George Allen « George Allen / EducateMHC Blog

May 18, 2014

Selling Homes On-Site? Who’s Got Your Back?

Filed under: Uncategorized — George Allen @ 4:01 am

Perspective. ‘Land-lease-lifestyle communities, a.k.a. manufactured home communities and ‘mobile home parks’, comprise the real estate component of manufactured housing.’

This blog posting ‘is a national advocacy voice, ombudsman press*, statistical research reporter, & online communications resource for all LLLCommunities in North America!’

To input this blog &/or affiliate with Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance®, a.ka. COBA7®, use the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764

*Ombudsman press. ‘Manufactured housing’s ronin; fielding inquiries, complaints, etc.

Introduction to this week’s COBA7® blog posting at community-investor.com

What was bound to happen sooner or later? Lack of representation where Product Change Information & Price Increase Warnings are involved. (&) Lack of industry wide dialogue about new housing Product & Pricing, where filling vacant rental homsites is concerned.

And, what’s going to be done about both matters?

The number of COBA7 affiliates continues to grow, as the alliance takes up more and more of the slack where others appear to fear to tread. OR, as the distance and distinction between national lobbying and ‘everything else’ (e.g. ongoing research, resource distribution, print & online communication, peer networking, deal-making, PM training & certification, & national advocacy when/where need be…) appears to lengthen, grassroots businessmen and women are increasingly gravitating to affiliate with peers who share their concerns, needs, and wants.

Have YOU affiliated with COBA7 yet?

It Was Bound to Happen, Sooner or Later, So Here It Is!

II.

More Benefits for COBA7 Affiliates!

It Was Bound to Happen, Sooner or Later, So Here It Is!

‘How HUD-Code home manufacturers deal with a new type MHRetailer’
&
‘Increased presence of mixed RV/MH rental homesites clouds legislation’

Independent (street) MHRetailers and ‘company stores’ are far fewer in number today, than prior to and at the turn of the century, when ‘Big Box = Big Bucks’ Developer Series Homes competed head-to-head with site builders, via land-and-home packages. Since 2009 though, singlesection and modest-sized multisection homes, designed and labeled as Community Series Homes, a.k.a. CSH Models, with built-in WOW! factors and durability-enhancing features – sited in land-lease-lifestyle communities, have become, in many regions of the U.S., de rigueur for the HUD-Code manufactured housing industry.

Today, the land-lease-lifestyle community owner/operator, for the purposes of this blog message, is ‘ the new type MHRetailer’, when marketing, selling, siting, often self-financing new Community Series Homes on-site! With that said, here’s the recent Product Change Information & Price Increase Warning received, by one LLLCommunity owner/operator, from their HUD-Code home manufacturer of choice:

“As of June, we will have to meet new HUD guidelines. HUD has decided no manufacturers windows are large enough for egress. They have to be increased in size. This may mean the number of windows will change. This will cause an increase in pricing.”

“HUD has also decided panel boxes can no longer go in closets. We will have an option for a panel box cover for those who don’t want to see the cover. They also have decided we need anti scald faucets. This will cause an increase in prices. We are working to see the cheapest way around this.”

“President Obama has hit all factories with Obama care insurance. Each manufacturer has a different date of enrollment. Ours just hit.”

“All these things will affect our pricing. I don’t know how much yet. We will let you know as soon as we can pin everything down. Please cover yourself on quotes to customers.”

Do you see the obvious and serious challenge contained within this correspondence? The issuance of Product Change Information & Price Increase Warnings, with little to no advance notice or substantiation of change claims! If you’re a LLLCommunity owner/operator, and what you just read – or other correspondence akin to it, the first you’re hearing of such matters affecting the marketing and sale of new HUD-Code manufactured homes on-site? If so, you – we ALL need an answer to this question?

WHO, from a national advocacy perspective, is looking after your/our collective manufactured housing business interests in and around the nation’s capitol these days?

There are two national manufactured housing advocacy bodies presently in place.

One entity does not accept LLLCommunity owners/operators – or any other segments of the HUD-Code manufactured housing industry except manufacturers, as direct, dues-paying members. However, that entity faithfully and routinely educates all segments of the manufactured housing industry, relative to technical HUD-Code home matters, via its’ monthly column in the last remaining manufactured housing trade print publication, The Journal; as well as via email and FAX messages of import, to state MHAssociations and other interested parties. But remember, if you’re not a HUD-Code home manufacturer, they are not representing you in Washington, DC. Are YOU on their mailing list? If a LLLCommunity owner/operator, you should be. Call the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE for contact information.

The other entity? Represents the ‘Big Three C’ HUD-Code home manufacturers (i.e. Clayton, Champion, Cavco), some of the largest LLLCommunity portfolio owners/operators, and other segments of the manufactured housing industry, informing members via weekly email summaries and monthly shipment reports. Hosts an annual national trade show featuring seminars, but no longer pens a column for The Journal. With that said; if you have business interests in one or more segments of the HUD-Code manufactured housing industry, you should consider becoming a direct, dues-paying member of this body, or a certified representative from your state manufactured housing association, at periodic national meetings. Again, for contact information, phone the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE listed at the beginning of this blog posting.

So, HOW are we, as LLLCommunity owners/operators (i.e. new type MHRetailers), being backstopped, relative to substantiation of Product Change Information & Price Increase Warnings cited above? To the best of my knowledge, we’re not. So, the questions begging answering are, ‘WHY NOT?’ & WHAT, if anything, should be done about this present day information verification and representation vacuum? And the sooner the better!

Would like your input on this important matter? A thought. This might be worthy fodder for the upcoming, first ever, National Public Forum @ 11 September 2014 in Peachtree City, GA. For more information on that event, and to input relative to this timely matter, phone the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877)MFD-HSNG or 633-4764

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Have YOU noticed the increased mention and presence of ‘mixed use properties’ in trade banter characteristic of land-lease-lifestyle community operations? While an increasingly common phenomenon among many, if not most, of the 500+/- portfolio owners/operators of LLLCommunities (i.e. in control of the majority of the 7500+ LLLCommunities containing more than 100-150 rental homesites apiece), in time (some say) the trend will likely affect smaller properties as well. Reportedly, the present day RV rental homesite count amidst the several hundred property portfolio of the largest LLLCommunity owners/operator in the world, is in the neighborhood of being 60% RV.

The trend, to mix recreational vehicle sites, with one’s manufactured housing rental sites, makes sense, from the LLLCommunity owner/operator perspective, for several reasons – all related to increasing physical and economic occupancy, cum cash flow, at these income-producing properties. Specifically, the practice…

• Broadens the overall business base of the operating company, making it less susceptible to unexpected, at times damaging, economics-related swings in local housing market circumstances, even demographics

• Attracts a broader clientele, e.g. homeowner/site lessees, AND seasonal or year round RV owners/site renters, AND others, e.g. construction workers.

• Especially strategic in older LLLCommunities, where ‘doing so’ can be a cash flow-restoring means, or business model, by putting functionally obsolete rental homesites back into operation, siting – where permissible – park model RVs and other types of recreational vehicles.

But here’s ‘the rub’! LLLCommunity owners/operators have routine differences of opinion about operating With OR Without 30 day or long term written leases; also whether to feature a full array of on-site amenities (e.g. pools, tennis courts, clubhouses, etc.) OR operate with none! Likewise, the ‘legality’ of siting recreational vehicles in general, ‘park model RVs’ in particular – as seasonal and year round residences is controversial, in the eyes of certain trade protectionists, local zoning boards and planning commissions; but less so, among LLLCommunity owners looking to fill vacant, oft functionally obsolete rental homesites, to restore cash flow. This RV matter today?

On one hand, there’s federal legislation afoot to amend the existing HUD-Code, expanding an RV-related exception. This change might create a new class of unregulated, and potentially competing, (smaller) structures useable as de facto housing – lacking consumer protection; but preserving present day RV chattel financing and taxation as personal property. At the same time, such smaller structures are in keen demand in LLLCommunities throughout the U.S., yet HUD-Code home manufacturers appear reluctant to fabricate smaller units at cost effective price points. With all that said, it’s felt in some circles, said legislative effort would be better effected via change in the regulatory process, not law.

On the other hand, there’re some strenuous advocacy efforts afoot to prevent said change to the HUD-Code altogether. This is, in part, to prevent erosion of manufactured housing market share by dint of increased RV production; but also to protect the MHIndustry’s efforts, since passage of the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000, to position the HUD-Code product as bona fide ‘housing’, distancing it from the vestiges of its’ trailer heritage. In other words, preserve the obvious distinction between housing and temporary occupancy vehicles. To this end again, HUD-Code home manufacturers should see ‘the handwriting on the wall’ and begin to routinely produce and ship smaller CSH Model homes with WOW factors, durability-enhancing features, and cost effective price points! *1

A further SPECIAL MESSAGE to HUD-Code home manufacturers, particularly the smaller, regional ones. There’s an estimated 250,000 vacant rental homesites in 50,000+/- LLLCommunities nationwide. UNDERSTAND; They Are Your Fertile New Home Sales Market For NOW! LLLCommunity owners/operators increasingly and eventually, will routinely market, sell, and often self—finance the new HUD-Code homes they buy from you IF & WHEN you produce and ship CSH Model homes with truly cost effective price points! If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of Community Series Homes, phone the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE and request the one page information sheet detailing the above-referenced ‘durability-enhancing features’ of these homes, and add your Business Development Manager’s name to the several dozen already listed there!*2

All this begs yet another obvious question, similar to the one posed in the first part of this blog posting: HOW are we, as LLLCommunity owners/operators, going forward, to make our preferences known – for debate and resolution among ourselves, on policy matters such as this/these? Since it’s easy to see ‘both sides to this issue’, whether to host RVs or not, within LLLCommunities, it becomes all the more important for elected and salaried national and regional leaders of the realty asset class, to provide such opportunity and forum! As was pointed out earlier, perhaps this heady topic too, is a matter to bring before the first ever National Public Forum on 11 September 2014 in Peachtree City, GA. What do YOU think?

But first, some of us, including a few reading this blog posting, will be convening in Indianapolis, IN., on 9 June 2014, for a morning meeting of MHI’s National Communities Council (‘NCC’) division. Let’s wait and see if the two matters publicized in Part I of this week’s blog posting are brought up as New Business items before that august body, maybe even before the parent body at large. I won’t be the one to do so! Will you?

End Notes.

1. “…the RVIA is moving to include 400 sq. ft. travel trailers in the same category as recreational park trailers. Since the Park Trailer Industry Association merged with RVIA last year, the effort has been to merge those units that are under NFPA A1195, so there is (to be) one category = RVs. As for non-RVIA sealed units, once unified, the seal will probably be the RVIA A 1192 on all units. And if land-lease-lifestyle communities want RVs in their communities, that would be no problem. As for non-RVIA units, there are not likely too many of those. RVIA represents about 90% of all units manufactured.” From one of my confidants.

2. The one continuing ‘information shortfall’ among LLLCommunities marketing, selling, and self-financing new HUD-Code homes on-site, is the woeful lack of readily accessible, easy-to-use, HOW TO information per selling said product in a community environment, as opposed to the independent (street) MHRetailer’s salescenter. For example; the latter lives from ‘deal to deal’, while the LLLCommunity owner/operator is shepherding an annuity type investment lasting ‘for years’, hence great concern for maximizing one’s commission versus ensuring credit worthiness and verifying stability of one’s homebuyer/site lessee. To this end, a writing team is being formed to prepare a new text on this very subject, the first one since Gary Pomeroy’s 1977 classic: How To Successfully Sell New and Resale Manufactured Homes. If you’d like to be considered as a co-author in this project, let me know via (317) 346-7156.

II.

More Benefits for COBA7® Affiliates!

Nary a day goes by anymore that the phone doesn’t ring, or emails appear, asking how one affiliates with the Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance®, or COBA7®. As I’ve penned before, in just four months the alliance has grown from two dozen affiliates (The original ‘inner circle’ of LLLCommunity owners/operators who suggested forming said alliance) to 200+/- individuals and firms who’ve affiliated at one of these three levels:

• Option I = Allen Letter professional journal® only, @ $134.95/year

• Option II = Allen Letter plus 12 Signature Series Resource Documents®
or SSRD®s, including the 25th anniversary edition of the ALLEN REPORT (A.k.a. ‘Who’s Who Among LLLCommunity Portfolio Owners/operators Throughout North America!’) @ $544.95. This is how vast majority of folk have affiliated to date

• Option III = Allen Letter plus a dozen SSRDs & the Allen CONFIDENTIAL!
business newsletter @ $944.95/year

And by way of review, here’re the Seven Function, or parts, that comprise COBA7®:

• Ongoing statistical research & reporting, e.g. annual ALLEN REPORT®, etc..
• Resource production & distribution via Signature Series Resource Documents®
• Print & online communication via two newsletters and a weekly blog posting
• Superb peer networking via annual Networking Roundtable & FOCUS Groups
• Unique realty deal-making opportunities via relationships with national brokers
• Professional Property Management Training & Certification via the Manufactured Housing Manager® program, with nearly 1,000 MHMs® designated to date.
• National Advocacy when need be, e.g. Official ombudsman (press) for MHIndustry & LLLCommunity owners/operators. (Inquiries arrive daily)

With each passing week and month, COBA7® learns of new and additional ways to serve its’ increasing bevy of affiliates. Here’re several recent additions:

• Unofficial COBA7® Slogan: ‘U support US & WE support U!” COBA7®

• What else does affiliation with COBA7® garner YOU, besides the seven function areas in general, newsletters and SSRD®s in particular? Opportunity to participate in the updating the dozen SSRD®s – Where would you like to help? And when it’s time to research and author a book, or update an edition of an existing one (e.g. Landlease Community Management text for MHM® program), capable, experienced, motivated COBA7® affiliates will be given first opportunity to volunteer. And COBA7® affiliates are to whom I look first, when recruiting presenters for the annual Networking Roundtable, FOCUS Groups, and MHM® instructors. The values, for YOU, in all this?

