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-1 Principal Balance,
the Class HE: A-2 Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-3 Principal Balance and the
Class HE: A-4 Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-5 Principal Balance, the Class
HE: A-6 Principal Balance and the Class HE: A-7 Principal Balance.

                                      1-5
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HE: A-1 ARM Certificate" means any one of the Class HE: A-1 ARM
      -----------------------------                                        
Certificates executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the
Certificate Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D-2 and
evidencing an interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC
for purposes of the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HE: A-1 ARM Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, that
      -------------------------------------                                     
portion of the Class HE: A Distribution Amount to be distributed to the Class
HE: A-1 ARM Certificateholders pursuant to Section 8.04(d) on such Payment Date.

     "Class HE: A-1 ARM Formula Principal Distribution Amount" means zero as to
      -------------------------------------------------------                  
any Payment Date after the Class HE: A-1 ARM Principal Balance has been reduced
to zero, and as to any Payment Date on or before the Payment Date on which the
Class HE:A-1 ARM Principal Balance has been reduced to zero, the lesser of (A)
the Class HE:A-1 ARM Principal Balance, or (B) the sum of the following amounts
with respect to the related Due Period, in each case computed in accordance with
the method specified in the relevant Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contract:

          (i)    all scheduled payments of principal due on each outstanding
                 Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contract during the prior Due
                 Period as specified in the amortization schedule at the time
                 applicable thereto (after adjustments for previous Partial
                 Principal Prepayments but before any adjustment to such
                 amortization schedule by reason of any bankruptcy of an Obligor
                 or similar proceeding or any moratorium or similar waiver or
                 grace period); plus

          (ii)   all Partial Principal Prepayments applied and all Principal
                 Prepayments in Full received during the prior Due Period in
                 respect of the Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts; plus

          (iii)  the aggregate Scheduled Principal Balance of all Adjustable
                 Rate Home Equity Contracts that became Liquidated Contracts
                 during the prior Due Period; plus

          (iv)   the aggregate Scheduled Principal Balance of all Adjustable
                 Rate Home Equity Contracts repurchased, and all amounts
                 deposited in lieu of the repurchase of any Adjustable Rate Home
                 Equity Contract, during the prior Due Period pursuant to
                 Section 3.05(a) or, in the event of a substitution of an
                 Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contract in accordance with Section
                 3.05(b), any amount required to be deposited by the Company in
                 the Certificate Account during the prior Due Period pursuant to
                 Section 3.05(b)(vi); plus

                                      1-6
<PAGE>
 
          (v)  on the first Payment Date, the Excess Proceeds with respect to
               the Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts and on the Payment Date
               which is on or after the last day of the Pre-Funding Period, the
               Pre-Funded ARM Amount; plus

          (vi) on each Payment Date which is on or after the Payment Date on
               which the Class HE: A Certificates other than the Class HE: A-1
               ARM Certificates have been paid in full, (a) the Sub-Pool HE
               Senior Percentage of (A) the sum of the amounts described in
               clauses (i) through (v) of the definition of Sub-Pool HE Formula
               Principal Distribution Amount less (B) the sum of the amounts
               described in clauses (i) through (iv) above, less (b) the amount,
               if any, distributed in payment of principal on the Class HE: A
               Certificates other than the Class HE: A-1 ARM Certificates on
               such Payment Date.

     "Class HE: A-1 ARM Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -----------------------------------                                    
Original Class HE: A-1 ARM Principal Balance less all amounts previously
distributed to Holders of Class HE: A-1 ARM Certificates in respect of
principal.

     "Class HE: A-1 Certificate" means any one of the Class HE: A-1 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D-1 and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HE: A-1 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HE: A-1 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HE: A-1 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HE: A-1 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, that
      ---------------------------------                                     
portion of the Class HE: A Distribution Amount to be distributed to the Class
HE: A-1 Certificateholders pursuant to Section 8.04(d) on such Payment Date.

     "Class HE: A-1 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HE: A-1 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HE: A-1 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HE: A-2 Certificate" means any one of the Class HE: A-2 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D-1 and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

                                      1-7
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HE: A-2 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HE: A-2 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HE: A-2 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HE: A-2 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, that
      ---------------------------------                                     
portion of the Class HE: A Distribution Amount to be distributed to the Class
HE: A-2 Certificateholders pursuant to Section 8.04(d) on such Payment Date.

     "Class HE: A-2 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HE: A-2 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HE: A-2 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HE: A-3 Certificate" means any one of the Class HE: A-3 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D-1 and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HE: A-3 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HE: A-3 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HE: A-3 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HE: A-3 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, that
      ---------------------------------                                     
portion of the Class HE: A Distribution Amount to be distributed to the Class
HE: A-3 Certificateholders pursuant to Section 8.04(d) on such Payment Date.

     "Class HE: A-3 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HE: A-3 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HE: A-3 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HE: A-4 Certificate" means any one of the Class HE: A-4 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D-1 and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HE: A-4 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HE: A-4 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HE: A-4 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HE: A-4 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, that
      ---------------------------------                                     
portion of the Class HE: A Distribution Amount to be distributed to the Class
HE: A-4 Certificateholders pursuant to Section 8.04(d) on such Payment Date.

                                      1-8
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HE: A-4 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HE: A-4 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HE: A-4 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HE: A-5 Certificate" means any one of the Class HE: A-5 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D-1 and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HE: A-5 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HE: A-5 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HE: A-5 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.
 
     "Class HE: A-5 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, that
      ---------------------------------                                     
portion of the Class HE: A Distribution Amount to be distributed to the Class
HE: A-5 Certificateholders pursuant to Section 8.04(d) on such Payment Date.

     "Class HE: A-5 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HE: A-5 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HE: A-5 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HE: A-6 Certificate" means any one of the Class HE: A-6 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D-1 and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HE: A-6 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HE: A-6 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HE: A-6 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HE: A-6 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, that
      ---------------------------------                                     
portion of the Class HE: A Distribution Amount to be distributed to the Class
HE: A-6 Certificateholders pursuant to Section 8.04(d) on such Payment Date.

     "Class HE: A-6 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HE: A-6 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HE: A-6 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HE: A-7 Certificate" means any one of the Class HE: A-7 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D-1 and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

                                      1-9
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HE: A-7 Cross-over date" means the latest to occur of (a) the Class
      -----------------------------                                            
HE: A-6 Cross-over date or (b) the Payment Date on which the Class HE: A-7
Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal on the
Class HE: A-7 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero or (c) the
Payment Date on which the Class HE: A-1 ARM Principal Balance (after giving
effect to the distributions of principal on the Class HE: A-1 ARM Certificates
on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HE: A-7 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, that
      ---------------------------------                                     
portion of the Class HE: A Distribution Amount to be distributed to the Class
HE: A-7 Certificateholders pursuant to Section 8.04(d) on such Payment Date.

     "Class HE: A-7 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HE: A-7 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HE: A-7 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HE: A-7 Lockout Percentage" means, as to any Payment Date occurring
      --------------------------------                                         
during the periods set forth below, the percentage designated as such as
follows:

     Period (dates inclusive)               Class HE: A-7 Lockout Percentage
     ------------------------               --------------------------------

     October 1997 through September 2000                   0%
     October 2000 through September 2002                  20%
     October 2002 through September 2003                  80%
     October 2003 through September 2004                 100%
     October 2004 and thereafter                         300%

     "Class HE: A-7 Lockout Pro Rata Distribution Amount" means, as to any
      --------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, an amount equal to the lesser of:

          (a)  the product of (1) the Class HE: A-7 Lockout Percentage, and (2)
     the product of (A) a fraction, the numerator of which is the Class HE: A-7
     Principal Balance immediately preceding such Payment Date and the
     denominator of which is the Class HE: A Principal Balance less the Class
     HE: A-1 ARM Principal Balance, immediately preceding such Payment Date, and
     (B) the Sub-Pool HE Senior Percentage of the Sub-Pool HE Formula Principal
     Distribution Amount for such Payment Date, and

          (b)  the Class HE: A-7 Principal Balance immediately preceding such
     Payment Date.
 
                                     1-10
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HE: A-8 IO Certificate" means any one of the Class HE: A-8 IO
      ----------------------------                                       
Certificates executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the
Certificate Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D-3 and
evidencing an interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC
for purposes of the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HE: A-8 IO Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, that
      ------------------------------------                                     
portion of the Class HE: A Distribution Amount to be distributed to the Class
HE: A-8 IO Certificateholders pursuant to Section 8.04(d) on such Payment Date.

     "Class HE: A-8 IO Notional Principal Amount" means, as of any Payment Date
      ------------------------------------------                               
and the Class A-8 IO Certificates, an amount equal to the Subsidiary REMIC
Principal Balance of the  Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-7 immediately
prior to such date if such Payment Date is on or before September 15, 2000, and
zero thereafter.

     "Class HE: A-8 IO Original Notional Amount" means $29,500,000.
      -----------------------------------------                    

     "Class HE: B Certificates" means the Class HE: B-1 and Class HE: B-2
      ------------------------                                           
Certificates, collectively.

     "Class HE: B Cross-over date"  means the earlier of:
      ---------------------------                        

          (a)  the Class HE: M-2 Cross-over date, and

          (b)  the first Payment Date on or after the Payment Date occurring in
     October, 2000 on which the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the
     numerator of which is the Class HE: B Principal Balance as of such Payment
     Date and the denominator of which is the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance
     of Sub-Pool HE as of the immediately preceding Payment Date, is equal to or
     greater than 9.0%.

     "Class HE: B Percentage" means 100% minus the Sub-Pool HE Senior
      ----------------------                                         
Percentage.

     "Class HE: B Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the sum of
      -----------------------------                                           
the Class HE: B-1 Principal Balance and the Class HE: B-2 Principal Balance.

     "Class HE: B Principal Balance Test" means, to be considered "satisfied"
      ----------------------------------                                     
for any Payment Date, that the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the
numerator of which is the Class HE: B Principal Balance as of such Payment Date
and the denominator of which is the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-Pool
HE as of the immediately preceding Payment Date, is equal to or greater than
9.0%.

                                     1-11
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HE: B Principal Distribution Test" means, as to any Payment Date,
      ---------------------------------------                                
each of the Sub-Pool HE Average Sixty-Day Delinquency Ratio Test, the Sub-Pool
HE Average Thirty-Day Delinquency Ratio Test, the Class HE: B Principal Balance
Test, the Sub-Pool HE Cumulative Realized Losses Test and the Sub-Pool HE
Current Realized Losses Test.

     "Class HE: B-1 Certificate" means any one of the Class HE: B-1 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit F and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HE: B-1 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HE: B-1 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HE: B-1 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HE: B-1 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      ---------------------------------                                    
lesser of (a) the Sub-Pool HE Amount Available less the sum of the Class HE: A
Distribution Amount, the Class HE: M-1 Distribution Amount and the Class HE: M-2
Distribution Amount, and (b) the Class HE: B-1 Formula Distribution Amount;
provided that after the Class HE: B-1 Cross-over date the Class HE: B-1
- --------                                                               
Distribution Amount shall be zero.

     "Class HE: B-1 Formula Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      -----------------------------------------                                
an amount equal to the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to the first
Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but excluding
October 15, 1997) at the Class HE: B-1 Pass-Through Rate on the excess of the
Class HE: B-1 Principal Balance over the Class HE: B-1 Liquidation Loss
Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to such Payment Date, (b)
any Unpaid Class HE: B-1 Interest Shortfall, and (c) if such Payment Date is on
or prior to the Class HE: B-1 Cross-over date, the Class HE: B Percentage of the
Sub-Pool HE Formula Principal Distribution Amount; provided, however, that on
                                                   --------  -------         
the Class HE: M-2 Cross-over date, the balance of any amounts that would have
been distributable on such date pursuant to clause (c) of the definition of the
term "Class HE: M-2 Formula Distribution Amount" (assuming a sufficient Sub-Pool
HE Amount Available) but for the operation of the second proviso in such
definition shall instead be included in clause (c) of this definition; and
provided, further, that the aggregate of all amounts distributed pursuant to
- --------  -------                                                           
clause (c) of this definition shall not exceed the Original Class HE: B-1
Principal Balance.
 
     "Class HE: B-1 Formula Interest Distribution Amount" means, as to any
      --------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the sum of (a) the amount specified in clause (a) of the
definition of the term "Class HE: B-1 Formula Distribution Amount" and (b) the
Unpaid Class HE: B-1 Interest Shortfall, if any.

                                     1-12
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HE: B-1 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount"
      ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
means, as to any Payment Date, the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to
the first Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but
excluding October 15, 1997) at the Class HE: B-1 Pass-Through Rate on the Class
HE: B-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to
such Payment Date, and (b) the Unpaid Class HE: B-1 Liquidation Loss Interest
Shortfall, if any.

     "Class HE: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      ----------------------------------------                                
the amount, if any, by which (a) the Class HE: B-1 Formula Interest Distribution
Amount exceeds (b) the amount available for distribution to the Class HE: B-1
Certificateholders pursuant to Sections 8.04(d)(6)(i) and (ii) on such Payment
Date.

     "Class HE: B-1 Interest Shortfall" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      --------------------------------                                    
amount, if any,  by which (a) the Class HE: B-1 Formula Interest Distribution
Amount exceeds (b) the sum of (1) the amount distributed to Class HE: B-1
Certificateholders on such Payment Date pursuant to Sections 8.04(d)(6)(i) and
(ii), and (2) the amount distributed to Class HE: B-1 Certificateholders on such
Payment Date pursuant to Section 8.04(e).

     "Class HE: B-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall" means, as to any
      -------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the amount, if any, by which (a) the Class HE: B-1 Formula
Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount exceeds (b) the amount distributed
to Class HE: B-1 Certificateholders on such Payment Date pursuant to Section
8.04(d)(8)(iii).

     "Class HE: B-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount" means, as to any Payment
      -----------------------------------------------                          
Date, the lesser of (a) the excess, if any, of the Sub-Pool HE Aggregate
Liquidation Loss Principal Amount over the Class HE: B-2 Principal Balance, and
(b) the Class HE: B-1 Principal Balance.

     "Class HE: B-1 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HE: B-1 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HE: B-1 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HE: B-2 Certificate" means any one of the Class HE: B-2 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit F and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HE: B-2 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      ---------------------------------                                    
lesser of (a) the Class HE: B-2 Remaining Sub-Pool HE Amount Available, and (b)
the Class HE: B-2 Formula Distribution Amount.

                                     1-13
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HE: B-2 Formula Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      -----------------------------------------                                
an amount equal to the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to the first
Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but excluding
October 15, 1997) at the Class HE: B-2 Pass-Through Rate on the excess of the
Class HE: B-2 Principal Balance over the Class HE: B-2 Liquidation Loss
Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to such Payment Date, (b)
any Unpaid Class HE: B-2 Interest Shortfall, and (c) if such Payment Date is
after the Class HE: B-1 Cross-over date, the Class HE: B Percentage of the Sub-
Pool HE Formula Principal Distribution Amount; provided, however, that on the
                                               --------  -------             
Class HE: B-1 Cross-over date, the balance of any amounts that would have been
distributable on such date pursuant to clause (c) of the definition of the term
"Class HE: B-1 Formula Distribution Amount" (assuming a sufficient Sub-Pool HE
Amount Available) but for the operation of the second proviso in such definition
shall instead be included in clause (c) of this definition; and provided,
                                                                -------- 
further, that the aggregate of all amounts distributed pursuant to clause (c) of
- -------                                                                         
this definition shall not exceed the Original Class HE: B-2 Principal Balance.

     "Class HE: B-2 Formula Interest Distribution Amount" means, as to any
      --------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the sum of (a) the amount specified in clause (a) of the
definition of the term "Class HE: B-2 Formula Distribution Amount" and (b) the
Unpaid Class HE: B-2 Interest Shortfall, if any.

     "Class HE: B-2 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount"
      ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
means, as to any Payment Date, the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to
the first Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but
excluding October 15, 1997) at the Class HE: B-2 Pass-Through Rate on the Class
HE: B-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to
such Payment Date, and (b) the Unpaid Class HE: B-2 Liquidation Loss Interest
Shortfall, if any.

     "Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Fee" means, as of any Payment Date, the lesser of
      --------------------------                                              
(a) one-twelfth of the product of 3.00% and the sum of the Pool Scheduled
Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HE for the immediately preceding Payment Date (or,
in the case of the October 1997 Payment Date, the Cut-Off Date), and the Pre-
Funded Amount as of the immediately preceding Payment Date (or, in the case of
the October 1997 Payment Date, the Closing Date), or (b) the Sub-Pool HE Amount
Available less the amounts payable under Sections 8.04(d)(1)-(13).

     "Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Payment" means, as to any Payment Date, the amount,
      ------------------------------                                            
if any, by which (a) the sum of the Class HE: B-2 Total Formula Distribution
Amount and the Class HE: B-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount exceeds (b) the
Class HE: B-2 Total Distribution Amount; provided that the Class HE: B-2
Guaranty Payment shall not exceed the amount necessary to reduce the Class HE:
B-2 Principal Balance to zero.

                                     1-14
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HE: B-2 Interest Shortfall" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      --------------------------------                                    
amount, if any, by which (a) the Class HE: B-2 Formula Interest Distribution
Amount exceeds (b) the sum of the amount distributed to Class HE: B-2
Certificateholders on such Payment Date pursuant to Sections 8.04(d)(7)(i) and
(ii) and any Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Payment.

     "Class HE: B-2 Limited Guaranty" means the limited guaranty of the Company
      ------------------------------                                           
provided pursuant to Section 8.03(b).

     "Class HE: B-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall" means, as to any
      -------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the amount, if any, by which the Class HE: B-2 Formula Liquidation
Loss Interest Distribution Amount exceeds (a) the sum of (1) the Class HE: B-2
Total Formula Distribution Amount and (2) the Class HE: B-2 Liquidation Loss
Principal Amount less (b) the sum of (1) the Class HE: B-2 Total Distribution
Amount, (2) any Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Payment and (3) any Class HE: B-2
Interest Shortfall.

     "Class HE: B-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount" means, as to any Payment
      -----------------------------------------------                          
Date, the lesser of the Sub-Pool HE Aggregate Liquidation Loss Principal Amount
and the Class HE: B-2 Principal Balance.

     "Class HE: B-2 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HE: B-2 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HE: B-2 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HE: B-2 Total Formula Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment
      -----------------------------------------------                          
Date, the sum of the Class HE: B-2 Formula Distribution Amount and the Class HE:
B-2 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount.

     "Class HE: B-2 Total Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      ---------------------------------------                                
the sum of the Class HE: B-2 Distribution Amount and amounts distributed on such
Payment Date pursuant to Section 8.04(d)(8)(iv).

     "Class HE: M Certificates" means the Class HE: M-1 and Class HE: M-2
      ------------------------                                           
Certificates, collectively.

     "Class HE: M Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the sum of
      -----------------------------                                           
the Class HE: M-1 Principal Balance and the Class HE: M-2 Principal Balance.

     "Class HE: M-1 Certificate" means any one of the Class HE: M-1 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit E and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

                                     1-15
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HE: M-1 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HE: M-1 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HE: M-1 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HE: M-1 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      ---------------------------------                                    
lesser of (a) the Sub-Pool HE Amount Available less the Class HE: A Distribution
Amount and (b) the Class HE: M-1 Formula Distribution Amount; provided that
                                                              --------     
after the Class HE: M-1 Cross-over date the Class HE: M-1 Distribution Amount
shall be zero.

     "Class HE: M-1 Formula Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      -----------------------------------------                                
an amount equal to the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to the first
Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but excluding
October 15, 1997) at the Class HE: M-1 Pass-Through Rate on the excess of the
Class HE: M-1 Principal Balance over the Class HE: M-1 Liquidation Loss
Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to such Payment Date, (b)
any Unpaid Class HE: M-1 Interest Shortfall and (c) if such Payment Date is
after the Class HE: A-4 Cross-over date, but on or prior to the Class HE: M-1
Cross-over date, the Sub-Pool HE Senior Percentage of the Sub-Pool HE Formula
Principal Distribution Amount; provided, however, that on the Class HE: A-4
                               --------  -------                           
Cross-over date, the balance of any amounts that would have been distributable
on such date pursuant to clause (c) of the definition of the term "Class HE: A
Formula Distribution Amount" (assuming a sufficient Sub-Pool HE Amount
Available) but for the operation of the proviso in such definition shall instead
be included in clause (c) of this definition; and provided, further, that the
                                                  --------  -------          
aggregate of all amounts distributed for all Payment Dates pursuant to clause
(c) of this definition shall not exceed the Original Class HE: M-1 Principal
Balance.

     "Class HE: M-1 Formula Interest Distribution Amount" means, as to any
      --------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the sum of (a) the amount specified in clause (a) of the
definition of the term "Class HE: M-1 Formula Distribution Amount" and (b) the
Unpaid Class HE: M-1 Interest Shortfall, if any.

     "Class HE: M-1 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount"
      ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
means, as to any Payment Date, the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to
the first Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but
excluding October 15, 1997) at the Class HE: M-1 Pass-Through Rate on the Class
HE: M-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to
such Payment Date, and (b) the Unpaid Class HE: M-1 Liquidation Loss Interest
Shortfall, if any.

     "Class HE: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      ----------------------------------------                                
the amount, if any, by which (a) the Class HE: M-1 Formula Interest Distribution
Amount exceeds (b) the amount available for distribution to the Class HE: M-1
Certificateholders pursuant to Sections 8.04(d)(4)(i) and (ii) on such Payment
Date.

                                     1-16
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HE: M-1 Interest Shortfall" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      --------------------------------                                    
amount, if any,  by which (a) the Class HE: M-1 Formula Interest Distribution
Amount exceeds (b) the sum of (1) the amount distributed to Class HE: M-1
Certificateholders on such Payment Date pursuant to Sections 8.04(d)(4)(i) and
(ii), and (2) the amount distributed to Class HE: M-1 Certificateholders on such
Payment Date pursuant to Section 8.04(e).

     "Class HE: M-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall" means, as to any
      -------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the amount, if any, by which (a) the Class HE: M-1 Formula
Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount exceeds (b) any amount distributed
to Class HE: M-1 Certificateholders on such Payment Date pursuant to Section
8.04(d)(8)(i).

     "Class HE: M-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount" means, as of any Payment
      -----------------------------------------------                          
Date, the lesser of (a) the excess, if any, of the Sub-Pool HE Aggregate
Liquidation Loss Principal Amount over the aggregate of the Class HE: M-2
Principal Balance and the Class HE: B Principal Balance, and (b) the Class HE:
M-1 Principal Balance.

     "Class HE: M-1 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HE: M-1 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HE: M-1 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HE: M-2 Certificate" means any one of the Class HE: M-2 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit E and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HE: M-2 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HE: M-2 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HE: M-2 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HE: M-2 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      ---------------------------------                                    
lesser of (a) the Sub-Pool HE Amount Available less the Class HE: A Distribution
Amount and the Class HE: M-1 Distribution Amount and (b) the Class HE: M-2
Formula Distribution Amount; provided that after the Class HE: M-2 Cross-over
                             --------                                        
date the Class HE: M-2 Distribution Amount shall be zero.

     "Class HE: M-2 Formula Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      -----------------------------------------                                
an amount equal to the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to the first
Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but excluding
October 15, 1997) at the Class HE: M-2 Pass-Through Rate on the excess of the
Class HE: M-2 Principal Balance over the Class HE: M-2 Liquidation Loss
Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to such Payment Date, (b)
any Unpaid Class HE: M-2 Interest Shortfall and (c) if such Payment Date is
after the Class HE: M-1 Cross-over date, but on or prior to the

                                     1-17
<PAGE>
 
Class HE: M-2 Cross-over date, the Sub-Pool HE Senior Percentage of the Sub-Pool
HE Formula Principal Distribution Amount; provided, however, that on the Class
                                          --------  -------                   
HE: M-1 Cross-over date, the balance of any amounts that would have been
distributable on such date pursuant to clause (c) of the definition of the term
"Class HE: M-1 Formula Distribution Amount" (assuming a sufficient Sub-Pool HE
Amount Available) but for the operation of the proviso in such definition shall
instead be included in clause (c) of this definition; and provided, further,
                                                          --------  ------- 
that the aggregate of all amounts distributed for all Payment Dates pursuant to
clause (c) of this definition shall not exceed the Original Class HE: M-2
Principal Balance.

     "Class HE: M-2 Formula Interest Distribution Amount" means, as to any
      --------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the sum of (a) the amount specified in clause (a) of the
definition of the term "Class HE: M-2 Formula Distribution Amount" and (b) the
Unpaid Class HE: M-2 Interest Shortfall, if any.

     "Class HE: M-2 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount"
      ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
means, as to any Payment Date, the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to
the first Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but
excluding October 15, 1997) at the Class HE: M-2 Pass-Through Rate on the Class
HE: M-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to
such Payment Date, and (b) the Unpaid Class HE: M-2 Liquidation Loss Interest
Shortfall, if any.

     "Class HE: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      ----------------------------------------                                
the amount, if any, by which (a) the Class HE: M-2 Formula Interest Distribution
Amount exceeds (b) the amount available for distribution to the Class HE: M-2
Certificateholders pursuant to Sections 8.04(d)(5)(i) and (ii) on such Payment
Date.

     "Class HE: M-2 Interest Shortfall" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      --------------------------------                                    
amount, if any,  by which (a) the Class HE: M-2 Formula Interest Distribution
Amount, exceeds (b) the sum of (1) the amount distributed to Class HE: M-2
Certificateholders on such Payment Date pursuant to Sections 8.04(d)(5)(i) and
(ii), and (2) the amount distributed to Class HE: M-2 Certificateholders on such
Payment Date pursuant to Section 8.04(e).

     "Class HE: M-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall" means, as to any
      -------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the amount, if any, by which the Class HE: M-2 Formula Liquidation
Loss Interest Distribution Amount exceeds any amount distributed to Class HE: M-
2 Certificateholders on such Payment Date pursuant to Section 8.04(d)(8)(iv).

     "Class HE: M-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount" means the lesser of (a)
      -----------------------------------------------                         
the excess, if any, of the Sub-Pool HE Aggregate Liquidation Loss Principal
Amount over the Class HE: B Principal Balance, and (b) the Class HE: M-2
Principal Balance.

                                     1-18
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HE: M-2 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HE: M-2 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HE: M-2 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HI: A Certificates" means the Class HI: A-1, Class HI: A-2, and
      ------------------------                                             
Class HI: A-3 Certificates, collectively.

     "Class HI: A Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, the lesser
      -------------------------------                                           
of (a) the Sub-Pool HI Amount Available and (b) the Class HI: A Formula
Distribution Amount; provided that, after the Class HI: A-3 Cross-over date, the
                     --------                                                   
Class HI: A Distribution Amount shall be zero.

     "Class HI: A Formula Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, an
      ---------------------------------------                                   
amount equal to the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to the first Payment
Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but excluding October 15,
1997) at (1) the Class HI: A-1 Pass-Through Rate on the Class HI: A-1 Principal
Balance, (2) the Class HI: A-2 Pass-Through Rate on the Class HI: A-2 Principal
Balance, and (3) the Class HI: A-3 Pass-Through Rate on the Class HI: A-3
Principal Balance, in each case to be calculated immediately prior to such
Payment Date, (b) the aggregate of the Unpaid Class HI: A Interest Shortfalls,
if any, with respect to each Class of Class HI: A Certificates, and (c)(i) if
there is no Class HI: A Liquidation Loss Principal Amount as to such Payment
Date, the Sub-Pool HI Senior Percentage of the Sub-Pool HI Formula Principal
Distribution Amount, or (ii) if there is a Class HI: A Liquidation Loss
Principal Amount as to such Payment Date, the amount determined in accordance
with Section 8.04(b)(3)(i); provided, however, that the aggregate of all amounts
                            --------  -------                                   
distributed for all Payment Dates pursuant to clause (c) shall not exceed the
sum of the Original Class HI: A Principal Balance.

     "Class HI: A Formula Interest Distribution Amount" means, as to each Class
      ------------------------------------------------                         
of Class HI: A Certificates and any Payment Date, the sum of (a) the amount
specified in clause (a)(1), (2) or (3), as appropriate, of the definition of the
term "Class HI: A Formula Distribution Amount" and (2) the Unpaid Class HI: A
Interest Shortfall, if any, with respect to such Class.

     "Class HI: A Interest Shortfall" means, as to each Class of Class HI: A
      ------------------------------                                        
Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if any, by which the Class HI: A
Formula Interest Distribution Amount for such Class exceeds the amount
distributed to Holders of such Class on such Payment Date pursuant to Section
8.04(b)(2).

     "Class HI: A Liquidation Loss Principal Amount" means, as to any Payment
      ---------------------------------------------                          
Date, the amount, if any, by which the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-
Pool HI is less than the Class HI: A Principal Balance.

                                     1-19
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HI: A Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the sum of
      -----------------------------                                           
the Class HI: A-1 Principal Balance, the Class HI: A-2 Principal Balance and the
Class HI: A-3 Principal Balance.

     "Class HI: A-1 Certificate" means any one of the Class HI: A-1 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HI: A-1 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HI: A-1 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HI: A-1 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HI: A-1 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, that
      ---------------------------------                                     
portion of the Class HI: A Distribution Amount to be distributed to the Class
HI: A-1 Certificateholders pursuant to Section 8.04(b) on such Payment Date.

     "Class HI: A-1 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HI: A-1 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HI: A-1 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HI: A-2 Certificate" means any one of the Class HI: A-2 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HI: A-2 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HI: A-2 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HI: A-2 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HI: A-2 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, that
      ---------------------------------                                     
portion of the Class HI: A Distribution Amount to be distributed to the Class
HI: A-2 Certificateholders pursuant to Section 8.04(b) on such Payment Date.

     "Class HI: A-2 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HI: A-2 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HI: A-2 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HI: A-3 Certificate" means any one of the Class HI: A-3 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

                                     1-20
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HI: A-3 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HI: A-3 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HI: A-3 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HI: A-3 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, that
      ---------------------------------                                     
portion of the Class HI: A Distribution Amount to be distributed to the Class
HI: A-3 Certificateholders pursuant to Section 8.04(b) on such Payment Date.

     "Class HI: A-3 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HI: A-3 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HI: A-3 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HI: B Certificates" means the Class HI: B-1 and Class HI: B-2
      ------------------------                                           
Certificates, collectively.

     "Class HI: B Cross-over date"  means the earlier of:
      ---------------------------                        

     (a)  the Class HI: M-2 Cross-over date, and

     (b)  the first Payment Date on or after the Payment Date occurring in
October 2000 on which the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of
which is the Class HI: B Principal Balance as of such Payment Date and the
denominator of which is the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HI as
of the immediately preceding Payment Date, is equal to or greater than 14.0%.

     "Class HI: B Percentage" means 100% minus the Sub-Pool HI Senior
      ----------------------                                         
Percentage.

     "Class HI: B Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the sum of
      -----------------------------                                           
the Class HI: B-1 Principal Balance and the Class HI: B-2 Principal Balance.
 
     "Class HI: B Principal Balance Test" means, to be considered "satisfied"
      ----------------------------------                                     
for any Payment Date, that the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the
numerator of which is the Class HI: B Principal Balance as of such Payment Date
and the denominator of which is the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-Pool
HI as of the immediately preceding Payment Date, is equal to or greater than
14.0%.
 
     "Class HI: B Principal Distribution Test" means, as to any Payment Date,
      ---------------------------------------                                
each of the Sub-Pool HI Average Sixty-Day Delinquency Ratio Test, the Sub-Pool
HI Average Thirty-Day Delinquency Ratio Test, the Class HI: B Principal Balance
Test, the Sub-Pool HI Cumulative Realized Losses Test and the Sub-Pool HI
Current Realized Losses Test.

                                     1-21
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HI: B-1 Certificate" means any one of the Class HI: B-1 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit C and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HI: B-1 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HI: B-1 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HI: B-1 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HI: B-1 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, the 
     ----------------------------------
lesser of (a) the Sub-Pool HI Amount Available less the sum of the Class HI: A
Distribution Amount, the Class HI: M-1 Distribution Amount and the Class HI: M-2
Distribution Amount, and (b) the Class HI: B-1 Formula Distribution Amount;
provided that after the Class HI: B-1 Cross-over date the Class HI: B-1
- --------                                                               
Distribution Amount shall be zero.

     "Class HI: B-1 Formula Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      -----------------------------------------                                
an amount equal to the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to the first
Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but excluding
October 15, 1997) at the Class HI: B-1 Pass-Through Rate on the excess of the
Class HI: B-1 Principal Balance over the Class HI: B-1 Liquidation Loss
Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to such Payment Date, (b)
any Unpaid Class HI: B-1 Interest Shortfall, and (c) if such Payment Date is on
or prior to the Class HI: B-1 Cross-over date, the Class HI: B Percentage of the
Sub-Pool HI Formula Principal Distribution Amount; provided, however, that on
                                                   --------  -------         
the Class HI: M-2 Cross-over date, the balance of any amounts that would have
been distributable on such date pursuant to clause (c) of the definition of the
term "Class HI: M-2 Formula Distribution Amount" (assuming a sufficient Sub-Pool
HI Amount Available) but for the operation of the second proviso in such
definition shall instead be included in clause (c) of this definition; and
provided, further, that the aggregate of all amounts distributed pursuant to
- --------  -------
clause (c) of this definition shall not exceed the Original Class HI: B-1
Principal Balance.

     "Class HI: B-1 Formula Interest Distribution Amount" means, as to any
      --------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the sum of (a) the amount specified in clause (a) of the
definition of the term "Class HI: B-1 Formula Distribution Amount" and (b) the
Unpaid Class HI: B-1 Interest Shortfall, if any.

     "Class HI: B-1 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount"
      ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
means, as to any Payment Date, the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to
the first Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but
excluding October 15, 1997) at the Class HI: B-1 Pass-Through Rate on the Class
HI: B-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to
such Payment Date, and (b) the Unpaid Class HI: B-1 Liquidation Loss Interest
Shortfall, if any.

                                     1-22
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HI: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      ----------------------------------------                                
the amount, if any, by which (a) the Class HI: B-1 Formula Interest Distribution
Amount exceeds (b) the amount available for distribution to the Class HI: B-1
Certificateholders pursuant to Sections 8.04(b)(6)(i) and (ii) on such Payment
Date.

     "Class HI: B-1 Interest Shortfall" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      --------------------------------                                    
amount, if any,  by which (a) the Class HI: B-1 Formula Interest Distribution
Amount exceeds (b) the sum of (1) the amount distributed to Class HI: B-1
Certificateholders on such Payment Date pursuant to Sections 8.04(b)(6)(i) and
(ii), and (2) the amount distributed to Class HI: B-1 Certificateholders on such
Payment Date pursuant to Section 8.04(c).

     "Class HI: B-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall" means, as to any
      -------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the amount, if any, by which (a) the Class HI: B-1 Formula
Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount exceeds (b) the amount distributed
to Class HI: B-1 Certificateholders on such Payment Date pursuant to Section
8.04(b)(8)(iii).

     "Class HI: B-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount" means, as to any Payment
      -----------------------------------------------                          
Date, the lesser of (a) the excess, if any, of the Sub-Pool HI Aggregate
Liquidation Loss Principal Amount over the Class HI: B-2 Principal Balance, and
(b) the Class HI: B-1 Principal Balance.

     "Class HI: B-1 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HI: B-1 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HI: B-1 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HI: B-2 Certificate" means any one of the Class HI: B-2 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit C and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HI: B-2 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      ---------------------------------                                    
lesser of (a) the Class HI: B-2 Remaining Sub-Pool HI Amount Available, and (b)
the Class HI: B-2 Formula Distribution Amount.

     "Class HI: B-2 Formula Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      -----------------------------------------                                
an amount equal to the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to the first
Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but excluding
October 15, 1997) at the Class HI: B-2 Pass-Through Rate on the excess of the
Class HI: B-2 Principal Balance over the Class HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss
Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to such Payment Date, (b)
any Unpaid Class HI: B-2 Interest Shortfall, and (c) if such Payment Date is
after the Class HI: B-1 Cross-over date, the Class HI: B Percentage of the Sub-
Pool HI Formula Principal Distribution Amount; provided,
                                               -------- 

                                     1-23
<PAGE>
 
however, that on the Class HI: B-1 Cross-over date, the balance of any amounts
- -------                                                                       
that would have been distributable on such date pursuant to clause (c) of the
definition of the term "Class HI: B-1 Formula Distribution Amount" (assuming a
sufficient Sub-Pool HI Amount Available) but for the operation of the second
proviso in such definition shall instead be included in clause (c) of this
definition; and provided, further, that the aggregate of all amounts distributed
                --------  -------                                               
pursuant to clause (c) of this definition shall not exceed the Original Class
HI: B-2 Principal Balance.

     "Class HI: B-2 Formula Interest Distribution Amount" means, as to any
      --------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the sum of (a) the amount specified in clause (a) of the
definition of the term "Class HI: B-2 Formula Distribution Amount" and (b) the
Unpaid Class HI: B-2 Interest Shortfall, if any.

     "Class HI: B-2 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount"
      ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
means, as to any Payment Date, the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to
the first Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but
excluding October 15, 1997) at the Class HI: B-2 Pass-Through Rate on the Class
HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to
such Payment Date, and (b) the Unpaid Class HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss Interest
Shortfall, if any.

     "Class HI: B-2 Guaranty Fee" means, as of any Payment Date, the lesser of
      --------------------------                                              
(a) one-twelfth of the product of 3.00% and the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance
for Sub-Pool HI for the immediately preceding Payment Date (or, in the case of
the October 1997 Payment Date, the Cut-Off Date), or (b) the Sub-Pool HI Amount
Available less the amounts payable under Sections 8.04(b)(1)-(14).

     "Class HI: B-2 Guaranty Payment" means, as to any Payment Date, the amount,
      ------------------------------                                            
if any, by which (a) the sum of the Class HI: B-2 Total Formula Distribution
Amount and the Class HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount exceeds (b) the
Class HI: B-2 Total Distribution Amount; provided that the Class HI: B-2
Guaranty Payment shall not exceed the amount necessary to reduce the Class HI:
B-2 Principal Balance to zero.

     "Class HI: B-2 Interest Shortfall" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      --------------------------------                                    
amount, if any, by which (a) the Class HI: B-2 Formula Interest Distribution
Amount exceeds (b) the sum of the amount distributed to Class HI: B-2
Certificateholders on such Payment Date pursuant to Sections 8.04(b)(7)(i) and
(ii) and any Class HI: B-2 Guaranty Payment.

     "Class HI: B-2 Limited Guaranty" means the limited guaranty of the Company
      ------------------------------                                           
provided pursuant to Section 8.03(a).

     "Class HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall" means, as to any
      -------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the amount, if any, by which the Class HI: B-2 Formula Liquidation
Loss Interest Distribution Amount exceeds (a) the sum of (1) the Class HI: B-2
Total Formula

                                     1-24
<PAGE>
 
Distribution Amount and (2) the Class HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount
less (b) the sum of (1) the Class HI: B-2 Total Distribution Amount, (2) any
Class HI: B-2 Guaranty Payment and (3) any Class HI: B-2 Interest Shortfall.

     "Class HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount" means, as to any Payment
      -----------------------------------------------                          
Date, the lesser of the Sub-Pool HI Aggregate Liquidation Loss Principal Amount
and the Class HI: B-2 Principal Balance.

     "Class HI: B-2 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HI: B-2 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HI: B-2 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HI: B-2 Total Formula Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment
      -----------------------------------------------                          
Date, the sum of the Class HI: B-2 Formula Distribution Amount and the Class HI:
B-2 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount.

     "Class HI: B-2 Total Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      ---------------------------------------                                
the sum of the Class HI: B-2 Distribution Amount and amounts distributed on such
Payment Date pursuant to Section 8.04(b)(8)(iv).

     "Class HI: M Certificates" means the Class HI: M-1 and Class HI: M-2
      ------------------------                                           
Certificates, collectively.

     "Class HI: M Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the sum of
      -----------------------------                                           
the Class HI: M-1 Principal Balance and the Class HI: M-2 Principal Balance.

     "Class HI: M-1 Certificate" means any one of the Class HI: M-1 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HI: M-1 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HI: M-1 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HI: M-2 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HI: M-1 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      ---------------------------------                                    
lesser of (a) the Sub-Pool HI Amount Available less the Class HI: A Distribution
Amount and (b) the Class HI: M-1 Formula Distribution Amount; provided that
                                                              --------     
after the Class HI: M-1 Cross-over date the Class HI: M-1 Distribution Amount
shall be zero.

     "Class HI: M-1 Formula Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      -----------------------------------------                                
an amount equal to the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to the first
Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but excluding
October 15, 1997) at the Class HI: M-1 Pass-Through Rate on the excess of the
Class HI: M-1 Principal Balance over the Class HI: M-1 Liquidation Loss
Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately

                                     1-25
<PAGE>
 
prior to such Payment Date, (b) any Unpaid Class HI: M-1 Interest Shortfall and
(c) if such Payment Date is after the Class HI: A-3 Cross-over date, but on or
prior to the Class HI: M-1 Cross-over date, the Sub-Pool HI Senior Percentage of
the Sub-Pool HI Formula Principal Distribution Amount; provided, however, that
                                                       --------  -------      
on the Class HI: A-3 Cross-over date, the balance of any amounts that would have
been distributable on such date pursuant to clause (c) of the definition of the
term "Class HI: A Formula Distribution Amount" (assuming a sufficient Sub-Pool
HI Amount Available) but for the operation of the proviso in such definition
shall instead be included in clause (c) of this definition; and provided,
                                                                -------- 
further, that the aggregate of all amounts distributed for all Payment Dates
- -------                                                                     
pursuant to clause (c) of this definition shall not exceed the Original Class
HI: M-1 Principal Balance.

     "Class HI: M-1 Formula Interest Distribution Amount" means, as to any
      --------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the sum of (a) the amount specified in clause (a) of the
definition of the term "Class HI: M-1 Formula Distribution Amount" and (b) the
Unpaid Class HI: M-1 Interest Shortfall, if any.

     "Class HI: M-1 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount"
      ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
means, as to any Payment Date, the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to
the first Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but
excluding October 15, 1997) at the Class HI: M-1 Pass-Through Rate on the Class
HI: M-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to
such Payment Date, and (b) the Unpaid Class HI: M-1 Liquidation Loss Interest
Shortfall, if any.

     "Class HI: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      ----------------------------------------                                
the amount, if any, by which (a) the Class HI: M-1 Formula Interest Distribution
Amount exceeds (b) the amount available for distribution to the Class HI: M-1
Certificateholders pursuant to Sections 8.04(b)(4)(i) and (ii) on such Payment
Date.

     "Class HI: M-1 Interest Shortfall" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      --------------------------------                                    
amount, if any,  by which (a) the Class HI: M-1 Formula Interest Distribution
Amount exceeds (b) the sum of (1) the amount distributed to Class HI: M-1
Certificateholders on such Payment Date pursuant to Sections 8.04(b)(4)(i) and
(ii), and (2) the amount distributed to Class HI: M-1 Certificateholders on such
Payment Date pursuant to Section 8.04(c).

     "Class HI: M-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall" means, as to any
      -------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the amount, if any, by which (a) the Class HI: M-1 Formula
Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount exceeds (b) any amount distributed
to Class HI: M-1 Certificateholders on such Payment Date pursuant to Section
8.04(b)(8)(i).

     "Class HI: M-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount" means, as of any Payment
      -----------------------------------------------                          
Date, the lesser of (a) the excess, if any, of the Sub-Pool HI Aggregate
Liquidation Loss Principal Amount over the aggregate of the Class HI: M-2
Principal Balance and the Class HI: B Principal Balance, and (b) the Class HI:
M-1 Principal Balance.

                                     1-26
<PAGE>
 
     "Class HI: M-1 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HI: M-1 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HI: M-1 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class HI: M-2 Certificate" means any one of the Class HI: M-2 Certificates
      -------------------------                                                 
executed and delivered by the Trustee and authenticated by the Certificate
Registrar substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B and evidencing an
interest designated as a "regular interest" in the Master REMIC for purposes of
the REMIC Provisions.

     "Class HI: M-2 Cross-over date" means the Payment Date on which the Class
      -----------------------------                                           
HI: M-2 Principal Balance (after giving effect to the distributions of principal
on the Class HI: M-2 Certificates on such Payment Date) is reduced to zero.

     "Class HI: M-2 Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      ---------------------------------                                    
lesser of (a) the Sub-Pool HI Amount Available less the Class HI: A Distribution
Amount and the Class HI: M-1 Distribution Amount and (b) the Class HI: M-2
Formula Distribution Amount; provided that after the Class HI: M-2 Cross-over
                             --------                                        
date the Class HI: M-2 Distribution Amount shall be zero.

     "Class HI: M-2 Formula Distribution Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      -----------------------------------------                                
an amount equal to the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to the first
Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but excluding
October 15, 1997) at the Class HI: M-2 Pass-Through Rate on the excess of the
Class HI: M-2 Principal Balance over the Class HI: M-2 Liquidation Loss
Principal Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to such Payment Date, (b)
any Unpaid Class HI: M-2 Interest Shortfall and (c) if such Payment Date is
after the Class HI: M-1 Cross-over date, but on or prior to the Class HI: M-2
Cross-over date, the Sub-Pool HI Senior Percentage of the Sub-Pool HI Formula
Principal Distribution Amount; provided, however, that on the Class HI: M-1
                               --------  -------                           
Cross-over date, the balance of any amounts that would have been distributable
on such date pursuant to clause (c) of the definition of the term "Class HI: M-1
Formula Distribution Amount" (assuming a sufficient Sub-Pool HI Amount
Available) but for the operation of the proviso in such definition shall instead
be included in clause (c) of this definition; and provided, further, that the
                                                  --------  -------          
aggregate of all amounts distributed for all Payment Dates pursuant to clause
(c) of this definition shall not exceed the Original Class HI: M-2 Principal
Balance.

     "Class HI: M-2 Formula Interest Distribution Amount" means, as to any
      --------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the sum of (a) the amount specified in clause (a) of the
definition of the term "Class HI: M-2 Formula Distribution Amount" and (b) the
Unpaid Class HI: M-2 Interest Shortfall, if any.

     "Class HI: M-2 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount"
      ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
means, as to any Payment Date, the sum of (a) one month's interest (or, as to
the first Payment Date, interest from and including the Closing Date to but
excluding October 15, 1997) at the Class HI: M-2 Pass-Through Rate on the Class
HI: M-2 Liquidation Loss Principal

                                     1-27
<PAGE>
 
Amount, to be calculated immediately prior to such Payment Date, and (b) the
Unpaid Class HI: M-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall, if any.

     "Class HI: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount" means, as to any Payment Date,
      ----------------------------------------                                
the amount, if any, by which (a) the Class HI: M-2 Formula Interest Distribution
Amount exceeds (b) the amount available for distribution to the Class HI: M-2
Certificateholders pursuant to Sections 8.04(b)(5)(i) and (ii) on such Payment
Date.

     "Class HI: M-2 Interest Shortfall" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      --------------------------------                                    
amount, if any,  by which (a) the Class HI: M-2 Formula Interest Distribution
Amount, exceeds (b) the sum of (1) the amount distributed to Class HI: M-2
Certificateholders on such Payment Date pursuant to Sections 8.04(b)(5)(i) and
(ii), and (2) the amount distributed to Class HI: M-2 Certificateholders on such
Payment Date pursuant to Section 8.04(c).

     "Class HI: M-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall" means, as to any
      -------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the amount, if any, by which the Class HI: M-2 Formula Liquidation
Loss Interest Distribution Amount exceeds any amount distributed to Class HI: M-
2 Certificateholders on such Payment Date pursuant to Section 8.04(b)(8)(iv).

     "Class HI: M-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount" means the lesser of (a)
      -----------------------------------------------                         
the excess, if any, of the Sub-Pool HI Aggregate Liquidation Loss Principal
Amount over the Class HI: B Principal Balance, and (b) the Class HI: M-2
Principal Balance.

     "Class HI: M-2 Principal Balance" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      -------------------------------                                    
Original Class HI: M-2 Principal Balance less all amounts previously distributed
to Holders of Class HI: M-2 Certificates in respect of principal.

     "Class Principal Balance" means any of the Class HI: A-1, Class HI: A-2,
      -----------------------                                                
Class HI: A-3, Class HI: M-1, Class HI: M-2, Class HI: B-1, Class HI: B-2, Class
HE: A-1 ARM, Class HE: A-1, Class HE: A-2, Class HE: A-3, Class HE: A-4, Class
HE: A-5, Class HE: A-6, Class HE: A-7, Class HE: M-1, Class HE: M-2, Class HE:
B-1 or Class HE: B-2 Principal Balances.

     "Closing Date" means September 16, 1997.
      ------------                           

     "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
      ----                                                      

     "Computer Tape" means the computer tape generated by the Company which
      -------------                                                        
provides information relating to the Contracts and which was used by the Company
in selecting the Contracts, and includes the master file and the history file.

     "Contract File" means, as to each Contract, (a) the original copy of the
      -------------                                                          
Contract which is comprised of the related contract and/or promissory note, (b)
the original or a copy of the mortgage, deed of trust or security deed or
similar evidence of a lien on the related improved property and evidence of due
recording of such mortgage, deed of trust

                                     1-28
<PAGE>
 
or security deed, if available, (c) if such Contract was originated by a
contractor or lender other than the Company, the original or a copy of an
assignment of the mortgage, deed of trust or security deed by the contractor or
lender to the Company and (d) a sale control document.

     "Contract Interest Rate" means, as to any Contract, the annual rate of
      ----------------------                                               
interest specified in the Contract.

     "Contracts" means, collectively, the Home Improvement Contracts and the
      ---------                                                             
Home Equity Contracts.

     "Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Trustee at which at any
      ----------------------                                                 
particular time its corporate trust business shall be principally administered,
which office at the date of the execution of this Agreement is located at the
address set forth in Section 12.09.

     "Counsel for the Company" means Briggs and Morgan, Professional
      -----------------------                                       
Association, or other legal counsel for the Company.

     "Custodian" means at any time an Eligible Institution, or a financial
      ---------                                                           
institution organized under the laws of the United States or any State, which is
not an Affiliate of the Company, which is subject to supervision and examination
by Federal or State authorities and whose commercial paper or unsecured long-
term debt (or, in the case of a member of a bank holding company system, the
commercial paper or unsecured long-term debt of such bank holding company) has
been rated A-1 by S&P and F-1 by Fitch in the case of commercial paper, or BBB+
or higher by both S&P and Fitch in the case of unsecured long-term debt, as is
acting at such time as Custodian of the Contract Files pursuant to Section 4.01.

     "Cut-off Date" means July 31, 1997 (or the date of origination of an
      ------------                                                       
Additional Contract, if later).

     "Cut-off Date Pool Principal Balance"  means, with respect to all Contracts
      -----------------------------------                                       
or the Contracts comprising a given Sub-Pool, the aggregate of the Cut-off Date
Principal Balances of all Contracts or the Contracts comprising such Sub-Pool,
as the case may be.

     "Cut-off Date Principal Balance" means, (i) as to any Home Improvement
      ------------------------------                                       
Contract, the unpaid principal balance thereof at the Cut-off Date after giving
effect to all installments of principal due prior thereto, and (ii) as to any
Home Equity Contract, the unpaid principal balance thereof at the Cut-off Date,
or Subsequent Cut-off Date if a Subsequent Home Equity Contract, after giving
effect to all installments of principal due prior thereto.

     "Defaulted Contract" means a Contract with respect to which the Servicer
      ------------------                                                     
commenced foreclosure proceedings, made a sale of such Contract to a third party
for

                                     1-29
<PAGE>
 
foreclosure or enforcement, or, in the case of an FHA-Insured Contract,
submitted a claim to FHA, or as to which there was a Delinquent Payment 180 or
more days past due.

     "Definitive Certificates" has the meaning assigned in Section 9.02(e).
      -----------------------                                              

     "Delinquent Payment" means, as to any Contract, with respect to any Due
      ------------------                                                    
Period, any payment or portion of a payment that was originally scheduled to be
made during such Due Period under such Contract (after giving effect to any
reduction in the principal amount deemed owed on such Contract by the Obligor,
as described in Section 6.01(a)(ii)) and was not received or applied during such
Due Period and deposited in the Certificate Account, whether or not any payment
extension has been granted by the Servicer; provided, however, that with respect
                                            -----------------                   
to any Liquidated Contract, the payment scheduled to be made in the Due Period
in which such Contract became a Liquidated Contract shall not be deemed a
Delinquent Payment.

     "Depository" means the initial Depository, The Depository Trust Company,
      ----------                                                             
the nominee of which is Cede & Co., as the registered Holder of (i) one Class
HI: A-1 Certificate evidencing $49,500,000 in Original Class HI: A-1 Principal
Balance, (ii) one Class HI: A-2 Certificate evidencing $33,000,000 in Original
Class HI: A-2 Principal Balance, (iii) one Class HI: A-3 Certificate evidencing
$37,500,000 in Original Class HI: A-3 Principal Balance, (iv) one Class HI: M-1
Certificate evidencing $12,000,000 Original Class HI: M-1 Principal Balance, (v)
one Class HI: M-2 Certificate evidencing $7,500,000 in Original Class HI: M-2
Principal Balance, (vi) one Class HI: B-1 Certificate evidencing $7,125,000 in
Original Class HI: B-1 Principal Balance, (vii) one Class HI: B-2 Certificate
evidencing $3,375,000 in Original Class HI: B-2 Principal Balance, (viii) one
Class HE: A-1 ARM Certificate evidencing $60,000,000 in Original HE: A-1 ARM
Principal Balance; (ix) one Class HE: A-1 Certificate evidencing $70,000,000 in
Original Class HE: A-1 Principal Balance, (x) one Class HE: A-2 Certificate
evidencing $42,000,000 in Original Class HE: A-2 Principal Balance, (xi) one
Class HE: A-3 Certificate evidencing $162,000,000 in Original Class HE: A-3
Principal Balance, (xii) one Class HE: A-4 Certificate evidencing $41,000,000 in
Original Class HE: A-4 Principal Balance, (xiii) one Class HE: A-5 Certificate
evidencing $69,000,000 in Original Class HE: A-5 Principal Balance, (xiv) one
Class HE: A-6 Certificate evidencing $41,000,000 in Original Class HE: A-6
Principal Balance, (xv) one Class HE: A-7 Certificate evidencing $29,500,000 in
Original Class HE: A-7 Principal Balance, (xvi) one Class HE: A-8 IO Certificate
evidencing an Original Notional Amount of $29,500,000; (xvii) one Class HE: M-1
Certificate evidencing $34,500,000 in Original Class HE: M-1 Principal Balance,
(xviii) one Class HE: M-2 Certificate evidencing $24,000,000 in Original Class
HE: M-2 Principal Balance, (xix) one Class HE: B-1 Certificate evidencing
$18,900,000 in Original Class HE: B-1 Principal Balance, and (xx) one Class HE:
B-2 Certificate evidencing $8,100,000 in Original Class HE: B-2 Principal
Balance and any permitted successor depository.  The Depository shall at all
times be a "clearing corporation" as defined in Section 8-102(3) of the Uniform
Commercial Code of the State of New York.

                                     1-30
<PAGE>
 
     "Depository Participant" means a broker, dealer, bank or other financial
      ----------------------                                                 
institution or other Person for whom from time to time a Depository effects
book-entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with the Depository.

     "Determination Date" means the second Business Day preceding each Payment
      ------------------                                                      
Date during the term of this Agreement.

     "Due Period" means a calendar month during the term of this Agreement,
      ----------                                                           
except that, for all Contracts other than Subsequent Home Equity Contracts, the
Due Period "prior to" or "immediately preceding" the first Payment Date means
July 1997 and August 1997.

     "Electronic Ledger" means the electronic master record of conditional sales
      -----------------                                                         
contracts and promissory notes of the Company.

     "Eligible Account"  means, at any time, an account which is any of the
      ----------------                                                     
following:  (i) an account maintained with an Eligible Institution; (ii) an
account or accounts the deposits in which are fully insured by either the Bank
Insurance Fund or the Savings Association Insurance Fund of the FDIC; (iii) a
trust account (which shall be a "segregated trust account") maintained with the
corporate trust department of a federal or state chartered depository
institution or trust company with trust powers and acting in its fiduciary
capacity for the benefit of the Trustee hereunder, which depository institution
or trust company shall have capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000; or
(iv) an account that will not cause S&P or Fitch to downgrade or withdraw its
then-current rating assigned to the Certificates, as evidenced in writing by S&P
and Fitch.

     "Eligible Institution" means any depository institution (which may be the
      --------------------                                                    
Trustee or an Affiliate of the Trustee) organized under the laws of the United
States or any State, the deposits of which are insured to the full extent
permitted by law by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which is subject
to supervision and examination by Federal or State authorities and whose short-
term deposits have been rated A-1 by S&P and F-1 by Fitch (if rated by Fitch) or
whose unsecured long-term debt has been rated in one of the two highest rating
categories by both S&P and Fitch (if rated by Fitch).

     "Eligible Investments" has the meaning assigned in Section 5.05(b).
      --------------------                                              

     "Eligible Servicer" means the Trustee or a Person qualified to act as
      -----------------                                                   
servicer of the Contracts under applicable Federal and State laws and
regulations, which is a Title I approved lender under FHA regulations and which
services not less than an aggregate of $100,000,000 in outstanding principal
amount of FHA-insured home improvement contracts and promissory notes,
manufactured housing conditional sales contracts and installment loan agreements
and home equity loans.

