Dr. Lesli Gooch, MHI's CEO, met with FHFA Director Dr. Mark Calabria on December 12, 2018, to talk through his nomination and DTS activity.
U.S. Senate Votes 52-44 to Confirm Nominee Mark Calabria to Lead Federal Housing Finance Agency
The Senate voted 52-44 to confirm Calabria, who previously served as Vice President Mike Pence’s chief economist.
Now that he’s confirmed, Calabria will lead the agency overseeing the government-sponsored enterprises, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
Prior to Calabria’s confirmation, Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting served as acting director following Mel Watt’s term as director.
“I congratulate Mark Calabria on his confirmation by the U.S. Senate to serve as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency,” Otting said in a statement. “I am confident that Mark will do a great job leading the FHFA. He recognizes the need to work toward a housing finance system that protects taxpayers and meets our nation’s housing needs.”
The Calabria confirmation has been received favorably in the mortgage and housing sectors.
NAR President Lauds Calabria Confirmation
John Smaby is president of the National Association of Realtors.
“Dr. Calabria has decades of experience in the housing industry, including time spent as an economist at NAR, and he understands the critical importance of the FHFA’s prudent management of America’s housing finance system,” Smaby said. “As he begins his tenure, we urge Director Calabria to work closely with Congress in the effort to responsibly reform the GSEs, particularly in search of policies that protect the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, secure a government guarantee and emphasize taxpayer and consumer protection.”
Among the FHFA initiatives is the quarterly Housing Price Index. In its latest release, the HPI included a report that shows manufactured housing retains value much like site-built housing.
MHI Supports Calabria Confirmation
At his confirmation hearing, Calabria reaffirmed his commitment to the FHFA’s Duty to Serve mandate. MHI sent numerous letters of support throughout the Calabria confirmation process. The organization worked with the White House and Senate leaders to secure his confirmation.
MHI, in a statement following the Calabria confirmation, said the new director has extensive experience in housing and financial services. In addition, Calabria has a thorough understanding of the importance of manufactured housing as an affordable source of quality homeownership.
As the top housing staff member on the Senate Banking Committee, he lead the drafting of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The act created the FHFA as a strengthened regulator of the government-sponsored enterprises. Importantly, it also established the Duty to Serve requirements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
The act requires both entities to support manufactured housing in the secondary market.
“He brings considerable housing finance experience to the job. We look forward to working with Mark to advance comprehensive housing finance reform…” — NAHB Chairman Greg Ugalde
The U.S. Capitol
Calabria’s Extensive Background in Finance and Housing
Previously, Calabria served as deputy assistant secretary for regulatory affairs at HUD during President George W. Bush’s administration. He led the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Manufactured Housing.
Mortgage bankers and home builders expressed support for Calabria’s appointment and confirmation.
“MBA applauds the Senate for confirming Mark Calabria to be the next director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. His knowledge and experience will serve him well as he takes over this dynamic agency at such a critical time,” Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO Robert Broeksmit said.
Additionally, the National Association of Home Builders congratulated Calabria on his Senate confirmation as the new director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
“He brings considerable housing finance experience to the job,” NAHB Chairman Greg Ugalde said. “We look forward to working with Mark to advance comprehensive housing finance reform that maintains an appropriate level of federal support to ensure an adequate flow of affordable housing credit in all economic and financial conditions.”
During his time as a senior aide, Calabria served on the Senate Banking Committee, where he was one of the lead drafters of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, which created FHFA.
Calabria also held positions at Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors.
Boo Haughton, left, of Winston Home Builders, and Clayton Homes founder Jim Clayton at The Tunica Show.
MHInsider Crossed Paths with Clayton Homes Founder Jim Clayton for a Q&A at The Tunica Show
Jim Clayton founded Clayton Homes with his brother Joe Clayton, growing the business into the largest builder of manufactured homes in the industry, with 40 home building facilities nationwide.
The company, based in Knoxville, Tenn., now is run by Clayton’s son Kevin Clayton. Clayton Homes is owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway.
MHInsider: How’s the show going so far?
Jim Clayton: “I’m really excited being here, seeing the industry progress, seeing old friends, and meeting new friends.”
MHInsider: Anything new or different this year?
Jim Clayton: “The homes are larger, more beautiful, and built better than ever. I see more excitement in the industry. They’re really excited about spring season, summer. It’s going be a great year for the industry.”
MHInsider: How many years have you come to The Tunica Show?
Jim Clayton: “I come almost every year. As long as it’s been here.”
MHInsider: Anything else you want to say about the show or the industry?
Jim Clayton: “The manufactured housing industry is so important to our country. It fills a need for so many people, in that they can get a home quick. It offers, for many people, so much more than apartments or other forms of housing offer. There are so many people in America that need and want affordable housing. And there aren’t a lot of choices. One choice would be old apartments. But there are lots of disadvantages there. Here, you have options for where you can place your home. There are lots of options. That’s really important to people. But just the quality of the home, and the amount of space, and the ease of maintenance. The low cost of operating, owning, maintaining, in addition to the low cost of buying. If more people spent as much time as I’ve spent here today, we’d sell twice as many homes immediately. I’m really happy that the industry continues to be successful and continues to do so much for our country.”
MHInsider: What does the Tunica Show do for Clayton Homes?
Jim Clayton: “The Tunica Show is one of the important places to showcase fine products. It’s an interesting place to visit and it’s easy to get to. It’s conveniently located within less than a day’s drive from so many manufactured homeowners, builders and retailers, and potential owners, too. It just makes a lot of sense to have the show here.”