There are several ways YOU benefit from all this! 1) Opportunities for YOU to stretch and mature as a researcher, writer, and eventual expert in LLLCommunity matters!2) An opportunity for YOUr name to receive national, even international exposure, as an industry and realty asset class resource, even expert. And, since all COBA7® books (12 published via GFA Management, Inc., dba PMN Publishing) and 12 monthly SSRDs® will eventually be housed in either the National Building Institute’s huge library in Washington, DC., or at the RV/MH Heritage Foundation’s library in Elkhart, IN., 3) YOU – as a writer, author, researcher, realize an immediate legacy in the manufactured housing industry and land-lease-lifestyle community real estate asset class by dint of your COBA7® affiliation! And, as unofficial historian of the LLLCommunity asset class, I get to ensure 4) worthy individuals are feted in books dealing with the history of the realty asset class, e.g. Bruce Savage’s 2013 tome, The First 20 Years!, PMN Publishing.

If a COBA7® affiliate, and seriously interested in participating in the seven functions, in some fashion, let me know via letter to GFA c/o Box # 47024, Indpls, IN. 46247, or phone (317) 356-7156. To affiliate with COBA7®, simply phone the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764. Or ask for a COBA7® brochure.

FYI. GFA Management, Inc. dba PMN Publishing is a long time, direct, dues-paying member of the Manufactured Housing Institute (‘MHI’) – and by extension its’ National Communities Council (‘NCC’) division; and would belong to the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (‘MHARR’) if permitted to do so. Also am an early supporter and continuing big fan of the work of the American Housing Advocates (‘AHA’), ‘online advocate for all things factory-built housing’ – even taking on The New York Times in recent weeks. And now, of course, COBA7® is in this heady national mix of three business advocates and one alliance. Opportunity to affiliate with COBA7® has been offered to all three national bodies, but to date none have responded. Also, all have been invited to participate in the 23rd annual International Networking Roundtable, 10-12 September 2014, in Peachtree City, GA. Two of the three have indicated they’ll be present for the first ever National Public Forums, scheduled for the morning of 11 September 2014. To ensure YOU receive an ‘invite’ to this historic event, phone the aforementioned Official MHIndustry HOTLINE. Attendance limited to 250.

*******************************************************************
George Allen, CPM & MHM
Box # 47024, Indpls, IN. 46247
(317) 346-7156

Comments (0)

May 10, 2014

Preserve Your Legacy! & read DUELING CURVES

Filed under: Uncategorized — George Allen @ 1:14 pm

Perspective. “Land-lease-lifestyle communities, a.k.a. manufactured home communities cum ‘mobile home parks’, comprise the real estate component of manufactured housing.’

This blog posting ‘is a national advocacy voice, ombudsman press*, statistical research reporter, & online communications resource for all LLLCommunities in North America!’

Input this blog &/or affiliate with the Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, a.k.a. COBA7, via the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764

* Ombudsman press. ‘Non-government alliance handling public inquiries & complaints

Introduction to this week’s COBA7, via community-investor.com, blog posting…

Like you, I’m glad the Spring Fling, so to speak, ends, so I can get on with my work routine. NO, I didn’t go to the MHCongress in Las Vegas this year, but I was in East Peoria, IL., late last week, along with 100 of my peers, participating in what will go down as one of the best state manufactured housing association annual meetings during 2014! Details later. Now we can look to the Biggest Day of the RV/MH Year, 4 August 2014, when ten of our finest businessmen are inducted into the RV/MH Heritage Foundation’s prestigious Hall of Fame, in Elkhart, IN. Are YOU planning to be present? I sure am! And earlier that day, historian Al Hesselbart and I will be co-teach the first public presentation of ‘Write Your RV/MH Story!’ To attend Class of 2014 Induction Banquet, phone (574) 293-2344. There’ll be about 400 of us present. The seminar? Read Part I following. And Part II? An abbreviated book review of the first manufactured housing text to be published ‘in years’. You’ll be reading more about this tome during the weeks and months ahead. Buy yourself a copy to read before September. Hmm? Read Part III.

I.
Write Your RV/MH Story!

II.
Setting the Stage

III.
DARNED IF I DO & DARNED IF I DON’T..

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I.

Write Your RV/MH Story!

‘How to Research, Write, & Publish Your Memoir or Corporate History’

‘Ah, it’s now official! Al Hesselbart, historian, and I will facilitate a 2 ½ hour seminar on this heady subject, the morning of 4 August 2014, at the RV/MH Heritage Foundation’s Hall of Fame, Museum & Library facility in Elkhart, IN.’ Yes, this will occur earlier during the same day the RV/MH Hall of Fame Class of 2014 will be inducted into the prestigious RV/MH Hall of Fame! More on that a little later…

The genesis of this new writing and self-publishing opportunity? Well, at some point in just about everyone’s life, they wax sensitive to and reflective of, their personal, family, civic, career, and or business legacy. Some will be publicly honored (e.g. aforementioned induction into the prestigious RV/MH Hall of Fame) and retire; others simply and quietly disappear. But still others – and hopefully this includes some of you reading this week’s blog posting – will recall adventures experienced, challenges met and overcome, as well as Lessons Learned in Life and Business; and then, birth a passion to share those sterling memories and gems of wisdom with their progeny, employees, friends, and associates.

And that’s where the ‘Write Your RV/MH Story!’ seminar offering comes into play. If this ‘passion to share’ your memoir or autobiography – and there is a distinct difference between the two, or even corporate story, describes you, plan now to be in Elkhart, IN., all day 4 August 2014. The seminar begins promptly at 9:30AM with distribution of materials, then introduction of registrants and presenters. The first hour will deal with memoir and autobiography research and writing; the second hour with crafting one’s corporate history or story, followed by an introduction to self-publishing and marketing. We plan to end at Noon, and if desired, enjoy lunch as a group at a nearby restaurant.

Want the gist of what’s involved with the ‘self-publishing & marketing’ routine versus traditional publishing? Traditional publishers are difficult, if not impossible, to interest in memoirs, autobiographies or corporate stories – unless author is famous or infamous! But when they do publish, they also market the book; with writers/authors getting only 25% of the net profit. Just about anyone can self-publish and do it well, with the right guidance (You’ll learn what two guides to use!). But be aware, self-publishers are 100% responsible for book marketing & sales, and keep 100% of their net profit. Not enough firms craft their own stories, then use the books to promote their business!

The session on 4 August is limited to 25 individuals. Cost is only $49.95 per person, mainly for materials and the facility. And if registered to attend the Hall of Fame Induction Banquet later the same day (Not a requirement to participate in the seminar), cost is reduced to $29.95/person. ‘Write Your RV/MH Story!’ registrations are being handled via the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764. And the Hall of Fame Induction Banquet tickets ($150/person) via (800) 378-8694.

FYI. Can’t make the 4 August date in Elkhart, IN? Know the ‘Write Your RV/MH Story!’ seminar is already scheduled to be part of the 23rd annual International Networking Roundtable, 10-12 September 2014, in Peachtree City, GA. For a brochure describing the 20 educational seminars, eight networking events, and superb LLLCommunity deal-making event (i.e. Marcus & Millichap’s annual Investors’ Symposium), comprising this year’s Networking Roundtable, phone the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE listed in previous paragraph.

II.

SETTING THE STAGE

For Two National Public Forums; one on Manufactured Housing, & the other on Land-lease-lifestyle Communities

A new 200 page manufactured housing – focused text debuted last week. Titled DUELING CURVES, it was authored by retired factory-built housing veteran Bob Vahsholtz. I just finished reading it, and realized it truly Sets the Stage for one, if not both, National Public Forums planned for the morning of 11 September 2014, during the 23rd annual International Networking Roundtable (10-12 September) at the DOLCE Conference Center in Peachtree City, GA.

The two historic (in that no one in the HUD-Code manufactured housing industry has ever undertaken this daunting and public task before….) National Public Forums, in two consecutive hours, will deal with two timely, strategic topics:

• Future of manufactured housing as ‘housing’ versus trailers, even considering the present and future roll of ‘big boxes = big bucks’ manufactured homes.

• Future of land-lease-lifestyle communities as ‘lifestyle’ & ‘investments’, given the changes taking place throughout the realty asset class these days.

Following is a very abbreviated review of DUELING CURVES. A much longer, more detailed review will follow in the June issue of the Allen Letter professional journal. That article, in turn, will likely be reprinted and distributed to individuals as they register at participate in the aforementioned Networking Roundtable, enabling them to be informed and primed for the National Public Forums.

My formal review begins with an Executive Summary, quoting salient material from David Funk, LLLCommunity owner and graduate school head at Cornell University. Then I list several PRO observations relative to the book, e.g. much about Learning Curve applied to manufactured housing; Great History Lessons from the early years of this industry; and again, how well it Sets the Stage for the two National Public Forums.

Also list a few CON observations relative to the book, e.g. lack of documentation at times, inconsistent use of terminology (no fewer than four descriptive terms to identify LLLCommunities), and GASP!, no mention of MHARR, the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000, and Community Series Homes or CSH Models, having supplanted the ‘big box = big bucks’ Development Series Homes of the latter 1990s/

Then there’s no fewer than a dozen specific Lessons (I) Learned from the text re: interesting Rules of Thumb, revisit of the 20/20/20 guidelines for new home mortgages, and HOW “Rents that are too high in LLLCommunities poorly suited for new manufactured homes results in excessive vacancy rates and depreciating homes – slumsville.” P.106

Then, halfway through the book, Bob Vahsholtz truly Sets the Stage for this Fall’s two National Public Forums, with pithy comments such as this:

“The MH industry needs to think outside the square (box)’” p. 109

“The HUD Standard that was going to make the MH competitive position all better has not done so.” Pp. 113 & 114. A tad bit awkward sentence structure, but you get the point.

“The entire housing field is leaderless.” P.153

“Create nationally recognized brand names and independent rating systems that give proper recognition to genuine housing value.” P.163 Some reading this review will remember John Grissim and what his efforts to do thusly cost him….

“In the near term, our best cost advantage lies with handsome singles, small enough to keep the monthly cost of our homes to the consumer well below the stick competition’s apartments.” P.98

By now, you should want to run out and buy your own copy of DUELING CURVES. So, to do so, simply contact Bob Vahsholtz directly, either via email: kingmidgetswest@gmail.com, or phone (805) 481-2574.

And frankly, you should want to be part of the much larger picture, and actually be present for the two historic National Public Forums where these, and other aspects of manufactured housing and LLLCommunities will be presented and discussed openly. To do so, simply phone the MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764., and ask for an informative/registration brochure for the 23rd annual International Networking Roundtable.

If you’re not already affiliated with the Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, or COBA7 – the host of this year’s 23rd annual International Networking Roundtable, consider doing so now. How? When calling the MHIndustry HOTLINE, ask for a COBA7 brochure.

III.

DARNED IF I DO & DARNED IF I DON’T…

tell YOU what some industry folk told me after returning from Vegas..

First the good stuff:

“Attended the (MH) Congress this week. Attendance was strong, and just like Louisville (MHShow), the attitudes were upbeat.” RK

Followed by this view:

“I was quite alarmed at what I observed at the (event). Seems like it’s pay through the moon and screw the resident. Raise rents, don’t put anything back into capital expenditures, churn and burn. I have decided to start buying (LLLCommunities) again, turn around where we bring them up to very nice family parks (sic), but not sure I want to be associated with this new crowd. Would like your thoughts. Thank you.”

And this one…

“For a second year in a row, forum presenters and panelists from large firms were quick to tell us what they do, or have done, but refuse to, or avoid telling us, how they do or did it. (Proprietary information?) Very frustrating to pay a second registration fee and not get the full story.”

Point in sharing these observations with you? Hopefully ‘planners’ for next year’s event will read this feedback, and make appropriate adjustments and improvements.

In the meantime, plan now to participate in the 23rd annual International Networking Roundtable, scheduled for 10-12 September 2014, at the DOLCE Conference Center in Peachtree City, GA. Information/registration brochures will be distributed later this month via the Allen Letter professional journal, and all 500+/- known LLLCommunity portfolio owners/operators in North America. To ensure an ‘invitation’ to this annual event designed specifically for land-lease-lifestyle community owners/operators, phone Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764, and request it.

As you have likely heard, two historic National Public Forums will keynote the first full day (11 September) of this year’s Networking Roundtable:

• ‘Future of manufactured housing as ‘housing’?&!’ (two presenters)

• ‘Future of land-lease-lifestyle communities as ‘lifestyle’?&!’ (two presenters)

Additional keynote presentations, during this Networking Roundtable, are:

• Informative presentations by Fannie Mae, & possibly Freddie Mac

As meeting planner and host, I promise Networking Roundtable attendees at least two things:

• Every presenter or panelist extolling personal &/or corporate marketing &/or operational advances and successes, will share methodology employed enroute to said advances and successes, or not be invited back to lecture at a future event!

• Predatory lending practices and too high rental homesite rates have long and frequently tainted the manufactured housing and LLLCommunity business models, so will NOT be taught or encouraged at any Networking Roundtable!

All told, at this year’s Networking Roundtable, there’ll be 20 stimulating educational sessions, eight superb social networking events, and innumerable realty deal-making opportunities, all beginning with Marcus & Millichap’s annual Investors’ Symposium at 4PM on 10 September 2014 – featuring dozens of LLLCommunities ‘for sale’ across the U.S. How can YOU not want to be present for this stellar LLLCommunity event?

George Allen, CPM & MHM
Box # 47024, Indpls, IN. 46247
(317) 346-7156

Comments (0)

May 4, 2014

Six Homes & Six Seminar; Ombudsman (Press) at work….

