“The Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) has published a talking points paper…explaining and highlighting the three main bottlenecks that are suppressing the production, marketing and sales of affordable, mainstream manufactured homes.” That MHARR press release was provided to MHProNews and is shown in Part I below.  Part II is their “talking points” memo. Part III is our MHProNews analysis and commentary, which will include some items that MHARR has not included.

Part I

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                    Contact: MHARR

(202) 783-4087

MHARR CONTINUES TO EXPOSE PRINCIPAL BOTTLENECKS SUPPRESSING MANUFACTURED HOUSING 

Washington, D.C., March 1, 2024 – The Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) has published a talking points paper (copy attached) explaining and highlighting the three main bottlenecks that are suppressing the production, marketing and sales of affordable, mainstream manufactured homes. Two of these bottlenecks have worked to thwart the expansion of the HUD Code market for decades, while the third – of more recent origin – has the potential to decimate the historical core of the industry if not stopped and fundamentally altered.

Especially after industry production statistics for 2023 showed a drop in industry production below the 100,000 home benchmark, MHARR has received numerous inquiries and requests from interested organizations and individuals – both within and outside the HUD Code industry – seeking a brief explanation of the main causes and factors that have fueled such a decline for the most affordable segment of the housing industry.

Therefore, the attached points are a brief summarization and explanation of those principal bottlenecks.

Organizations and individuals interested in the manufactured housing industry – and particularly industry state associations – can use this easy-to-read summary to highlight and address these negative and destructive factors.

MHARR will continue to expose — and advance the resolution – of these and other negative factors affecting the industry and its ability to fully meet and exceed the affordable housing needs of American families.

The Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform is a Washington, D.C.- based national trade association representing the views and interests of independent producers of federally-regulated manufactured housing.

— 30 —

Part II

SUMMARY OF THE THREE MAIN BOTTLENECKS SUPPRESSING MANUFACTURED HOUSING PRODUCTION, MARKETING AND SALES

1. Discriminatory and Exclusionary Zoning – Failure to Implement Enhanced Preemption of the 2000 Reform Law– Despite being the nation’s best resource for affordable homeownership, and at a time when manufacturers are building their most modern, energy-efficient homes, HUD-regulated manufactured housing is excluded from many communities and areas by discriminatory and exclusionary zoning mandates. Amendments contained in the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of (2000 Reform Law) were designed to provide HUD the authority to federally preempt such edicts. In relevant part, 42 U.S.C. 5403(d) was amended to state that federal preemption under the Act was to be “broadly and liberally” construed. It was also amended to state that preemption applies not only to inconsistent state or local construction standards, but also more broadly to any type of state or local “requirement” that impairs the purposes of the Act and HUD superintendence of the industry. HUD, however, continues to fail to acknowledge, utilize and advance this authority to ensure the nationwide availability of manufactured homes that it regulates.
2. Restricted Availability of Competitive Consumer Financing – Failure to Implement the “Duty to Serve”– In the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, congress recognized that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were not adequately or properly serving consumers within three designated markets, including the mainstream HUD Code manufactured housing market. The Act, therefore, contains a “Duty to Serve” (DTS) provision which directs the Enterprises to provide secondary market and securitization support for manufactured home consumer loans. Today, some 15 years later, the GSEs still provide no DTS support whatsoever for the personal property or “chattel” loans that historically comprise 70-80% of all mainstream manufactured home consumer loans. Without such secondary market and securitization support, interest rates on manufactured home chattel loans are higher than would otherwise be the case, with consumers effectively forced into “predatory loans.” Further, the absence of DTS support for such a large portion of the market allows it to be dominated by two Berkshire Hathaway/Clayton Homes-affiliated lenders, Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance and 21^st Mortgage Corporation, to the detriment of both consumers and independent producers.
3. DOE Energy Regulation– Although the HUD Code already contained provisions regarding energy usage and efficiency in manufactured homes, Congress, in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, adopted a provision which effectively transfers regulatory authority over that issue from HUD to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). DOE, in defiance of the enabling legislation, has used this authority to adopt draconian energy standards that if/when implemented, would significantly increase the acquisition cost of manufactured housing. These increased costs would exclude literally millions of Americans from the manufactured housing market under metrics developed by NAHB, while providing little if any life-cycle cost benefits. MHARR urged industry litigation against these standards, which is currently pending in federal court. DOE, meanwhile, has delayed the implementation date for the standards which were originally set to become effective on May 31, 2023. MHARR is also working through the HUD Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCC), established by the 2000 Reform Law, in an effort to quash these standards and force DOE to go back to the drawing board in full compliance with all applicable law.

