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Industry Happenings

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Upcoming Events

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sales

42 ‘Find the Right Fit’ Sales Strategy service supplier

46 Manufactured Housing Gains Vertical Anchoring For Added Stability

community

17 Wisconsin Project Aims to Become Nation’s First ‘Dementia Village’

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20 Work Smarter, Not Harder show guide

25

ichigan Hits New Strides in Bringing M ‘Homes to the People’

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52 A New Policy Era 2026 Louisville Show Guide

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56 When It Comes to Ordering Homes, Location is Everything

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62 MH Poems, Songs, Narratives

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Letter from the Publisher Welcome to 2026 A Historic Year

T

here is a lot to celebrate this year, highlighted, of course, by the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation.

There are several different names for such an anniversary — semiquincentennial, sestercentennial, bisesquicentennial, quarter millennial — under any of which lies the historic growth and prominence of a great nation with grand ideals.

Among those grand ideals is the “American Dream,” and its basis in fundamental American opportunities, like the dream of homeownership, and the stability, investment, and freedoms that come with it.

This is part of the manufactured housing industry’s story, too. Fifty years ago, our contributions to that “American Dream” became the first and only federally administered housing code. Throughout the subsequent decades, homes built in a factory have become more sophisticated and more diverse. The industry, and the value it creates, are needed today more than ever.

Stakeholders in Washington, across the states, and down to the county level are beginning to get a much clearer picture of how factory-built homes can be the solution to so many difficult challenges. As the days, weeks, and years roll by (all 250 of them!), the industry’s builders, community owners, and service providers hold in their hands the future of housing, from coast to coast and border to border.

Yes, manufactured housing professionals, you’ve been knocking on a lot of doors for a long time, and more and more of those doors are opening.

The greeting is a sweet refrain. “Welcome, please help. The American Dream depends on it.”

Patrick Revere is vice president of communications at MHVillage and publisher for the MHInsider magazine and blogs. His background is in print news, language, and communication.

4 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

VOLUME 9, EDITION 1 2026 JANUARY FEBRUARY MHInsider.com PUBLISHER Patrick Revere | patrick@mhvillage.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Merit Kathan | merit@mhvillage.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR George Allen | gfa7156@aol.com EDITORS Dawn Highhouse | dawn@mhvillage.com, Sean Vichinsky | sean@mhvillage.com CONTRIBUTORS Nick Bertino | Suzanne Felber | Darren Krolewski Cesar Mascorro, Jr. | Tony Petosa COVER IMAGES Courtesy of Lisa Stewart, Franklin Home at Palm Harbor San Antonio, and Basic Components ADVERTISING SALES (877) 406-0232 advertise@mhvillage.com Have Industry News, Events, or Editorial Content You'd Like to Share?

Contact our Publisher, Patrick Revere at (616) 888-6994 or patrick@mhvillage.com MHInsider™ is published by:

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Although we make every effort to ensure that the information in this issue was correct before publication, MHVillage, Inc. the publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Opinions expressed are those of the author or persons quoted and not necessarily those of MHInsider or the publisher MHVillage, Inc. Copyright ©2026 MHVillage, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of MHInsider content, MHI or other contributor content, in part or in whole, is prohibited without written authorization from MHVillage, Inc.

manufactured housing

Industry Happenings TRANSACTIONS Clayton Signs Exclusive Deal with Lighting Company Clayton Home Building Group has entered an exclusive partnership with Visual Comfort & Co., a top name in decorative and architectural lighting. The collaboration leverages the strengths of two trusted brands that are committed to providing homeowners with high-quality, thoughtfully designed homes. Visual Comfort has been a provider of lighting solutions for Clayton's sitebuilt homes, and through the new exclusive agreement, that same level of trend-forward, beautifully crafted, and seamlessly integrated lighting will be in Clayton's modern manufactured homes. Each Clayton national product line will feature a thoughtfully curated selection of Visual Comfort & Co. lighting options to help customers personalize their homes. "The continued partnership with Visual Comfort & Co. is a true collaboration built on our shared commitment to quality, design, and innovation," Clayton Home Building Group CEO Keith Holdbrooks said. "We're excited to feature Visual Comfort & Co.'s beautifully crafted lighting in our modern manufactured homes, offering all Clayton homeowners a refined decorative lighting aesthetic that elevates every space."

UMH Properties Buys Georgia Community UMH Properties has acquired a manufactured home community on 43 acres in Albany, Georgia. The transaction price was reported at $2.6 million. The community, Albany Dunes, has 130 homesites and is 32 percent occupied. Sam Landy, the president and CEO of UMH, said the company is pleased to expand its footprint in Georgia. “This community is less than two miles

6 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

from our Opportunity Zone Fund’s existing Georgia community, Mighty Oak, which should create efficiencies in our operation.”

FG Purchases North Carolina Community FG Communities has acquired a property in Candler, North Carolina. The community has 51 homesites on more than eight acres. It is the third property FG has purchased in the market, which is just west of Asheville. The region has experienced strong population growth in recent years, driving steady increases in real estate values. The Candler manufactured housing community offers residents an affordable solution. “We’re pleased to add another community in Candler, an area we expect will continue to experience strong long-term growth. Having multiple communities nearby also allows us to enhance operational efficiency across our portfolio,” FG Communities CEO Michael Anise said.

OptoFidelity Technology Enhances Assurant’s Ability to Maximize Highvalue Device Refurbishment, Resale Assurant, Inc., an insurance provider that safeguards and services connected devices, homes, and automobiles has acquired the portfolio of mobile device test automation technology from OptoFidelity, a provider of optical metrology systems for mobile devices. Assurant’s continued deployment of OptoFidelity’s device testing solutions across its Device Care Centers underscores its commitment to operational excellence. The company said its strategic acquisition of a leading automation technology portfolio reinforces Assurant’s focus on investing in technologies that enhance efficiency, accelerate delivery, and create greater value for its partners. “Speed and accuracy are critical in device processing, repair, and refurbishment. With the seamless integration of OptoFidelity’s mobile device test automation technology, we can re-purpose a greater volume of devices, with enhanced precision and efficiency, all in-house,” Assurant Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Brandon Johnson said. “As the certified pre-owned

industrynews device market rapidly grows, this acquisition positions us to meet rising demand, uphold our high-quality standards, and drive greater circularity by reusing devices from trade-in and other sources for our partners.”

the potential to add 85 lots at the Seymour MHC and the occupancy upside potential for the three Greater Cincinnati MHCs, we expect these acquisitions to be highly desirable home-ownership options that will also add value for unitholders.”

Flagship Communities Purchases Four Properties Flagship Communities has acquired four manufactured housing communities in a pair of portfolios, one in Indiana and another in Ohio. A Seymour, Indiana, property was purchased for approximately $45 million. The three-park portfolio is in the Cincinnati metro area and was purchased for $34 million. The Seymour property has 744 homesites, and the community is more than 90 percent occupied. The three Ohio properties have a combined 496 homesites, and are located in Cleves, New Richmond, and Morrow. “These strategic acquisitions expand Flagship’s presence in our key markets… enabling us to generate economies of scale and operational synergies,” Flagship President and CEO Kurt Keeney said. “Through the installation of new amenities and

Marcus & Millichap Brokers Community Transaction in Coastal Florida Marcus & Millichap arranged the sale of Suncoast Estates, a portfolio that includes a 95-unit community near North Fort Myers, Florida. The asset sold for $6.1 million. “The sale represented over 20 years of the seller’s efforts acquiring individual mobile home and land assets through foreclosures and auctions,” said Dillon Majeski, who works in associate investments at Marcus & Millichap’s Fort Lauderdale office. “Because of the complexity involved in selling a portfolio of this size, the seller trusted our experience to represent their best interests and we were able to successfully complete the sale.” The sale includes more than 44 acres of land, 89 mobile homes, and six site-built, single-family homes across 87 parcels. The properties total about �

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industrynews 78,912 square feet, with an average unit size of 830 square feet.

All 95 units are located within a few miles of each other, creating management efficiencies and operational scale.

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Florida Group Purchases Iowa Community A property transaction that includes a manufactured home community, Pleasant Hill, in Polk County, Iowa, has been purchased by a group from Clearwater, Florida, records show.

Pleasant Valley LE purchased Pleasant Valley FMHC for $11.5 million. The property is about 30 acres, and includes 140 homesites, garages, and a storage facility.

