Industry Voices
- Only In America
- Definition of a Manufactured Home
- How About a Cup of Coffee?
- Manufactured Housing Institute CEO Richard Jennison's letter to Princeton's WordNet requesting Definition Correction
- Lisa Tyler - at Walden University – Request for Correction Addressed to Princeton's WordNet
- Georgia Manufactured Housing Association's Executive Director Sounds off on Princeton WordNet's “Definition” of Manufactured Homes
- Another letter to Princeton's WordNet Team about their Flawed Definition of a “Manufactured Home“
- Irresponsible Weather reporting by Media and National Weather Service
- Letter to the Princeton University WordNet Team about Manufactured Homes
- Interview with Marty Lavin, JD
Words of Wisdom
- Stress is a performance - killer
- The Ripple Effect
- Tomorrow is Yesterday Before You Know it.
- Struggling with anything today?
- Is your communication grounded in honesty – no matter what?
- Goals, Dreams or just Wishing?
- Sorry, but the world doesn't revolve around you!
- Is It A Miracle or . . .
- Selling and the four agreements
- The Seasons of Life
Newsletter Archive
- Frustration and Gratitude. HUD Seeks new MH Contractor. Bahama MODs? SW Draws MH. Hensarling Fundraiser. UFPI Rises. Easy on FHA. Lower MHs for Seniors? More! 5/16/2013
- MH Gossip. Zell on MF. UMH Revenues Nearly Double! Moody's: Housing Takes Off! Nobility Rises. Korean MODs. Princeton's WordNet Redux. Scent of a Woman. More! 5/13/2013
- Red Hot May! Company banned. Green Courte Promotes Rudolf. Oak Creek Opens New MHR. ROC assumes management. Corp MODs ND. In SM era, are websites needed? More! 5/9/2013
- HR 1779 & MH. New March MHShipments. Warren on Women. MODs for Reservation? FED QE3 slows bond buys? Watt for FHFA. Thai MODs. More! 5/6/2013
- MH Mortgages Perform Well! Exclusive Mike Evans/Centennial Homes Interview! Mayflower. Lonnie Scruggs - RIP. What about Vegas? Self Evident Truths. More! 5/2/2013
- Reforming Dodd-Frank! FL MH Ins Crisis? ELS CEO Cuts Deal! Nobility Highlights. Legislator Honored. Solar MODs. Keep MID. SUN 1 Qtr. More! Phoenix Like! More! 4/29/2013
- African Coast. MH Dodd-Frank reform. SUN in NY. Jeb nixes Cordray. 474 MODs. Free MH Resources. New MH Community. New MOD plant for ND. UFPI pays, More! 4/25/2013
- Enlightened Self Interest. National Awards to MH Pros. DP Assist Bill. Death under MOD. Slavery! Rural Housing Finance Reform? MHC Tax Reform? UFPI's Best. More! 4/21/2013
- New Energy! RHP/Northstar deal. New starts top 1 Mil. Delinquencies declining. MF stillstrong. FEMA Placement Challenge. April Features, More! 4/17/2013
- MH's Improving Signals! US/Chinese MODs. Bill Expands MH Placement. Princeton/WordNet Insults 23 Million. Solar Core MOD. Housing Rising. Zell/NCC Fall. More! 4/15/2013
Latest Comments
December 2011 Vol. 3 No. 3
Alphabetically by Category
COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT & FAIR HOUSING (LEGAL)
The Whiny Neighbor in your Manufactured Home Community
by Nadeen Green
In manufactured housing community management, we know that we have to do what the law tells us. At times a resident may question us about certain items that… Read more
Housing Trends that will affect the Manufactured Home Community Business
by Joanne Stevens
The “Baby Boomers” are changing the face of retirement. Instead of retiring many will keep working. Some out of necessity caused by the recession and their 401Ks (now… Read more
Content area of Guidelines for Living: Number of Residents to Recreational …
by Chrissy Jackson
In November, we covered Guidelines for Living topics, Laws through Noise. Let's get started with our new topics for December! Number of Residents per Home. This is a really… Read more
Congress Requests GAO Probe of HUD Code Manufactured Housing Program
by Danny Ghorbani
The Chairmen of the House Financial Services Committee and the Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee have asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a thorough examination of certain… Read more
FINANCING
MH Chattel Lenders Rate War Over? and MH Lenders Choose to “Fly The Coop” …
by Dave Shanklin
BREAKING NEWS out of Seattle: CU Factory Built will be raising rates .25% on their very popular “One-Step” loan product effective December 1. This announcement seems to indicate… Read more
GENERAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING INDUSTRY TOPICS
Get the Sizzle even in Winter!