Filed under: Uncategorized — George Allen @ 4:26 am

Perspective. ‘Land-lease-lifestyle communities, a.k.a. manufactured home communities cum ‘mobile home parks’, comprise the real estate component of manufactured housing.’

Roles of this blog. ‘It’s the national advocacy voice, ombudsman press*, statistical research reporter, & communications resource for LLLCommunities in North America!’

How to input this blog & affiliate with Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, a.k.a. COBA7, via Official MHindustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764.

* Ombudsman press. ‘Non-government alliance handling public inquiries & complaints

Introduction to this week’s community-investor.com blog posting…Everything following is pretty straightforward. If you sell new HUD-Code homes on-site in LLLCommunities, be in East Peoria, Illinois, later this week! Pleased many of you appreciate someone finally having the brass to step forward, and willingly serve as Official Ombudsman (Press) of the MHIndustry & LLLCommunity asset class – something I’ve been doing in a de facto manner for decades!anyway, inquiries are arriving already; two last week! And hey, if a member of MHI, sign onto their new online ‘Contact Your Congressman’ program ASAP. Pretty slick stuff. 4,000 calls to Congress, via this program, during the past week or so. And, watch for a review of the new text DURELING CURVES – about manufactured housing in June issue of the Allen Letter professional journal. PLUS, every month that goes by & YOU haven’t affiliated with COBA7, means you’ve missed one more of 12 Signature Series Resource Documents! COBA7 progress? 200+ affiliates to date, an more sign up weekly. How ‘bout YOU?

Unique Blend of Housing Exhibits & Seminars

II.

Positive Responses to Blog Introducing Official
Ombudsman (Press), & Priorities of MHARR

III.

Several New & Updated Resources Debut

—————————————————-

Unique Blend of Housing Exhibits & Seminars

Where will you be on 8 & 9 May 2014, Thursday & Friday of this week? Well, if you’ve got a hankering to walk through and examine a half dozen new HUD-Code manufactured homes in general, Community Series Homes in particular, then make your way to the Par-a-Dice Hotel & Casino in E. Peoria by Thursday morning.

If you’ve a passion for effectively marketing and selling new HUD-Code homes on-site in land-lease-lifestyle communities (a.k.a. manufactured home communities), and self-financing (a.k.a. ‘captive finance’) them in compliance with state and federal finance regulations, you’ll be there as well. WHY? Because John Underwood, of Selling Edge – and veteran home sales trainer, will be holding forth on the first topic; and Ken Rishel of Rishel Consulting, will be lecturing on the latter timely topic.

That’s not all! Benefit from additional specialty programs on ‘How to effectively decorate (interior & exterior) and accessorize display homes!’ Bet you haven’t received instruction on that topic before. And we all know how important it is to effectively screen prospective homebuyers and rental homesite lessees – plus, keep close administrative control of PITI and monthly rent payments, so AmRent & Rent Manager will be team-teaching their valuable systems at this event. And there’s even more; but you get the idea.

Here’s an exciting aside for you, for all of us! You aware the last time a perfect bound (i.e. hardcover) text was published on selling new HUD-Code manufactured homes, was in 1977 – that’s 37 tears ago!? That’s when Gary Pomeroy authored How to Successfully Sell New& Resale Manufactured Homes. Well guess what? A major publisher has hired GFA Management, Inc., to identify a half dozen co-authors to author a new perfect bound book, tentatively titled How to Successfully Sell New Manufactured Homes On-site! The last time a major publisher has expressed such interest in this industry/asset class, was in 1994 and 1996, when New York publisher J. Wiley & Sons published what have since become industry classics: Development, Marketing & Operation of Manufactured Home Communities, and How to Find, Buy, Manage & Sell Manufactured Home Communities. In the first instance there were three co-authors; in the latter, eight primary contributors. This Illinois Manufactured Housing Association (‘IMHA’) meeting in E. Peoria later this week, will be the first instance where potential authors will be identified and interviewed to possibly participate in this project.

So, if you’d like to attend this very special trade event, replete with new homes o display, an array of superb seminars, even an opportunity to maybe be published in the not too distant future – and you can get on down to East Peoria by Thursday morning, phone Frank Bowman, executive director of IMHA via (217) 528-3423 or visit www.imha.org for information; better yet, to register! As has been said before, “I’ll see you in Peoria!”

One last enticement to attend. I’ve been asked to share the ‘Official State of the Manufactured Housing Industry & Land-lease-lifestyle Community Realty Asset Class’ with this august group. Everyone present, at Friday morning’s breakfast, will be given a copy of this ‘State of the Industry & Asset Class’ presentation outline, distributed only to COBA7 affiliates in the February 2014 issue of the Allen Letter professional journal. The beauty of this outline is its’ utility; having been specially designed for businessmen and women when briefing stakeholders, employees, local zoning boards, state regulators and politicians, even civic groups, about the MHIndustry & LLLCommunity asset class! How can you not want a copy for yourself – to use later this year?

Hope to see you in East Peoria, Illinois, this week! George Allen, CPM, MHM

II.

Positive Responses to Blog Introducing Official Ombudsman (Press), & Priorities of MHARR

All this from the same blog flogger (reader): “Great Idea offering ombudsman (press) presence and service!” & “MHARR has never been one of my favorites, due to overemphasis on the HUD regs; however, that Wish List is pretty impressive, so they get my support! Where’re the other guys?” & “Now, can we finally have a national advocacy presence and effort marketing our (HUD-Code) homes?” Whew! I know two present day national advocacy bodies who think they’re already ‘doing that already’; but if an industry ‘insider’ can’t see what’s being done, in his/her behalf, then certainly ‘our public’ likely isn’t either. Guess that’s all the more reason we need to support the work of the American Housing Advocates or AHA.

Not everyone views MHARR the way the previous quoted individual does. This from a Midwest independent (street) MHRetailer with sterling ‘bona fides’: “I think Danny (Ghorbani) does more for the manufactured housing industry than anyone. I’m glad you have the platform from which to give him some credit!” DG

III.

Several New & Updated Resources Debut

First, the Manufactured Housing Institute’s ‘Contact Your Congressman’ program. Take a few minutes to complete a personal contact information form and then, whenever timely to get a prepared message off to one’s congressman, just answer a few prompts – and there it goes! Simple as that. I’m on board; are you?

Initiated by Rick Robinson, esquire, newest staff member at MHI, this is the slickest piece of political influence stimulation I’ve seen to date. So, if an MHI member, be sure YOU answer the call to complete your personal contact information on this system – to enable software to mate your correspondence with appropriate congressmen and congresswomen.

DUELING CURVES, ‘The Battle for Housing’, by Bob Vahsholtz’ debuted this week. Bob was present at the 22nd annual Networking Roundtable in San Diego two years ago, beginning research for this tome. Well, 1 ½ years later we have the result of his labor, 217 pages of combined factory-built housing lore, all you ever wanted to know about ‘the learning curve’ but didn’t know who to ask, a call for national leadership, and ID of new market and product opportunities. A more comprehensive review will follow, likely in the June or July issue of the Allen Letter professional journal.

In the meantime, if you’d like to order a copy of this pretty hefty volume, reach Bob via email: kingmidgetswest@gmail.com Book is priced at a very reasonable $35.00, with an added $7.00 charge for handling and shipping. What’s with the ‘king midgets’ email address? It’s part of the title and subject (a past, smaller scale automobile) of one of Bob’s previous nine books, all written and self-published during his retirement career.

Next is the 5th annual ‘Official Manufactured Housing Resource for Print & On-line Media, plus Social Networking Web Sites’ Signature Series Resource Document, or SSRD. This will be distributed to all COBA7 affiliates, as an enclosure to the May issue of the Allen Letter professional journal. If you’ve not viewed or used this document before, know it’s the only such resource published in the MHIndustry & LLLCommunity asset class, listing four print media resources, a half dozen on-line media resources, and a host of websites. And the Social Net Media directory, listing 20+/- type sites is the most comprehensive compendium published anywhere! This year’s update was prepared by the American Housing Advocates, under the guidance of Bruce Savage & Suzanne Felber. Want a copy? Affiliate with COBA7 via the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764.

And in June’s issue of the Allen Letter professional journal, COBA7 affiliates will find their 5th edition (2014) of the Official Manufactured Housing & LLLCommunity LEXICON & GLOSSARY. This ‘dictionary’ continues to grow in size year after year. And this time around, the Manufactured Housing Institute & Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform, as well as the American Housing Advocates, have been asked to help update this valuable SSRD. Will they? Guess you’ll see when you read the ‘credits’ in the introduction to this 150 word collection of MHIndustry & LLLCommunity trade terms. Would YOU like to contribute to the edit of this year’s update? Let me know via (317) 346-7156. And again, if you’d like a copy of this SSRD, affiliate with COBA7 via the MHIndustry HOTLINE number provided in the previous paragraph.

***

George Allen, CPM® & MHM®
Box # 47024, Indpls, IN. 46247
(317) 346-7156

Perspective. ‘Land-lease-lifestyle communities, a.k.a. manufactured home communities cum ‘mobile home parks’, comprise the real estate component of manufactured housing.’

Roles of this blog. ‘It’s the national advocacy voice, ombudsman press*, statistical research reporter, & communications resource for LLLCommunities in North America!’

How to input this blog & affiliate with Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, a.k.a. COBA7, via Official MHindustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764.

* Ombudsman press. ‘Non-government alliance handling public inquiries & complaints

Unique Blend of Housing Exhibits & Seminars

II.

Positive Responses to Blog Introducing Official
Ombudsman (Press), & Priorities of MHARR

III.

Several New & Updated Resources Debut

—————————————————-

Unique Blend of Housing Exhibits & Seminars

Hope to see you in East Peoria, Illinois, this week! George Allen, CPM, MHM

II.

Positive Responses to Blog Introducing Official Ombudsman (Press), & Priorities of MHARR

III.

Several New & Updated Resources Debut

***

George Allen, CPM® & MHM®
Box # 47024, Indpls, IN. 46247
(317) 346-7156

Comments (0)

April 26, 2014

MHIndustry gets Ombudsman & MHARR an Open Letter!

Filed under: Uncategorized — George Allen @ 4:18 am

Perspective. ‘Land-lease-lifestyle communities, a.k.a. manufactured home communities cum ‘mobile home parks’, comprise the real estate component of manufactured housing.’

Roles of this blog. ‘It’s the national advocacy voice, ombudsman press*, statistical research reporter, & communications resource for LLLCommunities in North America!’

How to input this blog & affiliate with Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, a.k.a. COBA7, via Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764.

* Ombudsman press. ‘Non-government alliance handling complaints from the public.’

Introduction to this week’s community-investor.com blog posting…Part I. Finally, for the first time in manufactured housing industry history, we have an ombudsman (press) to field inquiries & complaints from homebuying customers, homeowner/rental homesite lessees in land-lease-lifestyle communities, and others! Part II. Just what it says, ‘An Open Letter to the…’ folk at the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform. And Part III. Salient responses to one of the ‘Stories Not Posted’, but hinted at in last week’s blog. Whew! Another full plate of news and op/ed for you this week! And if you think this blog fare is ‘informative & compelling’, you should read the Allen Letter professional journal each month – along with Signature Series Resource Documents, or SSRDs, enclosed for affiliates of the Community Owners (7 part) Business Alliance! To subscribe (to the newsletter alone) or affiliate with COBA7, simply phone the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764 today

Ombudsman for the Manufactured Housing Industry!

II.

An Open Letter to the…

Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform, or

MHARR

III.

Responses to ‘A Story Not Posted’ but Described Last Week

____________________________________________________

Ombudsman for the Manufactured Housing Industry!

Didn’t see this one coming, but probably should have….

“I’ve been in factory-built housing since 1970, & have frequently wondered: ‘Why no national advocacy entity appoints, trains and sponsors an ombudsman to serve our industry’s unique customer/resident mix, the ‘manufactured home owner/rental homesite lessee’?” My opinion is, present day national advocacy bodies view themselves simply as lobbyists, not ‘fixers’ of industry problems, customer complaints and more.

(Hmm. Maybe if we’d had an ombudsman or two on board during the past seven decades, we wouldn’t have suffered the image issues faced over the years through today)

In any event, since the Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance was launched mid-December 2013, it’s fielded several inquiries and complaints from home owners/rental homesite lessees, land-lease-lifestyle community (A.k.a. manufactured home community owners/operators, and just last week, one from an MH/RV product vendor, who asked:

“Are park model RVs specifically excluded or exempted from the HUD Code?”

COBA7’s answer, with assistance from a manufactured housing state association executive, involved sending this inquirer a copy of current HUD language contained in 42 USC 5402(6), addressing the size and configuration requirements of HUD Code ‘manufactured homes’. Inquiry handled!

With that said, this blog posting is “COBA7’s Public Announcement of an ombudsman (press) presence in behalf of our industry’s customers & residents, as well as businessmen & women, nationwide & throughout Canada!”

What’s an ombudsman or ombudsperson? The term is generally associated with ‘a public official…who investigates complaints by private citizens against government agencies or officials’; but also can refer to ‘…a similar person in a corporation or other organization’ and business alliance. Webster.

Introduction of an ombudsman (press) presence falls within the ‘Seventh Part or Function’ embraced by the Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance. Specifically, it’s the ‘National Advocacy, when need be…’ function; again, a presence long needed by manufactured housing/land-lease-lifestyle communities, nationwide and in Canada. And since COBA7 is NOT a formal, national or international, not for profit entity per se, but an alliance of businessmen and women from all segments of the manufactured housing industry and LLLCommunity asset class, a variant of ombudsman, or ombudsperson, is in order, to wit: ombudsman (press), i.e. Where industry ‘problems, inquiries & customer complaints’ will play out, if or when need be….