Front porch of a New Vision home, featured at The 2019 Tunica Show
Industry Professionals Tour 70 New Homes in Tunica
Throngs of manufactured housing industry professionals enjoyed the sunshine and networking as they toured homes and looked for the latest product during The 2019 Tunica Show in northwest Mississippi.
From left, Mick Barker and Lynn Hoppe of New Vision Homes.
New Vision Homes is a new manufacturer run by President Mick Barker and owner Lynn Hoppe, who came to the home building side from the retail side.
The company has been making homes for a little more than a year.
New Homes In Tunica Spurred on by Need for Oil Field Workers
“I’ve been selling workforce housing for the oil fields, and I couldn’t find what I was looking for, so I decided to buy a retired Champion plant, and that’s when I called on Mick to come in and help me out.”
Barker is a former president of Champion Homes and worked in operations with Legacy Housing.
The company is based in Ada, Okla., and has a factory in Madill, Okla., where they’re turning out three floors a day of workforce housing , valued in total at about $100,000. A second facility, located in Breckenridge, Texas, also is churning out about $100,000 worth of product each day. However, that plant is making a single floor per day.
New Vision Homes on the Lookout for Third Plant
New Vision also is looking for a third facility, perhaps another in Texas or in the southeast.
“We had a really good reception to the product,” Barker said. “We have two-by-four exterior and interior walls, which is something that’s much more common among site-built homes. That’s a standard feature, for us. Our customers really are asking for that.”
New Vision Homes also have:
OSB siding or vinyl siding with OSB underlay
Shingle roofs
Wood cabinet doors
Thermal pane windows
Insulated duct work
Upgraded kitchen sink and faucet
The Latest Trends Among New Show Homes in Tunica
Cavalier Home Builders, a Clayton Homes brand, brought out an 1,800-square-foot home that incorporates many of its more popular farmhouse features in a larger home.
Window wall foyer in a new Cavalier home.
“The window wall in the entry is one of those features that customers really love,” Gary Hollingsworth, general manager for Cavalier. “It provides a distinct foyer. You don’t walk directly into the living space. But with the glass, it’s done in a way that doesn’t close off the space.”
Hollingsworth said the lighter colors, large windows, shiplap wood board, barn doors and farmhouse sink are new for Cavalier.
“We’ve traditionally been in more neutral tones, so it’s a change for us and one that is getting some good attention.”
The Laney from Clayton Homes.
About the Tunica Manufactured Housing Show
2019 Tunica Show provides the opportunity to network with more than 2,100 manufactured housing industry professionals from across the country. Professionals attending The Tunica Show represent every part of the industry nationwide. However, Tunica provides a particular emphasis on connecting attendees with professional builders and retailers who operate in southeast.
The Tunica Show is held at the Hollywood Hotel and Resorts Casino. It draws industry professionals representing 500 companies. Additionally, the show attracts manufactured home community owners and managers, retailers, suppliers and builder/developers, the Tunica Show is the most significant trade event in the region.
Representatives from 24 manufacturers have made themselves available to answer questions about their homes in Tunica. They are joined by industry professionals who work in manufactured home transport and installation, building materials, financing and professional services.
Retailers and other home buyers shop The Lulamae and other homes at The Tunica Show.
Retailers Find What They Want with Latest Homes in Tunica
Kevin Satterthwaite operates Pine Ridge Homes in Vandalia, Ill.
“We deal mostly in modular, but we come to Tunica to check in with Deer Valley and to keep up on what’s happening with HUD code homes, too. We dabble in HUD code a bit, and there is enough cross over with modular that it makes it worth our while.”
Natalie Wiley runs Wiley Home Center in Sandersville, Ga. In addition, she owns and operates three small communities in Georgia. Wiley was at The Tunica Show to look for a high-end product and a middle offering for her home center.
“I think I found what I’m looking for,” she said. “I was impressed with Champion, and the Deer Valley homes are really pretty. Southern Energy has a really good midline product.
“I’m a Destiny dealer, so that’s my focus. But I’m here to look at homes and figure out how to fill out of the offering,” she said. “This seems like the year of the largest possible shower and upgraded kitchen. There are some really beautiful features in these homes.”
A new home from Platinum Home Builders.
A Day of Spring Sunshine for Looking at the Latest Homes in Tunica
Todd Evans of Platinum Homes said traffic at the show has been great and the new models have been well received.
“The sun is out and everyone’s in a good mood,” he said. “That certainly makes it easier for people to get out and look at homes.
Spencer Roane, community owner, talks to MH Pros in Tunica about lease-to-own finance options.
Industry Experts in Sales, Marketing, Lending Provide Educational Insight to MH Pros in Tunica for 2019 Show
Spencer Roane, the principal for Pentagon Properties, opened the educational seminars for MH pros at Tunica talking about the value of lease-with-option-to-purchase transaction for potential homeowners.
Roane said the program, also often referred to as lease-to-own, or L-O, became a necessity with the implementation of the SAFE acts and Dodd-Frank legislation. It’s also often mistakenly referred to as rent-to-own.
“Compliance is something we should be careful of, and pay important attention to,” Roane said.
Pricing is a key component. Sellers need to ensure their customer gets market value on both payments and total purchase price.
“That’s what separates a lease agreement from a rent-to-own program, which is something you might use the buy a refrigerator,” he said.
Roane said early in the program he and other colleagues experienced default rates that were too high. In recent years, Roane’s company has fine tuned the product and the target customer to drastically improve the rates of success.
The L-O customer is one with moderate to poor credit who likely would be unable to secure a mortgage or chattel loan. Leasing to own provides the opportunity to be a homeowner. This includes purchases for new or existing manufactured homes.
