WSJ reports that employee fraud – from check-forgery, petty cash to billing larceny schemes – often rises in tough economic times. Employees feeling financial pressure often fuels the problem. Small companies are especially vulnerable because they often lack stringent internal controls to prevent fraud. Managers may attribute lost funds to …
Employee fraud plagues small businesses during downturns Read More
Forbes reports that recreational vehicle and manufactured home component maker Drew Industries announced late Monday the acquisition of Starquest Products, LLC for $22.6 million. Starquest and its affiliate Qualitec Manufacturing make windows primarily for truck caps, those fiberglass enclosures that fit of pickup truck beds. They also produce windows for …
OregonLive reports that garden designer Gail Dresner stumbled upon the manufactured home community lifestyle doing an online search for an affordable island house. When nothing in her budget popped up in internet searches, Dresner said: “Finally, I put in zero for the lower parameter,” Dresner says. “It exploded with manufactured …
Garden designer discovers MH Community lifestyle, shares tips Read More
CNNMoney reports that a rocky session on the Dow ended with a plus column finish 11,559.95 +20.70 (+0.18% ). Fed discussion of QE3, BoA ‘not out of the woods yet,’ low consumer confidence and housing struggles were among the headlines. The Manufactured Housing Composite Value rose to 857.3 up +2.33%. Affiliated …
Rocky ride, but Dow closes with uptide, MH Composite rises Read More
NAHB reports they applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to reconsider the imposition of a nationwide cap on how much sediment can be part of the stormwater draining from a construction site. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) said the Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) reversal by the EPA was …
Bloomberg reports the following is a summary of U.S. manufactured housing activity from the Census Bureau. The average sales price fell to $58,800 from $63,500 a month earlier. =============================================================================== June May April March Feb. Jan. 6 mo June 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 Avg. YoY% =============================================================================== ———– Thousands …
U.S. June Manufactured Housing SAAR shipments rose to 50,000 Read More
HuffPost reports that former Republican congressman Pete Hoekstra, in his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, called for the repeal or reform of Dodd-Frank on Monday, arguing that “the heavy hand of the federal government” is making it impossible for bankers to do their jobs. “Either repeal or significant …
U.S Senate candidate calls for repeal of Dodd-Frank Read More
SeekingAlpha reports on stocks positioned to take advantage of current needs and future improvements in the housing sector. The report notes that while single family housing is still struggling, multi-family housing starts are up almost 8% in July with FHA multi-family mortgages at a record high. Home fix ups as …
Seeking Alpha likes Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway in housing Read More
WIFR and RockfordRegisterStar report that Rockford area manufactured home communities were among those awarded grants by the Illinois EPA for upgrades to their water systems. Illinois EPA Interim Director, Lisa Bonnett awarded close to $2 million to 18 small communities across the state for repair and improvements to their public …
Manufactured Home Communities recieve grants to improve water systems Read More
iBerkshires reports that every home in the Spruces Mobile Home Park in Williamstown, Massachusetts was ruled uninhabitable by the building inspector and nearly over 270 residents need alternative housing. Town Manager and Emergency Management Director Peter Fohlin said the Hoosic River overflow during heavy rains from tropical storm Irene yielded …
Community ruled ‘uninhabitable’ by officials, residents ordered out Read More
CNNMoney reports that the Dow closed up again today, 11,539.25 +254.71 (+2.26%). This latest gain reduced the year to date decline on the Dow to (-0.33%). Market headlines included Irene damage estimates at $10 billion, the EU’s decision to move ahead with Greek bailout, and that Buffett’s 5 billion BoA …
PostandCourier reports that in South Carolina, the perceptions of factory built homes are mixed. Lee Cave, Mount Pleasant’s top building official said, “People see the pieces (of a home) come in on a truck and my phone starts ringing,” he said. “I think there’s kind of a stigma to them. …
Factory Home Building Wins Converts in South Carolina Read More
TimesHerald reports the Architectural Heritage and Landmark Commission unanimously approved improvements to the nearly 10 story Lennar Mare Island-owned Building 680 in preparation for an anticipated lease with housing fabricator Blu Homes. “Obviously, (we are) very close to completing a transaction with (Blu Homes),” Tom Sheaff, vice president and general …
TMHA reports to MHMSM.com that the Texas Manufactured Housing Association (TMHA) published a 9 page overview of the SAFE Act and how it will play out in their state. TMHA’s Executive Director DJ Pendelton urges association members to get and stay up to speed and engaged on this key industry …
CNNMoney reports that the Dow closed up again today, 11,284.54 +134.72 +1.21%, as the market recovery from its recent downward turbulence continues. The five day Dow average is up 4.32%, but year to date is still off -2.53. Market headlines includes Home Depot and Lowes jumped ahead on hurricane concerns, …
CTV reports the debate in Canadian housing circles about the soundness of the housing market. Is there a U.S. style housing bubble? The signals are mixed, according to experts. Prices in Vancouver look dangerously high, while towns such as Saint John, New Brunswick are quite affordable. Compared to renting, owning …
Canadian housing market: Sound or a bubble set to burst? Read More
PMHA reports that based on the decision of their board, they will suspend HOMExpo 2012. HOMExpo 2011 had good reported trade days attendance and a more modest result on public days. Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association (PMHA) Executive Vice President, Mary Gaiski, said: “We appreciate all of you who supported HOMExpo …
PMHA board makes their decision about HOMExpo for 2012 Read More
KnoxvilleNewsSentinel reports that the “New Norris House,” was built by the University of Tennessee and Clayton Homes. Built by UT architecture students and Clayton Homes in Norris TN, the model home is a living laboratory for sustainable building. Graduate students will measure energy and water use by Mary Leverance and …
Factory Built – Geo-Friendly New Norris House grabs headlines Read More
SBSun published an OpEd by Joan Patsky which asserts that “millions of homeowners” with non-delinquent mortgages may benefit by refinancing at historically low interest rates, if U.S. Senate Bill 170 introduced by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., goes into effect. Patsky says “S.B. 170 is designed to assist non-delinquent borrowers in …
Boxer’s bill could benefit manufactured home owners Read More
CNNMoney reported the retreat of the Dow today, which closed 11,149.82 -170.89 (-1.51%). Buffett’s 5 billion dollar stake in Bank of America, gold’s rebound, weak growth, high debt and the Sage of Omaha’s high profile fund raiser for President Obama all made headlines. The Manufactured Housing Composite index closed down …
Rally retreats on realities, most manufactured housing stocks follow Read More
