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Vol. 2, No. 9

Featured Articles June 2011

Featured Articles and Reports for Vol. 2, No. 9, 2011
Alphabetically by Category

BOOK REVIEW

Tracey C. Jones – Book Review
• Four Star Wisdom for Corporate Generals

COMMUNITIES

Edward 'Eddie' Hicks – Investing in Manufactured Home Communities
• The Manufactured Housing Industry Needs to…

Chrissy Jackson – Land Lease Community Management
• Guidelines for Living: Content Area of Guidelines

Joanne Stevens – Manufactured Home Community Value
• The Top Ten Reasons to Be in the Mobile Home Park & Manufactured Home Community Business

Don Westphal – Manufactured Home Community Planning
• Extreme Makeover, Community Edition – aka Ryder Park, Milford, Connecticut – Part Two

FINANCE

Kenneth Rishel – Manufactured Housing Industry Finance Commentary
• Many Boarded the Titanic Unprepared

Dave Shanklin – Manufactured Housing Industry Financing
• Top Five Reasons Why Underwriters Decline Loan Applications for Manufactured Homes in LL Communities

GENERAL INDUSTRY/COMMENTARY

George F. Allen – Manufactured Housing Industry Commentary
• Dark Messages Bring New Hope

Chad Carr – Best Practices for Manufactured Housing Business Success
• If it's Actual, it's Possible

Suzanne Felber – Grass Roots Image Campaign
• Now Is the Time

L.A. 'Tony' Kovach – Manufactured Housing Industry Perspective
• Bells and Whistles vs. Nuts and Bolts

George Porter – Manufactured Housing Retail and Media Education
• Adapt, Migrate or Die - Part III

INSPIRATION/PEOPLE SKILLS

Tracey C. Jones – Personal and Professional Excellence
• Just Say No to the Status Quo

Greg McClanahan – Soft Skills and Personal Development
• A Bigger Purpose

Zig Ziglar – Motivation & Inspiration
• Training Lesson: Making Good Decisions…Here's How Zig Does It!

LEGAL

Nadeen Green – Legal, Fair Housing
• Model Good Policy with a Good Model Policy

MANAGEMENT

Tim Connor – Management
• Making Yourself Indispensable

MARKETING

Bob Stovall – Manufactured Housing Industry Internet Marketing
• Marketing Manufactured Housing Using Email

SALES

Tim Connor – Sales
• Surrender

Mark Hunter – Sales
• Selling a Price Increase: Is there a Good Time?

Mystery Shopping

by George F. Allen

George Allen photo Landlease (nee manufactured home) community owners/operators, portfolio 'players' and sole proprietors alike, rarely have their valuable income-producing properties professionally 'shopped'. Why?

Can Dark Industry Messengers Bring Manufactured Housing New Hope?

by Michael F.B. Barnabas

Let me begin by tipping my hat to Marty Lavin The Train To Oblivion and Al Cole for having the courage to be who they are, and standing up publicly via this web platform and writing what they have.

If it's Actual, it's Possible!

by Chad Carr

Chad Carr photo There's been a lot written lately about the decline of our Industry. Many experts have pointed out that the ongoing reduction in new home shipments, the shrinking number of Independent Retailers and the lack of support from the banking sector are all signs that our road will be difficult to travel for some time to come. Some have even predicted we are on a road to oblivion.

Making yourself indispensable

by Tim Connor, CSP

Tim Connor photo It is common for people to want to be considered indispensable in their jobs. After all, the competition is out there, the younger generation is more numerous and demanding. The challenge is to be constantly building your value to your organization because of personal integrity, humility, and creativity.

Surrender

by Tim Connor, CSP

Tim Connor photo Surrender is letting go of expectations of yourself, others and life in general. Most people find unconditional surrender difficult as they believe it is a sign of weakness. Nothing could be further from the truth. Surrender takes courage, strength, self-belief and faith—in yourself, life and God.

Now Is The Time

by Suzanne Felber, Lifestylist®

Suzanne Felber photo What a crazy Spring we have been having! Not only has the weather been unpredictable, but the housing and stock markets are jumping all over the place as well.