How to access the ombudsman (press)? Simple. Respond via host website: community-investor.com &/or Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764. Also (317) 346-7156, & Ombudsman c/o Box # 47024, Indianapolis, IN. 46247 USA.

How’s research and resolution ‘problems, inquiries 7 customer complaints’ to occur? While details will be worked out as this ombudsman (press) initiative unfolds, the plan is to receive and log same at COBA7, then reach out to allegedly involved parties, offering assistance, and suggesting private resolution of said matters; and where appropriate, conduct further investigation and or research into the matter – as was the case this past week.

If you’re affiliated with COBA7, and would like to volunteer as an ombudsman or ombudsperson, let me know. Just like every other function, of the seven parts of COBA7, we’re actively seeking volunteers to share the increasing workload of 1) writing articles for the Allen Letter professional journal, 2) updating the dozen Signature Series Resource Documents or SSRDs, 3) preparing a new edition of the Land Lease Lifestyle Community Management text, even 4) teaching future Manufactured Housing Manager® or MHM® professional property management training and certification classes. How to volunteer? Phone GFA at (317) 346-7156.

IMPORTANT REMINDER. Mark your calendar to participate in the 23rd annual International Networking Roundtable, 10-12 September 2014, at the DOLCE Conference Center in Peachtree City, GA. Highlights this year? Two historic (Because this hasn’t been done before!) NATIONAL PUBLIC FORUMS, the morning of 11 September, re: ‘Future of manufactured housing as ‘housing’ (Not ‘trailers’!)’, & ‘Future of land-lease-lifestyle communities as ‘lifestyle’ & ‘investments’ (Not ‘trailer parks’ & ‘predatory $ feeding grounds’!). PLUS 20 seminar sessions, eight superb networking venues, and copious deal-making opportunities. But know this: we market this superb educational, networking, and deal-making opportunity only to last year’s attendees, COBA7 affiliates, and the ‘500 portfolio owners/operators’ mailing list. SO, if YOU want an ‘INVITE’, but are not on one of those three data bases, you must let us know via the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764. Goal? 250+/- this year!
II.

An Open Letter to the…

Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform, or

MHARR

The following observations and comments are inspired by an MHARR Press Release dated April 15, 2014, titled: ‘MHARR Advances Its’ Final Push for Complete Implementation of the 2000 Reform Law’

To begin with, every businessman and woman whose career ‘is’ manufactured housing and or land-lease-lifestyle communities, should be very grateful to MHARR for the ‘Washington, DC Watchdog’ services and results they’ve provided, and continue to pursue in our nation’s capitol! It is my opinion; we would not have the HUD-Code manufactured housing industry we enjoy today – despite the new home shipment malaise since the turn of the century – if it wasn’t for the work of this national advocacy body.

But with that said, and again in my opinion, there’s much room for improvement in the agenda, focus, and very nature of their work as lobbyists. Let’s begin with a simple and easy matter. How many reading these words are aware the ‘2000 Reform Law’ referenced in the title of the aforementioned Press Release actually refers to the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000; and for some of us, abbreviated as MHIA@2000? Why begin an important recitation of a six bullet Action Plan for 2014, by ‘cornfusing’ readers with unclear terminology?

The six bullet points comprising MHARR’s Action Plan going into 2014?

• Implementation of the Full Status & Functionality of the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee or MHCC. This body hasn’t met for nearly two years!

• Implementation of the New/Revised Subpart I. Here there needs to be more communication among parties within and outside HUD and the MHIndustry

• Implementation of New Energy Standards. Here the issue has to do with communication with the Department of Energy, and not being pre-empted by standards not reviewed for cost effectiveness.

• Implementation of Enhanced Federal Preemption. Past promises of program reviews and re-evaluation have not been kept, but are still needed.

• Implementation of Label Fee Increase. MHARR argued against implementation of ‘an administrative notice-only system’ that would contravene MHIA@2000, and take advantage of home manufacturers.

• Implementation of Proper Status of MH Program at HUD. Here the desire is to move the Title VI $ program from Office of Risk Management, over to the Office of Single Family Housing in accords with MHIA@2000.

When and where have you, blog flogger (reader) had this sort of Washington ‘insider’ information brought to your attention, even in abbreviated fashion like this? Probably rarely or never! And that’s the point. If you ‘make your living’ in this industry and via the LLLCommunity asset class, you owe it to yourself to ‘be informed’. To contact MHARR, phone (202) 783-4087. But don’t expect to ‘join up’, as this national advocacy body accepts only HUD-Code home ‘manufacturers’ as members.

Which brings up the next, somewhat negative aspect of MHARR. There’s a statement early in this Press Release that begs further discussion. It reads:

“the Association’s outreach on consumer financing showing one of the main reasons for continuing discrimination against manufactured homes and homebuyers is the lingering perception of manufactured homes as ‘trailers’ – which the 2000 reform law was designed to end by completing the transition of manufactured homes to legitimate housing – it became evident renewed and intensified MHARR engagement with HUD on completing implementation of the 2000 reform law (i.e. ‘MHIA@2000’) is both warranted and necessary.”

OK, that statement is fine, as far as it goes. The problem, in my opinion, is MHARR does NOT GO FAR ENOUGH! Out of one side of their mouth, so to speak, the association claims to desire to see HUD-Code manufactured housing ‘complete the transition to legitimate housing’ (presumably away from our ‘trailer’ vestigial heritage) – but only relative to their smaller ‘manufacturer’ perspective! And while they tacitly recognize (What they refer to as) post-production segments of the industry, they do little to fully understand, let alone cultivate support from these adrift folk, other than encourage their formation of a new, independent, national post-production advocacy presence in Washington, DC – or elsewhere.

For example, it’s well known most state association executives routinely read MHARR’s VIEWPOINT press. And many LLLCommunity owners/operators, as well as chattel finance lenders, and product/service vendors, regularly peruse The Journal, the Allen Letter professional journal, and Rishel Consulting’s online newsletter, to learn ‘the rest of the (manufactured housing) story’ – according to MHARR. But all that’s not enough. To be a true and effective industry leader takes ‘more than just talk’- and writing, to achieve, maintain, and apply such status!

So, what’s the answer? In my opinion, STOP (What appears to be) WORRYING about what any other national advocacy body might be doing, and focus on MHARR’s agenda (like these six bullet points). Look what that did for you this Fall, where GSE Reform legislation language was concerned! In addition, make it a point to learn more about the nature and needs of the post-production segment of the manufactured housing industry, solicit their support, and become a timely and valuable resource to them – to the point of stepping out and publicly describing the ‘Future of manufactured housing as ‘housing’, NOT ‘trailers’! Press Releases are Not Enough! However, if MHARR continues to run ‘hot & cold’, relative to post-production segments of the manufactured housing industry, it runs the real and serious risk of compromising its’ present day reputation, integrity and value to the industry and realty asset class as a whole!

Think I jest? Here’s what one owner (Not me) of several LLLCommunities has to say about MHARR and its’ manufacturer members:

“Smaller community owners feel a kindred spirit with smaller MH manufacturers. We are both entrepreneurs, often small businessmen and women. We property owners appreciate the personal service and attention we receive from small manufacturers. We also appreciate the flexibility small manufacturers have in designing and building homes. Similarly, we also share grave concerns about dominance by larger manufacturers and LLLCommunity operators, along with their attitude that ‘bigger must be better’. Lastly, we are especially sensitive to government regulations, red tape, and influence over our businesses and our lives.”

And this from yet another Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance affiliate (Again, not me!):

“I think he’s (Danny Ghorbani) very effective as a lobbyist for smaller home manufacturers – and to a big extent, the industry as a whole! However, the business model he’s most familiar with is the independent (street) MHRetailer of the past. My concern is, so much of what the industry does today, and even more so tomorrow, is in the hands of manufacturers selling new homes directly to LLLCommunity owners, who in turn sell the homes to the public. He knows very little about this new business model, and what he refers to as the ‘post production segments’ of our industry. Getting involved in the Networking Roundtable and SECO Symposium this Fall would be excellent opportunities for MHARR to learn about these important segments of the industry – especially the many smaller LLCommunities.” (lightly edited. GFA)

Bottom line MHARR?

1) Pursue the above-listed six bullet point agenda with vim and vigor!

2) Stop fretting over ‘opposition within’ (e.g. recent GAO interviews) as well as ‘competition outside’ (e.g. other building trade bodies) manufactured housing circles, and move ahead!

3) Learn all you can about the post production segments of the manufactured housing industry1 And when need be, serve as their unofficial proxy, or ronin voice, inside the capitol beltway until…..

4) In the end, MHARR will be a much more effective industry lobbyist in Washington, DC.

As usual, we solicit your response to this challenging and forward-thinking MOPHEAD*

End Note. * MOPHEAD is a 1980s era abbreviation for ‘manufactured housing opinion/editorial’, and metaphor for ‘a tool used to mop up MHBusiness messes’. MOPHEAD is from the time when I penned monthly columns for The Journal, and now defunct Manufactured Home Merchandiser magazines. Now you know….GFA

III.

Responses to ‘a Story Not Posted’ but Described Last Week

Relative to ‘How Latter Day Mobe Dogs Eat Helpless & Hapless Gophers’ non-story:

“Sliding Occupancy & Higher Rent – Oh What A Great (business) Suicide Route!” NB

“You must know the California land-lease-lifestyle community (A.k.a. manufactured home community) market very well, to pen what you did in your blog. Here’s my take:

• California has (local) rent control

• California has high rental homesite rent rates, even for 40+ year old homes

• California has LLLCommunity owners/operators unwilling to upgrade their property’s image, by not renewing leases on old homes and buying new ones.

• California politicians pander to take away property rights to give to others, e.g. bastion of ‘feel good at others expense place’ in the entire U.S.

• California LLLCommunity owners raised site rents during the ‘Go Go days’ for one reason: they could. In the end, they killed the independent (street) MHRetailer business, and affected homeowner/site lessees in different ways, per rent control.

• California ‘chattel finance’ has a hard time financing resale homes in LLLCommunities. Now that new home market is primed, will LLLCommunities participate?

• California LLLCommunity owners must take control of their property(ies) now, following seven years of idleness.

Interestingly, the non-story cited in last week’s blog posting was NOT describing a LLLCommunity market survey re: California or Florida, but Michigan. Surprised?

And know what else we learned from this unpublished story? Who ‘really reads’ blog postings and who does not. It was so apparent when individuals started phoning and emailing, requesting FREE copies of the unidentified Market Survey. Conscientious LLLCommunity owners/operators want to know (Must know!) if their local housing markets are experiencing, e.g. ‘declining occupancy AND rising rents’, in order to take corrective or self-protective actions before business failure threatens or occurs. Did YOU request your FREE copy?

***

George Allen, CPM& MHM
Box # 47024, Indpls, IN. 46247
(317) 346-7156

Comments (0)

April 19, 2014

Revisiting Alexa.com; Stories Not Posted; & MHOmbudsman

Filed under: Uncategorized — George Allen @ 11:29 am

Perspective. ‘Land-lease-lifestyle communities, a.k.a. manufactured home communities cum ‘mobile home parks’, comprise the real estate component of manufactured housing.’

Reason for this blog. ‘It’s the national advocacy voice, statistical research reporter, & communications resource for all LLLCommunities located throughout North America!’

To Input this blog & affiliate with Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, a.k.a. ‘COBA7’, use Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764

Introduction to this week’s blog posting at community-investor.com BREAKING NEWS! After penning Part I of this posting we learned MHVillage Welcomed More Than 1,000,000 Unique Visitors to their website during March of this year! Why is that important to know? Because this isn’t a FIRST for just MHVillage, but the entire manufactured housing industry and land-lease-lifestyle community asset class. Read on! And Part II? These are hints of stories we planned to post, but for various cited reasons decided not to do so. Read between the lines. Part III? More often than not, ‘blog floggers’ (i.e. ‘readers’) observe better than me. This is one of those times. Part IV. Well, we’ll let that one unfold during the coming week….GFA

Alexa.com Revisited!

II.

Four Blog Stories Written but Not Posted

III.

I Couldn’t Have Said This Better Myself

IV.

Next Blog = may be an OPEN LETTER to…, & an MHOmbudsman @ COBA7

Alexa.com Revisited!

Within minutes after posting last week’s blog (#292), I learned of my faux pas, accidental oversight, blunder and gaffe, all rolled into one! And I’ve heard more about the matter, from additional loyal blog ‘floggers’ (readers). Reason for all this excitement?

Last week’s ‘Manufactured Housing Industry, meet Alexa.com’ blog posting identified ten realty and manufactured housing-related websites, from hundreds of thousands of commercial websites ranked by Alexa.com, but we accidentally omitted the largest MHIndustry website of all: MHVillage.com!

That’s right, MHVillage.com should have been ranked #2 on this global list of eleven organizations and firms, behind ONLY the NAR.org (‘National Association of Realtors’) website! Here’s how the global list should have been displayed and posted:

NAR,org 12,534 = first in this RE & MH ranking
MHVillage.com 41,557 = 1.000,000 visitors in March 2014
NAHB.org 94,014
Claytonhomes.com 128,537
IREM.org 240,601
21st Mortgage.com 266,645
Championhomes.net 362,790
Equitylifestyle.com 703,931
Americanlandlease.com 1,190,961
Cavco.com 1,201,958
Manufacturedhousing.org 2,252,064

And one could say, we ‘added insult to injury’ when we didn’t rank MHVillage’s ‘Daily Time On Site’ amongst the same firms; for here they were #3, with an impressive 6:15 minutes on site, just behind Americanlandlease at 13:40 and 21st Mortgage at 6:28 minutes. Number four? MHI at 4:02 minutes.