by Dennis Hill and Ron Thomas, Sr
Editor's Intro: Ask yourself this: what are the biggest events, shows or meetings for manufactured housing community owner/operators, retailers, builder/developers, lenders, manufacturers, suppliers or vendors?… Read more
The Greatest Manufactured Housing Show of the Decade West of the Mississipp…
by Deanna Fields
The Great Southwest Home Show 2012 will begin in about 90 days at the QuikTrip Center Expo Square, Tulsa beginning March 1-4. Trade days are March 1-2! If you are already planning… Read more
Don't get Bent out'a Shape about Cambering
By George Porter
Cambering a frame is literally bending it so it can hold a manufactured home. I have had occasions to learn more about frame cambering and, as usual, I… Read more
You are NOT Alone!!
by L. A. 'Tony' Kovach
Our first full month – November 2011 – with the new format for MHProNews.com has yielded a slew of new records, and one in particular is… Read more
Are We There Yet?
by Marty Lavin
As the industry settles into 50,000 home shipments, one wonders whether something better is in the forecast. In spite of many claiming the best days are ahead of… Read more
Top 10 Mistakes made when Insuring a Mobile Home Park
by Kurt Kelly
You want to do ALL the right things when you are getting or renewing insurance coverage for your manufactured home community (or mobile home park). Use this checklist… Read more
MARKETING
Promotional Planning to Kick Start 2012
by Chris Nicely
Planning promotions that support your long term goals and WORK to drive traffic is critical. Give sales people the opportunity to sell more by talking to more prospects…. Read more
MANAGEMENT
The 3/3/3 Management review process
by Tim Connor, CSP
If your factory-built housing business has employee behavior that needs changing, don’t wait a year, with an annual review to change it. For a number of years… Read more
MERCHANDISING, STAGING AND DECOR
Good Color Schemes Can Boost Your Sales
by Katy Weldon
In difficult times companies are seeking ways to spark more interest in their products. Manufactured housing is no exception and many companies are using color to help their… Read more
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS, MOTIVATION and INSPIRATION
ZigOn the Immigrant’s Attitude for American Success
by Zig Ziglar
Some time ago, my associate, Krish Dhanam, and I were returning from an engagement in Tampa, FL, where we had spoken for the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce…. Read more
My Most Memorable Christmas Story
by Greg McClanahan
Kenneth Parsons said; "The gift of love is about the only present that isn't exchanged after Christmas." Today's story about Jerry's love for his big brother is one of… Read more
Rear View Mirror
by Greg McClanahan
Similar to the genius behind the invention of paper clips and sticky note pads, the rear view mirror was a brilliant and simple idea. I believe there is… Read more
SALES
Keeping it Real: Don't Lose the Human Touch
by Tim Connor, CSP
In this high tech world, it is easy in manufactured and modular housing sales to get caught up in the latest terms and trends. When you do… Read more
In manufactured housing community management, we know that we have to do what the law tells us. At times a resident may question us about certain items that relate to legal issues. Let's look at the case of the 'whiny neighbor' as it applies to the following case.
The “Baby Boomers” are changing the face of retirement. Instead of retiring many will keep working. Some out of necessity caused by the recession and their 401Ks (now called 201Ks) being diminished and some out of desire. Baby Boomers start turning 65 in 2012. Some will work part time, or in a lower level position, and some as consultants. Affordable living costs and proximity to quality healthcare trump warm climates and golf courses for where they wish to live.
In November, we covered Guidelines for Living topics, 
The Chairmen of the House Financial Services Committee and the Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee have asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a thorough examination of certain key aspects of the HUD manufactured housing program.
BREAKING NEWS out of Seattle: CU Factory Built will be raising rates .25% on their very popular “One-Step” loan product effective December 1. This announcement seems to indicate that the “rate war” between the MH chattel lenders is coming to an end.
by Dennis Hill 
and Ron Thomas, Sr
The Great Southwest Home Show 2012 will begin in about 90 days at the QuikTrip Center Expo Square, Tulsa beginning March 1-4. Trade days are March 1-2!
Cambering a frame is literally bending it so it can hold a manufactured home. I have had occasions to learn more about frame cambering and, as usual, I learned I had to forget a few things I thought I knew. I have never cambered a frame and you can't really watch someone else do it without welding glasses. So how do you do it; why do you do it; and how much do you do it?
You want to do ALL the right things when you are getting or renewing insurance coverage for your manufactured home community (or mobile home park). Use this checklist of ten common mistakes to avoid.
In difficult times companies are seeking ways to spark more interest in their products. Manufactured housing is no exception and many companies are using color to help their homes stand out from the crowd.
Some time ago, my associate, Krish Dhanam, and I were returning from an engagement in Tampa, FL, where we had spoken for the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. The flight was uneventful; we landed at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, got our luggage and loaded it on one of the rental carts. The walk was fairly lengthy and the first two hundred yards were uneventful; then we came to the moving sidewalks.