Manufactured home sales in communities via lease-with-option-to-purchase (LWOP or L-O) is an acceptable form of “seller-financing” in many states, he said.
List of Topics Covered in Lease-to-Own Home Sales Presentation
The fine points of the L-O contract; including specific provisions of the contract.
Why the contract “passes muster” in some states, and where copies of documentation may be obtained.
Home sales program, qualification of buyers, factors he considers most important in reducing defaults. And statistics on his firm’s sale of new and previously owned manufactured homes.
Alternatives to L-O, including innovative conventional chattel finance options.
MH Pros in Tunica register for the annual manufactured housing show.
Information on The Tunica Show
Thousands of MH pros go to Tunica, Miss., each spring for the southeast’s premier event in manufactured housing. The exterior of the Hollywood and Resorts Casino and Hotel has 70 new model homes from 24 manufacturers that attendees can tour. The Tunica Show is the biggest outdoor home show of its kind! And, the supplier hall has 100 exhibitors that the 2,300 attendees from more than 500 companies can survey and consider for future business plans.
Sales Consultant Leads MH Pros in Tunica Toward Best Practices
Ken Corbin, a manufactured housing industry sales consultant, spent 40 minutes describing to MH pros in Tunica how their customers are changing. And how that can be a great opportunity for home sellers!
Sales consultant Ken Corbin talks to MH Pros in Tunica about customers and sales goals.
“When you start a venture everything is great. But eventually you’ll hit a plateau,” Corbin said. “Everything will flatten out. That’s where you need to make a decision. Will you change and make things better, or will you continue to plateau? If you don’t change, you’ll decline.”
Manufactured housing professionals in Tunica were reminded that it was not so long ago that the industry delivered 375,000 homes in a year. By 2009, 87 percent of that business went away and 10,000 manufactured housing industry companies folded.
Corbin asked how industry professionals today can avoid that, or a similar fate.
“We could sell more. Spend less. Increase margins… or a fourth way: Don’t grow old. Then you’ll become 10,001. And we don’t want that to happen.”
The goals for 2019 is to sell 100,000 or more homes
Corbin pointed out that a new manufactured home today costs $57.21 per square foot excluding land; new site built homes cost $108.10 per square foot.
“Today we’re more affordable than we’ve ever been,” Corbin said.
But manufactured home sellers need to meet potential buyers where they prefer. Sales center walk-ins won’t get it done.
Research shows that 86 percent of millennials want to buy a home. But if you call, they may not answer. Millennials primarily prefer to text prior to a live conversation.
“Millennial homeuyers will disrupt market over next five years,” Corbin said. “Ninety eight percent of them will search online for info on your homes before they visit. They’re twice as likely to use their devices as is a Baby Boomer. Technology will play a central part in their homebuying decision.”
MHInsider Managing Editor Matt Milkovich contributed to this report.
How Can I Get the Greatest Value Possible Out of My Mobile Home Community?
Kevan Enger, a seller-focused broker with Capstone.
The demand for mobile home park communities is on the rise. Fueled by a shortage of affordable housing in the U.S. and a senior class of baby boomers moving into retirement age at a clip of about 10,000 a day, the need for affordable housing grows daily. A recent report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition revealed a wide disparity between the demand and availability of affordable housing, especially for extremely low-income renters. Mobile and manufactured home communities can be a solution for lower income renters and retirees looking for affordable home solutions.
The gap between the existing supply and demand of affordable homes makes well-positioned properties an interesting option for investors, while providing property owners with an excellent opportunity to sell in a hot market. It’s important to note, however, that while a hot market provides an excellent opportunity to maximize sales price, not all sales prices will be maximized. While net operating income (NOI) is essential in creating your community’s base price, perceived value and confidence in the management of the community will go a long way in reinforcing your negotiating power and ability to achieve your objectives.
Four Types of Action to Maximize the Value of Your Mobile Home Community
There are four types of actions property owners can take to increase perceived and real value to new tenants and potential buyers, to maximize their community’s sales price, and to optimize return on investment.
Short-term actions you can implement right now
Long-term actions you can implement over time
Inexpensive steps to increase perceived value
Capital-intensive projects
Mobile and manufactured home community owners are busy people, so for efficiency, you’ll find below a combination of actions that will have the greatest impact on optimally positioning your community and maximizing your sales price.
Northville Crossings, a Sun Community in Michigan
Short-term Actions
Launch your quest toward maximizing price by starting with short-term and inexpensive actions you can implement right now. These actions will not only allow you to improve the visual of your community’s physicality, they will allow you to increase the perceived value for current and potential tenants. A higher perceived value will open the door for you to increase your rents, and thus your NOI, with the bonus of improving community pride. At the same time, prospective buyers will see a well-managed community that will make for a more attractive investment.
In my many years as a mobile and manufactured home community specialist, but especially more recently, I have seen very similar parks in structure and infrastructure achieve widely varying rents and offers as a result of their physical and administrative maintenance, sense of community, and general curb appeal. Well-managed and maintained properties achieved higher returns in monthly rents and, at the time of the sale, sales price.
Get started by:
Enforcing community rules: On my visits to communities across the country, I see parks where many of the rules created to keep the property clear, safe and well-maintained are not being followed or enforced. Take time to review the current rules in the book, update them as needed, and enforce them for a cleaner, safer, and more orderly community.
Curb appeal projects: Curb appeal projects are another way you can make a positive impact on your property, contribute to the perceived value of your community, and generate a sense of pride among residents.