Well, the oversight certainly wasn’t intentional. And no excuses are offered. But if you’re not familiar with MHVillage, and own/operate land-lease-lifestyle communities, YOU SHOULD BECOME FAMILIAR WITH WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR YOU. Not only is it the manufactured housing industry and LLLCommunity asset class’ primary means of marketing homes ‘for sale’, but is soon to become the primary source of yet another major aspect, maybe even two, of LLLCommunity benchmark statistics! They are? Ah, for that you’ll have to attend, see and hear at the 23rd annual International Networking Roundtable, 10-12 September 2014, in Peachtree, GA*. There, Dan Rinzema will announce exciting growth plans for this longtime MHIndustry firm.

End Note. * To ensure you receive an invitation to participate in this ‘sole standalone annual event planned for land-lease-lifestyle community owners/operators, and their preferred lenders and product/service vendors’, phone the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764. You’ll be glad you did!

II.

Four Blog Stories Penned but Not Posted

Title: Recovering from Manufactured Housing’s ‘Perfect Storm’

Why not posted?

The necessary adjustments and corrective measures were more than the industry, its’ leaders, and the land-lease-lifestyle community real estate component were willing, or likely able, to bear at the time….

Today? Little has changed. The manufactured housing industry, for the most part is mired in its’ vestigial trailer past, except where and when circumstances dictate otherwise, e.g. demise of most independent (street) MHRetailers when easy access to chattel capital ended; and, for the first time in ‘industry history’, LLLCommunity owners/operators began to routinely buy new manufactured homes to resell on-site and oft times self-finance.

It’s why the First National Public Forum, on this topic – to debut this Fall* – is so important and timely, from historical and strategic planning perspectives.

End Note. * 23rd International Networking Roundtable, 10-12 September 2014, in Peachtree City, GA. See Part I of this blog for contact information.

Title: The New Wave of ‘Flashes in the Pan’ LLLCommunity Investors?

Why not posted?

Two reasons. To frame the argument, we’d have had to identify two dozen erstwhile ‘Hare today, goon tomorrow’ land-lease-lifestyle community owners/operators who’ve ‘loudly come & quietly gone’, since circa 1980. Not a good idea. And, LLLCommunity specialist real estate brokers tell me such an expose’ would likely scare away equity and hedge fund dollars now coming outa the woodwork since recent published stories profiled our unique business model as being slam dunk profitable (At times!) and predatory (Not for many of us!) in nature.

Title: ‘How Latter Day Mobe Dogs Eat Helpless & Hapless Gophers’

Why not posted?

Similar in theme to previous ‘not posted’ blog title. This time however, descriptions would have been of business practices that led to ‘operational aberrations – at best’ & ‘major business failures – at worst’.

Today? Sad to say, but aberrations remain in effect, despite mega business failures along the way. A hint? In a recently published 14 year (specific state) Market Summary Report*, on a particular land-lease-lifestyle community market, two timeline graphs are shown side by side. One describes ‘occupancy dropping’ for 12+ years. The second cites ‘site rent rising’ during same 12+ year time frame, among the same properties. Perhaps it’s not the market researcher’s responsibility to draw conclusions or predict future performance trends from such illustrations; but paraphrasing the baby’s line in a popular TV commercial, “Doesn’t’ anyone see the mime talking?” – applied here, “Doesn’t anyone see the nay saying these charts suggest for our present business model cum tomorrow?” Specifically; the charts show site rents were raised annually to offset revenue lost as site occupancy declined. Now today: ‘Why would new homebuyer/site lessees move into these properties to pay inflated rent rates, unless new home prices and PITI payments are pegged artificially low as an incentive – in effect devaluing said home(s) more and faster than usual depreciation?’ None of this is new. Firms have long priced themselves, rent wise, out of local housing markets, often paying the ultimate business failure penalty….

End Note: * For a copy of the Market Summary Report, simply phone the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764.

Title: ‘Shifty Shifting Support’

Why not posted?

Simply ‘too ripe and timely’ a matter for the parties involved. One of them is not given to equal opportunity dialogue, so suffers declining influence. And the other, frankly, lacks passion for and understanding of, post production segments of the manufactured housing industry. More to come, in good time…….

III.

I Couldn’t Have Said This Better Myself

The following paragraph was sent to me by a blog flogger this past week. The identity of the writer is unimportant; the gist of what he/she pens is insightful and telling.

“It appears to me there are three tribes of folk in the (manufactured housing) industry, with overlap in some areas among them. The highest exposure to new investors comes from Frank and Dave, which (sic) gets the least qualified investors, but at the end of the day, more investors and people on the outside seem to know of them than anyone else. Then comes the Manufactured Housing Institute, because they have the reach of all the state associations, and they get people who are a little more serious than Frank and Dave. Lastly are the Allenites, which is a group of solid, very ethical ‘insiders’ who are easier to do business with and much more proven.”

Just as happened with last week’s blog (Reread Part I of this posting for description of an inadvertent omission), ‘WHO is obvious here, by their absence from this tribal census’? Presuming we identify the same national player, said absence begs the question: WHY? In my opinion, it’s likely due to an unwillingness, on their part, to learn and embrace the manufactured housing industry as a whole, including its’ realty and finance components – though there have been forays of late, into the latter post production segment. Of course, neither was the Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, a.k.a. COBA7*, mentioned; but seeing as how the alliance of 200+ affiliates is only four months old, that’s not surprising.

End Note: * Any individual or business involved in any segment of the HUD-Code manufactured housing industry may affiliate with COBA7 by phoning the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764 & selecting Options I, II or III!

IV.

Next Blog = may be an OPEN LETTER to…, & an MHOmbudsman @ COBA7

***

George Allen, CPM & MHM
Box # 47024, Indpls, IN. 46247
(317) 346-7156

Comments (0)

April 13, 2014

Meet Alexa.com & ‘Just Goes to Show You!’

Filed under: Uncategorized — George Allen @ 4:27 am

Perspective. “Land-lease-lifestyle communities, a.k.a. manufactured home communities cum ‘mobile home parks’, comprise the real estate component of manufactured housing.’

Reason for this blog. ‘It’s the national advocacy voice, statistical research reporter, & communications resource for all LLLCommunities located throughout North America!’

How to Input this blog & affiliate with Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, a.k.a. ‘COBA7’, via Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-5764

Introduction to this week’s blog posting at community-investor.com I begin every week wondering, “Hmm. What’s going to occur this week that’s newsworthy, interesting, and timely for the 500+ MHIndustry & LLLCommunity readers of this blog post?”

Well, I’m never without inspiration for long. First off; how many of us are frustrated by unsubstantiated commercial website ‘hit’ claims? Part I describes an imperfect commercial website metrics ranking tool. And it concludes with a unique entrepreneurial challenge for ‘someone’ in our industry. You?

Part II? Given the success enjoyed by Community Owners (7 part) Business Alliance, signing 200+ affiliates during first three months of 2014, and as unofficial MHIndustry historian, it’s time to document the inspiration and genesis of COBA7.

And Part III. Three new MHIndustry texts in one year is simply ‘too much’. But you might as well read of plans afoot now, and decide if there’s ‘a place for you’ in the mix.

Manufactured Housing Industry, meet Alexa.com

II.

JUST GOES TO SHOW YOU!

III.

Books, Books, Books, & More Books!

Manufactured Housing Industry, meet Alexa.com

Google Alexa.com and take a few minutes to install the ‘free’ Alexa.com toolbar. Then take a fascinating journey among real estate, homebuilders, and manufactured housing industries’ largest and most popular commercial websites, to view specific web traffic data at this subsidiary of Amazon.com Here you’ll learn the approximate global rankings of these various sites, and more. WARNING. Only the most frequently visited commercial websites will be found at Alexa.com. For example, you will not find community-investor.com (Site of this blog posting), and other small manufactured housing-related venues who routinely ballyhoo their supposed popularity.

Ready to review ten of hundreds of thousands of commercial websites ranked by Alexa.com? Our first run through answers Alexa.com’s question: ‘How is this site ranked relative to other sites (globally)?” Well, the National Association of Realtors® placed #1 in this global ranking, the Manufactured Housing Institute, #10.

NAR.org (National Association of Realtors) 12,534
NAHB.org (National Association of Homebuilders) 94,014
Claytonhomes.com 128,537
IREM.org (Institute of Real Estate Management) 240,601
21stMortgage.com 266,645
Championhomes.net 362,790
Equitylifestyle.com 703,931
Americanlandlease.com 1,190,961
Cavco.com 1,201,958
Manufacturedhousing.org (MHI) 2,252,064

Alexa.com also ranks websites within the U.S., but not all ten firms and entities are listed, only 21stMortgage, Equitylifestyle, Americanlandlease, Clayton, Champion, NAR, NAHB & IREM; not MHI and Cavco.

Alexa.com also tracks three additional metrics: 1) Bounce Rate; 2) Daily Page Views per Visitor; and, 3) Daily Time On Site. Here we’ll just list the Daily Time On Site metrics, beginning with the longest to shortest estimated times spent viewing on site….

Americanlandlease = 13:40 minutes
21stMortgage 6:28
MHI 4:02
IREM 3:3
Champion 3:25
Clayton 3:19
NAR 2:47
Equitylifestyle 2:31
Cavco 2:19
NAHB 2:19

Don’t know ‘bout you, but I find the numbers fascinating; especially Americanlandlease’s Daily Time On Site. Perhaps one should visit, assuming the metric’s accuracy, to learn what’s keeping their visitor’s rapt attention for so long; double the time spent anywhere else among this group. Well, I did, and now understand why: First you have to decide whether you’re interested in an all age land-lease-lifestyle community (i.e. the Clearview Community brand) or one for folk 55 years of age and older (i.e. the Solstice Community brand); then select the region of the U.S. where one plans to settle; and finally, ‘go for a virtual visit or tour’. All that’s going to ‘take some time’, to narrow one’s choices.

Now, you go ahead, give Alexa.com a try; you’ll be glad you did.

Obviously, Alexa.com has its’ limitations, but website ranking and analysis alternatives are few and not that accessible and or helpful. Two examples. Think Google Analytics. Probably the best route. BUT there, data is generally restricted to those with password login info, usually the owner or webmaster of said site(s); hence ‘lack of ready access’. Then there’s compete.com (for $199.00/month, after a free 24 hour trial).

As an entrepreneur I see ‘a need & an opportunity’ here: Someone in the manufactured housing industry, for a price, to routinely perform independent third party research, ranking, analysis, and reporting of aforementioned manufactured housing websites, as well as commercial sites too small to be profiled by Alexa.com. What a help this would be to prospective internet advertisers, needing to know conclusively, whether a commercial website really delivers the volume and quality of ‘hits’ claimed. Someone out there ready to take on this opportunity?

II.

JUST GOES TO SHOW YOU!

“If you build it, they will come!” A promise popularized in the movie, ‘Field of Dreams’, fulfilled in a different manner, since the launch, three months ago, of Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance or COBA7.

First; the way things are today, mid-April 2014. Since mid-December 2013, more than 200 businessmen and women have affiliated with the Community Owners (7 Part) business alliance! They hail from every segment of the HUD-Code manufactured housing industry, including home manufacturers, realty & chattel lenders, MHRetailers, product & service vendors and of course – most of all, sole proprietor and portfolio land-lease-lifestyle community owners/operators, from throughout the U.S. and Canada!

Indeed, ‘We have built a new international business alliance, meeting real needs, & they (many of you reading this blog posting) have affiliated!’ But it took a full year, to arrive at that mid-December starting point, for good reasons….

During the January 2013 Louisville MHShow, at KMHI’s PAC reception, MHI chairman Nathan Smith, PHC®, and I had an intense conversation about the present and future of the institute’s National Communities Council (‘NCC’) division. He was OK with the status quo; I and others were not! When I suggested, if the cliquish leadership of the council continued, there wouldn’t be incentive for small to mid-sized owners and operators of LLLCommunities to continue in the NCC fold, and maybe look elsewhere. His response? Words to the effect, “George, you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.” End of conversation. And sad to say, we haven’t spoken since; though I’d like to do so. But now, I suppose, it no longer matters….

Then there’s this dual rub. I’m one of the original 19 LLLCommunity owners who took the initial steps, on 31 August 1993 that led to the 1/1/1996 birth of the present day NCC, a story chronicled in Bruce Savage’s 2013 book, The First 20 Years! And there’s this; I continue to be an elected board member of the NCC council. So, my affection for, and loyalty to, this body has been long and deep! BUT, how often does one continue to ‘step on Superman’s cape’ before being upended (As a couple of us were, via a very public, mean-spirited verbal ambush, during the NCC’s Fall 2012 meeting)? And we’ve come to clearly understand, ‘Cliquishness or abject cronyism isn’t going to change anytime soon!’ Effect a change by vote? Nope. NCC meetings are poorly attended by members (a dozen+/- at most), though popular with dozens of observers usually in the room. And the council disallows absentee votes at all elections, as we learned during the Fall 2013 NCC meeting, when two dozen absentee ballots were summarily rejected. In spite of all that, it’s still difficult to walk away to a new business alliance, even one with more and varied functions. And frankly, I plan to continue to pay $500.00 per year in direct, dues-payments to the MHI/NCC for their national advocacy efforts, and not much more! So should you.

What most folk reading this blog posting probably don’t know, is prior to the conversation described in the first paragraph, I’d been meeting, corresponding and conversing with, originally a dozen, then two dozen, businessmen and women, from all corners of the U.S., who shared the common bond of LLLCommunity ownership and management. What brought us together, was the common goal of ensuring continuation of unique products and services, provided by GFA Management, Inc., dba PMN Publishing, specifically for owners/operators of LLLCommunities nationwide and in Canada. And there never was any serious talk about alternative representation or advocacy of the asset class on the national level. That’s why COBA7 is a business alliance, and NOT a new, national not for profit entity. In any event, today the number of ‘skin in the game’ intimates has grown from two dozen to more than 200 affiliates!