     "Eligible Substitute Contract" means, as to any Replaced Contract for which
      ----------------------------                                              
such Eligible Substitute Contract is being substituted pursuant to Section
3.05(b), a Contract

                                     1-31
<PAGE>
 
that (a) as of the date of its substitution, satisfies all of the
representations and warranties (which, except when expressly stated to be as of
origination, shall be deemed to be determined as of the date of its substitution
rather than as of the Cut-off Date, Subsequent Cut-off Date or the Closing Date)
in Section 3.02 and does not cause any of the representations and warranties in
Section 3.03, after giving effect to such substitution, to be incorrect, (b)
after giving effect to the scheduled payment due in the month of such
substitution, has a Scheduled Principal Balance that is not greater than the
Scheduled Principal Balance of such Replaced Contract, (c) has a Contract
Interest Rate that is at least equal to the Contract Interest Rate of such
Replaced Contract, (d) has a remaining term to scheduled maturity that is not
greater than the remaining term to scheduled maturity of the Replaced Contract,
and (e) if an Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contract, bears interest at a Contract
Interest Rate that (i) is subject to adjustment based on the same index as the
Replaced Contract, (ii) is calculated by adding a specified percentage amount
(the "gross margin") to the index that is no less than the gross margin on the
Replaced Contract, and (iii) is subject to a minimum rate of interest no less
than the minimum rate of interest on the Replaced Contract and a maximum rate of
interest no more than 1.0% greater than the rate of interest on the Replaced
Contract.

     "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
      -----                                                               
amended.

     "Errors and Omissions Protection Policy" means the employee errors and
      --------------------------------------                               
omissions policy maintained by the Servicer or any similar replacement policy
covering errors and omissions by the Servicer's employees, and meeting the
requirements of Section 5.09, all as such policy relates to Contracts comprising
a portion of the corpus of the Trust.

     "Event of Termination" has the meaning assigned in Section 7.01.
      --------------------                                           

     "Excess Proceeds" means $0.00 with respect to Sub-Pool HE and, with respect
      ---------------                                                           
to Sub-Pool HI, the amount on deposit in the Excess Proceeds Account as of the
close of business on October 13, 1997.

     "Excess Proceeds Account" means the account established and maintained
      -----------------------                                              
pursuant to Section 8.08.

     "Excess Proceeds Deposit" means $0.00 with respect to Sub-Pool HE and
      -----------------------                                             
$6,345,466.25 with respect to Sub-Pool HI.

     "Expense Adjusted Mortgage Rate" means, with respect to any Adjustable Rate
      ------------------------------                                            
Home Equity Contract, the then applicable mortgage rate thereon, minus the
Expense Fee Rate.

     "Expense Fee Rate" means .75%.
      ----------------             

                                     1-32
<PAGE>
 
     "FHA" means the Federal Housing Administration, or any successor thereto.
      ---                                                                     

     "FHA Insurance" means the credit insurance provided by FHA pursuant to
      -------------                                                        
Title I of the National Housing Act, as evidenced by the Company's Contract of
Insurance.

     "FHA-Insured Contracts" means those Home Improvement Contracts that have
      ---------------------                                                  
been or are being reported to FHA as eligible for FHA Insurance, a list of which
is attached to this Agreement as Exhibit P.

     "FHA Regulations" means the regulations promulgated by HUD relating to
      ---------------                                                      
Title I home improvement loans, currently found at 24 C.F.R. (S)201.

     "Fidelity Bond" means the fidelity bond maintained by the Servicer or any
      -------------                                                           
similar replacement bond, meeting the requirements of Section 5.09, as such bond
relates to Contracts comprising a portion of the corpus of the Trust.

     "Final Payment Date" means the Payment Date on which the final distribution
      ------------------                                                        
in respect of Certificates will be made pursuant to Section 12.04.

     "Fitch" means Fitch Investors Service, L.P., or any successor thereto;
      -----                                                                
provided that, if Fitch no longer has a rating outstanding on any Class of the
- --------                                                                      
Certificates, then references herein to "Fitch" shall be deemed to refer to the
NRSRO then rating any Class of the Certificates (or, if more than one such NRSRO
is then rating any Class of the Certificates, to such NRSRO as may be designated
by the Servicer), and references herein to ratings by or requirements of Fitch
shall be deemed to have the equivalent meanings with respect to ratings by or
requirements of such NRSRO.

     "Fixed Rate Home Equity Contract" means each closed-end home equity loan
      -------------------------------                                        
identified as such in the List of Contracts, which Home Equity Contract is to be
assigned and conveyed by the Company to the Trust, and includes, without
limitation, all related mortgages, deeds of trust and security deeds and any and
all rights to receive payments due pursuant thereto after the Cut-off Date, or
Subsequent Cut-off Date with respect to a Subsequent Home Equity Contract.

     "GNMA" means the Government National Mortgage Association, or any successor
      ----                                                                      
thereto.

     "Home Equity Contract" means each Fixed Rate Home Equity Contract or
      --------------------                                               
Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contract.

     "Home Improvement Contract" means each home improvement contract and
      -------------------------                                          
promissory note described in the List of Contracts, which Home Improvement
Contract is to be assigned and conveyed by the Company to the Trust, and
includes, without limitation, all related mortgages, deeds of trust and security
deeds and any and all rights to receive payments due pursuant thereto after the
Cut-off Date.

                                     1-33
<PAGE>
 
     "HUD" means the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development,
      ---                                                                      
or any successor thereto.

     "Independent" means, when used with respect to any specified Person, any
      -----------                                                            
Person who (i) is in fact independent of the Company and the Servicer, (ii) does
not have any direct financial interest or any material indirect financial
interest in the Company or the Servicer or in an Affiliate of either, and (iii)
is not connected with the Company or the Servicer as an officer, employee,
promoter, underwriter, trustee, partner, director or person performing similar
functions.  Whenever it is provided herein that any Independent Person's opinion
or certificate shall be furnished to the Trustee, such opinion or certificate
shall state that the signatory has read this definition and is Independent
within the meaning set forth herein.

     "Initial Contract" means a Home Equity Contract or Home Improvement
      ----------------                                                  
Contract originated on or prior to July 31, 1997 and identified as such on the
List of Contracts attached hereto.

     "Interest Reset Period" means, with respect to any Payment Date, the period
      ---------------------                                                     
from and including the prior Payment Date (or, with respect to the first Payment
Date, from and including the Closing Date) to but excluding such Payment Date.

     "LIBOR" means, with respect to any Interest Reset Period, the offered rate,
      -----                                                                     
as established by the Calculation Agent, for United States dollar deposits for
one month that appears on Telerate Page 3750 as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on
the LIBOR Determination Date for such Interest Reset Period. If on any LIBOR
Determination Date the offered rate does not appear on Telerate Page 3750, the
Calculation Agent will request each of the reference banks (which shall be major
banks that are engaged in transactions in the London interbank market selected
by the Calculation Agent) to provide the Trustee with its offered quotation for
United States dollar deposits for one month to prime banks in the London
interbank market as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on such date.  If at least two
reference banks provide the Calculation Agent with such offered quotations,
LIBOR on such date will be the arithmetic mean, rounded upwards, if necessary,
to the nearest 1/100,000 of 1% (.0000001), with five one-millionths of a
percentage point rounded upward, of all such quotations.  If on such date fewer
than two of the reference banks provide the Calculation Agent with such offered
quotations, LIBOR on such date will be the arithmetic mean, rounded upwards, if
necessary, to the nearest 1/100,000 of 1% (.0000001), with five one-millionths
of a percentage point rounded upward, of the offered per annum rates that one or
more leading banks in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent are
quoting as of 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on such date to leading European
banks for United States dollar deposits for one month; provided, however, that
if such banks are not quoting as described above, LIBOR for such date will be
LIBOR applicable to the Interest Reset Period immediately preceding such
Interest Reset Period; and provided further, that if the result of the foregoing
                           ----------------                                     
would be for three consecutive Payment Dates to base LIBOR on the rate
applicable in the immediately preceding Interest Reset Period, for such third

                                     1-34
<PAGE>
 
consecutive Payment Date the Calculation Agent shall instead select an
alternative comparable index (over which the Calculation Agent has no control)
used for determining one-month Eurodollar lending rates that is calculated and
published (or otherwise made available) by an independent third party.

     "LIBOR Business Day" as used herein means a day that is both a Business Day
      ------------------                                                        
and a day on which banking institutions in the City of London, England are not
required or authorized by law to be closed.

     "LIBOR Determination Date" means the second LIBOR Business Day prior to the
      ------------------------                                                  
first day of the related Interest Reset Period.

     "Liquidated Contract" means with respect to any Due Period, either
      -------------------                                              

          (1) a Defaulted Contract as to which (a) the Servicer has received
     from the Obligor, or a third party purchaser of the Contract, all amounts
     which the Servicer reasonably and in good faith expects to recover from or
     on account of such Contract, or (b) in the case of an FHA-Insured Contract,
     either (i) FHA has paid the claim or (ii) the Servicer has determined in
     good faith that FHA will not pay the claim, or
 
          (2) a Contract (a) upon which all or a portion of the first payment of
     interest due by the Obligor was added to principal, and (b) on which the
     Obligor failed to pay the full amount of principal due on the Contract, as
     computed by the Servicer;

provided, however, that any Contract which the Company is obligated to
- -----------------                                                     
repurchase pursuant to Section 3.05, and did so repurchase or substitute
therefor an Eligible Substitute Contract in accordance with Section 3.05, shall
be deemed not to be a Liquidated Contract; and provided further, that with
                                               ----------------           
respect to Due Periods beginning on or after September 1, 2022 (in the case of a
Home Improvement Contract) or August 1, 2028 (in the case of a Home Equity
Contract), a Liquidated Contract also means any Contract as to which the
Servicer has commenced foreclosure proceedings, made a sale of the Contract to a
third party for foreclosure or enforcement, or, in the case of an FHA-Insured
Contract, submitted a claim to FHA.

     "Liquidation Expenses" means out-of-pocket expenses (exclusive of any
      --------------------                                                
overhead expenses) which are incurred by the Servicer in connection with the
liquidation of any defaulted Contract, including, without limitation, legal fees
and expenses, and any related and unreimbursed expenditures for property taxes,
property preservation or restoration of the property to marketable condition.

     "Liquidation Proceeds" means cash (including insurance proceeds) received
      --------------------                                                    
in connection with the liquidation of defaulted Contracts, whether through
repossession, foreclosure sale or otherwise.

                                     1-35
<PAGE>
 
     "List of Contracts" means the lists identifying each Contract constituting
      -----------------                                                        
part of the Trust Fund and attached either to this Agreement as Exhibit O-1, O-
2, or O-3 or to a Subsequent Transfer Instrument as Exhibit A or B, as such
lists may be amended from time to time pursuant to Section 3.05(b) to add
Eligible Substitute Contracts and delete Replaced Contracts.  Each List of
Contracts shall set forth as to each Contract identified on it (i) the Cut-off
Date Principal Balance, (ii) the amount of monthly payments due from the
Obligor, (iii) the Contract Interest Rate and (iv) the maturity date.

     "Master REMIC" means the segregated pool of assets consisting of the
      ------------                                                       
Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests, with respect to which a separate REMIC
election is to be made.

     "Monthly Report" has the meaning assigned in Section 6.01.
      --------------                                           

     "Monthly Servicing Fee" means, as of any Payment Date, (1) with respect to
      ---------------------                                                    
the Home Improvement Contracts, one-twelfth of the product of .75% and the Pool
Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HI with respect to the preceding Payment
Date (or, in the case of the first Payment Date, the Cut-Off Date), and (2) with
respect to the Home Equity Contracts, one-twelfth of the product of .75% and the
sum of the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HE with respect to the
preceding Payment Date (or, in the case of the first Payment Date, the Cut-Off
Date), and the Pre-Funded Amount as of the preceding Payment Date (or, in the
case of the first Payment Date, the Closing Date).

     "Net Liquidation Loss" means, as to a Liquidated Contract, the difference
      --------------------                                                    
between (a) the Repurchase Price of such Contract, and (b) the Net Liquidation
Proceeds with respect to such Liquidated Contract, where such difference is a
positive number.

     "Net Liquidation Proceeds" means, as to a Liquidated Contract, the proceeds
      ------------------------                                                  
received, or, for Contracts which become Liquidated Contracts pursuant to the
last proviso in the definition of "Liquidated Contract," the estimated proceeds
to be received, as of the last day of the Due Period in which such Contract
became a Liquidated Contract, from the Obligor, from a third party purchaser of
the Contract, under FHA Insurance, under insurance other than FHA insurance, or
otherwise, net of Liquidation Expenses.

     "NRSRO" means any nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
      -----                                                                  

     "Obligor" means the person who owes payments under a Contract.
      -------                                                      

     "Officer's Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the
      ---------------------                                                   
Board, President or any Vice President of the Company and delivered to the
Trustee.

                                     1-36
<PAGE>
 
     "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may, except as
      ------------------                                                        
expressly provided herein, be salaried counsel for the Company or the Servicer,
as applicable, acceptable to the Trustee and the Company.

     "Original Class Principal Balance" means as to each Class of Certificates,
      --------------------------------                                         
the amount set forth with respect to such Class in Section 2.05(b).

     "Original Principal Balance" means as to each Subsidiary REMIC Regular
      --------------------------                                           
Interest, the amount set forth with respect to such interest in Section 2.05(c).

     "Original Series 1997-D Certificate Principal Balance" means $750,000,000.
      ----------------------------------------------------                     

     "Original Sub-Pool HE Certificate Principal Balance" means $600,000,000.
      --------------------------------------------------                     

     "Original Sub-Pool HI Certificate Principal Balance" means $150,000,000.
      --------------------------------------------------                     

     "Partial Principal Prepayment" means (a) any Principal Prepayment other
      ----------------------------                                          
than a Principal Prepayment in Full and (b) any cash amount deposited in the
Certificate Account pursuant to the proviso in Section 3.05(a) or pursuant to
Section 3.05(b).

     "Pass-Through Margin" means .22% per annum on each Payment Date on which
      -------------------                                                    
the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of all Contracts is 10% or more of the sum
of the Cut-off Date Pool Principal Balance of all Contracts plus the Original
Pre-Funded Amount, and .44% per annum on each Payment Date on which the Pool
Scheduled Principal Balance of all Contracts is less than 10% of such sum.

     "Pass-Through Rate" means (i) with respect to each Class of Certificates,
      -----------------                                                       
the rate set forth for such Class in Section 2.05(b) and (ii) with respect to
each Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest, the rate set forth for such interest in
Section 2.05(c).  The Pass-Through Rate for the Class HE:A-1 ARM Certificates
and Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE:A-1 ARM shall be computed on the basis
of actual days elapsed in a year of 360 days.  The Pass-Through Rate for each
other Class of Certificates and each other Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest
shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

     "Paying Agent" has the meaning assigned in Section 8.01(c).
      ------------                                              

     "Payment Date" means the fifteenth day of each calendar month during the
      ------------                                                           
term of this Agreement, or if such day is not a Business Day, the next
succeeding Business Day, commencing October 15, 1997.

     "Percentage Interest" means, as to any Certificate or the Class C
      -------------------                                             
Certificates, the percentage interest evidenced thereby in distributions made on
the related Class, such percentage interest being equal to: (i) as to any
Certificate, the percentage (carried to eight places) obtained from dividing the
denomination of such Certificate by the Original

                                     1-37
<PAGE>
 
Principal Balance of the related Class or, in the case of a Class HE:A8 IO
Certificate, by the Original Notional Amount, and (ii) as to any Class C
Certificate, the percentage specified on the face of such Certificate.  The
aggregate Percentage Interests for each Class of Certificates, the Class C
Master Certificates and Class C Subsidiary Certificates shall equal 100%,
respectively.

     "Permitted Transferee" means, in the case of a transfer of the Class C
      --------------------                                                 
Certificates, a Person that is not a Plan or a Disqualified Organization, except
as permitted by Sections 9.02(b)(2) and (3), respectively.

     "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
      ------                                                                
association, joint stock company, trust (including any beneficiary thereof),
unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision
thereof.

     "Plan" has the meaning assigned in Section 9.02(b)(2).
      ----                                                 

     "Pool Scheduled Principal Balance" means, with respect to all Contracts or
      --------------------------------                                         
the Contracts comprising a given Sub-Pool, as of any Payment Date, the aggregate
Scheduled Principal Balance of all Contracts or the Contracts comprising such
Sub-Pool, as the case may be, that were outstanding during the immediately
preceding Due Period.

     "Post-Funding Payment Date" means the Payment Date on, or the first Payment
      -------------------------                                                 
Date after, the last day of the Pre-Funding Period.

     "Pre-Funded Amount" means with respect to any date of determination, the
      -----------------                                                      
sum of the Pre-Funded ARM Amount and the Pre-Funded Fixed Rate Amount.

     "Pre-Funded ARM Amount" means with respect to any date of determination,
      ---------------------                                                  
the sum of (i) the amount then on deposit in the Pre-Funding ARM Subaccount,
after giving effect to any sale of Subsequent Adjustable Rate Home Equity
Contracts to the Trust on such date, and (ii) the amount then on deposit in the
Undelivered ARM Contract Subaccount, after giving effect to any release of funds
to the Company on that date pursuant to Section 8.09(c).

     "Pre-Funded Fixed Rate Amount" means with respect to any date of
      ----------------------------                                   
determination, the sum of (i) the amount then on deposit in the Pre-Funding
Fixed Rate Subaccount, after giving effect to any sale of Subsequent Fixed Rate
Home Equity Contracts to the Trust on such date, and (ii) the amount then on
deposit in the Undelivered Fixed Rate Contract Subaccount, after giving effect
to any release of funds to the Company on that date pursuant to Section 8.09(c).

     "Pre-Funding ARM Subaccount" means the account so designated and
      --------------------------                                     
established and maintained pursuant to Section 8.09.

                                     1-38
<PAGE>
 
     "Pre-Funding Fixed Rate Subaccount" means the account so designated and
      ---------------------------------                                     
established and maintained pursuant to Section 8.09.

     "Pre-Funding Period" means the period beginning on the Closing Date and
      ------------------                                                    
ending on the earliest of (a) the date on which the amount on deposit in the
Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account is less than $10,000.00 or (b) the close of
business on the date which is 90 days after the Closing Date or (c) the date on
which an Event of Termination occurs.

     "Principal Prepayment" means a payment or other recovery of principal on a
      --------------------                                                     
Contract (exclusive of Liquidation Proceeds) which is received in advance of its
scheduled due date and applied upon receipt (or, in the case of a partial
prepayment, upon the next scheduled payment date on such Contract) to reduce the
outstanding principal amount due on such Contract prior to the date or dates on
which such principal amount is due.

     "Principal Prepayment in Full" means any Principal Prepayment of the entire
      ----------------------------                                              
principal balance of a Contract.

     "Record Date" means, with respect to any Payment Date, the Business Day
      -----------                                                           
immediately preceding such Payment Date.

     "REMIC" means a "real estate mortgage investment conduit" as defined in
      -----                                                                 
Section 860D of the Code.

     "REMIC Provisions" means the provisions of the federal income tax law
      ----------------                                                    
relating to REMICs, which appear at Sections 860A through 860G of the Code, and
related provisions and any temporary, proposed or final regulations promulgated
thereunder, as the foregoing may be in effect from time to time.

     "Replaced Contract" has the meaning assigned in Section 3.05(b).
      -----------------                                              

     "Repurchase Price" means, with respect to a Contract to be repurchased
      ----------------                                                     
pursuant to Section 3.05 or which becomes a Liquidated Contract, an amount equal
to (a) the remaining principal amount outstanding on such Contract (without
giving effect to any Advances paid by the Servicer or the Trustee, as
applicable, with respect to such Contract pursuant to Section 8.02), plus (b)
interest at the Weighted Average Pass-Through Rate on such Contract from the end
of the Due Period with respect to which the Obligor last made a scheduled
payment (without giving effect to any Advances paid by the Servicer or the
Trustee, as applicable, with respect to such Contract pursuant to Section 8.02)
through the date of such repurchase or liquidation.

     "Responsible Officer" means, with respect to the Trustee, the chairman and
      -------------------                                                      
any vice chairman of the board of directors, the president, the chairman and
vice chairman of any executive committee of the board of directors, every vice
president, assistant vice

                                     1-39
<PAGE>
 
president, the secretary, every assistant secretary, cashier or any assistant
cashier, controller or assistant controller, the treasurer, every assistant
treasurer, every trust officer, assistant trust officer and every other officer
or assistant officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to
those performed by persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively,
or to whom a corporate trust matter is referred because of knowledge of,
familiarity with, and authority to act with respect to a particular matter.

     "S&P" means Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies,
      ---                                                                   
Inc., or any successor thereto; provided that, if S&P no longer has a rating
                                --------                                    
outstanding on any Class of the Certificates, then references herein to "S&P"
shall be deemed to refer to the NRSRO then rating any Class of the Certificates
(or, if more than one such NRSRO is then rating any Class of the Certificates,
to such NRSRO as may be designated by the Servicer), and references herein to
ratings by or requirements of S&P shall be deemed to have the equivalent
meanings with respect to ratings by or requirements of such NRSRO.

     "Scheduled Principal Balance"  means, with respect to any Contract and any
      ---------------------------                                              
Payment Date, the Cut-off Date or any Subsequent Cut-off Date, the principal
balance of such Contract as of the due date in the Due Period immediately
preceding such Payment Date, Cut-off Date or Subsequent Cut-off Date, as the
case may be, as specified in the amortization schedule at the time relating
thereto (before any adjustment to such amortization schedule by reason of any
bankruptcy of an Obligor or similar proceeding or any moratorium or similar
waiver or grace period) after giving effect to any previous partial Principal
Prepayments and to the payment of principal due on such due date and
irrespective of any delinquency in payment by, or extension granted to, the
related Obligor.  If for any Contract the Cut-off Date is the date of
origination of the Contract, its Scheduled Principal Balance as of the Cut-off
Date is the principal balance of the Contract on its date of origination.

     "Service Transfer" has the meaning assigned in Section 7.02.
      ----------------                                           

     "Servicer" means the Company until any Service Transfer hereunder and
      --------                                                            
thereafter means the new servicer appointed pursuant to Article VII.

     "Servicing Officer" means any officer of the Servicer involved in, or
      -----------------                                                   
responsible for, the administration and servicing of Contracts whose name
appears on a list of servicing officers appearing in an Officer's Certificate
furnished to the Trustee by the Company, as the same may be amended from time to
time.

     "Step-up Rate Contract" means any Fixed Rate Home Equity Contract bearing
      ---------------------                                                   
interest during an initial period or periods at a fixed rate or fixed rates that
are lower than the fixed rate borne thereafter.

                                     1-40
<PAGE>
 
     "Sub-Pool" means Sub-Pool HI or Sub-Pool HE.
      --------                                   

     "Sub-Pool HE" means the sub-pool comprised of the Home Equity Contracts.
      -----------                                                            

     "Sub-Pool HE Aggregate Liquidation Loss Principal Amount" means, as of any
      -------------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the excess, if any, of (a) the Sub-Pool HE Certificate Principal
Balance as of the preceding Payment Date (after giving effect to distributions
of principal thereon) over (b) the sum of the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance
of Sub-Pool HE (excluding the Undelivered Contracts) plus the Pre-Funded Amount
as of such preceding Payment Date.
 
     "Sub-Pool HE Amount Available" means, as to any Payment Date, an amount
      ----------------------------                                          
equal to: (a) the sum of (1) the amount on deposit in the Certificate Account in
respect of the Home Equity Contracts as of the close of business on the last day
of the preceding Due Period and (2) that portion of the Sub-Pool HI Amount
Available (determined without regard to clause (a)(2) of the definition thereof)
remaining after payment of the amounts provided for in clauses (1) through (8)
of Section 8.04(b) and (3) any Sub-Pool HE Excess Proceeds deposited in the
Certificate Account pursuant to Section 8.08 and (4) any amount withdrawn from
the Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account pursuant to Section 8.09 and deposited in
the Certificate Account, reduced by (b) the sum as of the close of business on
the Business Day preceding such Payment Date of (1) the Amount Held for Future
Distribution in respect of the Home Equity Contracts, (2) amounts permitted to
be withdrawn by the Trustee from the Certificate Account in respect of the Home
Equity Contracts pursuant to clauses (ii) through (v) of Section 8.04(a), and
(3) the amount, if any, withdrawn by the Trustee from the Certificate Account
pursuant to Section 8.04(e) with respect to the immediately preceding Payment
Date.
 
     "Sub-Pool HE Average Sixty-Day Delinquency Ratio Test" means, to be
      ----------------------------------------------------              
considered "satisfied" for any Payment Date, that the arithmetic average of the
Sub-Pool HE Sixty-Day Delinquency Ratios for such Payment Date and for the two
immediately preceding Payment Dates is less than or equal to 6%.
 
     "Sub-Pool HE Average Thirty-Day Delinquency Ratio Test" means, to be
      -----------------------------------------------------              
considered "satisfied" for any Payment Date, that the arithmetic average of the
Sub-Pool HE Thirty-Day Delinquency Ratios for such Payment Date and for the two
immediately preceding Payment Dates is less than or equal to 12%.
 
     "Sub-Pool HE Certificate" means a Certificate for Home Improvement and Home
      -----------------------                                                   
Equity Loans, Series 1997-D, Class HE: A-1 ARM, Class HE: A-1, Class HE: A-2,
Class HE: A-3, Class HE: A-4, Class HE: A-5, Class HE: A-6, Class HE: A-6, Class
HE: A-7, Class HE: A-8 IO, Class HE: M-1, Class HE: M-2, Class HE: B-1 or Class
HE: B-2,

                                     1-41
<PAGE>
 
executed and delivered by the Trustee substantially in the form of Exhibit D-1,
D-2, E or F, as applicable, but does not include the Class C Certificates.

     "Sub-Pool HE Certificate Principal Balance" means the sum of the Class HE:
      -----------------------------------------                                
A-1 ARM, Class HE: A-1, Class HE: A-2, Class HE: A-3, Class HE: A-4, Class HE:
A-5, Class HE: A-6, Class HE: A-7, Class HE: M-1, Class HE: M-2, Class HE: B-1
and Class HE: B-2 Principal Balances.

     "Sub-Pool HE Cumulative Realized Loss Ratio" means, for any Payment Date, a
      ------------------------------------------                                
fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the Sub-Pool HE
Cumulative Realized Losses for that Payment Date, and the denominator of which
is the Cut-Off Date Pool Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HE.

     "Sub-Pool HE Cumulative Realized Losses" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      --------------------------------------                                    
sum of the Sub-Pool HE Realized Losses for that Payment Date and each preceding
Payment Date since the Cut-off Date.

     "Sub-Pool HE Cumulative Realized Losses Test" means, to be considered
      -------------------------------------------                         
"satisfied" for any Payment Date, that the Sub-Pool HE Cumulative Realized Loss
Ratio as of such Payment Date is less than or equal to 7.5%.

     "Sub-Pool HE Current Realized Loss Ratio" means, as to any Payment Date, a
      ---------------------------------------                                  
fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the aggregate
Sub-Pool HE Realized Losses for such Payment Date and each of the two
immediately preceding Payment Dates, multiplied by four, and the denominator of
which is the arithmetic average of the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-
Pool HE as of the third preceding Payment Date and the Pool Scheduled Principal
Balance of Sub-Pool HE as of such Payment Date.

     "Sub-Pool HE Current Realized Losses Test" means, to be considered
      ----------------------------------------                         
"satisfied" for any Payment Date, that the Sub-Pool HE Current Realized Loss
Ratio for such Payment Date is less than or equal to 2%.

     "Sub-Pool HE Formula Principal Distribution Amount" means, as to any
      -------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the sum of:

          (a)  all scheduled payments of principal due on each outstanding Home
     Equity Contract during the prior Due Period as specified in the
     amortization schedule at the time applicable thereto (after adjustments for
     previous Partial Principal Prepayments but before any adjustment to such
     amortization schedule by reason of any bankruptcy of an Obligor or similar
     proceeding or any moratorium or similar waiver or grace period); plus

                                     1-42
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  all Partial Principal Prepayments applied and all Principal
     Prepayments in Full received during the prior Due Period with respect to
     the Home Equity Contracts; plus

          (c)  the aggregate Scheduled Principal Balance of all Home Equity
     Contracts that became Liquidated Contracts during the prior Due Period;
     plus

          (d)  the aggregate Scheduled Principal Balance of all Home Equity
     Contracts repurchased, and all amounts deposited in lieu of the repurchase
     of any Home Equity Contract, during the prior Due Period pursuant to
     Section 3.05(a) or, in the event of a substitution of a Home Equity
     Contract in accordance with Section 3.05(b), any amount required to be
     deposited by the Company in the Certificate Account during the prior Due
     Period pursuant to Section 3.05(b)(vi); plus

          (e)  any amount described in clauses (a) through (d) above that was
     not previously distributed because of an insufficient amount of funds
     available in the Certificate Account if (1) the Payment Date occurs on or
     after the Payment Date on which the Class HE: B-2 Principal Balance has
     been reduced to zero, or (2) such amount was not covered by a Class HE: B-2
     Guaranty Payment and corresponding reduction in the Class HE: B-2 Principal
     Balance; plus

          (f)  on the First Payment Date, the Excess Proceeds with respect to
     the Fixed Rate Home Equity Contracts and on the Payment Date on or after
     the last day of the Pre-Funding Period, the Pre-Funded Fixed Rate Amount;
     minus

          (g)  the Class HE: A-1 ARM Formula Principal Distribution Amount.

     "Sub-Pool HE Pool Factor" means, at any time, the percentage derived from a
      -----------------------                                                   
fraction, the numerator of which is the Sub-Pool HE Certificate Principal
Balance at such time and the denominator of which is the Original Sub-Pool HE
Certificate Principal Balance.

     "Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account" means the account established and
      -------------------------------                                   
maintained pursuant to Section 8.09 as defined therein.

     "Sub-Pool HE Realized Losses" means, as to any Payment Date, the aggregate
      ---------------------------                                              
Net Liquidation Losses for all Home Equity Contracts that became Liquidated
Contracts during the immediately preceding Due Period.

     "Sub-Pool HE Senior Percentage" means, with respect to the Sub-Pool HE
      -----------------------------                                        
Certificates:

                                     1-43
<PAGE>
 
               (a)  as to any Payment Date prior to the Class HE: B Cross-over
     date, 100%;

               (b)  as to any Payment Date on or after the Class HE: B Cross-
     over date but on or prior to the Class HE: M-2 Cross-over date, and on
     which any Class HE: B Principal Distribution Test is not satisfied, 100%;

               (c)  as to any Payment Date on or after the Class HE: B Cross-
     over date but on or prior to the Class HE: M-2 Cross-over date, and on
     which each Class HE: B Principal Distribution Test is satisfied, a
     fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the sum of
     the Class HE: A Principal Balance (excluding the Class HE: A-1 ARM
     Principal Balance), and the Class HE: M Principal Balance as of such
     Payment Date, and the denominator of which is the Pool Scheduled Principal
     Balance of Sub-Pool HE as of the immediately preceding Payment Date less
     the Scheduled Principal Balance of the Adjustable Rate Home Equity
     Contracts as of the immediately preceding Payment Date; and

               (d)  as to any Payment Date after the Class HE: M-2 Cross-over
     date, 0%.

     "Sub-Pool HE Sixty-Day Delinquency Ratio" means, as to any Payment Date, a
      ---------------------------------------                                  
fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the aggregate of
the outstanding balances of all Home Equity Contracts that were delinquent 60
days or more as of the end of the prior Due Period (including Home Equity
Contracts in respect of which the related real estate has been foreclosed upon
but is still in inventory), and the denominator of which is the Pool Scheduled
Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HE as of such Payment Date.

     "Sub-Pool HE Thirty-Day Delinquency Ratio" means, as to any Payment Date, a
      ----------------------------------------                                  
fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the aggregate of
the outstanding balances of all Home Equity Contracts that were delinquent 30
days or more as of the end of the prior Due Period (including Home Equity
Contracts in respect of which the related real estate has been foreclosed upon
but is still in inventory), and the denominator of which is the Pool Scheduled
Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HE as of such Payment Date.

     "Sub-Pool HI" means the sub-pool comprised of the Home Improvement
      -----------                                                      
Contracts.

     "Sub-Pool HI Aggregate Liquidation Loss Principal Amount" means, as of any
      -------------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the excess, if any, of (a) the Sub-Pool HI Certificate Principal
Balance as

                                     1-44
<PAGE>
 
of the preceding Payment Date (after giving effect to distributions of principal
thereon) over (b) the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HI for such
preceding Payment Date.
 
     "Sub-Pool HI Amount Available" means, as to any Payment Date, an amount
      ----------------------------                                          
equal to: (a) the sum of (1) the amount on deposit in the Certificate Account in
respect of the Home Improvement Contracts as of the close of business on the
last day of the preceding Due Period, (2) that portion of the Sub-Pool HE Amount
Available (determined without regard to clause (a)(2) of the definition thereof)
remaining after payment of the amounts provided for in clauses (1) through (8)
of Section 8.04(d), and (3) on the first Payment Date, any Sub-Pool HI Excess
Proceeds deposited in the Certificate Account pursuant to Section 8.08, reduced
by (b) the sum as of the close of business on the Business Day preceding such
Payment Date of (1) the Amount Held for Future Distribution in respect of the
Home Improvement Contracts, (2) amounts permitted to be withdrawn by the Trustee
from the Certificate Account in respect of the Home Improvement Contracts
pursuant to clauses (ii) through (v) of Section 8.04(a), and (3) the amount, if
any, withdrawn by the Trustee from the Certificate Account pursuant to Section
8.04(c) with respect to the immediately preceding Payment Date.

     "Sub-Pool HI Average Sixty-Day Delinquency Ratio Test" means, to be
      ----------------------------------------------------              
considered "satisfied" for any Payment Date, that the arithmetic average of the
Sub-Pool HI Sixty-Day Delinquency Ratios for such Payment Date and for the two
immediately preceding Payment Dates is less than or equal to 2.5%.

     "Sub-Pool HI Average Thirty-Day Delinquency Ratio Test" means, to be
      -----------------------------------------------------              
considered "satisfied" for any Payment Date, that the arithmetic average of the
Sub-Pool HI Thirty-Day Delinquency Ratios for such Payment Date and for the two
immediately preceding Payment Dates is less than or equal to 5%.

     "Sub-Pool HI Certificate" means a Certificate for Home Improvement and Home
      -----------------------                                                   
Equity Loans, Series 1997-D, Class HI: A-1, Class HI: A-2, Class HI: A-3, Class
HI: M-1, Class HI: M-2, Class HI: B-1 or Class HI: B-2, executed and delivered
by the Trustee substantially in the form of Exhibit A, B, or C, as applicable,
but does not include the Class C Certificates.

     "Sub-Pool HI Certificate Principal Balance" means the sum of the Class HI:
      -----------------------------------------                                
A-1, Class HI: A-2, Class HI: A-3, Class HI: M-1, Class HI: M-2, Class HI: B-1
and Class HI: B-2 Principal Balances.

     "Sub-Pool HI Cumulative Realized Loss Ratio" means, for any Payment Date, a
      ------------------------------------------                                
fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the Sub-Pool HI

                                     1-45
<PAGE>
 
Cumulative Realized Losses for that Payment Date, and the denominator of which
is the Cut-Off Date Pool Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HI.

     "Sub-Pool HI Cumulative Realized Losses" means, as to any Payment Date, the
      --------------------------------------                                    
sum of the Sub-Pool HI Realized Losses for that Payment Date and each preceding
Payment Date since the Cut-off Date.

     "Sub-Pool HI Cumulative Realized Losses Test" means, to be considered
      -------------------------------------------                         
"satisfied" for any Payment Date, that the Sub-Pool HI Cumulative Realized Loss
Ratio as of such Payment Date is less than or equal to 10%.

     "Sub-Pool HI Current Realized Loss Ratio" means, as to any Payment Date, a
      ---------------------------------------                                  
fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the aggregate
Sub-Pool HI Realized Losses for such Payment Date and each of the two
immediately preceding Payment Dates, multiplied by four, and the denominator of
which is the arithmetic average of the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-
Pool HI as of the third preceding Payment Date and the Pool Scheduled Principal
Balance of Sub-Pool HI as of such Payment Date.

     "Sub-Pool HI Current Realized Losses Test" means, to be considered
      ----------------------------------------                         
"satisfied" for any Payment Date, that the Sub-Pool HI Current Realized Loss
Ratio for such Payment Date is less than or equal to 2.5%.

     "Sub-Pool HI Formula Principal Distribution Amount" means, as to any
      -------------------------------------------------                  
Payment Date, the sum of:

          (a)  all scheduled payments of principal due on each outstanding Home
     Improvement Contract during the prior Due Period as specified in the
     amortization schedule at the time applicable thereto (after adjustments for
     previous Partial Principal Prepayments but before any adjustment to such
     amortization schedule by reason of any bankruptcy of an Obligor or similar
     proceeding or any moratorium or similar waiver or grace period); plus

          (b)  all Partial Principal Prepayments applied and all Principal
     Prepayments in Full received during the prior Due Period with respect to
     the Home Improvement Contracts; plus

          (c)  the aggregate Scheduled Principal Balance of all Home Improvement
     Contracts that became Liquidated Contracts during the prior Due Period;
     plus

                                     1-46
<PAGE>
 
          (d)  the aggregate Scheduled Principal Balance of all Home Improvement
     Contracts repurchased during the prior Due Period pursuant to Section
     3.05(a) or, in the event of a substitution of a Home Improvement Contract
     in accordance with Section 3.05(b), any amount required to be deposited by
     the Company in the Certificate Account pursuant to Section 3.05(b)(vi);
     plus

          (e)  on the first Payment Date, the Sub-Pool HI Excess Proceeds; plus

          (f)  any amount described in clauses (a) through (d) above that was
     not previously distributed because of an insufficient amount of funds
     available in the Certificate Account if (1) the Payment Date occurs on or
     after the Payment Date on which the Class HI: B-2 Principal Balance has
     been reduced to zero, or (2) such amount was not covered by a Class HI: B-2
     Guaranty Payment and corresponding reduction in the Class HI: B-2 Principal
     Balance.

     "Sub-Pool HI Pool Factor" means, at any time, the percentage derived from a
      -----------------------                                                   
fraction, the numerator of which is the Sub-Pool HI Certificate Principal
Balance at such time and the denominator of which is the Original Sub-Pool HI
Certificate Principal Balance.

     "Sub-Pool HI Realized Losses" means, as to any Payment Date, the aggregate
      ---------------------------                                              
Net Liquidation Losses for all Home Improvement Contracts that became Liquidated
Contracts during the immediately preceding Due Period.

     "Sub-Pool HI Senior Percentage" means, with respect to the Sub-Pool HI
      -----------------------------                                        
Certificates:
 
          (a)  as to any Payment Date prior to the Class HI: B Cross-over date,
     100%;

          (b)  as to any Payment Date on or after the Class HI: B Cross-over
     date but on or prior to the Class HI: M-2 Cross-over date, and on which any
     Class HI: B Principal Distribution Test is not satisfied, 100%;

          (c)  as to any Payment Date on or after the Class HI: B Cross-over
     date but on or prior to the Class HI: M-2 Cross-over date, and on which
     each Class HI: B Principal Distribution Test is satisfied, a fraction,
     expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the sum of the Class
     HI: A Principal Balance and the Class HI: M Principal Balance as of such
     Payment Date, and the denominator of which is the Pool Scheduled Principal
     Balance of Sub-Pool HI as of the immediately preceding Payment Date; and

                                     1-47
<PAGE>
 
          (d)  as to any Payment Date after the Class HI: M-2 Cross-over date,
     0%.

     "Sub-Pool HI Sixty-Day Delinquency Ratio" means, as to any Payment Date, a
      ---------------------------------------                                  
fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the aggregate of
the outstanding balances of all Home Improvement Contracts that were delinquent
60 days or more as of the end of the prior Due Period (including Home
Improvement Contracts in respect of which the related real estate has been
foreclosed upon but is still in inventory), and the denominator of which is the
Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HI as of such Payment Date.

     "Sub-Pool HI Thirty-Day Delinquency Ratio" means, as to any Payment Date, a
      ----------------------------------------                                  
fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the aggregate of
the outstanding balances of all Home Improvement Contracts that were delinquent
30 days or more as of the end of the prior Due Period (including Home
Improvement Contracts in respect of which the related real estate has been
foreclosed upon but is still in inventory), and the denominator of which is the
Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HI as of such Payment Date.

     "Subsequent Cut-off Date" means, with respect to a Subsequent Home Equity
      -----------------------                                                 
Contract, the related Subsequent Transfer Date.

     "Subsequent Home Equity Contract" means a Fixed Rate Home Equity Contract
      -------------------------------                                         
or an Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contract sold by the Company to the Trust
pursuant to Section 2.04, such Contract being identified on Exhibit A or Exhibit
B, respectively, attached to a Subsequent Transfer Instrument.

     "Subsequent Transfer Date" means, with respect to each Subsequent Transfer
      ------------------------                                                 
Instrument, the date on which the related Subsequent Home Equity Contracts are
sold to the Trust.

     "Subsequent Transfer Instrument" means each Subsequent Transfer Instrument
      ------------------------------                                           
dated as of a Subsequent Transfer Date executed by the Trustee and the Company
substantially in the form of Exhibit S, by which the Company sells Subsequent
Home Equity Contracts to the Trust.

     "Subsidiary REMIC" means the segregated pool of assets comprising the Trust
      ----------------                                                          
Fund, but excluding the Excess Proceeds Account, the Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding
Account, and the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Accrued Interest" means with respect to each Payment Date
      ---------------------------------                                         
and each Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest, an amount equal to one month's
interest

                                     1-48
<PAGE>
 
(or, with respect to the first Payment Date, interest accrued from and including
the Closing Date to but excluding October 15, 1997); on the related Subsidiary
REMIC Principal Balance at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance" means with respect to each Subsidiary
      ----------------------------------                                       
REMIC Regular Interest on any date of determination, the related Original
Principal Balance minus the aggregate of all amounts previously deemed
distributed with respect to such interest and applied to reduce the Principal
Balance thereof pursuant to Section 8.10(b).

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest Distribution Amounts" means the
      ------------------------------------------------------           
Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-1 ARM Distribution Amount, Subsidiary
REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-1 Distribution Amount, Subsidiary REMIC Regular
Interest HE: A-2 Distribution Amount, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-3
Distribution Amount,  Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-4 Distribution
Amount, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-5 Distribution Amount,
Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-6 Distribution Amount, Subsidiary REMIC
Regular Interest HE: A-7 Distribution Amount, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest
HE:M-1 Distribution Amount, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE:M-2
Distribution Amount, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE:B-1 Distribution
Amount, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE:B-2 Distribution Amount, Subsidiary
REMIC Regular Interest HI: A-1 Distribution Amount, Subsidiary REMIC Regular
Interest HI: A-2 Distribution Amount, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: A-3
Distribution Amount, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: M-1 Distribution
Amount, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: M-2 Distribution Amount,
Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: B-1 Distribution Amount and Subsidiary
REMIC Regular Interest HI: B-2 Distribution Amount.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-1 ARM" means an uncertificated
      ---------------------------------------------                         
partial undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular
interest" in the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal
Balance and bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-1" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-2" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

                                     1-49
<PAGE>
 
     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-3" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-4" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-5" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-6" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-7" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: B-1" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: B-2" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: M-1" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: M-2" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the

                                     1-50
<PAGE>
 
Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: A-1" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: A-2" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: A-3" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: B-1" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: B-2" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: M-1" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: M-2" means an uncertificated partial
      -----------------------------------------                                 
undivided beneficial ownership interest designated as a "regular interest" in
the Subsidiary REMIC having the related Subsidiary REMIC Principal Balance and
bearing interest at the related Subsidiary REMIC Pass-Through Rate.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-1 ARM Distribution Amount" means
      -----------------------------------------------------------------       
with respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be
distributed on the  Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-1 ARM for such
Payment Date pursuant to Section 8.10.

                                     1-51
<PAGE>
 
     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-1 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the  Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-1 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-2 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-2 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-3 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-3 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-4 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-4 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-5 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-5 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-6 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the  Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-6 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-7 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-7 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: B-1 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: B-1 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: B-2 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the

                                     1-52
<PAGE>
 
Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: B-2 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: M-1 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: M-1 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: M-2 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: M-2 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: A-1 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: A-1 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: A-2 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: A-2 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: A-3 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: A-3 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: B-1 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: B-1 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: B-2 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: B-2 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: M-1 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: M-1 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

                                     1-53
<PAGE>
 
     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: M-2 Distribution Amount" means with
      -------------------------------------------------------------            
respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the amounts deemed to be distributed on
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: M-2 for such Payment Date pursuant to
Section 8.10.

     "Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests" means Subsidiary REMIC Regular
      ----------------------------------                                
Interest HE: A-1 ARM, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-1, Subsidiary
REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-2, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-3,
Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-4, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE:
A-5, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE: A-6, Subsidiary REMIC Regular
Interest HE: A-7, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE:M-1, Subsidiary REMIC
Regular Interest HE:M-2, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HE:B-1, Subsidiary
REMIC Regular Interest HE:B-2, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: A-1,
Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: A-2, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI:
A-3, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: M-1, Subsidiary REMIC Regular
Interest HI: M-2, Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest HI: B-1, and Subsidiary
REMIC Regular Interest HI: B-2.

     "Telerate Page 3750" means the display page so designated on the Dow Jones
      ------------------                                                       
Telerate Service (or such other page as may replace that page on that service,
or such other service as may be nominated as the information vendor by the
Calculation Agent, for the purpose of displaying London interbank offered rates
of major banks).

     "Trust" means Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D.
      -----                                                           

     "Trust Fund" means the corpus of the Trust created by this Agreement which
      ----------                                                               
consists of (i) all the rights, benefits and obligations arising from and in
connection with the Contracts, including without limitation all related
mortgages, deeds of trust and security deeds and any and all rights to receive
payments on or with respect to the Contracts due after the Cut-off Date, or
Subsequent Cut-off Date with respect to Subsequent Home Equity Contracts, (ii)
all rights under FHA Insurance in respect of each FHA-Insured Contract, (iii)
all rights under any hazard, flood or other individual insurance policy on the
real estate securing a Contract for the benefit of the creditor of such
Contract, (iv) all rights the Company may have against the originating
contractor or lender with respect to Contracts originated by a contractor or
lender other than the Company, (v) all rights under the Errors and Omissions
Protection Policy and the Fidelity Bond as such policy and bond relate to the
Contracts, (vi) all rights under any title insurance policies, if applicable, on
any of the properties securing Contracts, (vii) all documents contained in the
Contract Files, (viii) the Class HI: B-2 Limited Guaranty and the Class HE: B-2
Limited Guaranty, (ix) amounts in the Certificate Account, Excess Proceeds
Account, and Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account (including all proceeds of

                                     1-54
<PAGE>
 
investments of such Accounts other than the Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account) and
(x) all proceeds and products of the foregoing.

     "Trustee Advance" has the meaning assigned in Section 11.16.
      ---------------                                            

     "Undelivered Contract" means as of any date of determination an Initial or
      --------------------                                                     
Additional Home Equity Contract identified, on the exception report attached to
the Acknowledgement delivered by the Trustee under Section 2.04, as a Contract
as to which the Trustee did not receive the related Contract File as of the
Closing Date and has not received the related Contract File and remitted payment
to the Company pursuant to Section 8.09(c).

     "Undelivered ARM Contract Subaccount" means the subaccount so designated
      -----------------------------------                                    
and established and maintained pursuant to Section 8.09.

     "Undelivered Fixed Rate Contract Subaccount" means the subaccount so
      ------------------------------------------                         
designated and established and maintained pursuant to Section 8.09.

     "Underwriters" means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated,
      ------------                                                           
Lehman Brothers Inc. and Salomon Brothers Inc.

     "Unpaid Class HE: A Interest Shortfall"  means, as to each Class of Class
      -------------------------------------                                   
HE: A Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if any, of the Class HE: A
Interest Shortfall applicable to such Class for the prior Payment Date, plus one
month's interest thereon (to the extent payment thereof is legally permissible)
at the related Pass-Through Rate.

     "Unpaid Class HE: B-1 Interest Shortfall"  means, with respect to the Class
      ---------------------------------------                                   
HE: B-1 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if any, of the Class HE:
B-1 Interest Shortfall for the prior Payment Date, plus one month's interest
thereon (to the extent payment thereof is legally permissible) at the Class HE:
B-1 Pass-Through Rate.

     "Unpaid Class HE: B-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall" means, with
      --------------------------------------------------------             
respect to the Class HE: B-1 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if
any, of the Class HE: B-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall for the prior
Payment Date, plus one month's interest thereon (to the extent payment thereof
is legally permissible) at the Class HE: B-1 Pass-Through Rate.

     "Unpaid Class HE: B-2 Interest Shortfall"  means, with respect to the Class
      ---------------------------------------                                   
HE: B-2 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if any, of the Class HE:
B-2 Interest Shortfall for the prior Payment Date, plus one month's interest
thereon (to the extent payment thereof is legally permissible) at the Class HE:
B-2 Pass-Through Rate.

                                     1-55
<PAGE>
 
     "Unpaid Class HE: B-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall"  means, with
      --------------------------------------------------------              
respect to the Class HE: B-2 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if
any, of the Class HE: B-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall for the prior
Payment Date, plus one month's interest thereon (to the extent payment thereof
is legally permissible) at the Class HE: B-2 Pass-Through Rate.

     "Unpaid Class HE: M-1 Interest Shortfall"  means, with respect to the Class
      ---------------------------------------                                   
HE: M-1 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if any, of the Class HE:
M-1 Interest Shortfall for the prior Payment Date, plus one month's interest
thereon (to the extent payment thereof is legally permissible) at the Class HE:
M-1 Pass-Through Rate.

     "Unpaid Class HE: M-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall"  means, with
      --------------------------------------------------------              
respect to the Class HE: M-1 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if
any, of the Class HE: M-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall for the prior
Payment Date, plus one month's interest thereon (to the extent payment thereof
is legally permissible) at the Class HE: M-1 Pass-Through Rate.
 
     "Unpaid Class HE: M-2 Interest Shortfall"  means, with respect to the Class
      ---------------------------------------                                   
HE: M-2 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if any, of the Class HE:
M-2 Interest Shortfall for the prior Payment Date, plus one month's interest
thereon (to the extent payment thereof is legally permissible) at the Class HE:
M-2 Pass-Through Rate.

     "Unpaid Class HE: M-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall"  means, with
      --------------------------------------------------------              
respect to the Class HE: M-2 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if
any, of the Class HE: M-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall for the prior
Payment Date, plus one month's interest thereon (to the extent payment thereof
is legally permissible) at the Class HE: M-2 Pass-Through Rate.

     "Unpaid Class HI: A Interest Shortfall"  means, as to each Class of Class
      -------------------------------------                                   
HI: A Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if any, of the Class HI: A
Interest Shortfall applicable to such Class for the prior Payment Date, plus one
month's interest thereon (to the extent payment thereof is legally permissible)
at the related Pass-Through Rate.

     "Unpaid Class HI: B-1 Interest Shortfall"  means, with respect to the Class
      ---------------------------------------                                   
HI: B-1 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if any, of the Class HI:
B-1 Interest Shortfall for the prior Payment Date, plus one month's interest
thereon (to the extent payment thereof is legally permissible) at the Class HI:
B-1 Pass-Through Rate.

     "Unpaid Class HI: B-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall"  means, with
      --------------------------------------------------------              
respect to the Class HI: B-1 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if
any, of the Class HI: B-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall for the prior
Payment Date, plus one month's

                                     1-56
<PAGE>
 
interest thereon (to the extent payment thereof is legally permissible) at the
Class HI: B-1 Pass-Through Rate.

     "Unpaid Class HI: B-2 Interest Shortfall"  means, with respect to the Class
      ---------------------------------------                                   
HI: B-2 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if any, of the Class HI:
B-2 Interest Shortfall for the prior Payment Date, plus one month's interest
thereon (to the extent payment thereof is legally permissible) at the Class HI:
B-2 Pass-Through Rate.

     "Unpaid Class HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall"  means, with
      --------------------------------------------------------              
respect to the Class HI: B-2 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if
any, of the Class HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall for the prior
Payment Date, plus one month's interest thereon (to the extent payment thereof
is legally permissible) at the Class HI: B-2 Pass-Through Rate.

     "Unpaid Class HI: M-1 Interest Shortfall"  means, with respect to the Class
      ---------------------------------------                                   
HI: M-1 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if any, of the Class HI:
M-1 Interest Shortfall for the prior Payment Date, plus one month's interest
thereon (to the extent payment thereof is legally permissible) at the Class HI:
M-1 Pass-Through Rate.

     "Unpaid Class HI: M-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall" means, with
      --------------------------------------------------------             
respect to the Class HI: M-1 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if
any, of the Class HI: M-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall for the prior
Payment Date, plus one month's interest thereon (to the extent payment thereof
is legally permissible) at the Class HI: M-1 Pass-Through Rate.
 
     "Unpaid Class HI: M-2 Interest Shortfall"  means, with respect to the Class
      ---------------------------------------                                   
HI: M-2 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if any, of the Class HI:
M-2 Interest Shortfall for the prior Payment Date, plus one month's interest
thereon (to the extent payment thereof is legally permissible) at the Class HI:
M-2 Pass-Through Rate.

     "Unpaid Class HI: M-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall"  means, with
      --------------------------------------------------------              
respect to the Class HI: M-2 Certificates and any Payment Date, the amount, if
any, of the Class HI: M-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall for the prior
Payment Date, plus one month's interest thereon (to the extent payment thereof
is legally permissible) at the Class HI: M-2 Pass-Through Rate.

     "Weighted Average Home Equity Contract Rate" means, as to any Payment Date,
      ------------------------------------------                                
the weighted average (determined by Scheduled Principal Balance) of the Contract
Rates for all Home Equity Contracts that were outstanding during the immediately
preceding month.

                                     1-57
<PAGE>
 
     "Weighted Average Pass-Through Rate" means, as to any Payment Date, (a)
      ----------------------------------
with respect to any Home Improvement Contract, the weighted average (expressed
as a percentage and rounded to four decimal places) of the Class HI: A-1, A-2,
A-3, M-1, M-2, B-1 and B-2 Pass-Through Rates, weighted on the basis of the
respective Class HI: A-1, A-2, A-3, M-1, M-2, B-1 and B-2 Principal Balance
immediately prior to such Payment Date, and (b) with respect to any Home Equity
Contract, the weighted average (expressed as a percentage and rounded to four
decimal places) of the Class HE: A-1 ARM, A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, M-1, M-2, B-1 and
B-2 Pass-Through Rates, weighted on the basis of the respective Class HE: A-1
ARM, A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, A-6, A-7, A-8 IO, M-1, M-2, B-1 and B-2 Principal
Balance (or Notional Principal Amount, as the case may be) immediately prior to
such Payment Date.

                                     1-58
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE II

                 ESTABLISHMENT OF TRUST; TRANSFER OF CONTRACTS
                 ---------------------------------------------

     SECTION 2.01.  Closing.
                    ------- 
 
     a.   There is hereby created, by the Company as settlor, a separate trust
which shall be known as Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D.  The
Trust shall be administered pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement for the
benefit of the Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholders.

     b.   The Company hereby transfers, assigns, sets over and otherwise conveys
to the Trustee on behalf of the Trust, by execution and delivery of an
assignment substantially in the form of Exhibit G hereto, all the right, title
and interest of the Company in and to the Contracts, including all rights to
receive payments on or with respect to the Contracts due after the Cut-off Date,
or Subsequent Cut-off Date in respect of the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts,
and all other assets now or hereafter included in the Trust Fund.  The Company
concurrently hereby assigns without recourse all the right, title and interest
of the Company in and to the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests to the Trustee
for the benefit of the Certificateholders.

     c.   Although the parties intend that each conveyance pursuant to this
Agreement of the Company's right, title and interest in and to the Contracts
(including the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts) and in the Subsidiary REMIC
Regular Interests shall constitute a purchase and sale and not a loan, if such
conveyances are deemed to be loans, the parties intend that the rights and
obligations of the parties to such loans shall be established pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement.  If the conveyances are deemed to be loans, the parties
further intend and agree that the Company shall be deemed to have granted to the
Trustee, and the Company does hereby grant to the Trustee, a perfected first-
priority security interest in the Trust Fund and in the Subsidiary REMIC Regular
Interests, and that this Agreement shall constitute a security agreement under
applicable law.  If the trust created by this Agreement terminates prior to the
satisfaction of the claims of any Person under any Certificate or Class C
Certificate, the security interest created hereby shall continue in full force
and effect and the Trustee shall be deemed to be the collateral agent for the
benefit of such Person.