A few suggestions:
Remove trash and discarded items strewn throughout the park
Trim trees, plant flowers, and add bushes for a welcoming and visually appealing entrance
Pressure-wash homes, walls, and sidewalks to remove mildew and stains
Replace skirting and conduct exterior maintenance
Install or replace signs
Change the name. The names Joe’s Mobile Home Park and Bridgepoint Park, for example, can convey very different images
Long-term Actions
After you’ve initiated some of the short-term projects, you’re ready to move on to longer-term and more capital-intensive initiatives. For example:
Pave roads: Paving roads can have a big effect on how your property looks and how your residents feel about living there. Adding paved roads is the biggest bang for your buck, as it will deliver a higher return than what you put into it.
Build a play or picnic area: Building a picnic or play area can contribute to a greater sense of community and offer a place where neighbors can gather. You also can schedule community activities such as barbecues, field days, or picnics. Be sure you provide lighting for the evenings, or enforce a closing time and no-loitering rules after sunset.
Individual metering: Utility costs can substantially impact a community’s NOI. By installing individual meters that measure water/sewer usage for each home, owners can “pass through” utility costs to tenants, greatly alleviating pressure on the bottom line.
Photo courtesy of Sun Communities.
Revenue-generating Actions
There also are long-term, inexpensive, and even revenue-generating actions you can take to sweeten your returns.
Increase rents: Interestingly, I have found that many property owners resist raising rents. More often than not, they don’t know what their competitors are charging or don’t think their tenants would be willing to pay more.
To solve this, here’s a three-step solution:
Obtain market comps to find out what your competitors are charging
Apply the 90 percent rule. If your park is more than 90 percent full, you are well-poised to raise rates
Start by taking the short-term, inexpensive actions mentioned at the beginning of this article to build the trust and support of your tenants so they are more willing to pay an increase in rates
Other Steps to Take Toward Maximizing Value of Your Mobile Home Community
Fix your financials: I have come across many situations where owners have outdated or handwritten books, or don’t have detailed records of the business. Update and formalize your financials and administrative processes to convey a message of confidence and trust, and to let people know that your park is well-managed.
Implement a lease with option to buy program: Selling park-owned homes to your tenants through a lease with option to buy program transfers the responsibility of home repairs and maintenance to your tenants, creates pride of ownership, reduces turnover, and makes the park a more attractive asset for financing. It also will provide you, the park owner, with a corresponding capital infusion from the sale and alleviate your management responsibilities, but allow you to maintain a steady stream of passive income from the land lease.
Occupy as many sites as possible: Empty lots can lead to emptier pockets at the time of the sale. Do the work to bring in new or used homes to occupy empty lots and either rehab or offer a handyman’s special for vacant homes that need to be rehabbed. The full lots will contribute to a better perception of the property and management.
Improve tenant profiles: Now is the time to begin improving your tenant profiles. If you don’t already, start conducting background checks on prospective tenants and disallow felons. There are plenty of people looking for affordable housing, offering you a good pool of prospects that will care for their home and your park.
In Conclusion
Now that you have your checklist, you’re ready to start improving your short-term bottom line while positioning your community for optimized profits at the time of the sale. Even more important, you’ll be taking steps to provide an even safer and more pleasant living environment for your tenants, creating a greater sense of community and pride. If you ask me, that’s when you know you’ve maximized your value.
Kevan Enger is a partner and manufactured housing director for Capstone MH. He specializes in helping mobile and manufactured home park owners across the country successfully position, market and sell their properties to maximize returns.
Workers install panels at a resident-owned community in New Hampshire. Photos courtesy of ROC USA.
ROCs Lead the Way for Solar Power in Manufactured Housing Communities
Melissa Proulx, of ROC USA
Resident-owned communities (ROCs) are setting a shining example of the energy savings possible for manufactured home communities.
Mascoma Meadows is a 50-home resident-owned community in Lebanon, N.H. Last year it became the first ROC in the Granite State to become a community powered by solar electricity.
The 384-panel solar array is fully operational, no matter what the weather. Energy from the panels is sold back to the grid. That change represents and the pollution-reduction equivalent of taking 17 cars off the road each year. Profit from the array at this community powered by solar will reduce the lot rent by $22 per month.
Mascoma Meadows’ array is built on a half-acre donated by Pastor Bruce Jerome and the congregation of the neighboring Abundant Life Church of God. The community Board President Calvin Goude said he still gets emotional talking about the meeting when the donation was announced.
“We have a pretty good relationship with the church,” Goude said. “They’re great neighbors.”
Construction began in November 2018. Steel stands hold flat panels that face out from the front of the community.
Residents of a New Hampshire ROC celebrate after the ribbon cutting for a new solar array.
How Do Power Purchase Agreements Work?
The Renewable Energy Fund covered the project with a $168,000 grant. New Hampshire’s Public Utility Commission manages the fund, with an impact investor through a Power Purchase Agreement. Brentwood, N.H.-based ReVision Energy installed the array.
With the PPA, Mascoma Meadows can access long-term economic and environmental benefits. Meanwhile, the project provides an opportunity for investors who share those values. After five years, Mascoma Meadows can purchase the array, at a discount, with financing from the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund.
Goude said he’s excited for Mascoma Meadows to be the first ROC in the state to tackle this project.
“Manufactured home communities like ours are perfect places for sustainable-energy projects, and it will make the homes here even more affordable,” he said. “We appreciate the work the Vermont Law School and ROC-NH did to pull this project together and, of course, our neighbors at Abundant Life church for donating the land. We never expected that.”
