Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/231807
1. After showing increases in production in 2013, do you think this trend will continue and why? 2. What, in your opinion, continues to be the greatest hurdle for the Manufactured & Modular Housing Industries? 3. What do you see on the horizon for our industry in the next 5 years? A JOURNAL Q&A With Industry Professionals 1. Yes, for two reasons; the general housing market has shown signs of improvement and like a rising tide lifting all ships, it will lift us as well. Second, affordable housing will continue to be in demand and everyone in the industry knows we are the best form of non-government subsidized housing in the country. 2. Chattel finance. The days of non-recourse Ed Zeman chattel finance of the late 1990's (ala Green Chairman Tree) are done and over with, those that point to Zeman Homes lenders and say "We need chattel lending" and yet refuse to sign recourse or put their own capital at risk are just plain clueless.In my opinion, the solution is for everyone have skin in the game, the customers, dealers, manufacturers, community owners and of course the lenders. Traditionally, this has not been the case and until we as an industry agree to this, we can expect a very long period of minimal growth as an industry. 3. I will give three predictions: 1. Single digit percentage growth in shipments over the next 5 years. 2. One of the top ten land lease community owners in 2013 will cease to exist by 2018. On The Horizon 3. There will be no major lender stepping into our industry providing "non-recourse financing to customers with 585 FICO's at somewhat attractive rates". We will still be having the conversation about lack of chattel lending 5 years from now. 1. Triad has seen a significant increase in loan fundings in 2013 compared to 2012 and expects an increase of 10% to 15% in 2014. The main reason for this will be an increase in manufactured home shipments as a result of greater demand for affordable housing. The one thing that could change that would be the overall effect of the new CFPB rules starting in January. E.J. Gleim 2. The greatest hurdle for Manufactured Executive V.P. COO Housing it's the same thing that has "dogged" this Triad Financial Services industry for years… its perceived image. It is no better today than it was ten years ago, for the most part. 3. Continued growth as the public becomes more aware of the bargain that factory built homes provides. JANUARY 2014 15 THE JOURNAL