     SECTION 2.02.  Conditions to the Closing.
                    ------------------------- 
 
     On or before the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver or cause to be
delivered the following documents to the Trustee:

                                      2-1
<PAGE>
 
          a.   The List of Contracts attached to this Agreement as Exhibits O-1,
     O-2 and O-3, certified by the Chairman of the Board, President or any Vice
     President of the Company.

          b.   A certificate of an officer of the Company substantially in the
     form of Exhibit H hereto.

          c.   An Opinion of Counsel for the Company substantially in the form
     of Exhibit I hereto.

          d.   A letter from KPMG Peat Marwick LLP or another nationally
     recognized accounting firm, stating that such firm has reviewed the Initial
     Contracts on a statistical sampling basis and, based on such sampling,
     concluding that the Initial Contracts conform in all material respects to
     the List of Contracts attached hereto as Exhibits O-1, O-2, and O-3, to a
     confidence level of 97.5%, with an error rate not in excess of 1.8%,
     specifying those Contracts which do not so conform.

          e.   Copies of resolutions of the board of directors of the Company or
     of the executive committee of the board of directors of the Company
     approving the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the
     transactions contemplated hereunder, certified in each case by the
     secretary or an assistant secretary of the Company.

          f.   Officially certified recent evidence of due incorporation and
     good standing of the Company under the laws of the State of Delaware.

          g.   An Officer's Certificate listing the Servicer's Servicing
     Officers.

          h.   Evidence of continued coverage of the Company under the Errors
     and Omissions Protection Policy.

          i.   Evidence of deposit in the Certificate Account of all funds
     received with respect to the Contracts from the Cut-off Date to the Closing
     Date, other than principal due on or before the Cut-off Date, together with
     an Officer's Certificate to the effect that such amount is correct.

          j.   An Officer's Certificate confirming that the Company has reviewed
     the original or a copy of each Home Improvement Contract and Initial and
     Additional Home Equity Contract and each related Contract File, that each
     such Contract and Contract File conforms in all material respects with the
     List of Contracts and that each such Contract File is complete.

                                      2-2
<PAGE>
 
          k.   Assignments in recordable form to the Trustee of the mortgages,
     deeds of trust and security deeds relating to the Home Improvement
     Contracts and Initial and Additional Home Equity Contracts.

          l.   Evidence of the deposit in the Excess Proceeds Account of the
     Excess Proceeds Deposit.

          m.   Evidence of the deposit of $15,172,835.37 in the Pre-Funding ARM
     Subaccount and $134,819,837.17 in the Pre-Funding Fixed Rate Subaccount.

          n.   Evidence of the deposit (a) in the Undelivered ARM Contract 
     Subaccount of an amount equal to the difference between the aggregate Cut-
     off Date Principal Balances of the Initial and Subsequent Adjustable Rate
     Home Equity Contracts and the aggregate Cut-off Date Principal Balances of
     the Undelivered ARM Contracts and (b) in the Undelivered Fixed Rate
     Contract Subaccount of an amount equal to the difference between the
     aggregate Cut-off Date Principal Balances of the Initial and Subsequent
     Fixed Rate Home Equity Contracts and the aggregate Cut-off Date Principal
     Balances of the Undelivered Fixed Rate Contracts.

     SECTION 2.03.  Conveyance of the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts.
                    -------------------------------------------------- 

     a.   Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b) below, in
consideration of the Trustee's delivery on the related Subsequent Transfer Dates
to or upon the order of the Company of all or a portion of the balance of funds
in the Pre-Funding ARM Subaccount and Pre-Funding Fixed Rate Subaccount, the
Company shall on any Subsequent Transfer Date sell, transfer, assign, set over
and convey to the Trust by execution and delivery of a Subsequent Transfer
Instrument, all the right, title and interest of the Company in and to the
Subsequent Home Equity Contracts identified on the List of Contracts attached to
the Subsequent Transfer Instrument, including all rights to receive payments on
or with respect to the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts due after the related
Subsequent Cut-off Date, and all items with respect to such Subsequent Home
Equity Contracts in the related Contract Files.  The transfer to the Trustee by
the Company of the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts shall be absolute and is
intended by the Company, the Trustee, the Certificateholders and the Class C
Certificateholders to constitute and to be treated as a sale of the Subsequent
Home Equity Contracts by the Company to the Trust.

     The purchase price paid by the Trustee shall be one-hundred percent (100%)
of the aggregate Cut-off Date Principal Balances of the Subsequent Home Equity
Contracts.  The purchase price of Fixed Rate Home Equity Contracts shall be paid
solely with amounts in the Pre-Funding Fixed Rate Subaccount.  The purchase
price of Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts shall be paid solely with amounts
in the Pre-Funding ARM Subaccount.  This Agreement shall constitute a fixed
price contract in accordance with Section 860G(a)(3)(A)(ii) of the Code.

     b.   The Company shall transfer to the Trustee for Sub-Pool HE the
Subsequent Home Equity Contracts, and the Trustee shall release funds from the
Pre-

                                      2-3
<PAGE>
 
Funding ARM Subaccount or Pre-Funding Fixed Rate Subaccount, as applicable, only
upon the satisfaction of each of the following conditions on or prior to the
related Subsequent Transfer Date:

          (i)    the Company shall have provided the Trustee with an Addition
     Notice at least five Business Days prior to the Subsequent Transfer Date
     and shall have provided any information reasonably requested by the Trustee
     with respect to the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts;

          (ii)   the Company shall have delivered the related Contract File for
     each Subsequent Home Equity Contract to the Trustee at least two Business
     Days prior to the Subsequent Transfer Date;

          (iii)  the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee a duly executed
     Subsequent Transfer Instrument substantially in the form of Exhibit S,
     which shall include a List of Contracts identifying the related Subsequent
     Home Equity Contracts;

          (iv)   as of each Subsequent Transfer Date, as evidenced by delivery
     of the Subsequent Transfer Instrument, the Company shall not be insolvent
     nor shall it have been made insolvent by such transfer nor shall it be
     aware of any pending insolvency;

          (v)    such sale and transfer shall not result in a material adverse
     tax consequence to the Trust (including the Master REMIC and the Subsidiary
     REMIC) or the Certificateholders or Class C Certificateholders;

          (vi)   the Pre-Funding Period shall not have ended;

          (vii)  the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer's
     Certificate, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit T,
     confirming the satisfaction of each condition precedent and the
     representations specified in this Section 2.03 and in Sections 3.01, 3.02,
     3.03 and 3.04;

          (viii) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee Opinions of
     Counsel addressed to the Rating Agencies and the Trustee with respect to
     the transfer of the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts substantially in the
     form of the Opinions of Counsel delivered to the Trustee on the Closing
     Date regarding certain bankruptcy, corporate and tax matters; and

          (ix)   No subsequent Home Equity Contract will have a loan-to-value 
     ratio greater than 100%.

     c.   Before the last day of the Pre-Funding Period, the Company 
shall deliver to the Trustee:

          (i)    a letter from KPMG Peat Marwick LLP or another nationally
     recognized accounting firm retained by the Company

                                      2-4
<PAGE>
 
     (with copies provided to S&P and Fitch, the Underwriters and the Trustee)
     that is in form, substance and methodology the same as that dated August
     27, 1997 and delivered under Section 2.02(d) of this Agreement, except that
     it shall address the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts and their conformity
     (and the conformity of Sub-Pool HE, as applicable) in all material respects
     to the characteristics described in Sections 2.03(c)(i)(b)(ix) and 3.03(b)
     of this Agreement.

          (ii)   Evidence that as a result of the purchase by the Trust of the
     Subsequent Home Equity Contracts, neither the Class HI:A Certificates nor
     the Class HE:A Certificates shall receive from S&P or Fitch a lower credit
     rating than the rating assigned to such Certificates as of the Closing
     Date.

          (iii)  Evidence that the aggregate Cut-off Date Principal Balances of
     the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts do not exceed 25% of the remainder of
     the Original Sub-Pool HE Certificate Principal Balance less any Sub-Pool HE
     Excess Proceeds to be applied to payment of principal of the Certificates
     on the first Payment Date pursuant to Section 8.04(d)(3)(i).

     SECTION 2.04.  Acceptance by Trustee.
                    --------------------- 

     a.   On the Closing Date and each Subsequent Transfer Date, if the
conditions set forth in Section 2.02 and 2.03, respectively, have been
satisfied, the Trustee shall deliver a certificate to the Company substantially
in the form of Exhibit J hereto acknowledging conveyance of the Contracts
identified on the applicable List of Contracts and the related Contract Files to
the Trustee and declaring that the Trustee, directly or through a Custodian,
will hold all Contracts that have been delivered in trust, upon the trusts
herein set forth, for the use and benefit of all Certificateholders and the
Class C Certificateholders.  The Trustee acknowledges the assignment to it of
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests and declares that it holds and will hold
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests in trust for the exclusive use and
benefit of the Certificateholders.  In consideration of the assignment to it of
the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests, the Trustee has issued on the Closing
Date, to or upon the order of the Company, the

                                      2-5
<PAGE>
 
Certificates and the Class C Certificates representing, in the aggregate,
ownership of the entire beneficial interest in the Master REMIC.

     b.   The Trustee or a Custodian shall review each Contract File, as
described in Exhibit J, within 60 days of the Closing Date or later receipt by
it of the Contract File.  If, in its review of the Contract Files as described
in Exhibit J, the Trustee or a Custodian discovers a breach of the
representations or warranties set forth in Sections 2.03, 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04 of
this Agreement, or in the Officer's Certificates delivered pursuant to Section
2.02(j) or 2.03(b)(vii) of this Agreement, the Trustee or Custodian, as the case
may be, shall notify the Company and the Company shall cure such breach or
repurchase or replace such Contract pursuant to Section 3.05.

     SECTION 2.05.  REMIC Provisions.
                    ---------------- 

     a.   The Company, as Servicer, and the Class C Certificateholders, by
acceptance thereof, each agrees that, in accordance with the requirements of
Section 860D(b)(1) of the Code, the federal tax return of the Trust for its
first taxable year shall provide that the segregated pools of assets comprising
the Master REMIC and the Subsidiary REMIC, respectively, each elect to be
treated as a REMIC under the Code for such taxable year and all subsequent
taxable years, and the Trustee shall sign such return.  In furtherance of the
foregoing, the Trustee (at the direction of the Company or the Servicer), the
Company and the Servicer shall take, or refrain from taking, all such action as
is necessary to maintain the status of each of the Master REMIC and Subsidiary
REMIC as a REMIC under the REMIC Provisions of the Code, including, but not
limited to, the taking of such action as is necessary to cure any inadvertent
termination of REMIC status.  For purposes of the REMIC election in respect of
the Subsidiary REMIC, (i) the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests shall be
designated as the "regular interests" in the Subsidiary REMIC and (ii) the Class
C Subsidiary Certificate shall be designated as the sole class of "residual
interests" in the Subsidiary REMIC.  For purposes of the REMIC election in
respect of the Master REMIC, (i) the Certificates shall be designated as the
"regular interests" in the Master REMIC and (ii) the Class C Master Certificate
shall be designated as the sole Class of "residual interests" in the Master
REMIC.  The Trustee shall not permit the creation of any "interests" in the
Master REMIC or Subsidiary REMIC (within the meaning of Section 860G of the
Code) other than the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests and the interests
represented by the Certificates and the Class C Certificates.

     b.   The Certificates are being issued in twenty classes.  The following
terms of the Certificates are irrevocably established as of the Closing Date:

                                      2-6
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                             ORIGINAL CLASS 
                                                      --------------
                          PASS-THROUGH RATE         PRINCIPAL BALANCE   
    CLASS                 -----------------         -----------------       
    -----                     PER ANNUM            (OR NOTIONAL AMOUNT)
                              ---------            --------------------
<S>                  <C>                           <C>
Class HE: A-1 ARM    a floating rate per annum       $ 60,000,000
                     equal to the lesser of (a)
                     LIBOR plus the Pass-
                     Through Margin, or (b) the
                     Available Funds Pass-
                     Through Rate, but in no
                     case more than 14%
Class HE: A-1                   5.97%                  70,000,000           
Class HE: A-2                   6.16%                  42,000,000           
Class HE: A-3                   6.39%                 162,000,000           
Class HE: A-4                   6.54%                  41,000,000           
Class HE: A-5                   6.74%                  69,000,000           
Class HE: A-6                   6.95%                  41,000,000           
Class HE: A-7                   6.82%                  29,500,000           
Class HE: A-8 IO                7.57%                  Original Notional     
                                                       Amount:              
                                                      $29,500,000          
                                                                            
Class HE: M-1                   7.30%                  34,500,000           
Class HE: M-2                   7.45%                  24,000,000           
Class HE: B-1                   7.41%                  18,900,000           
Class HE: B-2                   7.54%                   8,100,000           
Class HI: A-1                   6.14%                  49,500,000           
Class HI: A-2                   6.45%                  33,000,000           
Class HI: A-3                   6.77%                  37,500,000           
Class HI: M-1                   7.16%                  12,000,000           
Class HI: M-2                   7.35%                   7,500,000           
Class HI: B-1                   7.22%                   7,125,000           
Class HI: B-2                   7.54%                   3,375,000            
</TABLE>

                                      2-7
<PAGE>
 
The latest possible maturity date with respect to the Sub-Pool HI Certificates
is in October 2022 and, with respect to the Sub-Pool HE Certificates, is in
October 2027 (calculated using a prepayment assumption of 0% and assuming no
defaults or delinquencies on the Contracts).

     c.   The following terms of the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests are
irrevocably established as of the Closing Date:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUBSIDIARY REMIC    PASS-THROUGH RATE EQUALS                          
- ----------------    ------------------------                          
REGULAR INTEREST    THE PASS-THROUGH RATE ON       ORIGINAL CLASS      
- ----------------    ------------------------       --------------      
DESIGNATION:         CERTIFICATE DESIGNATED:      PRINCIPAL BALANCE:  
- -----------          ----------------------       -----------------   
<S>                 <C>                           <C>
HE: A-1 ARM         Class HE: A-1 ARM                   $ 60,000,000
HE: A-1             Class HE: A-1                         70,000,000
HE: A-2             Class HE: A-2                         42,000,000
HE: A-3             Class HE: A-3                        162,000,000
HE: A-4             Class HE: A-4                         41,000,000
HE: A-5             Class HE: A-5                         69,000,000
HE: A-6             Class HE: A-6                         41,000,000
HE: A-7             Class HE: A-7, plus 7.57%             29,500,000
                    per annum on each of the
                    first 36 Payment Dates and
                    thereafter at the Class HE:
                    A-7 Pass-Through Rate

HE: M-1             Class HE: M-1                         34,500,000
HE: M-2             Class HE: M-2                         24,000,000
HE: B-1             Class HE: B-1                         18,900,000
HE: B-2             Class HE: B-2                          8,100,000
HI: A-1             Class HI: A-1                         49,500,000
HI: A-2             Class HI: A-2                         33,000,000
HI: A-3             Class HI: A-3                         37,500,000
HI: M-1             Class HI: M-1                         12,000,000
HI: M-2             Class HI: M-2                          7,500,000
</TABLE> 

                                      2-8
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
SUBSIDIARY REMIC    PASS-THROUGH RATE EQUALS                          
- ----------------    ------------------------                          
REGULAR INTEREST    THE PASS-THROUGH RATE ON       ORIGINAL CLASS      
- ----------------    ------------------------       --------------      
DESIGNATION:         CERTIFICATE DESIGNATED:      PRINCIPAL BALANCE:  
- -----------          ----------------------       -----------------   
<S>                 <C>                           <C> 
HI: B-1             Class HI: B-1                      7,125,000
HI: B-2             Class HI: B-2                      3,375,000
</TABLE>

The latest possible maturity of the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests bearing
the designation "HE" is October 2027 and the latest possible maturity of the
Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests bearing the designation "HI" is in October
2022 (calculated using a prepayment assumption of 0% and assuming no defaults or
delinquencies on the Contracts).

     d.   The Closing Date, which is the day on which each of the Master REMIC
and Subsidiary REMIC will issue all of their respective regular and residual
interests, is hereby designated as the "startup day" of the Master REMIC and
Subsidiary REMIC within the meaning of Section 860G(a)(9) of the Code.

     e.   After the Closing Date, neither the Trustee, the Company nor any
Servicer shall (i) accept any contribution of assets to the Trust, (ii) dispose
of any portion of the Trust other than as provided in Sections 3.05, 3.06 and
8.06, (iii) engage in any transaction that would result in the imposition of tax
on  "prohibited transactions," as defined in Sections 860F(a)(1) of the Code,
(iv) accept any contribution after the Closing Date that is subject to the tax
imposed by Section 860G(d) of the Code or (v) engage in any activity or enter
into any agreement that would result in the receipt by the Trust of any "net
income from foreclosure property" as defined in Section 860G(c)(2) of the Code,
unless, prior to any such action set forth in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or
(v), the Trustee shall have received an unqualified Opinion of Counsel, which
opinion shall not be an expense of the Trust, stating that such action will not,
directly or indirectly, (A) adversely affect the status of the Master REMIC or
Subsidiary REMIC as a REMIC, the status of the Certificates and Class C Master
Certificate as "regular interests" and the sole class of "residual interests,"
respectively, in the Master REMIC, or of the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests
or Class C Subsidiary Certificate as the "regular interests" and class of "sole
residual interests," respectively, in the Subsidiary REMIC, in each case for
federal income tax purposes, (B) affect the distributions payable hereunder to
the Certificateholders or the Class C Certificateholders or (C) result in the
imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon the Trust.

     f.  Upon the acquisition of any real property (including interests in
real property), or any personal property incident thereto, in connection with
the default of a Contract, the Servicer and the Trustee (at the direction of the
Servicer) shall take, or cause to be taken, such action as is necessary to sell
or otherwise dispose of such property within

                                      2-9
<PAGE>
 
such period as is then required by the Code in order for such property to
qualify as "foreclosure property" within the meaning of Section 860G(a)(8) of
the Code, unless the Servicer and the Trustee receive an Opinion of Counsel to
the effect that the holding by the Trust of such property subsequent to the
period then permitted by the Code will not result in the imposition of any taxes
on "prohibited transactions" of the Trust, as defined in Section 860F of the
Code, or cause the Master REMIC or Subsidiary REMIC to fail to qualify as a
REMIC at any time that the Certificates or Class C Certificates are outstanding.
The Servicer shall manage, conserve, protect and operate such real property, or
any personal property incident thereto, so that such property will not fail to
qualify as "foreclosure property," as defined in Section 860G(a)(8) of the Code,
and that the management, conservation, protection and operation of such property
will not result in the receipt by the Master REMIC or Subsidiary REMIC of any
income attributable to any asset which is neither a qualified mortgage nor a
permitted investment within the meaning of the REMIC Provisions.

                                     2-10
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE III

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                         ------------------------------

     The Company makes the following representations and warranties. The Trustee
will rely on the representations and warranties in accepting the Contracts in
trust and issuing the Certificates and the Class C Certificates on behalf of the
Trust. The repurchase or substitution and indemnification obligations of the
Company set forth in Section 3.05 constitute the sole remedies available to the
Trust, the Certificateholders or the Class C Certificateholders for a breach of
a representation or warranty of the Company set forth in Sections 2.03, 3.02,
3.03 or 3.04 of this Agreement, or in the Officer's Certificates delivered
pursuant to Sections 2.02(j) or 2.03(b)(vii) of this Agreement.

     SECTION 3.01.  Representations and Warranties Regarding the Company.
                    ---------------------------------------------------- 

     The Company represents and warrants to the Certificateholders and the Class
C Certificateholders, effective on the Closing Date and each Subsequent Transfer
Date, that:
 
          a.   Organization and Good Standing.  The Company is a corporation
               ------------------------------                               
     duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
     jurisdiction of its organization and has the corporate power to own its
     assets and to transact the business in which it is currently engaged.  The
     Company is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and is in
     good standing in each jurisdiction in which the character of the business
     transacted by it or properties owned or leased by it requires such
     qualification and in which the failure so to qualify would have a material
     adverse effect on the business, properties, assets, or condition (financial
     or other) of the Company.

          b.   Authorization; Binding Obligations.  The Company has the power
               ----------------------------------                            
     and authority to make, execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all
     of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, and to create the
     Trust and cause it to make, execute, deliver and perform its obligations
     under this Agreement and has taken all necessary corporate action to
     authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and to
     cause the Trust to be created.  When executed and delivered, this Agreement
     will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company
     enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement of such
     terms may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting
     the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by the availability of
     equitable remedies.

                                      3-1
<PAGE>
 
          c.   No Consent Required.  The Company is not required to obtain the
               -------------------                                            
     consent of any other party or any consent, license, approval or
     authorization from, or registration or declaration with, any governmental
     authority, bureau or agency in connection with the execution, delivery,
     performance, validity or enforceability of this Agreement.

          d.   No Violations.  The execution, delivery and performance of this
               -------------                                                  
     Agreement by the Company will not violate any provision of any existing law
     or regulation or any order or decree of any court or the Certificate of
     Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company, or constitute a material breach of
     any mortgage, indenture, contract or other agreement to which the Company
     is a party or by which the Company may be bound.

          e.   Litigation.  No litigation or administrative proceeding of or
               ----------                                                   
     before any court, tribunal or governmental body is currently pending, or to
     the knowledge of the Company threatened, against the Company or any of its
     properties or with respect to this Agreement, the Certificates or the Class
     C Certificates which, if adversely determined, would in the opinion of the
     Company have a material adverse effect on the transactions contemplated by
     this Agreement.

          f.   Licensing.  The Company is duly licensed in each state in which
               ---------                                                      
     Contracts were originated to the extent the Company is required to be
     licensed by applicable law in connection with the origination and servicing
     of the Contracts.

     SECTION 3.02.  Representations and Warranties Regarding Each Contract.
                    ------------------------------------------------------ 

     The Company represents and warrants to the Certificateholders and the Class
C Certificateholders, as of the Closing Date with respect to each Contract
identified on the List of Contracts attached to this Agreement as Exhibits O-1,
O-2, and O-3 and as of each Subsequent Transfer Date with respect to each
Subsequent Home Equity Contract identified on the List of Contracts attached to
the related Subsequent Transfer Instrument:

          a.   List of Contracts.  The information set forth in the List of
               -----------------                                           
     Contracts is true and correct as of its date.

          b.   Payments.  No scheduled payment due under the Contract was
               --------                                                  
     delinquent over 59 days as of August 17, 1997 if an Initial or Additional
     Contract or as of the related Subsequent Transfer Date if a Subsequent Home
     Equity Contract.

                                      3-2
<PAGE>
 
          c.   Costs Paid and No Waivers.  The terms of the Contract have not
               -------------------------                                     
     been waived, altered or modified in any respect, except by instruments or
     documents identified in the Contract File.  All costs, fees and expenses
     incurred in making, closing and perfecting the lien of the Contract have
     been paid.  The subject real property has not been released from the lien
     of such Contract.

          d.   Binding Obligation.  The Contract is the legal, valid and binding
               ------------------                                               
     obligation of the Obligor thereunder and is enforceable in accordance with
     its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by laws affecting
     the enforcement of creditors' rights generally.

          e.   No Defenses.  The Contract is not subject to any right of
               -----------                                              
     rescission, setoff, counterclaim or defense, including the defense of
     usury, and the operation of any of the terms of the Contract or the
     exercise of any right thereunder will not render the Contract unenforceable
     in whole or in part or subject to any right of rescission, setoff,
     counterclaim or defense, including the defense of usury, and no such right
     of rescission, setoff, counterclaim or defense has been asserted with
     respect thereto.

          f.   Insurance Coverage.  The Company has been named as an additional
               ------------------                                              
     insured party under any hazard insurance on the property described in the
     Contract, to the extent required by the Company's underwriting guidelines.
     If upon origination of the Contract, the property securing the Contract was
     in an area identified in the Federal Register by the Federal Emergency
     Management Agency as having special flood hazards (and if flood insurance
     was required by federal regulation and such flood insurance has been made
     available in the locale where the Mortgaged Property is located), the
     property is covered by a flood insurance policy of the nature and in an
     amount which is consistent with the servicing standard set forth in Section
     5.02.

          g.   FHA Insurance.  If the Contract is an FHA-Insured Contract, such
               -------------                                                   
     Contract was originated in compliance with FHA Regulations and is insured,
     without setoff, surcharge or defense, by FHA Insurance.  Following the
     assignment of such FHA-Insured Contract to the Trustee, the Trustee on
     behalf of the Trust will be entitled to the full benefits of the FHA
     Insurance.

          h.   Lawful Assignment.  The Contract was not originated in and is not
               -----------------                                                
     subject to the laws of any jurisdiction whose laws would make the transfer
     of the Contract under this Agreement or pursuant to transfers of the
     Certificates or Class C Certificates unlawful or render the Contract
     unenforceable.  The Company has duly executed a valid blanket assignment of
     the Contracts transferred to the Trust, and has transferred all its right,
     title and interest in such

                                      3-3
<PAGE>
 
     Contracts, including all rights the Company may have against the
     originating contractor or lender with respect to Contracts originated by a
     contractor or lender rather than the Company, to the Trust.  The blanket
     assignment, any and all documents executed and delivered by the Company
     pursuant to Sections 2.01(b) and 2.03(b)(ii), and this Agreement each
     constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company
     enforceable in accordance with its respective terms.

          i.   Compliance with Law.  At the date of origination of the Contract,
               -------------------                                              
     all requirements of any federal and state laws, rules and regulations
     applicable to the Contract, including, without limitation, usury and truth
     in lending laws and (if such Contract is an FHA-Insured Contract) the FHA
     Regulations have been complied with, and the Company shall for at least the
     period of this Agreement, maintain in its possession, available for the
     Trustee's inspection, and shall deliver to the Trustee upon demand,
     evidence of compliance with all such requirements.

          j.   Contract in Force.  The Contract has not been satisfied or
               -----------------                                         
     subordinated in whole or in part or rescinded, and the real estate securing
     such Contract has not been released from the lien of such Contract in whole
     or in part.

          k.   Valid Lien.   The Contract has been duly executed and delivered
               ----------                                                     
     by the Obligor, and the lien created thereby has been duly recorded, or has
     been delivered to the appropriate governmental authority for recording and
     will be duly recorded within 180 days, and constitutes a valid and
     perfected first, second, third or fourth priority lien on the real estate
     described in such Contract.

          l.   Capacity of Parties.  The signature(s) of the Obligor(s) on the
               -------------------                                            
     Contract are genuine and all parties to the Contract had full legal
     capacity to execute the Contract.

          m.   Good Title.  The Company is the sole owner of the Contract and,
               ----------                                                     
     if such Contract is an FHA-Insured Contract, because the Trustee is a
     lender approved by HUD to originate and purchase Title I loans under a
     valid Title I contract of insurance, has the authority to sell, transfer
     and assign such Contract to the Trust under the terms of this Agreement.
     There has been no assignment, sale or hypothecation of the Contract by the
     Company except the usual past hypothecation of the Contract in connection
     with the Company's normal banking transactions in the conduct of its
     business, which hypothecation terminates upon sale of the Contract to the
     Trust.  The Company has good and marketable title to the Contract, free and
     clear of any encumbrance, equity, loan, pledge, charge, claim, lien or
     encumbrance of any type and has full right to transfer the Contract to the
     Trust.


                                      3-4
<PAGE>
 
          n.   No Defaults.  As of the Cut-off Date or Subsequent Cut-off Date
               -----------                                                    
     if a Subsequent Home Equity Contract, there was no default, breach,
     violation or event permitting acceleration existing under the Contract and
     no event which, with notice and the expiration of any grace or cure period,
     would constitute such a default, breach, violation or event permitting
     acceleration under such Contract (except payment delinquencies permitted by
     clause (b) above).  The Company has not waived any such default, breach,
     violation or event permitting acceleration except payment delinquencies
     permitted by clause (b) above.

          o.   Equal Installments.  The Contract, unless it is a Step-up Rate
               ------------------                                            
     Contract or an Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contract, has a fixed Contract
     Interest Rate and provides for monthly payments (except, in the case of a
     Balloon Loan, for the final monthly payment of such loan) which fully
     amortize the loan over its term.

          p.   Enforceability.  Each Contract contains customary and enforceable
               --------------                                                   
     provisions so as to render the rights and remedies of the holder thereof
     adequate for the realization against the collateral of the benefits of the
     lien provided thereby.

          q.   One Original.  There is only one original executed Contract,
               ------------                                                
     which Contract has been delivered to the Trustee or its Custodian on or
     before the Closing Date or Subsequent Transfer Date if a Subsequent Home
     Equity Contract.

          r.   Genuine Documents.  All documents submitted are genuine, and all
               -----------------                                               
     other representations as to each Contract, including the List of Contracts,
     are true and correct.  Any copies of documents provided by the Company are
     accurate and complete (except that, with respect to each Contract that was
     originated by a contractor or lender other than the Company, the Company
     makes such representation and warranty only to the best of the Company's
     knowledge).

          s.   Origination.  Each Home Improvement Contract was originated by a
               -----------                                                     
     home improvement contractor in the ordinary course of such contractor's
     business or was originated by the Company directly.  Each Home Equity
     Contract was originated by a home equity lender in the ordinary course of
     such lender's business or was originated by the Company directly.

          t.   Underwriting Guidelines.  Each Contract was originated or
               -----------------------                                  
     purchased in accordance with the Company's then-current underwriting
     guidelines.


                                      3-5
<PAGE>
 
          u.   Good Repair.    The property described in the Contract is, to the
               -----------                                                      
     best of the Company's knowledge, free of damage and in good repair.

          v.   Qualified Mortgage.  The Contract represents a "qualified
               ------------------                                       
     mortgage" within the meaning of the REMIC Provisions.  The Company
     represents and warrants that, either as of (i) the date of origination
     (within the meaning of the REMIC Provisions) or (ii) the Closing Date or,
     if a Subsequent Home Equity Contract, the Subsequent Transfer Date, the
     fair market value of the interest in real property securing each Contract
     was not less than 80% of the "adjusted issue price" (in each case within
     the meaning of the REMIC Provisions) of such Contract.

          w.   Interest Rate and Payment Amount Adjustments.  With respect to
               --------------------------------------------                  
     each Contract which does not provide for a fixed interest rate over the
     life of the Contract, the Contract Interest Rate and monthly payment have
     been adjusted in accordance with the terms of the Contract.  All required
     notices of interest rate and payment amount adjustments have been sent to
     the Obligor on a timely basis and the computations of such adjustments were
     properly calculated.  All Contract Interest Rate adjustments have been made
     in strict compliance with state and federal law and the terms of the
     related Contract.

          x.   Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts.  If an Adjustable Rate
               -------------------------------------                        
     Home Equity Contract, it is covered by an American Land Title Association
     lender's title insurance policy, with an adjustable rate mortgage
     endorsement, such endorsement substantially in the form of ALTA Form 6.0 or
     6.1.  The applicable terms of the Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contract
     pertaining to adjustments of the Contract Rate and the monthly payment and
     payment adjustments in connection therewith are enforceable and will not
     affect the priority of the lien of the related mortgage.  The Contract
     Interest Rate and monthly payment on the Adjustable Rate Home Equity
     Contract have been timely and appropriately adjusted, if such adjustment is
     required, and the respective Obligor timely and appropriately advised.

     SECTION 3.03.  Representations and Warranties Regarding the Contracts in
                    ---------------------------------------------------------
the Aggregate.
- ------------- 

     The Company represents and warrants to the Certificateholders and the Class
C Certificateholders, as of the Closing Date with respect to the Initial and
Additional Contracts and each Sub-Pool, as applicable, and as of each Subsequent
Transfer Date with respect to the related Subsequent Contracts and Sub-Pool HE,
as applicable, that:

                                      3-6
<PAGE>
 
          a.   Amounts.  The Cut-off Date Pool Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HI,
               -------                                                          
     plus the Excess Proceeds, if any, with respect to Sub-Pool HI, equals at
     least the Original Sub-Pool HI Certificate Principal Balance.  As of the
     Closing Date, the sum of the Cut-off Date Pool Principal Balance of Sub-
     Pool HE, plus any Excess Proceeds with respect to Sub-Pool HE, plus the
     Original Pre-Funded Amount, equals at least the Original Sub-Pool HE
     Certificate Principal Balance.  By Cut-off Date Principal Balance, the
     Initial and Additional Home Equity Contracts represent at least 75% of the
     remainder of the Original Sub-Pool HE Certificate Principal Balance minus
     the Excess Proceeds in respect of Sub-Pool HE.

          b.   Characteristics.
               --------------- 

               Home Improvement Contracts.  The Home Improvement Contracts have
               --------------------------                                      
          the following characteristics: (i) 100% are secured by a mortgage,
          deed of trust or security deed on the related real estate; (ii) none
          has a remaining maturity of more than 300 months; (iii) none has a
          final scheduled payment date later than September 2022; (iv) not more
          than .018% of such Contracts (by Cut-off Date Principal Balance) has a
          Contract Interest Rate less than 8.29%; and (v) the weighted average
          (by Scheduled Principal Balance) of the Contract Interest Rates of
          Sub-Pool HI as of the Closing Date will not be more than 25 basis
          points less than the weighted average of the Contract Interest Rates
          of the Initial Home Improvement Contracts.

               No Initial Home Improvement Contract was originated before 1987
          and none has a Contract Interest Rate less than 7.50%.

               No Additional Home Improvement Contract was originated before
          1990 and none has a Contract Interest Rate less than 7.25%.

               Fixed Rate Home Equity Contracts.  The Fixed Rate Home Equity
               --------------------------------                             
          Contracts have the following characteristics: (i) 100% are secured by
          a mortgage, deed of trust or security deed on the related real estate;
          (ii) none has a remaining maturity of more than 360 months; and (iii)
          not more than 0.57% of such Contracts (by Cut-off Date Principal
          Balance) has a Contract Interest Rate less than 8.70%.

               No Initial Fixed Rate Home Equity Contract (i) has a final
          scheduled payment date later than August 2027; (ii) was originated
          before 1989; or (iii) has a Contract Interest Rate less than 7.25%.

                                      3-7
<PAGE>
 
               No Additional Fixed Rate Home Equity Contract (i) has a final
          scheduled payment date later than September 2027; (ii) was originated
          before 1974; or (iii) has a Contract Interest Rate less than 7.25%.

               The weighted average (by Scheduled Principal Balance) loan to
          value ratio of the Fixed Rate Home Equity Contracts as of the Post-
          Funding Payment Date will not be more than 200 basis points more than
          such ratio with respect to the Initial Fixed Rate Home Equity
          Contracts.

               The weighted average (by Scheduled Principal Balance) of the
          Contract Interest Rates of the Fixed Rate Home Equity Contracts as of
          the Post-Funding Payment Date will not be more than 25 basis points
          less than the weighted average of the Contract Interest Rates of the
          Initial Fixed Rate Home Equity Contracts.
 
               The percentage (by Scheduled Principal Balance) of the Fixed Rate
          Home Equity Contracts as of the Post-Funding Payment Date which are
          identified by the Company under its standard underwriting criteria as
          "B," "C," and "D" credits will not be more than 300 basis points, 200
          basis points, and 100 basis points, respectively, more than the
          percentage of Initial Fixed Rate Home Equity Contracts identified as
          B, C, and D credits.

               Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts.  The Adjustable Rate Home
               -------------------------------------                           
          Equity Contracts have the following characteristics:  (i) 100% are
          secured by a mortgage, deed of trust or security deed on the related
          real estate; (ii) none has a remaining maturity of more than 360
          months; (iii) the Contract Interest Rate on each is subject to annual
          or semiannual adjustment, after an initial period of up to 36 months,
          to equal the sum of (A) the per annum rate equal to the average of
          interbank offered rates for six-month U.S. dollar-denominated deposits
          in the London market based on quotations of major banks, as published
          in The Wall Street Journal, plus (B) a fixed percentage amount
          specified in the related Contract (the "gross margin"), provided that
          the Contract Interest Rate will not increase or decrease on any
          adjustment date by more than 3% per annum and will not exceed a
          maximum rate specified in the related Contract.

               No Initial Adjustable Rate Home Equity contract (i) has a final
          scheduled payment date later than August 2027; (ii) was originated
          before 1996; or (iii) has a gross margin of less than 3.75% or more
          than 11.0%.

               No Additional Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contract (i) has a
          final scheduled payment date later than September 2027;  (ii) was
          originated

                                      3-8
<PAGE>
 
          before 1997; or (iii) has a gross margin less than 1.00% or more than
          9.00%.

               The weighted average (by Scheduled Principal Balance) loan to
          value ratio of the Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts as of the
          Post-Funding Payment Date will not be more than 200 basis points more
          than such ratio with respect to the Initial Adjustable Rate Home
          Equity Contracts.

               The weighted average (by Scheduled Principal Balance) of the
          Contract Interest Rates of the Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts
          as of the Post-Funding Payment Date will not be more than 25 basis
          points less than the weighted average of the Contract Interest Rates
          of the Initial Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts.
 
               The percentage (by Scheduled Principal Balance) of the Adjustable
          Rate Home Equity Contracts as of the Post-Funding Payment Date which
          are identified by the Company under its standard underwriting criteria
          as "B," "C," and "D" credits will not be more than 300 basis points,
          200 basis points, and 100 basis points, respectively, more than the
          percentage of Initial Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts identified
          as B, C, and D credits.

     c.   Geographic Concentrations.
          ------------------------- 

          Home Improvement Contracts.  By Cut-off Date Principal Balance, 22.93%
          --------------------------                                            
     of the Initial Home Improvement Contracts are secured by property located
     in California, 8.46% in Arizona, 6.29% in New Jersey, 6.19% in New York,
     and 5.77% in Florida.  No other state represents more than 5% of the
     aggregate Cut-off Date Principal Balances of the Initial Home Improvement
     Contracts.

            By Cut-off Date Principal Balance, 21.50% of the Additional Home
     Improvement Contracts are secured by property located in California, 6.32%
     in Pennsylvania, 6.18% in Michigan, and 6.18% in New York.  No other state
     represents more than 5% of the aggregate Cut-off Date Principal Balances of
     the Additional Home Improvement Contracts.
     
          No more than 1% of the Home Improvement Contracts by Cut-off Date
     Principal Balance are secured by property located in an area with the same
     five-digit zip code.

                                      3-9
<PAGE>
 
          Fixed Rate Home Equity Contracts.  By Cut-off Date Principal Balance,
          --------------------------------                                     
     7.22% of the Initial Fixed Rate Home Equity Contracts are secured by
     property located in Ohio, 6.20% in Georgia, 5.82% in Illinois, 5.14% in
     Alabama, 7.21% in Florida, 6.31% in North Carolina, 5.38% in Pennsylvania,
     and 5.77% in Virginia.  No other state represents more than 5% of the
     aggregate Cut-off Date Principal Balances of the Initial Fixed Rate Home
     Equity Contracts.

          By Cut-off Date Principal Balance, 8.12% of the Additional Fixed Rate
     Home Equity Contracts are secured by property located in Ohio, 6.81% in
     Pennsylvania, 6.07% in North Carolina, 5.62% in Illinois, 5.09% in Florida,
     and 5.06% in Virginia.  No other state represents more than 5% of the
     aggregate Cut-off Date Principal Balances of the Additional Fixed Rate Home
     Equity Contracts.

          No more than 1% of Fixed Rate Home Equity Contracts by Cut-off Date
     Principal Balance are secured by property located in an area with the same
     five-digit zip code.

          Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts.  By Cut-off Date Principal
          -------------------------------------                            
     Balance, 6.76% of the Initial Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts are
     secured by property located in Georgia, 10.54% in Texas, 9.33% in
     California, 5.37% in Washington and 5.45% in Michigan.  No other state
     represents more than 5% of the aggregate Cut-off Date Principal Balances of
     the Initial Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts.

          By Cut-off Date Principal Balance, 13.65% of the Additional Adjustable
     Rate Home Equity Contracts are secured by property located in Virginia,
     11.24% in Maryland, 10.32% in New Jersey, 8.94% in North Carolina, 6.18% in
     Michigan, 8.17% in Washington, 6.96% in Georgia, 6.34% in California, 5.19%
     in Ohio and 5.07% in Illinois.  No other state represents more than 5% of
     the aggregate Cut-off Date Principal Balances of the Additional Adjustable
     Rate Home Equity Contracts.

          No more than 1% of the Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts by Cut-
     off Date Principal Balance are secured by property located in an area with
     the same five-digit zip code.

          d.   Marking Records.  The Company has caused the portions of the
               ---------------                                             
     Electronic Ledger relating to the Contracts to be clearly and unambiguously
     marked to indicate that such Contracts constitute part of the Trust and are
     owned by the Trust in accordance with the terms of the Trust created
     hereunder.

                                     3-10
<PAGE>
 
          e.   No Adverse Selection.  No adverse selection procedures have been
               --------------------                                            
     employed in selecting the Contracts.

          f.   Contractor/Lender Concentration.  No more than 5% of the Home
               -------------------------------                              
     Improvement Contracts and no more than 6.25% of the Home Equity Contracts,
     by Cut-off Date Principal Balance, were originated by any one contractor or
     lender (other than the Company).

          SECTION 3.04.  Representations and Warranties Regarding the Contract
                         -----------------------------------------------------
     Files.
     ----- 

          The Company represents and warrants to the Certificateholders and the
     Class C Certificateholders that:

          a.   Possession.  Immediately prior to the Closing Date, the Company
               ----------                                                     
     will have possession of each original Home Improvement Contract and Initial
     and Additional Home Equity Contract and the related Contract File.
     Immediately prior to each Subsequent Transfer Date, the Company will have
     possession of each original Subsequent Home Equity Contract and the related
     Contract File.  There are and there will be no custodial agreements or
     servicing contracts in effect materially and adversely affecting the rights
     of the Company to make, or cause to be made, any delivery required
     hereunder.

          b.   Bulk Transfer Laws.  The transfer, assignment and conveyance of
               ------------------                                             
     the Contracts and the Contract Files by the Company pursuant to this
     Agreement is not subject to the bulk transfer or any similar statutory
     provisions in effect in any applicable jurisdiction.

     SECTION 3.05.  Repurchases of Contracts for Breach of Representations and
                    ----------------------------------------------------------
Warranties.
- ---------- 

     a.   Subject to Section 3.06, the Company shall repurchase a Contract, at
its Repurchase Price, not later than 90 days after the day on which the Company,
the Servicer or the Trustee first discovers or should have discovered a breach
of a representation or warranty of the Company set forth in Sections 2.03, 3.02,
3.03 or 3.04, or in the Officer's Certificates delivered pursuant to Sections
2.02(j), or 2.03(b)((vii), that materially adversely affects the Trust's, the
Certificateholders' or the Class C Certificateholders' interest in such Contract
and which breach has not been cured; provided, however, that (i) in the event
                                     --------  -------                       
that a party other than the Company first becomes aware of such breach, such
discovering party shall notify the Company in writing within 5 Business Days of
the date of such discovery and (ii) with respect to any Contract incorrectly
described on the List of Contracts with respect to Cut-off Date

                                     3-11
<PAGE>
 
Principal Balance, which the Company would otherwise be required to repurchase
pursuant to this Section, the Company may, in lieu of repurchasing such
Contract, deposit in the Certificate Account within 90 days from the date of
such discovery cash in an amount sufficient to cure such deficiency or
discrepancy. Any such cash so deposited shall be distributed to
Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholders on the immediately
following Payment Date as a collection of principal or interest on such
Contract, according to the nature of the deficiency or discrepancy.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the obligation of the
Company under this Section shall not terminate upon a Service Transfer pursuant
to Article VII.

     b.   On or prior to the date that is the second anniversary of the Closing
Date, the Company may, at its election, substitute an Eligible Substitute
Contract for a Contract that it is obligated to repurchase pursuant to Section
3.05(a) (such Contract being referred to as the "Replaced Contract") upon
satisfaction of the following conditions:

          (i)    the Company shall have conveyed to the Trustee the Contract to
     be substituted for the Replaced Contract and the Contract File related to
     such Contract and the Company shall have marked the Electronic Ledger
     indicating that such Contract constitutes part of the Trust;

          (ii)   the Contract to be substituted is an Eligible Substitute
     Contract and the Company delivers an Officers' Certificate, substantially
     in the form of Exhibit M-2 hereto, to the Trustee certifying that such
     Contract is an Eligible Substitute Contract;

          (iii)  the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee evidence of
     filing of a UCC-1 financing statement executed by the Company as debtor,
     naming the Trustee as secured party and filed in Minnesota, listing such
     Contract to be substituted as collateral;

          (iv)   the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an executed
     assignment to the Trustee on behalf of the Trust in recordable form for the
     mortgage securing such Contract to be substituted;

          (v)    the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of
     Counsel (a) to the effect that the substitution of such Contract for such
     Replaced Contract will not cause the Master REMIC or Subsidiary REMIC to
     fail to qualify as a REMIC at any time under then applicable REMIC
     Provisions or cause any "prohibited transaction" that will result in the
     imposition of a tax under such REMIC Provisions and (b) to the effect of
     paragraph 9 of Exhibit I hereto; and

                                     3-12
<PAGE>
 
          (vi)   if the Scheduled Principal Balance of such Replaced Contract is
     greater than the Scheduled Principal Balance of the Contract to be
     substituted, the Company shall have deposited in the Certificate Account
     the amount of such excess and shall have included in the Officers'
     Certificate required by clause (ii) above a certification that such deposit
     has been made.

     Upon satisfaction of such conditions, the Trustee shall add such Contract
to be substituted to, and delete such Replaced Contract from, the List of
Contracts.  Such substitution shall be effected prior to the first Determination
Date that occurs more than 90 days after the Company becomes aware, or should
have become aware, or receives written notice from the Trustee, of the breach
referred to in Section 3.05(a).  Promptly after any such substitution of a
Contract, the Company shall give written notice of such substitution to S&P and
Fitch.

     c.   If the Company is required to repurchase a Contract under Section
3.05(a) or has elected to substitute an Eligible Substitute Contract for a
Contract under Section 3.05(b), and if the reason for such repurchase or
substitution is that the Company has failed to deliver to the Trustee the
Contract File for the Contract to be repurchased or substituted for (except in
the case of a failure to deliver evidence of the lien on the related improved
property and evidence of due recording of such mortgage, deed of trust or
security deed, if available), then, notwithstanding the time periods set out in
Sections 3.05(a) and 3.05(b), the Company shall either (i) repurchase such
Contract, at its respective Repurchase Price, within 30 days of the Closing
Date, or (ii) substitute an Eligible Substitute Contract for the Contract within
90 days of the Closing Date.

     d.   The Company shall defend and indemnify the Trustee, the
Certificateholders, and the Class C Certificateholders against all costs,
expenses, losses, damages, claims and liabilities, including reasonable fees and
expenses of counsel, which may be asserted against or incurred by any of them as
a result of any third-party action arising out of any breach of any such
representation and warranty.

     SECTION 3.06.  No Repurchase Under Certain Circumstances.
                    ----------------------------------------- 

     Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no
repurchase or substitution pursuant to Section 3.05 shall be made unless the
Company (at its own expense) obtains for the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel
addressed to the Trustee that any such repurchase or substitution would not,
under the REMIC Provisions, (i) cause the Master REMIC or Subsidiary REMIC to
fail to qualify as a REMIC while any regular interest in such REMIC is
outstanding, (ii) result in a tax on prohibited transactions within the meaning
of Section 860F(a)(2) of the Code or (iii) constitute a contribution after the
startup day subject to tax under Section 860G(d) of the Code.  The Company
diligently shall attempt to obtain such Opinion of Counsel.  In the case of a

                                     3-13
<PAGE>
 
repurchase or deposit pursuant to Section 3.05(a) or 3.05(b), the Company shall,
notwithstanding the absence of such opinion as to the imposition of any tax as
the result of such purchase or deposit, repurchase such Contract or make such
deposit and shall guarantee the payment of such tax by paying to the Trustee the
amount of such tax not later than five Business Days before such tax shall be
due and payable to the extent that amounts previously paid over to and then held
by the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.06 hereof are insufficient to pay such tax
and all other taxes chargeable under Section 6.06.  Pursuant to Section 6.06,
the Servicer is hereby directed to withhold, and shall withhold and pay over to
the Trustee, an amount sufficient to pay such tax and any other taxes imposed on
"prohibited transactions" under Section 860F(a)(i) of the Code or imposed on
"contributions after startup date" under Section 860G(d) of the Code from
amounts otherwise distributable to the Class C Certificateholder.  The Servicer
shall give notice to the Trustee at the time of such repurchase of the amounts
due from the Company pursuant to the guarantee of the Company described above
and give notice as to who should receive such payment.

     The Trustee shall have no obligation to pay any such amounts pursuant to
this Section other than from moneys provided to it by the Company or from moneys
held in the funds and accounts created under this Agreement.  The Trustee shall
be deemed conclusively to have complied with this Section if it follows the
directions of the Company.

     In the event any tax that is guaranteed by the Company pursuant to this
Section 3.06 is refunded to the Trust or otherwise is determined not to be
payable, the Company shall be repaid the amount of such refund or that portion
of any guarantee payment made by the Company that is not applied to the payment
of such tax.

                                     3-14
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE IV

PERFECTION OF TRANSFER AND PROTECTION OF SECURITY INTERESTS
- -----------------------------------------------------------

     SECTION 4.01.  Transfer of Contracts.
                    --------------------- 

     a.   On or prior to the Closing Date, or the Subsequent Transfer Date in
the case of Subsequent Home Equity Contracts, the Company shall deliver the
Contract Files to the Trustee.  The Trustee shall maintain the Contract Files at
its office or with a duly appointed Custodian, who shall act as the agent of the
Trustee on behalf of the Certificateholders.  The Trustee may release a Contract
File to the Servicer pursuant to Section 5.07.  The Company has filed a form
UCC-1 financing statement regarding the sale of the Contracts to the Trustee,
and shall file continuation statements in respect of such UCC-1 financing
statement as if such financing statement were necessary to perfect such sale.
The Company shall take any other actions necessary to maintain the perfection of
the sale of the Contracts to the Trustee.

     b.   If at any time during the term of this Agreement the Company does not
have a long-term senior debt rating of BBB+ or higher from both S&P and Fitch
(if rated by Fitch), (i) the Company shall within 30 days execute and deliver to
the Trustee (if it has not previously done so) endorsements of each Home
Improvement Contract and assignments in recordable form of each mortgage, deed
of trust or security deed securing a Home Improvement Contract, and (ii) the
Trustee, at the Company's expense, shall within 60 days file in the appropriate
recording offices the assignments to the Trustee on behalf of the Trust of each
mortgage, deed of trust or security deed securing a Home Improvement Contract.

     c.   If at any time during the term of this Agreement the Company does not
have a long-term senior debt rating of A- or higher from both S&P and Fitch (if
rated by Fitch), (i) the Company shall within 30 days execute and deliver to the
Trustee (if it has not previously done so) endorsements of each Home Equity
Contract and assignments in recordable form of each mortgage, deed of trust or
security deed securing a Home Equity Contract, and (ii) the Trustee, at the
Company's expense, shall within 60 days file in the appropriate recording
offices the assignments to the Trustee on behalf of the Trust of each mortgage,
deed of trust or security deed securing a Home Equity Contract; provided,
                                                                -------- 
however, that such execution and filing of the assignments with respect to the
- -------                                                                       
Home Equity Contracts shall not be required if the Trustee receives written
confirmation from both S&P and Fitch that the ratings of the Certificates would
not be reduced or withdrawn by the failure to execute and file such assignments.

     d.   If, as of the first Payment Date following the end of the Pre-Funding
Period, the aggregate Scheduled Principal Balance of Contracts secured by real
property

                                      4-1
<PAGE>
 
located in Maryland ("Maryland Contracts") exceeds 10% of the Pool Scheduled
Principal Balance, the Company shall, within sixty (60) days, submit to the
appropriate recording offices the assignments to the Trustee on behalf of the
Trust of the number of mortgages, deeds of trust or security deeds required to
reduce to less than 10% of the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance the aggregate
Scheduled Principal Balance of Maryland Contracts as to which such assignments
are not recorded.

     SECTION 4.02.  Costs and Expenses.
                    ------------------ 

     The Servicer agrees to pay all reasonable costs and disbursements in
connection with the vesting (including the perfection and the maintenance of
perfection, as against all third parties) in the Trust of all right, title and
interest in and to the Contracts (including, without limitation, the mortgage or
deed of trust on the related real estate granted thereby).

                                      4-2
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE V

                             SERVICING OF CONTRACTS
                             ----------------------

     SECTION 5.01.  Responsibility for Contract Administration.
                    ------------------------------------------ 

     The Servicer will have the sole obligation to manage, administer, service
and make collections on the Contracts and perform or cause to be performed all
contractual and customary undertakings of the holder of the Contracts to the
Obligor.  The Company, if it is the Servicer, may delegate some or all of its
servicing duties to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, for so long as
such subsidiary remains, directly or indirectly, a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company. Notwithstanding any such delegation the Company shall retain all of
the rights and obligations of the Servicer hereunder.  The Trustee, at the
request of a Servicing Officer, shall furnish the Servicer with any powers of
attorney or other documents necessary or appropriate to enable the Servicer to
carry out its servicing and administrative duties hereunder.  The Company is
hereby appointed the Servicer until such time as any Service Transfer shall be
effected under Article VII.

     The Servicer shall, with respect to each Contract which does not provide
for a fixed interest rate over the life of the Contract, make adjustments to the
interest rate and the payments due on such Contract in compliance with
applicable regulatory adjustable mortgage loan requirements and the terms of the
Contract.  The Servicer shall establish procedures to monitor the interest rate
adjustment dates and the interest rate in order to assure that it correctly
calculates any applicable interest rate change, and it will comply with those
procedures.  The Servicer shall execute and deliver all appropriate notices
required by the applicable adjustable mortgage loan laws and regulations and the
Contracts regarding such interest rate adjustments and payment adjustments.

     SECTION 5.02.  Standard of Care.
                    ---------------- 

     In managing, administering, servicing and making collections on the
Contracts pursuant to this Agreement, the Servicer will exercise that degree of
skill and care required by FHA (in the case of FHA-Insured Contracts) and
otherwise consistent with the highest degree of skill and care that the Servicer
exercises with respect to similar contracts (including manufactured housing
contracts) serviced by the Servicer; provided, however, that such degree of
                                     --------  -------                     
skill and care shall be at least as favorable as the degree of skill and care
generally applied by prudent servicers of home improvement contracts and home
equity loans for prudent institutional investors.

                                      5-1
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 5.03.  Records.
                    ------- 

     The Servicer shall, during the period it is servicer hereunder, maintain
such books of account and other records as will enable the Trustee to determine
the status of each Contract.

     SECTION 5.04.  Inspection.
                    ---------- 

     a.   At all times during the term hereof, the Servicer shall afford the
Trustee and its authorized agents reasonable access during normal business hours
to the Servicer's records relating to the Contracts, which have not previously
been provided to the Trust, and will cause its personnel to assist in any
examination of such records by the Trustee.  The examination referred to in this
Section will be conducted in a manner which does not unreasonably interfere with
the Servicer's normal operations or customer or employee relations.  Without
otherwise limiting the scope of the examination the Trustee may make, the
Trustee may, using generally accepted audit procedures, verify the status of
each Contract and review the Electronic Ledger and records relating thereto for
conformity to Monthly Reports prepared pursuant to Article VI and compliance
with the standards represented to exist as to each Contract in this Agreement.

     b.   At all times during the term hereof, the Servicer shall keep available
a copy of the List of Contracts at its principal executive office for inspection
by Certificateholders.

     c.   A Certificateholder holding Certificates representing in the aggregate
at least 5% of the Aggregate Certificate Principal Balance shall have the rights
of inspection afforded to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 5.04.