My original personal goal had been to semi-retire at the end of year 2012. Pensions were in place, and investments in the capable hands of a CFP – my son. But retirement did not happen. Oh, it could have. Nothing, except loyalty to hundreds of businessmen and women friends ‘in the MHBusiness’, stood in the way of me simply ‘pulling the plug’ and walking away. But I’m not wired that way. At stake was 35 years worth of creativity and nurturing of unique products and services, that most if not all, LLLCommunity owners/operators, large and small, continue to benefit from, day in and day out, throughout the year. No, we simply had to identify a practical yet effective means to ensure continuation of these valuable features into the future.

That’s when it was brought to our attention a certain national news magazine, WORLD, had recently converted its’ paid subscribers into affiliates of a larger business alliance, the publisher itself. After looking into the matter, it became obvious a similar conversion, a repackaging of the dozen separate profit centers – beginning with paid subscribers to two monthly newsletters, into a single business entity, would secure the future of these features, today referred to as the ‘7 Parts’ or functions of COBA7, facilitating greater intimacy between affiliates and their alliance! By way of review, here’re the ‘parts cum functions’ that comprise COBA7 today, and going forward:

• Ongoing research, typified by the 25th anniversary ALLEN REPORT, a.k.a. ‘Who’s Who Among LLLCommunity Portfolio Owners/operators Throughout North America!’ Did you know? In 1987 there were but 25 known ‘mobile home park’ portfolio owners/operators nationwide. That number has swelled to 500+/-, throughout North America, during recent years, as land-lease-lifestyle communities were consolidated; first by limited partnership syndicators (1980s); then a few REITs (1990s); and most recently, into entities funded by equity partners (early 2000s). 167 of these are identified in the 25th annual ALLEN REPORT; available to COBA7 affiliates, at Option II & III levels.

• Distribution of resource documents & directories known as Signature Series Resource Documents, or SSRDs, e.g. 16th annual National Registry of Lenders.

• Online & print communication via weekly blog posting at community-investor.com, and two subscriber-supported newsletters for LLLCommunities

• Superb peer networking via FOCUS Groups, & an annual International Networking Roundtable that attracts hundreds of LLLCommunity owners/operators, e.g. 10-12 September 2014 at DOLCE Conference Center in Peachtree City, GA. This year? First ever National Public Forum exploring the past, present & future of manufactured housing as ‘housing’, not ‘trailers’; and land-lease-lifestyle communities as ‘lifestyle’ & ongoing ‘realty investments’. Be there! Call Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877)MFD-HSNG or 633-4764

• Deal-making opportunities via coalition of national real estate brokerages

• Professional property management training & certification via Manufactured Housing Manager®, or MHM® program, by classroom or correspondence

• National advocacy, only when need be….

Today, the past is indeed HISTORY; and the future, OPPORTUNITY! With all seven coba7 ‘parts cum functions’ in place and performing well, the predicted NEW ERA FOR 50,000+/- LLLCommunities has indeed dawned! So, if interested in affiliating with COBA7, simply phone the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764. When we process your payment, we’ll immediately mail the four SSRDs (thru April), you’ve missed to date in 2014, and you’ll begin to receive your monthly issue of the Allen Letter professional journal – and the Allen CONFIDENTIAL! business newsletter, if they are your choice(s).

III.
Books, Books, Books, & More Books!

Are YOU interested in learning ‘How to Prepare & Publish Corporate Histories & Personal Memoirs’? Seminars are being planned for (maybe) 8 or 9 May in East Peoria, IL., at IMHA’s annual meeting. Phone Frank Bowman at (217) 528-3423, to express your interest, and while on the phone, register for that educational, networking event where new HUD-Code homes will be exhibited! Seminar cost? None planned. I’ll be teaching the class, and plan to have a half dozen manufactured housing industry corporate histories and memoirs with me, to motivate you to begin planning your own manuscript!

Next session, likely late morning or early afternoon on 4 August in Elkhart, IN., at the RV/MH Heritage Foundation’s Hall of Fame, Museum, Library facility. Phone Al Hesselbart at (574) 293-2344 to express your interest. And since you’ll be there anyway, why not register for this year’s RV/MH banquet, when the Class of 2014 (including Gary McDaniel of YES! Communities, Barry Cole of MHIS, Tom Kern of Style Crest Enterprises, Ed Evans of EPM, & Dick King of King Insurance, on the MH ‘side of the house’) will be inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame! Seminar cost? We haven’t talked about it yet, but not much. Frankly, Al and I are hoping it’ll be well-received enough, to become an integral part of this popular annual legacy event.

Third session likely to occur on 12 September, as part of the 23rd annual International Networking Roundtable, at the DOLCE Conference Center in Peachtree City, GA. By then, I hope to be well into my autobiography project, tentatively titled: Twice a Warrior!

The there’s How to Market, Sell & Self-finance New & Resale Homes On-site in LLLCommunities. This is a two year project, hopefully to begin sometime during 2014., if we can identify capable, experienced, motivated would-be co-authors. This would be the first perfect-bound book to be published in the manufactured housing industry since 1996, when J. Wiley & Sons’ released How to Find, Buy, Manage & Sell a Manufactured Home Community – to have the first printing sell out within six months! Why a two year window? It takes that long to put enough good material together, format and edit it, then print and bind the manuscript. For example; Dave Alley, Ed Hicks, and I started our ‘book ball’ rolling in 1992, two full years before Development, Marketing & Operation of Manufactured Home Communities hit the market in 1994. Is it worth all that effort? We think so. It established our ‘bonafides’ in the industry and asset class for at least the next two decades….Is there a book in you? Call and let’s talk about it.

‘Lessons Learned in LLLCommunity Operations’ maybe not the stand alone new book we envisioned after all; but rather, a new edition of the LLLCommunity Management text used during the popular Manufactured Housing Manager® or MHM® professional property management training and certification program.

***

George Allen, CPM® & MHM®
Box # 47024, Indpls, IN. 46247
(317) 346-7156

Comments (0)

April 6, 2014

COBA7 Launches LLLCommunity Mgr. Compensation Study

Filed under: Uncategorized — George Allen @ 4:25 am

Perspective. ‘Land-lease-lifestyle communities, a.k.a. manufactured home communities cum ‘mobile home parks’, comprise the real estate component of manufactured housing.’

Reason for this blog. It’s the national advocacy voice, statistical research reporter, & communications resource for LLLCommunities, of all sizes, throughout North America!’

How to Input this blog & affiliate with Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, a.k.a. ‘COBA7’, via Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (8777) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764

Introduction to this week’s blog posting at community-investor.com. Three of many responses to last week’s ‘MH Public Discourse Impasse Ends 9/11/2014 @ Networking Roundtable in Peachtree City, GA.’: “Excellent George.” MD, & “Good blog, George. Glad someone is still willing to give our industry a bit of hell when they need it.” JU, & “I will not forget how we worked as an industry, via low cost, convenient and quality housing. Those basics were and continue to be the best!” NB Now, this week’s lineup?

COBA7 Launches Land-lease-lifestyle Community
On-site Property Manager Compensation Study

II.

‘In the Know’ MHIndustry Aficionados to Flock to East Peoria, IL @ 8 & 9 May 2014

III.

Finally Going on the Offense over Offensive Writ in The New York Times re: MHIndustry

IV,

Coming Over to the Other (Our) Side of Life

COBA7 Launches Land-lease-lifestyle Community
On-site Property Manager Compensation Study

Long and often considered in MHI’s National Communities Council (‘NCC’) circles, this timely subject was given ‘just lip service’, as everyone wanted the information, but no one was willing to share proprietary salary and benefit information. Well, Thanks to several land-lease-lifestyle community owner/operator affiliates of the Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, that’s changed! And just recently, a national executive search and recruiting firm, that specializes in placing regional and on-site LLLCommunity managers, has joined the study. The goal of this first COBA7 project? To provide a practical tool by which LLLCommunity owners/operators throughout North America, can better determine what a particular on-site property management job is worth, salary and benefit wise!

To date, they’ve crafted a formula using six variables in this sequence:

1. Total number of rentable homesites in a given land-lease-lifestyle community (a.k.a. manufactured home community, or ‘mobile home park’) if preferred.

2. Number of ‘occupied & paying rent’ homesites at said property, when the formula is applied.

3. Set or average rental homesite monthly rent rate; assuming said rent, if including water & sewer, offsets those expenses; or if billed separately, is factored back onto the rent rate, to fine tune the gross potential rent amount offsetting said expense category.

4. Application of appropriate Operating Expense Ratio or OER percentages. For example: 4.5% @ admin labor, not including PM fee; &, 3.0% @ maintenance labor = 7.5% or .075 OER, when using asset class’ Industry Standard Chart of (Operating Expense) Accounts, given a national average 40% OER overall. Corollaries: Realization a property’s OER% is generally greater (than 40%) among smaller properties and large properties with low occupancy; due to less economy of scale in the former instance; more common area and utility risers to maintain, as well as marketing-related expenses in the latter instance. Conversely, a property’s OER% is generally less (than 40%) among larger properties enjoying high physical & economic occupancy. This example assumes the same Industry Standard Chart of Accounts is applied and all OER categories are used as described.*1

5. Final adjustment of preliminary salary amount per concessioned site rent, unit rent, and appropriate utilities – if any concessions; and, when/if appropriate, compensation for extra duties, e.g. wastewater treatment plant operation, testing & reporting; and/or seasonal duties such as grass mowing, snow plowing, etc.
.
6. For a statistical benchmark comparison, relate final adjusted salary amount to Area Median Income for the local housing market in which the subject property is located. AMI is available via zipskinny.com

Now the fun begins. If you’re a COBA7 affiliate*2, and would like to participate in the ‘proof & refinement’ of the above proposed formula, mail the following information, in hard copy, to either COBA7 c/o Box # 47024, Indianapolis, IN. 46247, or FAX to (317) 346-7158.

Please use a separate page for each property reported:

1. Total number of rentable homesites at this land-lease-lifestyle community (a.k.a. manufactured home community): __________

2. Actual or average number of ‘occupied & paying rent’ rental homesites at this LLLCommunity: __________

3. Set or average rental homesite rent rate at this location: $__________ Does this amount include water & sewer? Circle YES or NO. If NOT, what’s the average monthly amount of water & sewer charges billed per rental homesite each month? $__________

4. At this property, relative to the management staff, do you concession rent &/or utilities? Circle YES or NO. If YES, total monthly amount for this property into: Total site rent $__________, Unit rent $_________, Utilities $ __________

5. Total number of on-site managers at this location: __________. Number of additional salaried employees: __________ and hourly employees: __________

6. What is the postal zip code for this property? ________ OR, if you know it, the Annual Median Income or AMI of the local housing market $_______________

7. This final step is not required, but if you’d like to be kept abreast of project progress, be sure to supply your name and preferred contact information here:____________________________________________________________

Our hope is to eventually publish, either in chart format or easy-to-use formula, a means by which LLLCommunity owners/operators can estimate a fair and appropriate (Based on a property’s characteristics, scope of job description, and nature of the local housing market in which the LLLCommunity is located) Property Management Compensation, sans performance bonuses, for smaller LLLCommunities requiring part-time salaried management, as well as larger properties, able to justify a staff – but not including ‘home sales’ or ‘rental unit’ operations if budgeted and accounted for separately from usual land-lease operations.

End Note.

*1 For a FREE copy of the Industry Standard Chart of Accounts, along with the national average Allen Model OER percentages, simply phone the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764 and request it.

*2 COBA7 affiliates, in this instance, include everyone registered under Options I, II & III – the difference being I = Allen Letter subscription alone; II = newsletter & 12 Signature Series Resource Documents or SSRDs, & III = newsletter, SSRDs, & the Allen CONFIDENTIAL! business newsletter. If reading this, and not yet affiliated with the hundreds of LLLCommunity owners/operators who’ve already done so, simply (again) phone the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE, shown in End Note # 1 above, for information.

II.

‘In The Know’ MHIndustry Aficionados to Flock to East Peoria, IL.@8 & 9 May 2014

WHY?

50 copies of Bruce Savage’s popular 2013 book: The First 20 Years! – of national advocacy, in behalf of land-lease-lifestyle communities, have been donated to the Illinois Manufactured Housing Association (‘IMHA’), host of this year’s stellar event in East Peoria, IL. The books will be given to the first 50 individuals (one book per company) to register! Phone (217) 528-3423 today and RESERVE YOUR COPY today!

Ken Rishel, ‘Manufactured Housing Industry’s Person of the Year 2013 & 2014’, will ‘splain’ compliance issues relating to federal finance & S.A.F.E. Act regs; and Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (‘CPFB’) matters! Phone (217) 528-3423 to register!.

John Underwood, manufactured housing sales trainer par excellence! John, to date and in my opinion, the ONLY trainer of independent (street) MHRetail salescenter teams to successfully transition his expertise re: on-site marketing and sale of new homes within land-lease-lifestyle communities. Come & learn from John! (217) 528-3423 to sign-up!

When and where was the last time someone taught you HOW TO Best Show your Display Homes relative to Home Décor, for MHRetail salescenters and on-site in LLLCommunities? Learn from Clayton Homes consulting expert, Sue Yoder! (217) 528-3423

WAKE UP! That’s what Tammy Fonk, from CBRE; & Creighton Weber, from Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital, will admonish YOU to do when planning, FIRST, to market your LLLCommunity ‘for sale’; &/or SECOND, to ready it for acquisition financing or refinancing! Two top experts in the U.S. today! Call (217) 528-3423 to get on board!