PERSONNEL FMHA Names New CEO The Florida Manufactured Housing Association, with the pending retirement of longtime executive Jim Ayotte, has named John R. Ricco as the organization’s new CEO. Ricco has more than three decades of experience in association work, including a recent position of vice president and chief staff executive for Partners Association Management where he provided proactive leadership on legislative, regulatory, and legal issues. “We are excited to tap into John’s innovative ideas for FMHA and make use of his extensive leadership skills working with other associations,” said Eric Zimmerman, FMHA president and CEO for Murex Properties. “We are confident that John’s vision and expertise will guide FMHA and our industry into its next phase of growth and success. I want to thank the members of the search committee for all their hard work in finding the right candidate.” In his new role, Ricco will focus on government advocacy and relations, board and member relations, and organizational strategy. He will also oversee membership growth and education through conventions, seminars, and training. “I’m very excited to be part of FMHA. I have some big shoes to fill, but I’m up for the challenge,” Ricco said.

Cavco Industries Appoints New Board Member Cavco Industries, Inc. has appointed Lisa L. Daniels as an independent director on the company’s board. Daniels is the former vice chair of growth and strategy for KPMG LLP. She has been a member of the executive team, and is a former board member of the KPMG Political Action Committee. KPMG is a leading �

industrynews U.S. professional services firm providing audit, tax, and advisory services. In her position as independent director, Daniels will also be appointed to the company’s audit and corporate governance and nominating committees. “We are excited to welcome Lisa to our board,” Cavco President and CEO Bill Boor said.

“Lisa brings over 35 years of experience in professional services. As a seasoned C-suite executive, experienced board director, and financial expert, she’s been successful in growing revenue, breaking into new markets, and navigating complex challenges at KPMG. Her analytical thinking and understanding of financial, regulatory, and technology-related risks and controls make her a great addition.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know her during the process and know she’ll fit well with our board and company culture.”

INDUSTRY HONORS Clayton-Savannah, TRU Homes of Alabama Honored

by State Association The Arkansas Manufactured Housing Association, at its annual meeting and convention, named Clayton-Savannah, in Savannah, Tennessee, as its Manufacturer of the Year. “The AMHA Achievement Awards recognize companies and individuals which have demonstrated dedicated service and unwavering support to the factory-built housing industry in Arkansas and to those Arkansas families that choose manufactured homes as their source of affordable home ownership. Clayton-Savannah and its personnel have shown outstanding support and commitment to the industry and the association in Arkansas over the past year.,” AMHA Executive Director J.D. Harper

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said. “It is truly fitting that the company was selected to receive the organization’s 2025 Manufacturer of the Year award,” Harper said. Cody Bowen, from TRU Homes of Alabama, was named Factory Sales Representative of the Year, A&R Mobile Home Supply of Cabot was awarded Supplier of the Year, and Wilson Homes of Arkansas, in Searcy, won Retail Sales Center of the Year, each for their hard work supporting the industry in the state and throughout the region.

IN MEMORIAM RV, MH Industries Mourn Loss of Visionary Leader RV and manufactured housing industry entrepreneur Dave Hoefer, Sr., the founder of several influential companies, died Oct. 24. He was 82.

Mr. Hoefer held key leadership positions with Coachmen Industries Inc., Carriage Inc., Gulf Stream Coach Inc., and Friendship Homes.

He was a co-founder of Dutchmen Manufacturing Inc., Four Winds International Corp., now owned by Thor, Hart Housing, which is now Clayton Wakarusa, and Dutch Housing. “Dave was known for ambitious visions and consumer improvements,” his son Charles Hoefer, chairman and CEO of Hoefer Group LLC, said. “His Dutchmen concept changed the RV industry’s standards and manufacturing practices.” MHV

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EVENTS

LOUISVILLE MANUFACTURED HOUSING SHOW Wednesday, Jan. 14 — Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 Louisville, Ky. | Kentucky Exposition Center The Louisville Manufactured Housing Show is the nation’s largest indoor show for manufactured home professionals. The annual gathering is organized by the Midwest Manufactured Housing Federation, supported by the state associations of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio. The show brings out an array of new manufactured home designs, the latest in technology, the best in supplier offerings, and a look at all of the newest amenities and offsite-built options.

TEXCO 2026 Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 Woodlands, Texas. | The Woodlands Waterway TexCo brings together community owners, operators, and industry partners for a one-day conference focused on the future of manufactured home communities in Texas. Through concise sessions, attendees will gain insights from experts across key areas shaping our industry — Risk and Resilience, Market and Economy, Policy and Regulation, and Innovation and Operations — all aimed at helping an organization strengthen operations and expand in today’s evolving market. The event also features engaging exhibits and receptions, giving attendees more opportunities to learn and gain industry insights.

MHI WINTER MEETING Monday, Feb. 16 — Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 Atlanta | JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead Hosted each February, the MHI Winter Leadership Roundtable is the first MHI members-only event of the year.

This program brings together MHI members to hear from industry experts on topics relevant to a broad group of manufactured housing professionals. Event sessions are followed by an open forum.

14 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW Tuesday, Feb. 17 — Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 Orlando | Orange County Convention Center The NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) is the premier global annual event to connect, educate, and improve the residential construction industry. It is a hub for new product launches, construction demonstrations, industry thoughtleader sessions, home tours, workshops, and panel discussions.

Manufactured home and modular home professionals will showcase their products and services in the convention center and in the outdoor village.

BILOXI MANUFACTURED HOUSING SHOW Monday, March 16 — Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Biloxi, Miss. | IP Casino Resort and Spa The South Central Manufactured Housing Institute hosts the Biloxi Show each year for manufactured housing professionals. It is North America’s largest indoor/outdoor manufactured home trade show, featuring an outdoor village with nearly 50 homes on display, an impressive indoor exhibit hall that showcases the newest features from industry suppliers, as well as educational training to help build a business.

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Wisconsin Project Aims to Become Nation’s First ‘Dementia Village’

A

By Patrick Revere

rural patch of land in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, is being transformed into what local organizers hope will be the nation’s first dementia village — a residential neighborhood designed so people living with dementia can “live as usual” while receiving on-site support.

Livasu, pronounced “Li-VAY-Su”, will be built on nearly 80 acres with a plan for 124 individually owned, adaptable homes arranged around a village center with amenities intended to serve homeowners and welcome the wider public. Amenities are to include a restaurant, grocery store, theater, gym, spa, hobby spaces, and walking paths.

The community will have round-the-clock care available, including on-site support staff. Livasu will not look to replace or add health care services, but will be intentional about giving the residents privacy, independence, and family life while providing caregiving services.

‘Living As Usual’ Mary Pitsch, co-founder of Dementia Innovations, said after years of working with county residents — helping to improve public understanding and helping to improve the lives of families impacted by dementia — that she felt there was a lot more to be done. She initiated a public-private partnership focused on dementia crisis situations that then led to the idea for Livasu, a derivation of the phrase “Living as usual.” There were many county residents looking for help with continuing to manage their current lives in unison with managing the cognitive changes.

Too many people were left to manage on their own because they weren’t ready for a residential care facility, she said.

“We just weren’t doing a great job as a county responding to the needs of a segment of our population,” Pitsch said. “We changed how we look at those crisis responses. We did a lot of training and �

MHINSIDER.COM 17

community changed our emergency protocols. But we knew more could be dedicated to solving a community need. In addition, I am proud done. How do we change these situations from even happening?” of Cavco-Dorchester and North Country Homes for taking on The answer was by looking at the environment in which the a project that required a good deal of energy, thoughtfulness, person with dementia was living. and hard work to make these homes tailored to meet the needs Organizers say the Sheboygan County village shares concepts of those with dementia.” of care with a successful dementia-friendly commuTodd Metz from Cavco, said The Ivy is set to serve nity in Europe — the Hogeweyk village in the as the community’s model home and as an ofNetherlands — and is intended as an alternafice. Site preparation, including extensive “We knew what we tive to traditional institutional settings. construction, has been underway since wanted.

We wanted Pitsch said the focus is to foster a resithe fall of 2025, he said. something that feels like dent’s abilities rather than disabilities.

The goal is to have 20 homes a regular neighborhood, “We started putting ideas toready for the spring/summer of gether. We knew what we wanted.