     SECTION 5.05.  Certificate Account.
                    ------------------- 

     a.   On or before the Closing Date, the Company shall establish the
Certificate Account on behalf of the Trust, which shall be an Eligible Account.
The Servicer shall pay into the Certificate Account, as promptly as practicable
(not later than the next Business Day) following receipt thereof, all amounts
received with respect to the Contracts, including all proceeds of FHA Insurance
claims received by the Servicer, other than extension fees and assumption fees,
which fees shall be retained by the Servicer as compensation for servicing the
Contracts, and other than Liquidation Expenses permitted by Section 5.08.  The
Trustee shall pay into the Certificate Account as promptly as practicable all
proceeds of FHA Insurance claims with respect to FHA-Insured Contracts received
by the Trustee.  The Trustee shall hold all amounts paid into the Certificate
Account under this Agreement in trust for the Trustee, the Certificateholders
and the

                                      5-2
<PAGE>
 
Class C Certificateholders until payment of any such amounts is authorized under
this Agreement.  Only the Trustee may withdraw funds from the Certificate
Account.

     b.   If the Servicer so directs, the institution maintaining the
Certificate Account shall, in the name of the Trustee in its capacity as such,
invest the amounts in the Certificate Account in Eligible Investments that
mature not later than one Business Day prior to the next succeeding Payment
Date.  Any investment of funds in the Certificate Account shall be made in
Eligible Investments held by a financial institution in accordance with the
following requirements:  (1) all Eligible Investments shall be held in an
account with such financial institution in the name of the Trustee, and the
agreement governing such account shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Minnesota, (2) with respect to securities held in such account, such securities
shall be  (i) certificated securities (as such term is used in N.Y. U.C.C. (S)
8-313(d)(i)), securities deemed to be certificated securities under applicable
regulations of the United States government, or uncertificated securities issued
by an issuer organized under the laws of the State of New York or the State of
Delaware, (ii) either (A) in the possession of such institution, (B) in the
possession of a clearing corporation (as such term is used in Minn. Stat. (S)
336.8-313(g)) in the State of New York, registered in the name of such clearing
corporation or its nominee, not endorsed for collection or surrender or any
other purpose not involving transfer, not containing any evidence of a right or
interest inconsistent with the Trustee's security interest therein, and held by
such clearing corporation in an account of such institution,  (C) held in an
account of such institution with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or the
Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, or (D) in the case of uncertificated
securities, issued in the name of such institution, and (iii) identified, by
book entry or otherwise, as held for the account of, or pledged to, the Trustee
on the records of such institution, and such institution shall have sent the
Trustee a confirmation thereof, and (3) with respect to repurchase obligations
held in such account, such repurchase obligations shall be identified by such
institution, by book entry or otherwise, as held for the account of, or pledged
to, the Trustee on the records of such institution, and the related securities
shall be held in accordance with the requirements of clause (2) above.  Once
such funds are invested, such institution shall not change the investment of
such funds.  All income and gain from such investments shall be added to the
Certificate Account and distributed on such Payment Date pursuant to Sections
8.04(b) and (d).  Losses, if any, realized on amounts in the Certificate Account
invested pursuant to this paragraph shall first be credited against
undistributed investment earnings on amounts in the Certificate Account invested
pursuant to this paragraph, and shall thereafter be deemed to reduce the amount
on deposit in the Certificate Account and otherwise available for distribution
to Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholder pursuant to Section
8.01.  The Company, the Servicer and the Trustee shall in no way be liable for
losses on amounts invested in accordance with the provisions hereof.  Funds in
the Certificate Account not

                                      5-3
<PAGE>
 
so invested must be insured to the extent permitted by law by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation.  "Eligible Investments" are any of the following:
                                 --------------------                           

          (i)   direct obligations of, and obligations fully guaranteed by, the
     United States of America, or any agency or instrumentality of the United
     States of America the obligations of which are backed by the full faith and
     credit of the United States of America;

          (ii)  (A) demand and time deposits in, certificates of deposit of,
     bankers' acceptances issued by, or federal funds sold by any depository
     institution or trust company (including the Trustee or any Affiliate of the
     Trustee, acting in its commercial capacity) incorporated under the laws of
     the United States of America or any state thereof and subject to
     supervision and examination by federal and/or state authorities, so long
     as, at the time of such investment or contractual commitment providing for
     such investment, the commercial paper or other short-term debt obligations
     of such depository institution or trust company are rated at least at least
     A-1 by S&P and F-1 by Fitch (if rated by Fitch) and (B) any other demand or
     time deposit or certificate of deposit which is fully insured by the
     Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;

          (iii) shares of an investment company registered under the Investment
     Company Act of 1940, whose shares are registered under the Securities Act
     of 1933 and have a rating of AAA by both S&P and Fitch, and whose only
     investments are in securities described in clauses (i) and (ii) above;

          (iv)  repurchase obligations with respect to (A) any security
     described in clause (i) above or (B) any other security issued or
     guaranteed by an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America,
     in either case entered into with a depository institution or trust company
     (acting as principal) described in clause (ii)(A) above;

          (v)   securities bearing interest or sold at a discount issued by any
     corporation incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or
     any State thereof which have a credit rating of at least AA from both S&P
     and Fitch (if rated by Fitch) at the time of such investment; provided,
                                                                   -------- 
     however, that securities issued by any particular corporation will not be
     -------                                                                  
     Eligible Investments to the extent that investment therein will cause the
     then outstanding principal amount of securities issued by such corporation
     and held as part of the corpus of the Trust to exceed 10% of amounts held
     in the Certificate Account; 

          (vi)  commercial paper having a rating of at least A-1+ from S&P and
     at least F-1+ from Fitch (if rated by Fitch) at the time of such
     investment; and 

          (vii) other obligations or securities that are acceptable to both S&P
     and Fitch as an Eligible Investment hereunder and will not reduce the
     rating assigned to any Class of Certificates by both S&P and Fitch below
     the lower of the then-current rating or the rating assigned to such
     Certificates as of the Closing Date by both S&P and Fitch, as evidence in
     writing;

Provided that any such investment must constitute a "cash flow investment" 
within the meaning of the REMIC PROVISIONS

                                      5-4
<PAGE>
 
     The Trustee may trade with itself or an Affiliate in the purchase or sale
of such Eligible Investments.

     c.   If at any time the Trustee receives notice (from S&P, Fitch, the
Servicer or otherwise) that the Certificate Account has ceased to be an Eligible
Account, the Trustee shall, as soon as practicable but in no event later than
five Business Days of the Trustee's receipt of such notice, transfer the
Certificate Account and all funds and Eligible Investments therein to an
Eligible Account.  Following any such transfer, the Trustee shall notify S&P,
Fitch and the Servicer of the location of the Certificate Account.

     SECTION 5.06.  Enforcement.
                    ----------- 

     a.   The Servicer shall, consistent with customary servicing procedures,
act with respect to the Contracts in such manner as will maximize the receipt of
principal and interest on such Contracts and Liquidation Proceeds with respect
to Liquidated Contracts.  The Company shall pay all FHA Insurance premiums
required by FHA Regulations in respect of FHA-Insured Contracts; if the Company
is no longer the Servicer and fails to pay such FHA Insurance premiums, the
successor Servicer shall pay such premiums and shall be entitled to
reimbursement therefor in accordance with Section 8.04.  The Servicer shall
comply with FHA Regulations in servicing FHA-Insured Contracts so that the
related FHA Insurance remains in full force and effect, except for good-faith
disputes relating to FHA Regulations or such FHA Insurance.

     b.   In accordance with the standard of care specified in Paragraph 5.02,
the Servicer may, in its own name, if possible, or as agent for the Trust,
commence proceedings for the foreclosure of any subject real estate, and may
(with respect to an FHA-Insured Contract) submit a claim to FHA in lieu of
commencing foreclosure proceedings, or may take such other steps that in the
Servicer's reasonable judgment will maximize Liquidation Proceeds with respect
to the Contract, including, for example, the sale of the Contract to a third
party for foreclosure or enforcement and, in the case of any default on a
related prior mortgage loan, the advancing of funds to correct such default and
the advancing of funds to pay off a related prior mortgage loan, which advances
are Liquidation Expenses that will be reimbursed to the Servicer out of related
Liquidation Proceeds before the related Net Liquidation Proceeds are paid to
Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholder.  The Servicer shall also
deposit in the Certificate Account any Net Liquidation Proceeds received in
connection with any Contract which became a Liquidated Contract in a prior Due
Period.

     c.   The Servicer may sue to enforce or collect upon Contracts, in its own
name, if possible, or as agent for the Trust.  If the Servicer elects to
commence a legal proceeding to enforce a Contract, the act of commencement shall
be deemed to be an automatic assignment of the Contract to the Servicer for
purposes of collection only. If,

                                      5-5
<PAGE>
 
however, in any enforcement suit or legal proceeding it is held that the
Servicer may not enforce a Contract on the ground that it is not a real party in
interest or a holder entitled to enforce the Contract, the Trustee on behalf of
the Trust shall, at the Servicer's expense, take such steps as the Servicer
deems necessary to enforce the Contract, including bringing suit in its name or
the names of the Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholder.

     d.   The Servicer may grant to the Obligor on any Contract any rebate,
refund or adjustment out of the Certificate Account that the Servicer in good
faith believes is required because of prepayment in full of the Contract.  The
Servicer will not permit any rescission or cancellation of any Contract.

     e.   The Servicer shall enforce any due-on-sale clause in a Contract if
such enforcement is called for under its then current servicing policies for
obligations similar to the Contracts, provided that such enforcement is
permitted by applicable law and will not adversely affect any applicable
insurance policy.  If an assumption of a Contract is permitted by the Servicer,
upon conveyance of the related property the Servicer shall use its best efforts
to obtain an assumption agreement in connection therewith.

     f.   If, following the termination of the Trust pursuant to Section 12.04,
HUD demands reimbursement of an FHA Insurance claim paid on an FHA-Insured
Contract prior to the termination of the Trust, the Servicer agrees that it will
not seek to recover any such amount from the Trustee or the Certificateholders.

     g.   Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Servicer shall not agree to the modification or waiver of any provision of a
Contract at a time when such Contract is not in default or such default is not
reasonably foreseeable, if such modification or waiver would both (i) be treated
as a taxable exchange under Section 1001 of the Code or any proposed, temporary
or final Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) cause the Trust to
fail to qualify as a REMIC or cause the imposition of any tax on "prohibited
transactions" or "contributions after the startup date" under the REMIC
Provisions.

     SECTION 5.07.  Trustee to Cooperate.
                    -------------------- 

     a.   Upon payment in full on any Contract, the Servicer will notify the
Trustee and the Company (if the Company is not the Servicer) on the next
succeeding Payment Date by certification of a Servicing Officer (which
certification shall include a statement to the effect that all amounts received
in connection with such payments which are required to be deposited in the
Certificate Account pursuant to Section 5.05 have been so deposited) and shall
request delivery of the Contract and Contract File to the Servicer.  Upon
receipt of such delivery and request, the Trustee shall promptly release

                                      5-6 
<PAGE>
 
or cause to be released such Contract and Contract File to the Servicer.  Upon
receipt of such Contract and Contract File, each of the Company (if different
from the Servicer) and the Servicer is authorized to execute an instrument in
satisfaction of such Contract and to do such other acts and execute such other
documents as the Servicer deems necessary to discharge the Obligor thereunder
and eliminate any lien on the related real estate.  The Servicer shall determine
when a Contract has been paid in full; provided that, to the extent that
                                       --------                         
insufficient payments are received on a Contract credited by the Servicer as
prepaid or paid in full and satisfied, the shortfall shall be paid by the
Servicer out of its own funds, without any right of reimbursement therefor
(except from additional amounts recovered from the related Obligor or otherwise
in respect of such Contract), and deposited in the Certificate Account.

     b.   If the Servicer elects to submit a claim to FHA under the FHA
Insurance in respect of an FHA-Insured Contract and payment is received from
FHA, the Servicer shall notify the Trustee and the Company (if the Company is
not the Servicer) on the next succeeding Payment Date by certification of a
Servicing Officer (which certification shall include a statement to the effect
that all amounts received in connection with such payments which are required to
be deposited in the Certificate Account pursuant to Section 5.05 have been so
deposited) and shall request delivery of the Contract and Contract File to the
Servicer.  Upon receipt of such delivery and request, the Trustee shall promptly
release or cause to be released such Contract and Contract File to the Servicer.

     c.   From time to time as appropriate for servicing, foreclosing, and
making a claim for FHA Insurance coverage in connection with an FHA-Insured
Contract, the Trustee shall, upon written request of a Servicing Officer and
delivery to the Trustee of a receipt signed by such Servicing Officer, cause the
original Contract and the related Contract File to be released to the Servicer
and shall execute such documents as the Servicer shall deem necessary to the
prosecution of any such proceedings. Upon request of a Servicing Officer, the
Trustee shall perform such other acts as reasonably requested by the Servicer
and otherwise cooperate with the Servicer in enforcement of the
Certificateholders' rights and remedies with respect to Contracts.

     d.   The Servicer's receipt of a Contract and/or Contract File shall
obligate the Servicer to return the original Contract and the related Contract
File to the Trustee when its need by the Servicer has ceased unless the Contract
shall be liquidated or repurchased or replaced as described in Section 3.05 or
8.06.

     SECTION 5.08.  Costs and Expenses.
                    ------------------ 

     Except as provided in Sections 8.04(b) and (d) for the reimbursement of
Advances, all costs and expenses incurred by the Servicer in carrying out its
duties

                                      5-7
<PAGE>
 
hereunder (including payment of FHA Insurance premiums, payment of the Trustee's
fees pursuant to Section 11.06, fees and expenses of accountants and payments of
all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement of Contracts
(including enforcement of Contracts and foreclosures upon real estate securing
any such Contracts) and all other fees and expenses not expressly stated
hereunder to be for the account of the Trust) shall be paid by the Servicer and
the Servicer shall not (except as otherwise provided in Section 8.04(b)(10) or
Section 8.04(d)(10), as applicable) be entitled to reimbursement hereunder,
except that the Servicer shall be reimbursed out of the Liquidation Proceeds of
a Liquidated Contract (including FHA Insurance proceeds) for customary out-of-
pocket Liquidation Expenses incurred by it.  The Servicer shall not incur such
Liquidation Expenses unless it determines in its good faith business judgment
that incurring such expenses will increase the Net Liquidation Proceeds on the
related Contract.  The Servicer's out-of-pocket Liquidation Expenses in
connection with the submission of a claim to FHA currently do not exceed $100
per Contract.

     If the Servicer fails to make a timely interest rate or monthly payment
adjustment on a Contract which does not provide for a fixed interest rate over
the life of the Contract, the Servicer shall use its own funds to satisfy any
shortage in the Obligor's remittance so long as such shortage shall continue;
any such amount paid by the Servicer shall be reimbursable to it from any
subsequent amounts collected on account of the related Contract with respect to
such adjustments.

     SECTION 5.09.  Maintenance of Insurance.
                    ------------------------ 

     The Servicer shall at all times keep in force a policy or policies of
insurance covering errors and omissions for failure to maintain insurance as
required by this Agreement, and a fidelity bond.  Such policy or policies and
such fidelity bond shall be in such form and amount as is generally customary
among persons who service a portfolio of home improvement contracts and home
equity loans having an aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000 or more, and
which are generally regarded as servicers acceptable to institutional investors.
The Servicer shall cause to be maintained with respect to any real property
securing an FHA-Insured Contract such hazard insurance and flood insurance as
may be required by the FHA Regulations, it being understood that at the Closing
Date hazard insurance was not required to be maintained under the FHA
Regulations.  The Servicer shall cause to be maintained with respect to the real
property securing a conventional Contract hazard insurance (excluding flood
insurance coverage) if such conventional Contract is secured by a first priority
mortgage, deed of trust or security deed or the initial principal balance of
such conventional Contract exceeds $30,000.

     SECTION 5.10.  Merger or Consolidation of Servicer.
                    ----------------------------------- 

                                      5-8
<PAGE>
 
     Any Person into which the Servicer may be merged or converted or with which
it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or
consolidation to which the Servicer shall be a party shall be the successor of
the Servicer hereunder, provided such Person shall be an Eligible Servicer,
                        --------                                           
without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of
any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding.  The
Servicer shall promptly notify S&P and Fitch in the event it is a party to any
merger, conversion or consolidation.

                                      5-9
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE VI

                            REPORTS AND TAX MATTERS
                            -----------------------

     SECTION 6.01.  Monthly Reports.
                    --------------- 

     a.   No later than one Business Day following each Determination Date, the
Servicer shall deliver to the Trustee, S&P and Fitch a Monthly Report,
                                                       -------------- 
substantially in the form of Exhibit Q hereto.

     b.   If the applicable Monthly Report indicates that there is a Class HI:
M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, a Class HI: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount
and/or a Class HI: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, the Servicer shall promptly
notify the Trustee, by telephone, of the aggregate amount of such Class HI: M-1
Interest Deficiency Amount, Class HI: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount and Class
HI: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount. The Trustee must promptly determine the
total amount of funds in the Certificate Account in respect of the Home
Improvement Contracts on the Determination Date (or the most recent date
practicable), and promptly notify the Servicer, by telephone, of such amount.
If the Servicer determines that the total amount of funds in the Certificate
Account so reported by the Trustee (after giving effect to the withdrawal of the
Sub-Pool HI Amount Available and any Class HI: B-2 Guaranty Payment for the
related Payment Date) will be sufficient to pay in full any Class HI: M-1
Interest Deficiency Amount, Class HI: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount and Class
HI: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, the Servicer shall so indicate on the
Monthly Report.  If the Servicer determines that the total amount of funds in
the Certificate Account so reported by the Trustee (after giving effect to the
withdrawal of the Sub-Pool HI Amount Available and any Class HI: B-2 Guaranty
Payment for the related Payment Date) will not be sufficient to pay in full any
Class HI: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, Class HI: M-2 Interest Deficiency
Amount and Class HI: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, the Servicer shall promptly
notify the Trustee, by telephone, of the remaining deficiency.  On the day two
Business Days prior to the related Payment Date, the Trustee shall determine the
total amount of funds in the Certificate Account available to pay such remaining
deficiency in accordance with Section 8.04(c) and shall promptly notify the
Servicer of such amount.  If the total amount of funds in the Certificate
Account available in accordance with Section 8.04(c) is not sufficient to pay
the remaining deficiency, the Trustee shall promptly notify the Servicer, and
shall reflect such deficiency in the reports delivered to Certificateholders
pursuant to Section 6.05.

     c.   If the applicable Monthly Report indicates that there is a Class HE:
M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, a Class HE: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount
and/or a Class HE: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, the Servicer shall promptly
notify the Trustee, by telephone, of the aggregate amount of such Class HE: M-1
Interest Deficiency Amount,

                                      6-1
<PAGE>
 
Class HE: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount and Class HE: B-1 Interest Deficiency
Amount. The Trustee must promptly determine the total amount of funds in the
Certificate Account in respect of the Home Equity Contracts on the Determination
Date (or the most recent date practicable), and promptly notify the Servicer, by
telephone, of such amount.  If the Servicer determines that the total amount of
funds in the Certificate Account so reported by the Trustee (after giving effect
to the withdrawal of the Sub-Pool HE Amount Available and any Class HE: B-2
Guaranty Payment for the related Payment Date) will be sufficient to pay in full
any Class HE: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, Class HE: M-2 Interest Deficiency
Amount and Class HE: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, the Servicer shall so
indicate on the Monthly Report.  If the Servicer determines that the total
amount of funds in the Certificate Account so reported by the Trustee (after
giving effect to the withdrawal of the Sub-Pool HE Amount Available and any
Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Payment for the related Payment Date) will not be
sufficient to pay in full any Class HE: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, Class
HE: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount and Class HE: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount,
the Servicer shall promptly notify the Trustee, by telephone, of the remaining
deficiency.  On the day two Business Days prior to the related Payment Date, the
Trustee shall determine the total amount of funds in the Certificate Account
available to pay such remaining deficiency in accordance with Section 8.04(e)
and shall promptly notify the Servicer of such amount.  If the total amount of
funds in the Certificate Account available in accordance with Section 8.04(e) is
not sufficient to pay the remaining deficiency, the Trustee shall promptly
notify the Servicer, and shall reflect such deficiency in the reports delivered
to Certificateholders pursuant to Section 6.05.

     SECTION 6.02.  Officer's Certificate.
                    --------------------- 

     Each Monthly Report pursuant to Section 6.01 shall be accompanied by a
certificate of a Servicing Officer substantially in the form of Exhibit K,
certifying the accuracy of the Monthly Report and that no Event of Termination
or event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of
Termination has occurred, or if such event has occurred and is continuing,
specifying the event and its status.

     SECTION 6.03.  Other Data.
                    ---------- 

     In addition, the Company and (if different from the Company) the Servicer
shall, on request of the Trustee, S&P or Fitch, furnish the Trustee, S&P and/or
Fitch such underlying data as may be reasonably requested.

     SECTION 6.04.  Annual Report of Accountants.
                    ---------------------------- 

     On or before May 1 of each year, commencing May 1, 1998, the Servicer at
its expense shall cause a firm of independent public accountants which is a
member of the

                                      6-2
<PAGE>
 
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to issue to the Servicer a
report that such firm has examined selected documents, records and management's
assertions relating to loans serviced by the Servicer and stating that, on the
basis of such examination, such servicing has been conducted in compliance with
the minimum servicing standards identified in the Mortgage Bankers Association
of America's Uniform Single Attestation Program for Mortgage Bankers, or any
successor uniform program, except for such significant exceptions or errors in
records that, in the opinion of such firm, generally accepted attestation
standards requires it to report.

     SECTION 6.05.  Statements to Certificateholders and Class C
                    --------------------------------------------
Certificateholders.
- ------------------ 

     a.   The Servicer shall prepare and furnish to the Trustee the statements
specified below relating to the Class HI: A Certificates, the Class HI: M
Certificates, the Class HI: B Certificates, the Class HE: A Certificates, the
Class HE: M Certificates and the Class HE: B Certificates on or before the third
Business Day next preceding each Payment Date.

     b.   Concurrently with each distribution to Certificateholders, the Trustee
shall, so long as it has received the Monthly Report from the Servicer, forward
or cause to be forwarded by mail to each Holder of a Class HI: A Certificate and
(if the Company is not the Servicer) the Company a statement setting forth the
following:

          (i)    the amount of such distribution to Holders of each Class of
     Class HI: A Certificates allocable to interest, separately identifying any
     Unpaid Class HI: A Interest Shortfall included in such distribution and any
     remaining Unpaid Class HI: A Interest Shortfall after giving effect to such
     distribution ;

 
          (ii)   the amount of such distribution to Holders of each Class of
     Class HI: A Certificates allocable to principal, separately identifying the
     aggregate amount of any Principal Prepayments included therein;

          (iii)  the amount, if any, by which the Class HI: A Formula
     Distribution Amount for such Payment Date exceeds the Class HI: A
     Distribution Amount for such Payment Date;
 
          (iv)   the Class HI: A-1 Principal Balance, the Class HI: A-2
     Principal Balance, and the Class HI: A-3 Principal Balance after giving
     effect to the distribution of principal on such Payment Date;

          (v)    the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HI for such
     Payment Date;
 
                                      6-3
<PAGE>
 
          (vi)   the Sub-Pool HI Senior Percentage for such Payment Date;
 
          (vii)  the Sub-Pool HI Pool Factor;

          (viii) the number and aggregate principal balances of Home
     Improvement Contracts delinquent (a) 31-59 days and (b) 60 or more days;

          (ix)   the Class HI: B Principal Balance Test (as set forth in Exhibit
     Q hereto);

          (x)    the Class HI: B Principal Distribution Test (as set forth in
     Exhibit Q hereto);

          (xi)   the Class HI: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, if any, for such
     Payment Date;

          (xii)  the Class HI: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount, if any, for such
     Payment Date;

          (xiii) the Class HI: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, if any, for such
     Payment Date;

          (xiv)  the number of Liquidated Home Improvement Contracts,
     identifying such Contracts and the Net Liquidation Loss on such Contracts;

          (xv)   the aggregate number and principal amount of FHA-Insured
     Contracts on which either (i) the Servicer has submitted a claim for FHA
     Insurance, HUD rejected such claim and the Servicer has determined not to
     resubmit such claim, or (ii) the Servicer has determined not to submit a
     claim for FHA Insurance because such claim would not be paid by HUD; and

          (xvi)  the amount in the Company's FHA Insurance reserve available to
     pay FHA Insurance claims on the FHA-Insured Contracts.

          The Trustee and the Servicer shall, if any Certificateholder, Class C
Certificateholder or Underwriter inquires by telephone, provide the information
contained in the most recent Monthly Report.

          In the case of information furnished pursuant to clauses (i) through
(iv) above, the amounts shall be expressed as a dollar amount per Class HI: A
Certificate with a 1% Percentage Interest or per $1,000 denomination of Class
HI: A Certificate.

                                      6-4
<PAGE>
 
          Within 75 days after the end of each calendar year, the Certificate
Registrar shall furnish or cause to be furnished to each Person who at any time
during the calendar year was the Holder of a Class HI: A Certificate a statement
containing the information with respect to interest accrued and principal paid
on its Class HI: A Certificates during such calendar year.  Such obligation of
the Certificate Registrar shall be deemed to have been satisfied to the extent
that substantially comparable information shall be provided by the Certificate
Registrar pursuant to any requirements of the Code as from time to time in
force.

          c.   On each Payment Date, the Trustee shall forward or cause to be
forwarded by mail to each Holder of a Class HI: M-1 Certificate a copy of the
monthly statement forwarded to the Holders of Class HI: A Certificates on such
Payment Date.  The Servicer shall also furnish to the Trustee, which shall
forward such information to the Class HI: M-1 Certificateholders as part of
their monthly statement, the following information:

          (i)    the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HI: M-1
     Certificates allocable to interest, separately identifying any Unpaid Class
     HI: M-1 Interest Shortfall included in such distribution and any remaining
     Unpaid Class HI: M-1 Interest Shortfall after giving effect to such
     distribution;

          (ii)   the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HI: M-1
     Certificates allocable to principal, separately identifying the aggregate
     amount of any Principal Prepayments included therein;

          (iii)  the amount, if any, by which the Class HI: M-1 Formula
     Distribution Amount for such Payment Date exceeds the Sub-Pool HI Amount
     Available less the Class HI: A Distribution Amount for such Payment Date;

          (iv)   the Class HI: M-1 Principal Balance after giving effect to the
     distribution of principal on such Payment Date;

          (v)    the Unpaid Class HI: M-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall
     after giving effect to any distribution on such Payment Date pursuant to
     Section 8.04(b)(8)(i); and

          (vi)   the information set forth in clauses (v) through (xvi) of
     Section 6.05(b).

          In the case of the information in clauses (i) through (iv) above, the
     amounts shall be expressed as a dollar amount per Class HI: M-1 Certificate
     with

                                      6-5
<PAGE>
 
     a 1% Percentage Interest or per $1,000 denomination of Class HI: M-1
     Certificate.

          Within 75 days after the end of each calendar year, the Certificate
     Registrar shall furnish or cause to be furnished to each Person who at any
     time during the calendar year was the Holder of a Class HI: M-1 Certificate
     a statement containing the applicable distribution information provided
     pursuant to this Section aggregated for such calendar year or applicable
     portion thereof during which such Person was the Holder of a Class HI: M-1
     Certificate.  Such obligation of the Certificate Registrar shall be deemed
     to have been satisfied to the extent that substantially comparable
     information shall be provided by the Certificate Registrar pursuant to any
     requirements of the Code as from time to time in force.

          d.   On each Payment Date, the Trustee shall forward or cause to be
     forwarded by mail to each Holder of a Class HI: M-2 Certificate a copy of
     the monthly statements forwarded to the Holders of Class HI: A and Class
     HI: M-1 Certificates on such Payment Date.  The Servicer shall also furnish
     to the Trustee, which shall forward such information to the Class HI: M-2
     Certificateholders as part of their monthly statement, the following
     information:

          (i)    the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HI: M-2
     Certificates allocable to interest, separately identifying any Unpaid Class
     HI: M-2 Interest Shortfall included in such distribution and any remaining
     Unpaid Class HI: M-2 Interest Shortfall after giving effect to such
     distribution;

          (ii)   the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HI: M-2
     Certificates allocable to principal, separately identifying the aggregate
     amount of any Principal Prepayments included therein;

          (iii)  the amount, if any, by which the Class HI: M-2 Formula
     Distribution Amount for such Payment Date exceeds the Sub-Pool HI Amount
     Available less the sum of the Class HI: A Distribution Amount and the Class
     HI: M-1 Distribution Amount for such Payment Date;

          (iv)   the Class HI: M-2 Principal Balance after giving effect to the
     distribution of principal on such Payment Date;

          (v)    the Unpaid Class HI: M-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall,
     after giving effect to any distribution on such Payment Date pursuant to
     Section 8.04(b)(8)(ii); and


                                      6-6
<PAGE>
 
          (vi) the information set forth in clauses (v) through (xvi) of Section
     6.05(b).

          In the case of the information in clauses (i) through (iv) above, the
     amounts shall be expressed as a dollar amount per Class HI: M-2 Certificate
     with a 1% Percentage Interest or per $1,000 denomination of Class HI: M-2
     Certificate.

          Within 75 days after the end of each calendar year, the Certificate
     Registrar shall furnish or cause to be furnished to each Person who at any
     time during the calendar year was the Holder of a Class HI: M-2 Certificate
     a statement containing the applicable distribution information provided
     pursuant to this Section aggregated for such calendar year or applicable
     portion thereof during which such Person was the Holder of a Class HI: M-2
     Certificate.  Such obligation of the Certificate Registrar shall be deemed
     to have been satisfied to the extent that substantially comparable
     information shall be provided by the Certificate Registrar pursuant to any
     requirements of the Code as from time to time  in force.

          e.     On each Payment Date, the Trustee shall forward or cause to be
     forwarded by mail to each Holder of a Class HI: B-1 Certificate a copy of
     the monthly statements forwarded to the Holders of Class HI: A and Class
     HI: M Certificates on such Payment Date.  The Servicer shall also furnish
     to the Trustee, which shall forward such information to the Class HI: B-1
     Certificateholders as part of their monthly statement, the following
     information:

          (i)    the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HI: B-1
     Certificates allocable to interest, separately identifying any Unpaid Class
     HI: B-1 Interest Shortfall included in such distribution and any remaining
     Unpaid Class HI: B-1 Interest Shortfall after giving effect to such
     distribution;

          (ii)   the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HI: B-1
     Certificates allocable to principal, separately identifying the aggregate
     amount of any Principal Prepayments included therein;

          (iii)  the amount, if any, by which the Class HI: B-1 Formula
     Distribution Amount for such Payment Date exceeds the Sub-Pool HI Amount
     Available less the sum of the Class HI: A Distribution Amount, the Class
     HI: M-1 Distribution Amount and the Class HI: M-2 Distribution Amount for
     such Payment Date;

          (iv)   the Class HI: B-1 Principal Balance after giving effect to the
     distribution of principal on such Payment Date;

                                      6-7
<PAGE>
 
          (v)    the Unpaid Class HI: B-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall,
     after giving effect to any distribution on such Payment Date pursuant to
     Section 8.04(b)(8)(iii);

          (vi)   the Class HI: B Percentage for such Payment Date; and

          (vii)  the information set forth in clauses (v) through (xvi) of
     Section 6.05(b).

     In the case of the information in clauses (i) through (iv) above, the
amounts shall be expressed as a dollar amount per Class HI: B-1 Certificate with
a 1% Percentage Interest or per $1,000 denomination of Class HI: B-1
Certificate.

     Within 75 days after the end of each calendar year, the Certificate
Registrar shall furnish or cause to be furnished to each Person who at any time
during the calendar year was the Holder of a Class HI: B-1 Certificate a
statement containing the applicable distribution information provided pursuant
to this Section aggregated for such calendar year or applicable portion thereof
during which such Person was the Holder of a Class HI: B-1 Certificate.  Such
obligation of the Certificate Registrar shall be deemed to have been satisfied
to the extent that substantially comparable information shall be provided by the
Certificate Registrar pursuant to any requirements of the Code as from time to
time  in force.

     f.  On each Payment Date, the Trustee shall forward or cause to be
forwarded by mail to each Holder of a Class HI: B-2 Certificate a copy of the
monthly statements forwarded to the Holders of Class HI: A, Class HI: M and
Class HI: B-1 Certificates on such Payment Date.  The Servicer shall also
furnish to the Trustee, which shall forward such information to the Class HI: B-
2 Certificateholders as part of their monthly statement, the following
information:

          (i)    the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HI: B-2
     Certificates allocable to interest, separately identifying any Unpaid Class
     HI: B-2 Interest Shortfall included in such distribution and any remaining
     Unpaid Class HI: B-2 Interest Shortfall after giving effect to such
     distribution;

          (ii)   the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HI: B-2
     Certificates allocable to principal, separately identifying the aggregate
     amount of any Principal Prepayments included therein;

          (iii)  the amount, if any, by which the sum of the Class HI: B-2
     Formula Distribution Amount and the Class HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss
     Principal Amount, if

                                      6-8
<PAGE>
 
     any, for such Payment Date exceeds the Class HI: B-2 Distribution Amount
     for such Payment Date;

          (iv)   the Class HI: B-2 Principal Balance after giving effect to the
     distribution of principal on such Payment Date;

          (v)    the Unpaid Class HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall,
     after giving effect to any distribution on such Payment Date pursuant to
     Section 8.04(b)(8)(iv);

          (vi)   the Class HI: B Percentage for such Payment Date; and

          (vii)  the information set forth in clauses (v) through (xvi) of
     Section 6.05(b).

     In the case of the information in clauses (i) through (iv) and (ix) above,
the amounts shall be expressed as a dollar amount per Class HI: B-2 Certificate
with a 1% Percentage Interest or per $1,000 denomination of Class HI: B-2
Certificate.

     Within 75 days after the end of each calendar year, the Certificate
Registrar shall furnish or cause to be furnished to each Person who at any time
during the calendar year was the Holder of a Class HI: B-2 Certificate a
statement containing the applicable distribution information provided pursuant
to this Section aggregated for such calendar year or applicable portion thereof
during which such Person was the Holder of a Class HI: B-2 Certificate.  Such
obligation of the Certificate Registrar shall be deemed to have been satisfied
to the extent that substantially comparable information shall be provided by the
Certificate Registrar pursuant to any requirements of the Code as from time to
time  in force.

     g.   Concurrently with each distribution to Certificateholders, the Trustee
shall, so long as it has received the Monthly Report from the Servicer, forward
or cause to be forwarded by mail to each Holder of a Class HE: A Certificate and
(if the Company is not the Servicer) the Company a statement setting forth the
following:

          (i)    the amount of such distribution to Holders of each Class of
     Class HE: A Certificates allocable to interest, separately identifying any
     Unpaid Class HE: A Interest Shortfall included in such distribution and any
     remaining Unpaid Class HE: A Interest Shortfall after giving effect to such
     distribution ;

 
          (ii)   the amount of such distribution to Holders of each Class of
     Class HE: A Certificates allocable to principal, separately identifying (A)
     the aggregate amount of any Principal Prepayments included therein, and (B)
     that portion of 

                                      6-9
<PAGE>
 
     any such distribution to Class HE: A-7 Certificateholders constituting
     Class HE: A-7 Lockout Pro Rata Distribution Amount;
 
          (iii)  the amount, if any, by which the Class HE: A Formula
     Distribution Amount for such Payment Date exceeds the Class HE: A
     Distribution Amount for such Payment Date;
     
          (iv)   the Class HE: A-1 ARM Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-1
     Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-2 Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-3
     Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-4 Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-5
     Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-6 Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-7
     Principal Balance and the Class HE: A-8 IO Notional Principal Amount after
     giving effect to the distribution of principal on such Payment Date;
 
          (v)    the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HE, and of
     that amount the aggregate Scheduled Principal Balance of the Adjustable
     Rate Home Equity Contracts, for such Payment Date;
     
          (vi)   the Sub-Pool HE Senior Percentage and the Class HE: A-7 Lockout
     Percentage for such Payment Date;
 
          (vii)  the Sub-Pool HE Pool Factor;

          (viii) the number and aggregate principal balances of Home Equity
     Contracts, identifying separately the Adjustable Rate Home Equity
     Contracts, delinquent (a) 30-59 days and (b) 60 or more days;

          (ix)   the Class HE: B Principal Balance Test (as set forth in Exhibit
     Q hereto)

          (x)    the Class HE: B Principal Distribution Test (as set forth in
     Exhibit Q hereto);

          (xi)   the Class HE: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, if any, for such
     Payment Date;

          (xii)  the Class HE: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount, if any, for such
     Payment Date;

          (xiii) the Class HE: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, if any, for such
     Payment Date;

                                     6-10
<PAGE>
 
          (xiv)  the number of Liquidated Home Equity Contracts, identifying
     such Contracts (including those which are Adjustable Rate Home Equity
     Contracts) and the Net Liquidation Loss on such Contracts; and

          (xv)   the Pre-Funded ARM Amount and the Pre-Funded Fixed Rate Amount
     as of such Payment Date.

     The Trustee and the Servicer shall, if any Certificateholder, Class C
Certificateholder or Underwriter inquires by telephone, provide the information
contained in the most recent Monthly Report.

     In the case of information furnished pursuant to clauses (i) through (iv)
above, the amounts shall be expressed as a dollar amount per Class HE: A
Certificate with a 1% Percentage Interest or per $1,000 denomination of Class
HE: A Certificate.

     Within 75 days after the end of each calendar year, the Certificate
Registrar shall furnish or cause to be furnished to each Person who at any time
during the calendar year was the Holder of a Class HE: A Certificate a statement
containing the information with respect to interest accrued and principal paid
on its Class HE: A Certificates during such calendar year.  Such obligation of
the Certificate Registrar shall be deemed to have been satisfied to the extent
that substantially comparable information shall be provided by the Certificate
Registrar pursuant to any requirements of the Code as from time to time in
force.

     h.   On each Payment Date, the Trustee shall forward or cause to be
forwarded by mail to each Holder of a Class HE: M-1 Certificate a copy of the
monthly statement forwarded to the Holders of Class HE: A Certificates on such
Payment Date.  The Servicer shall also furnish to the Trustee, which shall
forward such information to the Class HE: M-1 Certificateholders as part of
their monthly statement, the following information:

          (i)    the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HE: M-1
     Certificates allocable to interest, separately identifying any Unpaid Class
     HE: M-1 Interest Shortfall included in such distribution and any remaining
     Unpaid Class HE: M-1 Interest Shortfall after giving effect to such
     distribution;

          (ii)   the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HE: M-1
     Certificates allocable to principal, separately identifying the aggregate
     amount of any Principal Prepayments included therein;

                                     6-11
<PAGE>
 
          (iii)  the amount, if any, by which the Class HE: M-1 Formula
     Distribution Amount for such Payment Date exceeds the Sub-Pool HE Amount
     Available less the Class HE: A Distribution Amount for such Payment Date;

          (iv)   the Class HE: M-1 Principal Balance after giving effect to the
     distribution of principal on such Payment Date;

          (v)    the Unpaid Class HE: M-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall
     after giving effect to any distribution on such Payment Date pursuant to
     Section 8.04(d)(8)(i); and

          (vi)   the information set forth in clauses (v) through (xv) of
     Section 6.05(g).

     In the case of the information in clauses (i) through (iv) above, the
amounts shall be expressed as a dollar amount per Class HE: M-1 Certificate with
a 1% Percentage Interest or per $1,000 denomination of Class HE: M-1
Certificate.

     Within 75 days after the end of each calendar year, the Certificate
Registrar shall furnish or cause to be furnished to each Person who at any time
during the calendar year was the Holder of a Class HE: M-1 Certificate a
statement containing the applicable distribution information provided pursuant
to this Section aggregated for such calendar year or applicable portion thereof
during which such Person was the Holder of a Class HE: M-1 Certificate.  Such
obligation of the Certificate Registrar shall be deemed to have been satisfied
to the extent that substantially comparable information shall be provided by the
Certificate Registrar pursuant to any requirements of the Code as from time to
time in force.

     i.   On each Payment Date, the Trustee shall forward or cause to be
forwarded by mail to each Holder of a Class HE: M-2 Certificate a copy of the
monthly statements forwarded to the Holders of Class HE: A and Class HE: M-1
Certificates on such Payment Date.  The Servicer shall also furnish to the
Trustee, which shall forward such information to the Class HE: M-2
Certificateholders as part of their monthly statement, the following
information:

          (i)    the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HE: M-2
     Certificates allocable to interest, separately identifying any Unpaid Class
     HE: M-2 Interest Shortfall included in such distribution and any remaining
     Unpaid Class HE: M-2 Interest Shortfall after giving effect to such
     distribution;

                                     6-12
<PAGE>
 
          (ii)   the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HE: M-2
     Certificates allocable to principal, separately identifying the aggregate
     amount of any Principal Prepayments included therein;

          (iii)  the amount, if any, by which the Class HE: M-2 Formula
     Distribution Amount for such Payment Date exceeds the Sub-Pool HE Amount
     Available less the sum of the Class HE: A Distribution Amount and the Class
     HE: M-1 Distribution Amount for such Payment Date;

          (iv)   the Class HE: M-2 Principal Balance after giving effect to the
     distribution of principal on such Payment Date;

          (v)    the Unpaid Class HE: M-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall,
     after giving effect to any distribution on such Payment Date pursuant to
     Section 8.04(d)(8)(ii); and

          (vi)   the information set forth in clauses (v) through (xv) of
     Section 6.05(g).

     In the case of the information in clauses (i) through (iv) above, the
amounts shall be expressed as a dollar amount per Class HE: M-2 Certificate with
a 1% Percentage Interest or per $1,000 denomination of Class HE: M-2
Certificate.

     Within 75 days after the end of each calendar year, the Certificate
Registrar shall furnish or cause to be furnished to each Person who at any time
during the calendar year was the Holder of a Class HE: M-2 Certificate a
statement containing the applicable distribution information provided pursuant
to this Section aggregated for such calendar year or applicable portion thereof
during which such Person was the Holder of a Class HE: M-2 Certificate.  Such
obligation of the Certificate Registrar shall be deemed to have been satisfied
to the extent that substantially comparable information shall be provided by the
Certificate Registrar pursuant to any requirements of the Code as from time to
time  in force.

     j.   On each Payment Date, the Trustee shall forward or cause to be
forwarded by mail to each Holder of a Class HE: B-1 Certificate a copy of the
monthly statements forwarded to the Holders of Class HE: A and Class HE: M
Certificates on such Payment Date.  The Servicer shall also furnish to the
Trustee, which shall forward such information to the Class HE: B-1
Certificateholders as part of their monthly statement, the following
information:

          (i)    the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HE: B-1
     Certificates allocable to interest, separately identifying any Unpaid Class
     HE: B-1

                                     6-13
<PAGE>
 
     Interest Shortfall included in such distribution and any remaining Unpaid
     Class HE: B-1 Interest Shortfall after giving effect to such distribution;

          (ii)   the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HE: B-1
     Certificates allocable to principal, separately identifying the aggregate
     amount of any Principal Prepayments included therein;

          (iii)  the amount, if any, by which the Class HE: B-1 Formula
     Distribution Amount for such Payment Date exceeds the Sub-Pool HE Amount
     Available less the sum of the Class HE: A Distribution Amount, the Class
     HE: M-1 Distribution Amount and the Class HE: M-2 Distribution Amount for
     such Payment Date;

          (iv)   the Class HE: B-1 Principal Balance after giving effect to the
     distribution of principal on such Payment Date;

          (v)    the Unpaid Class HE: B-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall,
     after giving effect to any distribution on such Payment Date pursuant to
     Section 8.04(d)(8)(iii);

          (vi)   the Class HE: B Percentage for such Payment Date; and

          (vii)  the information set forth in clauses (v) through (xv) of
     Section 6.05(g).

     In the case of the information in clauses (i) through (iv) above, the
amounts shall be expressed as a dollar amount per Class HE: B-1 Certificate with
a 1% Percentage Interest or per $1,000 denomination of Class HE: B-1
Certificate.

     Within 75 days after the end of each calendar year, the Certificate
Registrar shall furnish or cause to be furnished to each Person who at any time
during the calendar year was the Holder of a Class HE: B-1 Certificate a
statement containing the applicable distribution information provided pursuant
to this Section aggregated for such calendar year or applicable portion thereof
during which such Person was the Holder of a Class HE: B-1 Certificate.  Such
obligation of the Certificate Registrar shall be deemed to have been satisfied
to the extent that substantially comparable information shall be provided by the
Certificate Registrar pursuant to any requirements of the Code as from time to
time  in force.

     k.   On each Payment Date, the Trustee shall forward or cause to be
forwarded by mail to each Holder of a Class HE: B-2 Certificate a copy of the
monthly statements forwarded to the Holders of Class HE: A, Class HE: M and
Class HE: B-1 Certificates on such Payment Date.  The Servicer shall also
furnish to the Trustee, which shall

                                     6-14
<PAGE>
 
forward such information to the Class HE: B-2 Certificateholders as part of
their monthly statement, the following information:

          (i)    the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HE: B-2
     Certificates allocable to interest, separately identifying any Unpaid Class
     HE: B-2 Interest Shortfall included in such distribution and any remaining
     Unpaid Class HE: B-2 Interest Shortfall after giving effect to such
     distribution;

          (ii)   the amount of such distribution to Holders of Class HE: B-2
     Certificates allocable to principal, separately identifying the aggregate
     amount of any Principal Prepayments included therein;

          (iii)  the amount, if any, by which the sum of the Class HE: B-2
     Formula Distribution Amount and the Class HE: B-2 Liquidation Loss
     Principal Amount, if any, for such Payment Date exceeds the Class HE: B-2
     Distribution Amount for such Payment Date;

          (iv)   the Class HE: B-2 Principal Balance after giving effect to the
     distribution of principal on such Payment Date;

          (v)    the Unpaid Class HE: B-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall,
     after giving effect to any distribution on such Payment Date pursuant to
     Section 8.04(d)(8)(iv);

          (vi)   the Class HE: B Percentage for such Payment Date; and

          (vii)  the information set forth in clauses (v) through (xv) of
     Section 6.05(g).

     In the case of the information in clauses (i) through (iv) and (ix) above,
the amounts shall be expressed as a dollar amount per Class HE: B-2 Certificate
with a 1% Percentage Interest or per $1,000 denomination of Class HE: B-2
Certificate.

     Within 75 days after the end of each calendar year, the Certificate
Registrar shall furnish or cause to be furnished to each Person who at any time
during the calendar year was the Holder of a Class HE: B-2 Certificate a
statement containing the applicable distribution information provided pursuant
to this Section aggregated for such calendar year or applicable portion thereof
during which such Person was the Holder of a Class HE: B-2 Certificate.  Such
obligation of the Certificate Registrar shall be deemed to have been satisfied
to the extent that substantially comparable information shall be provided by the
Certificate Registrar pursuant to any requirements of the Code as from time to
time  in force.

                                     6-15
<PAGE>
 
     l.  Copies of all reports and statements provided to the Trustee for the
Certificateholders shall also be provided to S&P, Fitch and the Class C
Certificateholders.

     SECTION 6.06.  Payment of Taxes.
                    ---------------- 

     The Servicer shall be responsible for and agrees to prepare, make and
timely file all federal, state, local or other tax returns, information
statements and other returns and documents of every kind and nature whatsoever
required to be made or filed by or on behalf of the Trust pursuant to the Code
and other applicable tax laws and regulations.  Each such return, statement and
document shall, to the extent required by the Code or other applicable law and
at the request of the Servicer, be signed on behalf of the Trust by the Trustee.
The Trustee shall have no responsibility whatsoever for the accuracy or
completeness of any such return, statement or document.  The Servicer agrees to
indemnify the Trustee and hold it harmless for, from, against and in respect to
any and all liability, loss, damage and expense which may be incurred by the
Trustee based upon or as a result of the Trustee's execution of any and all such
tax returns, statements and documents.  The Servicer, if and for so long as it
is a Class C Certificateholder, shall be designated the "tax matters person" on
behalf of the Trust in the same manner as a partnership may designate a "tax
matters partner," as such term is defined in Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code.  To
the extent permitted by the REMIC Provisions, any subsequent holder of a Class C
Certificate, by acceptance thereof, irrevocably designates and appoints the
Servicer as its agent to perform the responsibilities of the "tax matters
person" on behalf of the Trust if, and during such time as, the Servicer is not
the holder of a Class C Certificate.  The Servicer may, at its expense, retain
such outside assistance as it deems necessary in the performance of its
obligations under this paragraph.  The Servicer shall provide to the Internal
Revenue Service the name, title, address and telephone number of the person who
will serve as the representative of the REMIC.

     Each of the Holders of the Certificates or the Class C Certificates, by
acceptance thereof, agrees to file tax returns consistent with and in accordance
with any elections, decisions or other reports made or filed with regard to
federal, state or local taxes on behalf of the Trust.  The Servicer, as tax
matters person or as agent for the tax matters person, shall represent the Trust
in connection with all examinations of the Trust's affairs by tax authorities,
including resulting administrative and judicial proceedings.  Each of the
holders of the Certificates and Class C Certificates, by acceptance thereof,
agrees to cooperate with the Servicer in such matters and to do or refrain from
doing any or all things reasonably required by the Servicer to conduct such
proceedings, provided that no such action shall be required by the Servicer of
             --------                                                         
any Certificateholder that would entail unnecessary or unreasonable expenses for
such Certificateholder in the performance of such action.


                                     6-16
<PAGE>
 
     The Class C Master Certificateholders and Class C Subsidiary
Certificateholders shall pay, on behalf of the Trust, any foreign, federal,
state or local income, property, excise, sales, receipts or any other similar or
related taxes or charges which may be imposed upon the Master REMIC or
Subsidiary REMIC, respectively, as a REMIC or otherwise and shall, to the extent
provided in Section 10.06, be entitled to be reimbursed out of the Certificate
Account or, if such tax or charge results from a failure by the Trustee, the
Company or any Servicer to comply with the provisions of Section 2.04 or 3.06,
or a failure by any Servicer to comply with the provisions of Section 6.06, the
Trustee, the Company or such Servicer, as the case may be, shall indemnify the
Class C Certificateholders for the payment of any such tax or charge.  The
Trustee shall be entitled to withhold from amounts otherwise distributable to
the Class C Certificateholders any taxes or charges payable by the Class C
Certificateholders hereunder.

     In the event a Class C Certificate is transferred to a "disqualified
organization," within the meaning of Section 860E(e)(5) of the Code, pursuant to
Section 860D(a)(6)(B) of the Code the Company shall provide to the Internal
Revenue Service and the persons specified in Sections 860(E)(e)(5) and (6) of
the Code all information necessary for the application of Section 860E(e) and
any other applicable provision of the Code with respect to the transfer of a
Class C Certificate to such a disqualified organization including, without
limitation, a computation showing the present value of the total anticipated
excess inclusions with respect to such Class C Certificate for periods after the
transfer as defined in the REMIC Provisions.  In addition, to the extent
required by the REMIC Provisions, the Company shall, upon the written request of
persons designated in Section 860E(e)(5) of the Code, furnish to such requesting
party and the Internal Revenue Service information sufficient to compute the
present value of anticipated excess inclusions within 60 days of the receipt of
such written request.

                                     6-17
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VII

                                SERVICE TRANSFER
                                ----------------

     SECTION 7.01.  Events of Termination.
                    --------------------- 

     "Event of Termination" means the occurrence of any of the following:
      --------------------                                               

          a.   Any failure by the Servicer to make any payment or deposit
     required to be made hereunder (including an Advance) and the continuance of
     such failure for a period of four Business Days;

          b.   Failure on the Servicer's part to observe or perform in any
     material respect any covenant or agreement in this Agreement (other than a
     covenant or agreement which is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt
     with) which continues unremedied for 30 days;

          c.   Any assignment by the Servicer of its duties or rights hereunder
     except as specifically permitted hereunder, or any attempt to make such an
     assignment;

          d.   A court having jurisdiction in the premises shall have entered a
     decree or order for relief in respect of the Servicer in an involuntary
     case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now
     or hereafter in effect, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee,
     custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or similar official) of the Servicer, as
     the case may be, or for any substantial liquidation of its affairs;
 
          e.   The Servicer shall have commenced a voluntary case under any
     applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in
     effect, or shall have consented to the entry of an order for relief in an
     involuntary case under any such law, or shall have consented to the
     appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee,
     trustee, custodian or sequestrator (or other similar official) of the
     Servicer or for any substantial part of its property, or shall have made
     any general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or shall have
     failed to, or admitted in writing its inability to, pay its debts as they
     become due, or shall have taken any corporate action in furtherance of the
     foregoing;

          f.   The failure of the Servicer to be an Eligible Servicer; or

          g.   If the Company is the Servicer, the Company's servicing rights
     under its master seller-servicer agreement with GNMA are terminated by
     GNMA.

                                      7-1
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 7.02.  Transfer.
                         -------- 

          a.   If an Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing, either
     the Trustee or Certificateholders, in the aggregate, representing 25% or
     more of the Aggregate Certificate Principal Balance, by notice in writing
     to the Servicer (and to the Trustee if given by the Certificateholders) may
     terminate all (but not less than all) of the Servicer's management,
     administrative, servicing and collection functions (such termination being
     herein called a "Service Transfer").  On receipt of such notice (or, if
                      ----------------                                      
     later, on a date designated therein), all authority and power of the
     Servicer under this Agreement, whether with respect to the Contracts, the
     Contract Files or otherwise (except with respect to the Certificate
     Account, the transfer of which shall be governed by Section 7.06), shall
     pass to and be vested in the Trustee pursuant to and under this Section
     7.02; and, without limitation, the Trustee is authorized and empowered to
     execute and deliver on behalf of the Servicer, as attorney-in-fact or
     otherwise, any and all documents and other instruments, and to do any and
     all acts or things necessary or appropriate to effect the purposes of such
     notice of termination.  The Trustee shall cause all assignments of
     mortgages, deeds of trust or security deeds securing the Contracts to be
     duly recorded.  If the Servicer was the lender of record for purposes of
     the FHA Insurance relating to FHA-Insured Contracts, the Trustee shall
     notify HUD of such termination and shall request that HUD transfer the FHA
     Insurance reserves allocable to such FHA-Insured Contracts to the successor
     Servicer; provided, however, that if the Trustee is the successor Servicer,
               -----------------                                                
     the Trustee shall request such transfer of reserves if and to the extent it
     is legally able to do so, and the Trustee shall use its best efforts to
     obtain any approvals that may be required for the Trustee to receive such
     transfer of reserves.  Each of the Company and the Servicer agrees to
     cooperate with the Trustee in effecting the termination of the
     responsibilities and rights of the Servicer hereunder, including, without
     limitation, the transfer to the Trustee for administration by it of all
     cash amounts which shall at the time be held by the Servicer for deposit,
     or have been deposited by the Servicer, in the Certificate Account, or for
     its own account in connection with its services hereafter or thereafter
     received with respect to the Contracts, and the transfer of all rights
     under FHA Insurance relating to FHA-Insured Contracts.  The Servicer shall
     transfer to the new servicer (i) the Servicer's records relating to the
     Contracts in such electronic form as the new servicer may reasonably
     request and (ii) any Contract Files in the Servicer's possession.

          SECTION 7.03.  Trustee to Act; Appointment of Successor.
                         ---------------------------------------- 

          On and after the time the Servicer receives a notice of termination
     pursuant to Section 7.02, the Trustee shall be the successor in all
     respects to the Servicer in its capacity as servicer under this Agreement
     and the transactions set

                                      7-2
<PAGE>
 
     forth or provided for herein and shall be subject to all the
     responsibilities, duties and liabilities relating thereto placed on the
     Servicer by the terms and provisions hereof, and the Servicer shall be
     relieved of such responsibilities, duties and liabilities arising after
     such Service Transfer; provided, however, that (i) the Trustee will not
                            --------  -------                               
     assume any obligations of the Company pursuant to Section 3.05, and (ii)
     the Trustee shall not be liable for any acts or omissions of the Servicer
     occurring prior to such Service Transfer or for any breach by the Servicer
     of any of its obligations contained herein or in any related document or
     agreement.  As compensation therefor, the Trustee shall be entitled to
     receive reasonable compensation out of the Monthly Servicing Fee.
     Notwithstanding the above, the Trustee may, if it shall be unwilling so to
     act, or shall, if it is legally unable so to act, appoint, or petition a
     court of competent jurisdiction to appoint, an Eligible Servicer as the
     successor to the Servicer hereunder in the assumption of all or any part of
     the responsibilities, duties or liabilities of the Servicer hereunder.
     Pending appointment of a successor to the Servicer hereunder, unless the
     Trustee is prohibited by law from so acting, the Trustee shall act in such
     capacity as hereinabove provided.  In connection with such appointment and
     assumption, the Trustee may make such arrangements for the compensation of
     such successor out of payments on Contracts as it and such successor shall
     agree; provided, however, that no such monthly compensation shall, without
            --------  -------                                                  
     the written consent of 100% of the Certificateholders, exceed the Monthly
     Servicing Fee.  The Trustee and such successor shall take such action,
     consistent with this Agreement, as shall be necessary to effectuate any
     such succession.

          SECTION 7.04.  Notification to Certificateholders and Class C
                         ----------------------------------------------
     Certificateholders.
     ------------------ 

          a.   Promptly following the occurrence of any Event of Termination,
     the Servicer shall give written notice thereof to the Trustee, to S&P, to
     Fitch, to the Certificateholders and to the Class C Certificateholder at
     their respective addresses appearing on the Certificate Register.

          b.   Within 10 days following any termination or appointment of a
     successor to the Servicer pursuant to this Article VII, the Trustee shall
     give written notice thereof to S&P, to Fitch and to Certificateholders and
     the Class C Certificateholder at their respective addresses appearing on
     the Certificate Register.

          SECTION 7.05.  Effect of Transfer.
                         ------------------ 
 
                                      7-3
<PAGE>
 
          a.   After the Service Transfer, the Trustee or new Servicer shall
     notify Obligors to make payments directly to the new Servicer that are due
     under the Contracts after the effective date of the Service Transfer.

          b.   After the Service Transfer, the replaced Servicer shall have no
     further obligations with respect to the management, administration,
     servicing or collection of the Contracts and the new Servicer shall have
     all of such obligations, except that the replaced Servicer will transmit or
                              ------                                            
     cause to be transmitted directly to the new Servicer for its own account,
     promptly on receipt and in the same form in which received, any amounts
     (properly endorsed where required for the new Servicer to collect them)
     received as payments upon or otherwise in connection with the Contracts.

          c.   A Service Transfer shall not affect the rights and duties of the
     parties hereunder (including but not limited to the indemnities of the
     Servicer and the Company pursuant to Article X and Sections 3.05, 11.06 and
     11.12(f)) other than those relating to the management, administration,
     servicing or collection of the Contracts after the Service Transfer.

          SECTION 7.06.  Transfer of Certificate Account.
                         ------------------------------- 

          Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7.02, if the Certificate
     Account shall be maintained with the Servicer and an Event of Termination
     shall occur and be continuing, the Servicer shall, after five days' written
     notice from the Trustee, or in any event within ten days after the
     occurrence of the Event of Termination, establish a new account or accounts
     in trust for the Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholder
     conforming with the requirements of this Agreement at the corporate trust
     department of the Trustee or with an institution other than the Servicer
     and promptly cause the Trustee to transfer all funds in the Certificate
     Account to such new account, which shall thereafter be deemed the
     Certificate Account for the purposes hereof.