Saving the Best for Last? Maybe. Here’s a TRIPLE PUNCH to be delivered at this year’s event: 1) Opportunity for LLLCommunity owners/operators to benefit from prospective Resident Screening Services via AmRent; 2) Accounting & Accountability software from Rent Manager; and, 3) Home Sales Marketing Services from MHVillage (plus) their recent foray into local housing market Rent Surveys a la JLT & Associates methodology! Frankly, YOU cannot afford to miss this threefold opportunity! (217) 528-3423. I’ll be there

‘Official State of the Manufactured Housing Industry & Land-lease-lifestyle Community Asset Class’ – a cumbersome title sure, but the ONLY such briefing available in the U.S. today, covering both major segments of the manufactured housing industry! And know what? It’s an exciting lesson in ‘stats’ & trends! Call (217) 528-3423 to hear this, & ‘All you wanted to know about COBA7, but didn’t know who to ask!’ George Allen, CPM®Emeritus, MHM®Master

Bottom Line? There will be dozens of state MHAssociation meetings and seminars during 2014, but all will pale in comparison to what’s planned to occur at the Par-A-Dice Casino & Resort Hotel, in East Peoria, IL., on 8 & 9 May 2014. How can YOU not want to participate? Luxurious hotel, gaming, superb timely topics & presenters, good food, top notch networking, even some deal-making. See YOU there! (217) 528-3423

III.

Finally Going on the Offense over Offensive Writ in The New York Times re: MHIndustry

KUDOS to MHARR! Finally, a national manufactured housing advocacy group stands up to The New York Times publishing of ‘The Cold Hard Lessons of Mobile Home U’. Here’s the complete text of what MHARR put on the editor’s desk this past week:

“Mr. Gary Rivlin’s March 13, 2014 story, ‘The Cold Hard Lessons of Mobile Home U’, does a great disservice, not only to the nation’s manufactured housing builders – many of them small businesses struggling to survive in a difficult economy – but also the millions of Americans who choose today’s manufactured homes for their unique combination of quality and affordability, guaranteed by federal law. Presenting manufactured homes, communities, and residents as cartoonish caricatures, the article ignores the reality that today’s manufactured homes offer Americans the most affordable route to homeownership – beating even rentals. And unlike the ‘exotic’ mortgage schemes for overpriced homes that triggered the 2008 credit crisis, manufactured homes pair moderate and lower-income homebuyers with homes they truly can afford, without accounting gimmicks, subsidies or taxpayer funded bailouts. Instead of a superficial catalogue of outdated stereotypes, the Times should offer its readers a deeper look into the genuine advantages of today’s affordable manufactured homes.” Danny Ghorbani writing for the MHARR

Enough time has passed (three weeks) for this sensationalist piece to fade from the scene. Just know however, yours truly – via formal correspondence; the American Housing Advocates– via electronic correspondence; and now MHARR, have all lodged formal complaints, in your behalf, with the editor of The New York Times, regarding what some have called Yellow Journalism (i.e. ‘offensively sensational’). The only ones who’ll keep it alive now, are individuals with an ongoing, self-serving need to draw attention to themselves, perhaps via further interviews; and others, maybe using the article as a marketing ploy to promote future events.

IV.

Coming Over to the Other (Our) Side of Life

DID YOU KNOW? The consulting services of BILL MATCHNEER, recently retired from the Manufactured Housing Division of the Department of Housing & Urban Development (‘HUD’) are now available via Rishel Consulting, relative to issues pertaining to the CFPB and HUD? To effect contact with Bill Matchneer, do so via the firm’s Chicago office: (312) 878-2802. His billable services are available hourly, daily, and per project – on a retainer and non-retainer basis.

***

George Allen, CPM & MHM
Box # 47024, Indpls, IN. 46247
(317) 346-7156

Comments (0)

March 30, 2014

MH Public Discourse Impasse Ends 9/11/2014 & more….

Filed under: Uncategorized — George Allen @ 4:31 am

Perspective. ‘Land-lease-lifestyle communities, a.k.a. manufactured home communities cum ‘mobile home parks’, comprise the real estate component of manufactured housing.’

Reason for this blog. ‘It’s the national advocacy voice, statistical research reporter, & communications resource for LLLCommunities, of all sizes, throughout North America!’

Input this blog & affiliate with the Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, a.k.a. ‘COBA7’, via Official MHIndustry Hotline: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764

Why I’m Not Attending the
Manufactured Housing Congress This Year

II.

‘Who Ya Gonna Call in 2014?’

III.

MH Public Discourse Impasse, to End
in Six Months at Networking Roundtable
_________________________________

Why I’m Not Attending the
Manufactured Housing Congress This Year

As penned in the April issue of the Allen CONFIDENTAIL! business newsletter,
“Unless something unexpected happens (e.g. “Hey George, come to the MHCongress and remind us how, as an industry and realty asset class, we should ALWAYS TAKE THE HIGH ROAD when interviewed by the press, especially The New York Times; and NEVER EVER ENGAGE IN PUBLIC BACKSTABBING of MHBusiness associates online or anywhere else!”), I won’t be participating in the Manufactured Housing Congress later this month! WHY?

• Burned-out on Vegas, at least for this year. Maybe back next year…

• Have much better ways to invest $3,000.00, than in multiple event registrations (e.g. NCC Forum @ $219.00, plus MHCongress @ $599 = a Whopping $818.00!), plus travel expenses, hotel accommodations, lavish meals and more.

• And frankly, with the hub of land-lease-lifestyle community 1) research, 2) resources, 3) communication, 4) networking, 5) deal-making, 6) PM training & certification, and when need be, 7) national advocacy, now in the Midwest, there’s plenty to do here in Indianapolis these days. FYI. Have already begun a search for someone to help GROW the Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, and eventually oversee the seven aforementioned function areas. INTERESTED? Contact me via the MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764. Must be Management Capable, MH &/or LLLCommunity – Experienced, and Highly Self-motivated – even Passionate about our industry and realty asset class!

And hey, I’m not going to be missed in Las Vegas anyway. Word on the street is registrations are up 30 percent over last year! That’s Good; and, either a favorable business barometer for the combined industry/asset class, OR indicative of how many people have little else to do these days, than to party in Las Vegas, enduring yet another lecture on ‘mystery shopping’ – recalling the first NCC leadership Forum program this past Fall in downtown Chicago.

Know what? Go back to the first paragraph here, and reread the ‘make believe petition’ from MHCongress organizers. Now, would you agree: It’s high time one of our elected national leaders delivers this twofold message, embodied in said quote, to the assembled masses in Las Vegas later this month? They’re certainly timely and worthwhile public concerns. And if no attention is drawn to either matter, we can expect such ‘image-damaging’ & ‘unethical behavior’ to occur again and again. So, let’s ‘see & listen’ as to whether said admonitions are delivered, or slip on by as a ‘missed opportunity’.

II.

‘Who Ya Gonna Call in 2014?’

COBA7 Signature Series Resource Document, or SSRD, for April 2014

Can you name the 40+ freelance consultants who serve a wide variety of specialty needs throughout the manufactured housing industry and land-lease-lifestyle community asset class? Not many of us are able to do so; that’s what makes the annual update of this fourth, one of a dozen, Signature Series Resource Documents so valuable, month in, month out.

The 15th annual ‘Who Ya Gonna Call in 2014?’ SSRD will be enclosed with the April 2014 issue of the Allen Letter professional journal going to those businessmen and women who’ve affiliated with COBA7 since the first of this year – a group whose number now eclipses 200! If interested in affiliating, at the Option II level – providing you an issue of the Allen Letter each month and all 12 SSRDs, for $544.95, simply phone the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764.

The 15th annual ‘Who Ya Gonna Call in 2014?’ SSRD includes wealth preservationists, real estate brokers and appraisers specializing in land-lease-lifestyle communities, resident screening services, sub metering & RBS firms, LLLCommunity conversion specialists, insurers, infrastructure specialists, self-finance training and compliance guidance, MHLifestylists, land planners and engineers, RV-related consultants, underground utility locaters, printing and promotional products sources, turnaround experts, home sales trainers, installation specialists, home valuation and rent survey resources, public relations and industry image communicators, landscaping specialists, and more.

III.

MHPublic Discourse Impasse, to End
In Six Months at Networking Roundtable

‘Where Present Day Business Practices will be Challenged to Leave Trailer Vestiges Behind, and Embrace the Future of Manufactured Housing ‘as housing’; and, Land-lease-lifestyle Communities, challenged likewise, to embrace their future as ‘lifestyle communities’!’ GFA

A SUGGESTION. Print off or copy this Blog Posting and cut Part III from it. Then, keep this Challenge Reminder handy, reflecting on it frequently during the next six months, and making notes of your thoughts. Finally, bring the Challenge Reminder & Your Reflections to Peachtree City, GA., 10-12 September 2014, when the ‘Manufactured Housing Public Discourse Impasse Ends’ during two sequential Keynote Presentations the morning of 11 September 2014, opening day of the 23rd annual International Networking Roundtable. That way, YOU will be prepared to participate in the First National Public Forum to parse and discuss the Future of Manufactured Housing & Land-lease-lifestyle Communities nationwide!

HOW will this First National Public Forum occur at the Networking Roundtable?

We’ve invited four veteran MHIndustry & LLLCommunity businessmen and women to serve as spokespersons, espousing opposing views relative to present day and anticipated future practices pertaining to manufactured housing on one hand, and land-lease-lifestyle communities on the other. It is unlikely there’ll be any ‘pat answers’ coming from these four keynote presentations cum public discussions. But one thing will be for certain; the issues identified and considered, will no longer be kept hidden from view, intentionally or otherwise, where MH and LLLCommunity aficionados are concerned! We’ll finally be able to – (But will we?) – move forward as an industry and realty asset class, far more in knowledge and control of our individual and collective futures than ever before.

How can YOU not want to be present when our ‘double dual industry*’ positions itself for a fresh start on’ 911 of year 2014’, when we turn our industry’s ‘five year shipment malaise’ into a Fresh Start as bona fide ‘housing’ and eminently desirable ‘lifestyle’!

Our friends and colleagues at MHARR & MHI are hereby invited to participate in this Community Owners (7 part) Business Alliance, or COBA7, hosted National Public Forum! To ensure your name is on the invitation list, phone the MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764 and request a registration brochure for the 23rd annual International Networking Roundtable: 10-12 September 2014, at the DOLCE Conference Center, Peachtree City, GA.

End Note:

* ‘double dual industry’ = ‘manufactured housing fabrication & delivery; land-lease-lifestyle community development & investment’

***

George Allen, CPM® & MHM®
Box # 47024, Indianapolis, IN. 46247
(317) 346-7156

Perspective. ‘Land-lease-lifestyle communities, a.k.a. manufactured home communities cum ‘mobile home parks’, comprise the real estate component of manufactured housing.’

Reason for this blog. ‘It’s the national advocacy voice, statistical research reporter, & communications resource for LLLCommunities, of all sizes, throughout North America!’

Input this blog & affiliate with the Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, a.k.a. ‘COBA7’, via Official MHIndustry Hotline: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764

Why I’m Not Attending the
Manufactured Housing Congress This Year

II.

‘Who Ya Gonna Call in 2014?’

III.

MH Public Discourse Impasse, to End
in Six Months at Networking Roundtable
_________________________________

Why I’m Not Attending the
Manufactured Housing Congress This Year

• Burned-out on Vegas, at least for this year. Maybe back next year…

II.

‘Who Ya Gonna Call in 2014?’

COBA7 Signature Series Resource Document, or SSRD, for April 2014

III.

MHPublic Discourse Impasse, to End
In Six Months at Networking Roundtable

HOW will this First National Public Forum occur at the Networking Roundtable?

End Note:

* ‘double dual industry’ = ‘manufactured housing fabrication & delivery; land-lease-lifestyle community development & investment’

***

George Allen, CPM® & MHM®
Box # 47024, Indianapolis, IN. 46247
(317) 346-7156

Comments (0)

March 23, 2014

Towards a New MH Zeitgeist! & COBA7’s Public Forum

Filed under: Uncategorized — George Allen @ 4:05 am

Perspective. ‘Land-lease-lifestyle communities, a.k.a. manufactured home communities cum ‘mobile home parks’, comprise the real estate component of manufactured housing.’

Reason for this blog. ‘It’s the national advocacy voice, statistical research reporter, & communications resource for LLLCommunities, of all sizes, throughout North America!’

Input this blog & affiliate with the Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance,
a.k.a. ‘COBA7’, via Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764

What Keeps Me Going as Your Ronin*

II.

Towards a New Manufactured Housing Zeitgeist

III.

23rd International Networking Roundtable to Host
First National Public Forum on Manufactured Housing & Land-lease-lifestyle Communities

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬-¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬———————————————————

What Keeps Me Going as Your Ronin*

“George…Please continue to write…You give excellent advice and are the most informed professional in our field!” a state legislator who owns a LLLCommunity

* ‘a covert operations specialist with no governmental ties’ In this case, focused on manufactured housing, land-lease-lifestyle communities, and affordable housing.

II.

Towards a New Manufactured Housing Zeitgeist

Zeitgeist = ‘the spirit of the time; the moral and intellectual thought of feeling characteristic of an age or period.’ The New American Dictionary

The old Zeitgeist hasn’t worked well since the dawn of the 21st century. And to this day, 13+ years later; some, if not many HUD-Code home manufacturers continue to fabricate to the ‘Big Box = Big Bucks’ mantra, shipping multisection or ‘developer series’ land & home package units designed to compete head-to-head with site builders. And we know how that’s turned out, during years 2009 thru 2013*. The new Zeitgeist? HUD-Code home manufacturers who ship as much as 50 percent of their production into land-lease-lifestyle communities (A.k.a. manufactured home communities) nationwide, helping fill an estimated 250,000 vacant rental homesites among the 50,000+/- properties nationwide.