Model Good Policy with a Good Model Policy

by Nadeen Green

Nadeen Green photo This month I am deviating from my traditional "Fair Housing Lady" role to share a bit of information on social media marketing. (And to show, perhaps, that I am capable of knowing about more than one thing, which I am. And if I write about social media, you might think I am cool, which I am not.)

The Manufactured Housing Industry Needs to...

by Edward 'Eddie' Hicks

The Manufactured Housing Industry needs to…
• improve the image of our homes and communities with the general public to overcome many years of belief that our homes depreciate, are cheaply built, are prone to failure in high winds and earthquakes, that our community residents are sub-standard citizens, and that our communities hurt neighbors home values.

Selling a Price Increase: Is There a Good Time?

by Mark Hunter "The Sales Hunter"

Mark Hunter photo When is the best time to sell a price increase? I get asked this question a lot and my response is "right now." After I say this and see the expression on the person's face, I then have to back up my response with my rationale.

Guidelines for Living - Content Area of Guidelines

by Chrissy Jackson

Chrissy Jackson photo Each section of this area deals with one specific topic that may or may not be included in a written set of Guidelines. Some of the sections are more commonly used than others; however, all have merit in their own way. As the Community Manager reviews the following sections for content, the questions that are asked help guide them through the thought processes to determine the need for this section in their Guidelines. Some of the questions asked below will undoubtedly lead to the creation of Guidelines while others will lead only to the implementation of policies.

Just Say No to the Status Quo

by Tracey C. Jones

Tracey C. Jones photo The Parable of Talents found in the book of Matthew, Chapter 25, is one of my favorite illustrations of conquering the fear that prevents us from achieving excellence. In the parable, a man gives each of his three servants a bag of property, some say it was gold. The number of bags given was based upon each of the servants' ability. The owner then went on a journey and returned to see what his servants have done with what was entrusted to them.

Four Star Wisdom for Corporate Generals

by Tracey C. Jones

Tracey C. Jones photo In Four-Star Leadership for Leaders, R. Manning Ancell presents the first installment of a project unprecedented in scope: a collection of leadership-focused interviews with as many four-star generals and admirals as Mr. Ancell is able to meet. His work presents wisdom culled from experience in virtually every American conflict from the First World War through the Second Gulf War, wisdom that simply can't be gained through any endeavor save the crucibles of warfare and combat.

Is Journalism dead? Are Trade Journal's Dying with it? Why should Manufactured Housing Pros care?

by L. A. 'Tony' Kovach

L.A. 'Tony' Kovach photo For those who want to cut to the chase, this article may not be for you. For those who invest the time, there are rewards in the form of more business in the middle and end of this article.

A Bigger Purpose

by Greg McClanahan

Greg McClanahan photo As customers come through the door of my dealership and I have the opportunity to spend time with them, I am always hopeful that I am giving them the best advice possible. Sometimes that means that I have to tell them that I am not their best solution.

Bells and Whistles vs. Nuts and Bolts

by Shawn P. Mullins

Shawn Mullins photo Every so often I am reminded of the story of the monkey who reaches into a jar for a shiny object. The monkey picks up this object and in doing so makes a fist with his hand. The only problem is that the monkey cannot get his hand out of the jar when making a fist.

Adapt, Migrate or Die... Part III

by George Porter

George Porter photo This is the third in a series of articles on a quotation from Charles Darwin. He stated that all species on the earth had three choices in life: adapt, migrate or die. It would seem all installation businesses share the same three choices. The first article concerned "adapting" and the second dealt with "migrating." This last in the series discusses the unpopular subject of "dying."

Many Boarded the Titanic Unprepared

by Ken Rishel

Despite the manufactured housing industry's dislike of change, it has changed over the years, and is still changing. History teaches that those that do not change eventually suffer, and that is the problem of the industry.

