
Topics & Insight That Affect Our Members
Retail Sales Seminar AND Home Installation/DCQ Seminar Coming This March
Save your seat and sign up to attend the WHA March 2023 seminars. Both seminars will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East. Retail Sales Seminar The Retail Sales Seminar will be held March 7th and is focused toward helping retailers get the most out of their business. Topics include: Ins and outs of the Manufactured Home Purchase Contract Working with lenders to get the most out [...]
How To Prevent Freezes – Water System Maintenance
By Metron Sustainable Services With the freezing temperatures affecting 80% of the nation this week, we want to educate MHP owners on how to prevent freezes in their water system via a general system maintenance guide. Metron's meters have built-in temperature sensors and offer freezing notifications to warn you of problems before they happen. However, there are things that need to be done in the park to prevent these [...]
In 2022 a balloted election was not needed for the WHA Board of Directors’ election since there was one vacant seat and one nominated candidate. A balloted election has not happened since 2009. Thank you to all those who step up to be leaders in the industry through serving on the Wisconsin Housing Alliance Board of Directors! Below is a list of the WHA 2023 Board members which you [...]
Time to Give Back and Bid Your Heart Out
Bid your heart out and help keep low-income families with critical home repairs in their manufactured homes. The people this program helps could be your customers or residents! With over 65 items there is something for everyone. Some of these awesome items include Packer club seat tickets, Summerfest tickets, Brewers Club seat tickets, ReWald products, spa package, overnight stays, golf packages, handmade quilts, boat tours, coolers and tumblers, sporting [...]
RHP Properties Announces Purchase of 50 Manufactured Home Communities in Midwest Totaling 5,232 Home Sites
RHP Properties (RHP), the nation’s largest private owner and operator of manufactured home communities, has announced the acquisition of 50 manufactured home communities, including 41 communities in Wisconsin, seven in Minnesota, and two in Michigan, with plans to add over 500 new manufactured homes in the next five years. “This acquisition will make a difference for thousands of Midwest families, seniors, and others feeling the squeeze of today’s housing [...]
Register for the 2022 WHA Annual Conference
The 2022 Annual Conference will show you how to seize the opportunity and propel the factory-built housing industry in front of more consumers. This two-day event will be held on November 9th & 10th at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, and is filled with meetings both days, an Exhibitor Reception followed by dinner and presentations, plus plenty of time to network with exhibitors and other members. Register today! Topics [...]
Silent Auction Items Needed
Tomorrow’s Home Foundation provides financial assistance for critical home repairs to low-income manufactured home owners. So far, in 2022 we’ve received 231 requests for applications. Of those, we’ve been able to help 30 families totaling over $75,800 in repair costs. In March, the Foundation was able to help Briana K., a survivor of domestic abuse and single mother, from Altoona, WI. Her water heater broke causing serious damage to [...]
Ask Your Representative to Cosponsor H.R. 7651 to Ensure DOE’s Manufactured Housing Energy Efficiency Standards Do Not Hurt Homeownership Affordability
Due to MHI members meeting with their lawmakers during MHI’s successful Homes on the Hill event, several congressional offices have reached out to MHI seeking more information about the Department of Energy’s (DOE) final rule abut manufactured housing energy efficiency standards and its impact on this affordable homeownership option. In conjunction with these meetings, nearly 550 industry professionals have called on their House Representatives to cosponsor, H.R. 7651 “The Manufactured [...]
Learn More About Community Management
If you are ready to learn more about community management then attend our next seminar, Beyond the Basics: Managing Wisconsin Communities, Wednesday, August 10. This seminar goes beyond the basics of community management and gets deep into specific topics. We will focus on Wisconsin specific landlord/tenant regulations to help landlords stay compliant. Topics include landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities, people moving in without applying, water billing, safety when personally serving notices, property insurance, [...]
Final Rule Published on Energy Requirements for Manufactured Homes
The U.S. Department of Energy on May 31 published to the Federal Record its final rule on the much-debated energy requirements for manufactured homes. The new standards will be effective Aug. 1, and compliance is anticipated by May 31, 2023. There are concerns in many parts of the industry about the changes, particularly in regard to implementation costs for manufactured homes — from the cost of materials to financing — [...]
Clayton Unveils Net-Zero Home at Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting, Showcasing the Company’s Commitment to Social Responsibility
Clayton Unveils Net-Zero Home at Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting, Showcasing the Company’s Commitment to Social Responsibility The builder’s off-site built housing innovations lead to attainable, energy-efficient homes Inspired by a commitment to build a better tomorrow, Clayton, a national builder of off-site and site-built homes, unveiled its first net-zero electricity home to the public at the 2022 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders meeting in Omaha, NE. The home showcases energy-efficient features [...]
DOE’s Manufactured Housing Energy Efficiency Standards Rule Conflicts with Administration’s Plans to Ease Housing Costs
The Department of Energy (DOE) has released its final rule for manufactured housing energy efficiency standards, the details of which MHI continues to review. The final rule is still not cost-effective and will hurt the affordability of today’s manufactured homes. Because it does not take into consideration current manufactured home construction methods and transportation requirements, as well as potential testing and compliance costs, the final rule continues to underestimate [...]
Federal Agencies Include Manufactured Housing in their Strategic Plans
In response to MHI’s ongoing advocacy efforts and our comment letter which stressed specific things that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should be doing to support manufactured housing, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has included exploring opportunities to “further increase manufactured housing” in its 2022-2026 Strategic Plan in order to “facilitate greater availability of affordable housing supply including affordable rental housing.” This action follows previous statements by FHFA [...]
Sales Webinar May 4, 2022
The housing market continues to be good so why should you worry about getting your name out in front of more consumers? Join us for a FREE retail sales webinar, Importance of a Full Sales Funnel and learn how keeping your sales funnel full in the good times will equal opportunities in the lean times. Also learn what the core marketing components are and how investing money in them now will [...]
Back to Basics Managing Wisconsin Communities
Are you new to the industry or need to brush up on the basics for community management? Do you manage communities in multiple states? Then register for the 2022 Back to Basics Managing Wisconsin Communities on Wednesday, May 11th to make sure you are following Wisconsin specific landlord/tenant law! Topics will include screening applicants, security deposits, understanding leasing concepts, evictions, and much more. This basic level seminar is geared [...]
Help For Factory-Built Home Owners
Help For Factory-Built Home Owners The Dept. of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources (DEHCR) is administering the Wisconsin Help for Homeowners program, with funding from the Homeowners Assistance Fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Wisconsin Help for Homeowners (WHH) is a new statewide program that can help with overdue bills like mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and more. The program is open [...]
New Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Regulator Expresses Support for Manufactured Housing
In a productive meeting with Sandra Thompson, the Acting Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently, MHI discussed its recommendations to ensure that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) increase their level of support for manufactured housing. In addition to suggesting improvements to the Enterprises’ Duty to Serve Plans, which FHFA has rejected, MHI also discussed the importance of helping to overcome local zoning and land [...]
Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program Help Is Still Available
The Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program (WERA) provides up to 18 months of assistance with current or overdue bills to help households that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic avoid eviction. More than 25,000 Wisconsinites have already received help with rent and utilities statewide. Help is still available for eligible households through WISCAP agencies and Energy Services. The program is funded by the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program [...]
2021 Rent Certificates for Homestead Credit
The homestead credit program is designed to soften the impact of property taxes and rent on persons with lower incomes. Manufactured homeowners who are claiming this credit on their 2021 WI taxes will need a rent certificate from their landlord. The 2021 Rent Certificate needs to be filled out and signed by the landlord. Rent includes the rent for the lot, home, and other fees such as pet fees, [...]
Home Installation & Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Seminar
We are back in-person in 2022 with the Home Installation and Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Seminar on March 9th at the Best Western Premier in Oshkosh, WI. This seminar is approved for 6 hours of continuing education for the following licenses: Manufactured Home Installer, Dwelling Contractor Qualifier, and Home Inspectors (UDC Construction Inspector). Sessions Include: Good Foundations & Installation Leads to Happy Homeowners - Harold Mouser, PFS-TECO Home Installation Safety [...]