Kenneth Parsons said; "The gift of love is about the only present that isn't exchanged after Christmas."Daily Business News Briefs
Sun Secures Line of Credit
According to what 4-traders tells MHProNews, Sun Communities, Inc. has secured a $350 million revolving line of credit with the option for an additional $250 million. The secured loan has a four-year term but can be extended for an additional year. Interest on the loan is floating, and can range from 1.65% to 2.90%. The [...]...
17 May 2013
Read moreModular Homes Allowed, but Need Better Definition
According to gobogalusa, the Franklinton (Louisiana) Board of Aldermen heard the results of the meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding the regulation of modular homes. Building inspector Bob Walters said they are built similarly to manufactured homes but are governed by the International Residential Code (IRC). Walters stated the...
17 May 2013
Read moreStocks Continue to Advance; Tracked Housing Stocks all Rise Save one
The rise in consumer sentiment led to a fourth week of gains in the stock market, as the Dow and S&P set new records. CNNMoney reports the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained +0.80 percent, +121.28 points, to close the week at 15,354.50. The Nasdaq advanced +0.97 percent, +33.73 points, to finish at 3,498.97, while the [...]...
17 May 2013
Read moreZell says the Stock Market will Tumble
Sam Zell, Chairman of Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. (ELS) tells Fortune magazine the stock market is riding high but the underlying fundamentals are weak and the market will fall. “The current euphoria in the stock market will be adjusted, and I hope that’s all that happens,” he says. Noting that large investors are buying houses [...]...
17 May 2013
Read moreContemporary Modular Home to Grace Show
For the first time in its 25-year history, the Montreal International Design Show will feature an entire modular home, a red cedar-clad home with contemporary lines, one of five models in the Pur series offered by Bonneville Homes of Quebec, Canada. The montrealgazette informs MHProNews the Pur-Z has two bedrooms on the main floor, including [...]...
17 May 2013
Read moreApril: Housing Starts Drop; Housing Permits Rise
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports while housing starts fell 16.5 percent to a seasonably-adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 853,000 in April, housing permit issuance rose 14.3 percent to a SAAR of 1.02 million units, the highest rate since June of 2008. Based on data from HUD and the Census Bureau, single-family starts [...]...
17 May 2013
Read moreState Farm Funds Student-built Modular Home
The dailyranger informs MHProNews the State Farm Foundation donated $5,000 to Habitat for Humanity to help fund Riverton (WY) High School students build a modular house for a Habitat family. State Farm agent Mike Yowell says, “We are proud to present this award to Habitat with the ultimate goal of connecting youth to their community.” [...]...
17 May 2013
Read moreModular Dormitory will House NY Students
According to thedailyorange, SUNY-ESF (State University of New York-College of Environmental Science and Forestry) at Syracuse, NY will add a 34,000 square foot modular dormitory to accommodate 84 students to be ready for the fall semester 2014. Also a modular project, Centennial Hall opened in 2011 to house 452 students, but now the school needs...
16 May 2013
Read moreHousing Stocks we Cover Mostly fell, as did the Three Major indexes
Stocks slid today as investors ignored overall good economic data and stayed off the dance floor as all three major indexes lost a little ground. CNNMoney reports the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell -0.28 percent, -42.47 points, to close at 15,233.22. The Nasdaq lost -0.18 percent, -6.38 points, to finish at 3,4465.24, while the S&P [...]...
16 May 2013
Read moreTribal Nation Makes Loans on HUD Code and Mod
PRWeb informs MHProNews that through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Oklahoma City’s Bank2 is partnering with First Interstate Bank of Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota to provide affordable housing loans to Native Americans. Offering competitive interest rates and a low down payment, Section 184 Indian Home Loan...
16 May 2013
Read moreStudents Build Modular Homes
Cleveland informs MHProNews one feature of this year’s Mayfield (Ohio) City Schools’ Excel TECC open house May 17 will be modular homes built by high school students from several disciplines—landscaping, the trades, computer-aided design and architecture. Using an old auto repair shop, one of the modular homes is two-story with a...
16 May 2013
Read moreLatest Daily Business News
- Sun Secures Line of Credit
- Modular Homes Allowed, but Need Better Definition
- Stocks Continue to Advance; Tracked Housing Stocks all Rise Save one
- Zell says the Stock Market will Tumble
- Contemporary Modular Home to Grace Show
- April: Housing Starts Drop; Housing Permits Rise
- State Farm Funds Student-built Modular Home
- Modular Dormitory will House NY Students
- Housing Stocks we Cover Mostly fell, as did the Three Major indexes
- Tribal Nation Makes Loans on HUD Code and Mod
- Students Build Modular Homes
- UMH Moved to Buy
- Foreclosure Activity Down, but the Shadow May Linger
- Cordray: QM Rule Should not Always Apply
- In some Markets Appraisals Equal Selling Price
- Obstacles may Face First-time Homebuyers
- Dow, S&P Hit new Highs Despite Tepid Economic News; Skyline Drops
Featured Articles and Reports - May 2013 Vol. 4 No. 8
The FTC and Your Advertising
by L. A. 'Tony' Kovach A recent message caused me to review the latest on the http://business.FTC.gov website on advertising. Uncle Sam's Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your state attorney general, other... Read more
MARKETING
The Integrated Marketing Plan for Success
by Beth Monicatti Blank Regardless of what products or services you sell, a successful marketing plan will combine several types of marketing methods to accomplish a certain goal or goals that... Read more
MARKETING
Is Social Media a Waste of Time?