Solar Power Has Evolved, Helps Keep Communities Affordable
Using solar power as a source of renewable energy has been gaining popularity, akin to the uptick during recent years with water submetering in manufactured housing communities. On average, the solar market has experienced a 59 percent growth rate over the last decade. The technology has evolved to make panels lighter, more powerful and more affordable, especially for homeowners.
While there are some challenges with bringing solar into manufactured home communities, others have been able to utilize it for added savings for their residents.
New panels gather the sun for power, even in colder climates.
What Stops Other Projects for Communities Powered by Solar?
The main hurdle has to do with land ownership, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. While residents in both private and resident-owned communities pay lot rent, the land owners differ. In resident-owned communities, residents control the land, putting them at the helm of the decision-making process for projects like solar arrays. ROC members are able to democratically decide if the project is attractive. In most communities, residents would need permission from the property owner.
Other ROCs are starting to use solar to create extra savings for their residents.
Residents at Lakeville Village in Geneseo, N.Y., are working to install a solar field on their property. They have received help from a ROC USA Networkaffiliate, Pathstone Corporation. This has been vital in keeping the project going, said Richard Nereau, head of Lakeville’s solar committee.
The 4-megawatt system is about 40 times bigger than the New Hampshire array. It will go up on 20 acres during summer and fall of 2019. Nearby residents in the wider community can use power from the panels. Nereau estimates 2,500 homes and businesses can benefit from the system.
RER Energy Group of Reading, Pa., will lease the land from the cooperative, and cover the entire cost of the array’s installation and maintenance.
Receive Energy Discounts, Earn Income from Co-op Lease
Lakeville Village residents will receive a 10-percent discount on their electricity bills, while the lease will generate about $17,000 a year in income for the co-op. The community will use revenue for capital improvement projects like paving roads or development of a community center.
“It’s guaranteed income and we get to use it to improve the community,” said Anne Radesi, president of Lakeville’s board of directors.
Finally, Nereau has a bit of advice for residents with interest in a solar project. He said to resources through town, county or state governments.
Radesi agreed, adding that tax incentives are often available for businesses working with manufactured home communities to install solar. RER Energy Group is doing just that in order to get reimbursement for installing the array, and will also work with the town to leverage a tax-incentive program.
“Within New York state, they have different programs they are promoting for clean energy,” Radesi said. “You have to get a company that’s ready to invest in your area.”
Melissa Proulx is ROC USA’s digital media manager.
The Annual Tee-Off golf outing, by Sunshine Homes, has moved from River Bend to Tunica National golf course.
Weather Difficulty Forces Change of Venue for Annual Golf Outing at The 2019 Tunica Show, March 26-28
Recent inclement weather and potential continued flooding along the Mississippi River have necessitated changes to The Tunica Show golf outing planned for next week.
Rather than at its typical location, the tournament this year will be held at the Tunica National Golf Course.
How This Change Affects Golfers:
There will be NO price change
The dinner offering will now feature hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, baked beans and chocolate chip cookies
Registration will still open at noon
The rules meeting will occur at 1:15 p.m.
Tee-off will be at 1:30 p.m. (half-hour later than previously scheduled)
Please wear soft spikes (required)
What Are the Available Prizes?
At the end of the event participants will be split into two flights. There will be a cash prize for the top two groups in each flight. Specific numbers will be announced once sign-ups are complete.
There also will be additional prizes such as closest to the pin. Contact golf outing organizers for any additional questions or information. They can be reached at josh.gleason (at) sunshinehomes-inc.com and bob.wolcott (at) tunicagov.com.
Arrive early and drive long at the annual SCHMI Tee-Off in Tunica.
Sponsor the Golf Outing
There is still time to become a sponsor for the 2019 Tournament!
Get additional visibility for your company at this year’s Tunica Show by sponsoring a hole at the SCMHI Tee-Off presented by Sunshine Homes on Monday, March 25. Last year, the tournament had superb turnout with 20 teams involved. The enthusiasm and turnout expected for this year’s golf tournament makes it an unequaled opportunity to receive additional brand exposure at The 2019 Tunica Show.
Illinois Manufactured Housing Association Fights Statewide Rent Control
Like other states, Illinois is in the grips of an affordable housing crisis. The most consequential effects are felt in Chicago, where rents are on a steep rise. This forces many long-term city residents to move, said Frank Bowman, executive director of the Illinois Manufactured Housing Association.
In response, many residents of Chicago are starting to embrace the idea of rent control. This would allow local governments to put a cap on what landlords can charge. Chicago residents have pushed state legislators to introduce bills that would rescind a statewide ban on rent control. Legislation also would establish regional boards to cap rents, Bowman said.
Where is Rent Control Legislation in Illinois?
A Chicago apartment in wintertime.
As of early March, 2019, the rent-control bills were still moving through the Illinois Legislature. Bowman said he was uncertain if the bills would pass. However, he said a coalition of realtor, apartment owner and property owner associations, including IMHA, is making “great headway” in educating state legislators about the ill effects of rent control. But Chicago is Illinois’ most populated city. Its presence looms large in the state Legislature, Bowman said.
The proposed legislation doesn’t single out manufactured housing communities. Yet, if enacted, the legislation could cap lot rents the same way it would cap rents for apartments and other income-producing properties.
What’s Wrong with Rent Control?
According to Bowman, the appeal of rent control is that it sounds like a simple solution: If you think your rent is too high, just pass a law to cap it.