OMHP Extends Industry-Wide AC Letters
The Office of Manufactured Housing Programs (OMHP) has issued extensions for two industry-wide Alternative Construction (AC) letters for exterior doors (21-1W1-AC) and 25-Amp circuit breakers (20-1W2-AC) through June 30, 2022. MHI has been working with OMHP to get these AC letters extended in light of the supply chain challenges. These industry-wide AC letters allows manufacturers that need the flexibility to continue production of affordable housing and does not require [...]
Gov. Evers Celebrates More Than $800 Million Investment Wisconsin to Receive for Water Infrastructure
Gov. Tony Evers, December 8, celebrated President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure bill that will expand efforts to deliver safe drinking water to Wisconsinites by infusing approximately $850 million into communities across the state over the next five years. Gov. Evers last month praised the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as a “Win for Wisconsin.” The federal bill contains an array of expanded programs with substantial, new funding sources for [...]
FTC Strengthens Security Safeguards for Consumer Financial Information Following Widespread Data Breaches
The Federal Trade Commission on October 27, 2021 announced a newly updated rule that strengthens the data security safeguards that financial institutions are required to put in place to protect their customers’ financial information. In recent years, widespread data breaches and cyberattacks have resulted in significant harms to consumers, including monetary loss, identity theft, and other forms of financial distress. The FTC’s updated Safeguards Rule requires non-banking financial institutions, [...]
Unreasonable Energy Standards for Manufactured Housing
The Department of Energy (DOE) has published a proposed rulemaking on energy standards for manufactured housing which, if finalized will eliminate manufactured housing as an affordable housing option for hundreds of thousands of potential homebuyers. The current DOE proposal is fundamentally flawed and must be completely rewritten to ensure manufactured homes remain an available option for American families. The DOE proposal would dramatically increase the costs of manufactured homes, [...]
2021 Annual Conference Registration Open
The Wisconsin Housing Alliance Annual Conference is scheduled to be back in-person this year on Tuesday, November 9th and Wednesday, November 10th at the Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. This two-day event is filled with meetings both days, an Exhibitor Reception followed by dinner and presentations, plus plenty of time to network with exhibitors and other members. Registration is open! EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT ENDS OCTOBER 26TH. For [...]
Freddie Mac To Require Tenant Protections on Future Manufactured Housing Community Loans
Freddie Mac’s Multifamily Division announced it will require all future manufactured housing community (MHC) transactions to include a series of tenant protections, as defined by the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) Duty to Serve (DTS) regulation. These protections will include renewable lease terms, written notice of rent increases, grace periods for late rental payments, and rights governing the sale of a manufactured home at an MHC. While MHI had [...]
Manufactured Housing High Priority in Administration’s Plans to Address Nation’s Affordable Housing Supply
The Biden Administration announced it is taking immediate steps to increase affordable housing supply across the country including specific actions to boost the supply of manufactured housing. Specifically, the Administration is looking to expand financing for manufactured housing and is calling on state and local governments to reduce zoning and financing barriers to manufactured housing which “allows families to achieve homeownership and build wealth.” In outlining its planned activities, [...]
Supreme Court Ends Current CDC Eviction Moratorium
The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new targeted nationwide eviction moratorium which applied to counties in the U.S. experiencing “substantial and high levels of community transmission levels of COVID-19” which covers more than 90% of all renters in the U.S. The Supreme Court ruling only applies to the federal eviction moratorium and any state or local moratoriums remain in effect. In [...]
Cavco Industries Announces Planned Acquisition of Builder The Commodore Corporation
Cavco Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: CVCO) (“Cavco” or the “Company”) announced today that it has signed a binding offer to acquire the business and certain assets and liabilities of The Commodore Corporation (“Commodore”), including its six manufacturing facilities and two wholly owned retail locations. Commodore is the largest independent builder of manufactured and modular housing in the United States, operating under a variety of brand names such as Commodore Homes [...]
CDC Issues New Targeted Federal Eviction Moratorium
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new federal eviction moratorium which replaces the previous order that expired on July 31. This new order will expire on October 3, 2021 and applies to counties in the U.S. experiencing “substantial and high levels of community transmission levels of COVID-19.” This covers more than 90% of all renters in the U.S. At a White House press conference [...]
Update to the Manufactured Home Offer to Purchase Form
The Dept. of Safety and Professional Services has updated the Manufactured Home Offer to Purchase form with the suggested changes recommended from the Wisconsin Housing Alliance. Changes includes: Offer Expiration Date Acceptance of Counteroffer Section Added Financing Contingency Time Frame Addition of Unable to Obtain You can download the new form on the HUD Code Housing Info page under Retailers and Installers in the Members Only section. The new [...]
WHEDA Opens Applications for Innovation Housing Tax Credits
Developers with innovative affordable housing projects designed to spark community revitalization and promote resident well-being are urged to apply for a new round of federal 9% housing tax credits allocated by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. The application period for this special round of housing tax credits is now open and will run until Sept. 3, 2021. The Innovation Housing Tax Credit application can be found on [...]
Discounted Broadband for Residents
Do your residents need help paying for broadband? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has created a program to help families access the internet. The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute [...]
CDC Extends Federal Eviction Moratorium Through July 31, 2021
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extended the federal eviction moratorium through July 31, 2021. The Order was originally set to expire on June 30, 2021. In its announcement, the CDC stated this action "is intended to be the final extension of the moratorium." Click here to read the CDC statement. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled to keep the federal eviction moratorium in place. The [...]
Oxford Bank & Trust Purchased By GreenState Credit Union
We are sharing some very exciting news. Oxford Bank & Trust and GreenState Credit Union have announced they have entered into a purchase and assumption agreement. As you are aware, Oxford Bank & Trust is a family-owned bank and, while this news may seem shocking, this sale will only serve to enhance and promote the products we currently offer in a larger geographic market. GreenState Credit Union shares our [...]
Business Community Asks for Taxes to be Returned
In response to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau report anticipating that the State of Wisconsin will end its’ fiscal year with a significant surplus, The Coalition to Repeal Wisconsin’s Personal Property Tax is asking the Governor and the Legislature to return a small portion of the surplus dollars to the business community by fully repealing the personal property tax. The coalition wants to applaud Speaker Vos and Majority Leader LeMahieu [...]
2021 Golf Outing
Mark your calendars for the 2021 Golf Outing Wednesday, August 18th at Hawk’s View Golf Club in Lake Geneva. This fun-filled golf outing with Wisconsin Housing Alliance and Wisconsin RV Dealers Alliance will be an 18-hole, scramble tournament with a shotgun start, contests throughout the day and prizes awarded immediately after the outing. 10:00 am - Registration Opens 10:45 am - Lunch 12:00 pm - Shotgun Start Immediately After [...]
Mark Your Calendar for The Louisville Show!
We are excited to announce the dates for the 2022 Louisville Show! The 2022 show will be held from Wednesday, January 19th through Friday, January 21st. With business continuing to trend upwards for many in the manufactured housing industry, we're looking forward to getting back to work and bringing the industry the very best products, services, and suppliers that The Louisville Manufactured Housing Show has featured for over 60 [...]
Soft Launch of New Consumer Site
The Wisconsin Housing Alliance has a new consumer site! We have long been committed to making homeownership attainable to everyone and the new consumer site helps bring together our members to make that happen. WHA has been working with ManufacturedHomes.com to create this new consumer website. The site gives consumers information from “What is a factory-built home?” to “What it takes to get a home installed.” Plus consumers are [...]
USDA Rural Development’s Housing Programs
Homebuying season is in full swing in Wisconsin and USDA Rural Development’s Housing Programs offer a broad range of homeownership assistance available to individuals and families who live in rural communities. Rural Development programs can help families transition from renting an apartment to owning their own home and in some situations, their mortgage payment is less than their previous rent payment! Rural Development can also assist the elderly and [...]
CFPB Interim Final Rule on Evictions and Debt Collection Practices
Effective May 3, 2021, if you are giving a tenant an eviction notice for any reason, you must also include WRITTEN notice that let’s the tenant know they could have protections under the CDC eviction moratorium. This includes ALL 5-Day, 14-Day, 28-Day, or 30-Day notices regardless if they are for non-payment or other reasons. Sample language might say something similar to the statement below: Because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, [...]