2026. In all, the community will but one for people with We wanted something that feels have more than 120 homes with dementia,” she said. like a regular neighborhood, but a combination of single-section “It gives them an environment one for people with dementia,” she and multi-section homes. that allows the residents said. “It gives them an environment “Many entities would have to take some risk.” that allows the person with dementia walked away because it was some-Mary Pitsch, co-founder of Dementia Innovations to take some risk.” thing new and different,” Bliss said.

Backers say the village model allows people “In this case, the industry stepped with cognitive impairment to keep routines, relaup and found a way to support this tionships, and dignity while reducing the need for restrictive cause. I wish all industry members started with a yes when preinterventions. Integrating public amenities and encouraging sented with unique projects such as this.” interaction with the broader community will normalize the “It was all about how we could get the most benefit,” Pitsch lives of those living with dementia and offer family members said. “We wanted to create good walking paths, but in a tighter new choices for long-term living arrangements, including alarea. It is winter here much of the year, so longer walks aren’t lowing couples to remain together, a frequent challenge in great and we wanted be realistic about how much of the propconventional memory-care settings. erty would need to be maintained through seasonal weather.”

The Livasu plan grew out of local collaboration that began with a 2018 Dementia Crisis Task Force in Sheboygan County.

Why A Village?

That grassroots partnerships included law enforcement, emerA conceptual site plan circulated by the group shows concengency medical services, social workers, hospital personnel, and tric neighborhoods, a centralized village hub, and barrier-free the county 911 emergency call center. grounds designed for small, familiar routes, and community inThis partnership evolved into a non-profit model, Dementia teraction. The homes — all manufactured homes — are owned Innovations, where the mission is education, community colby the resident and made adaptable to changing needs. laboration, and supporting a “dignity of risk” lifestyle for people The $13 million development is being funded through a capliving with dementia. ital campaign, lining up partners that include regional banks, The Wisconsin Housing Alliance is one of the partners foundations, architects, and builders. in the project.

The village concept has personal roots for many involved.

“Our logo and tag line says ‘The Voice of Factory-Built Organizers and early supporters frequently cite family caregivHousing.’ With groups like Dementia Innovations utilizing ing experiences as motivation. Jim Holmes, whose wife Patti died manufactured housing in their projects, we don’t need to speak after a long struggle with dementia, told reporters that the idea as loudly,” Wisconsin Housing Alliance Executive Director of letting people remain “free to do whatever they want” helped Amy Bliss said. “I am so proud of Mary and her team of people inspire the project. Local news coverage has highlighted multiple

18 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

families and volunteers who say they want better alternatives for their loved ones than the options they have encountered.

Community buildings, infrastructure, a model home, and new resident homes all began coming into Livasu at the end of 2025 and will continue through the year.

“We are building a part of a larger community the same way people build libraries and other community spaces,” Pitsch said.

“We are really trying to change the culture for how we care for people with dementia. We’re trying to be as flexible as we can be for the homeowners.” MHV

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Work Smarter, Not Harder

By Suzanne Felber

S

marter, not harder. That is a phrase my photographer loves to remind me of when I make 10 trips of art and decor into a home when I could have had the same results in five trips… if I had planned properly. It’s the same for manufactured housing. Success relies on finding smarter, more efficient ways to build homes, instead of making it harder.

This is especially true in the design and decor choices we tend to make in our homes. It’s easy to bring a picture of something you saw in a magazine and ask “Why can’t we offer that?” without thinking of the changes that would create in the building

20 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

process. I know the designers who are on staff for the various manufacturers deal with that every day. A sales person brings in an image or an idea and says a competitor or luxury home builder is doing this, so we need to..., or XYZ is asking for this in our homes. From there, the designer is supposed to help the plant find a source for this product, quickly, that is kept in stock, that can be purchased for $20 instead of the $100 everyone else is paying. We have the best of the best who make miracles like this happen every day. Every year, I am amazed at what innovative, creative design decisions are being made in our homes.

community Gone are the days of consumers settling for dog bowl lighting fixtures and plastic faucets. They want what they see on HGTV and on Pinterest, or that item that someone dreamed up using AI. Here are some of the looks and products that I am seeing that are available to our industry, and some that will be coming soon. These are high on style, but efficient in how they can be added to our homes.

Color Color is a big story not only in manufactured housing, but in site-built housing as well. The farmhouse white and black interiors and exteriors are quickly fading, and consumers are looking for a warmer, more inviting place to call home. It isn’t possible for consumers to walk all of our homes professionally furnished, so when they walk into a home that has no color, they can’t understand what that home will look like with some accent walls, area rugs, and artwork.

Lighter wood tones with a golden hue, and soft earthy greens are what you will see more of in 2026, and cream or bone colors over harsh white on walls and trim.

Biophilic Design Incorporating plants and other earthy elements into your homes is no longer a trend, it has become a basis of design. Have you noticed that floor plants and trees are back? But not a $29 faux Ficus — think cactus, olive trees, and fiddle leaf fig trees that might be more expensive, but will keep a home from looking like everyone else’s.

Lifestyled Tip Invest in a photo of the home when it is properly furnished and “lifestyled” if you can’t afford to stage the home. Have it made into a 36” by 48” mounted poster that the potential buyers can see when they enter the home. That will give them a reference point to help them understand where furniture might go, and how color can make the house become a home.

Texture with Tile Texture is one of the biggest stories moving into 2026. You will be seeing a lot more of it on walls and in tiles. Tile is one of those areas where exciting things are happening. In the past, manufactured housing didn’t do enough volume to create tiles just for us, but now, with the continued evolution of the homes we offer, we will see a lot more tile. Going back to the concept that we have to keep the building process efficient, keep a lookout for new tile styles in different sizes. This will make grouting and cutting almost obsolete. �

MHINSIDER.COM 21

community It comes down to a math problem — what size tile can we use to have the fewest cuts? DalTile is supplying more of the smaller-sized tiles with a mesh back that will place perfectly, and are easy to install. Textured wall tiles are becoming even more important, and curves are in. Also, 15-inch by 30-inch and 24-inch by 24-inch tiles are becoming more popular and more affordable.

These are ideal for bath spaces and will become more import-

ant in the future.

The Mansfield Park tile collection by Basic Components is a tile collection curated specifically for the manufactured housing industry. The colors and sizes are wonderful and very affordable.

The company knows the needs of the industry, and is getting ready to launch a very exciting new size that will be a first. I have a feeling other housing sectors will be paying attention and following our lead. This, again, is a great example of knowing the opportunities factory-built housing offers. The industry can bring current design trends to the market in a form that will help efficiency in the plants without giving anything up. You heard it here first!

Curated Collections The thing I hear most when I am staging homes in retail center is “My home will never look like this.” I hear that much more often than “Can I afford this?” Our customers love the creativity

22 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

they see in professionally merchandised homes, but are not sure they can achieve the same look.

An old and new, curated look is what consumers are seeing and trying to achieve in their own homes — not everything matches, but it coordinates. Ask your designers to come up with some “storyboards” that show a collection of your options used in different ways. You can create these easily in Canva, then make Pinterest boards that are easily accessible to consumers looking for design ideas.

Knowledge is Power Thanks to partners like Basic Components, the manufactured housing industry is finally getting away from being elusive with the knowledge and resources that make us unique. We are getting access to information that helps us gain a better understanding of the trends and ideas from around the world. BCI holds a very well-attended Annual Design Conference that is built around a simple belief: “The designers are the experts. They are the ones shaping the homes, influencing product standards, and ultimately defining how families experience the spaces they live in.”

It is beneficial that a group like Basic Components brings tools, resources, and global material insights that help industry designers continue to lead in the field instead of requiring them to individually go out and gain insight on their own. A highlight of the gathering is always a trend report on worldwide designs

by Emily Holle from MSI Surfaces. She attends a lot of the international design shows, and brings back that information for attendees of the design conference.

When we bring the world to our designers, the entire industry thrives. MHV Lifestylist® Suzanne Felber has built the Lifestylist Brands around three core areas that she is passionate about; great wines, great food, and above all, great design. For over 30 years she has been defining what the trademarked term Lifestylist is all about and continues to take the roads less traveled to keep learning and sharing what it means to be a Lifestylist.

Believing in practicing what she preaches and you can find her on the road merchandising award-winning factory-built housing and clubhouses, luxury apartment communities, visiting wineries, and spending time in the kitchen helping with product development and recipes for home cooks like herself.