Top Five Reasons Why Underwriters Decline Loan Applications for Manufactured Homes in LLCommunities

by Dave Shanklin

1. MORTGAGE DEFAULTS

Dave Shanklin photo This has been the biggest nightmare for MH chattel loan officers. Short sales, foreclosures and applicants burdened with mortgaged homes that they can't sell. Our industry's lenders started to show signs that they might be softening their position on mortgage defaults on credit reports, but they're still turning down applicants with mortgages that have gone "belly-up."

The Top Ten Reasons to Be in the Mobile Home Park - Manufactured Home Community Business

by Joanne Stevens

Joanne Stevens photo I originally penned this article in 2005. For the most part, what was true then is true today. Instead of a dot.com implosion, the stock market tanked in 2008. As for prices, did anyone foresee $4 per gallon gas? Bottom line, parks and communities continue to offer one of the best value propositions to the consumer.

Marketing Manufactured Housing Using Email

by Bob Stovall

Why?

Bob Stovall photo It is both known and expected that prospects making a large purchase, such as a home, will take longer to finalize their decision than those making a smaller purchase. They are also expected to purchase them with less frequency. That is one reason why the small items around the cash register in most stores are called impulse items and why larger items, such as washers and refrigerators are called durables.

Extreme Makeover, Community Edition - aka Ryder Park, Milford, Connecticut - Part Two

HOME ASSESSMENT

The agreement that settled the law suit stipulated that the residents' homes would be moved to a homesite in a new community. Homes in Ryder Park were quite old, some dating back to the fifties, the newest were built in the seventies and the late 80's. Some eight foot wide homes were still in use, with the remainder being 10-12 and 14 foot wide homes in lengths up to 66'. Two homes in the community were multi-section units. Many of the homes had additions of various types, some suitable for all season occupancy and others just for warm weather use. A good number of the homes had carports, most of which were attached to the homes.

Training Lesson: Making Good Decisions&Here’s How Zig Does It!

by Zig Ziglar

Zig Ziglar photo If you find it difficult to make decisions, or you worry that your decisions are not good decisions, or you lack the confidence to make decisions in a timely manner… you're not alone! Many people express their concerns about their decision-making abilities. But if you ask them, "What's your routine for making decisions?" they often will tell you they don't have one. Truthfully they do, but they don't recognize it, or they don't like it. Their decisions are based on SOMETHING, and if they stop and think about it they'll discover what it is. However, it's much better to purposefully and thoughtfully develop your decision-making system, and then follow it whenever you need to make decisions.

Daily Business News Briefs

New Homes Sales Rose in April

OriginationNews says the Census Bureau reports new home sales rose 3.3 percent in April following a 7.3 percent drop in March. MHProNews.com has learned sales of new single-family homes rose to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 343,000 in April from a 332,000 mark in March, besting Wall Street analysts who had predicted 330,000 to [...]...

23 May 2012

Housing Stocks Close Mixed, but Skyline Justifies its Name

CNNMoney reports the Dow Jones Industrial Average, after brushing with 12,325.00 during the day, climbed back in the last half hour to close at 12,496.15, losing a mere 6.66 points, -0.05%. The weakness in tech stocks and fears of Greece leaving the Eurozone fueled investors’ fears. The Nasdaq gained +0.39 percent to 2,850.12, while the [...]...

23 May 2012

In 1970, 30 years after Sears ceased offering prefabricated housing, Shelter-Kit of Tilton, New Hampshire began offering small homes and cabins that could be assembled by aspiring homeowners with no construction experience. MarketWatch tells MHProNews.com customers can choose from a wide variety of options in designing their home, including...

23 May 2012

Forbes reports on the heels of Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI) strong first quarter 2012 results, whereby Q1 2011 showed a loss of -0.19 per share to first quarter 2012 return of +0.21 per share, and the recent acquisition of MSR Forest Products LLC, Zacks issued a #1 Rank (Strong Buy) for the stock. Zacks [...]...