Advancing Racial Equity Through Manufactured Housing
As policymakers in Washington seek federal interventions to support racial equity, an important element of the strategy should be increasing the minority homeownership rate. The American Dream of homeownership remains a leading source of wealth accumulation, which means achieving it can result in a meaningful catalyst toward equality. According to the Urban Institute, “the gap in the homeownership rate between black and white families in the U.S. is bigger [...]
MHI Calls on Department of Commerce to Address Lumber Shortage
MHI, along with more than 35 broad-based business organizations, called on Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to address the lumber supply shortage in the country. Stating that lumber prices have nearly tripled and oriented strand board (OSB) prices are up more than 250% since last spring, the letter urges the Secretary to immediately examine the lumber supply chain, identify the causes for high prices and supply constraints, and seek immediate [...]
Fundraising for the New Manufactured Housing Museum Addition is Gaining Momentum
The $1.7 Million capital campaign for the new 21,000 sq.ft. manufactured housing museum, (Which will reside at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum) is off to a tremendous start. According to Hall of Fame president Darryl Searer, “The Hall of Fame has written in their by-laws that the organization will never again incur any debt, so we are committed to raising one hundred percent of the funds up-front.” [...]
Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance
From June through November 2020, WISCAP’s network, in partnership with the state, distributed over $28 million in rental assistance through the Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program (WRAP). Now, given additional federal funds, WISCAP and its statewide network is helping to get Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) to those in need which INCLUDES lot rent and any housing-related utilities (water, trash, energy, etc.) included in the tenant’s lease agreement and paid [...]
Senate Banking Committee Advances Marcia Fudge to be HUD Secretary
The Senate Banking Committee last week approved the nomination of Representative Marcia Fudge to be HUD Secretary. Fudge’s nomination will now go before the full Senate for a vote. During her nomination hearing, Fudge called manufactured housing an “outstanding option,” and she touted its affordability and efficiency. She told the Senate Banking Committee that she is “100 percent supportive” of looking at incorporating manufactured housing into the Department’s affordable [...]
HUD Publishes Final Rule, Effective March 15, 2021
Following years of research, seeking input from the industry, and negotiating potential changes on Capitol Hill, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has finalized and published the most significant update to the HUD Code in roughly 10 years. Revisions to the HUD Code determine the construction and safety standards of manufactured homes, and the rule changes touch on a dozen sections of the code, from data plates [...]
2020 Rent Certificate
The 2020 Wisconsin Rent Certificate form can be found on the Forms and Tools page under Community Owner Resources. A rent certificate is a form that the landlord fills out as proof of the rent a tenant paid during 2020. A tenant who qualifies for the Wisconsin Homestead Credit will require one of these forms. Landlords need to read the instructions carfully and only fill out the sections required. Rent [...]
Thank You Amy Bliss for 30 Years of Service to Wisconsin Housing Alliance
Amy Bliss started working for WHA 30 years ago this month. She has worn “many hats” including Accounting Assistant, Deputy Director and has been the WHA Executive Director since 2016. Way to go, Amy! She was also the previous Executive Director of Tomorrow’s Home Foundation and is currently serving on the Board. Amy was instrumental in starting the Foundation in 1999, which has provided critical home repairs to many [...]
OSHA Releases Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Protecting Workers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released updated guidance on mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The guidance is intended to be used for employers and workers to help identify risks of being exposed to and of contracting COVID-19 in workplace settings and to determine any appropriate control measures to implement. This guidance is not a standard or regulation and it creates no new legal [...]
ACT NOW: Tell Congress to Oppose an Extension of the Eviction Moratorium and Instead Provide Funding for Rental Housing Assistance
To keep the importance of funding for rental assistance at the top of policymakers’ minds, please click and share the link below. It will quickly and easily allow you to contact your Members of Congress and remind them that federal funding for rental assistance – not an extension of the eviction moratorium - is the right way to support the nation’s residents, housing providers, and the rental housing market. [...]
2021 Loan Volume Caps Set at $70 Billion for Each Enterprise
In mid November the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced its 2021 requirements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, with several changes in the mix for manufactured housing. FHFA set lending caps for each of the Enterprises at $70 billion for the year, for a total of $140,000 billion in volume, a reduction of $60 billion. The schedule for the lowered loan volume cap is for the four quarters of 2021, [...]
In Memory—Art Decio
Arthur J. “Art” Decio, an Elkhart-born businessman and philanthropist who was never happier than when he was helping others, died peacefully at home on Friday, November 6, 2020 surrounded by beloved family and friends. He was 90. Decio, a man dedicated to his family, faith and the welfare of everyone whose life he could touch, was an Elkhart original. A first generation American, he became one of the most [...]
Biloxi Manufactured Housing Show
Formerly held in Tunica, the South Central Manufactured Housing Institute has moved its annual manufactured home show to Biloxi, Mississippi. Held at the Imperial Palace Casino Resort and Spa, the 2021 Biloxi Show is quickly shaping up to be the industry’s premiere event of the year. From a wide array of new homes and the latest in products and services, to offering attendees the opportunity to speak directly to [...]
2021 Louisville Manufactured Housing Show Cancelled
The onsite Louisville Manufactured Housing Show has been cancelled for 2021. This follows recent announcements of an increase in COVID Spread in other countries, and the associated projection of the same expected to occur during the fall and winter months in the US. The will be no virtual trade show in place of the physical Louisville Show for 2021.
Utility Disconnection Moratorium Extended A Third Time
On Thursday, September 17, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin voted to extend the moratorium on utility residential customer disconnections and refusal of service for nonpayment until November 1. Prior to the extension, regulated utilities were not allowed to disconnect service for non-payment until October 1. The move comes as COVID-19 positive cases continue to spike in the state. The PSC's actions come as Wisconsin is approaching its annual [...]
Clayton Launches New Website to Find Land
Clayton, a national homebuilder of site-built and off-site built homes, has launched Find Land, a search engine tool to help homebuyers find property listed for sale where off-site built homes could be placed. The new digital experience taps into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and allows future buyers to search by zip code for available lots on a regional map. Users can filter land-for-sale searches by preferred distance from [...]
Iowa Manufactured Homes Stand Up to ‘Inland Hurricane’
By Iowa Manufactured Housing Association One thing Iowans are familiar with is wild weather, says the Iowa Manufactured Homes Association (IMHA). Positioned in the heart of the Midwest, Iowa’s weather ranges from extreme cold and snow to temperatures in the triple digits. And let’s not forget tornadoes. Iowans see virtually everything mother nature can throw, but on August 10, 2020, the state was in for a record-setting weather incident. [...]
Federal Eviction Moratorium Affects Wisconsin Residential Properties
News Release from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Release Date: September 4, 2020 Media Contact: Ti Gauger, Public Information Officer, (608) 224-5007 Download PDF Download PDF in Spanish MADISON – Recent Federal Orders from The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) impact evictions from residential properties in Wisconsin and across the nation. The CDC order to 'Temporary Halt in Residential [...]
See the Possibilities: Why Generating Interest in Manufactured Housing is About Showing, Not Telling
By Sharmila Srivastav, Manager of Affordable Housing, Single-Family Business at Fannie Mae As high quality, lower-cost alternative to site-built homes, manufactured housing could genuinely be the future of housing affordability. The latest generation of factory-built homes can offer everything prospective homebuyers see in the home they’ve been dreaming of. The bit difference is that Fannie Mae research shows they’ll spend $1000 less per month on a mortgage loan by [...]
WHEDA Expands Financing Options for Homebuyers
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority has expanded its single-family financing options to help more Wisconsin residents achieve the dream of homeownership. The new financing options include loans with increased down payment assistance of up to 6% of a home’s purchase price and an expanded number of lenders that may originate WHEDA Advantage FHA loans. Meanwhile, the current shortage of move-in ready homes has increased the utility of [...]
State Regulators Extend Moratorium On Utility Shutoffs For Residential Customers
On Thursday, July 23, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) voted 2-1 to stay a portion of its June 26 order to extend the moratorium on utility residential customer disconnections and refusal of service for nonpayment until September 1. Therefore, if you are billing for water, you cannot disconnect for non-payment of water. The additional time will allow PSC staff to collect more data and information from utilities [...]