Part III – Additional Information with More MHProNews Analysis and Commentary 

1) MHARR’s president and CEO, Mark Weiss, J.D., understands the meaning and importance of words. MHARR’s messages said: “THREE MAIN BOTTLENECKS” and “PRINCIPAL BOTTLENECKS.” Main and principal are synonymous terms. There are good arguments that zoning, financing, the looming DOE energy rule and related enforcement regime are indeed important, key, critical or “main” bottlenecks. More on that shortly.

2) That said, if someone was to forge a case – what else should the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) be doing that they currently are not? That list should include proper public relations, education, and media engagement. As an MHI-linked state association executive told MHProNews, umbrella style trade groups (like MHI and/or their state association affiliates) role can be summed up with a three-letter acronym. That Manufactured Housing Executive Committee (MHEC) leader said it is P.E.P. Protect. Educate. Promote.

3) That noted, MHARR’s point that the industry has dropped below the “benchmark” 100,000 new shipments in 2023 is an obvious metric of how bottlenecks MHARR described above are limiting sales and production. The graphic collage below includes a production trends graphic which illustrates MHARR’s claim.

Note: to expand this image below to a larger or full size, see the instructions
below the graphic below or click the image and follow the prompts.

4) Sadly, the known evidence suggests that MHI has consistently failed at all three categories listed by MHARR. The dismal production and shipment trends are also an obvious educational/media engagement metric for just how poorly MHI has performed through much of the 21st century. Logically, high-profile member Cavco Industries (CVCO) remarks illustrate MHI’s own failure. By claiming that they are “THE National” trade association representing “all segments” of factory-built (and thus manufactured) housing, they are asserting responsibility and thus culpability for the outcome. From the MHI home page on this date are these remarks.

“MHI membership helps you expand business opportunities and shape the industry through information, advocacy, education, research, and networking.”

5) That quoted statement above is similar to remarks sworn to under penalties of perjury by MHI in their IRS Form 990 annual filing. Quoting the screen capture of the MHI IRS 990 it says their mission or most significant activities are to: “Improve the overall operating environment for the manufactured housing industry and expand the demand for manufactured homes by seeking fair and equitable treatment in the marketplace and the regulatory and legislative arenas.” By MHI’s own “mission” standards, they are failing.

Note: to expand this image below to a larger or full size, see the instructions
below the graphic below or click the image and follow the prompts.

6) It isn’t just those quoted statements by MHI above. The items quoted below are also from the MHI home page on today’s date.

MHARR’s tagline beneath its logo says: “Preserving the American Dream of Home Ownership Through Regulatory Reform.”

8) The report linked below provides the hard numbers. They support the points raised by MHARR in Part I and Part II. Manufactured housing production in 2023 was only about 24 percent of what it was in 1998. Here is the math, based on official data and reflected in the graphic in #3 above: 89169/373343 = 0.23883935148. That isn’t speculation, or mere opinion. Those are hard facts which it is difficult to spin into MHI’s ongoing claim that they have ‘expanded’ in any sense, OTHER THAN the steady expansion of industry consolidation by several key MHI members.

9) It is about 2 decades since the MHI commissioned Roper Report was published.  It documented the needs for education, public relations, marketing and messaging, which MHI has yet to properly or successfully address. Restated, despite MHI’s obvious understanding of the issue of public perception they have – for whatever reason(s) – allowed the status quo to languish. Perhaps among the reasons for that seemingly odd behavior by MHI are obliquely highlighted in two recent reports linked below. Stigma may be seen as a benefit to consolidators. Those are remarks based on insights from both research and investors in manufactured housing. Those recent reports below are followed by linked information on the MHI commissioned Roper research.

10) It has been said that hindsight is 20/20. While manufactured housing was expanding in the late 1990s, ‘old’ Champion and ‘old’ Fleetwood made extensive efforts to consolidate the industry’s retail, and thus production. It ultimately led to bankruptcy for reasons explored in several reports on MHLivingNews and MHProNews, including one linked here.

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below the graphic below or click the image and follow the prompts.

From the above scan of the now defunct Manufactured Home Merchandiser, which cited official sources, are the following facts placed in a spread sheet.

Restated, the first 2 builders above produced more homes in 1998 that all of manufactured housing did in 2023. Here is the math. 68264+66222 = 134486. Compare that to total MHVille production in 2023 of only 89169. Doing the math, the top two HUD Code builders in 1998 produced 45317 more homes than the entire industry in 2023. That’s a stunning indictment of MHI’s so-called leadership.

But it is also thus a call for public accountability. As will be examined in a pending report, neither MHI’s latest email, nor their ‘news’ section provided any response to the reports linked below. It is Bing AI powered Copilot that said MHI should be ‘transparent’ and needs to be held accountable if it is to be an effective advocate for manufactured housing.