                                      7-4
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                    PAYMENTS
                                    --------

          SECTION 8.01.  Monthly Payments.
                         ---------------- 

          a.   Subject to the terms of this Article VIII, each holder of a
     Certificate or Class C Certificate as of a Record Date shall be paid on the
     next succeeding Payment Date by check mailed to such Certificateholder or
     Class C Certificateholder at the address for such Certificateholder or
     Class C Certificateholder appearing on the Certificate Register (or, if
     such Certificateholder holds Certificates of a Class with an aggregate
     Percentage Interest of at least 5% of such Class and so requests, by wire
     transfer pursuant to instructions delivered to the Trustee at least 10 days
     prior to such Payment Date), the sum equal to such Certificateholder's or
     Class C Certificateholder's Percentage Interest of the Class HI: A-1
     Distribution Amount, the Class HI: A-2 Distribution Amount, the Class HI:
     A-3 Distribution Amount, the Class HI: M-1 Distribution Amount plus any
     amounts distributable pursuant to Sections 8.04(b)(8)(i) and 8.04(c), the
     Class HI: M-2 Distribution Amount plus any amounts distributable pursuant
     to Sections 8.04(b)(8)(ii) and 8.04(c), the Class HI: B-1 Distribution
     Amount plus any amounts distributable pursuant to Sections 8.04(b)(8)(iii)
     and 8.04(c), the Class HI: B-2 Distribution Amount plus any amounts
     distributable pursuant to Section 8.04(b)(8)(iv), any Class HI: B-2
     Guaranty Payment, the Class HE: A-1 ARM Distribution Amount, the Class HE:
     A-1 Distribution Amount, the Class HE: A-2 Distribution Amount, the Class
     HE: A-3 Distribution Amount, the Class HE: A-4 Distribution Amount, the
     Class HE: A-5 Distribution Amount, the Class HE: A-6 Distribution Amount,
     the Class HE: A-7 Distribution Amount, the Class HE: A-8 IO Distribution
     Amount, the Class HE: M-1 Distribution Amount plus any amounts
     distributable pursuant to Sections 8.04(d)(8)(i) and 8.04(e), the Class HE:
     M-2 Distribution Amount plus any amounts distributable pursuant to Sections
     8.04(d)(8)(ii) and 8.04(e), the Class HE: B-1 Distribution Amount plus any
     amounts distributable pursuant to Sections 8.04(d)(8)(iii) and 8.04(e),
     Class HE: B-2 Distribution Amount plus any amounts distributable pursuant
     to Section 8.04(d)(8)(iv), any Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Payment or the Class
     C Distribution Amount, as applicable. Final payment of any Certificate or
     a Class C Certificate shall be made only upon presentation of such
     Certificate or Class C Certificate at the office or agency of the Paying
     Agent.

          b.   Each distribution with respect to a Book-Entry Certificate shall
     be paid to the Depository, which shall credit the amount of such
     distribution to the accounts of its Depository Participants in accordance
     with its normal procedures.  Each Depository Participant shall be
     responsible for disbursing such distribution to

                                      8-1
<PAGE>
 
     the Certificate Owners that it represents and to each indirect
     participating brokerage firm (a "brokerage firm" or "indirect participating
     firm") for which it acts as agent. Each brokerage firm shall be responsible
     for disbursing funds to the Certificate Owners that it represents. All such
     credits and disbursements with respect to a Book-Entry Certificate are to
     be made by the Depository and the Depository Participants in accordance
     with the provisions of the Book-Entry Certificates. Neither the Trustee,
     the Certificate Registrar nor the Company shall have any responsibility
     therefor except as otherwise provided by applicable law. To the extent
     applicable and not contrary to the rules of the Depository, the Trustee
     shall comply with the provisions of the form of the Certificates as set
     forth in Exhibits A through C hereto, and the Class C Certificates as set
     forth in Exhibit L hereto.

          c.   The Trustee shall either act as the paying agent or appoint an
     Eligible Institution to be the paying agent (in either such case, the
     "Paying Agent") to make the payments to the Certificateholders and the
     -------------                                                         
     Class C Certificateholder required hereunder.  The Trustee's corporate
     trust operations department, with an office at 180 East 5th Street, Third
     Floor, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101, Attention: Tammy Schultz-Fugh, shall
     initially act as Paying Agent.  The Trustee shall require the Paying Agent
     (if other than the Trustee) to agree in writing that all amounts held by
     the Paying Agent for payment hereunder will be held in trust for the
     benefit of the Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholders and
     that it will notify the Trustee of any failure by the Servicer to make
     funds available to the Paying Agent for the payment of amounts due on the
     Certificates and the Class C Certificates.

          SECTION 8.02.  Advances.
                         -------- 

          a.   Not later than one Business Day following the Determination Date,
     the Servicer shall advance all Delinquent Payments for the immediately
     preceding Due Period by depositing the aggregate amount of such Delinquent
     Payments in the Certificate Account; provided, however, that the Servicer
                                          -----------------                   
     shall be obligated to advance Delinquent Payments only to the extent that
     the Servicer, in its sole discretion, expects to be able to recover such
     advances from funds subsequently available therefor in the Certificate
     Account in accordance with Section 8.04(b) or Section 8.04(d), as
     applicable.  If the Servicer fails to advance all Delinquent Payments
     required under this Section 8.02, the Trustee shall be obligated to advance
     such Delinquent Payments pursuant to Section 11.16.

          b.   The Servicer shall be entitled to reimbursement of an Advance
     from subsequent funds available therefor in the Certificate Account in
     accordance with Section 8.04(b) or Section 8.04(d), as applicable.

                                      8-2
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 8.03.  Limited Guaranties.
                         ------------------ 

          a.   Class HI: B-2 Limited Guaranty
               ------------------------------

               1.   No later than the third Business Day prior to each Payment
     Date, the Servicer (if other than the Company) shall notify the Company of
     the amount of the Class HI: B-2 Guaranty Payment (if any) for such Payment
     Date.  Not later than the Business Day preceding each Payment Date, the
     Company shall deposit the Class HI: B-2 Guaranty Payment, if any, for such
     Payment Date into the Certificate Account.  Any Class HI: B-2 Guaranty
     Payment shall be distributable to Class HI: B-2 Certificateholders pursuant
     to Section 8.01.

               2.   The obligations of the Company under this Section 8.03(a)
     shall not terminate upon or otherwise be affected by a Service Transfer
     pursuant to Article VII of this Agreement.

               3.   The obligation of the Company to provide the Class HI: B-2
     Limited Guaranty under this Agreement shall terminate on the Final Payment
     Date.

               4.   The obligation of the Company to make the Class HI: B-2
     Guaranty Payments described in subsection (1) above shall be unconditional
     and irrevocable.  The Company acknowledges that its obligation to make the
     Class HI: B-2 Guaranty Payments described in subsection (1) above shall be
     deemed a guaranty by the Company of indebtedness of the Trust for money
     borrowed from the Class HI: B-2 Certificateholders.

               5.   If the Company fails to make a Class HI: B-2 Guaranty
     Payment in whole or in part, the Company shall promptly notify the Trustee,
     and the Trustee shall promptly notify S&P and Fitch.

               6.   In consideration of providing the Class HI: B-2 Limited
     Guaranty, the Company shall be entitled to the Class HI: B-2 Guarantee Fee
     payable in accordance with Section 8.04(b)(15).

          b.   Class HE: B-2 Limited Guaranty
               ------------------------------

               1.   No later than the third Business Day prior to each Payment
     Date, the Servicer (if other than the Company) shall notify the Company of
     the amount of the Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Payment (if any) for such Payment
     Date.  Not later than the Business Day preceding each Payment Date, the
     Company shall deposit the Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Payment, if any, for such
     Payment Date into

                                      8-3
<PAGE>
 
     the Certificate Account.  Any Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Payment shall be
     distributable to Class HE: B-2 Certificateholders pursuant to Section 8.01.

               2.   The obligations of the Company under this Section 8.03(b)
     shall not terminate upon or otherwise be affected by a Service Transfer
     pursuant to Article VII of this Agreement.

               3.   The obligation of the Company to provide the Class HE: B-2
     Limited Guaranty under this Agreement shall terminate on the Final Payment
     Date.

               4.   The obligation of the Company to make the Class HE: B-2
     Guaranty Payments described in subsection (1) above shall be unconditional
     and irrevocable.  The Company acknowledges that its obligation to make the
     Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Payments described in subsection (1) above shall be
     deemed a guaranty by the Company of indebtedness of the Trust for money
     borrowed from the Class HE: B-2 Certificateholders.

               5.   If the Company fails to make a Class HE: B-2 Guaranty
     Payment in whole or in part, the Company shall promptly notify the Trustee,
     and the Trustee shall promptly notify S&P and Fitch.

               6.   In consideration of providing the Class HE: B-2 Limited
     Guaranty, the Company shall be entitled to the Class HE: B-2 Guarantee Fee
     payable in accordance with Section 8.04(d)(15).

          SECTION 8.04.  Permitted Withdrawals from the Certificate Account;
                         ---------------------------------------------------
     Payments.
     -------- 

          a.   The Trustee shall, from time to time as provided herein, make
     withdrawals from the Certificate Account of amounts deposited in said
     account pursuant to Section 5.05 that are attributable to the Contracts for
     the following purposes:

          (i)  to make payments in the amounts and in the manner provided for in
     Sections 8.04(b) and 8.04(d);

          (ii) to pay to the Company with respect to each Contract or property
     acquired in respect thereof that has been repurchased or replaced pursuant
     to Section 3.05, all amounts received thereon and not required to be
     distributed to Certificateholders as of the date on which the related
     Scheduled Principal Balance or Repurchase Price is determined;

                                      8-4
<PAGE>
 
          (iii)  to reimburse the Servicer out of Liquidation Proceeds for
     Liquidation Expenses incurred by it and not otherwise reimbursed, to the
     extent such reimbursement is permitted pursuant to Section 5.08;

          (iv)   to withdraw any amount deposited in the Certificate Account
     that was not required to be deposited therein; or

          (v)    to make any rebates or adjustments deemed necessary by the
     Servicer pursuant to Section 5.06(d).

     Since, in connection with withdrawals pursuant to clause (iii), the
Company's entitlement thereto is limited to collections or other recoveries on
the related Contract, the Servicer shall keep and maintain separate accounting,
on a Contract by Contract basis, for the purpose of justifying any withdrawal
from the Certificate Account pursuant to such clause.

     b.   On each Payment Date, the Trustee shall apply the Sub-Pool HI Amount
Available (as determined on the immediately preceding Determination Date) in the
Certificate Account to make payment in the following order of priority, subject
to the last sentence of this Section 8.04(b):

          1.   if neither the Company nor a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company is the Servicer, to pay, with respect to the Home Improvement Contracts,
the Monthly Servicing Fee and any other compensation owed to the Servicer
pursuant to Section 7.03;
 
          2.   to pay the Class HI: A Formula Interest Distribution Amount as
follows (and in the following order of priority):

          (i)  the amount in clause (a)(1) of the definition of Class HI: A
     Formula Distribution Amount to the Class HI: A-1 Certificateholders; the
     amount in clause (a)(2) of the definition of Class HI: A Formula
     Distribution Amount to the Class HI: A-2 Certificateholders; the amount in
     clause (a)(3) of the definition of Class HI: A Formula Distribution Amount
     to the Class HI: A-3 Certificateholders; or, if the Sub-Pool HI Amount
     Available is less than the amount necessary to pay all Class HI: A Formula
     Interest Distribution Amounts, pro rata to each Class of Class HI: A
     Certificates in accordance with their respective entitlements to interest;
     and

          (ii) to each Class of Class HI: A Certificates the amount, if any, of
     the Unpaid Class HI: A Interest Shortfall of such Class, or, if the
     remaining Sub-Pool HI Amount Available is less than the amount necessary to
     pay all Unpaid Class

                                      8-5
<PAGE>
 
     HI: A Interest Shortfalls, pro rata to each Class of Class HI: A
     Certificates based on the Unpaid Class HI: A Interest Shortfall of each
     such Class;

          3.   after payment of the amounts specified in clauses (1) and (2)
above, to pay principal in respect of the Class HI: A Certificates as follows:

          (i)  if there is a Class HI: A Liquidation Loss Principal Amount as to
     such Payment Date, the remaining Sub-Pool HI Amount Available, pro rata to
     each Class of Class HI: A Certificates based on the Class Principal Balance
     of each Class (but in no event shall such amount exceed the Class Principal
     Balance of any such Class); and
 
          (ii) if there is no Class HI: A Liquidation Loss Principal Amount as
     to such Payment Date:

               (A) if such Payment Date is on or prior to the Class HI: A-1
          Cross-over date, the Sub-Pool HI Senior Percentage of the Sub-Pool HI
          Formula Principal Distribution Amount to the Class HI: A-1
          Certificateholders, but in no event more than is necessary to reduce
          the Class HI: A-1 Principal Balance to zero;

               (B) if such Payment Date is on or after the Class HI: A-1 Cross-
          over date, but on or prior to the Class HI: A-2 Cross-over date, the
          Sub-Pool HI Senior Percentage of the Sub-Pool HI Formula Principal
          Distribution Amount to the Class HI: A-2 Certificateholders (reduced,
          if such Payment Date is on the Class HI: A-1 Cross-over date, by that
          portion of the Sub-Pool HI Senior Percentage of the Sub-Pool HI
          Formula Principal Distribution Amount to be distributed to the Class
          HI: A-1 Certificateholders on such date in accordance with clause (A)
          above), but in no event more than is necessary to reduce the Class HI:
          A-2 Principal Balance to zero; and
 
               (C) if such Payment Date is on or after the Class HI: A-2 Cross-
          over date, but on or prior to the Class HI: A-3 Cross-over date, the
          Sub-Pool HI Senior Percentage of the Sub-Pool HI Formula Principal
          Distribution Amount to the Class HI: A-3 Certificateholders (reduced,
          if such Payment Date is on the Class HI: A-2 Cross-over date, by that
          portion of the Sub-Pool HI Senior Percentage of the Sub-Pool HI
          Formula Principal Distribution Amount to be distributed to the Class
          HI: A-2 Certificateholders on such date in accordance with clause (B)
          above), but in no event more than is necessary to reduce the Class HI:
          A-3 Principal Balance to zero.

                                      8-6
<PAGE>
 
          4.    after payment of the amounts specified in clauses (1) through
(3) above, to the Class HI: M-1 Certificateholders as follows (and in the
following order of priority):

          (i)   the amount in clause (a) of the definition of Class HI: M-1
     Formula Distribution Amount;

          (ii)  any Unpaid Class HI: M-1 Interest Shortfall; and

          (iii) the amount in clause (c) of the definition of Class HI: M-1
     Formula Distribution Amount;

          5.    after payment of the amounts specified in clauses (1) through
(4) above, to the Class HI: M-2 Certificateholders as follows (and in the
following order of priority):
 
          (i)   the amount in clause (a) of the definition of Class HI: M-2
     Formula Distribution Amount;

          (ii)  any Unpaid Class HI: M-2 Interest Shortfall; and

          (iii) the amount in clause (c) of the definition of Class HI: M-2
     Formula Distribution Amount;

          6.    after payment of the amounts specified in clauses (1) through
(5) above, to the Class HI: B-1 Certificateholders as follows (and in the
following order of priority):

          (i)   the amount in clause (a) of the definition of Class HI: B-1
     Formula Distribution Amount;

          (ii)  any Unpaid Class HI: B-1 Interest Shortfall; and

          (iii) the amount in clause (c) of the definition of Class HI: B-1
     Formula Distribution Amount;

          7.    after payment of the amounts specified in clauses (1) through
(6) above, to the Class HI: B-2 Certificateholders as follows (and in the
following order of priority):

          (i)   the amount in clause (a) of the definition of Class HI: B-2
     Formula Distribution Amount;

                                      8-7
<PAGE>
 
          (ii)  any Unpaid Class HI: B-2 Interest Shortfall; and

          (iii) the amount in clause (c) of the definition of Class HI: B-2
     Formula Distribution Amount;

          8.    after payment of the amounts specified in clauses (1) through
(7) above, to the Class HI: M and Class HI: B Certificateholders as follows (and
in the following order of priority):

          (i)   to the Class HI: M-1 Certificateholders, first an amount equal
     to the amount specified in clause (a) of the definition of the term "Class
     HI: M-1 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount" and then to
     any Unpaid Class HI: M-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall;

          (ii)  to the Class HI: M-2 Certificateholders, first an amount equal
     to the amount specified in clause (a) of the definition of the term "Class
     HI: M-2 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount" and then to
     any Unpaid Class HI: M-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall;

          (iii) to the Class HI: B-1 Certificateholders, first an amount equal
     to the amount specified in clause (a) of the definition of the term "Class
     HI: B-1 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount" and then to
     any Unpaid Class HI: B-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall; and

          (iv)  to the Class HI: B-2 Certificateholders, first an amount equal
     to the amount specified in clause (a) of the definition of the term "Class
     HI: B-2 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount" and then to
     any Unpaid Class HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall;

          9.    after payment of the amounts specified in clauses (1) through
(8), above, if the Sub-Pool HE Amount Available for such Payment Date
(determined without regard to clause (a)(2) of the definition thereof) is less
than the amounts provided for in clauses (1) through (8) of Section 8.04(d), to
add to the Sub-Pool HE Amount Available the amount of such deficiency (or the
remaining Sub-Pool HI Amount Available, if less);

          10.   if the Company or a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company is
the Servicer, to pay the Servicer the Monthly Servicing Fee with respect to the
Home Improvement Contracts;

                                      8-8
<PAGE>
 
          11.   to reimburse the Trustee or any successor Servicer for any
payments of FHA Insurance premiums in respect of FHA-Insured Contracts not paid
by the Company and for which the Trustee or such successor Servicer has not been
reimbursed by the Company;

          12.   to reimburse the Servicer or the Trustee, as applicable, for any
unreimbursed Advances made with respect to the Home Improvement Contracts in
respect of current or prior Payment Dates;

          13.   to reimburse the Class C Subsidiary Certificateholder for
expenses incurred by and reimbursable to it pursuant to Section 10.06;

          14.   to reimburse the Company for any prior unreimbursed Class HI: B-
2 Guaranty Payments;

          15.   to pay the Class HI: B-2 Guarantee Fee to the Company; and

          16.   to pay the remainder, if any, of the Sub-Pool HI Amount
     Available to the Class C Subsidiary Certificateholder.

Notwithstanding the priorities set forth above, any Excess Proceeds included in
the Sub-Pool HI Amount Available shall be applied solely to the payment of the
Class HI:A Principal Balance in the order set forth in clause (ii) of Section
8.04(b)(3).

     c.   If the applicable Monthly Report indicates a Class HI: M-1 Interest
Deficiency Amount, a Class HI: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount and/or a Class HI:
B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount for such Payment Date, the Trustee shall,
provided that there is no Class HI: A Interest Shortfall for such Payment Date,
withdraw from the Certificate Account (to the extent of funds on deposit therein
in respect of Home Improvement Contracts two Business Days prior to such Payment
Date, after taking into account the distribution of the Sub-Pool HI Amount
Available pursuant to Section 8.04(b) and any Class HI: B-2 Guaranty Payment to
be distributed on such Payment Date) an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the
excess of such funds, after giving effect to any payment required as of the next
succeeding Payment Date under Section 8.04(b)(1), over the amount payable to
Class HI: A Certificateholders on the next succeeding Payment Date under clauses
(a) and (b) of the definition of Class HI: A Formula Distribution Amount and
(ii) the sum of the Class HI: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, the Class HI: M-2
Interest Deficiency Amount and the Class HI: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, and
distribute such amount, first, to the Class HI: M-1 Certificateholders up to the
amount of any Class HI: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, then to the Class HI: M-
2 Certificateholders up to the amount of any Class HI: M-2 Interest Deficiency
Amount,

                                      8-9
<PAGE>
 
and then to the Class HI: B-1 Certificateholders up to the amount of any Class
HI: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount.

     d.   On each Payment Date, the Trustee shall apply the Sub-Pool HE Amount
Available (as determined on the immediately preceding Determination Date) in the
Certificate Account to make payment in the following order of priority, subject
to the last sentence of this Section 8.04(d):

          1.    if neither the Company nor a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company is the Servicer, to pay, with respect to the Home Equity Contracts, the
Monthly Servicing Fee and any other compensation owed to the Servicer pursuant
to Section 7.03;
 
          2.    to pay the Class HE: A Formula Interest Distribution Amount as
follows (and in the following order of priority):

          (i)   the amount in clause (a)(1) of the definition of Class HE: A
     Formula Distribution Amount to the Class HE: A-1 ARM Certificateholders;
     the amount in clause (a)(2) of the definition of Class HE: A Formula
     Distribution Amount to the Class HE: A-1 Certificateholders; the amount in
     clause (a)(3) of the definition of Class HE: A Formula Distribution Amount
     to the Class HE: A-2 Certificateholders; the amount in clause (a)(4) of the
     definition of Class HE: A Formula Distribution Amount to the Class HE: A-3
     Certificateholders; the amount in clause (a)(5) of the definition of Class
     HE: A Formula Distribution Amount to the Class HE: A-4 Certificateholders;
     the amount in clause (a)(6) of the definition of Class HE: A Formula
     Distribution Amount to the Class HE: A-5 Certificateholders; the amount in
     clause (a)(7) of the definition of Class HE: A Formula Distribution Amount
     to the Class HE: A-6 Certificateholders; the amount in clause (a)(8) of the
     definition of Class HE: A Formula Distribution Amount to the Class HE: A-7
     Certificateholders; the amount in clause (a)(9) of the definition of Class
     HE: A Formula Distribution Amount to the Class HE: A-8 IO
     Certificateholders; or, if the Sub-Pool HE Amount Available is less than
     the amount necessary to pay all Class HE: A Formula Interest Distribution
     Amounts, pro rata to each Class of Class HE: A Certificates in accordance
     with their respective entitlements to interest; and

          (ii)  to each Class of Class HE: A Certificates the amount, if any, of
     the Unpaid Class HE: A Interest Shortfall of such Class or, if the
     remaining Sub-Pool HE Amount Available is less than the amount necessary to
     pay all Unpaid Class HE: A Interest Shortfalls, pro rata to each Class of
     Class HE: A Certificates based on the Unpaid Class HE: A Interest Shortfall
     of each such Class;

                                     8-10
<PAGE>
 
          3.    after payment of the amounts specified in clauses (1) and (2)
above, to pay principal in respect of the Class HE: A Certificates as follows:


          (i)   Any Excess Proceeds in respect of the Adjustable Rate Contracts
     to the Class HE:A-1 ARM Certificateholders and any Excess Proceeds with
     respect to the Fixed Rate Home Equity Contracts to each Class of Class HE:A
     Certificates (other than Class HE:A-1 ARM and Class HE:A-8 IO) in the order
     set forth below in clause (iv)(B);

          (ii)  Any Pre-Funded ARM Amount to the Class HE:A-1 ARM Certificates
     and any Pre-Funded Fixed Rate Amount pro rata to each Class of Class HE:A
     Certificates other than the Class HE:A-1 ARM and Class HE:A-8 IO
     Certificates based on the Class Principal Balance of each such Class;

          (iii) if there is a Class HE: A Liquidation Loss Principal Amount as
     to such Payment Date, the remaining Sub-Pool HE Amount Available, pro rata
     to each Class of Class HE: A Certificates (other than the Class A-8 IO
     Certificates) based on the Class Principal Balance of each Class (but in no
     event shall such amount for any Class exceed the Class Principal Balance of
     any such Class); and
 
          (iv)  if there is no Class HE: A Liquidation Loss Principal Amount as
     to such Payment Date, and if such Payment Date is on or prior to the Class
     HE: A-7 Cross-over date, the remaining Sub-Pool HE Amount Available up to
     the Class HE:A Formula Principal Distribution Amount as follows:

                (A) if the remaining Sub-Pool HE Amount Available is less than
          the Class HE: A Formula Principal Distribution Amount, then pro rata
          to each Class of Class HE: A Certificates (other than the Class HE:
          A-8 IO Certificates) based upon the amounts that would have been
          distributed pursuant to clause (B), below, had the remaining Sub-Pool
          HE Amount Available been equal to the Class HE: A Formula Principal
          Distribution Amount;

                (B) if the remaining Sub-Pool HE Amount Available is not less
          than the Class HE: A Formula Principal Distribution Amount, then

                    (a) to the Class HE: A-1 ARM Certificateholders, the Class
                HE: A-1 ARM Formula Principal Distribution Amount;

                    (b) to the Class HE: A-7 Certificateholders, the Class HE: 
                A-7 Lockout Pro Rata Distribution Amount, if any, but in no
                event

                                     8-11
<PAGE>
 
               more than is necessary to reduce the Class HE: A-7 Principal
               Balance to zero;

                    (c) if such Payment Date is on or prior to the Class HE: A-1
               Cross-over date, to the Class HE: A-1 Certificateholders, but in
               no event more than is necessary to reduce the Class HE: A-1
               Principal Balance to zero;

                    (d) if such Payment Date is on or after the Class HE: A-1
               Cross-over date, but on or prior to the Class HE: A-2 Cross-over
               date, to the Class HE: A-2 Certificateholders, but in no event
               more than is necessary to reduce the Class HE: A-2 Principal
               Balance to zero;

                    (e) if such Payment Date is on or after the Class HE: A-2
               Cross-over date, but on or prior to the Class HE: A-3 Cross-over
               date, to the Class HE: A-3 Certificateholders, but in no event
               more than is necessary to reduce the Class HE: A-3 Principal
               Balance to zero;

                    (f) if such Payment Date is on or after the Class HE: A-3
               Cross-over date, but on or prior to the Class HE: A-4 Cross-over
               date, to the Class HE: A-4 Certificateholders, but in no event
               more than is necessary to reduce the Class HE: A-4 Principal
               Balance to zero;

                    (g) if such Payment Date is on or after the Class HE: A-4
               Cross-over date, but on or prior to the Class HE: A-5 Cross-over
               date, to the Class HE: A-5 Certificateholders, but in no event
               more than is necessary to reduce the Class HE: A-5 Principal
               Balance to zero;

                                     8-12
<PAGE>
 
                    (h) if such Payment Date is on or after the Class HE: A-5
                Cross-over date, but on or prior to the Class HE: A-6 Cross-over
                date, to the Class HE: A-6 Certificateholders, but in no event
                more than is necessary to reduce the Class HE: A-6 Principal
                Balance to zero; and

                    (i) if such Payment Date is on or after the Class HE: A-6
                Cross-over date, but on or prior to the Class HE: A-7 Cross-over
                date, to the Class HE: A-7 Certificateholders, but in no event
                more than is necessary (after taking into account any
                distribution to the Class HE: A-7 Certificateholders pursuant to
                clause (b) above) to reduce the Class HE: A-7 Principal Balance
                to zero.

          4.    after payment of the amounts specified in clauses (1) through
(3) above, to the Class HE: M-1 Certificateholders as follows (and in the
following order of priority):

          (i)   the amount in clause (a) of the definition of Class HE: M-1
     Formula Distribution Amount;

          (ii)  any Unpaid Class HE: M-1 Interest Shortfall; and

          (iii) the amount in clause (c) of the definition of Class HE: M-1
     Formula Distribution Amount;


                                     8-13
<PAGE>
 
          5.    after payment of the amounts specified in clauses (1) through
(4) above, to the Class HE: M-2 Certificateholders as follows (and in the
following order of priority):
 
          (i)   the amount in clause (a) of the definition of Class HE: M-2
     Formula Distribution Amount;

          (ii)  any Unpaid Class HE: M-2 Interest Shortfall; and

          (iii) the amount in clause (c) of the definition of Class HE: M-2
     Formula Distribution Amount;

          6.    after payment of the amounts specified in clauses (1) through
(5) above, to the Class HE: B-1 Certificateholders as follows (and in the
following order of priority):

          (i)   the amount in clause (a) of the definition of Class HE: B-1
     Formula Distribution Amount;

          (ii)  any Unpaid Class HE: B-1 Interest Shortfall; and

          (iii) the amount in clause (c) of the definition of Class HE: B-1
     Formula Distribution Amount;

          7.    after payment of the amounts specified in clauses (1) through
(6) above, to the Class HE: B-2 Certificateholders as follows (and in the
following order of priority):

          (i)   the amount in clause (a) of the definition of Class HE: B-2
     Formula Distribution Amount;
 
          (ii)  any Unpaid Class HE: B-2 Interest Shortfall; and

          (iii) the amount in clause (c) of the definition of Class HE: B-2
     Formula Distribution Amount;

          8.    after payment of the amounts specified in clauses (1) through
(7) above, to the Class HE: M and Class HE: B Certificateholders as follows (and
in the following order of priority):

          (i)   to the Class HE: M-1 Certificateholders, first an amount equal
     to the amount specified in clause (a) of the definition of the term "Class
     HE: M-1

                                     8-14
<PAGE>
 
     Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount" and then to any
     Unpaid Class HE: M-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall;

          (ii)  to the Class HE: M-2 Certificateholders, first an amount equal
     to the amount specified in clause (a) of the definition of the term "Class
     HE: M-2 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount" and then to
     any Unpaid Class HE: M-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall;

          (iii) to the Class HE: B-1 Certificateholders, first an amount equal
     to the amount specified in clause (a) of the definition of the term "Class
     HE: B-1 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount" and then to
     any Unpaid Class HE: B-1 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall; and

          (iv)  to the Class HE: B-2 Certificateholders, first an amount equal
     to the amount specified in clause (a) of the definition of the term "Class
     HE: B-2 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount" and then to
     any Unpaid Class HE: B-2 Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall.

          9.    after payment of the amounts specified in clauses (1) through
(10) above, if the Sub-Pool HI Amount Available for such Payment Date
(determined without regarding to clause (a)(2) of the definition thereof) is
less than the amounts provided for in clauses (1) through (8) of Section
8.04(b), to add to the Sub-Pool HI Amount Available the amount of such
deficiency (or the remaining Sub-Pool HE Amount Available, if less).

          10.   if the Company or a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company is
the Servicer, to pay the Servicer the Monthly Servicing Fee with respect to the
Home Equity Contracts ;

          11.   to reimburse the Servicer or the Trustee, as applicable, for any
unreimbursed Advances made with respect to the Home Equity Contracts in respect
of current or prior Payment Dates and to reimburse the Company for any
unreimbursed advances made pursuant to Section 8.02(c);

          12.   to reimburse the Class C Certificateholders for expenses
incurred by and reimbursable to them pursuant to Section 10.06;

          13.   to reimburse the Company for any prior unreimbursed Class HE: B-
2 Guaranty Payments;

          14.   to pay the Class HE: B-2 Guarantee Fee to the Company; and
                                           
                                     8-15
<PAGE>
 
          15.  to pay the remainder, if any, of the Sub-Pool HE Amount Available
     to the Class C Subsidiary Certificateholder.

Notwithstanding the priorities set forth above, the following amounts, if any,
included in the Sub-Pool HE Amount Available shall be applied solely to payment
of the following and in the following order: Excess Proceeds in respect of Sub-
Pool HE in accordance with Section 8.04(d)(3)(i) and any Pre-Funded Amount in
accordance with Section 8.04(d)(3)(ii).

     e.   If the applicable Monthly Report indicates a Class HE: M-1 Interest
Deficiency Amount, a Class HE: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount and/or a Class HE:
B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount for such Payment Date, the Trustee shall,
provided that there is no Class HE: A Interest Shortfall for such Payment Date,
withdraw from the Certificate Account (to the extent of funds on deposit therein
in respect of Home Equity Contracts two Business Days prior to such Payment
Date, after taking into account the distribution of the Sub-Pool HE Amount
Available pursuant to Section 8.04(d) and any Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Payment to
be distributed an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the excess of such funds,
after giving effect to any payment required as of the next succeeding Payment
Date under Section 8.04(d)(1), over the amount payable to Class HE: A
Certificateholders on the next succeeding Payment Date under clauses (a) and (b)
of the definition of Class HE: A Formula Distribution Amount and (ii) the sum of
the Class HE: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, the Class HE: M-2 Interest
Deficiency Amount and the Class HE: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, and
distribute such amount, first, to the Class HE: M-1 Certificateholders up to the
amount of any Class HE: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount, then to the Class HE: M-
2 Certificateholders up to the amount of any Class HE: M-2 Interest Deficiency
Amount, and then to the Class HE: B-1 Certificateholders up to the amount of any
Class HE: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount.

     f.   If the Trustee shall not have received the applicable Monthly Report
by any Payment Date, the Trustee shall, in accordance with Sections 8.04(b) and
(d), distribute all funds then in the Certificate Account to Certificateholders
and the Class C-Subsidiary Certificateholders, to the extent of such funds, on
such Payment Date.

     SECTION 8.05.  Reassignment of Repurchased and Replaced Contracts.
                    -------------------------------------------------- 

     Upon receipt by the Trust, by deposit in the Certificate Account, of the
Repurchase Price under Section 3.05(a), or upon receipt by the Trust of an
Eligible Substitute Contract under Section 3.05(b) and receipt by the Trust, by
deposit in the Certificate Account, of any additional amount under Section
3.05(b)(vii), and upon receipt of a certificate of a Servicing Officer in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit M-1 or M-2, as applicable, the Trustee shall
convey and assign to the Company all of the

                                     8-16
<PAGE>
 
Certificateholders' and the Class C Certificateholder's right, title and
interest in the repurchased Contract or Replaced Contract without recourse,
representation or warranty, except as to the absence of liens, charges or
encumbrances created by or arising as a result of actions of the Trustee.  Upon
such deposit of the Repurchase Price or receipt of such Eligible Substitute
Contract and related deposit of any additional amount under Section
3.05(b)(vii), the Servicer shall be deemed to have released any claims to such
Contract as a result of Advances with respect to such Contract.

     SECTION 8.06.  Servicer's Purchase Option.
                    -------------------------- 

     a.   The Servicer shall, subject to subsection (b) hereof, have the option
to purchase all of the Contracts and all property acquired in respect of any
Contract remaining in the Trust at a price equal to the greatest of:

          A.   the sum of (x) 100% of the principal balance of each Contract
     (other than any Contract as to which title to the underlying property has
     been acquired and whose fair market value is included pursuant to clause
     (y) below), together with accrued and unpaid interest on each such Contract
     at the Weighted Average Pass-Through Rate, plus (y) the fair market value
     of such acquired property (as reasonably determined by the Servicer as of
     the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the date of such
     purchase),

          B.   the aggregate fair market value (as reasonably determined by the
     Servicer as of the close of business on such third Business Day) of all of
     the assets of the Trust, and

          C.   the Aggregate Certificate Principal Balance as of the date of
     such purchase (less any amounts on deposit in the Certificate Account on
     such purchase date and representing payments of principal in respect of the
     Contracts) plus an amount necessary to pay the Class HI: A Formula Interest
     Distribution Amount, the Class HI: M-1 Formula Interest Distribution
     Amount, the Class HI: M-1 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution
     Amount, the Class HI: M-2 Formula Interest Distribution Amount, the Class
     HI: M-2 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount, the Class
     HI: B-1 Formula Interest Distribution Amount, the Class HI: B-1 Formula
     Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount, the Class HI: B-2 Formula
     Interest Distribution Amount, the Class HI: B-2 Formula Liquidation Loss
     Interest Distribution Amount,  the Class HE: A Formula Interest
     Distribution Amount, the Class HE: M-1 Formula Interest Distribution
     Amount, the Class HE: M-1 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution
     Amount, the Class HE: M-2 Formula Interest Distribution Amount, the Class
     HE: M-2 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount, the Class
     HE: B-1 Formula Interest Distribution Amount, the Class HE:

                                     8-17
<PAGE>
 
     B-1 Formula Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount, the Class HE: B-
     2 Formula Interest Distribution Amount and the Class HE: B-2 Formula
     Liquidation Loss Interest Distribution Amount due on the Payment Date
     occurring in the calendar month following such purchase date (less any
     amounts on deposit in the Certificate Account on such purchase date and
     representing payments of interest in respect of the Contracts at the
     Weighted Average Pass-Through Rate).

     b.   The purchase by the Servicer of all of the Contracts pursuant to this
Section 8.06 shall be conditioned upon (1) the Pool Scheduled Principal Balance
of all Contracts, at the time of any such purchase, aggregating less than 10% of
the Cut-off Date Pool Principal Balance of all Contracts, (2) such purchase
constituting a plan of complete liquidation in accordance with Section 860F of
the Code, and (3) the Servicer having provided the Trustee and the Depository
(if any) with at least 30 days' written notice.  If such option is exercised,
the Servicer shall provide to the Trustee (at the Servicer's expense) the
certification required by Section 12.04, which certificate shall constitute a
plan of complete liquidation within the meaning of Section 860F of the Code, and
the Trustee shall promptly sign such certification and release to the Servicer
the Contract Files pertaining to the Contracts being purchased.

     SECTION 8.07.  [RESERVED]

     SECTION 8.08.  Excess Proceeds Account.
                    ----------------------- 

     a.   On or before the Closing Date, the Trustee shall establish the Excess
Proceeds Account on behalf of the Trust with an Eligible Institution, and shall
deposit therein an amount equal to the Excess Proceeds Deposit.  The Excess
Proceeds Account shall be entitled "Excess Proceeds Account, First Trust
National Association as Trustee for the benefit of holders of Home Improvement
and Home Equity Loan Certificates, Series 1997-D."  Funds deposited in the
Excess Proceeds Account shall be held in trust by the Trustee for the Holders of
the Certificates and the Class C Certificates for the uses and purposes set
forth herein.

     b.   The Trustee has identified certain Home Improvement Contracts for
which the Company did not deliver to the Trustee the related Contract Files on
the Closing Date. The aggregate Cut-off Date Principal Balance of such Contracts
equals the Excess Proceeds Deposit. The Trustee will withdraw from the Excess
Proceeds Account and pay to the Company an amount equal to the Cut-off Date
Principal Balance, as set forth on the List of Contracts, of all such Contracts
for which the Trustee receives either (1) the related Contract File before the
close of business on September 17, 1997 or (2) an Eligible Substitute Contract,
which satisfies the requirements of Section 3.05(b), before the close of
business on October 10, 1997. The Trustee will promptly review each Contract
File and Eligible Substitute Contract, and remit to the Company any amounts
owing under this Section 8.08(b). On the Payment

                                     8-18
<PAGE>
 
Date occurring in October 1997, the Trustee shall withdraw the balance on
deposit in the Excess Proceeds Account (including any investment earnings
thereon), and shall deposit such funds in the Certificate Account for
distribution on such Payment Date in accordance with Sections 8.04(b)(3) and
8.04(d)(3)(i).  After such date no further amounts shall be deposited in or
withdrawn from the Excess Proceeds Account.  The Trustee will execute such
documents as the Company may reasonably request to release from the Trust Fund
any Home Improvement Contracts for which the Company does not receive payment
under this Section 8.08(b).

     c.   The Excess Proceeds Account shall be part of the Trust but not part of
the Master REMIC or Subsidiary REMIC.  The Trustee on behalf of the Trust shall
be the legal owner of the Excess Proceeds Account.  Green Tree Finance Corp.--
Two shall be the beneficial owner of the Excess Proceeds Account, subject to the
foregoing power of the Trustee to transfer amounts in the Excess Proceeds
Account to the Certificate Account.  Funds in the Excess Proceeds Account shall,
at the direction of the Servicer, be invested in Eligible Investments that
mature no later than the Business Day prior to the Payment Date occurring in
October 1997.  All amounts earned on deposits in the Excess Proceeds Account
shall be taxable to Green Tree Finance Corp.--Two.

     SECTION 8.09.  Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account.
                    ------------------------------- 

     a.   On or before the Closing Date, the Trustee shall establish the Sub-
Pool HE Pre-Funding Account on behalf of the Trust, which must be an Eligible
Account, and shall deposit therein the amounts received from the Company
pursuant to Sections 2.02(m) and (n). The Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account shall
be entitled "Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account, First Trust National Association
as Trustee for the benefit of holders of Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan
Certificates, Series 1997-D". The Trustee shall maintain within the Sub-Pool HE
Pre-Funding Account four subaccounts: the "Pre-Funding ARM Subaccount and the
"Pre-Funding Fixed Rate Subaccount which pertain to the pre-funded Subsequent
Home Equity Contracts; and the Undelivered ARM Contract Subaccount and the
Undelivered Fixed Rate Contract Subaccount which pertain to those Contracts
tranferred to the Trust on the Closing Date that are Undelivered Contracts.
Funds deposited in the Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account shall be held in trust by
the Trustee for the Holders of the Certificates and the Class C Certificates for
the uses and purposes set forth herein.

     b.   On or before the Closing Date the Company shall deposit in the Pre-
Funding ARM Subaccount  and the Pre-Funding Fixed Rate Subaccount, the
respective amounts specified in Section 2.02(m).  Amounts on deposit in such
subaccounts shall be withdrawn by the Trustee as follows:

          (i)  On any Subsequent Transfer Date, the Trustee shall withdraw an
     amount equal to 100% of the Cut-off Date Principal Balance of each
     Subsequent Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contract transferred and assigned to
     the Trustee

                                     8-19
<PAGE>
 
     on such Subsequent Transfer Date and pay such amount to or upon the order
     of the Company upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section
     2.03(b) with respect to such transfer and assignment.

          (ii)  On any Subsequent Transfer Date, the Trustee shall withdraw an
     amount equal to 100% of the Cut-off Date Principal Balance of each
     Subsequent Fixed Rate Home Equity Contract transferred and assigned to the
     Trustee on such Subsequent Transfer Date and pay such amount to or upon the
     order of the Company upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in
     Section 2.03(b) with respect to such transfer and assignment.

          (iii) On the Business Day immediately preceding the Post-Funding
     Payment Date, the Trustee shall deposit into the Certificate Account any
     amounts remaining in the Pre-Funding ARM Subaccount and Pre-Funding Fixed
     Rate Subaccount, net of investment earnings.

     c.   On or before the Closing Date the Company shall deposit in the
Undelivered ARM Contract Subaccount and the Undelivered Fixed Rate Contract
Subaccount the respective amounts specified in Section 2.02(n).  Amounts on
deposit in such subaccounts shall be withdrawn by the Trustee as follows:

          (i)   If the Company delivers the related Contract File for an
     Undelivered Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contract to the Trustee at least
     two Business Days before the last day of the Pre-Funding Period, the
     Trustee shall withdraw an amount equal to 100% of the Cut-off Date
     Principal Balance of such Contract and pay such amount to or upon the order
     of the Company.

          (ii)  If the Company delivers the related Contract File for an
     Undelivered Fixed Rate Home Equity Contract to the Trustee at least two
     Business Days before the last day of the Pre-Funding Period, the Trustee
     shall withdraw an amount equal to 100% of the Cut-off Date Principal
     Balance of such Contract and pay such amount to or upon the order of the
     Company.

          (iii) The Company shall give the Trustee telephonic notice of its
     intended delivery of Contract Files.  The Trustee will use reasonable
     efforts to process Contract Files and remit any amount payable for them to
     the Company in a timely manner.

          (iv)  On the Business Day immediately preceding the Post-Funding
     Payment Date, the Trustee shall deposit into the Certificate Account any
     amounts remaining in the Undelivered ARM Contract and Undelivered Fixed
     Contract Rate Subaccounts, net of investment earnings.

                                     8-20
<PAGE>
 
     e.   The Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account shall be part of the Trust but not
part of the Master REMIC or Subsidiary REMIC.  The Trustee on behalf of the
Trust shall be the legal owner of the Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account.  The
Company shall be the beneficial owner of the Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account,
subject to the foregoing power of the Trustee to transfer amounts in the Sub-
Pool HE Pre-Funding Account to the Certificate Account.  Funds in the Sub-Pool
HE Pre-Funding Account shall, at the direction of the Servicer, be invested in
Eligible Investments of the kind described in clauses (i) and (ii)(A) of the
definition of "Eligible Investment" and that mature no later than the Business
Day prior to the next succeeding Payment Date.  All amounts earned on deposits
in the Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account shall be taxable to the Company.  The
Trustee shall release to the Company all investment earnings in the Sub-Pool HE
Pre-Funding Account on the first Payment Date after the end of the Pre-Funding
Period.

     SECTION 8.10.  Distributions on the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests.
                    ------------------------------------------------------- 

     a.   On each Payment Date the Trustee shall be deemed to distribute to
itself, as the holder of the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests, the Subsidiary
REMIC Regular Interest Distribution Amounts in the following order of priority
to the extent of the Sub-Pool HE Amount Available, Sub-Pool HI Amount Available,
Class HE:B-2 Guaranty Payments, Class HI:B-2 Guaranty Payments, and amounts
described in Sections 8.04(c) and (e):

               (i)  Subsidiary REMIC Accrued Interest on the Subsidiary REMIC
     Regular Interests for such Payment Date, plus any Subsidiary REMIC Accrued
     Interest thereon remaining unpaid from any previous Payment Date; and

               (ii) In accordance with the priority set forth in Section 8.04,
     an amount equal to the sum of the amounts in respect of principal
     distributable on the Certificates under Section 8.04, as allocated thereto
     pursuant to Section 8.04.

     b.   The amounts described in Section 8.10(a) shall be deemed distributed
to the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interests in the following amounts:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                        <C>                            <C> 
                           An amount equal to             And an amount equal to
To the Subsidiary          interest distributed to        principal distributed to
REMIC Regular Interest     the Certificates identified    the Certificates identified
identified below:          below:                         below:
- ----------------------     ---------------------------    ---------------------------
HE: A-1 ARM                Class HE: A-1 ARM              Class HE: A-1 ARM

HE: A-1                    Class HE: A-1                  Class HE: A-1
</TABLE> 

                                     8-21
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>                        <C>                           <C> 
HE: A-2                    Class HE: A-2                 Class HE: A-2

HE: A-3                    Class HE: A-3                 Class HE: A-3

HE: A-4                    Class HE: A-4                 Class HE: A-4

HE: A-5                    Class HE: A-5                 Class HE: A-5

HE: A-6                    Class HE: A-6                 Class HE: A-6

HE: A-7                    Class HE: A-7 and             Class HE: A-7
                           Class HE:A-8 IO

HE: M-1                    Class HE: M-1                 Class HE: M-1

HE: M-2                    Class HE: M-2                 Class HE: M-2

HE: B-1                    Class HE: B-1                 Class HE: B-1

HE: B-2                    Class HE: B-2                 Class HE: B-2

HI: A-1                    Class HI: A-1                 Class HI: A-1

HI: A-2                    Class HI: A-2                 Class HI: A-2

HI: A-3                    Class HI: A-3                 Class HI: A-3

HI: M-1                    Class HI: M-1                 Class HI: M-1

HI: M-2                    Class HI: M-2                 Class HI: M-2

HI: B-1                    Class HI: B-1                 Class HI: B-1

HI: B-2                    Class HI: B-2                 Class HI: B-2
</TABLE>

     d.   On each Payment Date the Trustee shall be deemed to distribute from
the Master REMIC, to the holders of the Certificates in the priority set forth
in Section 8.04, the Subsidiary REMIC Regular Interest Distribution Amounts
deemed to have been received by the Master REMIC from the Subsidiary REMIC under
this Section 8.10.

     e.   Notwithstanding the deemed distributions on the Subsidiary REMIC
Regular Interests described in this Section 8.10, distributions of funds from
the Certificate Account shall be made only in accordance with Section 8.04.

                                     8-22
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE IX

                 THE CERTIFICATES AND THE CLASS C CERTIFICATES
                 ---------------------------------------------

     SECTION 9.01.  The Certificates and Class C Certificates.
                    ----------------------------------------- 

     The Class HI: A, the Class HI: M-1, the Class HI: M-2, the Class HI: B-1,
the Class HI: B-2, the Class HE: A, the Class HE: M-1, the Class HE: M-2, the
Class HE: B-1, the Class HE: B-2 and the Class C Certificates shall be
substantially in the forms set forth in Exhibits A, B, C, D-1, D-2, D-3, E, F
and L, as applicable, and shall, on original issue, be executed by the Trustee
on behalf of the Trust to or upon the order of the Company.  The Certificates
shall be evidenced by (i) one or more Class HI: A-1 Certificates representing
$49,500,000 in Original Class HI: A-1 Principal Balance, (ii) one or more Class
HI: A-2 Certificates representing $33,000,000 in Original Class HI: A-2
Principal Balance, (iii) one or more Class HI: A-3 Certificates representing
$37,500,000 in Original Class HI: A-3 Principal Balance, (iv) one or more Class
HI: M-1 Certificates representing $12,000,000 in Original Class HI: M-1
Principal Balance, (v) one or more Class HI: M-2 Certificates representing
$7,500,000 in Original Class HI: M-2 Principal Balance, (vi) one or more Class
HI: B-1 Certificates representing $7,125,000 in Original Class HI: B-1 Principal
Balance, (vii) one or more Class HI: B-2 Certificates representing $3,375,000 in
Original Class HI: B-2 Principal Balance, (viii) one or more Class HE: A-1 ARM
Certificates representing $60,000,000 in Original Class HE: A-1 ARM Principal
Balance, (ix) one or more Class HE: A-1 Certificates representing $70,000,000 in
Original Class HE: A-1 Principal Balance, (x) one or more Class HE: A-2
Certificates representing $42,000,000 in Original Class HE: A-2 Principal
Balance, (xi) one or more Class HE: A-3 Certificates representing $162,000,000
in Original Class HE: A-3 Principal Balance, (xii) one or more Class HE: A-4
Certificates representing $41,000,000 in Original Class HE: A-4 Principal
Balance, (xiii) one or more Class HE: A-5 Certificates representing $69,000,000
in Original Class HE: A-5 Principal Balance; (xiv) one or more Class HE: A-6
Certificates representing $41,000,000 in Original Class HE: A-6 Principal
Balance; (xv) one or more Class HE: A-7 Certificates representing $29,500,000 in
Original Class HE: A-7 Principal Balance; (xvi) one or more Class HE: A-8 IO
Certificates representing $29,500,000 in Original Class HE: A-8 IO Notional
Amount; (xvii) one or more Class HE: M-1 Certificates representing $34,500,000
in Original Class HE: M-1 Principal Balance, (xviii) one or more Class HE: M-2
Certificates representing $24,000,000 in Original Class HE: M-2 Principal
Balance, (xix) one or more Class HE: B-1 Certificates representing $18,900,000
in Original Class HE: B-1 Principal Balance, and (xx) one or more Class HE: B-2
Certificates representing $8,100,000 in Original Class HE: B-2 Principal
Balance, beneficial ownership of such Classes of Certificates to be held through
Book-Entry Certificates in minimum dollar denominations of $1,000.  The Class C
Subsidiary Certificate shall be evidenced by a single Class C Certificate

                                      9-1
<PAGE>
 
issued on the Closing Date to the Company and shall represent 100% of the
Percentage Interest of the Class C Subsidiary Certificates.  The Class C Master
Certificate shall be evidenced by a single Class C Certificate issued on the
Closing Date to the Company and shall represent 100% of the Percentage Interest
of the Class C Master Certificates.

     The Certificates and the Class C Certificates shall be executed by manual
signature on behalf of the Trustee by a duly authorized Responsible Officer or
authorized signatory.  Certificates or the Class C Certificates bearing the
signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the
Trustee shall bind the Trustee, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of
them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the execution and delivery of
such Certificate or Class C Certificates, or did not hold such offices at the
date of such Certificates or Class C Certificates.  No Certificate or Class C
Certificate shall be entitled to any benefit under this Agreement, or be valid
for any purpose, unless such Certificate or Class C Certificate has been
executed by manual signature in accordance with this Section, and such signature
upon any Certificate or Class C Certificate shall be conclusive evidence, and
the only evidence, that such Certificate or Class C Certificate has been duly
executed and delivered hereunder.  All Certificates and the Class C Certificates
shall be dated the date of their execution, except for those Certificates and
the Class C Certificates executed on the Closing Date, which shall be dated the
Closing Date.

     SECTION 9.02.  Registration of Transfer and Exchange of Certificates and
                    ---------------------------------------------------------
the Class C Certificates.
- ------------------------ 

     a.   The Trustee shall keep at the office or agency to be maintained in
accordance with Section 12.02 a "Certificate Register" in which the Trustee
                                 --------------------                      
shall provide for the registration of Certificates and the Class C Certificates
and of transfers and exchanges of Certificates and the Class C Certificates as
herein provided.  The Trustee initially appoints itself to be the "Certificate
                                                                   -----------
Registrar" and transfer agent for the purpose of registering Certificates and
- ---------                                                                    
the Class C Certificates and transfers and exchanges of Certificates and the
Class C Certificates as provided herein.  The Trustee will give prompt written
notice to Certificateholders, the Class C Certificateholder and the Servicer of
any change in the Certificate Registrar.

     b.   (1)  Subject to clauses (2) and (3) below, no transfer of a Class C
Certificate shall be made by the Company or any other Person unless such
transfer is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of
1933 (the "Act"), as amended, and any applicable state securities laws or is
           ---                                                              
made in accordance with the Act and laws.  In the event that any such transfer
is to be made, (A) the Company may require a written Opinion of Counsel
acceptable to and in form and substance satisfactory to the Company that such
transfer may be made pursuant to an exemption, describing the applicable
exemption and the basis therefor, from the Act and laws or is

                                      9-2
<PAGE>
 
being made pursuant to the Act and laws, which Opinion of Counsel shall not be
an expense of the Trustee or the Company, and (B) the Trustee shall require the
transferee to execute an investment letter substantially in the form of Exhibit
N attached hereto, which investment letter shall not be an expense of the
Trustee or the Company.  The Class C Certificateholder desiring to effect such
transfer shall, and does hereby agree to, indemnify the Trustee, the Company and
the Certificate Registrar against any liability that may result if the transfer
is not so exempt or is not made in accordance with such federal and state laws.

          (2)  No transfer of a Class HI: M-1, Class HI: M-2, Class HI: B-1,
Class HI: B-2 Certificate, Class HE: M-1, Class HE: M-2, Class HE: B-1 or Class
HE: B-2 Certificate or Class C Certificate or any interest therein shall be made
to any employee benefit plan, trust or account that is subject to ERISA, or that
is described in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code (each, a "Plan"), unless the
                                                         ----              
prospective transferee of a Certificate delivers to the Company and the Trustee,
at its own expense, an opinion of counsel in form satisfactory to the Company
and the Trustee that the purchase and holding of the Certificate by such Plan is
permissible under applicable law and will not result in the assets of the Trust
being deemed to be "plan assets" and subject to the prohibited transaction
provisions of ERISA and the Code and will not subject the Trustee, the Trust,
the Company or the Servicer to any obligation or liability in addition to those
undertaken in this Agreement. Unless such opinion is delivered, each person
acquiring such a Certificate will be deemed to represent to the Trustee, the
Company and the Servicer that such person is neither a Plan, nor acting on
behalf of a Plan, nor purchasing with plan assets of any Plan.

          (3)  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (A) no
Class C Certificate, nor any interest therein, shall be transferred, sold or
otherwise disposed of to a "disqualified organization," within the meaning of
Section 860E(e)(5) of the Code (a "Disqualified Organization"), including, but
not limited to, (i) the United States, a state or political subdivision thereof,
a foreign government, an international organization or an agency or
instrumentality of any of the foregoing, (ii) an organization (other than a
cooperative described in Section 521 of the Code) which is exempt from the taxes
imposed by Chapter 1 of the Code and not subject to the tax imposed on unrelated
business income by Section 511 of the Code, or (iii) a cooperative described in
Section 1381(a)(2)(C) of the Code, and (B) prior to any registration of any
transfer, sale or other disposition of a Class C Certificate, the proposed
transferee shall deliver to the Trustee, under penalties of perjury, an
affidavit that such transferee is not a Disqualified Organization, with respect
to which the Trustee shall have no actual knowledge that such affidavit is
false, and the transferor and the proposed transferee shall each deliver for the
Trustee an affidavit with respect to any other information reasonably required
by the Trustee pursuant to the REMIC Provisions, including, without limitation,
information regarding the transfer of noneconomic residual interests and
transfers of any residual

                                      9-3
<PAGE>
 
interest to or by a foreign person; provided, however, that, upon the delivery
                                    --------  -------                         
to the Trustee of an Opinion of Counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to
the Trustee and rendered by Independent counsel, to the effect that the
beneficial ownership of a Class C Certificate by any Disqualified Organization
will not result in the imposition of federal income tax upon the Trust or any
Certificateholder or Class C Certificateholder or any other person or otherwise
adversely affect the status of the Trust as a REMIC, the foregoing prohibition
on transfers, sales and other dispositions, as well as the foregoing requirement
to deliver a certificate prior to any registration thereof, shall, with respect
to such Disqualified Organization, terminate.  Notwithstanding any transfer,
sale or other disposition of a Class C Certificate, or any interest therein, to
a Disqualified Organization or the registration thereof in the Certificate
Register, such transfer, sale or other disposition and any registration thereof,
unless accompanied by the Opinion of Counsel described in the preceding
sentence, shall be deemed to be void and of no legal force or effect whatsoever
and such Disqualified Organization shall be deemed to not be a Class C
Certificateholder for any purpose hereunder, including, but not limited to, the
receipt of distributions on a Class C Certificate, and shall be deemed to have
no interest whatsoever in a Class C Certificate.  Each Class C
Certificateholder, by his acceptance thereof, shall be deemed for all purposes
to have consented to the provisions of this Section 9.02(b)(3).

