Trends 2010 Questionnaire - Eddie Hicks

1. Factory-built housing-wise, what would you like to see happen in 2010?

A substantial improvement in our public image!

I don't care how nice you make it look or what you say is in it, most people don't think any kind of wine, no matter the variety of grape, region, or vintner that makes it, if it is packaged in a box it "can't taste very good". And if you are dumb enough to consume it, your friends will think all the less of you.

It's the same principle when most people think about manufactured housing.

I don't care how nice you make it look, or how well you say it's built, most people think any kind of living in a factory built dwelling also can't be "good living". And if you are dumb enough to buy one and live in it, your friends will think all the less of you.

2. What are the challenges and the paths needed to move forward?

Get our heads "outside of the box" and start thinking creatively about ways to make substantial improvements in our public image!

3. Many in our industry have talked for years about doing a national image building campaign, similar to the successful one the RV industry did with their "GO-RVing!" multi-media effort. If our industry can't get together on that 'Go-RVing' style image campaign, would you favor state or regional level image and marketing campaigns as an alternative? Do you think that such an effort could in some ways be more effective than a national campaign? If so, why?

It is not realistic to think either on a local, regional, or national level we can come up with enough financial resources to create a viable, meaningful multi-media style image campaign to effectively change our image. I have a much better way to get it done, and with far less financial albeit creative resources.

4. Does this industry need natural disasters (i.e. hurricanes) to survive or thrive? Explain your position on this point.

Absolutely not! With the right change in public perceptions, we can and must move into the mainstream of thinking about us as a realistic, safe, attractive, affordable shelter option for all Americans.

5. What can consumers expect from your sector of the industry in 2010? Explain.

Better project and home financing options to match some new creative new housing concepts.

6. What can your sector of the industry do better? How can that be achieved?

Improve our public image. We have the home products, and financing, now all we need is improving our public image.

7. Any other thoughts or encouragement you'd like to share with our Industry Readers?

Anyone who is ready to think "outside the box" is welcome to contact me and join me in my quest for some creative thinkers. Anyone not, can stew, complain, make excuses, and sit on their duffs, and wonder why we continue to go downhill, year after year.

Edward "Ask Eddie" Hicks
Consultant, lender, RE Broker, Mortgage Broker, Columnist
CRG, Inc.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (813) 661-5901

What Industry segment are you in?
Developer/Broker
Finance & Insurance
Consultant
Community Development/Finance