However, the consequence of rent control is complex. An abundance of national studies and reports have been published from both sides of the political spectrum. These make it clear that rent control can do more harm than good. For starters, it limits the supply of affordable housing. Residents of rent-controlled housing tend to stay where they are, keeping that housing off the market. To make up for lost profits, owners raise rents on their non-rent-controlled housing. Or they turn the rent-controlled housing into condominiums. In summary, would-be renters end up competing for living space in a shrinking market. And a shrinking market tends to raise prices, Bowman said.
Affordable Housing Crisis
The core cause of the affordable housing crisis is the decline in production that started during the Great Recession. A decade later, most first-time homebuyers feel the burden of student-loan debt. This makes it harder to buy scarce and expensive homes. The combination has led to more people vying for an already limited rental supply, Bowman said.
Municipal governments have compounded the problem with exclusionary housing policies. In order to support existing property values, they restrict new housing — including manufactured housing. In addition, local governments tend to develop office parks and retail spaces without developing the housing that will be needed by the workers those new businesses attract, Bowman said.
The obvious solution to the affordable housing crisis is a greater supply of affordable housing, including manufactured housing. The greater the supply, the greater the chance that pricing for rental homes comes down, he said.
Bowman said the manufactured housing industry must continually strive to improve its image with local governments. He recently attended a city council meeting where business leaders said their workers need houses in the $100,000 – $150,000 range.
“We’re all over that. That’s our niche,” he said. “But that city excludes factory-built housing.”
Rent control affects community owners and residents in several states.
Alternative Solutions to Rent Control
As alternatives to rent control, IMHA provided Illinois legislators with six policy solutions for the state’s affordable housing crisis. Enforcing these solutions would be a “tough hill” for the state government to climb. But it can be done — and IMHA will continue to push for it, Bowman said.
IMHA’s Six Policy Solutions for Illinois Housing
Housing component law: Address the varied ways cities don’t zone for enough housing, don’t zone for multi-family housing or land-lease communities, and only allow low-density residential on large lots.
Encourage housing development in existing commercial areas: In cities with low housing production and availability, push to allow residential development on large and underutilized commercial/big box/strip mall sites, especially in transit-served areas.
Require housing for future commercial expansion: Many cities zone primarily for commercial office and retail with little or no thought toward housing. The state Legislature could require a jobs/housing analysis for all master plan development, identifying the estimated job creation by wage level and mandating that appropriate housing for new workers be provided as part of the development plan.
Remove barriers to housing approval: Address cities that effectively block all housing development or reduce density through the approvals process. Develop a way to identify the problem and sort out good from bad policy, and then challenge those cities to correct the problem.
Affordable housing zoning: Affordable housing faces particular barriers from approval processes and zoning in many jurisdictions. For the creation of affordable housing to take place, zoning densities may need to be relaxed and approvals streamlined.
Remove barriers to workforce housing: Many cities deny approval for affordable workforce housing, or allow development only on the most difficult and undesirable sites. Consider linking state disbursements of infrastructure money, whether for transportation or parks, to approvals and funding for affordable housing alternatives in those jurisdictions.
MHInsider magazine will cover national rent control trends in more depth in the July/August issue.
DeWitt Scholarship Provides 28 Years of Opportunity
The deadline is near for thousands of dollars in scholarships from the Tim DeWitt HARVEST Education Foundation. Students currently enrolled, or with plans to enroll, at accredited university or colleges during 2019-20 are eligible for the DeWitt scholarship.
Applications are due April 5 for students who plan a career in manufactured housing, recreational vehicle and campground or self-storage industries.
Apply for the DeWitt Scholarship
Each year, the DeWitt scholarship goes to students whose career goals might not otherwise lead them to these industries, and will be made to outstanding scholars or students with compelling need.
“The Tim DeWitt HARVEST Education Foundation has encouraged fresh interest and talent in the RV and campground, manufactured housing and self-storage industries,” said Bill Sheffer, executive director of MMH/RVCA and Self-Storage Association of Michigan.
Where and How to Apply
Students with an interest in the self storage industry can apply for the DeWitt scholarship.
To apply online, visit www.marvac.org, www.michhome.org or www.selfstoragemichigan.org. For more information on how to apply, call Beth Monicatti Blank of All Seasons Communications at (586) 752-6381 or email bmonicattiblank (at) allseasonscommunications.com.
“We encourage all to apply,” said Monicatti Blank of the group that manages the scholarship program.
Also, the three-page application asks for detail on work and extracurricular activities, as well as career goals.
Last year, 19 college-bound students were recipients of a DeWitt scholarship. The 2018 DeWitt scholarships ranged from $500 to $1,750 each. Since 1991, the foundation has awarded more than $338,000 to 608 students.
Scholarship money is raised through an annual golf outing. This year’s event is set for June 20 at Timber Ridge Golf Club in East Lansing. More information will be available at www.michhome.org.
Students interested in the RV and camping industries also are eligible to apply for the HARVEST Education Foundation Tim DeWitt Scholarship.
More Information on the DeWitt Scholarship
Tim DeWitt is the former director of the MMHRVC, which had represented both RV and manufactured housing in Michigan.
“He served for 39 years and the foundation was renamed in his honor in 2016 when he retired,” said Darren Ing, director of the Michigan Manufactured Housing Association.
HARVEST Education Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation and receives 100 percent tax-deductible gifts from individuals and corporations. In addition, HARVEST accepts grants from other nonprofit organizations, state and federal agencies.
The nonprofit was created in 1991 by the Michigan Manufactured Housing Association and the Recreation Vehicle and Campground Association. Self-Storage Association of Michigan became involved in 2013.
Manufactured housing professionals gather and talk at The Louisville Manufactured Housing Show in 2019. At the show, Champion Homes displayed its reintroduced All American Modular brand for the second consecutive year.