by Scott Stroud Want to casually keep up with friends and family between calls or while watching TV? Then, Facebook is the perfect medium for that. But, what about Social Media... Read more
MARKETING
“Caregivers, Grandkids & Service Animals – The Truth Will Set You Free!”
by John Pentecost A troubling case developed in a mobile home park in Watsonville, California, in which a grand daughter moved in with an elderly woman homeowner in a 55 +... Read more
COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT & FAIR HOUSING (LEGAL)
“Don't Put it in Writing”
by Kurt Kelly Here are two conflicting things lawyers often say. The first is, “You better have it in writing.” Many contracts must be in writing to be enforceable, particularly if... Read more
COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT & FAIR HOUSING (LEGAL)
Promoting Your Manufactured Home Community
by Chrissy Jackson “Every day is open house.” (WOW!) Curb Appeal . . .Sometimes, if you have been in your community for any length of time, you become rather immune to... Read more
COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT & FAIR HOUSING (LEGAL)
Major MH Lender Seeing Acceptance & Success With Step-Rate Loan Program for…
by Dave Shanklin Our industry’s major lender out of Seattle, CU Factory Built Lending, has wowed our industry with its very popular “Step Rate” loan product and has no plans of... Read more
FINANCING
Manufactured Home Mortgages Perform As Well As Other Mortgages
by Andrea Levere Editor's Note: This is part of a series covering the release of Toward a Sustainable and Responsible Expansion of Affordable Mortgages for Manufactured Homes, the newest groundbreaking report CFED's... Read more
FINANCING
So, what’d you think of Vegas?
by Martin V. (Marty) Lavin Setting it up. First, let me set the stage. It’s been a few years, 3, since my last Las Vegas Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) Congress and... Read more
GENERAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING INDUSTRY TOPICS
GAO Review of HUD Program and HUD Manufactured Housing Program Budget
by Mark Bowersox With two recent reports on manufactured housing recently completed, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has now turned its attention to a comprehensive review of the HUD Manufactured Housing... Read more
GENERAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING INDUSTRY TOPICS
Ignorance is No Excuse!
by John Arendsen Manufactured Home Park/Community Owners/Investors of Rent/Lease Communities & Developers of Resident Owned Condo-Conversions, Sub-Divisions or Planned Unit Developments (PUDS) have more responsibilities, liabilities and obligations to their tenants/residents/homeowners... Read more
GENERAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING INDUSTRY TOPICS
A Cup of Coffee with… Michael Evans
1) Who, What and Where: (Your name and your formal title at your company.) Michael Evans C.E.O. Centennial Management, Inc. Corporate offices are in Aberdeen S.D. We currently operate 9 retail... Read more
GENERAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING INDUSTRY TOPICS
The Age of Knowing
by L. A. "Tony" Kovach We at MHProNews are big believers that the factory built housing industry must recruit, train and inspire the young to become tomorrow's front line leaders. We... Read more
MANAGEMENT
Is employee training a waste of time and money? It Depends . . .
by Tim Connor, CSP Here’s the bottom line in advance – Most of the training done by organizations is a waste of money and time. (Not being negative here – as... Read more
MANAGEMENT
Self-Evident Truths...for more Manufactured Housing Sales
by L. A. "Tony" Kovach Perhaps my favorite part of the Declaration of Independence is the phrase that begins with these words: "We find these truths to be self evident..." ... Read more
MANAGEMENT
ZigOn Integrity
by Zig Ziglar Several years ago, Angela Weir, a delightful young woman, worked with the Zig Ziglar Corporation. She was upbeat, always had the company's interests at heart, was easy to... Read more
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS, MOTIVATION and INSPIRATION
Tiny Sales Lessons
by L.A. 'Tony' Kovach Let's start this column with a true story that will tee up a theme necessary for success minded manufactured housing (MH) professionals. Read more
SALES
52 Weeks to GUARANTEED Increased Sales!
by Tim Connor, CSP The following 52 behaviors when mastered as a part of your personal and career development will guarantee increased sales. Each of the 52 topics are critical to... Read more
SALES