Tomorrow’s Home Foundation Receives $2,500 Grant From Alliant Energy Foundation
Tomorrow’s Home Foundation received a community grant of $2,500 from Alliant Energy through its Foundation. The funds supported the THF Helping Hands Assistance Program. The recipient of this grant was Linda Keledzik. “Our organization provides emergency assistance grants for critical repairs that allow individuals and families to stay in their manufactured or mobile home,” said Amy Bliss, Board Chair of Tomorrow’s Home Foundation. “We appreciate the support from the [...]
Dana Wade Confirmed as FHA Commissioner
On July 28th, the U.S. Senate confirmed Dana Wade as Assistant Secretary of Housing at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). MHI has been a vocal supporter of Wade’s confirmation since her nomination hearing before the Senate Banking Committee in May. As in prior nomination hearings for HUD leaders, MHI provided our champions on the Committee with information [...]
Golf Outing Postponed Until 2021
Wisconsin Housing Alliance and Wisconsin RV Alliance generally hosts a joint golf outing every other year. 2020 was supposed to be the year, however, due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, it has been decided that the outing will be held next August instead. Many members are working to make up for lost time during the stay at home orders and hopefully, all of the virus will be gone next [...]
Emergency Rule Prohibiting Late Fees Struck Down
On June 25th, the Republican-controlled Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules voted along party lines on a decision to strike down a DATCP Emergency Rule which prohibited late fees through August. Legislators argued the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection did not have the authority under the law to issue such a rule. The agency said this was a measure to prevent worse financial trouble for tenants. [...]
Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program
Under the CARES act, $25 million in Wisconsin Rental Assistance is available for Wisconsin residents who have experienced significant loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program (WRAP) will provide direct financial assistance for owed rent and security deposits. Eligible applicants must be an adult Wisconsin resident with a household income at or below 80% of the county median income in the [...]
HUD “Evidence Matters” Dedicates Spring 2020 Issue to Manufactured Housing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has dedicated its Spring 2020 edition of “Evidence Matters” magazine to factory-built housing. Containing useful research and commentary sourced from third parties and HUD, the issue affirms the resilience, quality and affordability of manufactured homes. The issue also provides validation from HUD’s own research team that “a variety of demand, regulatory, zoning, and other barriers, however, have limited the reach [...]
MHI Recommendations Incorporated into New “Hours of Service of Drivers” Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced final amendments to its “hours of service” regulations. These updates create a more reasonable compliance standard for short and longhaul drivers, including those who deliver manufactured homes and their parts and accessories. MHI has long advocated for changes to the FMCSA’s “hours of service” regulations to allow greater flexibility for the transportation of manufactured homes without sacrificing safety. In response to [...]
Manufactured Housing Community License Renewals Due by June 30, 2020
The Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS) mailed license renewals to mhc owners in early May. This is a 2 year license and billed in even numbered years. A new 2020 license will be sent to you when DSPS receives your payment. To avoid an $80 late fee, payments must be received by June 30, 2020. The renewal form asks for your Community ID (license). This can [...]
WI Supreme Court Strikes Down Safer at Home Order
By Executive Director, Amy Bliss The Wisconsin Supreme Court has issued a 4-3 decision in Legislature v. Palm, the Department of Health Services’ (DHS) “Safer at Home” order unenforceable and immediately striking down the order. The court held that the Safer at Home order is a “rule” that was required to go through statutory rulemaking processes and that the order exceeds DHS’s authority under Wisconsin’s pandemic statutes. Though the statewide order has been [...]
Governor Announces Best Practices and Safety Guidelines for Wisconsin Businesses
On May 8th, Governor Evers announced that businesses looking to keep workers, customers, and families safe while reopening can now draw on a series of publications to keep them informed of best practices and safety tips. The brochures include general guidelines for all businesses to follow so employees and customers feel confident when they do return, as well as industry-specific advice, such as for restaurants, retailers, manufacturers and other [...]
WHA Members Participating in Insurance Program Receive $134,000 in Dividends
By Jennifer Becker of The Horton Group Since 1983, the Wisconsin Housing Alliance (and its predecessor associations) have endorsed an insurance program underwritten by EMC Insurance Companies as a benefit available to Retail Division and Community members. The menu of policies and coverages in the program are designed to address the property and liability insurance needs of these member entities. The program is marketed and serviced by agents of [...]
A Deep Dive Into Governor Evers’ Emergency Order #15 – Temporary Ban on Evictions and Foreclosures
By Attorney Tristan Pettit My office has received a lot of questions about Governor Evers’ Emergency Order regarding a temporary ban on evictions and foreclosures in the last few days. There appears to be a lot of misunderstanding or confusion over the Order so I will attempt to clarify the Order and answer many of the questions that I have received. First off, it is important to keep in [...]
COVID-19—Guidance for the Industry in WI
By Executive Director, Amy Bliss As if worrying about catching COVID-19 is not enough to frighten us, everyone is worried about how this is affecting their business. I know we have inundated everyone with multiple emails per day, but I’d rather overcommunicate than not give you enough information. Below is a summary of critical information for each industry segment that may have already been communicated but is important to [...]
Important Notices from HUD, Part 1 of 2
By Mark Conte of Manufactured Housing Compliance Services The US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) published two notices in the January 31, 2020 Federal Register. This post will provide a brief overview of one of these two notices; the final rule announcing changes to the Formaldehyde/Health Notice requirement. While the final rule has several elements, I think there are two big takeaways for manufactured home installers and [...]
Updates to the HUD Code
MHI joined HUD Secretary Ben Carson as he announced updates to the HUD Code and released the final rule on formaldehyde emissions for manufactured homes. The announcements were made following his tour of Clayton’s Southern Homes manufactured home facility in Russellville, Alabama with state Governor Kay Ivey. MHI has been calling for these important updates and the announcement demonstrates that MHI’s advocacy efforts are resulting in impactful and tangible [...]
HUD’s Assistance Animal Guidance Memo Fails to Provide Much Clarity
HUD Issues It's Guidance Memo Regarding How to Evaluate a Tenant/Applicant's Request for an Assistance Animal But Fails to Provide Much Clarity By Tristan R. Pettit On January 28, 2020 HUD published its Memorandum/Notice on how best to assess a tenant/applicant’s request to keep an assistance animal as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act. You can find the entire memorandum here. HUD had been promising for months [...]
Manufactured and Modular Housing in WI Has Annual Economic Impact of More Than $2.65B
Manufactured and modular home manufacturing, retail and servicers, and park residents support 26,063 jobs in Wisconsin [Madison, WI] – [January 14, 2020] – A new report issued by the Wisconsin Housing Alliance (WHA) demonstrates the vast economic impact of manufactured and modular housing in Wisconsin. According to the report, three sectors of the manufactured and modular housing industry: manufacturing, retail and servicers and park residents, generate more than $2.65 [...]
3 Digital Tools to Help You Sell Homes in 2020
By David Finney of Bild Media A Great Website - Did you know that 75% of consumers say that they will judge a business’s credibility based solely off of its website? What does your website say about your business? Does it say that your business is modern, efficient, and offers a great product? Or does it say "Turn up the Backstreet Boys and let's do the Macarena!" As people [...]
Cleaning Up to Clean Up: Increasing Revenue with Great Resident Relations
By Joanne Stevens of NAI Iowa Realty Commercial and Green Lake MHP Eleanor sat down after making a presentation for adding fifty additional mobile home sites to the Whispering Maples Mobile Home Community she managed. Several people in the city council chambers stood up and applauded. As Eleanor waited for the roll call vote of the city council members, she thought back to all the city staff, county board [...]
MHI Announces New CEO and President
The Manufactured Housing Institute announced that its Board has chosen Dr. Lesli Gooch as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer and Mark Bowersox as its President. Lesli and Mark, who currently serve as Executive Vice Presidents at MHI, will succeed current President and CEO Richard Jennison upon his retirement at the end of the year. “During their time at MHI, Lesli and Mark have been highly effective for our [...]
Sec. Carson Asks the FTC to Investigate Websites Selling Asst. Animal Documentation
Recently, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson wrote to Chairman of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Joseph J. Simons and Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection Andrew Smith requesting that the FTC investigate certain websites that may be selling assistance animal documentation. “These certificates are not an acceptable substitute for authentic documentation provided by medical professionals when appropriate,” said Secretary Carson. “These websites that [...]
