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
- C-Suite Sees Suite. UMH A Buy. Zell: stocks will fall. Cordray: QM exception? Starts drop, permits rise. State Farm...MODs. Tribe & FHA boosts loans for HUDs, MODs. More! 5/20/2013
- 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
Latest Comments
by Nadeen Green, JD
…do you solemnly swear that you have been a good dog, and that you have not attacked or bitten any other living creature?
Wouldn’t it be loverly if before a dog (pet or service animal) moved into your manufactured housing community that you could ask it about its previous history. Of course this is not a real plan, because dogs might not answer truthfully, even if under oath (maybe because they have been told to “lie” down so much).
by Eddie Hicks
It is my considered opinion that for the manufactured home land lease community industry to make serious gains, we are going to have to resolve a dichotomy. Who are we going to market and appeal to with our high value manufactured homes?
With the notable exception of seniors, most of our industries traditional home sales have been to buyer/residents using chattel mortgage financing with minimal down payments and fair to poor credit. That hasn't worked well in recent years largely because of the inherent high rate of loan defaults. And with past abuses, we have largely been abandoned by many investor sources. With the exception of the FHA Title I program, there is not much of a secondary market for our lender's notes. Unless we improve the financial and credit status of our home buyers, were are going to be stuck in this pattern, forever.
by Chrissy Jackson
Components are not people. Components are items that the people involved in creating the budget use to better enable them to forecast the financial future of the community. The more components that are available and the more that you use, the more accurate and complete your fiscal forecasting will be.
How can you see into the future? One of the best ways is to look at the past! That’s right. The historical financial performance of a community is the first component that should be reviewed when creating a new budget for the future. Look at the various categories. Be sure you understand what charges, costs, and other expenses were put into each expense category. Think in terms of the big picture.
by John Merchant, JD
OPM is every bit as addictive and dangerous as O P IU M and it's caused grief to many victims, both "users" and their money sources. OK, just a minute here! What's OPM?
As the more worldly and experienced realty investor knows, it means Other Peoples' Money (OPM) and I'd suppose most or all of us who weren't born with a built-in golden spoon have looked at or taken a bite or two of that apple at some stage of our housing and Real Estate Investment (REI) career.
To prove my point, anybody in the room you are in who has NEVER used money or credit belonging to somebody else (with their ostensible consent of course) please raise your hands.
by Joanne Stevens
It’s an up and down housing market and will become more so. Let's take a quick look to see what's up and what's down, and what it may mean for manufactured housing.
First, what’s up?
Daily Business News Briefs
Shipping Containers to Modular Homes
Lanka Business Today reports the demand in Sri Lanka for shipping containers converted into modular homes has begun a trend causing one modular home builder to double production in order to meet demand. Dharshana Fernando, Managing Director of Hybrid Homes (pvt) Limited, says, “We have received considerable amount of orders from potential home o...
20 May 2013
Read moreDealer Switches to Refurbished Homes
The postandcourier reports from Ladson, South Carolina, Equity Homes salesman Allen Croft recalls in 1997 the company sold 986 new homes, but changed its business model as sales declined and now sells only refurbished homes. Although the majority of the firm’s homes come from auctions, 37 percent are from individual sellers. With prices from...
20 May 2013
Read moreSun 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 moreLatest Daily Business News
- Shipping Containers to Modular Homes
- Dealer Switches to Refurbished Homes
- 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
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
