The International Networking Roundtable (INR) is behind us, and we are only days away from MHI’s meeting in Denver. A few brief thoughts… and more to follow. The Roundtable (INR) featured a number of important ‘reality check’ keynote topics: Randy Rowe, State of the Asset Class address, in which he outlined 5 points that need …
Candid reality checks, Rallies and Manufactured Housing Read More »
Elephants in the Room and Manufactured Housing
Warning: This blog post is not for the faint of heart or for those who think they can skim and get it all. As an Industry Pro, directly or indirectly, this impacts YOU every day.
In a recent conversation with George F. Allen, I mentioned a discussion topic that Finmark’s Dick Ernst and I shared in preparation for our INdustry in Focus interview with Dick about manufactured home financing. During that conversation, Mr. Ernst used the memorable phrase, “elephants in the room.” Specifically, we spoke about the challenges that lenders and home owners face when resale time comes. “That’s the elephant in the room, Tony, that we as an industry need to deal with.” was the gist of Dick’s revealing statement.
We are seeing signs of an uptick in Industry home shipments, as reported by the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) in recent months. What is the potential of the Manufactured Housing Industry today? What are the factors holding back the sales of manufactured homes? Let us take a brief survey of this timely and important topic. …
Getting More Chattel/Home-Only Financing for Manufactured Housing!
Executive Summary: no excuses, just do it.
Capitol Building, the home of the U.S. Congress. All photos by L.A.’Tony’ Kovach. “Manufactured Housing Still Rocks!” with those words, Teresa Payne addressed the crowd at the busy L’Enfant Hotel solarium this morning, July 15th, an apt summation of this important MHI Summer Session meeting. Some of the many ‘Who’s Who’ personalities were at thisCongressional …
Storm Clouds Gathering over MHCC
A letter came to my attention that was circulated via email. The letter which follows my introduction here addresses the growing concern over HUD’s ‘handling’ of the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee, or MHCC. The MHCC is a critical body from the Industry’s perspective. The MHCC exists to protect the interests of both the Industry and the public, while providing safeguards for all concerned. If you are in the Industry, the MHCC is important to you!
Practical Politics: Pickup the Phone!
Last week, Don Westphal sent us an Industry Voices Guest Blog post on the topic of HR 5019. The bill past the House and is now headed on to the Senate for action.
I personally picked up the phone and my watch. It took me a total of 3 minutes to call the Capitol Switchboard’s number at (202) 224-3121, get the phone number to my representative here in IL, then call his office’s number and ask for my congressman to vote for HR 5019. They took my name and address. Painless! No apathy! No fear!
All Good Things
They say that “All good things must come to an end.” It is never fun for me to talk about endings. When the Manufactured Home Merchandiser Magazine closed last summer, it was painful…
…Every loss is a wake up call. It is a reminder to focus on what matters most and not let little things drag your time and attention away.
…If it isn’t good, if it is dying, then work to prune what needs pruning and save what you can…
I use this opportunity as the first in periodic series of articles and blogs on the 2010 election and factory built housing. I want to make a far broader point than my brother’s campaign!
An Exclusive Interview with Doug Gorman
…I do not have any specific knowledge of a conspiracy to destroy our industry. At the same time I find many of the actions taken in Washington are in fact resulting in driving up costs for our industry’s clients while reducing the financing options available. If it is a conspiracy, those responsible are being remarkably successful as we look at a 90% drop in industry shipments. I don’t read a lot of news coverage of any other industry taking a hit of that magnitude….