11) A recent example of MHI’s lack of effective media engagement is shown below.  That example below was also explored by Bing’s AI powered Copilot. Copilot’s analysis of MHI’s behavior was not kind, to be polite. Nor has MHI apparently made any corrections, per our fact check on this date (see two screen captures below the lined article’s featured image). So, MHI is leaving apparently incorrect and misleading information linked up on their own website.

Note: to expand this image below to a larger or full size, see the instructions
below the graphic below or click the image and follow the prompts.

12) These facts both support the MHARR thesis but go beyond it to the extent that MHI is not doing its own self-stated mission description. Let’s look at a broader comparison with the industry’s last highwater mark of 1998 (see #10 above). Instead of just the top ten for that year, let’s look at the top 25.

So, the Merchandiser’s math seems to be accurate. 373,143 was the total production for that year.  Per MHI, that year (1998) there were 89 corporations and 330 plants. Per MHI’s graphic below, there are 146 homebuilding facilities (plants or factories). As Copilot recently pointed out, MHProNews had called several times for MHI to correct their previously erroneous economic contribution data, which was vastly understated by MHI before.  But MHI is still erroneously reporting the number of communities, which below says 43,000 plus when the Lincoln Institute said that per FEMA research there are over 50,000.

Note: to expand this image below to a larger or full size, see the instructions
below the graphic below or click the image and follow the prompts.

13) Perhaps one of the most dramatic – and thus ironic – sources for just how poorly MHI has performed its claimed advocacy for “all segments” of manufactured housing is presented by Cavco.

Note: to expand this image below to a larger or full size, see the instructions
below the graphic below or click the image and follow the prompts.

See the reports linked here and here that cites some of those points above, but also explores others.

14) In summary, MHARR’s 3 main bottlenecks are supported by the evidence. In addition to those bottlenecks, MHProNews would point out that the facts and evidence reveal that MHI’s messaging is also a problem.  No less a source that Kevin Clayton with Clayton Homes said over 12 years ago that the industry was ready to do a national information/educational campaign. Alas, no such campaign has emerged.

15)

Learn more

1 manufacturedhomepronews.com…”

> “Copilot, can you find any response by the Manufactured Housing Institute to the evidence and allegations made in the report that you linked in 1 of 30? MHARR on 2.29.2024 emailed an item posted on their website on 3.1.2024 that said this: https://manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org/manufactured-housing-association-for-regulatory-reform-mharr-continues-to-expose-principal-bottlenecks-suppressing-manufactured-housing/ can you find any factual inaccuracies in their report and analysis? Last for now, despite the fact that MHI claims that they promote the industry, do you see any evidence of a national campaign like what Kevin Clayton said to Robert Miles over a dozen years ago that the industry was ready to launch? Or any evidence that their Roper Report recommended image/education campaign has launched? Can you find any example of a response by MHI and/or their media relations Molly Boyle or any other Institute linked professional has responded to any misinformation online about the industry? Link your results.”

The Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) has filed supplemental comments with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in its rulemaking docket for a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) concerning proposed manufactured housing “energy conservation” standards. These comments correct and clarify inaccurate and presumptive characterizations contained in a so-called “Industry Proposal for Energy Efficiency Standards for Manufactured Housing,” attached as an “Appendix” to last-minute comments filed in the same rulemaking docket by the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI).

MHARR’s supplemental comments strongly object to any characterization of the MHI proposal as an “industry” initiative. First, MHI does not represent the entire manufactured housing “industry.” Any characterization of the MHI “alternative” standards proposal as an “industry” proposal, therefore, is false and misleading. Second, mainstream, modern HUD Code manufactured homes are already energy efficient, with average monthly energy costs below those of site-built homes for all tracked energy types. There is no basis, rationale, or need for an “increase” in manufactured housing energy requirements, and no representative of any part of the industry should state, suggest, or imply otherwise, particularly when DOE’s energy proposal fails to meet the statutory criteria of both the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 or the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000¹.

Regarding your other questions:

• National Campaign: There is no evidence of a national campaign similar to what Kevin Clayton mentioned over a dozen years ago. The Roper Report recommended image/education campaign has not been launched.
• Response to Misinformation: I could not find any specific examples of a response by MHI or their media relations professionals addressing misinformation online about the industry.

