Every dark day, every challenge, is just an opportunity in disguise

EP Magazine 11

The newest book is called America’s Legends and Leaders, Stories that Made Us to Inspire YOU to Live Your Dreams. It profiles internationally acclaimed Americans – legends in sports, entertainment (like Oprah Winfrey), sales champions, business icons, and self-help authors like Jack Canfield. Along with the famous names the book includes lesser-known names of people who are recognized leaders in their communities. Chimene says the one thing these diverse leaders and legends share is their personal life philosophy. It begins with a state of mind, the desire and confidence to make a better life for yourself and your fellow man.

Chimene has also often appeared as a speaking guest on the radio. Close Up Radio, a blog talk show that profiles business leaders, invited Chimene to be part of its Women Making a Difference in America series. She was also on another blog channel that is strictly about talking real estate.

Chimene has also written blogs for the online magazine Think Realty. One was about understanding the 3 M’s: mobile, manufactured, and modular.

In addition to these media, Chimene was asked to speak in front of the television camera. The PBS Show American Health Journal featured her in an episode about senior health, discussing the psychological benefits of life in a mobile home community. They deliberate factors like socialization and walking that impact seniors’ physical and emotional well-being.

Chimene is in the process of filming another segment for American Health Journal that will air 2020 - 2021. This one focuses on living longer and again stresses how beneficial life in a mobile home community can be.

Chimene is also a major presence on social media. You can find her engaging image everywhere. One specific site is on YouTube, where she hosts a series of free videos like How to Start Investing in Mobile Homes with no Experience Required. There is also a subscriber channel that has more than 80 short educational videos about real estate, investing, and driving your own destiny. A quick peek and you’ll notice video testimonials of people saying what an amazing coach Chimene has been for their new, more independent future.

A Multi-Dimensional Woman

While Chimene has often been in the spotlight for her success principles and leadership drive, there is much more to her—the womanly side that expresses itself as a wife, a mother, and a caretaker for children everywhere.

Chimene has always been a devoted mother, from the dark days with her first husband who was emotionally unavailable, to the days of birthing and nurturing her youngest.

EP Magazine 13 “There was quite a difference in their ages and when my now 8-year old was a newborn, my eldest was 16. I made sure the older ones understood the babies were not their responsibility. I took care of them all, with help from Chad, who is an amazing and involved father. They all share a special bond and it is a delight to watch them play or cuddle and realize how close they are.”

After years of lacking attention—from her parents, extended family and first husband—Chimene finally has a true partner. Chimene loves to do activities with her family now. They go on nature hikes, and ride horseback. With her husband, she also rides motorcycles. They love to dress up for parties, especially at holidays, like Halloween and Christmas.

Chimene has a big heart for other children too, especially ones who may have been abused or neglected, or ended up in foster care (as she once was). She does a lot of volunteer work with Guardians of the Children (GOC) and was Chair of their Hill Country Texas Chapter for almost five years. GOC’s mission is to recognize and react to child abuse and educate the public to do the same. They act as advocates and provide support to families in crisis, offering strength, love, and hope to the children. They serve as guardians and friends when the children go to court to testify, which can be a most stressful time.

“I have a deep love for children, and this is just one of the ways it shows up,” Chimene notes.

The Real Estate Market in a Brave New Era

When COVID struck in Spring 2020, people went on lockdown, and many industries shuttered with it. But not real estate. Of course, people had to learn to do things in new ways, like show properties via flyers or virtually on platforms like Zoom.

EP Magazine 14

According to a Forbes article on the economy and this industry, realty took some hits. Hotels and Air B & B reservations froze. Agents were torn between going out and doing their job or staying home to try and stem the disease. Malls and shopping centers stood empty. The article also remarked “Real Estate is a long-term investment, so one can’t get stuck in a short-term view. Empty nesters will still look to downsize and resettle. People who are serious about buying might have to shift their timelines for a couple of months, but they will still buy.”

Chimene has always promoted mobile homes and said they were recession-proof. She says they still are. The new world of 2020 proves this: mobile home sales did not suffer, as a matter of fact they are up 80% in recent months. One reason is that people whose big homes were foreclosed on looked for more affordable places to dwell. People from the hard-hit Tri-State Area thought about how crowds and public transportation impacted the disease and wanted to move to more suburban settings. Many chose the South, because of warmer temperatures and different tax regulations that make it easier on a retiree.

Chimene emphasizes that “a home is a basic life need—food, clothing, and shelter— not a desire. People want something affordable and safe and mobile homes are often the answer. Demand will only go up from here.”

A Role Model for us All

Chimene Van Gundy is a guru who recognized that affordable housing was disappearing. During the past fifteen to twenty years, as the cost of living kept rising, wages have remained flat and sometimes even declined. Mobile homes and manufactured housing just may be the last hope for those who seek homes that are both affordable and well crafted; for people who want to live in areas that are safe and suited to a quality family life. With her perceptive mind, Chimene knows mobile homes are a viable solution to the various problems that face people across America.

Chimene is someone from whom we can all learn great life lessons. She had the smarts and drive to recognize opportunity when it came along-- and to seize it with both hands. She has the intellect and energy to keep exploring new business opportunities, such as holiday homes abroad and mobile home parks in new areas of Florida or Texas. Chimene has risen from a tough childhood and not only survived but thrived. Today she readily shares her story and success secrets with others. She has helped hundreds while making millions. This all makes her royalty; a Queen in spirit as well as in name.