          (4)  Any transfer, sale or other disposition not in compliance with
the provisions of this Section 9.02(b) shall be deemed to be void and of no
legal force or effect whatsoever and such transferee shall be deemed to not be
the Certificateholder or Class C Certificateholder, as applicable, for any
purpose hereunder, including, but not limited to, the receipt of distributions
on the Certificate or Class C Certificate, and shall be deemed to have no
interest whatsoever in the Certificate or Class C Certificate.

          (5)  The Trustee shall give notice to S&P and Fitch promptly following
any transfer, sale or other disposition of a Class C Certificate.

     c.   At the option of a Certificateholder or a Class C Certificateholder,
Certificates and the Class C Certificates may be exchanged for other
Certificates or Class C Certificates of authorized denominations of a like
aggregate original denomination, upon surrender of such Certificates or the
Class C Certificates to be exchanged at such office.  Whenever any Certificates
or Class C Certificate are so surrendered for exchange, the Trustee shall
execute and deliver the Certificates or Class C Certificates which the
Certificateholder or Class C Certificateholders making the exchange is entitled
to receive.  Every Certificate or Class C Certificate presented or surrendered
for transfer or exchange shall be duly endorsed by, or shall be accompanied by a
written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Trustee and the
Certificate Registrar duly executed by the holder thereof or his or her attorney
duly authorized in writing.

                                      9-4
<PAGE>
 
     d.   Except as provided in paragraph (e) below, the Book-Entry Certificates
shall at all times remain registered in the name of the Depository or its
nominee and at all times:  (i) registration of the Certificates may not be
transferred by the Trustee except to another Depository; (ii) the Depository
shall maintain book-entry records with respect to the Certificate Owners and
with respect to ownership and transfers of such Certificates; (iii) ownership
and transfers of registration of the Certificates on the books of the Depository
shall be governed by applicable rules established by the Depository; (iv) the
Depository may collect its usual and customary fees, charges and expenses from
its Depository Participants; (v) the Trustee shall deal with the Depository,
Depository Participants and indirect participating firms as representatives of
the Certificate Owners of the Certificates for purposes of exercising the rights
of Holders under this Agreement, and requests and directions for and votes of
such representatives shall not be deemed to be inconsistent if they are made
with respect to different Certificate Owners; and (vi) the Trustee may rely and
shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by the Depository
with respect to its Depository Participants and furnished by the Depository
Participants with respect to indirect participating firms and persons shown on
the books of such indirect participating firms as direct or indirect Certificate
Owners.

     All transfers by Certificate Owners of Book-Entry Certificates shall be
made in accordance with the procedures established by the Depository Participant
or brokerage firm representing such Certificate Owner.  Each Depository
Participant shall only transfer Book-Entry Certificates of Certificate Owners it
represents or of brokerage firms for which it acts as agent in accordance with
the Depository's normal procedures.

     e.   If (x)(i) the Company or the Depository advises the Trustee in writing
that the Depository is no longer willing or able properly to discharge its
responsibilities as Depository and (ii) the Trustee or the Company is unable to
locate a qualified successor or (y) the Company at its sole option advises the
Trustee in writing that it elects to terminate the book-entry system through the
Depository, the Trustee shall notify all Certificate Owners, through the
Depository, of the occurrence of any such event and of the availability of
definitive, fully registered Certificates (the "Definitive Certificates") to
Certificate Owners requesting the same.  Upon surrender to the Trustee of the
Certificates by the Depository, accompanied by registration instructions from
the Depository for registration, the Trustee shall issue the Definitive
Certificates.  Neither the Company nor the Trustee shall be liable for any delay
in delivery of such instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be
protected in relying on, such instructions.  Upon the issuance of Definitive
Certificates all references herein to obligations imposed upon or to be
performed by the Depository shall be deemed to be imposed upon and performed by
the Trustee, to the extent applicable with respect to such Definitive
Certificates and the Trustee shall recognize the Holders of the Definitive
Certificates as Certificateholders hereunder.

                                      9-5
<PAGE>
 
     f.   On or prior to the Closing Date, there shall be delivered to the
Depository one Class HI: A-1 Certificate, one Class HI: A-2 Certificate, one
Class HI: A-3 Certificate, one Class HI: M-1 Certificate, one Class HI: M-2
Certificate, one Class HI: B-1 Certificate, one Class HI: B-2 Certificate, one
Class HE: A-1 ARM Certificate, one Class HE: A-1 Certificate, one Class HE: A-2
Certificate, one Class HE: A-3 Certificate, one Class HE: A-4 Certificate, one
Class HE: A-5 Certificate, one Class HE: A-6 Certificate, one Class HE: A-7
Certificate, one Class HE: A-8 IO Certificate, one Class HE: M-1 Certificate,
one Class HE: M-2 Certificate, one Class HE: B-1 Certificate and one Class HE:
B-2 Certificate each in registered form registered in the name of the
Depository's nominee, Cede & Co., the total face amount of which represents 100%
of the Original Class Principal Balance of each Class, respectively.  Each such
Certificate registered in the name of the Depositary's nominee shall bear the
following legend:

     "Unless this Certificate is presented by an authorized representative of
The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation ("DTC") to the Trustee or
its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any certificate
issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or in such other name as
requested by an authorized representative of DTC (and any payment is made to
Cede & Co. or to such other entity as is requested by an authorized
representative of DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL inasmuch as the registered owner
hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein."

     SECTION 9.03.  No Charge; Disposition of Void Certificates or Class C
                    ------------------------------------------------------
Certificates.
- ------------ 

     No service charge shall be made to a Certificateholder or Class C
Certificateholder for any transfer or exchange of Certificates or a Class C
Certificate, but the Certificate Registrar may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in
connection with any transfer or exchange of Certificates or a Class C
Certificate.  All Certificates and Class C Certificates surrendered for transfer
and exchange shall be disposed of in a manner approved by the Trustee.

     SECTION 9.04.  Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates or Class C
                    ------------------------------------------------------------
Certificates.
- ------------ 

     If (a) any mutilated Certificate or Class C Certificate is surrendered to
the Certificate Registrar, or the Certificate Registrar receives evidence to its
satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Certificate or Class C
Certificate, and (b) there is delivered to the Certificate Registrar and the
Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by each to save it
harmless, then in the absence of notice to the Certificate

                                      9-6
<PAGE>
 
Registrar or the Trustee that such Certificate or Class C Certificate has been
acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Trustee shall execute and deliver, in
exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
Certificate or Class C Certificate, a new Certificate or Class C Certificate of
like tenor and original denomination.  Upon the issuance of any new Certificate
or Class C Certificate under this Section 9.04, the Trustee may require the
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that
may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses connected therewith.
Any duplicate Certificate or Class C Certificate issued pursuant to this Section
9.04 shall constitute complete and indefeasible evidence of ownership of the
Percentage Interest, as if originally issued, whether or not the mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Certificate or Class C Certificate shall be found at
any time.

     SECTION 9.05.  Persons Deemed Owners.
                    --------------------- 

     Prior to due presentation of a Certificate or Class C Certificate for
registration of transfer, the Servicer, the Company, the Trustee, the Paying
Agent and the Certificate Registrar may treat the person in whose name any
Certificate or Class C Certificate is registered as the owner of such
Certificate or Class C Certificate for the purpose of receiving remittances
pursuant to Section 8.01 and for all other purposes whatsoever, and none of the
Servicer, the Company, the Trustee, the Certificate Registrar, the Paying Agent
or any agent of the Servicer, the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the
Certificate Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

     SECTION 9.06.  Access to List of Certificateholders' and Class C
                    -------------------------------------------------
Certificateholders' Names and Addresses.
- --------------------------------------- 

     The Certificate Registrar will furnish to the Trustee and the Servicer,
within five days after receipt by the Certificate Registrar of a request
therefor from the Trustee in writing, a list, in such form as the Trustee may
reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Certificateholders and the
Class C Certificateholders as of the most recent Record Date.  If Holders of
Certificates representing, in the aggregate, 25% or more of the Aggregate
Certificate Principal Balance apply in writing to the Trustee (hereinafter
referred to as "Applicants"), and such application states that the Applicants
                ----------                                                   
desire to communicate with other Certificateholders or the Class C
Certificateholders with respect to their rights under this Agreement or under
the Certificates or the Class C Certificates and is accompanied by a copy of the
communication which such Applicants propose to transmit, then the Trustee shall,
within five Business Days after the receipt of such application, afford such
Applicants access during normal business hours to the most recent list of
Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholders held by the Trustee.  If
such list is as of a date more than 90 days prior to the date of receipt of such
Applicants' request, the Trustee shall promptly request from the Certificate
Registrar a current list as provided above, and shall afford such Applicants
access to such list

                                      9-7
<PAGE>
 
promptly upon receipt.  Every Certificateholder and the Class C
Certificateholders, by receiving and holding a Certificate or Class C
Certificate, agrees with the Certificate Registrar and the Trustee that none of
the Company, the Certificate Registrar or the Trustee shall be held accountable
by reason of the disclosure of any such information as to the names and
addresses of the Certificateholders or the Class C Certificateholders hereunder,
regardless of the source from which such information was derived.

     SECTION 9.07.  Authenticating Agents.
                    --------------------- 

     The Trustee may appoint one or more Authenticating Agents with power to act
on its behalf and subject to its direction in the execution and delivery of the
Certificates or the Class C Certificates.  For all purposes of this Agreement,
the execution and delivery of Certificates or the Class C Certificates by the
Authenticating Agent pursuant to this Section shall be deemed to be the
execution and delivery of Certificates or the Class C Certificates "by the
Trustee."

                                      9-8
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE X

                                  INDEMNITIES
                                  -----------

     SECTION 10.01.  Real Estate.
                     ----------- 

     The Company will defend and indemnify the Trust, the Trustee (including the
Custodian and any other agents of the Trustee) and the Certificateholders and
the Class C Certificateholders against any and all costs, expenses, losses,
damages, claims and liabilities, including reasonable fees and expenses of
counsel and expenses of litigation arising out of or resulting from the use or
ownership of any real estate related to a Contract by the Company or the
Servicer or any Affiliate of either.  Notwithstanding any other provision of
this Agreement, the obligation of the Company under this Section shall not
terminate upon a Service Transfer pursuant to Article VII, except that the
obligation of the Company under this Section shall not relate to the actions of
any subsequent Servicer after a Service Transfer.

     SECTION 10.02.  Liabilities to Obligors.
                     ----------------------- 

     No obligation or liability to any Obligor under any of the Contracts is
intended to be assumed by the Trust, the Certificateholders or the Class C
Certificateholders under or as a result of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby and, to the maximum extent permitted and valid under
mandatory provisions of law, the Trust, the Certificateholders and the Class C
Certificateholders expressly disclaim such assumption.

     SECTION 10.03.  Tax Indemnification.
                     ------------------- 

     The Company agrees to pay, and to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the
Trust, the Trustee (including the Custodian and any other agents of the
Trustee), the Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholders from, any
taxes which may at any time be asserted with respect to, and as of the date of,
the transfer of the Contracts to the Trust, including, without limitation, any
sales, gross receipts, general corporation, personal property, privilege or
license taxes (but not including any federal, state or other taxes arising out
of the creation of the Trust and the issuance of the Certificates and the Class
C Certificates) and costs, expenses and reasonable counsel fees in defending
against the same, whether arising by reason of the acts to be performed by the
Company, the Servicer or the Trustee under this Agreement or imposed against the
Trust, a Certificateholder, the Class C Certificateholders or otherwise.

                                     10-1
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 10.04.  Servicer's Indemnities.
                     ---------------------- 

     The Servicer shall defend and indemnify the Trust, the Trustee (including
the Custodian and any other agents of the Trustee), the Certificateholders and
the Class C Certificateholders against any and all costs, expenses, losses,
damages, claims and liabilities, including any failure to comply with FHA
Regulations in enforcing an FHA-Insured Contract, including reasonable fees and
expenses of counsel and expenses of litigation, in respect of any action taken
or omitted to be taken by the Servicer with respect to any Contract.  This
indemnity shall survive any Service Transfer (but the original Servicer's
obligations under this Section 10.04 shall not relate to any actions of any
subsequent Servicer after a Service Transfer) and any payment of the amount
owing under, or any repurchase by the Company of, any such Contract.

     SECTION 10.05.  Operation of Indemnities.
                     ------------------------ 

     Indemnification under this Article shall include, without limitation,
reasonable fees and expenses of counsel and expenses of litigation.  If the
Company or the Servicer has made any indemnity payments to the Trustee pursuant
to this Article and the Trustee thereafter collects any of such amounts from
others, the Trust will repay such amounts collected to the Company or the
Servicer, as the case may be, without interest.

     SECTION 10.06.  REMIC Tax Matters.
                     ----------------- 
 
     If a Class C Certificateholder, pursuant to Section 6.06, pays any taxes or
charges imposed upon the Trust, the Master REMIC or the Subsidiary REMIC as a
REMIC or otherwise, such taxes or charges, except to the extent set forth in the
following proviso, shall be expenses and costs of the Trust and the Class C
Certificateholders shall be entitled to be reimbursed therefor out of the
Certificate Account as provided in Section 8.04; provided, however, that any
                                                 -----------------          
such taxes or charges shall not be expenses or costs of the Trust, nor will the
Class C Certificateholders be entitled to reimbursement therefor out of the
Certificate Account, if and to the extent that such taxes or charges resulted
from a failure (i) by the Company, the Trustee or any Servicer to comply with
the provisions of Section 2.05, (ii) by any Servicer to comply with the
provisions of Section 6.06, or (iii) by the Trustee to execute any tax returns
pursuant to Section 11.11.

                                     10-2
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE XI

                                  THE TRUSTEE
                                  -----------

     SECTION 11.01.  Duties of Trustee.
                     ----------------- 

     The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Termination and after
the curing of all Events of Termination which may have occurred, undertakes to
perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this
Agreement.  If an Event of Termination has occurred (which has not been cured),
the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this
Agreement, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a
prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his
own affairs.

     The Trustee, upon receipt of all resolutions, certificates, statements,
opinions, reports, documents, orders or other instruments furnished to the
Trustee which are specifically required to be furnished pursuant to any
provision of this Agreement, shall examine them to determine whether they
conform as to form to the requirements of this Agreement.

     Subject to Section 11.03, no provision of this Agreement shall be construed
to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own
negligent failure to act or its own misconduct; provided, however, that:
                                                --------  -------       

          a.   Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Termination, and after the
     curing of all such Events of Termination which may have occurred, the
     duties and obligations of the Trustee shall be determined solely by the
     express provisions of this Agreement, the Trustee shall not be liable
     except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are
     specifically set forth in this Agreement, no implied covenants or
     obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Trustee and, in
     the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the Trustee may
     conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of
     the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished
     to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Agreement;

          b.   The Trustee shall not be liable for an error of judgment made in
     good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, unless it shall be
     proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;

          c.   The Trustee shall not be personally liable with respect to any
     action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in
     accordance with the direction of the Certificateholders representing, in
     the aggregate, 25% or more of

                                     11-1
<PAGE>
 
     the Aggregate Certificate Principal Balance relating to the time, method
     and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
     Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under
     this Agreement;

          d.   The Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any event
     referred to in Section 7.01 unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee at
     the Corporate Trust Office obtains actual knowledge of such event or the
     Trustee receives written notice of such event from the Servicer or the
     Certificateholders representing, in the aggregate, 25% or more of the
     Aggregate Certificate Principal Balance; and

          e.   The Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or
     refraining from taking any action in reliance on the advice of the Servicer
     in all matters with respect to FHA Insurance.  The Trustee shall not be
     liable for any actions taken by the Servicer with respect to FHA Insurance,
     including but not limited to the maintenance of such insurance and the
     submission of claims to FHA.

     None of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall in any event
require the Trustee to perform, or be responsible for the manner of performance
of, any of the obligations of the Company or the Servicer under this Agreement,
except during such time, if any, as the Trustee shall be the successor to, and
be vested with the rights, duties, powers and privileges of, the Servicer in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  The Trustee shall not be required
to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the
performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its
rights or powers, if there is reasonable ground for believing that the repayment
of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not
reasonably assured to it.

     SECTION 11.02.  Certain Matters Affecting the Trustee.
                     ------------------------------------- 

     Except as otherwise provided in Section 11.01:

          a.   The Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or
     refraining from acting upon any resolution, Officer's Certificate,
     certificate of a Servicing Officer, certificate of auditors or any other
     certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
     consent, order, appraisal, bond or other paper or document believed by it
     to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or
     parties;

          b.   The Trustee may consult with counsel and any opinion of any
     counsel for the Company or the Servicer shall be full and complete
     authorization

                                     11-2
<PAGE>
 
     and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted by the
     Trustee hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such Opinion of
     Counsel;

          c.   The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the
     rights or powers vested in it by this Agreement, or to institute, conduct
     or defend any litigation hereunder or in relation hereto, at the request,
     order or direction of any of the Certificateholders, pursuant to the
     provisions of this Agreement, unless such Certificateholders shall have
     offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs,
     expenses and liabilities which may be incurred therein or thereby;
     provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall relieve the Trustee
     --------  -------                                                         
     of the obligations, upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination (which
     has not been cured), to exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it
     by this Agreement, and to use the same degree of care and skill in their
     exercise as a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in
     the conduct of his own affairs;

          d.   Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Termination and after the
     curing of all Events of Termination which may have occurred, the Trustee
     shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters
     stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion,
     report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond or other paper or
     document, unless requested in writing so to do by Certificateholders
     representing, in the aggregate, 25% or more of the Aggregate Certificate
     Principal Balance; provided, however, that if the payment within a
                        --------  -------                              
     reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely
     to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the opinion
     of the Trustee, not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security
     afforded to it by the terms of this Agreement, the Trustee may require
     reasonable indemnity against such cost, expense or liability as a condition
     to so proceeding.  The reasonable expense of every such examination shall
     be paid by the Servicer or, if paid by the Trustee, shall be reimbursed by
     the Servicer upon demand; and

          e.   The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or
     perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or
     attorneys or a custodian and shall not be liable for any acts or omissions
     of such agents, attorneys or custodians if appointed by it with due care
     hereunder.

     SECTION 11.03.  Trustee Not Liable for Certificates, Class C Certificates
                     ---------------------------------------------------------
or Contracts.
- ------------ 

     The Trustee assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the recitals
contained herein, in the Certificates or in the Class C Certificates (other than
the Trustee's execution thereof).  The Trustee makes no representations as to
the validity or

                                     11-3
<PAGE>
 
sufficiency of this Agreement, of the Certificates or of the Class C
Certificates (other than its execution thereof) or of any Contract, Contract
File or related document.  The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or
application by the Servicer or the Company of funds paid to the Company in
consideration of conveyance of the Contracts to the Trust by the Company or
deposited in or withdrawn from the Certificate Account by the Servicer.

     SECTION 11.04.  Trustee May Own Certificates.
                     ---------------------------- 

     The Trustee in its individual or other capacity may become the owner or
pledgee of Certificates representing less than all the beneficial interest in
the Trust with the same rights as it would have if it were not Trustee.

     SECTION 11.05.  Rights of Certificateholders to Direct Trustee and to Waive
                     -----------------------------------------------------------
Events of Termination.
- --------------------- 

     Holders of Certificates representing, in the aggregate, 25% or more of the
Aggregate Certificate Principal Balance 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; provided,
                                                                    -------- 
however, that, subject to Section 11.01, the Trustee shall have the right to
- -------                                                                     
decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee being advised by counsel
determines that the action so directed may not lawfully be taken, or if the
Trustee in good faith shall, by a Responsible Officer or Officers of the
Trustee, determine that the proceedings so directed would be illegal or involve
it in personal liability or be unduly prejudicial to the rights of
Certificateholders not parties to such direction; and provided further that
                                                      -------- -------     
nothing in this Agreement shall impair the right of the Trustee to take any
action deemed proper by the Trustee and which is not inconsistent with such
direction by the Certificateholders.  Holders of the Certificates representing,
in the aggregate, 51% or more of the Aggregate Certificate Principal Balance may
on behalf of Certificateholders waive any past Event of Termination hereunder
and its consequences, except a default in respect of a covenant or provision
                      ------                                                
hereof which under Section 12.08 cannot be modified or amended without the
consent of all Certificateholders, and upon any such waiver, such Event of
Termination shall cease to exist and shall be deemed to have been cured for
every purpose of this Agreement; but no such waiver shall extend to any
subsequent or other Event of Termination or impair any right consequent thereon.

     SECTION 11.06.  The Servicer to Pay Trustee's Fees and Expenses.
                     ----------------------------------------------- 

     The Servicer agrees:

                                     11-4
<PAGE>
 
          a.   to pay to the Trustee reasonable compensation for all services
     rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any
     provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express
     trust);

          b.   except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the
     Trustee, to the extent requested by the Trustee, for all reasonable
     expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in
     accordance with any provision of this Agreement (including the reasonable
     compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel),
     except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to
     its negligence or bad faith; and

          c.   to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against,
     any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on
     its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or
     administration of this trust and its duties hereunder, including the costs
     and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in
     connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties
     hereunder.

     The covenants in this Section 11.06 shall be for the benefit of the Trustee
in its capacities as Trustee, Paying Agent and Certificate Registrar hereunder,
and shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

     SECTION 11.07.  Eligibility Requirements for Trustee.
                     ------------------------------------ 

     The Trustee hereunder shall at all times be a financial institution
organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or
any State, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers and a
Title I approved lender pursuant to FHA Regulations, and shall have a combined
capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 or shall be a member of a bank
holding system the aggregate combined capital and surplus of which is
$50,000,000, provided that the Trustee's separate capital and surplus shall at
             --------                                                         
all times be at least the amount required by Section 310(a)(2) of the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.  If such Person publishes reports of
condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of a
supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section 11.07,
the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its
combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition
so published.  In addition, the Trustee (or, if the Trustee is First Trust
National Association, the parent company of First Trust National Association)
shall at all times have a long-term deposit rating from S&P of at least BBB or
as shall be otherwise acceptable to S&P and have a long-term deposit rating from
Fitch of at least BBB or as shall be otherwise acceptable to Fitch.  In case at
any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of this Section

                                     11-5
<PAGE>
 
11.06, the Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect
specified in Section 11.08.

     SECTION 11.08.  Resignation or Removal of Trustee.
                     --------------------------------- 

     The Trustee may at any time resign and be discharged from the trusts hereby
created by giving written notice thereof to the Servicer and the Company.  Upon
receiving such notice of resignation, the Company shall promptly appoint a
successor Trustee by written instrument, in duplicate, one copy of which
instrument shall be delivered to each of the Servicer and the Company and one
copy to the successor Trustee.  If no successor Trustee shall have been so
appointed and shall have accepted appointment within 30 days after the giving of
such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of
competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

     If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with
the provisions of Section 11.07 and shall fail to resign after written request
therefor by the Company, or if at any time the Trustee shall be legally unable
to act, or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a receiver of the
Trustee or of its property shall be appointed, or any public officer shall take
charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose
of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, then the Company may remove the
Trustee.  If the Company shall have removed the Trustee under the authority of
the immediately preceding sentence, the Company shall promptly appoint a
successor Trustee by written instrument, in duplicate, one copy of which
instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee so removed and one copy to the
successor trustee.

     Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor
Trustee pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section 11.08 shall not become
effective until acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee as provided
in Section 11.09.

     SECTION 11.09.  Successor Trustee.
                     ----------------- 

     Any successor Trustee appointed as provided in Section 11.08 shall execute,
acknowledge and deliver to the Servicer, the Company and to its predecessor
Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment hereunder, and thereupon the
resignation or removal of the predecessor Trustee shall become effective and
such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall
become fully vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its
predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as Trustee.  The
predecessor Trustee shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the successor
Trustee the Contracts and the Contract Files and any related documents and
statements held by it hereunder; and, if the Contracts are then held by a

                                     11-6
<PAGE>
 
Custodian pursuant to a custodial agreement, the predecessor Trustee and the
Custodian shall amend such custodial agreement to make the successor Trustee the
successor to the predecessor Trustee thereunder; and the Servicer, the Company
and the predecessor Trustee shall execute and deliver such instruments and do
such other things as may reasonably be required for fully and certainly vesting
and confirming in the successor Trustee all such rights, powers, duties and
obligations.  If the predecessor Trustee is then the lender of record for
purposes of FHA Insurance (due to an Event of Termination), the predecessor
Trustee shall submit a report to FHA describing the transfer of the FHA-Insured
Contracts without recourse, in such form as is then required under FHA
Regulations to cause HUD to transfer to the successor Trustee the FHA insurance
reserves applicable to the FHA-Insured Contracts.

     No successor Trustee shall accept appointment as provided in this Section
11.09 unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be
eligible under the provisions of Section 11.07.

     Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor Trustee as provided in this
Section 11.09, the Servicer shall cause notice of the succession of such Trustee
hereunder to be mailed to S&P, to Fitch and to each Certificateholder and the
Class C Certificateholder at their addresses as shown in the Certificate
Register.  If the Servicer fails to mail such notice within ten days after
acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee, the successor Trustee shall
cause such notice to be mailed at the expense of the Servicer.

     SECTION 11.10.  Merger or Consolidation of Trustee.
                     ---------------------------------- 
 
     Any Person into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which
it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or
consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to
the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the
Trustee hereunder, provided such Person shall be eligible under the provisions
                   --------                                                   
of Section 11.07, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further
act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary
notwithstanding.  The Trustee shall promptly notify S&P and Fitch in the event
it is a party to any merger, conversion or consolidation.

     SECTION 11.11.  Tax Returns.
                     ----------- 

     Upon the Servicer's request, the Trustee will furnish the Servicer with all
such information as the Servicer may reasonably require in connection with
preparing all tax returns of the Trust and the Trustee shall execute such
returns.

                                     11-7
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 11.12.  Obligor Claims.
                     -------------- 

     In connection with any offset defenses, or affirmative claims for recovery,
asserted in legal actions brought by Obligors under one or more Contracts based
upon provisions therein complying with, or upon other rights or remedies arising
from, any legal requirements applicable to the Contracts, including, without
limitation, the Federal Trade Commission's Trade Regulation Rule Concerning
Preservation of Consumers' Claims and Defenses (16 C.F.R. (S) 433) as amended
from time to time:

          a.   The Trustee is not, and shall not be deemed to be, either in any
     individual capacity, as trustee hereunder or otherwise, a creditor, or a
     joint venturer with or an Affiliate of, or acting in concert or cooperation
     with, any seller of home improvements, in the arrangement, origination or
     making of Contracts.  The Trustee is the holder of the Contracts only as
     trustee on behalf of the Certificateholders and the Class C
     Certificateholder, and not as a principal or in any individual or personal
     capacity;

          b.   The Trustee shall not be personally liable for or obligated to
     pay Obligors any affirmative claims asserted thereby, or responsible to
     Certificateholders or the Class C Certificateholder for any offset defense
     amounts applied against Contract payments, pursuant to such legal actions;

          c.   The Trustee will pay, solely from available Trust monies,
     affirmative claims for recovery by Obligors only pursuant to final judicial
     orders or judgments, or judicially approved settlement agreements,
     resulting from such legal actions;

          d.   The Trustee will comply with judicial orders and judgments which
     require its actions or cooperation in connection with Obligors' legal
     actions to recover affirmative claims against Certificateholders and the
     Class C Certificateholder;

          e.   The Trustee will cooperate with and assist Certificateholders and
     the Class C Certificateholder in their defense of legal actions by Obligors
     to recover affirmative claims if such cooperation and assistance is not
     contrary to the interests of the Trustee as a party to such legal actions
     and if the Trustee is satisfactorily indemnified for all liability, costs
     and expenses arising therefrom; and

          f.   The Company hereby agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend
     the Trustee, Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholder from and
     against any and all liability, loss, costs and expenses of the Trustee,
     Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholder resulting from any
     affirmative claims for recovery asserted or collected by Obligors under the
     Contracts.  Notwithstanding any other

                                     11-8
<PAGE>
 
     provision of this Agreement, the obligation of the Company under this
     Section 11.12(f) shall not terminate upon a Service Transfer pursuant to
     Article VII.

     SECTION 11.13.  Appointment of Co-Trustee or Separate Trustee.
                     --------------------------------------------- 

     Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, at any time, for the purpose
of meeting any legal requirements of any jurisdiction having authority over the
Trust, the Contracts or the Obligors, the Company and Trustee acting jointly
shall have the power and shall execute and deliver all instruments to appoint
one or more Persons approved by the Trustee to act as co-trustee or co-trustees,
jointly with the Trustee, or separate trustee or separate trustees, of all or
any part of the Trust, and to vest in such Person or Persons, in such capacity,
such title to the Trust, or any part thereof, and, subject to the other
provisions of this Section 11.13, such powers, duties, obligations, rights and
trusts as the Company and the Trustee may consider necessary or desirable.  If
the Company shall not have joined in such appointment within 15 days after the
receipt by it of a request to do so, or in case an Event of Termination shall
have occurred and be continuing, the Trustee alone shall have the power to make
such appointment.  No co-trustee or separate trustee hereunder shall be required
to meet the terms of eligibility as a successor trustee under Section 11.07
hereunder and no notice to Certificateholders or the Class C Certificateholder
of the appointment of co-trustee(s) or separate trustee(s) shall be required
under Section 11.09 hereof.

     In the case of any appointment of a co-trustee or separate trustee pursuant
to this Section 11.13 all rights, powers, duties and obligations conferred or
imposed upon the Trustee shall be conferred or imposed upon and exercised or
performed by the Trustee and such co-trustee or separate trustee jointly, except
to the extent that under any law of any jurisdiction in which any particular act
or acts are to be performed (whether as Trustee hereunder or as successor to the
Servicer hereunder), the Trustee shall be incompetent or unqualified to perform
such act or acts, in which event such rights, powers, duties and obligations
(including the holding of title to the Trust or any portion thereof in any such
jurisdiction) shall be exercised and performed by such co-trustee or separate
trustee at the direction of the Trustee.

     Any notice, request or other writing given to the Trustee shall be deemed
to have been given to each of the then co-trustees and separate trustees, as
effectively as if given to each of them.  Every instrument appointing any co-
trustee or separate trustee shall refer to this Agreement and the conditions of
this Article XI.  Each co-trustee and separate trustee, upon its acceptance of
the trusts conferred, shall be vested with the estates or property specified in
its instrument of appointment, either jointly with the Trustee or separately, as
may be provided therein, subject to all the provisions of this Agreement,
specifically including every provision of this Agreement relating to the

                                     11-9
<PAGE>
 
conduct of, affecting the liability of, or affording protection to, the Trustee.
Every such instrument shall be filed with the Trustee.

     Any co-trustee or separate trustee may, at any time, constitute the
Trustee, its agent or attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority, to the
extent not prohibited by law, to do any lawful act under or in respect of this
Agreement on its behalf and in its name.  If any co-trustee or separate trustee
shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all of its estates,
properties, rights, remedies and trusts shall vest in and be exercised by the
Trustee, to the extent permitted by law, without the appointment of a new or
successor trustee.

     SECTION 11.14.  Certain Matters Relating to FHA Insurance.
                     ----------------------------------------- 

     a.   In the event the Company and the successor Servicer, if any, shall
fail to pay all FHA Insurance premiums with respect to the FHA-Insured Contracts
required by FHA Regulations, the Trustee shall pay such FHA Insurance premiums
and shall be entitled to reimbursement for such amounts pursuant to Section
8.04(b)(9).

     b.   If, following the termination of the Trust pursuant to Section 12.04,
HUD demands reimbursement from the Trustee of an FHA Insurance claim paid on an
FHA-Insured Contract prior to the termination of the Trust, the Trustee agrees
that it will not seek to recover any such amount from any Person other than the
Servicer that submitted such claim.

     SECTION 11.15.  Trustee and First Bank System, Inc.
                     ---------------------------------- 

     In the event the Trustee ceases to be a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of
First Bank System, Inc., the Trustee shall promptly notify S&P and Fitch.

     SECTION 11.16.  Trustee Advances.
                     ---------------- 

     a.   If the Servicer fails to deposit into the Certificate Account Advances
as required by Section 8.02, then the Trustee shall, subject to the provisions
of paragraph (b) below, from its own funds, deposit into the Certificate Account
the amount not so deposited by the Servicer on or before the Business Day
preceding the related Payment Date (a "Trustee Advance").
                                       ---------------   

     b.   The Trustee shall not be required to make any Trustee Advance if and
to the extent that it determines in good faith that the funds, if advanced,
would not be recoverable by it from subsequent amounts available in the
Certificate Account in accordance with Section 8.04(b) or Section 8.04(d), as
applicable.

                                     11-10
<PAGE>
 
     c.   The Trustee shall be entitled to reimbursement of a Trustee
Advance from funds subsequently available therefor in the Certificate Account in
accordance with Section 8.04(b) or Section 8.04(d), as applicable.

                                     11-11
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE XII

                                 MISCELLANEOUS
                                 -------------

     SECTION 12.01.  Servicer Not to Resign; Delegation of Servicing Duties.
                     ------------------------------------------------------ 

     The Servicer shall not resign from the obligations and duties hereby
imposed on it except upon determination that the performance of its duties
hereunder is no longer permissible under applicable law.  Any such determination
permitting the resignation of the Servicer shall be evidenced by an Opinion of
Counsel for the Servicer to such effect delivered to the Trustee.  No such
resignation shall become effective until the Trustee or a successor servicer
shall have assumed the responsibilities and obligations of the Servicer in
accordance with Section 7.03.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company, if it is the Servicer, may
delegate some or all of its servicing duties to a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company, for so long as said subsidiary remains, directly or indirectly, a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.  Notwithstanding any such delegation,
the Company shall retain all of the rights and obligations of the Servicer
hereunder.

     SECTION 12.02.  Company Not to Engage in Certain Transactions with Respect
                     ----------------------------------------------------------
to the Trust.
- ------------ 

     The Company shall not:

          a.   Provide credit to any Certificateholder for the purpose of
     enabling such Certificateholder to purchase Certificates;

          b.   Purchase any Certificates in an agency or trustee capacity; or

          c.   Loan any money to the Trust.
 
     SECTION 12.03.  Maintenance of Office or Agency.
                     ------------------------------- 

     The Trustee will maintain in Minneapolis or St. Paul, Minnesota, an office
or agency where Certificates or the Class C Certificates may be surrendered for
registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon
the Trustee in respect of the Certificates, the Class C Certificates and this
Agreement may be served.  On the date hereof the Trustee's office for such
purposes is located at 180 East 5th Street, Second Floor, St. Paul, Minnesota
55101.  The Trustee will give prompt written notice to the Company, the
Servicer, the Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholders of any
change in the location of the Certificate Register or any such office or agency.

                                     12-1
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 12.04.  Termination.
                     ----------- 

     a.   The Trust created hereby and the respective obligations and
responsibilities of the Company, the Servicer and the Trustee created hereby
(other than the responsibility of the Trustee to make any final distributions to
Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholders as set forth below) shall
terminate on the earlier of (a) the Payment Date on which the principal balance
of all of the Contracts is reduced to zero; or (b) the Payment Date occurring in
the month following the Servicer's purchase of the Contracts pursuant to Section
8.06; provided, that in no event shall the trust created hereby continue beyond
      --------                                                                 
the expiration of 21 years from the death of the last survivor of the
descendants of Joseph P. Kennedy, the late Ambassador of the United States to
the Court of St. James, living on the date hereof, and provided, further, that
                                                       --------  -------      
the Servicer's and the Company's representations and warranties and indemnities
by the Company and the Servicer shall survive termination.  Any termination of
the Trust must be conducted so as to qualify as a "qualified liquidation" of the
Master REMIC and Subsidiary REMIC within the meaning of the REMIC Provisions.

     b.   Notice of any termination, specifying the Final Payment Date (which
shall be a date that would otherwise be a Payment Date) upon which all
Certificateholders or the Class C Certificateholders may surrender their
Certificates or the Class C Certificates to the Servicer for payment of the
final distribution and cancellation, shall be given promptly by the Trustee
(upon direction by the Servicer ten days prior to the date such notice is to be
mailed) by letter to S&P, to Fitch and to Certificateholders and the Class C
Certificateholders mailed no later than the fifth Business Day of the month of
the Final Payment Date specifying (1) the Final Payment Date upon which final
payment on the Certificates and the Class C Certificates will be made upon
presentation and surrender of Certificates and the Class C Certificates at the
office or agency of the Servicer therein designated; (2) the amount of any such
final payment; and (3) that the Record Date otherwise applicable to such Payment
Date is not applicable, payments being made only upon presentation and surrender
of the Certificates and the Class C Certificates at the office or agency of the
Servicer therein specified.  Any notice of purchase of Contracts by the Servicer
pursuant to Section 8.06 shall constitute the adoption by the Trustee on behalf
of the Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholders of a plan of
complete liquidation within the meaning of Section 860F of the Code on the date
such notice is given when signed by the Trustee.  Each such notice shall, to the
extent required by the REMIC Provisions or other applicable law, be signed on
behalf of the Trust by the Trustee.  The Trustee shall give such notice to the
Certificate Registrar at the time such notice is given to the Certificateholders
and the Class C Certificateholders.  In the event such notice is given in
connection with the Servicer's election to purchase the Contracts, the Servicer
shall deposit in the Certificate Account on the Final Payment Date in
immediately available funds an amount equal to the purchase price specified in
Section 8.06 and upon such deposit Certificateholders and the Class C
Certificateholders will be entitled to the amount of such purchase price but not
amounts in excess thereof, all as provided herein.  Upon certification to the
Trustee

                                     12-2
<PAGE>
 
by a Servicing Officer following such final deposit, the Trustee shall promptly
release to the Servicer the Contract Files for the remaining Contracts, and the
Trustee shall execute all assignments, endorsements and other instruments
necessary to effectuate such transfer.

     c.   Upon presentation and surrender of the Certificates and the Class C
Certificates, the Trustee shall cause to be distributed from the Certificate
Account, in the following order of priority, to Certificateholders and the Class
C Certificateholders on the final Payment Date in proportion to their respective
Percentage Interests: (1) to the extent the Sub-Pool HI Amount Available is
sufficient therefor, an amount equal to (i) as to Class HI: A Certificates, the
Class HI: A-1 Principal Balance, the Class HI: A-2 Principal Balance, and the
Class HI: A-3 Principal Balance, together with any Unpaid Class HI: A Interest
Shortfall and one month's interest at the Class HI: A-1 Pass-through Rate, the
Class HI: A-2 Pass-through Rate and the Class HI: A-3 Pass-through Rate on the
Class HI: A-l Principal Balance, the Class HI: A-2 Principal Balance and the
Class HI: A-3 Principal Balance, respectively, (ii) as to Class HI: M-1
Certificates, the Class HI: M-1 Principal Balance, together with any Unpaid
Class HI: M-1 Interest Shortfall and one month's interest at the Class HI: M-1
Pass-Through Rate on the Class HI: M-1 Principal Balance, (iii) as to Class HI:
M-2 Certificates, the Class HI: M-2 Principal Balance, together with any Unpaid
Class HI: M-2 Interest Shortfall and one month's interest at the Class HI: M-2
Pass-Through Rate on the Class HI: M-2 Principal Balance, (iv) as to Class HI:
B-1 Certificates, the Class HI: B-1 Principal Balance, together with any Unpaid
Class HI: B-1 Interest Shortfall and one month's interest at the Class HI: B-1
Pass-Through Rate on the Class HI: B-1 Principal Balance, (v) as to Class HI: B-
2 Certificates, the Class HI: B-2 Principal Balance, together with any Unpaid
Class HI: B-2 Interest Shortfall and one month's interest at the Class HI: B-2
Pass-Through Rate on the Class HI: B-2 Principal Balance, and (vi) as to the
Class HI: M and Class HI: B Certificates, the amounts specified in Section
8.04(b)(8), in the order specified therein; (2) to the extent the Sub-Pool HE
Amount Available is sufficient therefor, an amount equal to (i) as to Class HE:
A Certificates, the Class HE: A-1 ARM Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-1
Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-2 Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-3
Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-4 Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-5
Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-6 Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-7
Principal Balance, and together with any Unpaid Class HE: A Interest Shortfall
and one month's interest at the Class HE: A-1 ARM Pass-Through Rate, the Class
HE: A-1 Pass-Through Rate, the Class HE: A-2 Pass-Through Rate, the Class HE: A-
3 Pass-Through Rate, the Class HE: A-4 Pass-Through Rate, the Class HE: A-5
Pass-Through Rate, the Class HE: A-6 Pass-Through Rate, the Class HE: A-7 Pass-
Through Rate, and the Class HE: A-8 IO Pass-Through Rate, on the Class HE: A-l
Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-2 Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-3
Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-4 Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-5
Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-6 Principal Balance, the Class HE: A-7
Principal Balance, and the Class HE: A-8 IO Notional Principal Amount,
respectively, (ii) as to Class HE: M-1 Certificates, the Class HE: M-1 Principal
Balance, together with any Unpaid Class HE: M-1 Interest Shortfall and one
month's interest at the Class HE:

                                     12-3
<PAGE>
 
M-1 Pass-Through Rate on the Class HE: M-1 Principal Balance, (iii) as to Class
HE: M-2 Certificates, the Class HE: M-2 Principal Balance, together with any
Unpaid Class HE: M-2 Interest Shortfall and one month's interest at the Class
HE: M-2 Pass-Through Rate on the Class HE: M-2 Principal Balance, (iv) as to
Class HE: B-1 Certificates, the Class HE: B-1 Principal Balance, together with
any Unpaid Class HE: B-1 Interest Shortfall and one month's interest at the
Class HE: B-1 Pass-Through Rate on the Class HE: B-1 Principal Balance, (v) as
to Class HE: B-2 Certificates, the Class HE: B-2 Principal Balance, together
with any Unpaid Class HE: B-2 Interest Shortfall and one month's interest at the
Class HE: B-2 Pass-Through Rate on the Class HE: B-2 Principal Balance, (vi) as
to the Class HE: M and Class HE: B Certificates, the amounts specified in
Section 8.04(d)(8), in the order specified therein; and (3) as to the Class C
Certificates, the amount which remains on deposit in the Certificate Account
(other than amounts retained to meet claims) after application pursuant to
clauses (1) and (2) above; provided that, any Class HI: B-2 Guaranty Payment
                           -------------                                    
deposited in the Certificate Account shall be distributed only to the Class HI:
B-2 Certificateholders and any Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Payment deposited in the
Certificate Account shall be distributed only to the Class HE: B-2
Certificateholders.  The distribution on the Final Payment Date pursuant to this
Section 12.04 shall be in lieu of the distribution otherwise required to be made
on such Payment Date in respect of each Class of Certificates and the Class C
Certificates.

     d.   In the event that all of the Certificateholders and the Class C
Certificateholders do not surrender their Certificates and the Class C
Certificates for cancellation within three months after the time specified in
the above-mentioned written notice, the Company shall give a second written
notice to the remaining Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholders to
surrender their Certificates and the Class C Certificates for cancellation and
receive the final distribution with respect thereto.  If within three months
after the second notice all the Certificates and the Class C Certificates shall
not have been surrendered for cancellation, the Company shall transfer to itself
all amounts remaining on deposit in the Certificate Account, to hold in trust
for Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholders who have not
surrendered their Certificates or the Class C Certificates, as the case may be,
for cancellation, together with the final record list of Certificateholders and
the Class C Certificateholders, and the Company shall take appropriate steps, or
may appoint an agent to take appropriate steps, to contact the remaining
Certificateholders concerning surrender of their Certificates and to contact the
Class C Certificateholders concerning their surrender of their Class C
Certificates, and the cost thereof shall be paid out of the funds and other
assets which remain in trust hereunder.

     SECTION 12.05.  Acts of Certificateholders and Class C Certificateholders.
                     --------------------------------------------------------- 

     a.   Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, whenever
Certificateholder approval, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver,
or other action is required hereunder, such approval, authorization, direction,
notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be deemed to have been given or
taken on behalf of, and

                                     12-4
<PAGE>
 
shall be binding upon, all Certificateholders if agreed to by Holders of
Certificates representing, in the aggregate, 51% or more of the Aggregate
Certificate Principal Balance.

     b.   Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver
or other action provided by this Agreement to be given or taken by
Certificateholders or the Class C Certificateholders may be embodied in and
evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by
such Certificateholders or the Class C Certificateholders in person or by agent
duly appointed in writing; and except as herein otherwise expressly provided,
such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are
delivered to the Trustee and, where required, to the Servicer.  Proof of
execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall
be sufficient for any purpose of this Agreement and (subject to Section 11.01)
conclusive in favor of the Trustee, the Servicer and the Company if made in the
manner provided in this Section.

     c.   The fact and date of the execution by any Certificateholder or Class C
Certificateholders of any such instrument or writing may be proved in any
reasonable manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.

     d.   The ownership of Certificates and the Class C Certificates shall be
proved by the Certificate Register.

     e.   Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver
or other act by a Certificateholder or the Class C Certificateholders shall bind
every holder of every Certificate or the Class C Certificates, as applicable,
issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in
lieu thereof, in respect of anything done, or omitted to be done by the Trustee,
the Servicer or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such
action is made upon such Certificates or Class C Certificates.

     f.   The Trustee may require such additional proof of any matter referred
to in this Section as it shall deem necessary.

     SECTION 12.06.  Calculations.
                     ------------ 

     Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all interest rate and basis
point calculations under this Agreement will be made on the basis of a 360-day
year and twelve 30-day months and will be carried out to at least three decimal
places.

                                     12-5
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 12.07.  Assignment or Delegation by Company.
                     ----------------------------------- 

     Except as specifically authorized hereunder, and except for its obligations
as Servicer which are dealt with under Article V and Article VII, the Company
may not convey and assign or delegate any of its rights or obligations hereunder
absent the prior written consent of Holders of Certificates representing, in the
aggregate, 66 2/3% or more of the Aggregate Certificate Principal Balance, and
any attempt to do so without such consent shall be void.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Company may not delegate its obligations under Section 8.03
hereof absent (a) the prior written consent of Holders of Certificates
representing, in the aggregate, 66 2/3% or more of the Aggregate Certificate
Principal Balance, and the prior written confirmation of S&P and Fitch that the
rating of the Certificates will not be lowered or withdrawn following such
delegation, or (b) the prior written consent of all of the Certificateholders,
and any attempt to do so without such consent shall be void.

     SECTION 12.08.  Amendment.
                     --------- 

     a.   This Agreement may be amended from time to time by the Company, the
Servicer and the Trustee, without the consent of any of the Certificateholders
or  the Class C Certificateholders, to correct manifest error, to cure any
ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provisions herein which may be
inconsistent with any other provisions herein, as the case may be, to make such
changes as are necessary to maintain the status of the Trust as a "real estate
mortgage investment conduit" under the REMIC Provisions of the Code or to
otherwise effectuate the benefits of such status to the Trust, the
Certificateholders or the Class C Certificateholders, including, without
limitation, to implement any provision permitted by law that would enable a
REMIC to avoid the imposition of any tax, or to make any other provisions with
respect to matters or questions arising under this Agreement that shall not be
inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, that such
                                                    --------  -------           
action shall not, as evidenced by an Opinion of Counsel for the Servicer,
adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any Certificateholder.

     b.   This Agreement may also be amended by agreement of the Trustee, the
Servicer and the Company at any time without the consent of the
Certificateholders or the Class C Certificateholders to effect the transfer of
FHA Insurance reserves to another entity in compliance with revisions to FHA
Regulations, provided that prior to any such amendment S&P and Fitch have each
             --------                                                         
confirmed in writing that the rating of the Certificates will not be lowered or
withdrawn following such amendment.

     c.   This Agreement may also be amended from time to time by the Servicer,
the Company and the Trustee, with the consent of Holders of Certificates
representing, in the aggregate, 66 2/3% or more of the Aggregate Certificate
Principal Balance, for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in
any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Agreement or of
modifying in any manner the rights of such

                                     12-6
<PAGE>
 
Certificateholders; provided, however, that no such amendment shall (a) reduce
                    --------  -------                                         
in any manner the amount of, or delay the timing of, collections of payments on
the Contracts or distributions which are required to be made on any Certificate,
(b) reduce the aforesaid percentage required to consent to any such amendment,
without the consent of the holders of all Certificates then outstanding, (c)
result in the disqualification of the Trust as a REMIC under the Code, (d)
adversely affect the status of either of the Master REMIC or the Subsidiary
REMIC as a REMIC or the status of the Certificates or the Subsidiary REMIC
Regular Interests as "regular interests" in the Master REMIC or Subsidiary
REMIC, respectively, or (e) cause any tax (other than any tax imposed on "net
income from foreclosure property" under Section 860G(c)(1) of the Code that
would be imposed without regard to such amendment) to be imposed on the Trust,
including, without limitation, any tax imposed on "prohibited transactions"
under Section 860F(a)(1) of the Code or on "contributions after the startup
date" under Section 860G(d)(1) of the Code.  This Agreement may not be amended
without the consent of the Class C Certificateholders, for the purpose of adding
any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions
of this Agreement which would modify in any manner the rights of the Class C
Certificateholders.

     d.   This Agreement shall not be amended under this Section without the
consent of 100% of the Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholders if
such amendment would result in the disqualification of the Trust as a REMIC
under the Code.

     e.   Concurrently with the solicitation of any consent pursuant to this
Section 12.08, the Trustee shall furnish written notification to S&P and Fitch.
Promptly after the execution of any amendment or consent pursuant to this
Section 12.08, the Trustee shall furnish written notification of the substance
of such amendment to S&P, Fitch, each Certificateholder and the Class C
Certificateholders.

     f.   It shall not be necessary for the consent of Certificateholders and
the Class C Certificateholders under this Section 12.08 to approve the
particular form of any proposed amendment, but it shall be sufficient if such
consent shall approve the substance thereof.  The manner of obtaining such
consents and of evidencing the authorization of the execution thereof by
Certificateholders and the Class C Certificateholders shall be subject to such
reasonable requirements as the Trustee may prescribe.

     g.   The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such
amendment which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under
this Agreement or otherwise.

     h.   In connection with any amendment pursuant to this Section, the Trustee
shall be entitled to receive an Opinion of Counsel to the Servicer to the effect
that such amendment is authorized or permitted by this Agreement.

                                     12-7
<PAGE>
 
     i.  Upon the execution of any amendment or consent pursuant to this Section
12.08, this Agreement shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such
amendment or consent shall form a part of this Agreement for all purposes, and
every Certificateholder or the Class C Certificateholders hereunder shall be
bound thereby.

     j.   In the absence of the consent described in subsection (d) of this
Section, in connection with any amendment pursuant to this Section, the Trustee
shall have received an unqualified Opinion of Counsel, the expense of which
shall not be an expense of the Trust, stating that any such amendment (i) will
not adversely affect the status of either of the Master REMIC or Subsidiary
REMIC as a REMIC or the status of the Certificates or the Subsidiary REMIC
Regular Interests as "regular interests" therein, and (ii) will not cause any
tax (other than any tax imposed on "net income from foreclosure property" under
Section 860G(c)(1) of the Code that would be imposed without regard to such
amendment) to be imposed on the Trust, including, without limitation, any tax
imposed on "prohibited transactions" under Section 860F(a)(1) of the Code or on
"contributions after the startup date" under Section 860G(d)(1) of the Code.

     SECTION 12.09.  Notices.
                     ------- 

     All communications and notices pursuant hereto to the Servicer, the
Company, the Trustee, S&P and Fitch shall be in writing and delivered or mailed
to it at the appropriate following address:

     If to the Company or the Servicer:

          Green Tree Financial Corporation
          1100 Landmark Towers
          345 St. Peter Street
          St. Paul, Minnesota 55102-1639
          Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
          Telecopier Number:  (612) 293-5746

     If to the Trustee:

          First Trust National Association
          Corporate Trust Department
          180 East 5th Street
          Second Floor
          St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
          Attention:  Tammy Schultz-Fugh
          Telecopier Number:  (612) 244-0089

                                     12-8
<PAGE>
 
     If to S&P:

          Standard & Poor's
          26 West Broadway, 10th Floor
          New York, NY  10004
          Attention:  Ernestine Warner, Mortgage Surveillance

     If to Fitch:
 
          Fitch Investors Service, L.P.
          One State Street Plaza
          New York, NY  10004
          Attention:  Janine Putolsky

or at such other address as the party may designate by notice to the other
parties hereto, which notice shall be effective when received.

     All communications and notices pursuant hereto to a Certificateholder or
the Class C Certificateholders shall be in writing and delivered or mailed at
the address shown in the Certificate Register.

     SECTION 12.10.  Merger and Integration.
                     ---------------------- 

     Except as specifically stated otherwise herein, this Agreement sets forth
the entire understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof,
and all prior understandings, written or oral, are superseded by this Agreement.
This Agreement may not be modified, amended, waived or supplemented except as
provided herein.

     SECTION 12.11.  Headings.
                     -------- 

     The headings herein are for purposes of reference only and shall not
otherwise affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof.

     SECTION 12.12.  Governing Law.
                     ------------- 

     This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in
accordance with, the laws of the State of Minnesota.

                                     12-9
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be 
duly executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized this 16th
day of September, 1997.

                                   GREEN TREE FINANCIAL
                                   CORPORATION
     
                                   By /s/ Scott T. Young
                                      ----------------------------
                                      Its Vice President
                                      and Controller

                                   Attest: /s/ Joel H. Gottesman
                                           -----------------------
                                           Joel H. Gottesman
                                           Secretary

                                   First Trust National Association
                                   not in its individual capacity but
                                   solely as Trustee

                                   By /s/ Tamara Schultz
                                      ----------------------------
                                      Its Trust Officer 

                                   Attest  /s/ C. Harfeld
                                           -----------------------
                                          
                                     12-10
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------

                        FORM OF CLASS HI: A CERTIFICATE
                        -------------------------------


     SOLELY FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES, THIS CERTIFICATE IS A "REGULAR
INTEREST" IN A "REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE INVESTMENT CONDUIT" AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED, RESPECTIVELY, IN SECTIONS 860G AND 860D OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.

Class HI: A-[1][2][3]                   No.             
(Senior)                                                     
                                                             
Cut-off Date:                           Pass-Through Rate:  ___%
July 31, 1997:                          Denomination:  $________     
                                                             
                                                             
First Payment Date:                     Aggregate Denomination of
October 15, 1997                        All Class HI: A-[1][2][3]
                                        Certificates:  $________      
                                                             
Servicer:                               Final Scheduled Payment Date:
Green Tree Financial Corporation        October 15, 2023    
                                        (or if such day is not a
                                        Business Day, then the next
                                        succeeding Business Day)
                                                             
                                        CUSIP:________          

                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
            CERTIFICATE FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY LOANS
                 SERIES 1997-D, CLASS HI: A-[1][2][3] (SENIOR)
                 ---------------------------------------------


     THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT REPRESENT AN OBLIGATION OF OR AN INTEREST IN
GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION OR ANY AFFILIATE THEREOF, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT
SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT.
 
     This certifies that Cede & Co. is the registered owner of the undivided
Percentage Interest represented by the original principal amount set forth above
in the Certificates for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans, Series 1997-D,
Class HI: A-[1][2][3] issued by Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 
1997-D (the "Trust"), which includes among its assets two sub-pools, one of
which is comprised of home improvement loan contracts and promissory notes (the
"Home Improvement Contracts") and the other of which is comprised of home equity
loans (the "Home Equity Contracts" and, together with the Home Improvement
Contracts, collectively the "Contracts") (including, without limitation, all
mortgages, deeds of trust and security deeds relating to such Contracts and any
and all rights to receive payments due on the Contracts after July 31, 1997 (or
the date of origination thereof, if later) (the "Cut-off Date") or the
Subsequent Cut-off Date with respect to the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts.
The Trust has been created pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing Agreement (the
"Agreement"), dated as of August 1, 1997, between Green Tree Financial
Corporation, as Seller and Servicer (the "Company"), and First Trust National
Association as Trustee of the Trust (the "Trustee"). This Certificate is one of
the Certificates described in the Agreement and is issued pursuant and subject
to the Agreement. By acceptance of this Certificate the holder assents to and
becomes bound by the Agreement. To the extent not defined herein, all
capitalized terms have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Agreement.

     The Agreement contemplates, subject to its terms, payment on the fifteenth
day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day)
(the "Payment Date") of each calendar month commencing October 15, 1997, so long
as the Agreement has not been terminated, by check (or, if such
Certificateholder holds Class HI: A-[1][2][3] Certificates with an aggregate
Percentage Interest of at least 5% of the Class HI: A-[1][2][3] Certificates and
so desires, by wire transfer pursuant to instructions delivered to the Trustee
at least 10 days prior to such Payment Date) to the registered Certificateholder
at the address appearing on the Certificate Register as of the Business Day
immediately preceding such Payment Date, in an amount equal to the
Certificateholder's Percentage Interest of the Class HI: A-[1][2][3]
Distribution Amount for such Payment Date. Distributions of interest and
principal on the Class HI: A-[1][2][3] Certificates will be made primarily from
amounts available in respect of the Home Improvement Contracts. The final
scheduled Payment Date of this Certificate is

                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
October 15, 2023 or the next succeeding Business Day if such October 15 is not a
Business Day.