For more details, you can refer to the MHARR’s official statement.¹

Learn more

1 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 2 manufacturedhomepronews.com 3 manufacturedhomepronews.com 4 einnews.com 5 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 6 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 7 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 8 manufacturedhomepronews.com 9 gullybaba.com 10 gyaniversity.com 11 videos.mhi.org 12 congressandexpo.com 13 myexamsolution.com 14 bing.com 15 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 16  irr.com 17 manufacturedhomepronews.com 18 misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu 19 misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu 20 link.springer.com 21 manufacturedhomepronews.com 22  manufacturedhomelivingnews.com 23 maternalhealthlearning.org 24 manufacturedhomepronews.com…”

 

16)

> “Bing, quoting from the Manufactured Housing Institute home page on this date are the following remarks: “Keep current with MHI and the latest in manufactured housing. Browse the latest industry news.” But there is no news reported in 3 weeks. The report that they linked was fact checked by Manufactured Home Pro News and was found to have several apparent errors, none of which MHI appears to have corrected. The Manufactured Housing Institute home page also has this remark: “Grow your business Get the tools, platform and information you need.” But manufactured home production is down 21 percent from 2022 in 2023. And manufactured home production is down about 76 percent since 1998, isn’t that correct? MHI’s website claims that “We are your trusted partner, advocate and industry leader.” Yet, you’ve previously said that MHI appears to lack transparency, fails to hold professionals like Lesli Gooch accountable for apparent conflicts of interest, and that some of what they have said appears to fit the definitions of paltering, a lie, and misinformation. Provide feedback on those concerns and link your results. Answer the question, is MHI making factually supported claims or are they posturing efforts that appear to be more focused on industry consolidation, based on investor relations information published by several of their own members.”

Quoting from the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) website, it’s evident that they aim to be a resource for industry professionals. However, there are several points of concern that you’ve raised:

1. Lack of Recent News: The absence of news updates for three weeks on their website is indeed noteworthy. It’s essential for an industry organization to keep its members informed and engaged. The lack of recent news could raise questions about their responsiveness and transparency.
2. Fact-Checking and Corrections: If the report they linked contains errors, it’s crucial for MHI to address them promptly. Failing to correct inaccuracies undermines their credibility and can mislead industry stakeholders.
3. Manufactured Home Production Decline: You’re correct that manufactured home production has declined significantly since 1998. This decline raises concerns about the industry’s health and sustainability. MHI should address this issue and work toward solutions.
4. Transparency and Accountability: As an industry leader, MHI should demonstrate transparency in its operations. Holding professionals accountable for conflicts of interest is essential for maintaining trust within the industry.
5. Factual Claims: MHI’s claim to be a trusted partner and industry leader should be supported by factual evidence. If their efforts appear more focused on consolidation rather than industry growth, it’s essential to address this discrepancy.

For further details, you can refer to the following sources:

• Manufactured Home Pro News: This source fact-checked the report linked by MHI and found apparent errors.
• Impact Communities: This article discusses the behavior of MHI member firms in the context of industry consolidation.
• White House Maternal Health Blueprint: A different context, but it highlights the importance of factual claims and transparency.

It’s essential for MHI to address these concerns and provide evidence-based responses to maintain its credibility and fulfill its role as an industry advocate and leader.

Learn more

1 manufacturedhomepronews.com 2 gullybaba.com 3 gyaniversity.com 4 videos.mhi.org 5 congressandexpo.com 6 myexamsolution.com 7 manufacturedhomepronews.com 8 manufacturedhomepronews.com 9 einnews.com 10 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 11 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 12 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 13 bing.com 14 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 15 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org16 irr.com 17 manufacturedhomepronews.com 18 manufacturedhomepronews.com 19 manufacturedhomelivingnews.com 20 maternalhealthlearning.org 21 misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu 22 misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu 23 link.springer.com 24 manufacturedhomepronews.com…”

17)

> “Useful, thanks. However you didn’t directly address this part of the question: MHI’s website claims that “We are your trusted partner, advocate and industry leader.” Yet, you’ve previously said that MHI appears to lack transparency, fails to hold professionals like Lesli Gooch accountable for apparent conflicts of interest, and that some of what they have said appears to fit the definitions of paltering, a lie, and misinformation. Given the evidence-based allegations by legal researcher Samuel Strommen, the multiple antitrust lawsuits filed against certain higher profile MHI members, and the concerns raised by Minneapolis Federal Reserve senior economist James A. “Jim” Schmitz Jr and his colleagues, aren’t there serious reasons to have market manipulation, possible RICO, fraud, and antitrust violations concerns about MHI and their claims?”