Wisconsin Act 38 Passed Into Law
On Thursday, November 21, Governor Evers signed Assembly Bill 117 into law, effectively making it 2019 Wisconsin Act 38. In 2015, Act 211 was implemented with the goal of improving the building permit process; however, many municipalities across the state began requiring home builders and contractors to submit a building permit both electronically and on paper. The purpose of Wisconsin Act 38 is to clarify the duplication that had [...]
Brian Montgomery Nominated as HUD Deputy Secretary
President Trump nominated Brian Montgomery to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the number two position at HUD behind Secretary Carson. Montgomery currently serves as HUD's Assistant Secretary for Housing and the Federal Housing Commissioner. He has served as Acting Deputy Secretary since January. He has been instrumental in elevating the Office of Manufactured Housing Programs' profile within the Department, creating a regulatory [...]
New Paper Calls MHCs a Supply-Side Solution to the Housing Crisis
UMH Properties, Inc. has released a new paper about the promise of manufactured housing communities. Entitled, “Manufactured Housing Communities Provide a Supply-Side Solution to the Affordable Housing Crisis,” by Aaron Potter, MBA, Assistant to the President, the paper outlines major issues facing housing markets across the country and how manufactured home communities can help millions of families own homes that are affordable and of the highest quality. Very low-, low-, [...]
Study Finds Severe Workforce Housing Shortage Across Wisconsin
By The Wisconsin Realtors Association The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA) released a groundbreaking new study, “Falling Behind,” that shows a severe workforce housing shortage and highlights the need for bold bipartisan action now to address this growing concern. From a high of more than 30,000 single-family home permits authorized in 2004 to fewer than 12,500 permits authorized in 2017, Wisconsin is on the cusp of not being able to [...]
Oct. 14 Packers Tickets Auction to Benefit THF
Packers fans! A member has graciously donated two premier club seats (face value of $738) to the Monday, October 14th Packers game against the Detroit Lions….with auction proceeds benefiting Tomorrow’s Home Foundation! If you would like to make a bid on the tickets, please send it to laurie@housingalliance.us. (Or call us at 608-255-3131 or fax to 608-255-5595). The highest bid by noon on Monday, October 7th will win the [...]
Think Twice Before Using CCAP
By Kramer, Elkins & Watt In Wisconsin, over the last decade or so, ‘CCAPing’ (pronounced ‘see-capping’) has become a verb. It’s how many of us check someone out, whether it be a friend, that creepy neighbor, our boyfriend’s wacky ex-girlfriend, a potential suitor, or a potential employee. Stop right there. Did you say, potential employee? If you have ever CCAPed a potential employee or thought about it, the warning in [...]
Expanding Manufactured Home Financing
If you have not heard yet, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have developed loan programs specifically for manufactured homes. This a first step to providing more financing opportunities for manufactured homes. These programs were created to help reach an underserved population and offer more opportunities for Americans to become homeowners. Both programs are for homes on private land and each has requirements. A summary of each program is below. [...]
NJ Ends Manufactured Housing Program & Why This Should Concern You!
By Mark Conte of Conte Manufactured Housing Compliance ServicesIn case you haven’t heard, as of today (August 5, 2019), the state of New Jersey is ending its partnership with HUD as a “State Administrative Agency” or SAA. One of the results of this action, NJ code officials no longer have authority to issue permits and perform inspections of manufactured housing installations. A summary of the new rule states that [...]
Nominations Needed For Elmer Frey Award
Elmer Frey was an industry icon that left his legacy as a leader and innovator in the factory-built housing industry. If you know of anyone currently in the industry that fits this description, nominate them for the prestigious Elmer Frey Award. The award will be given out on November 6th at the Annual Conference Dinner. To submit a nomination, please send a letter by email to Julie@housingalliance.us; or fax to 608-255-5595; [...]
DSPS Title Search Update
Good News! The Department of Safety & Professional Services home titling system now shows the home’s age, size, manufacturer, and home lien information. You will need to click on the individual title record to see all of this information. The eLSA system Public Lookup is where you can find professional license information, as well. Please note that DSPS will no longer inform license holders by mail when a license [...]
Fannie Mae’s New MH Website & Video
Fannie Mae has a great new website touting the next generation of manufactured homes. It gives a nice overview of the building process, details mortgages for manufactured homes and gives information on MH Advantage homes and mortgages. There’s also a great 30 second video you can find in the upper right-hand corner of their website at http://www.fanniemae.com/todaysmh/. Featured Events [...]
Buyer Beware: Buying a Manufactured or Modular Home Online
By Laurie Mercurio, WHA Communications Director Did you think we’d ever get to a point where consumers could purchase a home online?! Or that some consumers are choosing to purchase a home online site unseen? No surprise, then, that we’re hearing more and more stories about the issues and downfalls of ordering homes online. An Alliance member retailer encountered a prospective buyer who changed her mind on the home [...]
MHI Members on Capitol Hill Talk Manufactured Housing
MHI members from across the nation descended on our Nation’s Capitol in early June to meet with their Senators and Representatives to discuss important issues facing the manufactured housing industry. MHI’s members, from more than 20 states and representing companies that conduct business throughout the country, met with more than 100 congressional offices to talk about the need to update the HUD Code and Federal Housing Administration programs, and [...]
Extension of Energy Tax Credit Passes House Ways and Means Committee
On June 20, 2019, the House Ways and Means Committee approved legislation that would provide a retroactive renewal and extension of many expired—but significant—housing tax provisions, including the Energy-Efficient New Home Tax Credit (45L tax credit). MHI has been a consistent voice on Capitol Hill advocating strongly for the extension of the 45L tax credit. Most recently, the 45L tax credit was a key talking point during MHI’s Legislative Fly-In [...]
How Long Should A Landlord Save a Tenant’s Lease and Other Rental Documents?
By Attorney Tristan Pettit A while ago I wrote a post in which I recommended that landlords retain a denied rental applicant's application and related paperwork for at least 2 years from the date of denial. This post will focus on the situation where the landlord has accepted the applicant, the applicant was your tenant, and now their tenancy has ended for whatever reason. Under this scenario, how long should [...]
Keep Young Workers Safe This Summer
By EMC Insurance For many businesses, hiring young workers is an important way to maximize productivity during the summer months. Without the extra help from teens and young adults, jobs like mowing, painting, maintenance and miscellaneous tasks might not be achievable. Younger workers are often energetic and excited to tackle new tasks, but did you know they’re also more likely to get injured on the job? Based on studies of [...]
Spotlight on a WHA Member Benefit
Since 1983, the Wisconsin Housing Alliance (and its predecessor associations) have endorsed an insurance program underwritten by EMC Insurance Companies as a benefit available to Community and Retail division members. The menu of policies and coverages in the program are designed to address property and liability insurance needs of these member entities. The program is exclusively marketed and serviced by agents of The Horton Group. In March, the Wisconsin [...]
Prairie Lakes Estates – Lessons Learned 2 Years After Devastating Tornado
”It took my Mom 17 years to build up the park, and suddenly, we lost it all.” May 16th is the two-year anniversary of the devastating tornado that tore through Prairie Lake Estates in Chetek, Wisconsin. The tornado had a path length of 83 miles, making it one of the longest track tornadoes ever to have occurred in Wisconsin (since records began in 1950). The tornado was upgraded to [...]
2018 MHI Consumer Research Unveiled
The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) recently commissioned an in-depth consumer research project about the demographics, perceptions, and preferences of manufactured homeowners and residents. MHI worked with Trifecta Research for the study, and the findings provide exciting insights into a variety of topics and market trends, including the characteristics and satisfaction of individuals who live in manufactured homes across the country. This extensive independent research study of manufactured housing residents [...]
ACM® Training Now Available Online
The Accredited Community Managers (ACM®) program is a comprehensive study of manufactured home community management topics. A broad range of topics are covered during the training, including management and resident policies, community maintenance, leasing and sales techniques, marketing, taxes, insurance, financial management, business planning, physical asset management, federal laws and fair housing law. The Manufactured Housing Educational Institute (MHEI) is proud to now offer Course 1 of the Accredited [...]
DATCP Top 10 Consumer Complaints for 2018
Telemarketing complaints are on the rise (4,860 complaints) and continue to top the annual list of consumer complaints collected by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). More than two out of every five complaints received by the agency in 2018 were in regard to calls from unknown numbers, unwanted sales calls or scam calls. This represents a 17% increase in telemarketing complaints over 2017. “Consumers [...]