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thelouisvilleshow

The 2026 Louisville Show looks to build on the momentum that has made it the launchpad for manufactured housing industry success for over 60 years.

26 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

2026showguide

F

rom Jan. 14 - 16, 2026, the Kentucky Exposition Center will open its doors to thousands of manufactured housing professionals, featuring dozens of model homes on display and hundreds of exhibitors all showing off the latest innovations and trends.

Following a highly successful 2025 event that saw over 4,000 attendees walk through its doors, the 2026 Louisville Show, hosted by the Midwest Manufactured Housing Federation, plans to double down on its formula that has helped make it the Midwest’s premier event for manufactured housing professionals.

Here’s a sneak peek at everything the 2026 Louisville Show has to offer, including some new additions to the attendee experience:

40+ Homes on Display It’s the hallmark of the Louisville Show, and 2026 is no different; over 40 model manufactured homes will be on display for attendees to tour during all three days of the show.

Several of the top manufacturers in the industry will be on-hand to walk attendees through the latest innovations in manufactured housing.

“No other event in the Midwest has as many manufactured homes as we do,” MMHF Chairman Eric Oaks said. “So it’s a point of pride for us to be able to welcome in so many people to view the very best of what the industry has to offer in 2026.”

For a full rundown of each manufacturer at the show and where their homes are located, check out the show program onsite or head to TheLouisvilleShow.com.

Mailed Attendee Badges For the first time in the show’s history, attendees were given the option to have their badge mailed to them before the show.

This gave them the opportunity to skip the line when arriving at the show and get right into the action.

MHINSIDER.COM 27

thelouisvilleshow “Demand has been so strong for registration that we wanted to provide even more ways for our attendees to get what they need for the show,” Oaks said.

On-site badge pickup is still available for general attendees who did not opt for the mailed badge option. VIP attendees will continue to receive their badge in the mail at no extra charge.

The VIP Experience is Back!

Back by popular demand, the VIP experience at the 2026 Louisville Show will provide a select group of attendees with a premium package to make the most of their time at the event.

Much like last year, VIP attendees at the 2026 Louisville Show are given access to the Tuesday Night VIP Reception, an exclusive VIP lounge, an upgraded attendee swag bag, and much more.

The VIP attendee option was first introduced for the 2025 Louisville Show, where it saw resounding success

28 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

with those who sought the upgraded experience.

A Schedule Jam-Packed With Education The 2026 Louisville Show boasts three full days of educational seminars geared towards all types of professionals in the manufactured housing industry.

Attendees will have multiple options for hearing about topics that matter most to them from top experts in the industry to ensure they’re ready for business in 2026.

Live Entertainment This year’s event will once again feature live entertainment during the Tuesday Night VIP Reception and on the second day of the show, courtesy of American Modular Services.

Nashville-based country recording artist K.C. Johns will return to the Louisville Show following resoundingly positive feedback from her appearance at the 2025 show. Catch her performing intimate

acoustic sets at both the Tuesday Night VIP Reception at the Hyatt Regency Louisville, and on Thursday on the show’s main floor during the afternoon.

Endless Business Opportunities With all of the manufacturers and exhibitors on site at the show this year, the potential for forging new business connections is endless. Couple that with the VIP reception and the main attendee reception taking place during the show, and the Louisville Show becomes a can’t-miss event to ensure you and your business stay ahead of the curve.

It’s not too late to register for the 2026 Louisville Show! To ensure you’re signed up to attend the nation’s largest indoor home show, head to TheLouisvilleShow. com/Register.

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thelouisvilleshow

Ahead of the 2026 Louisville Show, the MHInsider sat down with the event’s Show Committee to discuss what they’re looking forward to from the upcoming event, what sets it apart from past years, and why everyone in the industry should attend. Here’s what they had to say...

30 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

2026showguide

MHInsider: What is your favorite thing about the Louisville Show each and every year?

Frank Bowman, Executive Director, Illinois Manufactured Housing Association: The show is really good for the industry’s image, and I always look forward to seeing the very best of what everybody has to offer.

Ron Breymier, Executive Director, Indiana Manufactured Housing Association: The innovation for me is second-to-none, from the homes to the new offerings from all of our exhibitors.

Logan Hanes, Executive Director, Kentucky Manufactured Housing Institute: The Louisville Show represents the manufactured housing industry in a way that really boosts advocacy efforts across the board. It’s something that both professionals and legislators can point to and say, “This is why we should be paying more attention to these homes.”

John Lindley, President and CEO, Michigan Manufactured Housing Association: Being able to see firsthand how manufactured housing is working to address home affordability, while pushing innovation at the same time, is always a really rewarding experience at the show.

Tim Williams, Executive Director, Ohio Manufactured Homes Association: The sheer range of companies and people from all corners of the industry is really evident here. Seeing the full spectrum of the industry come together is one of the best parts of the show for me.

MHInsider: What is the biggest improvement to the show that attendees will enjoy this year?

Breymier: I’d like to speak for the Show Committee and say that offering mailed badges before the event is a big leap for the show. We offered them last year for our VIPs, and we’re proud to have offered that convenience to all attendees this year.

Lindley: I agree. At the Louisville Show, every minute matters, and helping our attendees save time and get right to the action is something we think they’ll really appreciate.

thelouisvilleshow

MHInsider: Are there any particular trends or innovations that you predict will make a big splash at this year's show?

Bowman: I think we’re really going to see a big push toward sustainability and energy-efficiency. Obviously those are trends that have been present in the industry for some time now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see new developments in those areas this year.

MHInsider: What do you feel sets the Louisville Show apart from other trade shows?

Bowman: With there being so many homes to check out and inspire our attendees, we feel that this event delivers insights that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Williams: Not only are there limitless opportunities to be found at the Louisville Show, but it’s a great way to get a pulse on the industry.

Breymier: Artificial intelligence is top of mind for many of our attendees. Whether it’s learning how AI can improve business flow, or help manage a community, I think AI is going to make a big splash at this year’s show.

Hanes: When it comes to the homes, I think that home exteriors have become more diverse than ever in terms of design and function, and I expect that trend to continue in 2026. We’re talking duplexes, triplexes, two-story homes, CrossMods, and so on. There are more and more housing options made available these days, and we can’t wait to see the variety in Louisville.

Williams: In terms of education, I think there’s going to be a lot of great discussion around how innovation and design will continue to push forward in the face of current market conditions.

32 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

MHInsider: If someone is on the fence about attending, what would you say to them?

Hanes: The Louisville Show plays a vital role in starting off each year productively. If you want to ensure that your business has a successful year, then the Louisville Show should be a top priority.

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thelouisvilleshow

Manufacturer Exhibitors

Entertainment Sponsor

Home Setup Sponsor

Educational Sponsor

American Modular Services

MudMaster Inc

Manufactured Home Sales Mastery

Diamond Sponsors ManufacturedHomes.com

UFP Factory Built

5th Generation Mortgage

MHVillage

Access Parks

Oliver Technologies Inc.

Unique Fabrications/Weber/Bennett Truck Transport

American Modular Services LLC

Rent Manager

CoverTree Inc.

Style Crest Inc

LP Building Solutions

Superior Axle, LLC

21st Mortgage

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

Platinum Sponsors Aareas Interactive

Emerald Home Furnishings

PortStone Manufacturing Corporation

autoMHatic Financial

ESCO

Rent Butter

Baker's Mobile Home Transport, LLC

Fairway Home Mortgage

Rose Paving

Blevins, Inc.

FirstBank

SpeedRead Technologies

CalCon Mutual Mortgage

Genesis Products Inc.

Stockton Mortgage

Cardinal Financial

Lyons Industries, Inc.

The Mobile Home Guys

Cascade Financial Services

Metron

Tie Down Engineering

Credit Human

Manufactured Home Sales Mastery

Triad Financial Services

Cutting Systems Inc

Minute Man Anchors

Trove

Duoform Plastics

Mudmaster Inc

Union Home Mortgage

Dynamic Home Repair

National Professional Services

Yardi Breeze

Electrical Works

Northpoint Commercial Finance

Elite MH Solutions

Osprey Management

34 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

2026showguide

Gold Sponsors 1st Signature Lending

Datacomp Appraisal Systems

ManageAmerica

Renter Insight

AmRent

Eastern Union

MHC Funding

The Federal Savings Bank

Attainable Housing Advocates

Eden Millwork

Mobile Insurance

Trinity Warranty Solutions

Facilgo, Inc.