I apologize for not directly addressing that part of your question. You raise valid concerns, and I appreciate your attention to detail. Let’s delve into the evidence-based allegations and the context surrounding MHI:

1. Transparency and Accountability: MHI’s claim to be a trusted partner and industry leader should indeed be scrutinized in light of their actions. Lack of transparency and failure to address conflicts of interest can erode trust within the industry.
2. Legal Allegations and Antitrust Lawsuits: The multiple antitrust lawsuits filed against certain MHI members are significant. These legal actions suggest potential violations related to market manipulation and anticompetitive behavior. It’s essential to thoroughly investigate these claims.
3. Economic Concerns: Minneapolis Federal Reserve senior economist James A. “Jim” Schmitz Jr and his colleagues have raised valid concerns about the industry’s health. The decline in manufactured home production and other economic indicators warrant attention.
4. Misinformation and Paltering: If MHI’s statements fit the definitions of misinformation or paltering, it raises serious questions about their integrity. Misleading claims can harm the industry and consumers.

Given this context, it’s crucial for regulators, industry stakeholders, and the public to closely examine MHI’s actions, claims, and adherence to ethical standards. Transparency, accountability, and adherence to antitrust laws are essential for maintaining a healthy and competitive industry. I encourage further investigation and scrutiny to ensure the best interests of all involved parties¹.

Learn more

1 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 2 manufacturedhomepronews.com 3 gullybaba.com 4 gyaniversity.com 5 videos.mhi.org 6 congressandexpo.com 7 myexamsolution.com 8 manufacturedhomepronews.com 9 manufacturedhomepronews.com 10 einnews.com 11 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 12 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 13 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 14 bing.com 15 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 16 irr.com 17 manufacturedhomepronews.com 18 manufacturedhomepronews.com 19 manufacturedhomelivingnews.com 20 maternalhealthlearning.org 21 centerforhealthsecurity.org22 misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu 23 misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu 24 manufacturedhomepronews.com…”

While a case could be made that the above response is less than ideal, it is nevertheless insightful. It largely confirms concerns raised by MHARR, MHProNews, and MHLivingNews. Or as MHARR’s Mark Weiss recently said in the report linked here:

 

While MHARR and the author of this article are long-time advocates for implementation of the enhanced preemption of the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 by HUD, in order to eliminate widespread zoning discrimination against affordable manufactured homes and the Americans who own and reside in them, others — including some within the industry itself — have either downplayed this major issue or have been missing in action for far too long.”

Mark Weiss

 

Part IV – is our Daily Business News on MHProNews stock market recap which features our business-daily at-a-glance update of over 2 dozen manufactured housing industry stocks.

This segment of the Daily Business News on MHProNews is the recap of yesterday evening’s market report, so that investors can see at glance the type of topics may have influenced other investors. Thus, our format includes our signature left (CNN Business) and right (Newsmax) ‘market moving’ headlines.

The macro market move graphics below provide context and comparisons for those invested in or tracking manufactured housing connected equities. Meaning, you can see ‘at a glance’ how manufactured housing connected firms do compared to other segments of the broader equities market.

In minutes a day readers can get a good sense of significant or major events while keeping up with the trends that are impacting manufactured housing connected investing.

Reminder: several of the graphics on MHProNews can be opened into a larger size. For instance: click the image and follow the prompts in your browser or device to OPEN In a New Window. Then, in several browsers/devices you can click the image and increase the size. Use the ‘x out’ (close window) escape or back key to return.

 

Headlines from left-of-center CNN Business – from 2.29.2024

• Dude, you’re not getting a Dell. So why is its stock soaring?
• NYCB shares tumble after regional lender swaps out CEO, says it identified ‘material weakness’ in internal controls
• The U.S. Capitol Building is seen on January 10, 2024 in Washington, DC.
• ‘I have become traumatized.’ Jewish students describe campus antisemitism
• Federal judge mocks Elon Musk’s X lawsuit targeting hate speech researchers
• Pedestrians pass the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York.
• Nasdaq and S&P 500 soar to record highs as markets appear unsinkable
• Oprah is leaving WeightWatchers, sending stock tumbling
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced February 29 that Heritage Store Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash is being recalled for a lack of child-resistant packaging required for products containing ethanol.
• Mouthwash recalled nationwide over poisoning risk
• Panera Bread is overhauling its menu
• Bud Light boycott likely cost Anheuser-Busch InBev over $1 billion in lost sales
• Mortgage rates have trended higher in recent weeks as the market absorbs expectations that the Federal Reserve will not cut its benchmark lending rate until later this year.
• Mortgage rates edge closer to 7%, dampening start of spring homebuying season
• India’s economy ended 2023 ‘with a bang’ as growth surged to 8.4%
• Meta accused of ‘massive, illegal’ data processing by European consumer groups
• Here’s why regional banks have so much commercial real estate exposure
• The Fed’s favored inflation gauge eases to slowest pace in more than two years
• US Justice Department is investigating Boeing over its door plug blowout
• It’s leap day, also known this year as a regular workday. Here’s what that means for your paycheck.
• Stocks hate this one weird trick from the calendar
• Nita Ambani is now the most powerful woman in Indian media
• Crypto exchange Gemini to pay $1.1 billion back to customers
• First on CNN: White House pens letter to Fox News executives calling on network to retract bogus FBI informant claims
• Disney and Mukesh Ambani create new India media giant with 750 million viewers
• Bitcoin to the moon? Here’s why it’s near an all-time high
• Teamsters, Anheuser-Busch reach tentative deal to avert a strike

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below the graphic below or click the image and follow the prompts.