Employee Files Questions & Answers by Attorney Jessica M. Kramer
If you have employees, you may have heard that you should keep employee files, also called personnel files. You may know that there is a state law requiring employers to allow employees to view their own files. But, what exactly should you keep in them? What should you do with the files? What other responsibilities do you have with respect to these files? These 12 questions and answers provide [...]
Snow Day: Do I Pay My Employees?
By Attorney Jessica M. Kramer It happens every year in Wisconsin. A snow storm is brewing (or seemingly shows up out of nowhere), and you have a decision to make: Do I close the office? The industry you are in, the customers or clients you serve, your company’s size, and your location likely dictate that decision. Whether to close up for the day due to inclement weather (or for [...]
What Will the New Year Bring for Factory Built Housing? By Executive Director, Amy Bliss
With every new year comes predictions of what the year will bring. It is always uncertain, but fun to attempt and then go back to see how you did. Before we look forward, it is good to look back. In 2018, there were all good economic indicators for the manufactured and modular housing industry. · HUD Code home shipments rose dramatically over 2017. The numbers for November and December are [...]
Freddie Mac Offers Flexible Financing & Innovative Features with CHOICEHome
Wouldn’t it be great to utilize more of Freddie Mac’s credit and collateral flexibilities with manufactured home borrowers? With Freddie Mac’s CHOICEHome℠ pilot program, they’re paving the way to do just that. What’s Freddie Mac CHOICEHome? Freddie Mac CHOICEHome is a new type of manufactured home defined by higher pitch roof lines; permanent foundations; dry wall throughout; energy-efficient features; and site-built components, such as a garage or carport. During [...]
Financing of Existing Manufactured Homes is Available
Wisconsin Rural Development has joined the Manufactured Housing Pilot! Existing manufactured homes must meet the following conditions to be eligible for financing: · The home must have been constructed on or after 1/1/2006 in conformance with Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (FMHCSS) · The home must not have had any alterations or modifications since construction in the factory except for porches, decks or other structures · Unit inspection is required [...]
Renewed Interest in Financing Manufactured and Modular Homes
For over a decade, most government entities would not even consider lending on manufactured homes and appraisal requirements made it a little difficult for modular homes. Based on recent outreach to Wisconsin Housing Alliance, it feels like the tide is turning. WHA staff is cautiously optimistic that more home financing is on the horizon. Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) WHEDA has joined as a member of Wisconsin Housing [...]
MHI Calls on HUD to Eliminate Discriminatory Zoning
HUD is taking a second look at the regulation known as “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing” (“AFFH”). This prompted MHI to call on HUD to eliminate discriminatory zoning that would restrict or eliminate manufactured housing from a community’s stock of affordable housing by revising a directive it issued back in 1997. In its letter, MHI says it “… strongly encourages HUD to broadly exercise its existing power, especially when land use [...]
WI Manufacturers & Commerce to Offer Association Health Plan for Groups
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) has partnered with UnitedHealth Care (UHC) and will be launching EmployerPulse, an Association Health Plan effective January 1, 2019. Under a new Association Health Plan (AHP) rule issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, small businesses can enjoy the flexibility that large businesses have under the Affordable Care Act by pooling together. It will be available for businesses of all industries with 2 – 50 employees in [...]
Evidence Shows MH Appreciate as Well as Site-Built Homes
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the conservator that oversees the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, recently published its extensive quarterly report on US house prices and included data on manufactured housing for the first time. The FHFA’s new MH index, still in the experimental stage, indicates that the prices of the manufactured homes purchased by the GSEs perform similarly to those of site-built properties. Although there [...]
Making the Case for New Manufactured Homes
By Mike Callaghan, Managing Partner Four Leaf Properties (708) 781-1031 If our industry wants to lose the “trailer park” moniker, here’s an idea - get rid of the trailers! Despite an unprecedented run in occupancy gains and MH property values, our industry is still struggling with legacy perception issues. Despite all of the recent successes, the landscape is still dotted with rusted metal boxes that taint and discount the value [...]
If You Can’t Understand a Deed Restriction, It’s Probably Not Enforceable By Donald J. Murn
Recently, a Supreme Court of Wisconsin case came down regarding deed restrictions in a subdivision. The case is Forshee v. Neuschwander and reminds developers and lot buyers to be particular in the way they draft and interpret deed restrictions. The facts of the case are not particularly unique. The Neuschwanders purchased a property and developed it as a single family home. They then rented it out through Vacation Rental By [...]
HUD Files Fair Housing Complaint Against Facebook
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has filed a complaint against Facebook claiming it has allowed “landlords and home sellers to use its advertising platform to engage in housing discrimination.” According to HUD’s press release, “Facebook enables advertisers to control which users receive housing-related ads based upon the recipient's race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, disability, and/or zip code. Facebook then invites advertisers to express unlawful [...]
Chattel Loans vs. Mortgage Loans
While most manufactured housing customers obtain a chattel loan—a personal property loan—there are significant potential cost savings for them in the mortgage loan market, according to a report from the Urban Institute. In fact, in the report, the researchers at Urban Institute suggested costly chattel loans could be partially responsible for the decline in this affordable housing sector in recent years. Addressing the high cost of financing for this affordable [...]
New WHA Board Member
Congrats to Michael Seitz of Asset Development on becoming a member of the Wisconsin Housing of Alliance Board of Directors! Michael graduated from Marquette University Law School in 1988, and has been practicing real estate law for more than 30 years, primarily as Assistant Vice President and Counsel for Bank Mutual. He joined Asset Development Group in 2014 as Vice President and General Counsel. Michael is married and resides in [...]
New Address at DSPS
The Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS) has a new address! As of July 16, 2018, their new office is located at 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705. Also note that the direct phone number to the Manufactured Housing unit is (608) 266-2112. Featured Events
MHI’s Legislative Fly-In Yields Results
MHI members from across the nation descended upon Capitol Hill the week of June 25th for MHI’s 2018 Summer Legislative Fly-In. MHI members representing 19 states conducted almost 100 meetings with congressional offices in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The fly-in yielded immediate results, with the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (formerly CFPB) Acting Director, Mick Mulvaney (seen above) telling attendees he will help ensure [...]
A New Tone from HUD at its Regional SAA and PIA Meeting in St. Louis
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Manufactured Housing Programs (OMHP) held its State Administrative Agency and Primary Inspection Agency Western and Midwestern Regional Meeting on June 19-20, 2018 in St. Louis. MHI was represented by Dr. Lesli Gooch, MHI’s Executive Vice President for Government Affairs and Chief Lobbyist, and Devin Leary-Hanebrink, MHI’s Vice-President and Regulatory Counsel. The tone of the meeting was significantly more collaborative [...]
Home Delivery Prices on the Rise
Many of you buying new manufactured homes these days are noticing not only higher construction prices, but also rising transportation prices. Rates for delivery of multi-section homes are worse as they require two separate trucks and sometimes additional escort vehicles. Retailers are reporting freight charges have doubled in some cases in the last two years. Multiple factors are combining to increase delivery prices. These include: ¨ New Department of Transportation regulations [...]
President Trump Signs Legislation Giving MH Retailers Relief from Dodd-Frank
On May 24th, calling it a great day for America, American workers, and small businesses, President Trump signed into law S. 2155, the “Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act." 31.2155 includes a provision clarifying that a manufactured housing retailer or seller is not inappropriately considered a mortgage “loan originator” simply because they provide a customer with some assistance in the mortgage loan process. S. 2155 passed the House [...]
New Landlord-Tenant Law, Act 317
On Monday, April 16th, Governor Walker signed into law some great landlord tenant regulation supported by the Wisconsin Housing Alliance, Wisconsin Realtors Association and various apartment associations. This bill has been working through the process for several months and we are proud to announce that we crossed the finish line. Below is Attorney Tristan Pettit’s summary of Act 317 which went into effect on April 18, 2018: It is a [...]
Support the WI Housing Alliance PAC!
The following have generously donated to the Wisconsin Housing Alliance Political Action Fund (PAC) in the last year. To learn more about the WHA PAC click here. If you would like to donate, a donation form can be found here. Mark Thiede Kay Styza Paige Dreier Venita & Bob Matheus Jim Reitzner Matt Shechtman John Parrish Mark & Laura Luebke Bart Huntington Featured [...]
