It’s Halloween.

Wikipedia reminds us that the name Halloween is derived from All Hallows Eve, or the night before All Saints day (November 1).  500 years ago, a divisive event took place.  It wasn’t the first or last serious division in human history.

The nation is divided.

So, why is it a surprise that there are factions within the industry, and divisions among the MHIndustry’s supporters?

The Good, The Problematic, and Silver Linings

Manufactured housing professionals have much to be motivated about, as well as cause for being “scared” or concerned.

For example, this may be the first year in nearly a decade that manufactured housing tops 100,000 new home shipments.

But several developments reported this year about tech-giants like Amazon making moves into factory built homes could signal major disruption, if the proper steps aren’t taken soon.

• http://www.MHProNews.com/blogs/daily-business-news/ex-amazon-leader-sees-future-in-modular/
• http://www.MHProNews.com/blogs/daily-business-news/factory-built-home-companies-true-game-changer-here-now-impact-on-manufactured-housing/

But the good news is that opportunities in affordable housing has never been better for those willing to invest in their operations future.

Media, Mistakes, Misinformation and Manufactured Housing

Misinformation is still an issue that plagues and slows the growth of manufactured homes. That is the subject of a recent Masthead column, linked here.

Several statistical, third-party and other resources suggest that manufactured housing professionals are becoming more open to fact-checks.  More professionals are understanding the difference between a personal attack and an analysis.

Without a search for the truth of an issue, long term solutions will only be found by trial and error.  The faster, most reasonable method is to seek the facts and causes of issues, and then address those fact-based issues.

• Rent Control, Resident Groups, Public Policy on MHCs
• Windstorms – here, here, and a mainstream media post debunking flawed research on “mobile homes” [sic] and windstorms, linked here.
• Appreciation Where a 14×60 Single Section Manufactured Home Selling for $150,000 is a Bargain 
• Frank Rolfe, Dave Reynolds, George Allen – Analysis – Why Accurate Industry Data Matters
• Elected Official Explains Manufactured Homes, Video Interview
• Why Federal Preemption Matters, and Why It Should be Enforced

These are just some of the many reports on MHProNews and MHLivingNews that spotlight facts which are useful for the progress of the industry.

What’s Coming In MHVille Reports

Finance. Manufactured Home Lending is in flux, big moves are underway.  look for an upcoming report on developments and some emerging trends in lending that have pluses and minuses for the industry.

Windstorms. We’ve had facts in hand, from third party experts that could prove very useful for the industry.  All that’s needed is the time to produce an eye opening report that could be used to significantly change the discussion about manufactured homes and how weather alerts are reported.  

Politics Impacting MH – MHProNews has lead the way in boiling down often complex issues in Washington that are helping or harming the drive to create a more pro-business, pro-growth climate.

Useful Resources on MHLivingNews to advance the Industry’s Understanding and Sales

Fear is paralyzing for business, investors, and consumers. Understanding and applied knowledge can overcome fear.   Neither the extremes of fear nor overly rosy thinking will benefit the industry.

The right approaches could lead the industry to 500,000 or more new home shipments.  It won’t happen without effort. As an president told MHProNews recently, “Hope is not a strategy.”

As we wind down the 9^th year of publishing, and start on year 10, with God’s help and the support of our readers, sponsors and clients, the best is yet to come.

To sign up for our industry-leading emailed news, click here.

Our thanks to the hundreds who’ve sent 9^th anniversary messages,
the thousands who logon daily,
all those sponsors, clients,
and sources who make our work possible.  Last and absolutely not least, my thanks to my family.

Park the fear, and avoid the overconfidence.  Knowledge is power.

Onward…Tallyho! ## (Overview, headline news, analysis, 9^th anniversary commentary.)

(Image credits are as shown above, and when provided by third parties, are shared under fair use guidelines.)

By L. A. “Tony” Kovach,
Co-founder and managing member of
LifeStyle Factory Homes, LLC.