Occupi

GoliathTech Inc.

Park Lane Finance Solutions

Yale Realty & Capital Advisors

High Rock Doors

PetScreening

Cirrus Solutions Consolidated Automotive Services of Indiana LLC

Zippy

Silver Sponsors Acrisure Mortgage, LLC

Dune Labs

InterVac Design

Powell's Tire & Axle, Inc

Anua

Efformance (MailFuze + Savant)

King Insurance

QMC Metering Solutions

Madison SPECS

QuFresh

BACH Land Development Baymont Bild Media Boom Brine Development Cannon Metering CSL Financial, LLC Domos

eLEND Elixir Door & Metals Company Gama Sonic Solar Lighting GreenState Credit Union HandyTrac Systems HomeCarePlus

MH Manager

Rustique Enterprises

MY State MLS

Sunlight Creations

N Tech industries, LLC

Syntec Industries

Orbis Funding

Translift Sales and Service

Patrick Industries

Universal Utilities

PFS Corporation - An NFPA Global Solutions Company

Wisely Commercial Realty

Bronze Sponsors 5 Star Metering LLC

Electric Eel Mfg

ABT Water Management

Hoyle's Tire & Axle

BBC DISTRIBUTION

Jamie's Interiors Inc

Brand Builder Signs

LYNZ Decking Co.

Edge Utilities

Manufactured Housing Institute

Perfect-A-Line, Inc.

MHWC

Performance Equity Partners, Inc.

National Service Alliance

Radcon

Rheem+Intertherm

Whitley Mobile Homes Inc

Featured sponsors are those submitted at the time of publication. To see the full, updated list of our sponsors, please visit thelouisvilleshow.com/sponsors

MHINSIDER.COM 35

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38 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

builderdeveloper

A

newly built home from Cavco Industries, a model that debuted at the 2025 Louisville Show, has been purchased and placed by a developer in Sheridan, Indiana.

Adam McNeil, of Turnkey Communities, identified a vacant parcel on Hinesley Road, placed the home, and stated it has already sold.

“This house has turned out really good,” McNeil said. “I’ve received a lot of feedback, everyone was really impressed and surprised by the fact that it was built in a factory.”

A single-story modular home, the new offering was listed at $385,000. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a sleek, modern layout that brings contemporary living to Hamilton County’s quiet countryside.

The 1,670-square-foot home sits on a modest lot with mature trees. It come with a covered porch and a spacious back deck for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, the open-concept floor plan features a bright kitchen with an island, pantry, and breakfast bar. It has stainless steel appliances, a double vanity in the primary bath, and a well-placed laundry room.

“I’ve had that lot for a few years and we had been wondering what we were going to do with it,” McNeil said. “When I saw this house I knew this was the one we were going to do, and when you add a garage on to it, it really is something.”

The home was designed with energy efficiency in mind, and includes electric forced-air heating and central air conditioning. A 24foot by 24-foot, two-car attached garage, and concrete drive.

With property taxes under $750 per year and no homeowners association fees, the listing offers an affordable entry into new construction in the area.

At about $231 per square foot, the home is competitively priced for a new build in Sheridan’s growing housing market. The sale underscores rising interest in factory-built homes that combine low maintenance with suburban comfort. MHV

MHINSIDER.COM 39

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‘Find the Right Fit’ Sales Strategy

By Cesar Mascorro, Jr.

L

et me tell you about the time my wife made a strong case for my lack of smarts! A few years back, I was shopping for some clothes, and I ran across a shirt that I thought was really cool! I told her that I wanted it because it looked great. Then she proceeded to tell me, “Just because they make it in your size doesn’t mean you should wear it.”

That has stuck with me, and I believe it applies to our industry as well.

Manufactured housing sales is not an “anybody can do it” business. And the days of winging it? Those days are over.

Yet somehow, we’ve allowed this industry to treat sales like it’s an afterthought.

We’ve hired based on charisma, given a few guidelines to follow and called it training, tossed out a few leads, and crossed our fingers. No real process. No consistent plan for development and continued growth. No recognition of the fact that selling manufactured homes is one of the most complex, trust-based, and life-impacting roles in housing.

Let me clear up a few myths, because there’s a lot of confusion out there about what sales training actually is… and what it isn’t.

First off, sales training is not a hype session. It’s not about teaching people to “close harder” or recite a magic script

42 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

that somehow converts every prospect into a buyer. The best training doesn’t create robots — it creates professionals.

The goal of sales training is to provide a foundation for sales consultants to better understand their product, their process, and most importantly, their buyers.

The way to begin to raise the standard is to provide a buying experience that serves a sales professional and their organization while helping the buyers make a confident decision.

Training isn’t a one-time event. It’s not a quick seminar that makes everyone feel good for a few hours before going back to business as usual. True training is ongoing, interactive, and tied to a clear, strategic framework. It evolves with the market, just like your team should.

Now let’s talk about what sales training is — especially in the context of our industry.

Manufactured Home Sales Training Good sales training teaches people to stop improvising and start operating from a repeatable system. It gives sales consultants real tools, not just motivation. It helps sales consultants differentiate themselves through educating potential buyers before they come visit them with education-based personal marketing. A real sales training culture explains how to qualify the buyer, present the right homes, navigate financing and placement options, handle objections with empathy, and lead customers to a confident decision.

It’s also specific. Let’s be honest, manufactured home sales is not the same as selling cars, or sticks-built homes. There’s a unique rhythm to our industry. HUD codes. Land-lease communities. Lender guidelines. Permitting and placement.

It’s a world of its own, and generic sales training doesn’t cut it.

sales Sales Principles to Remember Let’s not forget: Today’s buyers are more informed than ever. They’ve done their research, read the reviews, and compared every option online. They’re not walking blind onto a sales lot, or into a community. That means today’s sales professionals need more than personality; they need strategy. They need to be prepared, sharp, confident, and above all, consultative.

So no, sales training isn’t a band-aid.

It’s not a box to check or a one-time morale booster. It’s a long-term investment in your people and in the reputation of your business.

Take the Needed Steps for Sales Success The type of sales management the industry needs helps build teams that know exactly what to do, no matter the lead, the market, or the challenge. And most importantly, it’s a way to make sure that buyers — families making one of the most important decisions of their lives — are getting the guidance they deserve from a professional who can lead with the best intentions, with competence, and with confidence.

Throughout the year, my organization, Manufactured Home Sales Mastery, has partnered with the Manufactured Housing Institute and its Manufactured Housing Educational Institute to help redesign and launch the all-new PHC® Certification.

The program was built from the ground up to serve the real sales professionals in this industry. Because real training isn’t optional anymore, it’s essential, and this is the perfect way to start on the journey.

The way to begin to raise the standard is to provide a buying experience that serves a sales professional and their organization while helping the buyers make a confident decision. This is a foundation for the continuous learning program that professionals should be creating for teams and the company.

And the best part? When you complete it, you earn a nationally recognized credential. Not just a certificate, but proof of training that makes a true Professional Housing Consultant. That matters to buyers. It matters to employers. And it should matter to you.

I'm not sure if my wife was making fun of me when she talked me out of buying that shirt. But I'm glad that the message hit home. Not everyone can sell manufactured homes, but you should commit to building a culture that exemplifies

professionalism, continuous learning, and growth for your current and future team members. This is what real sales training actually is, and the benefits are never-ending for your clients, your team, your business, and the industry. MHV César Mascorro, Jr is the president and founder of Manufactured Home Sales Mastery, LLC which is a manufactured home sales consulting and training company. César has been in the residential housing industry since 1993 and specifically manufactured housing since 2009. César has served in the capacity of housing consultant, operations manager, and general manager for both independent and corporate retail sales locations in Texas.

MHINSIDER.COM 43

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MANUFACTURED HOUSING GAINS VERTICAL ANCHORING FOR ADDED STABILITY

S

uppliers and builders within manufactured housing are now making industry professionals aware of a new vertical anchoring system for factory-built home foundations, aiming to strengthen stability and safety in high-wind areas, though the change is not currently mandatory under federal rules.