Members Receive $230,000 from EMC
The Wisconsin Housing Alliance is pleased to announce that the property and casualty insurance program we endorse, EMC Insurance Companies, which is marketed by The Horton Group, has declared a Safety Group dividend for 2018...nearly $230,000! The Safety Group dividend is calculated using a formula that tracks a rolling 3 years of eligible premium and losses of participating WHA members. Each year, the new premium and loss information are added [...]
Severe Weather Safety For Manufactured Home Residents
May and June are the most active months for severe weather in Wisconsin. As a result of the EF-3 tornado that devastated Prairie Lake Estates in Chetek, WI on May 16, 2017, the Alliance put together a severe weather brochure that community owners and managers can distribute to their residents. The brochure educates manufactured home owners and renters on how they can prepare before severe weather strikes and what they [...]
ENERGY STAR Tax Credit Extended Through 2017
The federal budget recently passed by Congress and signed by the President included a $1000 per home tax credit for manufacturers that build ENERGY STAR homes; it was extended retroactively through 2017. Once again, if you had faith that the tax credit would be extended, you were rewarded. It’s a familiar story that keeps repeating itself: Congress waits until the end of the year to extend the tax credit retroactively, [...]
Skyline and Champion Home Builders to Merge
Skyline Corporation and Champion Enterprises Holdings, LLC, the parent company of Champion Home Builders Inc., reached a definitive agreement on January 5th for the two companies to combine their operations. As per the terms of the agreement, Champion will contribute 100% of the shares of its operating subsidiaries, Champion Home Builders, Inc. and CHB International B.V., to Skyline. In exchange, Skyline is currently expected to issue about 47.8 million shares [...]
New DSPS Online Building Permit Application Requirements
2015 Wisconsin Act 211 will go into effect on January 2, 2018, which requires municipalities to provide building permit data electronically to the Department of Safety and Professional Services. Act 211 does not mandate that municipalities require contractors to use an online permit system to receive a building permit, but some municipalities may choose to move to an online system to apply for a building permit if they are not [...]
MH Retailers and Sellers Relief from the Dodd-Frank Act
On December 5, the Senate Banking Committee passed legislation to clarify that a manufactured housing retailer or seller is not considered a "loan originator" simply because they provide a customer with some assistance in the mortgage loan process. This is a key tenet of S. 1751, the Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act, which excludes manufactured housing retailers and sellers from the definition of a loan originator so long as [...]
Governor Signs Act 109 Into Law
Wisconsin Act 109 was signed into law by Governor Walker on November 30th. Alliance members, Eric Flood (of Flood Homes) and Jim Reitzner and Michael Seitz (of Asset Development Group) attended the signing. This bill will make it clear in the law that building code violations are given to the manufactured homeowner and NOT the owner of the community: "This bill provides that if a requirement of the one-family and [...]
2017 Annual Report
The Alliance has published its 2017 Annual Report, which includes the status of the industry and membership, an update on government affairs, finances and Tomorrow's Home Foundation, and shipment numbers. To access the report, click here. Featured Events
Legislative Wins for the Industry
Personal property tax for businesses has been abolished in all states surrounding the state of Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, there are many industries that are exempt from paying personal property taxes. Two notable industries that have exemptions are manufacturing and agriculture. This tax is extremely unfair to small businesses like manufactured home dealers and community owners. For example, dealers pay this tax on their tools; however, the same tool in a [...]
Seeking Elmer Fry Nominations
Elmer Frey was an industry icon that left his legacy as a leader and innovator in the factory-built housing industry. If you know of anyone currently in the industry that fits this description, honor them with a nomination for the prestigious Elmer Frey Award. The award will be given out at the Annual Conference dinner on November 14th. To submit a nomination, please send an email to julie@housingalliance.us or fax [...]
New Process to Find Lien Holder on DSPS Website
If you use the Department of Safety and Professional Service’s Manufactured Home Records Search to verify whether there’s a lien holder on a home, be aware that the process has changed. Previously, you could search by the owner’s last name, however, due to privacy concerns, the lien holder’s name and address is no longer listed by this simple search. But you can still find it. Search by the owner’s last [...]
Home Installers in WI Get an A+
Due to the increasing scrutiny of HUD in states such as Michigan and Illinois, Wisconsin Housing Alliance Executive Director, Amy Bliss, did an open records request asking the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) if there had been any installation related complaints to DSPS regarding manufactured home installation. The answer came back just as predicted. The number of complaints related to home installation was ZERO! A nice low [...]
Fair Housing is More than Just a Federal Law
The Fair Housing Act has been on the books for decades, prohibiting all forms of housing discrimination based upon a person’s race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and/or disability. The list of so-called “protected classes” in the federal law is relatively short and easy to remember. However, the federal law is not the only housing non-discrimination law impacting manufactured housing communities and retail sales centers. Shortly after the [...]
When Bedbugs Become a Problem
We’ve all heard the stories of bedbug outbreaks at hotels, but what do you do when they become a problem in your community? This article will help you answer that question with tips on identification, signs of infestation and treatments. Bedbugs are small, oval, brownish insects that live on the blood of animals or humans. Adult bedbugs have flat bodies about the size of an apple seed. After feeding, however, [...]
HUD Inspections Find Common Installation Problems in Other States
In HUD’s June newsletter, some common home installation problems were reported in states such as Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming and Nebraska. HUD is randomly monitoring installations in HUD program states and also in states that have their own installation programs. Those problems included: Improper grading around the home Improper cap blocks Tie downs that exceed 60 degrees Lack of approved alternative foundation designs (foundation plans not found in the manufacturer’s [...]
4 Things Professional Burglars Don’t Want You to Know
Pass These Tips on to Residents and Home Buyers Even though a burglary occurs every 20 seconds in the U.S., you can still protect yourself with simple, common-sense steps. 1. Nighttime Burglaries Aren't the Best Time. Burglars like to break in to homes during daytime hours - between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. - because there's a high chance people will be away at work or school. The last thing [...]
Severe Weather Safety Guide for Manufactured Home Residents
The Alliance has developed a severe weather safety guide for manufactured home residents, which you can distribute to your tenants. You can download it here: Severe Weather Safety for Manufactured Home Residents Featured Events
New Guidance in Pulling Building Permits
Below is guidance from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) regarding what credentials are required to pull building permits. “Q: What credentials are required for a Manufactured Home Installer to be issued a building permit for the installation of a manufactured home? A: In order for a Manufactured Home Installer to obtain a building permit on behalf of the home owner, the Manufactured Home Installer must have [...]
Group Insurance Members Share in $186,000
The Wisconsin Housing Alliance is pleased to announce that the property and casualty insurance program we endorse, EMC Insurance Companies, which is marketed by The Horton Group, has declared a Safety Group dividend for 2016….$186,254! The Safety Group dividend is calculated using a formula that tracks a rolling 3 years of eligible premium and losses of participating WHA members. Each year, the new premium and loss information are added in [...]
Joint Finance Committee Hears State Agencies Budget Requests
Late March is a busy time at the State Capitol. The Joint Finance Committee heard testimony from State Agencies on March 28th and 29th. The Governor’s budget includes the elimination of many Boards and Councils which were housed under the Department of Safety and Professional Services, which includes the elimination of the Manufactured Housing Council. The Wisconsin Housing Alliance Board determined that the industry will not lobby to keep the council [...]
Ask Your Representative to Co-Sponsor The Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act
The Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act has been reintroduced in the 115th Congress by a bipartisan group of Representatives. The bill, now numbered H.R. 1699, was introduced by Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Bruce Poliquin (R-ME), Terri Sewell (D-AL), David Kustoff (R-TN) and Kathleen Rice (D-NY) to address federal regulations implementing the Dodd-Frank Act that do not reflect the unique nature of the manufactured home financing and [...]
New Secretary of DSPS and Dept. of Financial Institutions
Governor Walker recently appointed new secretaries to the Department of Safety and Professional Services and to the Department of Financial Institutions. Laura Gutierrez was appointed in February as the Secretary of DSPS. She grew up in Milwaukee and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Carroll College and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Policy from Marquette University. She also completed the District Administrator Licensure Program at Cardinal [...]