     The Certificateholder, by its acceptance of this Certificate, agrees that
it will look solely to the funds in the Certificate Account to the extent
available for distribution to the Certificateholder as provided in the Agreement
for payment hereunder and that the Trustee in its individual capacity is not
personally liable to the Certificateholder for any amounts payable under this
Certificate or the Agreement or, except as expressly provided in the Agreement,
subject to any liability under the Agreement. By acceptance of this Certificate,
the Certificateholder agrees to disclosure of his, her or its name and address
to other Certificateholders under the conditions specified in the Agreement.

     This Certificate does not purport to summarize the Agreement and reference
is made to the Agreement for information with respect to the interests, rights,
benefits, obligations, proceeds and duties evidenced hereby and the rights,
duties and immunities of the Trustee. Copies of the Agreement and all amendments
thereto will be provided to any Certificateholder free of charge upon a written
request to the Trustee.

     As provided in the Agreement and subject to the limitations set forth
therein, the transfer of this Certificate is registrable in the Certificate
Register of the Certificate Registrar upon surrender of this Certificate for
registration of transfer at the office or agency maintained by the Trustee in
Minneapolis or St. Paul, Minnesota, accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar duly
executed by the holder hereof or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing,
and thereupon one or more new Certificates evidencing the same aggregate
Percentage Interest will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

     [UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION ("DTC") TO THE TRUSTEE OR
ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE
ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS
REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO
CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL IN AS MUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER
HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]

     The Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the
Certificate Registrar and any agent of the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee,
the Paying Agent or the Certificate Registrar may treat the person in whose name
this Certificate is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, and neither
the Company, the Servicer, the

                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Certificate Registrar nor any such agent shall be
affected by any notice to the contrary.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D has
caused this Certificate to be duly executed by the manual signature of a duly
authorized officer of the Trustee.

Dated:  September ____, 1997            HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME
                                        EQUITY LOAN TRUST 1997-D


                                        By:  FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                        By:__________________________________
                                             Authorized Officer

                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers
unto ______________________________ the within Certificate for Home Improvement
and Home Equity Loans, Series 1997-D, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and
appoint ________________ Attorney to transfer the said certificate on the
Certificate Register maintained by the Trustee, with full power of substitution
in the premises.

Dated:__________________                By______________________________________
                                          Signature

                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT B
                                   ---------

                        FORM OF CLASS HI: M CERTIFICATE
                        -------------------------------


     SOLELY FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES, THIS CERTIFICATE IS A "REGULAR
INTEREST" IN A "REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE INVESTMENT CONDUIT" AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED, RESPECTIVELY, IN SECTIONS 860G AND 860D OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.

     THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBORDINATED IN RIGHT OF PAYMENT TO THE CLASS HI: A
CERTIFICATES [AND CLASS HI: M-1 CERTIFICATES] AS DESCRIBED IN THE POOLING AND
SERVICING AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN.

Class HI: M-[1][2]                      No.
(Subordinate)

Cut-off Date:                           Pass-Through Rate:  _____%
July 31, 1997                           Denomination:  $______________


First Payment Date:                     Aggregate Denomination of
October 15, 1997                        All Class HI: M-[1][2] Certificates:
                                        $_____________
 
Servicer:                               Final Scheduled Payment Date:
Green Tree Financial Corporation        October 15, 2023
                                        (or if such day is not a
                                        Business Day, then the next
                                        succeeding Business Day)

                                        CUSIP:_________________

                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
            CERTIFICATE FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY LOANS
                SERIES 1997-D, CLASS HI: M-[1][2] (SUBORDINATE)
                -----------------------------------------------


     THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT REPRESENT AN OBLIGATION OF OR AN INTEREST IN
GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION OR ANY AFFILIATE THEREOF, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT
SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT.

     This certifies that Cede & Co. is the registered owner of the undivided
Percentage Interest represented by the original principal amount set forth above
in the Certificates for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans, Series 1997-D,
Class HI: M-[1][2] issued by Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D
(the "Trust"), which includes among its assets two sub-pools, one of which is
comprised of home improvement loan contracts and promissory notes (the "Home
Improvement Contracts") and the other of which is comprised of home equity loans
(the "Home Equity Contracts" and, together with the Home Improvement Contracts,
collectively the "Contracts") (including, without limitation, all mortgages,
deeds of trust and security deeds relating to such Contracts and any and all
rights to receive payments due on the Contracts after July 31, 1997 (or the date
of origination thereof, if later) (the "Cut-off Date") or the Subsequent Cut-off
Date with respect to the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts. The Trust has been
created pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated
as of August 1, 1997, between Green Tree Financial Corporation, as Seller and
Servicer (the "Company"), and First Trust National Association as Trustee of the
Trust (the "Trustee"). This Certificate is one of the Certificates described in
the Agreement and is issued pursuant and subject to the Agreement. By acceptance
of this Certificate the holder assents to and becomes bound by the Agreement. To
the extent not defined herein, all capitalized terms have the meanings assigned
to such terms in the Agreement.

     The Agreement contemplates, subject to its terms, payment on the fifteenth
day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day)
(the "Payment Date") of each calendar month commencing October 15, 1997, so long
as the Agreement has not been terminated, by check (or, if such
Certificateholder holds Class HI: M-[1][2] Certificates with an aggregate
Percentage Interest of at least 5% of the Class HI: M-[1][2] Certificates and so
desires, by wire transfer pursuant to instructions delivered to the Trustee at
least 10 days prior to such Payment Date) to the registered Certificateholder at
the address appearing on the Certificate Register as of the Business Day
immediately preceding such Payment Date, in an amount equal to the
Certificateholder's Percentage Interest of the Class HI: M-[1][2] Distribution
Amount (plus the Class HI: M-[1][2] Interest Deficiency Amount, if any) for such
Payment Date. Distributions of interest and principal on the Class HI: M-[1][2]
Certificates will be made primarily from amounts available in respect of the
Home Improvement Contracts.

                                      B-2
<PAGE>
 
The final scheduled Payment Date of this Certificate is October 15, 2023 or the
next succeeding Business Day if such October 15 is not a Business Day.

    The Certificateholder, by its acceptance of this Certificate, agrees that it
will look solely to the funds in the Certificate Account to the extent available
for distribution to the Certificateholder as provided in the Agreement, for
payment hereunder and that the Trustee in its individual capacity is not
personally liable to the Certificateholder for any amounts payable under this
Certificate or the Agreement or, except as expressly provided in the Agreement,
subject to any liability under the Agreement. By acceptance of this Certificate,
the Certificateholder agrees to disclosure of his, her or its name and address
to other Certificateholders under the conditions specified in the Agreement.

     No transfer of this Certificate or any interest herein by, on behalf of or
with plan assets of any employee benefit plan, trust or account that is subject
to the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"),
or that is described in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code (each, a "Plan") will be
                                                                 ----          
registered unless the transferee, at its expense, delivers to the Company and
the Trustee at its own expense an opinion of counsel (satisfactory to the
Company and the Trustee) that the purchase and holding of the Certificate by
such Plan will not result in the assets of the Trust being deemed to be "plan
assets" and subject to the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the
Code and will not subject the Trustee, the Trust, the Company or the Servicer to
any obligation or liability in addition to those undertaken in this Agreement.
Unless such opinion is delivered, each person acquiring this Certificate will be
deemed to represent to the Trustee, the Company and the Servicer that such
person is neither a Plan, nor acting on behalf of a Plan, nor purchasing with
plan assets of any Plan.

     This Certificate does not purport to summarize the Agreement and reference
is made to the Agreement for information with respect to the interests, rights,
benefits, obligations, proceeds and duties evidenced hereby and the rights,
duties and immunities of the Trustee. Copies of the Agreement and all amendments
thereto will be provided to any Certificateholder free of charge upon a written
request to the Trustee.

     As provided in the Agreement and subject to the limitations set forth
therein, the transfer of this Certificate is registrable in the Certificate
Register of the Certificate Registrar upon surrender of this Certificate for
registration of transfer at the office or agency maintained by the Trustee in
Minneapolis or St. Paul, Minnesota, accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar duly
executed by the holder hereof or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing,
and thereupon one or more new Certificates evidencing the same aggregate
Percentage Interest will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

                                      B-3
<PAGE>
 
     [UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION ("DTC") TO THE TRUSTEE OR
ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE
ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS
REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO
CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL IN AS MUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER
HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]

     The Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the
Certificate Registrar and any agent of the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee,
the Paying Agent or the Certificate Registrar may treat the person in whose name
this Certificate is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, and neither
the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Certificate
Registrar nor any such agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

                                      B-4
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D has
caused this Certificate to be duly executed by the manual signature of a duly
authorized officer of the Trustee.

Dated:  September ____, 1997            HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY
                                        LOAN TRUST 1997-D
 

                                        By:  FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                        By:__________________________________
                                             Authorized Officer

                                      B-5
<PAGE>
 
     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers
unto ______________________ the within Certificate for Home Improvement and Home
Equity Loans, Series 1997-D, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
_______________ Attorney to transfer the said certificate on the Certificate
Register maintained by the Trustee, with full power of substitution in the
premises.

Dated:                                  By:_____________________________________
                                          Signature

                                      B-6
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT C
                                   ---------

                        FORM OF CLASS HI: B CERTIFICATE
                        -------------------------------


     SOLELY FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES, THIS CERTIFICATE IS A "REGULAR
INTEREST" IN A "REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE INVESTMENT CONDUIT" AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED, RESPECTIVELY, IN SECTIONS 860G AND 860D OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.

     THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBORDINATED IN RIGHT OF PAYMENT TO THE CLASS HI: A
CERTIFICATES, THE CLASS HI: M CERTIFICATES [AND THE CLASS HI: B-1 CERTIFICATES]
AS DESCRIBED IN THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN.

Class HI: B-[1][2]                      No.
(Subordinate)

Cut-off Date:                           Pass-Through Rate:  ____%
July 31, 1997                           Denomination: $________________

First Payment Date:                     Aggregate Denomination of
October 15, 1997                        All Class HI: B-[1][2] Certificates:
                                        $___________________________________
 
Servicer:                               Final Scheduled Payment Date:
Green Tree Financial Corporation        October 15, 2023
                                        (or if such day is not a
                                        Business Day, then the next
                                        succeeding Business Day)
 
                                        CUSIP:______________________________

                                      C-1
<PAGE>
 
            CERTIFICATES FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY LOANS
                SERIES 1997-D, CLASS HI: B-[1][2] (SUBORDINATE)
                -----------------------------------------------


     THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT REPRESENT AN OBLIGATION OF OR AN INTEREST IN
GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION OR ANY AFFILIATE THEREOF, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT
SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT.

     This certifies that Cede & Co. is the registered owner of the undivided
Percentage Interest represented by the original principal amount set forth above
in the Certificates for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans, Series 1997-D,
Class HI: B-[1][2], issued by Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D
(the "Trust"), which includes among its assets two sub-pools, one of which is
comprised of home improvement loan contracts and promissory notes (the "Home
Improvement Contracts") and the other of which is comprised of home equity loans
(the "Home Equity Contracts" and, together with the Home Improvement Contracts,
collectively the "Contracts") (including, without limitation, all mortgages,
deeds of trust and security deeds relating to such Contracts and any and all
rights to receive payments due on the Contracts after July 31, 1997 (or the date
of origination thereof, if later) (the "Cut-off Date") or the Subsequent Cut-off
Date with respect to the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts. [AND THE CLASS HI: B-
2 LIMITED GUARANTY]. The Trust has been created pursuant to a Pooling and
Servicing Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated as of August 1, 1997, between Green
Tree Financial Corporation, as Seller and Servicer (the "Company"), and First
Trust National Association as Trustee of the Trust (the "Trustee"). This
Certificate is one of the Certificates described in the Agreement and is issued
pursuant and subject to the Agreement. By acceptance of this Certificate the
holder assents to and becomes bound by the Agreement. To the extent not defined
herein, all capitalized terms have the meanings assigned to such terms in the
Agreement.

     The Agreement contemplates, subject to its terms, payment on the fifteenth
day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day)
(the "Payment Date") of each calendar month commencing October 15, 1997, so long
as the Agreement has not been terminated, by check (or, if such
Certificateholder holds Class HI: B-[1][2] Certificates with an aggregate
Percentage Interest of at least 5% of the Class HI: B-[1][2] Certificates and so
desires, by wire transfer pursuant to instructions delivered to the Trustee at
least 10 days prior to such Payment Date) to the registered Certificateholder at
the address appearing on the Certificate Register as of the Business Day
immediately preceding such Payment Date, in an amount equal to the
Certificateholder's Percentage Interest of the Class HI: B-[1][2] Distribution
Amount [(PLUS THE CLASS HI: B-1 INTEREST DEFICIENCY AMOUNT, IF ANY)][AND ANY
CLASS HI: B-2 GUARANTY PAYMENT] for such Payment Date. Distributions of interest
and principal on

                                      C-2
<PAGE>
 
the Class HI: B-[1][2] Certificates will be made primarily from amounts
available in respect of the Home Improvement Contracts. The final scheduled
Payment Date of this Certificate is October 15, 2023 or the next succeeding
Business Day if such October 15 is not a Business Day.

     The Certificateholder, by its acceptance of this Certificate, agrees that
it will look solely to the funds in the Certificate Account [AND THE CLASS HI: 
B-2 LIMITED GUARANTY OF THE COMPANY], to the extent available for distribution
to the Certificateholder as provided in the Agreement, for payment hereunder and
that the Trustee in its individual capacity is not personally liable to the
Certificateholder for any amounts payable under this Certificate or the
Agreement or, except as expressly provided in the Agreement, subject to any
liability under the Agreement. By acceptance of this Certificate, the
Certificateholder agrees to disclosure of his, her or its name and address to
other Certificateholders under the conditions specified in the Agreement.

     No transfer of this Certificate or any interest herein by, on behalf of or
with plan assets of any employee benefit plan, trust or account that is subject
to the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"),
or that is described in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code (each, a "Plan") will be
                                                                 ----          
registered unless the transferee, at its expense, delivers to the Company and
the Trustee at its own expense an opinion of counsel (satisfactory to the
Company and the Trustee) that the purchase and holding of the Certificate by
such Plan will not result in the assets of the Trust being deemed to be "plan
assets" and subject to the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the
Code and will not subject the Trustee, the Trust, the Company or the Servicer to
any obligation or liability in addition to those undertaken in this Agreement.
Unless such opinion is delivered, each person acquiring this Certificate will be
deemed to represent to the Trustee, the Company and the Servicer that such
person is neither a Plan, nor acting on behalf of a Plan, nor purchasing with
plan assets of any Plan.

     This Certificate does not purport to summarize the Agreement and reference
is made to the Agreement for information with respect to the interests, rights,
benefits, obligations, proceeds and duties evidenced hereby and the rights,
duties and immunities of the Trustee. Copies of the Agreement and all amendments
thereto will be provided to any Certificateholder free of charge upon a written
request to the Trustee.

     As provided in the Agreement and subject to the limitations set forth
therein, the transfer of this Certificate is registrable in the Certificate
Register of the Certificate Registrar upon surrender of this Certificate for
registration of transfer at the office or agency maintained by the Trustee in
Minneapolis or St. Paul, Minnesota, accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar duly
executed by the holder thereof or his or her attorney duly authorized in

                                      C-3
<PAGE>
 
writing, and thereupon one or more new Certificates evidencing the same
aggregate Percentage Interest will be issued to the designated transferee or
transferees.

     [UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION ("DTC") TO THE TRUSTEE OR
ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE
ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS
REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO
CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL IN AS MUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER
HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]

     The Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the
Certificate Registrar and any agent of the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee,
the Paying Agent or the Certificate Registrar may treat the person in whose name
this Certificate is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, and neither
the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Certificate
Registrar nor any such agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

                                      C-4
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D has
caused this Certificate to be duly executed by the manual signature of a duly
authorized officer of the Trustee.

Dated: September ____, 1997             HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY
                                        LOAN TRUST 1997-D
 

                                        By: FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                        By:__________________________________
                                             Authorized Officer

                                      C-5
<PAGE>
 
     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers
unto ___________________________ the within Certificate for Home Improvement and
Home Equity Loans, Series 1997-D, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and
appoint _______________________ Attorney to transfer the said certificate on the
Certificate Register maintained by the Trustee, with full power of substitution
in the premises.

Dated:                                  By:_____________________________________
                                          Signature

                                      C-6
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT D-1
                                  -----------

                        FORM OF CLASS HE: A CERTIFICATE
                        -------------------------------


     SOLELY FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES, THIS CERTIFICATE IS A "REGULAR
INTEREST" IN A "REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE INVESTMENT CONDUIT" AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED, RESPECTIVELY, IN SECTIONS 860G AND 860D OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.

Class HE: A-[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]       No.
(Senior)

Cut-off Date:                           Pass-Through Rate:  ________%
July 31, 1997:                          Denomination:  $_______________


First Payment Date:                     Aggregate Denomination of
October 15, 1997                        All Class HE: A-[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
                                        Certificates:  $_____________
 
Servicer:                               Final Scheduled Payment Date:
Green Tree Financial Corporation        September 15, 2028
                                        (or if such day is not a
                                        Business Day, then the next
                                        succeeding Business Day)
 
                                        CUSIP:   _______________

                                     D-1-1
<PAGE>
 
            CERTIFICATE FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY LOANS
           SERIES 1997-D, CLASS HE: A-[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] (SENIOR)
           ---------------------------------------------------------


     THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT REPRESENT AN OBLIGATION OF OR AN INTEREST IN
GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION OR ANY AFFILIATE THEREOF, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT
SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT.

     This certifies that Cede & Co. is the registered owner of the undivided
Percentage Interest represented by the original principal amount set forth above
in the Certificates for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans, Series 1997-D,
Class HE: A-[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] issued by Home Improvement and Home Equity
Loan Trust 1997-D (the "Trust"), which includes among its assets two sub-pools,
one of which is comprised of home improvement loan contracts and promissory
notes (the "Home Improvement Contracts") and the other of which is comprised of
home equity loans (the "Home Equity Contracts" and, together with the Home
Improvement Contracts, collectively the "Contracts") (including, without
limitation, all mortgages, deeds of trust and security deeds relating to such
Contracts and any and all rights to receive payments due on the Contracts after
July 31, 1997 (or the date of origination thereof, if later) (the "Cut-off
Date") or the Subsequent Cut-off Date with respect to the Subsequent Home Equity
Contracts. The Trust has been created pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing
Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated as of August 1, 1997, between Green Tree
Financial Corporation, as Seller and Servicer (the "Company"), and First Trust
National Association as Trustee of the Trust (the "Trustee"). This Certificate
is one of the Certificates described in the Agreement and is issued pursuant and
subject to the Agreement. By acceptance of this Certificate the holder assents
to and becomes bound by the Agreement. To the extent not defined herein, all
capitalized terms have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Agreement.

     The Agreement contemplates, subject to its terms, payment on the fifteenth
day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day)
(the "Payment Date") of each calendar month commencing October 15, 1997, so long
as the Agreement has not been terminated, by check (or, if such
Certificateholder holds Class HE: A-[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Certificates with an
aggregate Percentage Interest of at least 5% of the Class HE: A-
[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Certificates and so desires, by wire transfer pursuant to
instructions delivered to the Trustee at least 10 days prior to such Payment
Date) to the registered Certificateholder at the address appearing on the
Certificate Register as of the Business Day immediately preceding such Payment
Date, in an amount equal to the Certificateholder's Percentage Interest of the
Class HE: A-[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Distribution Amount for such Payment Date.
Distributions of interest and principal on the Class HE: A-[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
Certificates will be made

                                     D-1-2
<PAGE>
 
primarily from amounts available in respect of the Home Equity Contracts. The
final scheduled Payment Date of this Certificate is September 15, 2028 or the
next succeeding Business Day if such September 15 is not a Business Day.

     The Certificateholder, by its acceptance of this Certificate, agrees that
it will look solely to the funds in the Certificate Account to the extent
available for distribution to the Certificateholder as provided in the Agreement
for payment hereunder and that the Trustee in its individual capacity is not
personally liable to the Certificateholder for any amounts payable under this
Certificate or the Agreement or, except as expressly provided in the Agreement,
subject to any liability under the Agreement. By acceptance of this Certificate,
the Certificateholder agrees to disclosure of his, her or its name and address
to other Certificateholders under the conditions specified in the Agreement.

     This Certificate does not purport to summarize the Agreement and reference
is made to the Agreement for information with respect to the interests, rights,
benefits, obligations, proceeds and duties evidenced hereby and the rights,
duties and immunities of the Trustee. Copies of the Agreement and all amendments
thereto will be provided to any Certificateholder free of charge upon a written
request to the Trustee.

     As provided in the Agreement and subject to the limitations set forth
therein, the transfer of this Certificate is registrable in the Certificate
Register of the Certificate Registrar upon surrender of this Certificate for
registration of transfer at the office or agency maintained by the Trustee in
Minneapolis or St. Paul, Minnesota, accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar duly
executed by the holder hereof or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing,
and thereupon one or more new Certificates evidencing the same aggregate
Percentage Interest will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

     [UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION ("DTC") TO THE TRUSTEE OR
ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE
ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS
REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO
CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL IN AS MUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER
HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]

     The Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the
Certificate Registrar and any agent of the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee,
the Paying Agent or the Certificate Registrar may treat the person in whose name
this Certificate is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, and neither
the Company, the Servicer, the

                                     D-1-3
<PAGE>
 
Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Certificate Registrar nor any such agent shall be
affected by any notice to the contrary.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D has
caused this Certificate to be duly executed by the manual signature of a duly
authorized officer of the Trustee.

Dated:  September ____, 1997            HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY
                                        LOAN TRUST 1997-D
 

                                        By:  FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                        By:___________________________________
                                             Authorized Officer

                                     D-1-4
<PAGE>
 
     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers
unto ______________________ the within Certificate for Home Improvement and Home
Equity Loans, Series 1997-D, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
_______________ Attorney to transfer the said certificate on the Certificate
Register maintained by the Trustee, with full power of substitution in the
premises.

Dated:                                  By:_____________________________________
                                             Signature

                                     D-1-5
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT D-2
                                  -----------

                     FORM OF CLASS HE: A-1 ARM CERTIFICATE
                     -------------------------------------


     SOLELY FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES, THIS CERTIFICATE IS A "REGULAR
INTEREST" IN A "REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE INVESTMENT CONDUIT" AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED, RESPECTIVELY, IN SECTIONS 860G AND 860D OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.

Class HE: A-1 ARM                    No.
(Senior)

Cut-off Date:                        Pass-Through Rate:  Variable equal to
July 31, 1997:                       Class HE: A-1 ARM Pass-Through Rate
                                     Denomination:  $__________


First Payment Date:                  Aggregate Denomination of
October 15, 1997                     All Class HE: A-1 ARM
                                     Certificates:  $__________
 
Servicer:                            Final Scheduled Payment Date: September 15,
2028
Green Tree Financial Corporation     (or if such day is not a
                                     Business Day, then the next
                                     succeeding Business Day)
 
                                     CUSIP:   __________

                                     D-2-1
<PAGE>
 
            CERTIFICATE FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY LOANS
                   SERIES 1997-D, CLASS HE: A-1 ARM (SENIOR)
                   -----------------------------------------


     THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT REPRESENT AN OBLIGATION OF OR AN INTEREST IN
GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION OR ANY AFFILIATE THEREOF, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT
SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT.
 
     This certifies that Cede & Co. is the registered owner of the undivided
Percentage Interest represented by the original principal amount set forth above
in the Certificates for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans, Series 1997-D,
Class HE: A-1 ARM issued by Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D
(the "Trust"), which includes among its assets two sub-pools, one of which is
comprised of home improvement loan contracts and promissory notes (the "Home
Improvement Contracts") and the other of which is comprised of home equity loans
(the "Home Equity Contracts" and, together with the Home Improvement Contracts,
collectively the "Contracts") (including, without limitation, all mortgages,
deeds of trust and security deeds relating to such Contracts and any and all
rights to receive payments due on the Contracts after July 31, 1997 (or the date
of origination thereof, if later) (the "Cut-off Date") or the Subsequent Cut-off
Date with respect to the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts.  The Trust has been
created pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated
as of August 1, 1997, between Green Tree Financial Corporation, as Seller and
Servicer (the "Company"), and First Trust National Association as Trustee of the
Trust (the "Trustee").  This Certificate is one of the Certificates described in
the Agreement and is issued pursuant and subject to the Agreement.  By
acceptance of this Certificate the holder assents to and becomes bound by the
Agreement.  To the extent not defined herein, all capitalized terms have the
meanings assigned to such terms in the Agreement.

     The Agreement contemplates, subject to its terms, payment on the fifteenth
day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day)
(the "Payment Date") of each calendar month commencing October 15, 1997, so long
as the Agreement has not been terminated, by check (or, if such
Certificateholder holds Class HE: A-1 ARM Certificates with an aggregate
Percentage Interest of at least 5% of the Class HE: A-1 ARM Certificates and so
desires, by wire transfer pursuant to instructions delivered to the Trustee at
least 10 days prior to such Payment Date) to the registered Certificateholder at
the address appearing on the Certificate Register as of the Business Day
immediately preceding such Payment Date, in an amount equal to the
Certificateholder's Percentage Interest of the Class HE: A-1 ARM Distribution
Amount for such Payment Date.  Distributions of interest and principal on the
Class HE: A-1 ARM Certificates will be made primarily from amounts available in
respect of the Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts.  The final scheduled
Payment Date of this

                                     D-2-2
<PAGE>
 
Certificate is September 15, 2028 or the next succeeding Business Day if such
September 15 is not a Business Day.

     The Certificateholder, by its acceptance of this Certificate, agrees that
it will look solely to the funds in the Certificate Account to the extent
available for distribution to the Certificateholder as provided in the Agreement
for payment hereunder and that the Trustee in its individual capacity is not
personally liable to the Certificateholder for any amounts payable under this
Certificate or the Agreement or, except as expressly provided in the Agreement,
subject to any liability under the Agreement.  By acceptance of this
Certificate, the Certificateholder agrees to disclosure of his, her or its name
and address to other Certificateholders under the conditions specified in the
Agreement.

     This Certificate does not purport to summarize the Agreement and reference
is made to the Agreement for information with respect to the interests, rights,
benefits, obligations, proceeds and duties evidenced hereby and the rights,
duties and immunities of the Trustee.  Copies of the Agreement and all
amendments thereto will be provided to any Certificateholder free of charge upon
a written request to the Trustee.

     As provided in the Agreement and subject to the limitations set forth
therein, the transfer of this Certificate is registrable in the Certificate
Register of the Certificate Registrar upon surrender of this Certificate for
registration of transfer at the office or agency maintained by the Trustee in
Minneapolis or St. Paul, Minnesota, accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar duly
executed by the holder hereof or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing,
and thereupon one or more new Certificates evidencing the same aggregate
Percentage Interest will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

     [UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION ("DTC") TO THE TRUSTEE OR
ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE
ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS
REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO
CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL IN AS MUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER
HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]

     The Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the
Certificate Registrar and any agent of the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee,
the Paying Agent or the Certificate Registrar may treat the person in whose name
this Certificate is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, and neither
the Company, the Servicer, the

                                     D-2-3
<PAGE>
 
Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Certificate Registrar nor any such agent shall be
affected by any notice to the contrary.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D has
caused this Certificate to be duly executed by the manual signature of a duly
authorized officer of the Trustee.

Dated:  September ____, 1997       HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY
                                   LOAN TRUST 1997-D
 

                                   By: FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                   By:______________________________________
                                       Authorized Officer

                                     D-2-4
<PAGE>
 
     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers
unto ______________ the within Certificate for Home Improvement and Home Equity
Loans, Series 1997-D, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
_____________ Attorney to transfer the said certificate on the Certificate
Register maintained by the Trustee, with full power of substitution in the
premises.

Dated:                             By:___________________________________
                                       Signature

                                     D-2-5
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT D-3
                                  -----------

                     FORM OF CLASS HE: A-8 IO CERTIFICATE
                     ------------------------------------



     SOLELY FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES, THIS CERTIFICATE IS A "REGULAR
INTEREST" IN A "REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE INVESTMENT CONDUIT" AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED, RESPECTIVELY, IN SECTIONS 860G AND 860D OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.

Class HE: A-8 IO                     No.
(Senior)

Cut-off Date:                        Pass-Through Rate:  ________%
July 31, 1997:                       Original Notional Amount:  $29,500,000

First Payment Date:                  Aggregate Original Notional Amount of
October 15, 1997                     All Class HE: A-8 IO
                                     Certificates:  $29,500,000
 
Servicer:                            Final Scheduled Payment Date:
Green Tree Financial Corporation     September 15, 2028
                                     (or if such day is not a
                                     Business Day, then the next
                                     succeeding Business Day)
 
                                     CUSIP:   _______________

                                     D-3-1
<PAGE>
 
            CERTIFICATE FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY LOANS
                   SERIES 1997-D, CLASS HE: A-8 IO (SENIOR)
                   ----------------------------------------


     THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT REPRESENT AN OBLIGATION OF OR AN INTEREST IN
GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION OR ANY AFFILIATE THEREOF, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT
SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT.
 
     This certifies that Cede & Co. is the registered owner of the undivided
Percentage Interest represented by the Original Notional Amount set forth above
in the Certificates for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans, Series 1997-D,
Class HE: A-8 IO issued by Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D
(the "Trust"), which includes among its assets two sub-pools, one of which is
comprised of home improvement loan contracts and promissory notes (the "Home
Improvement Contracts") and the other of which is comprised of home equity loans
(the "Home Equity Contracts" and, together with the Home Improvement Contracts,
collectively the "Contracts") (including, without limitation, all mortgages,
deeds of trust and security deeds relating to such Contracts and any and all
rights to receive payments due on the Contracts after July 31, 1997 (or the date
of origination thereof, if later) (the "Cut-off Date") or the Subsequent Cut-off
Date with respect to the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts.  The Trust has been
created pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated
as of August 1, 1997, between Green Tree Financial Corporation, as Seller and
Servicer (the "Company"), and First Trust National Association as Trustee of the
Trust (the "Trustee").  This Certificate is one of the Certificates described in
the Agreement and is issued pursuant and subject to the Agreement.  By
acceptance of this Certificate the holder assents to and becomes bound by the
Agreement.  To the extent not defined herein, all capitalized terms have the
meanings assigned to such terms in the Agreement.

     The Agreement contemplates, subject to its terms, payment on the fifteenth
day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day)
(the "Payment Date") of each calendar month commencing October 15, 1997, so long
as the Agreement has not been terminated, by check (or, if such
Certificateholder holds Class HE: A-8 IO Certificates with an aggregate
Percentage Interest of at least 5% of the Class HE: A-8 IO Certificates and so
desires, by wire transfer pursuant to instructions delivered to the Trustee at
least 10 days prior to such Payment Date) to the registered Certificateholder at
the address appearing on the Certificate Register as of the Business Day
immediately preceding such Payment Date, in an amount equal to the
Certificateholder's Percentage Interest of the Class HE: A-8 IO Distribution
Amount for such Payment Date.  Distributions of interest on the Class HE: A-8 IO
Certificates will be made primarily from amounts available in respect of the
Home Equity Contracts.

                                     D-3-2
<PAGE>
 
The final scheduled Payment Date of this Certificate is September 15, 2028 or
the next succeeding Business Day if such September 15 is not a Business Day.

     This Certificate is an interest only Certificate.  THE HOLDER OF THIS
CERTIFICATE SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY DISTRIBUTIONS OF PRINCIPAL WITH RESPECT
TO THE CONTRACTS.

     The Certificateholder, by its acceptance of this Certificate, agrees that
it will look solely to the funds in the Certificate Account to the extent
available for distribution to the Certificateholder as provided in the Agreement
for payment hereunder and that the Trustee in its individual capacity is not
personally liable to the Certificateholder for any amounts payable under this
Certificate or the Agreement or, except as expressly provided in the Agreement,
subject to any liability under the Agreement.  By acceptance of this
Certificate, the Certificateholder agrees to disclosure of his, her or its name
and address to other Certificateholders under the conditions specified in the
Agreement.

     This Certificate does not purport to summarize the Agreement and reference
is made to the Agreement for information with respect to the interests, rights,
benefits, obligations, proceeds and duties evidenced hereby and the rights,
duties and immunities of the Trustee.  Copies of the Agreement and all
amendments thereto will be provided to any Certificateholder free of charge upon
a written request to the Trustee.

     As provided in the Agreement and subject to the limitations set forth
therein, the transfer of this Certificate is registrable in the Certificate
Register of the Certificate Registrar upon surrender of this Certificate for
registration of transfer at the office or agency maintained by the Trustee in
Minneapolis or St. Paul, Minnesota, accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar duly
executed by the holder hereof or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing,
and thereupon one or more new Certificates evidencing the same aggregate
Percentage Interest will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

     [UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION ("DTC") TO THE TRUSTEE OR
ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE
ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS
REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO
CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL IN AS MUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER
HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]

                                     D-3-3
<PAGE>
 
     The Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the
Certificate Registrar and any agent of the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee,
the Paying Agent or the Certificate Registrar may treat the person in whose name
this Certificate is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, and neither
the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Certificate
Registrar nor any such agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D has
caused this Certificate to be duly executed by the manual signature of a duly
authorized officer of the Trustee.

Dated:  September ____, 1997       HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY
                                   LOAN TRUST 1997-D
 

                                   By: FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                   By:____________________________________
                                       Authorized Officer

                                     D-3-4
<PAGE>
 
     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers
unto ____________________ the within Certificate for Home Improvement and Home
Equity Loans, Series 1997-D, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
___________________ Attorney to transfer the said certificate on the Certificate
Register maintained by the Trustee, with full power of substitution in the
premises.

Dated:                             By:______________________________
                                        Signature

                                     D-3-5
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT E
                                   ---------

                        FORM OF CLASS HE: M CERTIFICATE
                        -------------------------------


     SOLELY FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES, THIS CERTIFICATE IS A "REGULAR
INTEREST" IN A "REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE INVESTMENT CONDUIT" AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED, RESPECTIVELY, IN SECTIONS 860G AND 860D OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
 
     THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBORDINATED IN RIGHT OF PAYMENT TO THE CLASS HE: A
CERTIFICATES [AND CLASS HE: M-1 CERTIFICATES] AS DESCRIBED IN THE POOLING AND
SERVICING AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN.
 
Class HE: M-[1][2]                   No.
(Subordinate)

Cut-off Date:                        Pass-Through Rate:  ______%
July 31, 1997                        Denomination:  $____________


First Payment Date:                  Aggregate Denomination of
October 15, 1997                     All Class HE: M-[1][2] Certificates:
                                     $________
 
Servicer:                            Final Scheduled Payment Date:
Green Tree Financial Corporation     September 15, 2028
                                     (or if such day is not a Business
                                     Day, then the next succeeding
                                     Business Day)
 
                                     CUSIP:________

                                      E-1
<PAGE>
 
            CERTIFICATE FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY LOANS
                SERIES 1997-D, CLASS HE: M-[1][2] (SUBORDINATE)
                -----------------------------------------------


     THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT REPRESENT AN OBLIGATION OF OR AN INTEREST IN
GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION OR ANY AFFILIATE THEREOF, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT
SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT.
 
     This certifies that Cede & Co. is the registered owner of the undivided
Percentage Interest represented by the original principal amount set forth above
in the Certificates for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans, Series 1997-D,
Class HE: M-[1][2] issued by Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D
(the "Trust"), which includes among its assets two sub-pools, one of which is
comprised of home improvement loan contracts and promissory notes (the "Home
Improvement Contracts") and the other of which is comprised of home equity loans
(the "Home Equity Contracts" and, together with the Home Improvement Contracts,
collectively the "Contracts") (including, without limitation, all mortgages,
deeds of trust and security deeds relating to such Contracts and any and all
rights to receive payments due on the Contracts after July 31, 1997 (or the date
of origination thereof, if later) (the "Cut-off Date") or the Subsequent Cut-off
Date with respect to the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts.  The Trust has been
created pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated
as of August 1, 1997, between Green Tree Financial Corporation, as Seller and
Servicer (the "Company"), and First Trust National Association as Trustee of the
Trust (the "Trustee").  This Certificate is one of the Certificates described in
the Agreement and is issued pursuant and subject to the Agreement.  By
acceptance of this Certificate the holder assents to and becomes bound by the
Agreement.  To the extent not defined herein, all capitalized terms have the
meanings assigned to such terms in the Agreement.
 
     The Agreement contemplates, subject to its terms, payment on the fifteenth
day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day)
(the "Payment Date") of each calendar month commencing October 15, 1997, so long
as the Agreement has not been terminated, by check (or, if such
Certificateholder holds  Class HE: M-[1][2] Certificates with an aggregate
Percentage Interest of at least 5% of the Class HE: M-[1][2] Certificates and so
desires, by wire transfer pursuant to instructions delivered to the Trustee at
least 10 days prior to such Payment Date) to the registered Certificateholder at
the address appearing on the Certificate Register as of the Business Day
immediately preceding such Payment Date, in an amount equal to the
Certificateholder's Percentage Interest of the Class HE: M-[1][2] Distribution
Amount (plus the Class HE: M-[1][2] Interest Deficiency Amount, if any) for such
Payment Date.  Distributions of interest and principal on the Class HE: M-[1][2]
Certificates will be made primarily from amounts available in respect of the
Home Equity Contracts. The

                                      E-2
<PAGE>
 
final scheduled Payment Date of this Certificate is January 15, 2028 or the next
succeeding Business Day if such January 15 is not a Business Day.
 
     The Certificateholder, by its acceptance of this Certificate, agrees that
it will look solely to the funds in the Certificate Account to the extent
available for distribution to the Certificateholder as provided in the
Agreement, for payment hereunder and that the Trustee in its individual capacity
is not personally liable to the Certificateholder for any amounts payable under
this Certificate or the Agreement or, except as expressly provided in the
Agreement, subject to any liability under the Agreement.  By acceptance of this
Certificate, the Certificateholder agrees to disclosure of his, her or its name
and address to other Certificateholders under the conditions specified in the
Agreement.

     No transfer of this Certificate or any interest herein by, on behalf of or
with plan assets of any employee benefit plan, trust or account that is subject
to the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"),
or that is described in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code (each, a "Plan") will be
                                                                 ----          
registered unless the transferee, at its expense, delivers to the Company and
the Trustee at its own expense an opinion of counsel (satisfactory to the
Company and the Trustee) that the purchase and holding of the Certificate by
such Plan will not result in the assets of the Trust being deemed to be "plan
assets" and subject to the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the
Code and will not subject the Trustee, the Trust, the Company or the Servicer to
any obligation or liability in addition to those undertaken in this Agreement.
Unless such opinion is delivered, each person acquiring this Certificate will be
deemed to represent to the Trustee, the Company and the Servicer that such
person is neither a Plan, nor acting on behalf of a Plan, nor purchasing with
plan assets of any Plan.

     This Certificate does not purport to summarize the Agreement and reference
is made to the Agreement for information with respect to the interests, rights,
benefits, obligations, proceeds and duties evidenced hereby and the rights,
duties and immunities of the Trustee.  Copies of the Agreement and all
amendments thereto will be provided to any Certificateholder free of charge upon
a written request to the Trustee.

     As provided in the Agreement and subject to the limitations set forth
therein, the transfer of this Certificate is registrable in the Certificate
Register of the Certificate Registrar upon surrender of this Certificate for
registration of transfer at the office or agency maintained by the Trustee in
Minneapolis or St. Paul, Minnesota, accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar duly
executed by the holder hereof or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing,
and thereupon one or more new Certificates evidencing the same aggregate
Percentage Interest will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

                                      E-3
<PAGE>
 
     [UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION ("DTC") TO THE TRUSTEE OR
ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE
ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS
REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO
CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL IN AS MUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER
HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]

     The Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the
Certificate Registrar and any agent of the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee,
the Paying Agent or the Certificate Registrar may treat the person in whose name
this Certificate is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, and neither
the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Certificate
Registrar nor any such agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

                                      E-4
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D has
caused this Certificate to be duly executed by the manual signature of a duly
authorized officer of the Trustee.

Dated: September ____, 1997        HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY
                                   LOAN TRUST 1997-D
 

                                   By: FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                   By:____________________________________
                                        Authorized Officer

                                      E-5
<PAGE>
 
     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers
unto _________________ the within Certificate for Home Improvement and Home
Equity Loans, Series 1997-D, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
_______________ Attorney to transfer the said certificate on the Certificate
Register maintained by the Trustee, with full power of substitution in the
premises.

Dated:                             By:__________________________________
                                       Signature

                                      E-6
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT F
                                   ---------

                        FORM OF CLASS HE: B CERTIFICATE
                        -------------------------------


     SOLELY FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES, THIS CERTIFICATE IS A "REGULAR
INTEREST" IN A "REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE INVESTMENT CONDUIT" AS THOSE TERMS ARE
DEFINED, RESPECTIVELY, IN SECTIONS 860G AND 860D OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.

     THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBORDINATED IN RIGHT OF PAYMENT TO THE CLASS HE: A,
THE CLASS HE: M CERTIFICATES [AND THE CLASS HE: B-1 CERTIFICATES] AS DESCRIBED
IN THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN.

Class HE: B-[1][2]                   No.
(Subordinate)

Cut-off Date:                        Pass-Through Rate:  ______%
July 31, 1997                        Denomination: $____________

First Payment Date:                  Aggregate Denomination of
October 15, 1997                     All Class HE: B-[1][2] Certificates:
                                     $_________
 
Servicer:                            Final Scheduled Payment Date:
Green Tree Financial Corporation     September 15, 2028
                                     (or if such day is not a Business
                                     Day, then the next succeeding
                                     Business Day)
 
                                     CUSIP:_________

                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
            CERTIFICATES FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY LOANS
                SERIES 1997-D, CLASS HE: B-[1][2] (SUBORDINATE)
                -----------------------------------------------


     THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT REPRESENT AN OBLIGATION OF OR AN INTEREST IN
GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION OR ANY AFFILIATE THEREOF, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT
SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT.

     This certifies that Cede & Co. is the registered owner of the undivided
Percentage Interest represented by the original principal amount set forth above
in the Certificates for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans, Series 1997-D,
Class HE: B-[1][2], issued by Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D
(the "Trust"), which includes among its assets two sub-pools, one of which is
comprised of home improvement loan contracts and promissory notes (the "Home
Improvement Contracts") and the other of which is comprised of home equity loans
(the "Home Equity Contracts" and, together with the Home Improvement Contracts,
collectively the "Contracts") (including, without limitation, all mortgages,
deeds of trust and security deeds relating to such Contracts and any and all
rights to receive payments due on the Contracts after July 31, 1997 (or the date
of origination thereof, if later) (the "Cut-off Date") or the Subsequent Cut-off
Date with respect to the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts [AND THE CLASS HE: B-2
LIMITED GUARANTY]. The Trust has been created pursuant to a Pooling and
Servicing Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated as of August 1, 1997, between Green
Tree Financial Corporation, as Seller and Servicer (the "Company"), and First
Trust National Association as Trustee of the Trust (the "Trustee").  This
Certificate is one of the Certificates described in the Agreement and is issued
pursuant and subject to the Agreement.  By acceptance of this Certificate the
holder assents to and becomes bound by the Agreement.  To the extent not defined
herein, all capitalized terms have the meanings assigned to such terms in the
Agreement.

     The Agreement contemplates, subject to its terms, payment on the fifteenth
day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day)
(the "Payment Date") of each calendar month commencing October 15, 1997, so long
as the Agreement has not been terminated, by check (or, if such
Certificateholder holds  Class HE: B-[1][2] Certificates with an aggregate
Percentage Interest of at least 5% of the Class HE: B-[1][2] Certificates and so
desires, by wire transfer pursuant to instructions delivered to the Trustee at
least 10 days prior to such Payment Date) to the registered Certificateholder at
the address appearing on the Certificate Register as of the Business Day
immediately preceding such Payment Date, in an amount equal to the
Certificateholder's Percentage Interest of the Class HE: B-[1][2] Distribution
Amount [(PLUS THE CLASS HE: B-1 INTEREST DEFICIENCY AMOUNT, IF ANY)][AND ANY
CLASS HE: B-2 GUARANTY PAYMENT] for such Payment Date.  Distributions of
interest and principal on

                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
the Class HE: B-[1][2] Certificates will be made primarily from amounts
available in respect of the Home Equity Contracts.  The final scheduled Payment
Date of this Certificate is September 15, 2028 or the next succeeding Business
Day if such September 15 is not a Business Day.

     The Certificateholder, by its acceptance of this Certificate, agrees that
it will look solely to the funds in the Certificate Account [AND THE CLASS HE:
B-2 LIMITED GUARANTY OF THE COMPANY], to the extent available for distribution
to the Certificateholder as provided in the Agreement, for payment hereunder and
that the Trustee in its individual capacity is not personally liable to the
Certificateholder for any amounts payable under this Certificate or the
Agreement or, except as expressly provided in the Agreement, subject to any
liability under the Agreement.  By acceptance of this Certificate, the
Certificateholder agrees to disclosure of his, her or its name and address to
other Certificateholders under the conditions specified in the Agreement.

     No transfer of this Certificate or any interest herein by, on behalf of or
with plan assets of any employee benefit plan, trust or account that is subject
to the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"),
or that is described in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code (each, a "Plan") will be
                                                                 ----          
registered unless the transferee, at its expense, delivers to the Company and
the Trustee at its own expense an opinion of counsel (satisfactory to the
Company and the Trustee) that the purchase and holding of the Certificate by
such Plan will not result in the assets of the Trust being deemed to be "plan
assets" and subject to the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the
Code and will not subject the Trustee, the Trust, the Company or the Servicer to
any obligation or liability in addition to those undertaken in this Agreement.
Unless such opinion is delivered, each person acquiring this Certificate will be
deemed to represent to the Trustee, the Company and the Servicer that such
person is neither a Plan, nor acting on behalf of a Plan, nor purchasing with
plan assets of any Plan.

     This Certificate does not purport to summarize the Agreement and reference
is made to the Agreement for information with respect to the interests, rights,
benefits, obligations, proceeds and duties evidenced hereby and the rights,
duties and immunities of the Trustee.  Copies of the Agreement and all
amendments thereto will be provided to any Certificateholder free of charge upon
a written request to the Trustee.

     As provided in the Agreement and subject to the limitations set forth
therein, the transfer of this Certificate is registrable in the Certificate
Register of the Certificate Registrar upon surrender of this Certificate for
registration of transfer at the office or agency maintained by the Trustee in
Minneapolis or St. Paul, Minnesota, accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar duly
executed by the holder thereof or his or her attorney duly authorized in

                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
writing, and thereupon one or more new Certificates evidencing the same
aggregate Percentage Interest will be issued to the designated transferee or
transferees.

     [UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION ("DTC") TO THE TRUSTEE OR
ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE
ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS
REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO
CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL IN AS MUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER
HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]

     The Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the
Certificate Registrar and any agent of the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee,
the Paying Agent or the Certificate Registrar may treat the person in whose name
this Certificate is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, and neither
the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Certificate
Registrar nor any such agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D has
caused this Certificate to be duly executed by the manual signature of a duly
authorized officer of the Trustee.

Dated:  September ____, 1997       HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY
                                   LOAN TRUST 1997-D
 

                                   By: FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                   By:___________________________________
                                       Authorized Officer

                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers
unto _______________ the within Certificate for Home Improvement and Home Equity
Loans, Series 1997-D, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
_____________ Attorney to transfer the said certificate on the Certificate
Register maintained by the Trustee, with full power of substitution in the
premises.

Dated:                             By:____________________________________
                                       Signature

                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT G
                                   ---------

                              FORM OF ASSIGNMENT

     In accordance with the Pooling and Servicing Agreement (the "Agreement")
dated as of August 1, 1997, between the undersigned and First Trust National
Association as Trustee (the "Trustee"), the undersigned does hereby transfer,
assign, set over and otherwise convey, without recourse, to Home Improvement and
Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D, created by the Agreement, to be held in trust as
provided in the Agreement, (i) all right, title and interest in the home
improvement contracts and promissory notes and home equity loans identified in
the List of Contracts attached to the Agreement and each Subsequent Transfer
Instrument (including, without limitation, all related mortgages, deeds of trust
and security deeds and any and all rights to receive payments on or with respect
to the Contracts due after the Cut-off Date, or Subsequent Cut-off Date with
respect to Subsequent Home Equity Contracts), (ii) all rights under FHA
Insurance in respect of each FHA-Insured Contract, (iii) all rights under any
hazard, flood or other individual insurance policy on the real estate securing a
Contract for the benefit of the creditor of such Contract, (iv) all rights the
Company may have against the originating contractor or lender with respect to
Contracts originated by a contractor or lender other than the Company, (v) all
rights under the Errors and Omissions Protection Policy and the Fidelity Bond as
such policy and bond relate to the Contracts, (vi) all rights under any title
insurance policies, if applicable, on any of the properties securing Contracts,
(vii) all documents contained in the Contract Files, (viii) amounts in the
Certificate Account, Excess Proceeds Account, and Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding
Account (including all proceeds of investments of such Accounts other than the
Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account) and (ix) all proceeds and products of the
foregoing.

     This Assignment is made pursuant to and upon the representation and
warranties on the part of the undersigned contained in Article III of the
Agreement and no others.  All undefined capitalized terms used in this
Assignment have the meanings given them in the Agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Assignment to be duly
executed this ____ day of September, 1997.

                            GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 

[Seal]                      By:____________________________________
                                      [NAME]
                                      [TITLE]

                                      G-1
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT H
                                   ---------

                        FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF OFFICER

                       GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

     The undersigned certifies that he is a [TITLE] of Green Tree Financial
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and that as such he is duly
authorized to execute and deliver this certificate on behalf of the Company in
connection with the Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated as of August 1, 1997
(the "Agreement") between the Company and First Trust National Association as
Trustee (all capitalized terms used herein without definition having the
respective meanings specified in the Agreement), and further certifies that:

     (i)    attached hereto as Exhibit I is a true and correct copy of the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, together with all amendments
thereto as in effect on the date hereof;

     (ii)   attached hereto as Exhibit II is a true and correct copy of the
Bylaws of the Company, as amended, as in effect on the date hereof;

     (iii)  the representations and warranties of the Company contained in
Sections 3.01 and 3.04 of the Agreement are true and correct on and as of the
date hereof and, to the best of his knowledge, the representations and
warranties of the Company contained in Sections 3.02 and 3.03 of the Agreement
are true and correct on and as of the date hereof;

     (iv)   no event with respect to the Company has occurred and is continuing
which would constitute an Event of Termination or an event that with notice or
lapse of time or both would become an Event of Termination under the Agreement;
and

     (v)    each of the agreements and conditions of the Company to be performed
on or before the date hereof pursuant to the Agreement have been performed in
all material respects.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have affixed hereunto my signature this ______ day of
September, 1997.

 
                                    [NAME]
                                    [TITLE]

                                      H-1
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT I
                                   ---------

                  FORM OF OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE COMPANY

     The opinion of Briggs and Morgan, Professional Association shall be to the
effect that (capitalized terms have the meanings set forth in the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement):
 
     1.   The Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with corporate power
to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement (including the Class HI: B-2 Limited Guaranty and the Class HE: B-2
Limited Guaranty contained therein), the Certificates and the Class C
Certificates.
 
     2.   The Pooling and Servicing Agreement (including the Class HI: B-2
Limited Guaranty and the Class HE: B-2 Limited Guaranty contained therein) has
been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action, duly executed and
delivered by the Company, and constitutes the valid and binding obligation of
the Company enforceable in accordance with its terms.  The Certificates have
been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action and, when duly and
validly executed by the Trustee in accordance with the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement, will be validly issued and outstanding and entitled to the benefits
of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
 
     3.   No consent, approval, authorization or order of any state or federal
court or governmental agency or body is required to be obtained by the Company
for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement, except such as may be required under blue sky laws under
any jurisdiction in connection with the offering of the Certificates by the
Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement.
 
     4.   The Pooling and Servicing Agreement is not required to be qualified
under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as now in effect, and the Trust is not
required to be registered as an investment company under the Investment Company
Act of 1940.
 
     5.   Neither the transfer of the Contracts to the Trustee acting on behalf
of the Trust, nor the assignment of the Company's lien on the related real
estate which is the subject of a home improvement loan or a home equity loan,
nor the issuance or sale of the Certificates and the Class C Certificates, nor
the execution and delivery of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, nor the
consummation of any other of the transactions contemplated in the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement, nor the fulfillment of the terms of the Certificates, the
Class C Certificates or the Pooling and Servicing Agreement by the Company will
conflict with, or result in a breach, violation or acceleration of, or
constitute a default under, any term or provision of the Restated Certificates
of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company or of any indenture or other agreement
or instrument known to us to which the Company is a party or by which it is
bound, or

                                      I-1
<PAGE>
 
result in a violation of, or contravene the terms of any statute, order or
regulation, applicable to the Company, of any court, regulatory body,
administrative agency or governmental body having jurisdiction over it.
 
     6.   There are no actions or proceedings pending or, to the best of our
knowledge, actions, proceedings or investigations pending or overtly threatened
against the Company before any court, administrative agency or other tribunal
(A) asserting the invalidity of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the
Certificates, the Class C Certificates, the hazard or flood insurance policies
applicable to any Contracts or the Errors and Omissions Protection Policy, (B)
seeking to prevent the issuance of the Certificates or the Class C Certificates
or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement, (C) which is likely materially and adversely to affect the
performance by the Company of its obligations under, or the validity or
enforceability of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the Certificates or the
Class C Certificates, or (D) seeking adversely to affect the federal income tax
attributes of the Certificates or the Class C Certificates described in the
Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement under the heading "Certain Federal
Income Tax Consequences."
 
     7.   The transfer of the Contracts to the Trust in accordance with Section
2.01 of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement would not be avoidable as a
preferential transfer under Section 547 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11
U.S.C. (S) 547), as in effect on the date hereof, in the event that the Company
became a debtor under the United States Bankruptcy Code.
 
     8.   Pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement the Company has
transferred to the Trustee acting on behalf of the Trust all of the Company's
right, title and interest in the Contracts, free and clear of any and all other
assignments, encumbrances, options, rights, claims, liens or security interests
(except tax or possessory liens) that may affect the right of the Trustee in and
to such Contracts, and has delivered the Contract Files to the Trustee or its
custodian.  No filing or other action, other than the filing of a financing
statement on Form UCC-1 with the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota
identifying the Contracts as collateral and naming the Company as debtor and the
Trust as secured party, and the filing of continuation statements as required by
Section 4.02 of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, is necessary to perfect as
against third parties the assignment of the Contracts by the Company to the
Trust.  We have separately provided you with our opinion concerning whether such
assignment could be recharacterized as a pledge rather than a sale in the event
the Company became a debtor under the United States Bankruptcy Code.  However,
in the event such assignment were characterized as a pledge securing a loan from
the Certificateholders to the Company, it is our opinion that the Trustee would
be deemed to have a valid and perfected security interest in the Contracts and
the proceeds thereof, which security interest would be prior to any other
security interest that may be perfected under the Uniform Commercial Code as in
effect in the State of Minnesota and over any "lien creditor" (as defined in
Minn. Stat. (S)336.9-301(3)) who becomes such after the Closing Date, except
that a subsequent purchaser of any Contract who gives new value and takes

                                      I-2
<PAGE>
 
possession thereof in the ordinary course of his business would have priority
over the Trustee's security interest in such Contract, if such purchaser acts
without knowledge that such Contract was subject to a security interest.  We
have assumed for the purposes of this opinion that during the term of the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement the Trustee, or its custodian, shall maintain
possession of the Contract Files for the purpose of perfecting the assignment to
the Trustee of the Contracts.  We express no opinion with respect to the
enforceability of any individual Contract or the existence of any claims, rights
or other matters in favor of any Obligor or the owner of any financed home
improvement.
 
     9.   In reliance upon certain representations and warranties set forth in
the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and assuming that the Company and the
Trustee comply with the requirements of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement,
including the filing on behalf of each of the Master REMIC and Subsidiary REMIC
of a proper election to be taxed as a REMIC, as of the date hereof the Master
REMIC and Subsidiary REMIC created pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement will each qualify as a REMIC.  Further, the Certificates will evidence
ownership of the "regular interests" in the Master REMIC and the Class C Master
Certificates and Class C Subsidiary Certificates will evidence ownership of the
single class of "residual interest" in the Master REMIC and Subsidiary REMIC
respectively.  For Minnesota income tax purposes, and subject to the foregoing
assumptions, and the provisions of Minnesota law as of the date hereof, the
Trust (excluding the Excess Proceeds Account and the Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding
Account) will not be subject to tax and the income of the Trust will be taxable
to the holders of interests therein, all in accordance with the provisions of
the Code concerning REMICs.  Moreover, ownership of Certificates will not be a
factor in determining whether such owner is subject to Minnesota income taxes.
Therefore, if the owner of Certificates is not otherwise subject to Minnesota
income or franchise taxes in the State of Minnesota, such owner will not become
subject to such Minnesota taxes solely by virtue of owning Certificates.
 