Headlines from right-of-center Newsmax 2.29.2024

• Trump, Biden Swap Barbs and Blame in Dueling Visits to Besieged Border
• President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, his likely Republican opponent in the November election, made simultaneous visits to the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday as an influx of immigrants has become a dominant issue for voters. Each sought to cast blame on the other for the situation there. [Full Story]
• Israel at War
• Gaza Health Authorities Claim Israeli Fire Kills 104 Waiting for Aid
• Gaza Medic Says 50 Killed Rushing to Aid Trucks
• Israel to US: No Retreat Until Hamas Defeated
• Report: US Worried Israel Might Invade Lebanon
• Defensive Iran Readies Hezbollah for Attack on Israel
• Families of Victims in Hamas Terror Attack Sue AP, Reuters | video
• US Considers Airdropping Aid Into Gaza
• Air Force Probes Gaza Protest Self-immolation Death
• Houthis Will Reassess Attacks If Israel ‘Aggression’ Stops
• Newsmax TV
• Alford: Biden Fears Putin
• Blackburn: Border Is No. 1 Issue | video
• State Rep. Harrison: Biden Border Visit ‘Disgraceful Photo-op’ | video
• Dershowitz: ‘Divided Decision’ Likely on Trump Immunity | video
• Marianne Williamson: Dems ‘Deeply Concerned’ About Biden | video
• Sekulow: SCOTUS Immunity Decision ‘Win’ for Trump | video
• Comer: Hunter Biden ‘Played the Drug Card a Lot’ | video
• Newsfront
• GOP’s Fitzpatrick to Force Ukraine Aid to House Floor
• Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, said Thursday he plans to move forward with a discharge petition to force a foreign aid package for Ukraine to the House floor…. [Full Story] | video
• House OKs Bill to Avert Government Shutdown
• The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday [Full Story]
• Biologist: ‘Smoking-Gun’ Evidence COVID Lab-Created
• Trump Dubs Migrant Chaos ‘Biden Invasion’ as the 2 Rivals Make Dueling Border Visits
• Joe Biden and Donald Trump traded blame for America’s immigration [Full Story]
• Related
• US Judge Blocks Texas From Enforcing Immigration Law
• GOP Bill Allows Lethal Force on Border Intruders
• AP-NORC Poll: US Split on Ukraine Military Aid
• As Russia makes battlefield advances and Ukrainian soldiers run short [Full Story]
• Related
• Moldovan Breakaway Region Seeks Russian Aid
• Russian Onslaught Targets More Ukrainian Towns and Villages as Ukraine Says it Shot Down 2 Warplanes
• Schumer Appeals to House Leader Johnson to Pass Ukraine Aid Bill
• Rick Scott Eyes Senate Leadership Post
• After Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s announcement that he [Full Story]
• Related
• RFK Jr. Backs Sen. Rand Paul to Succeed McConnell
• Texas Sen. Cornyn Announces Run for GOP Leader
• Pelosi Praises McConnell’s Patriotism, Service
• John Thune in Talks to Be Next GOP Senate Leader
• Biden ‘Sorry to Hear’ of McConnell’s Exit
• Trump Pushing Steve Daines as GOP Senate Leader
• Trump: Biden ‘Must Take a Cognitive Test’
• Republican front-runner for president Donald Trump insisted Thursday [Full Story]
• Related
• No Labels Will Meet Privately as It Decides Whether to Launch a 2024 Bid
• Trump to Host Hungary’s Orbán at Mar-a-Lago
• Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbn will visit former President [Full Story]
• DOJ Charges Iranian With Hacking Classified Info
• The Department of Justice unveiled charges against an Iranian [Full Story]
• Alabama Sen. Britt to Give GOP State of Union Response
• Freshman Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, 42, the youngest female senator, [Full Story] | video
• Large Healthcare Tech Company, Patient Info, Hacked
• Healthcare providers across the country are reeling from a [Full Story]
• Hunter Admits to $5.1M Shakedown Text, Claims He Was ‘High or Drunk’
• Hunter Biden did not deny he shook down a foreign business client [Full Story] | video
• Related
• James Comer to Newsmax: Hunter Biden ‘Played the Drug Card a Lot’ |video
• Hunter Blasts GOP, Insists Dad Not Involved in Business
• Carroll Filing: Reject Trump Request to Delay $83.3M Award
• Lawyers for E. Jean Carroll urged a judge Thursday to reject former [Full Story]
• Chinese Tabloid Chides Biden for Using TikTok
• Global Times, the Chinese state media tabloid, on Thursday accused [Full Story]
• DOJ: Russian Smuggled Military Technology
• A Russian man pleaded guilty on Thursday to U.S. charges that he [Full Story]
• Alabama Legislature Passes Bill to Protect IVF
• Alabama’s Republican-led Legislature on Thursday passed a bill aimed [Full Story]
• S&P, Nasdaq Hit New Records Amid Firmer Rate View
• The S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed higher on Thursday, buoyed by tech [Full Story]
• Jordan Subpoenas Mayorkas for Docs on Border Situation
• House Judiciary Committee chair Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, on Thursday [Full Story]
• LGBTQ+ Group Sues Texas AG, Won’t Turn Over Trans Docs
• A national LGBTQ+ advocacy group is suing the Texas Attorney [Full Story]
• Panera Spared $20 Wage After Donation to Newsom
• Panera Bread was excluded from California’s new $20-an-hour fast food [Full Story]
• WH to Probe Nat’l Security Risks of Chinese ‘Smart Cars’
• Citing potential national security risks, the Biden administration [Full Story]
• FDA Cites Musk’s Neuralink for Animal Lab Issues
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspectors found problems with [Full Story]
• Inflation Gauge Picks Up, Indicating Inflation Still Hot
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Note: to expand this image below to a larger or full size, see the instructions
below the graphic below or click the image and follow the prompts.