*2009 = 49,789; 2010 = 50,046; 2011 = 51,606; 2012 = 54,881; and, 2013 = 60,288

The old Zeitgeist, where independent (street) MHRetailers (formerly ‘dealers’) and still, ‘company stores’ are concerned, has been and continues to be greatly influenced by the nature of oft changing characteristics of local housing markets. An estimated two thirds of the MHRetailers in business at the dawn of the 21st century are gone; in large part, due to the disappearance of easily accessible chattel capital to finance new home transactions going into LLLCommunities. The new Zeitgeist? 1) MHRetailers with access to real estate-secured capital, selling and contracting ‘land & home’ deals; 2) surviving MHRetailers who own/operate one or more LLLCommunities; and maybe, given the contemporary, oppressive finance regulatory environment, 3) some independent (street) MHRetailers now rely on LLLCommunity owners/operators – who sell new homes on-site, to screen prospective homebuyers (borrowers) for them, given the property staff’s less fettered ability to do so. (How many of you reading this knew that?)

The old Zeitgeist, where land-lease-lifestyle communities are concerned, is in near equal measure, ‘the way it was decades ago’, and ‘as different as night and day’ today, from what the business model used to be. Huh? That’s right. In the first instance, 85% of the approximately 50,000 LLLCommunities number 100 and fewer rental homesites apiece – and are frequently operated by absentee owners, second and third generation family members, and part-time managers. Result? For the most part, site occupancy rates continue to drop, some faster than others – and again, for the most part, these owners/managers have little-to-no-idea How To ‘Stop the $ Bleeding’ (i.e. By acquiring repo or used homes – which no longer exist; or, buy new ones – absorbing unfortunately intrinsic value depreciation, just to ‘get the homesite rent meter running’!) these days. The new Zeitgeist? Well, the remaining 15% of 50,000 LLLCommunities, for the most part, have been consolidated into one or another of the 500+/- known property portfolios. And here, ownership/management is generally not averse to buying new HUD-Code homes, even in bulk, especially the modest-sized Community Series Homes or CSH Models with durability-enhancing features; moving them on-site, setting them up – with porches, carports, skirting, etc., then selling them with profit margins ranging from ‘next to zero’ to ‘whatever the market will bear’! Financing? Usually an eclectic mix of self-finance models, using retained property earnings, local lenders, or private investor funds; one form or another of ‘captive finance’; and of late, one or another HUD-Code home manufacturers co-op finance program. And, frankly, there’ll be even more new, some troubling, Zeitgeist changes afoot in the not too distant future….

The old Zeitgeist, where national advocacy and trade representation is concerned? Just about anyone you talk to these days opines how both national advocacy bodies are now simply ‘lobbying presences’, and not ‘trade associations’, in the nation’s capitol. As such, they are providing little in the way of tangible data (beyond new home shipment volume and unit pricing comparisons) for any segment of the manufactured housing industry, other than home manufacturers. The new Zeitgeist? Outsourcing of needed tangible products and services. How so? Read on….

III.

23rd International Networking Roundtable Hosts

First National Public Forum on Manufactured Housing & Land-lease-lifestyle Communities!

You read that right! FINALLY, national housing and investment real estate authorities have proposed a national public forum, to discuss the present circumstances & future prospects of the manufactured housing industry and LLLCommunities nationwide.

Two keynote program topics have been suggested to Networking Roundtable planners:

• Future of HUD-Code manufactured housing to be ‘as housing’, OR status quo, with ‘trailer trappings’ or vehicular titling, chattel capital financing, use tax?

• Future of land-lease-lifestyle communities to be ‘as new hybrid of housing types, financing, and taxes-, OR status quo, as unchanged real estate investment?

So, do YOU want to be part of this inaugural national public discussion regarding the present day circumstances and future prospects of manufactured housing and land-lease-lifestyle communities? If so, ensure your name and contact information is on the invitation list maintained by the Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, or COBA7, hosts of this year’s 23rd annual International Networking Roundtable. To do so, simply phone the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764.

If YOU, or someone you know, is qualified, experienced, and motivated to prepare material, and talk on either or both these pithy topics, and would like to be considered as a presenter, please let me know ASAP. (317) 346-7156.

***

George Allen, CPM & MHM
Box # 47024, Indpls, IN. 46247
(317) 346-7156

Comments (0)

March 16, 2014

MHLeader Praise/Castigated & Politics as Usual…

Filed under: Uncategorized — George Allen @ 4:27 am

Perspective. ‘Land-lease-lifestyle communities, a.k.a. manufactured home communities cum ‘mobile home parks’, comprise the real estate component of manufactured housing.’

Reason for this blog. ‘It’s the national advocacy voice, statistical research reporter, & communication resource for LLLCommunities, of all sizes, throughout North America!’

Input this blog & affiliate with the Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, a.k.a. ‘COBA7’, via Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764

INDUSTRY LEADER PRAISED & CASTIGATED

II.

‘DC & MHPolitics as Usual’ + Some Taint this Time

III.

Unfortunate Quote of the Week!

IV.

An Important Reminder for All!

INDUSTRY LEADER PRAISED & CASTIGATED
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
Surely you recall the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (‘MHARR’) ad featured in The Journal, the Allen Letter, and in last week’s blog posting at this website. Well, it’s Five Bullet Points of content spawned a plethora of positive responses and only one negative online response.

By way of review, here’re the Five Bullet Points of content in the MHARR ad:

• Full and appropriate HUD implementation of the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000. After 13+ years, the MHIA@2000 continues to be ‘a work in progress’, though some more accurately opine, ‘a work in regress’!

• Full implementation of the Duty to Serve (underserved markets), including the securitization of chattel loans.

• Full inclusion by Congress, of all manufactured housing loans in any housing finance reform legislation, e.g. GSE reform; through clear, definitive and mandatory language

• Full and unrestricted homebuyer access, nationwide, to the financing sources and providers of their choice

• Full acceptance of manufactured housing by states, cities, and localities

Once again – there you have it! If YOU agree with this proposed manufactured housing industry agenda, featuring Five Key Priorities, for year 2014, then get in touch with Danny Ghorbani via (202) 783-4087, and volunteer to help achieve these worthy goals!

So, what have blog floggers (readers) been saying about this heady matter during the past seven days? Here’s a lightly edited sampling of email messages received via this website, in response to the Five Bullet Points:

From a portfolio owner/operator of land-lease-lifestyle communities: “Danny’s understanding of the problems in the manufactured housing industry is as focused as a Marine Corps sniper! His extensive experience in the industry makes him the best qualified association executive to monitor issues and propose solutions that only Washington can effect. Right now he gets my support and my Vote of Thanks for all he does. If/when MHARR opens its’ membership to other segments of the MHIndustry, he’ll also get my check!”

From a recently retired HUD-Code manufactured housing executive. “I like Ghorbani’s (Five Point) challenge, since it leaves that which is pertinent to Free Enterprise, to Free Enterprise; and that which is better handled by trade associations, to association executives. Well conceived for sure George. I will enjoy watching folk jump onto Danny’s bandwagon!”

And from a veteran real estate investor with ties to the manufactured housing industry: “I’m an active reader of your blog. You have my respect for staying on course and continuing to state your case as an advocate for LLLCommunities! This particular blog is very encouraging, bringing two things to mind. First, are Danny Ghorbani’s thoughts, intentions, and agenda truly supportive of the broader manufactured housing industry? Secondly, has anyone identified an industry leader/practitioner to be a unifying volunteer point person to lead this initiative forward? Hope this is really the beginning of a move forward.”

The last several sentences in the previous paragraph prompt this commentary:

Yes, Danny is supportive of the MHIndustry, and he’s the sole contemporary salaried MHLeader in Washington, DC. with ‘more than a couple years experience in the industry & its land-lease-lifestyle community asset class’, like 35+ years! So, it’s understandable he’s viewed by many businessmen and women throughout the industry and its’ segments, to be the consensus leader ‘rallying the industry’ via aforementioned ad – and evidently, more to follow!

However, a brewing controversy, underlying the recent appointment of a ‘career’ Administrator for the Office of Manufactured Housing Programs within HUD, is being exaggerated to distraction level, by one element of the online press. Part II of this week’s blog posting summarizes the known circumstances surrounding the subject appointment. It’s too early to tell what effect this appointment may or may not have on the industry.

II.

‘DC & MH Politics as Usual’ + some Taint this Time

During years 2012 and 2013, HUD was pressured to name and seat a ‘non-career’ Administrator for the Office of Manufactured Housing Programs.

At the time, the Manufactured Housing Institute’s apparent applicant of choice was ‘direct, dues-paying member’, Pamela Beck Danner, esquire. Ms. Danner, during 2012 & 2013, was the principal of her law firm, Danner & Associates, domiciled in McLean, VA. And during early December 2012, she garnered the express support of Virginia Senator Mark R. Warner, for the ‘non-career’ admin position at HUD.

The Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform had, as its’ applicant of choice, Victor DeRose, esquire – not a member of either MHARR or MHI! Victor, an Indianapolis, IN., resident, is the son of the late manufactured housing industry pioneer, and Class of 1988 RV/MH Hall of Fame member, Robert DeRose. During early July 2013, Vic received the written recommendation of Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly, for the ‘non-career’ admin position at HUD.

In the meantime, during late 2012 and early 2013, the notoriously ‘on again – off again’ coalition between MHI and MHARR reportedly agreed on Victor DeRose, esquire, as consensus applicant for the (still) ‘non-career’ position of administrator for the Office of Manufactured Housing Programs at HUD.

Then something troublesome happened! Midway thru 2013, the job title ‘non-career’ administrator for the Office of Manufactured Housing Programs was abruptly changed 180 degrees, (‘Due to the influence of & or by whom?’ This is ‘the core question’ awaiting an answer!) to that of ‘career’ administrator! Hmm. Reflect on the implication(s) of making such a major shift from ‘non-career’ to ‘career’ orientation…

Why is this ‘much-more-than-semantics-change-of-title’ important? Here’re three important reasons couched as questions:

1) Was said change effected in accords with, or in conflict with, provisions of the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000?

2) Doesn’t said change negate the presumed autonomy of a ‘non-career’ person functioning in this sensitive and important position, versus a ‘career’ administrator, necessarily responsive to superiors within the Department of Housing and Urban Development?

3) Of the two perspectives, autonomous ‘non-career’ administrator, or governed ‘career’ administrator, which is Best for the manufactured housing industry?

That second question/point, relative to an administrator ‘being subject to influences’ or not, is underscored, some say ‘tainted’, as the president & CEO of MHI publicly boasts:

“…The selection of an excellent candidate to fill this important role is a major accomplishment for MHI and our members.” 3/6/2014. Emphasis added. GFA. In my opinion, this was and is an unwise, unnecessary, biased signal, to the new ‘career’ administrator’s handlers at HUD. Hence the apt title to Part II of this blog posting: ‘DC & MHPolitics as usual + some Taint This Time.’

In closing Part II of today’s blog posting, here’s another email quote submitted by a land-lease-lifestyle community owner, penned after reading the WELCOME letter Danny Ghorbani sent to Pam Danner, esquire, congratulating her on her appointment as ‘career’ administrator at HUD.

“I see nothing wrong with Danny’s Welcome. My one sentence summary? ‘Looking forward to working with you on issues your predecessors wouldn’t/didn’t tackle.’ Danny does a great job following and reporting on issues in DC, that many of us ‘in the field’ don’t and can’t follow. He’s a GREAT asset to the industry!”

This blog posting is a helpful summary of the ‘non-career’ cum ‘career’ applicant cum administrator imbroglio of the past 12 to 24 months. And sad to say, the matter will not be fully settled until these two core questions are answered: 1) ‘Due to the influence of and or by whom’ was this autonomy-stifling change in job title and independent performance made? And, 2) Is the damage irreparable, or can/should it be corrected (i.e. ‘Non-career administrator autonomy restored’) for the good of the manufactured housing industry in general, and full implementation of MHIA@2000 in particular?

III

Unfortunate Quote of the Week!

“We’re the Dollar General Store of Housing.” Rolfe said, adding, with an amiable grin, “If you can’t afford anything else, then you’ll live with us.”

The above ‘unfortunate quote of the week’ is taken from the very end of a lengthy ‘trailer-park business’ expose, titled ‘The Cold, Hard Lessons of Mobile Home U.’, by Gary Rivlin, writing for The New York Times, March 13, 2014. The 12 page article describes, in detail, the land-lease-lifestyle community business model boasted by property portfolio owners/operators Frank Rolfe and Dave Reynolds.

If you think you recognize one of the names, you probably do. Frank Rolfe is a longtime columnist for the manufactured housing industry’s last surviving print tabloid, The Journal. And during late 2013, Frank Rolfe was a featured presenter at the Manufactured Housing Institute’s inaugural National Communities Council Fall Leadership Forum, held in downtown Chicago. Nuff said. To read the entire article ‘google’ Investigative Fund Nation Institute.

IV.

An Important Reminder for All!

An Important Reminder for all land-lease-lifestyle community owners/operators. For a list, by name and home office state or province, of 167 of the known 500+/- LLLCommunity portfolio owners/operators in North America, along with the realty asset class’ benchmark operating statistics – including those of the three REITs (real estate investment trusts), purchase the 25th anniversary edition of the ALLEN REPORT. It’s available for $544.95 from PMN Publishing, via the Official MHIndustry HOTLINE: (877) MFD-HSNG or 633-4764. And when you order the ALLEN REPORT, you’ll also receive an annual subscription to the popular Allen Letter professional journal, be affiliated with the Community Owners (7 Part) Business Alliance, or COBA7, and recipient of the 16th National Registry of Lenders (real estate-secured & chattel capital), ‘Who Ya Gonna Call in 2014?’ directory of 40+ freelance MHIndustry consultants, and 10 more Signature Series Resource Documents, or SSRDs, ‘not available from any other source in North America!’

***

George Allen, CPM & MHM
Box # 47024, Indpls, IN. 46247
(317) 346-7156.

Comments (0)

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