DOT Audit Shows Change is Needed
The manufactured and modular housing industry depends on good roads to transport homes throughout the Midwest. Unfortunately for Wisconsin, the roads are deteriorating rapidly. Wisconsin Housing Alliance, along with many other industries, is always an advocate for a solution to the lack of transportation funding. The Legislative Audit Bureau has completed the audit of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Their findings concluded that change is needed. Here is what the audit [...]
Optimism at the Louisville Home Show
Optimism abounded at the Louisville Home Show in late January. Wisconsin Housing Alliance retail and manufacturing members all seemed to be projecting positive thoughts. Retailers and park owners were buying and manufacturers were selling. All of that bodes well for the industry in 2017. The homes themselves were sporting some fantastic kitchens, new colors (lots of gray tones) and a great deal of end/entry front porches that really add to [...]
Industry Testifies Regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s Duty to Serve MH
On January 25th in Chicago, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) which oversees the activities of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac listened to several industry representatives regarding the entities Duty to Serve Manufactured Housing. In particular, Amy Bliss, Executive Director for Wisconsin Housing Alliance, testified that chattel lending in manufactured home communities must be a key component in their pilot project to serve the industry. In addition to their duty [...]
West Partners Acquires Asset Development Group
West Partners, a San Diego area investment firm, has acquired a majority interest in Asset Development Group (“ADG”) and its affiliated businesses. Asset Development Group, which includes the consumer facing company Home Source One, is a vertically integrated manufactured housing and services platform that currently owns and operates 53 communities with more than 5,400 sites in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Michigan. In addition to property management, ADG provides insurance brokerage [...]
GSEs Will Receive Duty to Serve Credit for MH Chattel Loans
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has finalized its Duty to Serve (DTS) rule, which would provide DTS credit to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for the purchase of chattel manufactured housing loans. The GSEs have not purchased chattel loans for almost a decade. Tim Williams, Chairman of the Manufactured Housing Institute and President of 21st Mortgage Corporation, said that MHI is optimistic but there is much more to be [...]
Wisconsin Welcomes Newest Resident-Owned Community
About 115 residents in a La Crosse manufactured housing community became the newest resident-owned community in Wisconsin. Pammel Creek Estates, Inc., a Wisconsin nonprofit organization, organized by and for residents of a property once known as Pleasant Valley Estates, purchased the 59-unit manufactured housing community. Organized as a nonprofit, the organization will be governed by cooperative principles: one-member, one-vote, operation at cost, for the mutual benefit of the low- and [...]
New Overtime Rule on Hold
A Federal Judge in Texas issued a national temporary injunction on implementation of the Obama Administration's new overtime rule, previously set to go into effect on December 1, 2016. The Department of Labor had issued a new rule that would have doubled (to $47,476) the salary threshold for the so-called "white collar" exemption to overtime pay. The rule would also have indexed future increases in the threshold to the Consumer [...]
New Overtime Rules Effective 12/1/2016
Are you paying your employees $47,476 per year? If not, you might want to carefully read MHI’s guidance on the new overtime rules that go into effect on December 1st. Here is a link to the extensive discussion to help you navigate this new Department of Labor rule: MHI Guidance On Overtime Rules Featured Events
Golf Outing a Success!
We had a beautiful day at Hawk’s View Golf Course in Lake Geneva for the joint Wisconsin Housing and Recreational Vehicle Dealers Alliances golf outing. 94 golfers registered for the event, and we had more sponsors this year than ever before!! Cole Huntington, who was the youngest player this year, won the “Closest to the Pin” hole. JP Pulvermacher had the longest ladies drive, (in the fairway) and Lon Kocsis [...]
Pets, Service and Comfort Animals—They’re Different Under the Americans with Disability Act and Fair Housing Amendment Act?
As Printed In THE JOURNAL By Robert Williamson “Pets” are not service or comfort animals under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA). Community residents or prospective residents claiming a disability and desiring to keep a certain “pet” in contravention of a community’s “no pet” or “pet restrictive” policy or rules will generally assert, however, that under either or both ADA or FHAA, the [...]
Seeking Elmer Frey Nominations
Elmer Frey was an industry icon that left his legacy as a leader and innovator in the factory-built housing industry. If you know of anyone currently in the industry that also fits this description, you can honor them with a nomination for the prestigious Elmer Frey Award. The award will be given out on November 9th. To submit a nomination, please send a letter or email to the Alliance office (258 [...]
Coalition Created to Repeal Wisconsin’s Personal Property Tax
A strong and diverse group of 31 trade and business associations have joined forces with the common goal of repealing Wisconsin’s personal property tax. The “Coalition to Repeal Wisconsin’s Personal Property Tax” consists of organizations representing more than 400,000 Wisconsin businesses employing more than a million employees, as well as thousands of individual taxpayers across the state.“ Collectively, coalition members represent nearly every personal property taxpayer in Wisconsin.” said Michelle [...]
Kinzler Inducted to MH/RV Hall of Fame
Ross Kinzler, Former Director of the Wisconsin Housing Alliance, was honored for his contribution to the manufactured housing industry. On August 1st, 2016, Kinzler, along with nine other individuals, was inducted into the MH/RV Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana. During his more than 25-year tenure, Kinzler doubled the association’s membership, created a team approach to member services and managed association resources by cutting expenses, yet maintaining services in a [...]
Deck Code Commentary
We have been asking DSPS for relief from some of the Deck Code and they have released a 93-page commentary. The entire code commentary is linked here. However, section 321.40 specifically pertains to manufactured housing: Manufactured Home Foundation Requirements Featured Events
Three Upcoming Code Changes to the UDC
Three new code changes affecting the Uniform Dwelling Code will go into effect June 1, 2016. The Department of Safety and Professional Services would like to inform stakeholders of three administrative rule changes affecting the Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC). The Uniform Dwelling Code Council heard from stakeholders on three topics: Crawl Space Ventilation Wisconsin Legislature: CR 15-090 Rule Text Natural Light in Rooms over Garages Wisconsin Legislature: CR 15-089 Hearing [...]
To Retailers: DSPS Website Now Includes REScheck Information
Important news on the use of REScheck for determining thermal envelope compliance and minimum furnace and boiler capacity are now posted on the state’s One and Two Family (UDC) website. Effective January 1, 2016, the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) updated its energy conservation code to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. As before, compliance with the UDC can be shown by use of the federal REScheck program. However, the newest [...]
Final Rule Issued on Overtime
On May 18, 2016, President Obama and Secretary Perez announced the publication of the Department of Labor’s final rule updating the overtime regulations, which will automatically extend overtime pay protections to over 4 million workers within the first year of implementation. This long-awaited update will result in a meaningful boost to many workers’ wallets, and will go a long way toward realizing President Obama’s commitment to ensuring every worker is [...]
Wetland Confirmation Service
This service consists of a written statement, based upon an on-site inspection, of whether the DNR agrees with the wetland boundaries delineated by a consultant. A fee of $300 per 20 acres of land reviewed is associated with this service, and requesters will receive a response in 60 days or less. The goal of this service is to provide landowners and developers certainty that a project’s delineated wetland boundaries are [...]
A Must-Read for Community Owners and Managers
Tristan’s Landlord-Tenant Law Blog – HUD Issues New Guidelines on the Use of Criminal Records in the Rental Screening Process. On April 4, 2016 the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) dropped a bombshell on owners and managers of residential rental properties in the U.S. HUD's Office of General Counsel published a 10 page guide entitled "Guidance on Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to the Use of [...]
RV Dealers Alliance
The Wisconsin Housing Alliance Board of Directors has agreed to manage the newly formed Wisconsin Recreational Vehicle Dealers Alliance. This is the trade association for RV Dealers in Wisconsin. They have never had a formal association and contacted Amy Bliss to see if this was a possibility. Several other state manufactured and modular housing associations also represent recreational vehicle dealers. After several months of discussion and research, it was decided [...]
Do You Want to Win $10,000?!
Tomorrow's Home Foundation is holding a raffle to raise money for their critical home repair program. Tickets are $100 each, with only 250 available. The grand prize is $10,000, with 12 other prizes up for grabs. (Including a $1000 and $500 cash prize, two Packers suite tickets, an iPad, a $450 Heidel House Resort & Spa Gift Certificate, a KitchenAid mixer, a Fitbit, a GoPro Camera and various gift cards.) [...]