Notice: MHProNews invites the firms named in these reports to respond to any concerns about possibly inaccurate information via email that identifies the concern and offers evidence that sheds a different light on the topic discussed. That said, neither MHI nor MHI publicly traded ‘insider brands’ have done so. They’ve been repeatedly invited to do so, including an outreach on Dec 7, 2o23.

APO = Apolo Global Management – bought Inspire Communities

BAM = Brookfield Asset Management – owns and invests in manufactured home communities (MHCs).

BLK = BlackRock – conglomerate has investments in firms and operations involved in manufactured housing.

BRK-A = Berkshire Hathaway – includes outright ownership of Clayton Homes, 21st Mortgage Corp, Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, other manufactured home industry linked firms (MHC brokerage, suppliers, etc.).

BX = Blackstone – Blackstone Group LP has made its first big bet on manufactured housing by buying a portfolio of communities sold by Tricon Capital Group Inc.

CDPYF = Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust – also has manufactured home communities (MHCs).

CIGI = Colliers International Group Inc. – The Manufactured Housing and RV Group “We Assist Owners and Investors with Disposition, Acquisition, and Financing for Manufactured Housing Communities and RV Parks.”

CG = The Carlyle Group – has manufactured home communities investments.

CSGP = CoStar Group – is commercial real estate’s leading provider of information, analytics and online marketplaces. They acquired listing service Homes.com.

CVCO = Cavco Industries – manufactured home and other factory-built housing production, retail, finance, insurance.

ECNCF = ECN Capital Group – includes manufactured home lender Triad Financial Services.

ELS = Equity LifeStyle Properties – includes land lease manufactured home communities (MHCs), but also RV and marine slips holdings. Also has captive manufactured home retail operations, and parent to Datacomp/MHVillage.

FGF = FG Financial Group – FG Communities “Owns and Operates Growing Portfolio of Manufactured Housing Communities.” KEY = KeyCorp – manufactured home community financing and manufactured home single-family mortgage financing.

KMMPF = Killam Apartment REITs- (includes manufactured home communities (MHCs).

LCII = LCI Industries – components for the manufactured home industry and others (RVs, housing, etc.).

LEGH = Legacy Housing – produces manufactured homes, tiny houses, retail, and captive finance operations.

LPX = Louisiana Pacific Corporation – components for the manufactured home industry and others (housing, etc.).

MHC-UN.TO = Flagship Communities Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).

MHPC = Manufactured Housing Properties – land lease manufactured home communities (MHCs).

MMI = Marcus and Millichap – commercial real estate brokerage services that include land lease manufactured home communities (MHCs).

NOBH = Nobility Homes – produces and offers captive retail, financing, and insurance services for HUD Code manufactured homes and modular homes.

PATK = Patrick Industries – components for the manufactured home industry and others (RVs, housing, etc.).

SKY = Skyline Champion – produces and offers captive retail, financing, and insurance for HUD Code manufactured homes and modular homes.

SUI = Sun Communities – includes land lease manufactured home communities (MHCs), but also RV and marine slips holdings. Also has captive manufactured home retail operations.