The recommendation, introduced in November, encourages installers using a “pan-system” or alternative foundation systems in Wind Zone I to include vertical anchors in new home installations. Companies, including Minute Man Anchors, Oliver Technologies Inc., and Tie Down Engineering, collaborated in the development of the updated guidelines for the approach to improve performance against wind uplift and shifting.

Under the guidance, installers are urged to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which now include vertical anchoring as an optional enhancement. The approach goes beyond federal requirements set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development installation and safety standards.

Standard installation practices for homes using traditional block-and-tie-down systems remain unchanged. For pre-owned homes, installers may continue to rely on existing manufacturer or state standards without modification.

Industry experts say the recommendation reflects a growing effort within manufactured housing to promote stronger, more resilient installation practices, particularly in regions that experience periodic high winds.

While the new vertical anchoring guidance is voluntary, many installers and foundation manufacturers are expected to adopt the measure as a best practice in 2026 and beyond. MHV

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Michigan Hits New Strides in Bringing ‘Homes to the People’ Recent Manufactured Housing Shipments to Michigan Far Outpace Other States

By Sean Vichinsky

MMHA worked with Champion to stage a pair of homes at a city park in Lansing. The location is a short walking distance from the conference and the State Capitol complex.

T

he Michigan Manufactured Housing Association in recent years has created a more street-level approach to showing the various types of homes that are built in a factory. While the success of home shipments going into Michigan is based on a number of factors, it’s clear that making a more direct appeal to a prospective homeowner has to help.

Michigan shipments of HUD code homes have increased more than 30 percent year-over-year, while most other states have experienced single-digit growth.

“MMHA has been working very hard in recent years to utilize resources to ‘take the product to people, and people to the product,’” MMHA Executive Director John Lindley said.

48 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

“By ‘product,’ I mean the homes and the communities. By “people,” I mean consumers and policymakers.”

Some of the events MMHA has partnered in or hosted include: The Manufactured Housing Showcase at the Novi Home Show near Detroit. For years, MMHA has worked with member manufacturers and retailers to showcase three to six homes per year in a range of sizes and price. In 2025, Lindley said the association added the Spring Novi Home Show, and has adopted a plant to keep contributing to that effort.

“These events provide tens of thousands of consumers with the opportunity to tour multiple homes and interact with industry experts,” Lindley said.

The state association also has a presence at the Michigan State House Development Authority’s Building Michigan Communities Conference.

The event brings more than 1,000 people in the housing sector together in downtown Lansing each year for educational sessions and an exhibit hall.

MMHA has been a sponsor of the event for several years, providing an opportunity for the association to promote the industry with an exhibit booth and a breakout session.

“We have utilized this opportunity to assemble industry panels with representatives from member manufacturers, retailers, community owner/operators, and finance experts,” Lindley said.

advocacy “These panels have been well-attended, and coupled with the visibility created by the association’s exhibits, have resulted in increased understanding and knowledge of today’s manufactured homes and developments.”

The Capital MH Showcase was created in 2025, and occurs in time with the Building Michigan Communities Conference. MMHA worked with Champion to stage a pair of homes at a city park in Lansing. The location is a short walking distance from the conference and the State Capitol complex.

“Between conference attendees, state lawmakers, and staff, an estimated 200 stakeholders toured the homes and attended a reception,” Lindley said. “The success of this first attempt will lead to an annual event and growth in the number of displayed homes.”

Lindley said the Michigan Chapter of the American Planning Association, at its annual gathering of hundreds of community planners, has presented itself as a very specific and applicable audience for the manufactured housing industry to invest resources in an effort to eliminate bias against the product, the homes, and the land-lease community model.

“In 2023, we rented transportation and took attendees to two local communities for tours, brunch, and discussion with industry experts,” Lindley said. “In 2024, we again had a panel presentation from the industry.”

Finally, at the Northwest MI Housing Summit, MMHA has built a similar strategic partnership.

The event, hosted each year by Housing North, provides an opportunity to expose leaders in the housing space to today’s manufactured homes and communities. The association has

a moderated panel discussions, and is presenting a bus tour in coming years to expose attendees to two communities and a regional retail location.

“Cumulatively, I believe these efforts are working to chip away at those stigmas that live today… especially among local units of government,” Lindley said.

“All corners of Michigan are suffering from a housing supply and affordability crisis, and as we continue to educate decision-makers and consumers through initiatives like these, more and more are looking to manufactured and modular housing as the solution we already know they represent.” MHV Sean Vichinsky is an editor of MHInsider and a marketing copywriter for MHVillage.

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This is not an advertisement pursuant to 12 C.F.R. 1026.2(a)(2). This is informational material intended for real estate business professionals only and is not for distribution to consumers or prospective applicants for residential mortgage loans. This is not a loan commitment or guarantee of any kind. Loan approval and rate are dependent upon borrower credit, collateral, fi nancial history, and program availability at time of origination. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Corporate Address: 3701 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Charlotte, North Carolina 28273.Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership (NMLS ID 66247, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) has the following licenses: AZ Mortgage Banker License #0925883; Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license, License No. 603K498; Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company #MC.0025207; Massachusetts Mortgage Lender/Broker License MC66247; NV Mortgage Company License #3968; Licensed by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance #8701663; Licensed Mortgage Banker-NYS Department of Financial Services. License # LMBC 108150; Rhode Island Licensed Lender #20132934LL; and is also approved to lend in: AL, AK, AR, CO, C T, DE, DC , FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, K Y, LA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NM, NC , ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC , SD, TN, TX, UT, V T, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY. Additional licensing information can be found at: https://cardinalfi nancial.com/nmls-licensing/.

A NEW POLICY ERA

By Tony Petosa and Nick Bertino

L

ooking back on 2025, President Trump’s second term has brought a dramatic transformation of America’s government. Through executive orders and the latest tax bill, his administration has sought to reshape the nation’s trade, immigration, workforce, and foreign policies. As is the case with anything new, these policies may create both opportunities and risk for commercial real estate. Here, we will take a broad look at several policies that will likely affect commercial real estate owners.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act The Trump tax law, named the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was signed into law on July 4, 2025. It ushered in sweeping changes for the real estate industry, including the elimination of incentives related to renewable energy while expanding others that target housing and redevelopment.

Key Provisions Include: • Opportunity Zone Program: The OZ program has been made a permanent fixture of the tax code. Beginning in

52 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

2026, the Treasury Department will redraw the OZ map and lower the income threshold for qualified tracts. The new version adds stronger reporting and penalty provisions to prevent speculative abuse while ensuring that investments benefit local communities.

• Bonus Depreciation: The 100 percent bonus depreciation provision has been permanently reinstated for qualified properties. This enables owners to accelerate deductions, significantly improving near-term cash flow.

Further IRS guidance is expected to clarify eligibility and compliance procedures.

• Section 1031 Exchanges: Tax-deferred exchanges remain intact and unchanged, preserving one of the most used vehicles for deferring capital gains and encouraging reinvestment across asset classes.

• Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC): The OBBBA reduces the bond financing requirement for LIHTC developments from 50 percent to 25 percent, making it easier for

lending affordable housing projects to qualify for tax credits. This is look to “shutter” the agency. Established after the 2008 finanexpected to spur new multifamily development nationwide. cial crisis, the CFPB announced in May of 2025 that it plans • New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC): The NMTC program has to rescind nearly 70 policy/guidance documents dating back been made a permanent part of the tax code, with an annual to 2011. Following a July 2025 appeals court decision, the adallocation of $5 billion. The program provides a 3 percent tax ministration eliminated roughly 90 percent of the CFPB staff, credit distributed over seven years to private investors in real halted most enforcement actions, and rescinded dozens of reguestate and commercial ventures in low-income communities. lations. While court challenges have prevented a full shutdown, • Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): the agency’s future remains uncertain.