About the Industry Associations Affiliated with the DeWitt Scholarship
Michigan Manufactured Housing Association is a nonprofit trade association representing the manufactured and modular housing industry in Michigan. MMHA works to improve the image of manufactured housing by educating consumers, media and government about the quality, affordability, design and beauty of the homes. Additionally, MMHA works to protect the interests of the industry and the owners of manufactured homes.
The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds works to improve the business climate for its members and encourage growth in the RV and private campground industries. Also, it contributes to the quality of Michigan tourism through legislation, education, marketing and public awareness.
Self-Storage Association of Michigan formed in 2007 to respond to the needs of self-storage owners and operators. It works to improve the business climate for its members and encourage growth in all areas of the self-storage industry through legislation, education and marketing.
Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, Ceremonies Set for Aug. 5
The board of directors of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation has announced the names of the class of 2019 inductees who will be honored at the RV/MH Hall of Fame this summer.
“Congratulations to the ten new honorees,” Foundation President Darryl Searer said. “All of them have had or are having outstanding careers and are richly deserving of this high honor.”
In addition, Searer applauded work of the nominating committee. The committee brought a list of more than 60 deserving candidates down to the final 10.
“I was especially impressed with the committee’s work for the diversity of this year’s class,” Searer said. “Regionally, as well as the division of the nominees’ industry segments. The 2019 inductees includes community developers, suppliers, manufacturers, dealers and association executives.”
The Class of 2019 , listed below, will be honored during the annual induction ceremonies and dinner on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, at the Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Ind.
The RV/MH Hall of Fame is located in Elkhart, Ind.
MH Hall of Fame 2019 Inductees
Dick Ernst
Richard “Dick” Ernst
Financial Marketing Associates, Inc.
Texas
MH Financial Services/Consulting
Dick Ernst is one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and articulate individuals in the Manufactured Housing Industry. He is always available to impart his knowledge of home financing to MHI, the state associations and industry businesses.
He never says “no” when asked to assist MHI at an event, whether it be as a moderator of a panel or a presenter at an educational workshop. Added to that, Dick’s vast knowledge of manufactured housing finance has impacted the availability of capital so that more Americans can afford to own their own home. His company, Finmark, created a unique conduit funding program for the Independent Bankers of America. In addition, this program brought 400 community banks into the manufactured housing industry that would not have otherwise provided lending support.
His contributions to the manufactured housing industry may be hard to measure. But, the industry would look very different today if it had not had the benefit of his hard work and knowledge.
John Carey
John Carey
Modern Home Sales and Midwest Homes
Kansas
MH Community Development and Dealer
John Carey has given an abundance of his time and energies to manufactured housing industry. He has served on the Legislative Committee and Political Action Committee for countless years.
He was instrumental in developing and implementing Kansas legislation, rules, and regulations for the betterment of the industry. John has served on the KMHA board dating back to 1989 as a Director and two terms as president. Also, he received the Distinguished KMHA Member of the Year award in 1997, 2004, and in 2015. No one else has received this prestigious award more than once.
John is one of the most respected, accomplished and honorable individuals in the manufactured housing business. Also, he is a very devoted family man. Because of John Carey the industry and the association are a stronger.
Leo Poggione
Leo Poggione
Craftsman Homes
Nevada
MH Dealer/Retailer
Leo Poggione has respectfully accomplished every prominent aspect of the manufactured housing retailer profile. Since the inception of Craftsman Homes, Leo has continuously performed successfully as a top retailer in the Western states. He does this by means of proficient and intrepid “donkeywork” while attaining customer’s highest ratings.
He is a born logical leader and has an incredible reputation of immense integrity and honesty. Also, when asked to volunteer for the Board of Directors of the RV/MH Hall of Fame during a difficult period for the organization, Leo stated he would do whatever is necessary to make the Hall succeed. Leo has also volunteered, promoted and supported the MH industry through many industry associations serving in the highest capacities of positions.
Leo pushes the envelope of the traditional retail sales center business model and defines what manufactured home retail sales can look like in the twenty-first century. While he operates traditional retail sales centers, he has also worked as a developer utilizing resources not typically tapped by retailers in the industry.
D. Raymond Broderick
Raymond Broderick
Superior Homes
Pennsylvania
MH Community Development and Dealer
Ray Broderick is passionate about promoting and advancing the manufactured housing industry. He is an honest and forthright businessman who is well respected by his industry peers and regulators.
He has been and continues to be very generous of his time and resources, and even more so if the result will benefit the industry. Ray has been active in the industry since 1962 working with his father and brother. Since 1979, he and his wife Darla have owned and operated Superior Homes. The business is a manufactured and modular housing retail sales center located in Lancaster, Penn.
Additionally, Ray has owned and operated several land lease communities in the Lancaster County area and a manufactured housing parts store. He has been an active member of the PA Manufactured Housing Association since 1979 and has served on its board in various capacities from 1991 to present. Ray is very much involved in his local community helping those less fortunate or who have been displaced due to fire with temporary or long-term housing needs.
Walter “Wally” Comer
Walter “Wally” Comer
Adventure Homes LLC
Indiana
MH Community Development and Dealer
Walter “Wally” Comer continues to support the manufactured housing industry in so many ways on the national and local level. He supports the growth of young talent coming into the industry, both at Adventure Homes and throughout the industry.
Wally is known and respected throughout the Industry as noted with his strong personal relationships with customers, suppliers, and even competitors. While many companies support associations financially, Wally is willing to invest with perhaps a more important asset – his time. Additionally, Wally participates in several national Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) discussions on ongoing industry issues such as HUD reform, financing reform and meetings with MHI, members of Congress and the Senate in Washington D.C. He participates in panel discussions at MHI events around the country discussing the current problems and possible solutions.