UMH = UMH Properties – includes land lease manufactured home communities and captive manufactured home retail, leasing, and financing operations.

UFPI = UFP Industries – components for the manufactured home industry and others (housing, etc.).

• • • NOTE 1: Chart above of manufactured housing connected equities includes the Canadian stock, ECN, which purchased Triad Financial Services, a manufactured home industry finance lender.
    • NOTE 2: Drew changed its name and trading symbol at the end of 2016 to Lippert (LCII).
    • NOTE 3: Deer Valley was largely taken private, say company insiders in a message to MHProNews on 12.15.2020, but there are still some outstanding shares of the stock from the days when it was a publicly traded firm.  Thus, there is still periodic activity on DVLY.
    • Note 4: some recent or related reports to the REITs, stocks, and other equities named above follow in the reports linked below.
    • Note 5: Gifts of Sight and Insights, What’s in Store for 2024? Including 2023 Year End Reflections, manufactured homes, manufactured housing, mobile homes, MHVille, USA Snapshots, Manufactured housing industry year in review 2023.

 

2023 …Berkshire Hathaway is the parent company to Clayton Homes, 21^st Mortgage, Vanderbilt Mortgage and other factory-built housing industry suppliers.
· LCI Industries, Patrick, UFPI, and LP each are suppliers to the manufactured housing industry, among others.
· AMG, CG, and TAVFX have investments in manufactured housing related businesses. For insights from third-parties and clients about our publisher, click here.

 

2022 was a tough year for many stocks. Unfortunately, that pattern held true for manufactured home industry (MHVille) connected stocks too. See the facts, linked above.

====================================

Disclosure. MHProNews holds no positions in the stocks in this report.

· For expert manufactured housing business development or other manufactured housing professional services, click here.
· To sign up in seconds for our industry leading emailed headline news updates, click here.

• Note 1: MHVille means manufactured housing industry, MHVille also means artificially smaller manufactured housing (MH) industry,
• Note 2: Manufactured housing, building, factories, retail, dealers, manufactured home, communities, passive mobile home park investing, suppliers, brokers, finance, financial services, macro-markets, manufactured housing stocks, Manufactured Home Communities Real Estate Investment Trusts, MHC REITs.
• Note 3:
  

  APO, Apollo Global Management, BAM, Brookfield Asset Management, BLK, BlackRock, BRK-A, Berkshire Hathaway, BX, Blackstone, CDPYF, Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust, CIGI, Colliers International Group Inc, CG, The Carlyle Group, CSGP, CoStar Group, CVCO, Cavco Industries, ECNCF, ECN Capital Group, ELS, Equity LifeStyle Properties, FGF, FG Financial Group, FG Communities,  KEY, KeyCorp, KMMPF, Killam Apartment REITs, LCII, LCI Industries, LEGH, Legacy Housing, LPX, Louisiana Pacific Corporation, MHC-UN.TO, Flagship Communities Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), MHPC, Manufactured Housing Properties, MMI, Marcus and Millichap, NOBH, Nobility Homes, PATK, Patrick Industries, SKY, Skyline Champion, SUI, Sun Communities, UMH, UMH Properties, UFPI, UFP Industries.

That’s a wrap on this installment of “News Through the Lens of Manufactured Homes and Factory-Built Housing” © where “We Provide, You Decide.” © (Affordable housing, manufactured homes, stock, investing, data, metrics, reports, fact-checks, analysis, and commentary. Third-party images or content are provided under fair use guidelines for media.) (See Related Reports linked herein. Text/image boxes often are hot-linked to other reports that can be access by clicking on them.)

By L.A. “Tony” Kovach – for MHProNews.
Tony earned a journalism scholarship along with numerous awards in history. There have been several awards, honors and numerous public recognitions for his achievements in manufactured housing. For example, he earned the prestigious Lottinville Award in history from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied history and business management. Kovach is a managing member and co-founder of LifeStyle Factory Homes, LLC, the parent company to MHLivingNews.com and MHProNews. MHProNews is ranked as the runaway most read trade media in modern manufactured housing history. Manufactured Home Pro News (MHProNews) is the documented #1 largest and most read source for manufactured housing industry News Tips and Views Pros Can Use, per Webalizer 2.23 and known data. MHProNews gets millions of visits a year and has significantly more pageviews per visit than CNN or Fox per SimilarWeb’s stats for those two sites (but those sites get more much more total traffic). Statistics Data Infographics Research Facts Evidence and manufactured housing industry expert analysis make us the runaway most read in MHVille trade media. This article reflects the LLC’s and/or the writer’s editorial views and may or may not reflect the views of sponsors or supporters.