     10.  The transfer of the Contracts and the proceeds thereof by the Company
to the Trustee on the date hereof pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement would not be avoidable as a fraudulent transfer under the Uniform
Fraudulent Transfer Act as in effect in Minnesota on the date hereof (Minn.
Stat. (S)(S) 513.41 through 513.51), nor, should the Company become a debtor
under the United States Bankruptcy Code, as a fraudulent transfer under Section
548 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. (S) 548) as in effect on the
date hereof.

                                      I-3
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT J
                                   ---------

                       FORM OF TRUSTEE'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT

     First Trust National Association, a national banking association organized
under the laws of the United States, acting as trustee (the "Trustee") of Home
Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D (the "Trust") created pursuant to
the Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated as of August 1, 1997 between Green
Tree Financial Corporation and the Trustee (the "Agreement") (all capitalized
terms used herein without definition having the respective meanings specified in
the Agreement) acknowledges, pursuant to Section 2.04 of the Agreement, that the
Trustee has received the following:  (i) all right, title and interest in the
home improvement contracts and promissory notes and home equity loans identified
in the List of Contracts attached to the [AGREEMENT] [SUBSEQUENT TRANSFER
INSTRUMENT OF EVEN DATE HEREWITH] (THE "CONTRACTS"), including, without
limitation, all related mortgages and deeds of trust and any and all rights to
receive payments on or with respect to the Contracts (due after the [CUT-OFF
DATE] [SUBSEQUENT CUT-OFF DATE]), (ii) all rights under FHA Insurance in respect
of each FHA-Insured Contract, (iii) all rights under any hazard, flood or other
individual insurance policy on the real estate securing a Contract for the
benefit of the creditor of such Contract, (iv) all rights the Company may have
against the originating contractor or lender with respect to Contracts
originated by a contractor or lender other than the Company, (v) all rights
under the Errors and Omissions Protection Policy and the Fidelity Bond as such
policy and bond relate to the Contracts, (vi) all rights under any title
insurance policies, if applicable, on any of the properties securing Contracts,
(vii) all documents contained in the Contract Files, [(VIII) AMOUNTS IN THE
CERTIFICATE ACCOUNT, EXCESS PROCEEDS ACCOUNT, AND SUB-POOL HE PRE-FUNDING
ACCOUNT (INCLUDING ALL PROCEEDS OF INVESTMENTS OF SUCH ACCOUNTS OTHER THAN THE
SUB-POOL HE PRE-FUNDING ACCOUNT THEREOF), (IX) THE CLASS HI: B-2 LIMITED
GUARANTY AND THE CLASS HE: B-2 LIMITED GUARANTY,] and [(VIII)] [(X)] all
proceeds and products of the foregoing; and declares that, directly or through a
Custodian, it will hold all Contract Files that have been delivered in trust,
upon the trusts set forth in the Agreement for the use and benefit of all
Certificateholders and the holders of the Class C Certificates.

     The Trustee acknowledges that it has conducted a cursory review of the
Contract Files and hereby confirms that except as noted on the document
exception listing attached hereto, each Contract File contained (a) an original
contract or promissory note, (b) with respect to each Contract, an original or a
copy of the mortgage or deed of trust or similar evidence of a lien on the
related improved real estate, (c) in the case of Contracts originated by a
contractor, an original or a copy of an assignment of the mortgage, deed of
trust or security deed by the contractor to Green Tree, and (d) a sale control
document.  The Trustee has not otherwise reviewed the Contracts and Contract
Files for compliance with the terms of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.

                                      J-1
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, _______________________ as Trustee, has caused this
acknowledgment to be executed by its duly authorized officer and its corporate
seal affixed hereto as of this _____ day of September, 1997.

                                   FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                                   as Trustee
 


[Seal]                             By:__________________________________
                                       [NAME]
                                       [TITLE]

                                      J-2
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT K
                                   ---------

                   FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF SERVICING OFFICER

                       GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

     The undersigned certifies that he is a [TITLE] of Green Tree Financial
                                             -----                         
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and that as such he is duly
authorized to execute and deliver this certificate on behalf of the Company
pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement (the
"Agreement") dated as of August 1, 1997 between the Company and First Trust
National Association, as Trustee of Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust
1997-D (all capitalized terms used herein without definition having the
respective meanings specified in the Agreement), and further certifies that:
 
     1.   The Monthly Report for the period from _____________ to ____________
attached to this certificate is complete and accurate in accordance with the
requirements of Sections 6.01 and 6.02 of the Agreement; and
 
     2.   As of the date hereof, no Event of Termination or event that with
notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Termination has
occurred.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have affixed hereunto my signature this ________ day
of September, 1997.

                              GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 

                              By:___________________________________
                                  [NAME]
                                  [TITLE]

                                      K-1
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT L
                                   ---------

               FORM OF CLASS C [MASTER] [SUBSIDIARY] CERTIFICATE
               -------------------------------------------------


     THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBORDINATED IN RIGHT OF PAYMENT TO THE CLASS HI: A
CERTIFICATES, THE CLASS HI: M-1 CERTIFICATES, THE CLASS HI: M-2 CERTIFICATES,
THE CLASS HI: B-1 CERTIFICATES, THE CLASS HI: B-2 CERTIFICATES, THE CLASS HE: A
CERTIFICATES, THE CLASS HE: M-1 CERTIFICATES, THE CLASS HE: M-2 CERTIFICATES,
THE CLASS HE: B-1 CERTIFICATES AND THE CLASS HE: B-2 CERTIFICATES AS DESCRIBED
IN THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN.
 
     THIS CERTIFICATE HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE AND MAY
NOT BE RESOLD OR TRANSFERRED UNLESS IT IS REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SUCH ACT AND
LAWS OR IS SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN TRANSACTIONS WHICH ARE EXEMPT FROM
REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT AND UNDER APPLICABLE STATE LAW AND IS TRANSFERRED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 9.02 OF THE POOLING AND SERVICING
AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN.
 
     SOLELY FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES, THIS CERTIFICATE IS A
"RESIDUAL INTEREST" IN A "REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE INVESTMENT CONDUIT" AS THOSE
TERMS ARE DEFINED, RESPECTIVELY, IN SECTIONS 860G and 860D OF THE INTERNAL
REVENUE CODE.  THIS CERTIFICATE MAY ONLY BE TRANSFERRED TO A PERMITTED
TRANSFEREE (AS DEFINED IN THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT REFERRED TO
HEREIN); ANY SUCH TRANSFER MUST ALSO SATISFY THE OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION
9.02 OF SUCH POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT.

                                      L-1
<PAGE>
 
Class C [Master] [Subsidiary]        No.
(Subordinate)

Cut-off Date:                        Percentage Interest: 100%
July 31, 1997

First Payment Date:
October 15, 1997


            CERTIFICATE FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY LOANS
            ------------------------------------------------------
                                 SERIES 1997-D
                                 -------------

Original Series 1997-D Certificate Principal Balance of the Trust: $750,000,000

     This certifies that Green Tree Finance Corp.-Two is the registered owner of
the Residual Interest represented by this Certificate, and entitled to certain
distributions out of Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D (the
"Trust"), which includes among its assets two sub-pools, one of which is
comprised of home improvement loan contracts and promissory notes (the "Home
Improvement Contracts") and the other of which is comprised of home equity loans
(the "Home Equity Contracts" and, together with the Home Improvement Contracts,
collectively the "Contracts") (including, without limitation, all mortgages,
deeds of trust and security deeds relating to such Contracts and any and all
rights to receive payments due on the Contracts after July 31, 1997 (or the date
of origination thereof, if later) (the "Cut-off Date") or the Subsequent Cut-off
Date with respect to the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts.  The Trust has been
created pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated
as of August 1, 1997, between Green Tree Financial Corporation, as Seller and
Servicer (the "Company"), and First Trust National Association, as Trustee of
the Trust (the "Trustee").  This Class C [Master] [Subsidiary] Certificate is
described in the Agreement and is issued pursuant and subject to the Agreement.
By acceptance of this Class C [Master] [Subsidiary] Certificate the holder
assents to and becomes bound by the Agreement.  To the extent not defined
herein, all capitalized terms have the meanings assigned to such terms in the
Agreement.
 
     The Agreement contemplates, subject to its terms, payment on the fifteenth
day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day)
(the "Payment Date") of each calendar month commencing October 15, 1997, so long
as the Agreement has not been terminated, by check to the registered Class C
[Master] [Subsidiary] Certificateholder at the address appearing on the
Certificate Register as of the Business Day immediately preceding such Payment
Date, in an amount equal to (1) the difference between (A) the Sub-Pool HI
Amount Available, and (B) the sum of (i) the Class HI: A

                                      L-2
<PAGE>
 
Distribution Amount, (ii) the Class HI: M-1 Distribution Amount, (iii) the Class
HI: M-2 Distribution Amount, (iv) the Class HI: B-1 Distribution Amount, (v) the
Class HI: B-2 Distribution Amount, (vi) the Monthly Servicing Fee with respect
to the Home Improvement Contracts, (vii) amounts to reimburse the Trustee or any
successor Servicer for any payments of FHA Insurance premiums not paid by the
Company, as Servicer, and for which the Trustee or such successor Servicer has
not been reimbursed by the Company, (viii) amounts to reimburse the Servicer or
the Trustee, as applicable, for prior Advances with respect to the Home
Improvement Contracts, and (ix) amounts necessary to reimburse the Company for
any previous unreimbursed Class HI: B-2 Guaranty Payments, and (2) the
difference between (A) the Sub-Pool HE Amount Available, and (B) the sum of (i)
the Class HE: A Distribution Amount, (ii) the Class HE: M-1 Distribution Amount,
(iii) the Class HI: M-2 Distribution Amount, (iv) the Class HE: B-1 Distribution
Amount, (v) the Class HE: B-2 Distribution Amount, (vi) the Monthly Servicing
Fee with respect to the Home Equity Contracts, (vii) amounts to reimburse the
Servicer or the Trustee, as applicable, for prior Advances with respect to the
Home Equity Contracts, and (viii) amounts necessary to reimburse the Company for
any previous unreimbursed Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Payments.  The final scheduled
Payment Date of this Class C [Master] [Subsidiary] Certificate is September 15,
2028 or the next succeeding Business Day if such September 15 is not a Business
Day.
 
     The Class C [Master] [Subsidiary] Certificateholder, by its acceptance of
this Certificate, agrees that it will look solely to the funds in the
Certificate Account to the extent available for distribution to the Class C
[Master] [Subsidiary] Certificateholder as provided in the Agreement for payment
hereunder and that the Trustee in its individual capacity is not personally
liable to the Class C [Master] [Subsidiary] Certificateholder for any amounts
payable under this Certificate or the Agreement or, except as expressly provided
in the Agreement, subject to any liability under the Agreement.  By acceptance
of this Certificate, the Class C [Master] [Subsidiary] Certificateholders agrees
to disclosure of his, her or its name and address to other Certificateholders
under the conditions specified in the Agreement.

     No transfer of this Certificate or any interest herein by, on behalf of or
with plan assets of any employee benefit plan, trust or account that is subject
to the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"),
or that is described in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code (each, a "Plan") will be
                                                                 ----          
registered unless the transferee, at its expense, delivers to the Company and
the Trustee at its own expense an opinion of counsel (satisfactory to the
Company and the Trustee) that the purchase and holding of the Certificate by
such Plan will not result in the assets of the Trust being deemed to be "plan
assets" and subject to the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the
Code and will not subject the Trustee, the Trust, the Company or the Servicer to
any obligation or liability in addition to those undertaken in this Agreement.
Unless such opinion is delivered,

                                      L-3
<PAGE>
 
each person acquiring this Certificate will be deemed to represent to the
Trustee, the Company and the Servicer that such person is neither a Plan, nor
acting on behalf of a Plan, nor purchasing with plan assets of any Plan.

     This Class C [Master] [Subsidiary] Certificate does not purport to
summarize the Agreement and reference is made to the Agreement for information
with respect to the interests, rights, benefits, obligations, proceeds and
duties evidenced hereby and the rights, duties and immunities of the Trustee.
Copies of the Agreement and all amendments thereto will be provided to any Class
C [Master] [Subsidiary] Certificateholders free of charge upon a written request
to the Trustee.
 
     As provided in the Agreement and subject to the limitations set forth
therein, the transfer of this Class C [Master] [Subsidiary] Certificate is
registrable in the Certificate Register of the Certificate Registrar upon
surrender of this Class C [Master] [Subsidiary] Certificate for registration of
transfer at the office or agency maintained by the Trustee in Minneapolis or St.
Paul, Minnesota, accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar duly executed by the
holder thereof or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon
a new Class C [Master] [Subsidiary] Certificate evidencing the same Class C
[Master] [Subsidiary] Certificate will be issued to the designated transferee or
transferees.

     The Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the
Certificate Registrar and any agent of the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee,
the Paying Agent or the Certificate Registrar may treat the person in whose name
this Class C [Master] [Subsidiary] Certificate is registered as the owner hereof
for all purposes, and neither the Company, the Servicer, the Trustee, the Paying
Agent, the Certificate Registrar nor any such agent shall be affected by any
notice to the contrary.
 
     The holder of this Class C [Master] [Subsidiary] Certificate, by acceptance
hereof, agrees that, in accordance with the requirements of Section 860D(b)(1)
of the Code, the federal tax return of the Trust for its first taxable year
shall provide that the Trust elects to be treated as a "real estate mortgage
investment conduit" (a "REMIC") under the Code for such taxable year and all
subsequent taxable years.  The Certificates shall be "regular interests" in the
REMIC and the Class C [Master] [Subsidiary] Certificate shall be the "residual
interest" in the REMIC.  In addition, the holder of this Class C [Master]
[Subsidiary] Certificate, by acceptance hereof, (i) agrees to file tax returns
consistent with and in accordance with any elections, decisions or other reports
made or filed with regard to federal, state or local taxes on behalf of the
Trust, and (ii) agrees to cooperate with the Company in connection with
examinations of the Trust's affairs by tax authorities, including administrative
and judicial proceedings, and (iii) makes the additional agreements,
designations and appointments, and undertakes the responsibilities, set forth in
Section 6.06 of the Agreement.

                                      L-4
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D has
caused this Certificate to be duly executed by the manual signature of a duly
authorized officer of the Trustee.

Dated:  September ____, 1997         HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY
                                     LOAN TRUST 1997-D
 

                                     By: FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                     By:________________________________
                                         Authorized Officer

                                      L-5
<PAGE>
 
     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers
unto _________________the within Certificate for Home Improvement and Home
Equity Loans, Series 1997-D, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
___________________to transfer the said certificate on the Certificate Register
maintained by the Trustee, with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated:  September ____, 1997            By:________________________________
                                            Signature

                                      L-6
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT M-1
                                  -----------

              FORM OF CERTIFICATE REGARDING REPURCHASED CONTRACTS

                       GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

     The undersigned certifies that he is a [TITLE] of Green Tree Financial
                                             -----                         
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and that as such he is duly
authorized to execute and deliver this certificate on behalf of the Company
pursuant to Sections 3.05 and 8.05 of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement (the
"Agreement") dated as of August 1, 1997 between the Company and First Trust
National Association, as Trustee of Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust
1997-D (all capitalized terms used herein without definition having the
respective meanings specified in the Agreement), and further certifies that:
 
     1.   The Contracts on the attached schedule are to be repurchased by the
Company on the date hereof pursuant to Section 3.05 of the Agreement.
 
     2.   Upon deposit of the Repurchase Price for such Contracts, such
Contracts may, pursuant to Section 8.05 of the Agreement, be assigned by the
Trustee to the Company.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have affixed hereunto my signature this ________ day
of September ____, 1997.

                                        GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 

                                        By:_______________________________
                                            [NAME]
                                            [TITLE]

                                     M-1-1
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT M-2
                                  -----------

              FORM OF CERTIFICATE REGARDING REPURCHASED CONTRACTS

                        GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

     The undersigned certifies that he is a [TITLE] of Green Tree Financial
                                             -----                         
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and that as such he is duly
authorized to execute and deliver this certificate on behalf of the Company
pursuant to Sections 3.05(b) and 8.05 of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement
(the "Agreement") dated as of August 1, 1997 between the Company and First Trust
National Association, as Trustee of Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust
1997-D (all capitalized terms used herein without definition having the
respective meanings specified in the Agreement), and further certifies that:

     1.   The Contract and Contract File for each such Eligible Substitute
Contract [ARE BEING HELD BY THE COMPANY, AS SERVICER] [HAVE BEEN DELIVERED TO
________________________________________________________________________
SUCCESSOR SERVICER].

     2.   The Contracts on the attached schedule are to be substituted on the
date hereof pursuant to Section 3.05(b) of the Agreement and each such Contract
is an Eligible Substitute Contract [DESCRIPTION, AS TO EACH CONTRACT, AS TO HOW
IT SATISFIES THE DEFINITION OF "ELIGIBLE SUBSTITUTE CONTRACT"].

     3.   The UCC-1 financing statements in respect of the Contracts to be
substituted, in the form required by Section 3.05 (b)(iii) of the Agreement,
have been filed with the appropriate offices.

     4.   The Company has delivered to the Trustee an executed assignment to the
Trustee on behalf of the Trust in recordable form for each mortgage securing
such Eligible Substitute Contracts.

     [5.  THERE HAS BEEN DEPOSITED IN THE CERTIFICATE ACCOUNT THE AMOUNTS LISTED
ON THE SCHEDULE ATTACHED HERETO AS THE AMOUNT BY WHICH THE SCHEDULED PRINCIPAL
BALANCE OF EACH REPLACED CONTRACT EXCEEDS THE SCHEDULED PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF
EACH CONTRACT BEING SUBSTITUTED THEREFOR.]

                                     M-2-1
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have affixed hereunto my signature this _________ day
of September, 1997.

                            GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 

                            By: ____________________________
                                [NAME]
                                [TITLE]

                                     M-2-2
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT N
                                   ---------

                         FORM OF REPRESENTATION LETTER
                         -----------------------------


First Trust National Association
180 East Fifth Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101

Green Tree Financial Corporation
1100 Landmark Towers
345 St. Peter Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102-1639

     RE:  Certificates for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans,
          Series 1997-D, Class C
 
     The undersigned purchaser (the "Purchaser") understands that the purchase
of the above-referenced certificates (the "Certificates") may be made only by
institutions which are "Accredited Investors" under Regulation D, as promulgated
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), which includes
banks, savings and loan associations, registered brokers and dealers, insurance
companies, investment companies, and organizations described in Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, corporations, business trusts and
partnerships, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Certificates
offered, with total assets in excess of $5,000,000.  The undersigned represents
on behalf of the Purchaser that the Purchaser is an "Accredited Investor" within
the meaning of such definition.  The Purchaser is urged to review carefully the
responses, representations and warranties it is making herein.
 
Representations and Warranties
- ------------------------------

     The Purchaser makes the following representations and warranties in order
to permit the Trustee, Green Tree Financial Corporation, and _________________
to determine its suitability as a purchaser of Certificates and to determine
that the exemption from registration relied upon by Green Tree Financial
Corporation under Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act is available to it.
 
     1.   The Purchaser understands that the Certificates have not been and will
not be registered under the 1933 Act and may be resold (which resale is not
currently contemplated) only if registered pursuant to the provisions of the
1933 Act or if an exemption from registration is available, that Green Tree
Financial Corporation is not

                                      N-1
<PAGE>
 
required to register the Certificates and that any transfer must comply with
Section 9.02 of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement relating to the
Certificates.
 
     2.   The Purchaser will comply with all applicable federal and state
securities laws in connection with any subsequent resale of the Certificates.
 
     3.   The Purchaser is a sophisticated institutional investor and has
knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and is capable of
evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Certificates and is
able to bear the economic risk of such investment.  The Purchaser has reviewed
the Prospectus Supplement dated August 27, 1997, to the Prospectus dated August
27, 1997 (the "Prospectus") with respect to the Certificates, and has been given
such information concerning the Certificates, the underlying installment sale
contracts and Green Tree Financial Corporation as it has requested.
 
     4.   The Purchaser is acquiring the Certificates as principal for its own
account (or for the account of one or more other institutional investors for
which it is acting as duly authorized fiduciary or agent) for the purpose of
investment and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any
distribution thereof, subject nevertheless to any requirement of law that the
disposition of the Purchaser's property shall at all times be and remain within
its control.
 
     5.   The Purchaser does not qualify as (i) an employee benefit plan (a
"Plan") as defined in section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), whether or not it is subject to the
provisions of Title I of ERISA, (ii) a plan described in section 4975(e)(1) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (also a "Plan"), or (iii) an entity whose
underlying assets are deemed to be assets of a Plan by reason of such Plan's
investment in the entity (as determined under Department of Labor Regulations,
29 C.F.R. (S)2510.3-101 (1990)).
 
     6.   The Purchaser understands that such Certificate will bear a legend
substantially as set forth in the form of Certificate included in the Pooling
and Servicing Agreement.
 
     7.   The Purchaser, as holder of the Class C Certificate, acknowledges (i)
it may incur tax liabilities in excess of any cash flows generated by the
interest and (ii) it intends to pay the taxes associated with holding the Class
C Certificate as they become due.
 
     8.   The Purchaser agrees that it will obtain from any purchaser of the
Certificates from it the same representations, warranties and agreements
contained in the foregoing paragraphs 1 through 7 and in this paragraph 8.
 
                                      N-2
<PAGE>
 
     The representations and warranties contained herein shall be binding upon
the heirs, executors, administrators and other successors of the undersigned.
If there is more than one signatory hereto, the obligations, representations,
warranties and agreements of the undersigned are made jointly and severally.
 
     Executed at ____________________________, _____________________, this _____
day of September, 1997.

                              Purchaser's Name (Print)
 
                              By:_____________________________________
                                 Signature

                                 Its:_________________________________


                              Address of Purchaser
 
 
                              Purchaser's Taxpayer
                              Identification Number

                                      N-3
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT O-1
                                  -----------


                       LIST OF HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTS



                                [TO BE SUPPLIED]

                                     O-1-1
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT O-2
                                  -----------


                    LIST OF FIXED RATE HOME EQUITY CONTRACTS



                                [TO BE SUPPLIED]


                                     O-2-1
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT O-3
                                  -----------


                 LIST OF ADJUSTABLE RATE HOME EQUITY CONTRACTS



                                [TO BE SUPPLIED]


                                     O-3-1
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT P
                                   ---------


                         LIST OF FHA-INSURED CONTRACTS



                                [TO BE SUPPLIED]



                                      P-1
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT Q
                                   ---------


                            FORM OF MONTHLY REPORT
                            ----------------------

            CERTIFICATES FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HOME EQUITY LOANS
                                 SERIES 1997-D

Payment Date:  ______________________
               
Sub-Pool HI

1.(a)    Sub-Pool HI Amount Available (including Monthly                _______
         Servicing Fee)
 
  (b)    Class HI: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount (if
         any), Class HI: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount
         (if any) and Class HI: B-1 Interest Deficiency
         Amount (if any) withdrawn for prior
         Payment Date                                                   _______

  (c)    Sub-Pool HI Amount Available after giving effect to
         withdrawal of any Class HI: M-1 Interest
         Deficiency Amount, Class HI: M-2 Interest
         Deficiency Amount and Class HI: B-1
         Interest Deficiency Amount for prior
         Payment Date                                                   _______
 
2.       Sub-Pool HI Formula Principal Distribution Amount:             _______
         (a)  Scheduled principal                             _______      
         (b)  Principal Prepayments                           _______     
         (c)  Liquidated Contracts                            _______      
         (d)  Repurchases                                     _______      
         (e)  Excess Proceeds if any (first Remittance Date)  _______    
         (f)  Previously undistributed (a)-(d) amounts        _______    
 
3.       Sub-Pool HI Senior Percentage                                  _______
 
4.       Class HI: B Percentage                                         _______


                                      Q-1
<PAGE>
 
Class HI: A Certificates
- ------------------------

Interest

5.       Aggregate interest
         (a)  Class HI: A-1 Pass-through Rate (6.14%)                    _______
         (b)  Class HI: A-l Interest                                     _______
         (c)  Class HI: A-2 Pass-through Rate (6.45%)                    _______
         (d)  Class HI: A-2 Interest                                     _______
         (e)  Class HI: A-3 Pass-through Rate (6.77%)                    _______
         (f)  Class HI: A-3 Interest                                     _______
 
6.       Amount applied to Unpaid Class HI: A Interest Shortfall         _______
 
7.       Remaining Unpaid Class HI: A Interest Shortfall                 _______
 
Principal
 
8.       Class HI: A principal distribution:/1/
         (a)  Class HI: A-1                                              _______
         (b)  Class HI: A-2                                              _______
         (c)  Class HI: A-3                                              _______
 
9.       (a)  Class HI: A-1 Principal Balance                            _______
         (b)  Class HI: A-2 Principal Balance                            _______
         (c)  Class HI: A-3 Principal Balance                            _______

10.      Amount, if any, by which Class HI: A Formula Distribution Amount
         exceeds Class HI: A Distribution Amount                         _______

Class HI: M-1 Certificates
- --------------------------

11.      Sub-Pool HI Amount Available less the Class HI: A
         Distribution Amount (including
         Monthly Servicing Fee)                                          _______
         


- --------------------------
/1/If there is a Class HI: A Liquidation Loss Principal Amount, pro rata to each
Class based on Class Principal Balance; otherwise sequentially.

                                      Q-2
<PAGE>
 
Interest on Class HI: M-1 Principal Balance less
Class HI: M-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount

12.      Current Interest
         (a)  Class HI: M-1 Pass-through Rate (7.16%)                    _______
         (b)  Class HI: M-1 Interest                                     _______
 
13.      Amount applied to Unpaid Class HI: M-1
         Interest Shortfall                                              _______
 
14.      Remaining Unpaid Class HI: M-1
         Interest Shortfall                                              _______

15.      Class HI: M-1 Interest
         Deficiency Amount                                               _______

16.      Class HI: M-1 Interest Deficiency
         Amount unpaid                                                   _______
 
Principal
 
17.      Class HI: M-1 principal distribution                            _______
 
18.      Class HI: M-1 Principal Balance                                 _______
 
19.      Amount, if any, by which the Class HI: M-1
         Formula Distribution Amount exceeds
         Class HI: M-1 Distribution Amount                               _______


Class HI: M-2 Certificates
- --------------------------

20.      Sub-Pool HI Amount Available less the Class HI: A
         Distribution Amount and Class HI: M-1
         Distribution Amount (including
         Monthly Servicing Fee)                                          _______

                                      Q-3
<PAGE>
 
Interest on Class HI: M-2 Principal Balance less
Class HI: M-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount

21.      Current interest
         (a)  Class HI: M-2 Pass-through Rate (7.35%)
         (b)  Class HI: M-2 Interest                                     _______
 
22.      Amount applied to Unpaid Class HI: M-2
         Interest Shortfall                                              _______
 
23.      Remaining Unpaid Class HI: M-2
         Interest Shortfall                                              _______
 
24.      Class HI: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount                        _______
 
25.      Class HI: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount unpaid                 _______
 
Principal

26.      Class HI: M-2 principal distribution                            _______

27.      Class HI: M-2 Principal Balance                                 _______


Class HI: B Principal Distribution Tests (tests must be satisfied on and after
the Payment Date occurring in October 2000)

28.      Sub-Pool HI Average Sixty-Day Delinquency Ratio Test

         (a)  Sixty-Day Delinquency Ratio for
              current Payment Date                                       _______
         (b)  Sub-Pool HI Average Sixty-Day Delinquency Ratio Test
              (arithmetic average of ratios for this
              month and two preceding months;
              may not exceed 2.5%)                                       _______

29.      Sub-Pool HI Average Thirty-Day Delinquency Ratio Test

         (a)  Thirty-Day Delinquency Ratio for
              current Payment Date                                       _______
         (b)  Sub-Pool HI Average Thirty-Day Delinquency Ratio
              Test (arithmetic average of ratios
              for this month and two preceding
              months; may not exceed 5%)                                 _______

                                     Q-4
<PAGE>
 
30.      Sub-Pool HI Cumulative Realized Losses Test

              Cumulative Realized Losses
              for current Payment Date
              (as a percentage of Cut-off Date
              Pool Principal Balance may not
              exceed 10%)                                                _______

31.      Sub-Pool HI Current Realized Losses Test

         (a)  Current Realized Losses
              for current Payment Date                                   _______
         (b)  Current Realized Loss Ratio (total
              Realized Losses for most recent
              three months, multiplied by 4,
              divided by arithmetic
              average of Pool Scheduled Principal
              Balances for third preceding
              Remittance and for current Remittance
              Date; may not exceed 2.5%)                                 _______

32.      Class HI: B Principal Balance Test

              Class HI: B Principal Balance (before
              any distributions on current
              Payment Date) divided by Pool     
              Scheduled Principal Balance for
              prior Payment Date (must equal
              or exceed 14.0%)                                           _______

Class HI: B-1 Certificates
- --------------------------

33.           Sub-Pool HI Amount Available less the Class HI: A
              Distribution Amount and Class HI: M
              Distribution Amount (including
              Monthly Servicing Fee)                                     _______

Interest on Class HI: B-1 Principal Balance less
Class HI: B-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount
 
34.           Current interest
              (a) Class HI: B-1 Pass-through Rate (7.22%)
              (b) Class HI: B-1 Interest                                 _______
 
35.           Amount applied to Unpaid
 

                                     Q-5
<PAGE>
 
         Class HI: B-1 Interest Shortfall                                _______
 
36.      Remaining Unpaid Class HI: B-1
         Interest Shortfall                                              _______
 
37.      Class HI: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount                        _______
 
38.      Class HI: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount unpaid                 _______
 
 
Principal
 
39.      Class HI: B-1 principal distribution                            _______
 
40.      Class HI: B-1 Principal Balance                                 _______
 
41.      Amount, if any, by which Class HI: B-1
         Formula Principal Distribution Amount
         exceeds Class HI: B-1 Distribution Amount                       _______


Class HI: B-2 Certificates
- --------------------------

42.      Remaining Sub-Pool HI Amount Available                          _______
 
Interest on Class HI: B-2 Principal Balance less
Liquidation Loss Principal Amount

43.      Current interest
         (a)  Class HI: B-2 Pass-through Rate (7.54%)
         (b)  Class HI: B-2 Interest                                     _______
 
44.      Amount applied to Unpaid Class
         B-2 Interest Shortfall                                          _______
 
45.      Remaining Unpaid Class HI: B-2
         Interest Shortfall                                              _______
 
Principal
 
46.      Class HI: B-2 principal distribution                            _______
                                                                                
47.      Class HI: B-2 Guaranty Payment                                  _______
                                                                                
48.      Class HI: B-2 Principal Balance                                 _______
 

                                     Q-6
<PAGE>
 
49.      Amount, if any, by which Class HI: B-2
         Formula Distribution Amount plus Class HI: B-2
         Liquidation Loss Principal Amount exceeds
         Class HI: B-2 Distribution Amount                               _______


Interest on Class HI: M-1, M-2, B-1 and B-2
Liquidation Loss Principal Amount

50.      Class HI: M-1

         (a)  Class HI: M-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (b)  Interest at Class HI: M-1 Pass-Through Rate on
              Class HI: M-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (c)  Amount applied to Unpaid Class HI: M-1
              Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall                        _______

         (d)  Remaining Unpaid Class HI: M-1 Liquidation
              Loss Interest Shortfall                                    _______


51.      Class HI: M-2

         (a)  Class HI: M-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (b)  Interest at Class HI: M-2 Pass-Through Rate on
              Class HI: M-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (c)  Amount applied to Unpaid Class HI: M-2
              Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall                        _______

         (d)  Remaining Unpaid Class HI: M-2 Liquidation Loss
              Interest Shortfall                                         _______

52.      Class HI: B-1

         (a)  Class HI: B-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (b)  Interest at Class HI: B-1 Pass-Through Rate on
              Class HI: B-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (c)  Amount applied to Unpaid Class HI: B-1 Liquidation
              Loss Interest Shortfall                                    _______

                                      Q-7
<PAGE>
 
         (d)  Remaining Unpaid Class HI: B-1 Liquidation Loss
              Interest Shortfall                                         _______

53.      Class HI: B-2

         (a)  Class HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (b)  Interest at Class HI: B-2 Pass-Through Rate on
              Class HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (c)  Amount applied to Unpaid Class HI: B-2 Liquidation
              Loss Interest Shortfall                                    _______

         (d)  Remaining Unpaid Class HI: B-2 Liquidation Loss
              Interest Shortfall                                         _______


Class HI: A, Class HI: M and Class HI: B Certificates
- -----------------------------------------------------

54.      Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HI                 _______
 
55.      Sub-Pool HI Pool Factor                                         _______
 
56.      Home Improvement Contracts Delinquent:
         30 - 59 days                                                    _______
 
         60 or more days                                                 _______
 
57.      Principal Balance of Defaulted Home
         Improvement Contracts                                           _______
 
58.      Number of Liquidated Home Improvement                           _______
         Contracts and Net Liquidation Loss                              _______
 
59.      Number of Home Improvement Contracts Remaining                  _______
 
60.      Number and Principal Balance of Home
         Improvement Contracts with FHA claims finally
         rejected, or no FHA claim was submitted
         because FHA Insurance was unavailable                           _______
 
61.      FHA Insurance reserve amount                                    _______
 
62.      Amount received from FHA Insurance                              _______
 
                                      Q-8
<PAGE>
 
Company and Class C Subsidiary Certificates
- -------------------------------------------
 
63.      Monthly Servicing Fee                                           _______
 
64.      Class HI: B-2 Guaranty Fee                                      _______
 
65.      Class C Subsidiary Residual Payment                             _______

                                      Q-9
<PAGE>

SUB-POOL HE

1.(a)    Sub-Pool HE Amount Available (including Monthly                 _______
         Servicing Fee)

  (b)    Class HE: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount (if
         any), Class HE: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount
         (if any) and Class HE: B-1 Interest Deficiency
         Amount (if any) withdrawn for prior
         Payment Date                                                    _______

  (c)    Sub-Pool HE Amount Available after giving effect to
         withdrawal of any Class HE: M-1 Interest
         Deficiency Amount, Class HE: M-2 Interest
         Deficiency Amount and Class HE: B-1
         Interest Deficiency Amount for prior
         Payment Date                                                    _______

2.       Sub-Pool HE Formula Principal Distribution Amount:              _______
         (a)  Scheduled principal                              _______
         (b)  Principal Prepayments                            _______
         (c)  Liquidated Contracts                             _______
         (d)  Repurchases                                      _______
         (e)  Previously undistributed (a)-(d) amounts         _______
         (f)  Pre-Funded Fixed Rate Amount, if any             _______
         (g)  Less Class HE: A-1 ARM Formula Principal
              Distribution Amount                              _______

3.       Class HE:A-1 ARM Formula Principal
         Distribution Amount (lesser of                                  _______
         Class HE: A-1 ARM Principal Balance
         or sum of (a)-(f))
         (a)  Scheduled principal                              _______
         (b)  Principal Prepayments                            _______
         (c)  Liquidated Contracts                             _______
         (d)  Repurchases                                      _______
         (e)  Pre-Funded ARM Amount, if any                    _______
         (f)  Clause (vi) of definition                        _______

4.       Sub-Pool HE Senior Percentage                                   _______

5.       Class HE: B Percentage                                          _______

                                     Q-10
<PAGE>
 
Class HE: A Certificates

Interest

6.       Aggregate interest
         (a)  Class HE: A-1 ARM Pass-through Rate
         (b)  Class HE: A-1 ARM Interest                                 ______
         (c)  Class HE: A-1 Pass-through Rate (5.97%)
         (d)  Class HE: A-l Interest                                     ______
         (e)  Class HE: A-2 Pass-through Rate (6.16%)
         (f)  Class HE: A-2 Interest                                     ______
         (g)  Class HE: A-3 Pass-through Rate (6.39%)
         (h)  Class HE: A-3 Interest                                     ______
         (i)  Class HE: A-4 Pass-through Rate (6.54%)
         (j)  Class HE: A-4 Interest                                     ______
         (k)  Class HE: A-5 Pass-through Rate (6.74%)
         (l)  Class HE: A-5 Interest                                     ______
         (m)  Class HE: A-6 Pass-through Rate (6.95%)
         (n)  Class HE: A-6 Interest                                     ______
         (o)  Class HE: A-7 Pass-through Rate (6.82%)
         (p)  Class HE: A-7 Interest                                     ______
         (q)  Class HE: A-8IO Pass Through Rate (7.57%)
         (r)  Class HE: A-8IO Interest                                   ______

7.       Amount applied to Unpaid Class HE: A Interest Shortfall         ______

8.       Remaining Unpaid Class HE: A Interest Shortfall                 ______

Principal

9.       Class HE: A-7 Lockout Percentage for such
         Payment Date                                                    ______

                                     Q-11
<PAGE>
 
10.  Class HE: A principal distribution:/2/
     (a)  Class HE: A-1 ARM                                              _______
     (b)  Class HE: A-7 Lockout Pro Rata Distribution Amount             _______
     (c)  Balance of Sub-Pool HE Senior Percentage of Sub-Pool
          HE Formula Principal Distribution Amount:
          (i)    Class HE: A-1                                           _______
          (ii)   Class HE: A-2                                           _______
          (iii)  Class HE: A-3                                           _______
          (iv)   Class HE: A-4                                           _______
          (v)    Class HE: A-5                                           _______
          (vi)   Class HE: A-6                                           _______
          (vii)  Class HE: A-7                                           _______
 
11.  (a)  Class HE: A-1 ARM Principal Balance                            _______
     (b)  Class HE: A-1 Principal Balance                                _______
     (c)  Class HE: A-2 Principal Balance                                _______
     (d)  Class HE: A-3 Principal Balance                                _______
     (e)  Class HE: A-4 Principal Balance                                _______
     (f)  Class HE: A-5 Principal Balance                                _______
     (g)  Class HE: A-6 Principal Balance                                _______
     (h)  Class HE: A-7 Principal Balance                                _______

Class HE: M-1 Certificates
- --------------------------

12.  Sub-Pool HE Amount Available less the Class HE: A
     Distribution Amount (including
     Monthly Servicing Fee)                                              _______

____________________
   /2/If a Class HE: A Liquidation Loss Principal Amount, the remaining Sub-Pool
HE Amount Available, pro rata to each Class of Class HE: A Certificates (other
than Class HE:A IO) based on the Class Principal Balance of each Class;
     If remaining Sub-Pool HE Amount Available is less than Class HE:A Formula
Principal Distribution Amount, then such remaining Amount Available pro rata to
each Class of Class HE:A Certificates (other than Class HE:A-8 IO) based on
amount distributable had such remaining Amount Available not been less than
Class HE:A Formula Principal Distribution Amount;
     Otherwise, the Class HE: A-1 ARM Formula Principal Distribution Amount and
the Sub-Pool HE Series Percentage of the Sub-Pool HE Formula Principal
Distribution Amount sequentially as described in item 10.

                                     Q-12
<PAGE>
 
Interest on Class HE: M-1 Principal Balance less
Class HE: M-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount

13.      Current interest
         (a)  Class HE: M-1 Pass-through Rate (7.30%)
         (b)  Class HE: M-1 Interest                                     _______
 
14.      Amount applied to Unpaid Class HE: M-1
         Interest Shortfall                                              _______
 
15.      Remaining Unpaid Class HE: M-1
         Interest Shortfall                                              _______
 
16.      Class HE: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount                        _______
 
17.      Class HE: M-1 Interest Deficiency Amount unpaid                 _______
 
Principal
 
18.      Class HE: M-1 principal distribution                            _______
 
19.      Class HE: M-1 Principal Balance                                 _______

20.      Amount, if any, by which Class HE: M-1 Formula
         Principal Distribution Amount exceeds
         Class HE: M-1 Distribution Amount                               _______

Class HE: M-2 Certificates
- --------------------------

21.      Sub-Pool HE Amount Available less the Class HE: A
         Distribution Amount and Class HE: M-1
         Distribution Amount (including
         Monthly Servicing Fee)                                          _______
 
Interest on Class HE: M-2 Principal Balance less
Class HE: M-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount

22.      Current interest
         (a)  Class HE: M-2 Pass-through Rate (7.45%)
         (b)  Class HE: M-2 Interest                                     _______
 
23.      Amount applied to Unpaid Class HE: M-2
         Interest Shortfall                                              _______
 
24.      Remaining Unpaid Class HE: M-2

                                     Q-13
<PAGE>

         Interest Shortfall                                              _______
 
25.      Class HE: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount                        _______
 
26.      Class HE: M-2 Interest Deficiency Amount unpaid                 _______
 
Principal
 
27.      Class HE: M-2 principal distribution                            _______
 
28.      Class HE: M-2 Principal Balance                                 _______
 
29.      Amount, if any, by which Class HE: M-2
         Formula Principal Distribution Amount
         exceeds Class HE: M-2 Distribution Amount                       _______

Class HE: B Principal Distribution Tests (tests must be satisfied on and after
the Payment Date occurring in October 2000)

30.      Sub-Pool HE Average Sixty-Day Delinquency Ratio Test

         (a)  Sixty-Day Delinquency Ratio for
              current Payment Date                                       _______
         (b)  Sub-Pool HE Average Sixty-Day Delinquency
              Ratio Test (arithmetic average of ratios for this
              month and two preceding months;
              may not exceed 6.0%)                                       _______

31.      Sub-Pool HE Average Thirty-Day Delinquency Ratio Test

         (a)  Thirty-Day Delinquency Ratio for
              current Payment Date                                       _______
         (b)  Sub-Pool HE Average Thirty-Day Delinquency Ratio
              Test (arithmetic average of ratios
              for this month and two preceding
              months; may not exceed 12%)                                _______

32.      Sub-Pool HE Cumulative Realized Losses Test

         Cumulative Realized Losses
         for current Payment Date
         (as a percentage of Cut-off Date
         Pool Principal Balance may not
         exceed 7.5%)                                                    _______

                                     Q-14
<PAGE>
 
33.      Sub-Pool HE Current Realized Losses Test

         (a)  Current Realized Losses
              for current Payment Date                                   _______
         (b)  Current Realized Loss Ratio (total
              Realized Losses for most recent
              three months, multiplied by 4,
              divided by arithmetic
              average of Pool Scheduled Principal
              Balances for third preceding
              Remittance and for current Remittance
              Date; may not exceed 2.0%)                                 _______

34.      Class HE: B Principal Balance Test

              Class HE: B Principal Balance (before
              any distributions on current     
              Payment Date) divided by Pool
              Scheduled Principal Balance for
              prior Payment Date (must equal
              or exceed 9%                                               _______

Class HE: B-1 Certificates
- --------------------------

35.      Sub-Pool HE Amount Available less the Class HE: A
         Distribution Amount and Class HE: M
         Distribution Amount (including
         Monthly Servicing Fee)                                          _______

Interest on Class HE: B-1 Principal Balance less
Class HE: B-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount

36.      Current Interest
         (a)  Class HE: B-1 Pass-through Rate (7.41%)
         (b)  Class HE: B-1 Interest                                     _______
 
37.      Amount applied to Unpaid
         Class HE: B-1 Interest Shortfall                                _______
 
38.      Remaining Unpaid Class HE: B-1
         Interest Shortfall                                              _______
 
39.      Class HE: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount                        _______

                                     Q-15
<PAGE>
 
40.      Class HE: B-1 Interest Deficiency Amount unpaid                 _______
 
Principal
 
41.      Class HE: B principal distribution                              _______
 
42.      Class HE: B-1 Principal Balance                                 _______
 
43.      Amount, if any, by which Class HE: B-1
         Formula Distribution Amount exceeds
         Class HE: B-1 Distribution Amount                               _______
 
Class HE: B-2 Certificates
- --------------------------
 
44.      Remaining Sub-Pool HE Amount Available                          _______
 
Interest on Class HE: B-2 Principal Balance less
Liquidation Loss Principal Amount
 
45.      Current interest
         (a)  Class HE: B-2 Pass-through Rate (7.54%)                    _______
         (b)  Class HE: B-2 Interest                                     _______
 
46.      Amount applied to Unpaid Class
         B-2 Interest Shortfall                                          _______
 
47.      Remaining Unpaid Class HE: B-2
         Interest Shortfall                                              _______
 
Principal
 
48.      Class HE: B-2 principal distribution                            _______
 
49.      Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Payment                                  _______
 
50.      Class HE: B-2 Principal Balance                                 _______

51.      Amount, if any, on which Class HE: B-2 Formula
         Distribution Amount and Class HE: B-2 Liquidation
         Loss Principal Amount exceeds
         Class HE: B-2 Distribution Amount                               _______

                                     Q-16
<PAGE>
 
Interest on Class HE: M-1, M-2, B-1 and B-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount

52.      Class HE: M-1

         (a)  Class HE: M-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (b)  Interest at Class HE: M-1 Pass-Through Rate on
              Class HE: M-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (c)  Amount applied to Unpaid Class HE: M-1 Liquidation
              Loss Interest Shortfall                                    _______

         (d)  Remaining Unpaid Class HE: M-1 Liquidation Loss
              Interest Shortfall                                         _______


53.      Class HE: M-2

         (a)  Class HE: M-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (b)  Interest at Class HE: M-2 Pass-Through Rate on
              Class HE: M-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (c)  Amount applied to Unpaid Class HE: M-2
              Liquidation Loss Interest Shortfall                        _______

         (d)  Remaining Unpaid Class M-2 Liquidation Loss
              Interest Shortfall                                         _______

54.      Class HE: B-1

         (a)  Class HE: B-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (b)  Interest at Class HE: B-1 Pass-Through Rate on
              Class HE: B-1 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (c)  Amount applied to Unpaid Class HE: B-1 Liquidation
              Loss Interest Shortfall                                    _______

         (d)  Remaining Unpaid Class HE: B-1 Liquidation Loss
              Interest Shortfall                                         _______

                                     Q-17
<PAGE>
 
55.      Class HE: B-2

         (a)  Interest at Class HE: B-2 Pass-Through Rate on
              Class HE: B-2 Liquidation Loss Principal Amount            _______

         (b)  Amount applied to Unpaid Class HE: B-2 Liquidation
              Loss Interest Shortfall                                    _______

         (c)  Remaining Unpaid Class HE: B-2 Liquidation Loss
              Interest Shortfall                                         _______
 
Class HE: A, Class HE: M and Class HE: B Certificates
- -----------------------------------------------------
 
56.      Pool Scheduled Principal Balance of Sub-Pool HE                 _______
 
         (a)  Fixed Rate Home Equity Contracts                           _______
 
         (b)  Adjustable Rate Home Equity Contracts                      _______
 
57.      Sub-Pool HE Pool Factor                                         _______

58.      Home Equity Contracts Delinquent:

         30 - 59 days
              Fixed Rate                                                 _______
              Adjustable Rate                                            _______

         60 or more days
              Fixed Rate                                                 _______
              Adjustable Rate                                            _______

59.      Principal Balance of Defaulted Home Equity Contracts
              Fixed Rate                                                 _______
              Adjustable Rate                                            _______
 
60.      Number of Liquidated Home Equity Contracts and
         Net Liquidation Loss                                  _______   _______
              Fixed Rate                                       _______   _______
              Adjustable Rate                                            _______
 
61.      Number of Home Equity Contracts Remaining
              Fixed Rate                                                 _______
              Adjustable Rate                                            _______
 
62.      Pre-Funded ARM Amount                                           _______

                                     Q-18
<PAGE>
 
         63.  Pre-Funded Fixed Rate Amount                               _______
 
Class C Subsidiary Certificates
- -------------------------------
 
         64.  Monthly Servicing Fee                                      _______
 
         65.  Class HE: B-2 Guaranty Fee                                 _______
 
         66.  Class C Subsidiary Residual Payment                        _______
 


Please contact the Bondholder Relations Department of First Trust National
Association at (612) 224-0444 with any questions regarding this Statement or
your Distribution.

                                     Q-19
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT R
                                   ---------

                            FORM OF ADDITION NOTICE
                            -----------------------

                                      ___________, 1997

First Trust National Association
180 East Fifth Street
St. Paul, MN  55101

     Re:  Pooling and Services Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated as of August
          1, 1997, between Green Tree Financial Corporation (the "Company") and
          First Trust National Association as Trustee (the "Trustee") relating
          to Certificates for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans, Series
          1997-D


Ladies and Gentlemen:

     Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Notice have the meanings
given them in the Agreement.  The Company hereby notifies the Trustee of an
assignment to the Trust of Subsequent Home Equity Contracts on the date and in
the amounts set forth below:

     Subsequent Transfer Date:____________________________

     Cut-off Date Principal Balance of Subsequent Home Equity Contracts to be
     assigned to Trust on Subsequent Transfer Date:

          Fixed Rate:         $_____________

          Adjustable Rate:    $_____________

     Please acknowledge your receipt of this notice by countersigning the
enclosed copy in the space indicated below and returning it to the attention of
the undersigned.

                                      R-1
<PAGE>
 
                                        Very truly yours,

                                        GREEN TREE FINANCIAL
                                        CORPORATION

                                        By:_____________________________________
                                        Name:
                                        Title

ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED:
FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By:______________________
Name:
Title:

                                      R-2
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT S
                                   ---------

                    FORM OF SUBSEQUENT TRANSFER INSTRUMENT
                    --------------------------------------

     In accordance with the Pooling and Servicing Agreement (the "Agreement")
dated as of August 1, 1997, between the undersigned and First Trust National
Association as Trustee (the "Trustee"), the undersigned does hereby transfer,
assign, set over and otherwise convey, without recourse, to Home Improvement and
Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D, created by the Agreement, to be held in trust as
provided in the Agreement, (i) all right, title and interest in the home
improvement contracts and promissory notes and home equity loans identified in
the List of Contracts attached hereto (including, without limitation, all
related mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds and any and all rights to
receive payments on or with respect to the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts
(excluding principal due before the Subsequent Cut-off Date), (ii) all rights
under FHA Insurance in respect of each  Subsequent Home Equity Contract that is
an FHA-Insured Contract, (iii) all rights under any hazard, flood or other
individual insurance policy on the real estate securing a Subsequent Home Equity
Contract for the benefit of the creditor of such Contract, (iv) all rights the
Company may have against the originating contractor or lender with respect to
Subsequent Home Equity Contracts originated by a contractor or lender other than
the Company, (v) all rights under the Errors and Omissions Protection Policy and
the Fidelity Bond as such policy and bond relate to the Subsequent Home Equity
Contracts, (vi) all rights under any title insurance policies, if applicable, on
any of the properties securing Subsequent Home Equity Contracts, (vii) all
documents contained in the related Contract Files, and (viii) all proceeds and
products of the foregoing.

     This Assignment is made pursuant to and upon the representation and
warranties on the part of the undersigned contained in Section 2.03 and Article
III of the Agreement and no others.  All undefined capitalized terms used in
this Assignment have the meanings given them in the Agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Assignment to be duly
executed this ____ day of September, 1997.

                                        GREEN TREE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 

[Seal]                                  By:_____________________________________
                                                           [NAME]
                                                           [TITLE]

                                      S-1
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT T
                                   ---------

              FORM OF OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE (SUBSEQUENT TRANSFER)
              ---------------------------------------------------

     The undersigned certifies that he is a [TITLE] of Green Tree Financial
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and that as such he is duly
authorized to execute and deliver this certificate on behalf of the Company in
connection with the Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated as of August 1, 1997
(the "Agreement") between the Company and First Trust National Association as
Trustee.  All capitalized terms used herein without definition have the
respective meanings specified in the Agreement.  The undersigned further
certifies that:

     1.   This Certificate is delivered in connection with the sale to the Trust
on ____________________ (the "Subsequent Transfer Date") of Contracts (the
"Subsequent Home Equity Contracts") identified in the List of Contracts attached
to the Subsequent Transfer Instrument of even date herewith.

     2.   As of the Subsequent Transfer Date, all representations and warranties
in Section 3.01 of the Agreement are true and correct; all representations and
warranties in Sections 2.03(c), 3.02, and 3.03 of the Agreement with respect to
the Subsequent Home Equity Contracts are true to the best of his knowledge; and
all representations in Section 3.04 of the Agreement with respect to the
Subsequent Home Equity Contracts are true and correct.

     3.   All conditions precedent to the sale of the Subsequent Home Equity
Contracts to the Trust under Section 2.03 of the Agreement have been satisfied.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have affixed hereunto my signature this ____ day of
____________, 1997.

                                   [NAME]
                                   [TITLE]

                                      T-1

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 8.1
                                                                     -----------

                               BRIGGS AND MORGAN
                           Professional Association
                       2200 First National Bank Building
                             332 Minnesota Street
                         Saint Paul, Minnesota  55101

                              September 16, 1997



Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner                  First Trust National Association
 & Smith                                       180 East Fifth Street
North Tower                                    St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
World Financial Center
New York, New York 10201                       Fitch Investors Service, L.P.
                                               One State Street Plaza
Salomon Brothers Inc                           New York, New York 10004
Seven World Trade Center
Second Floor                                   Standard & Poor's Rating Services
New York, New York 10048                       25 Broadway
                                               New York, New York 10004
Lehman Brothers Inc.
Three World Financial Center
New York, New York 10285


     Re:  Green Tree Financial Corporation
          Certificates for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans, Series 1997-D

Gentlemen:

          We have acted as counsel for Green Tree Financial Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("Green Tree"), in connection with its execution of a
Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1997 (the "Pooling and
Servicing Agreement"), between Green Tree and First Trust National Association,
as Trustee, and its establishment, pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement, of Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-D (the "Trust").
All undefined capitalized terms used in this opinion have the meanings given
them in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.

          Pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, Green Tree will
transfer to the Trust the Contracts and certain related property and Green Tree
will act as Servicer of the Contracts and provide a Limited Guaranty in respect
of the Class HI:B-2 Certificates and a Limited Guaranty in respect of the Class
HE:B2 Certificates against losses on the Contracts.
<PAGE>
 
Merill lynch, Pierce Fenner
 & Smith Incorporated
Salomon Brothers Inc
Lehman Brothers Inc
Fitch Investors Service, L.P.
Standard & Poor's Rating Services
First Trust National Association
September 16, 1997
Page 2


          Green Tree has requested that we provide to you our opinion whether
the Master REMIC and Subsidiary REMIC will each be treated as a real estate
mortgage investment conduit ("REMIC") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended through the date hereof (the "Code"), under certain Treasury
Regulations concerning REMICs promulgated by the Treasury Department on December
23, 1992 (the "REMIC Regulations"), and under Minnesota law.

          In rendering our opinion, we have examined the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement and such additional related documents, and we have reviewed such
questions of law, as we have considered necessary and appropriate for the
purposes of the opinion expressed herein.

          Our opinion is based upon existing law and currently applicable
Treasury Department regulations, current published administrative positions of
the Internal Revenue Service contained in revenue rulings and revenue
procedures, and judicial decisions, all of which are subject to change, either
prospectively or retroactively, and to possibly differing interpretations, and
is also based on the representations and warranties set forth in the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement and the assumptions that Green Tree and the Trustee will at
all times comply with the requirements of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement,
including, without limitation, the requirement that a proper election to be
taxed as a REMIC is made for each of the Master REMIC and Subsidiary REMIC in
accordance with the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and the Code, and that the
certificates representing interests in the Trust will be issued as described in
the Prospectus Supplement relating to the Certificates.

          Based upon the foregoing, as of the date hereof it is our opinion
          that:

     1.   The Master REMIC and Subsidiary REMIC created pursuant to the Pooling
and Servicing Agreement will each qualify as a REMIC under the Code and under
the REMIC Regulations.  The Certificates will evidence ownership of the "regular
interests" in the Master REMIC.  The Class C Master Certificate will evidence
ownership of the single class of "residual interests" in the Master REMIC.  The
Class C Subsidiary Certificate will evidence ownership of the single class of
"residual interests" in the Subsidiary REMIC.

     2.   For Minnesota income and franchise tax purposes, the Trust (excluding
the Excess Proceeds Account and the Sub-Pool HE Pre-Funding Account) will not be
subject to tax and the income of the Trust will be taxable to the holders of
interests therein, all in 
<PAGE>
 
Merill Lynch, Pierce Fenner
 & Smith Incorporated
Salomon Brothers Inc
Lehman Brothers Inc.
Fitch Investors Service, L.P.
Standard & Poor's Rating Services
First Trust national Association
September 16, 1997
Page 3

accordance with the provisions of the Code concerning REMICs as amended through
April 15, 1995.

     3.   Ownership of a Certificate will not be a factor in determining whether
the owner is subject to Minnesota income or franchise taxes. Therefore, if the
owner of a Certificate is not otherwise subject to Minnesota income or franchise
taxes in the State of Minnesota, such owner will not become subject to such
Minnesota taxes solely by virtue of owning a Certificate.

          We express no opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than
the federal laws of the United States of America and the laws of the state of
Minnesota. This opinion is being delivered to you at Green Tree's request only
for your use. It may not be circulated or republished to or relied upon by any
other person without our prior written consent.


                                           Very truly yours,


                                           BRIGGS AND MORGAN
                                           Professional Association


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission