Times are changing, especially when it comes to manufactured housing. Now more than ever, a new group of potential buyers is discovering our homes, not only for the price, but for the lifestyle they can afford.
This shift in perception presents a promising future for our industry.
When the City of Dallas asked me to join their Development subcommittee and the Inclusive Housing Task Force, I realized it was an incredible opportunity to finally get our city leaders in on what not only factory-built housing can offer, but also the value that land-lease communities could bring to our city. It has now been over a year, and there is so much interest in how Dallas can include more community homes within our city limits. It has also made me realize that many things we take for granted about our homes, and think that everyone else knows about them, are usually not true.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to patiently explain that no, you can’t back a Ford F-150 up to the hitch on the home and drive it away! We often forget that not everyone is aware of the value and incredible design our homes offer.
With that being said, here are “Five for 2025” ways to create value and interest in communities and homes.
Sharing is Caring
Community owners have often told me that they can’t afford to keep a furnished model, or their homes sell or lease so quickly it isn’t worth the cost. Consumers want to see what they are buying now more than ever. They can go on Amazon 24/7 and buy a house without physically touching it, but have the opportunity to view beautiful photos of a finished home. Consider taking advantage of the professional photography services offered by your home’s manufacturer at no charge. Alternatively, you can negotiate an agreement with a local furniture company to rent furniture for a few weeks, allowing you to stage your home for photos. In return, offer to share the details about local retailers with your new homeowners and potential buyers for their products.
Connect with the Surrounding Community
If your community is too small to offer many amenities, find local organizations like the YMCA, or an affordable fitness club that you can offer a discounted membership to, or maybe they would let you have a day of the week where your residents could use their facility at no charge, hoping that they will upgrade to a full membership. If there is a childcare facility nearby, see if you can work out an agreement with them on reduced fees. If you allow pets, consider having someone offer dog training classes at the community. It will help your residents have the best experience with their pets, it will help those pets become great neighbors. This kind of community engagement empowers both the residents and the community itself.
Host neighborhood Flea Markets or Garage Sales
Have your community host an annual or quarterly community garage sale that all residents are encouraged to participate in. The community can pick up the tab for marketing the event, and then host a celebratory potluck dinner at the end of the day. It’s a great way for neighbors to get to know each other while picking up some great deals! It also helps keep your community fresh and encourages residents to get rid of items in and around the home that are no longer needed.
Create a Victory Garden
If you have some unused spaces in your community, con- sider creating gardens where residents can plant and grow delicious, home-grown fruits and vegetables. If you are lucky enough to have an abundance of goodies to harvest, donate them as a community to the local food bank. It is a great way to keep your residents busy and happy while creating goodwill in the community.
Happy Holidays!
There is nothing that gets people in the holiday spirit like a contest. Host decorating contests for your residents during various holidays, like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the 4th of July. Yard of the Month contests are another way to help your residents take pride in their communities and to keep up the appearance of your community as well. Ensure the community participates, and that the entrance and community buildings match the quality of your residents’ homes.
By creating excitement not only in your community but in the city surrounding your community, you can help change the perception of what today’s ‘trailer parks’ or ‘mobile home parks’ are really about and the excellent, affordable quality of life they can offer. This mission to change perceptions should motivate us all to continue sharing the good news about our industry, so we can all continue to thrive.
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