In 2016 Adventure Homes was named “MHI Manufacturer of the Year for Two Plants or Less.” Adventure Homes also won that same award in 2017 and 2018. Also, in 2018 Adventure Homes won the “MHI Single Wide Design of the Year” and the “MHI Large Manufactured Homes Design of the Year.” An enthusiastic and tenacious leader, Wally surrounds himself with good people, and he always recognizes their contributions to his success. The fact that he has built a very successful company in just nine years is one thing, but what makes Wally remarkable, he did so while helping his community, his employees, his industry and home buyers.
RV Hall of Fame 2019 Inductees
Randy Biles
Randy Biles
Pikes Peak Traveland
Colorado
RV Dealer
Randy Biles, owner of Pikes Peak Traveland, an RV dealership in Colorado Springs, Colorado, dedicated his professional life to his customers as well as the RV industry. His continuous involvement with and for the RV industry and many various industry associations earned Randy gratitude and respect from his industry peers.
Evidence of this respect earned him the prestigious RVDA James B. Summers Award in 2008 and RVDA Chairman’s Service in 2011. Randy served on the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) board from 1995-2001. In his 34 years in the industry, Randy’s contribution has been beyond measure, and the industry is better for it.
Jeffrey Few
Jeffrey P. Few
Automation & Manufacturing Systems
Indiana
OEM and Supplier
When it comes to entrepreneurship and innovation, few have equaled Jeff Few because of the many ideas and concepts he brought forward that have benefited the recreational vehicle industry. He was first to develop the vacuum table for laminating RV walls. Most RV manufacturers use his process today. He developed the first bolt-on hitch for towable RVs to eliminate untrained welders from hodge-podge installation of hitches exposing the industry to safety concerns. Today, the system is used universally in the auto and RV industry.
Jeff was a founding member and president of Trailer Hitch Manufacturer’s Association (THMA) in 1972. Few used a comprehensive marketing campaign to successfully convince the Senate that hitch manufacturers safely and diligently self-regulated themselves. For more than 50 years Jeff has contributed to the industry’s greater good through his work with the trailer hitch association and RVIA van conversion committee.
Bruce Hopkins
Bruce Hopkins
Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA)
Virginia
Association Executive
Very few have had their work have such an overwhelming impact on the RV industry as Bruce Hopkins during his 50 years in the RV industry. Bruce’s work has impacted every RV manufacturer, every OEM supplier, every RV dealer and ultimately every RV consumer that enjoys the RV lifestyle. No other person has worked as much as Bruce to ensure RVs are a safe product for the end user, are built to provide a positive consumer experience (cost-effectively) and can be repaired by a technician with the knowledge needed to get it done correctly.
The entire industry would be in a dramatically different (not good) place without Bruce’s contributions. Out of respect for his many years of work for fire safety in RVs, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) presented Bruce with a Lifetime Achievement award.
David Lance Wilson
David Lance Wilson
Florida RV Trade Association
Florida
Association Executive Director
If there is anyone who loves the RV Industry more than Lance Wilson, Executive Director, Florida RV Trade Association, they would be hard to find. Add to that, Lance has devoted his life to the industry and the State of Florida specifically. His passion is unmatched in regard to the lifestyle and his commitment to doing everything in his power to better it. Currently, he leads a staff of six full-time employees and gets the work of 20 out of them, all the while creating a fun, comfortable, professional and enjoyable work environment.
One of Lance’s major achievements is management of the annual FRVTA Super Show, arguably the most successful retail/trade RV show in the country. His accomplishments for the good of the RV consumer and industry are numerous and important. In 2012, Lance earned RVIA’s “Dave Humphreys RV Unity Award” and in 2005, received RVDA’s “Chairman’s Service Award.” Lance enjoys making a difference through actions and not words.
Daryl Zook
Daryl Zook
KZ RV
Indiana
RV Manufacturer
Daryl Zook is a true pioneer in the RV industry who exemplifies its entrepreneurial spirit. Daryl founded K-Z, one of the premier towable RV manufacturers in the industry in 1972, fulfilling his desire to start his own company building truck campers. Over his decades of leadership, K-Z has continued to grow, moving beyond truck campers to produce a full line of travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers that are still exciting dealers and customers today.
In 2014, Daryl sold K-Z to Thor Industries. Building a solid RV company over more than 40 years is a testament to the long-term vision of a man that has earned the respect and admiration of his peers throughout the industry. Daryl is selfless when it comes to faith, charity, his employee’s, dealer’s and customer’s needs. As a result, the good of others always comes before his own. He and his company have earned more DSI awards than any other towable manufacturer. His character is a testament to how everyone should aspire to conduct their lives.
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“Dr. Calabria has decades of experience in the housing industry, including time spent as an economist at NAR, and he understands the critical importance of the FHFA’s prudent management of America’s housing finance system,” Smaby said. “As he begins his tenure, we urge Director Calabria to work closely with Congress in the effort to responsibly reform the GSEs, particularly in search of policies that protect the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, secure a government guarantee and emphasize taxpayer and consumer protection.”
Jim Clayton founded Clayton Homes with his 
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How This Change Affects Golfers:
The deadline is near for thousands of dollars in scholarships from the Tim DeWitt HARVEST Education Foundation. Students currently enrolled, or with plans to enroll, at accredited university or colleges during 2019-20 are eligible for the DeWitt scholarship.
