There were many things I learned as a young lad from my immigrant parents. There are also lessons learned from those born here in the U.S., including years of experiences from a man who had Osage tribal head rights. He was a real ‘native American.’
In our recent trip to Washington, D.C., we mixed cultural as well as professional, political and social events. On the National Mall is a stunning art gallery. There is a fine albeit modest-sized botanical gardens. We did those and more, including the Native American museum.
In discussions with public officials in D.C., we met with Democrats and Republicans. There was courtesy and interest shown by each. But I must say Congressman Al Green’s (TX-D) team was a stand-out for hospitality.
In my address to officials at the FHFA headquarters in D.C. on 12.2.2019, I was factual, historically grounded and blunt. On 12.11.2019 with a few extra minutes to speak, I worked in added details in the 5 page PowerPoint linked here learned during the first listening session.
In an authentic fashion, the Sunday Morning Week in Review that follows will make a useful backdrop to begin our 2019 year in review that will be forthcoming in the days ahead.
That Osage tribal member taught me many things, but something very valuable for this specific annual period. Between Christmas and New Years its good to reflect on what’s transpired and what’s been learned so that one can advance in planning and execution of efforts for the year to come.
I’ve long believed in manufactured homes. While my understanding of why the industry has underperformed since Warren Buffett led Berkshire Hathaway bought Clayton Homes, 21st Mortgage and Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance has grown, our shining a light on those issues should not be construed as in any way shaking my belief that the best for MHVille independents, investors and others could be yet to come.
But potentially millions more will only be served for those willing to navigate the industry’s realities.
Like it or not, reality is.
One can and should discuss and ponder details. We should wonder why 2 decades ago the industry was producing some 400 percent more manufactured homes. We should ask and seek answers how it came to be that Manufactured Homes (MH) in 1998 outsold RVs by a margin of 3 to 2; and then two decades later, RVs are outselling MH by some 5 to 1.
Opinions are a dime a dozen. Curious minds seek evidence-based truth. Those with the courage and prudence to face reality want to know. Knowing followed by doing the right things can lead to growing.
With no further adieu, let’s dive into the headlines for the week that was between Sunday 12.14 and 12.22.2019.
What’s New on MHLivingNews
What’s New from MHARR
What’s New on the Masthead
What’s New on the Daily Business News on MHProNews
Saturday 12.21.2019
Friday 12.20.2019
Thursday 12.19.2019
Wednesday 12.18.2019
Tuesday 12.17.2019
Monday 12.16.2019
Berkshire Brand Manufactured Housing News Tip; Collusion-Coverup by FHFA-GSEs Revealed?!
Sunday 12.15.2019
Rights delayed are rights denied. Millions are being denied their rights under laws that already exist that were designed to foster more affordable housing. Instead, some have been flipped on their head, with less affordable housing available now than in many years. It’s a deeply harmful and costly scandal.
On a happier note, tonight begins the festival of lights, so for our Jewish friends, Happy Hanukkah.
There is always more to come, but that’s it for now on this Sunday installment of “News through the lens of manufactured homes and factory-built housing,” © where “We Provide, You Decide.” © (Affordable housing, manufactured homes, week in review, reports, fact-checks, analysis, and commentary. Third-party images or content are provided under fair use guidelines for media.)
(See Related Reports, further below. Text/image boxes often are hot-linked to other reports that can be access by clicking on them.)
By L.A. “Tony” Kovach – for MHLivingNews.com.
Tony earned a journalism scholarship and earned numerous awards in history and in manufactured housing. For example, he earned the prestigious Lottinville Award in history from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied history and business management. He’s a managing member and co-founder of LifeStyle Factory Homes, LLC, the parent company to MHProNews, and MHLivingNews.com. This article reflects the LLC’s and/or the writer’s position, and may or may not reflect the views of sponsors or supporters.
Connect on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/latonykovach
Related References:
The text/image boxes below are linked to other reports, which can be accessed by clicking on them.