23 May 2012

BellehavenPatch tells MHProNews.com Fairfax County, Virginia is considering developing the North Hill site in Hybla Valley into an MHC for 67 homes and a greenspace. Meanwhile, AHP Virginia LLC has a counter proposal that would involve building apartments on the site, housing 204 families, nine percent of which would be targeted to low-income...

23 May 2012

Philadelphia Airport Building Modular Housing

DelcoNewsNetwork tells MHProNews.com Tinicum Township officials, as part of a $23 million efficiency upgrade at Philadelphia International Airport, approved a land waiver request to build a 791 square foot modular building near the UPS facility on Hog Island Road. The building would house UPS workers moving from a facility at Ridley Park. The...

23 May 2012

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) says reports from across the country show existing home sales edged up 3.4 percent April over March, 2012 for every region of the country. While the increase is a positive sign, the seasonally-adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 4.62 million home sales, just below January’s pace of 4.63 million, remains...

23 May 2012

Improved Housing Market Bolsters Many U.S. Stocks

CNNMoney reports the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit 12,575.00 during the day but settled down to 12,502.81, -0.01%, -1.67 points as the day’s trading ended. The rise of sales of existing homes boosted the market, but a downgrade of Japan and a weak global market tempered that news. The Nasdaq dropped -0.29 percent to 2,839.08, [...]...

22 May 2012

The 13 county Indianapolis metropolitan area marked an 18 percent rise in existing home sales in April from one year ago. As the IndyStar tells MHProNews.com, the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors (MIBOR) says 2,215 homes were sold in April, an increase over the 1,877 sold in April 2011. The median sales price rose to [...]...

22 May 2012

The Chronicle tells us another modular player has entered the housing game in the oil boom of North Dakota. Colorado-based Confluence has already set the first of ten units of apartments called Confluence at Harvest Hills, as the initial 12 modules were sited May 15. Occupancy of the first unit is set for Aug. 1, [...]...

22 May 2012

VTDigger says Tropical Storm Irene flooded portions of the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury, Vermont, and since then some of the patients are being held in state prisons. Now the state is looking into a modular high-security unit in Waterbury to house mental patients being held under court order. Noting that it’s more expensive to [...]...

22 May 2012

Featured Articles and Reports - May 2012 Vol. 3 No. 8

Prev Next Page:

Everything Old is New Again

by Katy Weldon Something amazing is happening to older mobile and manufactured homes in certain areas of California. They are in demand! Mobile and manufactured homes built in the 1970’s and 1980’s... Read more

MARKETING

Your Attention Please

by Jeff Templeton A recent study found that the average American sees approximately 1600 advertisements a day. In a single day! Those ads are seen online, in newspapers, magazines, billboards, TV,... Read more

MARKETING

Featured Articles May 2012

Featured Articles and Reports for Vol. 3, No. 8, 2012 Alphabetically by Category COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT & FAIR HOUSING (LEGAL) • “What’s in a Name?” by Nadeen Green, JD The fact that you are reading MHProNews.com to... Read more

index

Creating a Budget

by Chrissy Jackson Simply put, a budget is a tool. When effectively used, this tool can enable you to have a manufactured home land lease community that is financially sound. A... Read more

COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT & FAIR HOUSING (LEGAL)

“What’s in a Name?”

by Nadeen Green, JD The fact that you are reading MHProNews.com to gain insight into the manufactured housing industry shows that you are engaged and embracing the world of online information... Read more

COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT & FAIR HOUSING (LEGAL)

Terms of Engagement

by Andrew Peters It’s easy for professionals in the housing industry to forget just how extensive the language of mortgage lending can be. We’re often quickly reminded, however, when we try... Read more

FINANCING

Promissory Notes How to take, buy or create a Note, then sell it for cash

by John Merchant, JD Many manufactured home communities and some MH retailers have – over the years – created their own notes. The following is an outline of the things and... Read more

FINANCING

While Waiting on The Supreme Court: What is happening to Health Care Cost…

by Kurt D. Kelley, J.D. For the last six months, I’ve served on The Woodlands, Texas Chamber of Commerce Health Care Program Committee. These efforts culminated on April 27th with a... Read more