LAS VEGAS, NV – Wednesday, April 27, 2011. Members of the MHMSM.com team continue to share news and videos from MHI’s 2011 National Congress & Expo for Manufactured and Modular Housing.
Joe Stegmayer (Chairman & CEO, Cavco Industries and present Chairman, MHI) heard that Land Lease Communities (LLCs) have done better than most sectors of the housing industry, which has been confirmed by the optimism expressed at MHI’s National Communities Council (NCC) forum. The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) is a leading advocate for the industry, working cooperatively with law makers in Washington to improve access to affordable housing and improve financing options to create a bright future.
Ron Thomas Sr., Chuck Fanaro and Mr. and Mrs. Don Westphal are among the strong turnout.
Dr. Mark Dotzour (Chief Economist and Director of Research for the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University) was the Keynote Speaker this morning. Dr. Dotzour is currently conducting market research to monitor how global and national trends are likely to impact residential and commercial real estate markets. Noting that this is a time to “take back the country,” to protect and improve the business climate, he sees room for optimism. We need a president and a congress that says, what do you businesses need? “The business of America is business,” as Calvin Coolidge said. And “Being a politician is not a worthy profession, but being a public servant is a noble one,” per Woodrow Wilson. Housing and construction leads economic recovery.
Among the things Dr. Dotzour sees as solutions: People will start to buy again. The natural demand is there for housing; people are just postponing decisions for a later date. News on the housing market will turn better in August with exiting new or manufactured homes. April, May and June will leave us with bad headlines compared to last year. But come August or September, home sales will look better vs. last year.
We need to shine a light on shadow inventory. Stop mortgage modifications. Pass legislation to balance the budget. Protect and improve the business climate, which is what groups like MHI do.
Steven Lefler is about to receive the National Manufactured Housing Design Award. Industry in Focus Reporter Matthew Silver is to his left.
Stay tuned for more MHMSM.com reports coming from this enriching event! # #