REITs can now hold up to 25 percent of assets in taxable subsidiaries, Privatizing the GSEs Trump’s “America First” trade up from 20 percent, giving managers Another major Trump initiative is agenda continues to ripple greater operating flexibility. the potential privatization of Fannie through the construction • Renewable Energy Incentives: Major Mae and Freddie Mac, otherwise and manufacturing sectors. changes were made to clean energy known as the GSEs. The administraRenewed tariffs on lumber policy. The $2,500 to $5,000 Section tion argues that transferring ownership and building materials from 45L per-unit credit for energy-efficient from government to private hands China and elsewhere have homes was eliminated, along with all will reduce taxpayer exposure and imdriven up project costs. funding for the Green and Resilient prove market efficiency. The Federal Retrofit Program. Tax credits for wind Housing Finance Agency would overand solar generation projects will exsee the process, and its role would shift pire for installations not completed by from a conservator to a regulator. This 2027, and the Section 179D deduction for energy-efficient transition would involve setting new capital requirements and building upgrades was rescinded. ensuring compliance with regulations as private companies. The These provisions provide permanence and predictability for recapitalization process that the administration seems to favor is key programs such as Opportunity Zones, bonus depreciation, through an IPO in which both GSEs would be privately owned and affordable housing credits. However, renewable energy parbut federally regulated. ticipants face a narrowing window for tax benefits.

For multifamily and manufactured home community owners, this shift brings some uncertainty. While a privatized system Deregulation may promote innovation and market efficiency, it could also Deregulation is a defining feature of Trump’s second term. lead to higher financing costs and more stringent underwriting On Jan. 20, 2025, the White House issued a memorandum titled standards that favor newer properties in core markets. The GSEs “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,” which directs all executive currently have a mandate under the Housing and Economic departments and agencies to: Recovery Act and its Duty to Serve regulation to provide fi• Halt proposing or issuing any rule until a department/agency nancing to defined underserved markets, which they do at very head appointed by Trump reviews and approves. favorable rates. The DTS regulation was signed into law in 2008, • Immediately withdraw any rules that have been sent to but but the FHFA did not publish its final rule outlining the impleare unpublished with the Office of the Federal Register. mentation requirements until 2016. These require the GSEs to • For rules published but not yet effective, consider postponing facilitate mortgage financing in three underserved markets not their effective date for 60 days from the date of the memoranbeing served by private lenders: dum and potentially open a comment period and reevaluate.

• Manufactured housing — expanding financing options On April 9, 2025, a presidential memorandum directed agenfor manufactured homes. cies to identify and repeal regulations that are “unlawful” based • Affordable housing preservation — supporting financing on recent Supreme Court decisions. The administration has for affordable rental and owner-occupied housing, including � targeted the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and may

MHINSIDER.COM 53

lending Section 8, USDA rural programs, and energy efficiency retrofits.

• Rural housing — improving access to mortgage financing in rural and persistent-poverty areas.

Trade Policy, Tariffs Trump’s “America First” trade agenda continues to ripple through the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Renewed tariffs on lumber and building materials from China and elsewhere have driven up project costs. However, new bilateral trade agreements with Mexico and several Southeast Asian countries have partially offset these increases by securing supply chains for key raw materials. The long-term impact remains uncertain, but near-term construction costs have increased, which negatively impacts housing affordability.

The Federal Reserve and Interest Rates The administration has been a vocal critic of the Federal Reserve, arguing for lower rates. However, the market ultimately determines key interest rates as it considers growth and inflation expectations. Treasury yields are a common index for commercial real estate loans, and the short end of the Treasury yield curve has been declining following rate reductions by the Fed. Longer-term maturities (five years and longer), have not followed in lockstep, and rates have been volatile as

treasury yields and challenge the trajectory toward lower rates.

As we embark on a new year, the commercial real estate industry finds itself navigating a new policy landscape. While the near-term benefits include lower taxes and less regulation, the long-term picture remains uncertain. Rising deficit levels, global trade tensions, and reduced oversight could result in future volatility, but the U.S. economy has proved resilient thus far, and we are optimistic that MHCs will continue to perform well regardless of economic conditions.

market participants react to the latest economic reports. There are concerns that the increase in deficits resulting from tax cuts in the OBBBA will lead to more government borrowing, in the form of bond issuance, that could also result in higher

For those able to adapt quickly to shifting policies and evolving capital flows, the coming years may offer some of the most dynamic opportunities in decades.

Tony Petosa and Nick Bertino are loan originators at Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital, specializing in providing financing for manufactured home communities through their direct Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lending programs and correspondent lending relationships. If you would like to receive future newsletters from them, or a copy of their Manufactured Home Community Market Update and Financing Handbook, they can be reached at 760.505.9001 (Tony) or 858.336.0782 (Nick) and email: tpetosa@wellsfargo.com or nick.bertino@wellsfargo.com MHV

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54 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

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When It Comes A to Ordering Homes

LOCATION IS EVERYTHING

By Darren Krolewski

Ultimately, site-specific home design encourages you to rethink your home ordering process. It's about making considerate, intentional decisions that focus on the strengths of each homesite and address any potential limitations.

56 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

sk anyone what's the number one rule of real estate, and they'll likely tell you it's location, location, location.

It's a phrase often attributed to British real estate magnate Harold Samuel, who famously remarked that a property's location was of such paramount importance that he felt it necessary to emphasize the point thrice.

While there's some disagreement on who actually said it first, one can't argue the undeniable impact of location. In our business, even when the desirable location of a community is well established, location is still an important consideration when it comes to your home purchase decisions. Every home on every site presents a chance to maximize its appeal to the homebuyer.

In one notable example of missed opportunity, a new development out west was struggling to make sales. At first look, this community had it all: terraced desert landscapes, breathtaking sunsets, and heavily-touted mountain views. For all intents and purposes, it should have been an unqualified success. Except that it wasn't.

Unfortunately, the only place you could marvel at those breathtaking sunsets and mountain views was by standing on the commode of the primary bath, gazing forlornly out an 18-inch window. No one had considered location when they designed the homes, and the product was missing the mark.

Not to mention the sunsets.

In this case, the solution was a costly fix that involved moving some homes, heavily discounting others, and ensuring the next generation of homes brought in offered majestic views from more than just the bathtub.

Some may argue that there is a price and time at which even the most unappealing home will sell. That may be true, but who wants to tie up their inventory credit line determining exactly what that is? All it takes is a little time and attention to the location of each home to help you turn sites faster, elevate your community, and stand apart from the competition.

The secret is site-specific home design. Well, it's not much of a secret, really. Custom home builders and architects successfully use this philosophy to design homes for the unique characteristics of the lot on which a particular home will be built. It's an approach that recognizes no two lots are exactly alike, even in the same subdivision. They consider things like views, noise sources, and orientation of the site to maximize the livability of each home and downplay any negatives.

The good news is you don't need to be a builder of million-dollar custom homes to put these same techniques into

marketing practice. Many of these strategies can be adapted to manufactured housing, equally as successfully, within an established home ordering process and budget.

The result is homes that live better, look better and sell faster.

Here are a few tips to recognize the untapped potential in every home you order: Get Site Specific Think of every home you order as a unique opportunity. Don't just ask a manufacturer for their best-selling floor plans. That can certainly be a good starting point, but you should have a plan for every home you order. How will this home work on the site where it is being placed? How does it elevate your community? Does it enhance your streetscape? Are you meeting the needs of the market with this home in terms of size, price, and amenities? Every site has something worth accentuating, whether it's a wooded perimeter or open green space.

A few tweaks to the plan can turn unremarkable assets into standout features.

Walk Every Site There's nothing that beats standing in the middle of a vacant site to truly determine its highest and best use. What are the positives of that site? What aspects of the location might a buyer find unappealing? Taking a moment to walk the site can help you make better product decisions. If you can't be there in person, get photos taken from the center of the site, facing out in each direction. Don't forget to look at the approach to the site as well to maximize your street-facing elevation.

enough to have a site that backs up to water or woods, be sure to take advantage of it with window placement and the opportunity for a deck or patio. Even what one would consider to be an unremarkable homesite can benefit from access to a dedicated outdoor living area.

Don't close up outdoor access from the home. No one wants guests to have to walk through their laundry room when it's time for a barbecue. A front or rear porch can greatly enhance the livability of a home.

Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket One successful home deserves another, right? That is, unless you picked the wrong home in the first place. The worst thing you can do is take one bad

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product decision and magnify it. Even a home that worked in one community or market may not work as well when brought to another. An unappealing floor plan or decor combination is challenging enough to sell, let alone when you ordered the same beige home with a green roof seven times. Let the market guide you. Give your product time to prove itself. Refine the plan as necessary until you get it just right.

