This Week in Manufactured Housing News: October 8th-12th, 2018
From new programs aimed at helping senior citizens stay in their manufactured housing, to storm preparedness reminders for those pre-fab homeowners in Hurricane Michael’s path, it was a busy week in the world of manufactured housing news. Here are some of the top headlines. (And from Florida to North Carolina, we’re keeping those communities impacted by Hurricane Michael in our thoughts.)
Safety First! WISNews out of Columbia, South Carolina called upon the Manufactured Housing Institute of South Carolina to help provide hurricane safety tips for individuals living in manufactured housing across the state. (One out of every five South Carolinians lives in a pre-fab home.)
Do Pre-Fab Homes Increase Homeownership Numbers? You Betcha. In Durango, Colorado, a new non-profit, HomesFirst, is offering lower-income individuals a new way to finance the purchase of their manufactured home.
Are Simpler Financing Options on the Horizon? In an interview with Scotsmans Guide, Lesli Gooch of the Manufactured Housing Institute reflects on the current state of manufactured home financing and what she hopes the future will bring. “We believe the federal government should be supportive of affordable homeownership, and manufactured housing is a key element of that affordability,” she notes. “We provide a product that should be supported because it is the more entry-level affordable housing.”
A Bright Future in the Sunshine State. In Florida, two Sarasota County manufactured home parks sold for a whopping $165 million last week. Both communities, which are geared toward retirees, come with a host of amenities like swimming pools and recreational centers. (Where do I sign up?)
An “Underrepresented Affordable Housing Option.” Like so much of the Pacific Northwest, Ashland, Oregon is experiencing a severe shortage of affordable housing. One answer? Manufactured homes. This piece from the Ashland Daily Tidings explores the current need—and how to potentially fill it.
California SB 1130 Becomes Law. Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a new ordinance aimed at helping senior citizens and disabled individuals stay in their manufactured homes. “Programs to help keep our most vulnerable constituents in their homes shouldn’t discriminate based on what type of home they can afford. It is critical for California to consider manufactured homes in these property tax programs, especially now while California has faced an onslaught of natural disasters,” said Vice Chair of the California State Board of Equalization Fiona Ma, CPA.
