Save your spot to attend MHI's Annual Meeting October 2-4 at the Grand Hyatt Denver. See longtime friends, meet new contacts, learn the latest industry trends, and shape MHI priorities. Thursday, September 1 is the deadline for the early bird registration rate and the hotel room block, unless hotel rooms sell out sooner. Be sure to register by Thursday, September 1 to save $100!

Registration is open for the 2022 National Communities Council Fall Leadership Forum! Join us November 2-4 at The Westin Michigan Avenue in Chicago. This annual event exclusively focused on communities provides content and networking opportunities  for community executives, investors, financial services providers, suppliers and manufacturers. Register online today!

Six MH Leaders Recognized at RV/MH Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

The manufactured housing (MH) and RV industry gathered last week at RV/MH Heritage Foundation’s 50th Year Anniversary Induction Ceremony in Elkhart, IN. Five MH industry legends were inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2022:

• David Carter, Sr. – Dave Carter & Associates, Supplier
• Raylen Gritton – Homes Direct, Retailer
• Harry Karsten – Karsten Homes, Manufacturer
• Eugene Landy – UMH Properties, Inc., Community
• Tim Williams – 21st Mortgage Corporation, Lender

Kevin Clayton, Clayton Homes, received the Darryl Searer Spirit Award for his support of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation. The event also included the ribbon cutting for the new Scoular MH Museum, a 21,000 square-foot museum dedicated to the manufactured housing industry.

MHI Joins Federal Policymakers and Consumer Groups to Discuss Industry Issues

MHI was invited by the I’m Home Network to participate in a meeting alongside consumer groups and federal policymakers to discuss pressing issues facing the manufactured housing industry. Topics discussed included financing, manufactured housing communities, zoning, manufactured housing energy efficiency standards, and proposed changes to the HUD Code. MHI, along with several invited MHI members, shared the industry’s position and messaging on these issues. As a result of these discussions, the groups agreed to continue to collaborate on these key issues and look for opportunities to engage in further discussions.

Changes to 45L New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit

Included in Congress’ recently passed budget package were changes to the 45L New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit for manufactured homes. For homes completed by December 31, 2022, the existing 45L tax credit is retroactively extended in its current form. For homes completed after December 31, 2022, but before December 31, 2032, the 45L tax credit has been modified and will apply to certified net-zero energy homes ($5,000) and for manufactured homes that meet the qualifications of ENERGY STAR (a $2,500 credit). When considering claiming the credits, keep the following points in mind:

1. Tax credits for building above the IECC will no longer be available for homes completed after December 31, 2022. (Homes completed after December 31, 2022, must meet the qualifications of ENERGY STAR or be certified Zero Energy Ready).
2. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the agency responsible for ENERGY STAR, has published draft changes to the ENERGY STAR Manufactured Homes program (click here). The proposed changes exceed the current requirements for Energy Star.
3. The Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program is administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). DOE is working with SBRA on a version of ZERH for manufactured homes (ZERmH). More information about the ZERmH program will be available in October or November of this year.

Join Nearly 750 Industry Professionals to Call for More Cosponsors on H.R. 7651



MHI has a multipronged strategy to stop the Department of Energy (DOE) standards for manufactured housing from being implemented until properly incorporated into the HUD Code to ensure feasibility and cost effectiveness. Exerting pressure on the Administration through Congress is a critical part of this strategy. To bolster this pressure on the Administration, we need more cosponsors of H.R. 7651, “The Manufactured Housing Affordability and Energy Efficiency Act,” which was introduced by Representatives David Kustoff (TN-08) and Larry Bucshon (IN-08).

This legislation requires that before any new DOE energy standards can become effective or be enforced: (1) DOE must fully consult with HUD, (2) DOE must document that the rule is cost-effective based on the impact of homebuyer price and cost increases, (3) the standards must fully take into consideration manufactured housing construction methods and transportation requirements, and (4) the standards must be adopted by HUD as part of the HUD Code.

It is critical that Representatives hear from all sectors of the manufactured housing industry about cosponsoring this bill. To participate in the Call for Action, click the button below and follow the simple steps on MHI's website. The letter to your Representative has already been composed – all you have to do is insert your home address and click submit. 

New Research Shows Positive Consumer Perceptions of Manufactured Housing

Freddie Mac recently released a report titled “Manufactured Housing 2022: An Untapped Affordable Housing Solution” that examined consumer attitudes toward manufactured housing. The findings of this report spoke to shifting perceptions about manufactured housing, with 77% of consumers expressing positive sentiment about manufactured homes. Further, 72% of surveyed consumers said that manufactured housing was a “great option” for first-time homebuyers. Two-thirds (66%) of consumers also believe that manufactured homes are “affordable without compromising on quality.” These findings demonstrate how perceptions of manufactured housing has been shifting and becoming more favorable, especially among younger consumers. Nevertheless, the report found that some misconceptions remain, particularly regarding financing, the availability of manufactured homes around the country, and whether these homes can be attached to a permanent foundation, suggesting that there are still opportunities for educating consumers. Read the full report here.

 Find Manufactured Home Communities Near You

Did you know 51% of new manufactured homes are placed in communities? Learn more about the industry by visiting MHI’s Manufactured Housing Communities in the U.S. map. Click here.

 Earn Your PHC Designation

The Professional Housing Consultant (PHC) designation highlights what today’s buyers are looking for in manufactured housing and covers a variety of topics including:

• Overview of the industry including its history, regulation, and business practices.
• In-depth information about mortgage financing, including both real property and personal property loans.
• Successful sales techniques and “real world” strategies to help meet the demand of today’s manufactured home shoppers and make more sales.

To register for the PHC course, click here.