Highlights of the Summit:

The future may bring conversions of parks to subdivisions - this is a logical way of reducing the number of vacant park spaces and the market self-correcting itself so that supply of home sites equals demand of home sites.

This problem started in the west and has moved east. New home production was down 35% in Texas in 2002. New home production in Oregon was down 58% from 1998 but up 9% over 2001. We are the first to see a rebound.

How can we work together to solve this problem:

• Park/community owners must be sensitive to the affordability issue and take an active role in the industry and the future inventory stabilization of their community.
• We must convince finance companies that we offer affordable housing and that the collateral is worthy of the investment risk.
• Manufacturers must build affordable homes, including homes that are of a size and shape that can fill smaller lots in older existing parks especially 55+.
• Manufacturers must build relationships with community owners. You are a great source of additional business and profits for them, and they can provide you with terrific products and resources in return.
• We need to cater to the aging population and offer more services similar to assisted living centers - examples: weekly health check ups or blood pressure checks at the recreation center; transportation to facilities and services, etc.
• Re-educate the sales force on the affordability, ease and lifestyle of manufactured home community living. Never miss an opportunity to visit with the retail population and talk about our communities.

  What can we do? What should we do? How do you purchase homes?

Community owners can purchase new or pre-owned homes and take control of filling their communities. There are many benefits in buying new homes such as numerous options for consumers, factory warranty programs, and much more.

Do you need your manufactured dwelling dealers license? Here are a few checklist items for your use.

1. Contact the Department of Licensing in Olympia at (360) 664 6500 or log onto www.dol.wa.gov.
2. Purchase a $30,000 bond
3. Pay a $750.00 dealer license application fee and an annual $250 license renewal.
4. Provide a financial statement.
5. Provide a finger print card and criminal history.
6. Sign the application indicating your business name.

Predictions…

• Factories involved in the retail business will diminish.
  
• Home only sales will continue to be slow, resulting in additional amounts of development-style selling.
  
• More and more rental communities will be forced into the sales side of our industry.
  
• Market values may drop on some communities where space rents exceed what consumers can afford to pay and there is a lack of new homes moving in to the community.
  
• Community owners that make a commitment to a home sales effort within their communities will have the greatest chance for survival and prosperity.
  
• Residents will feel better about their purchase and resale values if there is a credible, organized sales effort in their community that they can turn to if they want help in selling their homes.

The future is in our hands…

United we stand - divided we fall

Thanks for attending our Summit 2003

Summits Oregon and Washington scheduled for November 2004

If you would like to be on our mailing list, please contact us at: jude@cwres.com or call 503-546-7646 ext. 106.