Avoid Too Much of a Good Thing There's nothing quite like having a successful model you can't reorder fast enough. You've managed to find the perfect home for your community and market, but now you risk too much of a good thing. Look at how you can adjust �

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Let Nature Be a Neighbor Is there an opportunity for any outdoor living space? If you are fortunate

MHINSIDER.COM 57

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marketing the street elevation by varying columns, dormers, exterior colors, and window placements to create differentiation in your community and reduce having too much of the same look. Simple floorplan variations by reversing layouts, swapping rooms, and decor options can give buyers a different interior impression of the same home while preserving its appeal.

Take Advantage of the Site Orientation What is the orientation of the homesite? Would placing the kitchen or dining area at the front of the home enable the homeowner to capture morning light?

Likewise, a south-facing orientation can afford more natural light for living areas.

In warmer climates, minimizing west-facing windows and incorporating dormers could help to reduce cooling expenses.

Are there any trees on the site that can be utilized for privacy or shade? A rear patio placed in full afternoon sun may be uncomfortably hot. A deck facing a busy street may go unused.

can be an effective buffer against less desirable views or sources of noise Buyers recognize when a home "fits."

They appreciate views, comfort, privacy, and functional outdoor living spaces. Even if they can't always articulate why one home feels more inviting than another, they gravitate toward homes that seem meant for their location rather than just randomly placed on the next available homesite.

Ultimately, site-specific home design encourages you to rethink your home ordering process. It's about making considerate, intentional decisions that focus on the strengths of each homesite and address any potential limitations. In today's housing market, adopting this philosophy can become a powerful differentiator for your community, enabling you to

turn homes more quickly and competitively – one homesite at a time.

And that, like location, is everything. MHV Darren Krolewski is co-president and chief business development officer of MHVillage, the number one website for manufactured homes, retailers and communities. Prior to joining MHVillage in 2014, Darren held senior marketing positions in the telecommunications, advertising, and financial services industries — and was a partner in a marketing consulting firm serving the housing industry.

Minimize Potential Negatives Not every homesite is perfect. Many times there may be less desirable views or site features that can be minimized through a thoughtful layout. You may not want to have the primary bedroom adjacent to a neighbor's busy driveway when a floor plan can be reversed to afford more privacy. In the same way, you wouldn't want to place the primary living space overlooking a high-traffic thoroughfare where noise levels may be a concern.

Strategic room and window placement can help avoid noise sources and direct lines of sight from neighbors. Secondary spaces, such as utility rooms and closets,

MHINSIDER.COM 59

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allenlegacy

MH Poems, Songs, Narratives

O

By George Allen, CPM Emeritus, MHM-Master

ver the decades, there have been movies, TV shows, and other media that are MH-themed.

Before that, we had poems, songs, narratives, even a toast — as in a complimentary sentiment — featuring trailers, park ownership, and more. What follows here is a sampling, only lightly edited.

Songs? There actually are quite a few of them. Back in the late 1990s, when the Trailer Park Troubadours, a country rock band, entertained manufactured housing folk at the Grand Ol’ Opry in Nashville, these were some of the titles in play: “One Less Trailer (Here in Pine View Heights),” “It Ain’t Home Till You Take The Wheels Off,” “Trailer Park in Heaven’,’ and “Trailer Park Princess.” Then there’s “King of the Hill,” sung to the tune of “King of the Road.”

A Poetic Business Then there’s this poetic narrative, tracing one industry pioneer’s early days in the mobile home/manufactured housing business. It was penned by Milo Miller and shared at his RV/MH Hall of Fame induction in 1975 when he was 81 years of age!

Milo would be 131 years old if he was alive today. This chronicle tells quite the tale…

Thank you so much for the honor bestowed Upon a young man for the trailer he towed.

T’was in 1932 when it first began, This great industry we are all in.

No factories being around I just started from the ground Back in ’32 I built my first trailer

62 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

And by chance it was not a failure.

For what I say now is a fact, The dumb thing sold just like that!

Of course it sold for just a song For the great depression was still on.

Everyone said it would not last My small business, which grew so fast.

But those whose first years were rather bad For few suppliers were to be had.

We made our own windows, doors and frames Our moldings, hitches, and jacks the same.

The help from the auto factories was very real For they supplied the axles, springs, and wheels.

But to obtain them was really hard For I rescued them from an old junkyard, From the very start, my business grew To 500 workers – quite a few.

In 1945 I decided to retire, And no more workers did I hire.

Now I am retired with a grateful heart Watching an industry grow I helped to start.

Now I am old and nothing wrong Golf 18 holes and going strong.

But I am looking forward to a better place When I meet my maker face to face.

The astute reader of this narrative will likely recognize the phrase “The dumb thing sold just like that!” as also being the title of RV historian Al Hesselbart’s popular RV history book: The Dumb Things Sold…just like that! – available for purchase from the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana.

Here’s To You! Did you know there’s a toast to the community owner? It was penned in 2010 by myself and debuted on Aug. 23 that year at the Rosewood Restaurant in Rosemont, Illinois, when 24 Midwest land-lease community owner/operators gathered to honor the memory of their friend and fellow community investor, the late Bud Zeman. The toast is featured in SWAN SONG, too, a history of land-lease communities. Here’s “A Toast to the Community Owner!”

Until every homesite is filled, And every bill paid.

With mortgage refinancing approved �

allenlegacy And dollars on the way, We’ll ply this trailer trade, Selling & financing affordable homes, factory-made, Knowing lesser men truly fear, This business we embrace with our peers.

‘So, to community owners everywhere, I offer this toast to our worthy trade’: “May hitches hold, site rent flow, And all our homes be sold!”

Fifteen years after this toast was shared, Bud’s firm, Zeman Homes, continues to grow and prosper in land-lease community ownership.

‘Please Refrain’ Many times during the past 70 plus years, individuals have penned narratives beseeching the public to stop using trailer, mobile home, and mobile home park lingo in favor of manufactured housing and land-lease community. Here’s one, attributed to R. Whitelock in 1975, to that’s stood the test of time.

“Please refrain from calling me a trailer.

Millions of people live in dwellings that do not offer the comfort or conveniences I do, and they call them home!

So please refrain from calling me a trailer.

Please don’t refer to me as a trailer.

Someday soon I’ll be lived in by a wonderful family who will appreciate me For what I am, possibly the most comfortable home they have ever had.

So please don’t refer to me as a trailer.

Please don’t call me a trailer.

I know I have wheels under me so I can be moved, I have doors that can be locked just like your home.

I have inside walls and bathrooms and a kitchen, And many other things your home has.

So, please don’t call me a trailer.

I’m not a trailer.

A trailer has many useful purposes, like transporting cattle or sheep or horses And taking your snowmobiles and motorcycles with you on vacations.

Trailers are not made to live in, but I am. I am a home.

I do not masquerade as something I am not.

I am a home. I’m not a trailer.”

64 2026 JANUARY / FEBRUARY

Author Unknown Yet another focus of MH-related narratives has been the plight of onsite property managers during their tenure and when they arrive at their eternal reward. Here’s a tongue-in-cheek rendition of one such narrative. The author and timing of the work is uncertain.

Here are a few selections from “The Plea of a Mobile Home Park Manager."

She stood before the pearly gates, Her face was scarred and old.

She stood before the man of fate, For admission to the fold.

What have you done, St. Peter said, To gain admission here?

I’ve been a mobile home park manager, Sir, For many and many a year.

And… Just choose a soft and snowy cloud, They never need repairs.

They’re completely insulated, And have individual air.

So, if you wish, St. Peter said, Sleep until noon or more, No tenant will come knocking Or tapping on your door.

Know what? There are more of these poems, songs, and narratives in the RV/MH Hall of Fame library, George Allen Collection, in Elkhart. Visit the RV/MH Hall of Fame for more information.

And if you have a poem, song, or narrative you’re willing to share, please send it to me via gfa7156@aol.com. MHV George Allen is a nonfiction author, internet blogger, and magazine columnist with expertise in manufactured housing and land-lease communities. He also is a retired lieutenant colonel of U.S. Marines, with a combat tour in the Republic of Vietnam and service during Desert Storm. Read his autobiography, “FromSmittyAlpha6 to MHMaven” available via www.educatemhc.com, and also his “Chapbook of Prayer” and “Chapbook of Business Management & Wisdom” as well as other interesting titles. Allen can be reached at gfa7156@aol.com, (317) 881-3815 & GFA c/o Box # 47024, Indianapolis, IN. 46247.