July/August 2023

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY EDITION

CHATGPT INTERVIEWS THE PUBLISHER ON MANUFACTURED HOUSING

MHM PROVIDES WELL-SCALED RESORT LIFESTYLE FOR SENIORS

TOP TECH TOOLS USED FOR MHC MANAGEMENT IN 2023

THE MAGAZINE FOR MANUFACTURED HOUSING PROFESSIONALS

The folks at MHM Communities know that affordable homes for seniors in manufactured housing communities are not only a viable option but also provide an elevated quality of life.

VOLUME 6, EDITION 4 | JULY / AUGUST 2023 | MHInsider.com

PUBLISHER Patrick Revere | patrick@mhvillage.com

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Merit Kathan | merit@mhvillage.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR George Allen | gfa7156@aol.com

EDITORS Sean Vichinsky | sean@mhvillage.com, Dawn Highhouse | dawn@mhvillage.com

CONTRIBUTORS Andrew Keel, Kellie Speed, ChatGPT, Darren Krolewski

ADVERTISING SALES (877) 406-0232 advertise@mhvillage.com

EDITORIAL & GENERAL INQUIRIES Patrick Revere | 2600 Five Mile Road NE Grand Rapids, MI, 49525 (616) 888-6994 patrick@mhvillage.com

ChatGPT Interviews the Publisher on Manufactured Housing

HAPPENINGS

EVENTS

9

14

17

ECONOMY

37 Stabilizing the U.S. Economy

38 Affordable Housing Crisis Plagues the United States, Demanding Immediate Attention

SERVICE / SUPPLIER

48 Top Tech Tools Used for MHC Management in 2023

54 New Innovation in Home Moving Technology Means Increased Efficiency, Safety

MARKETING

56 Google Analytics is Dead, Long Live Google Analytics

ALLEN LEGACY

62 Is It Time to Tell Your Story?

Although we make every effort to ensure that the information in this issue was correct before publication, MHVillage, Inc. and the publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Opinions expressed are those of the author or persons quoted and not necessarily those of MHInsider or the publisher MHVillage, Inc.

Copyright ©2023 MHVillage, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of MHInsider content, MHI or other contributor content, in part or in whole, is prohibited without written authorization from MHVillage, Inc.

Patrick Revere is vice president of communications at MHVillage and publisher for the MHInsider magazine and blog for industry professionals. His background is in print news, language, and communication.

from the PUBLISHER

Not A Trend, But A Takeover

To say that the sudden level of conversation on and consumption of all things artificial intelligence is the big tech trend is like saying the internet somewhat changed the marketplace.

In most years a group of us who work for, or otherwise are in support of, MHInsider banter about the primary categories in play and weigh out how to shed light on the most prominent themes in technology. Not this year. It’s all AI all the time.

Yes, we’ve covered a few areas under the theme of industry development, which we pair with technology for the July/August offering. But even with that, we decided that the 2023 version of MHInsider’s Industry Development and Technology piece would be unlike any other.

AI, whether through an image creator or the language models, has

touched each aspect of the magazine you’re reading.

I interviewed ChatGPT. ChatGPT interviewed me. Each line in the Happenings section was edited by the application, too. And most features throughout bear reference to the use of artificial intelligence to optimize time and resources.

That was our motivation. A midyear schedule change provided us with the perfect test, shrinking our production time by half for this edition to accommodate an earlier than usual offering of the edition dedicated to smalland midsize manufactured home community ownership.

So take this edition of MHInsider as a primer on the possibilities that artificial intelligence holds for the marketplace, both in its evident breakthroughs and also in its imminent risks.

industry HAPPENINGS

Transactions

Texas ‘Ranch’ Community Provides Modern Manufactured Homes

Rockrose Ranch at Lake Conroe, a 700-home community in Willis, Texas had its grand opening in the spring. The offering from Inspire Communities sits on 170 acres west of I-45, and is a gated active adult village with a section of homes open to all ages. Rockrose Ranch has homes from $110,000 to about $220,000 and floor plans ranging from two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms, front porches, and open-concept living areas. “Our goal for Rockrose Ranch is to redefine housing for lifestyle communities. The structural quality of manufactured housing today far exceeds traditional site-built homes, and the finishes of new manufactured homes are virtually indistinguishable,” Inspire Communities CEO Rick Andreen said.

UMH Buys Ohio Property to Develop New Community

UMH Properties, Inc. has acquired a 30-acre parcel in Perrysburg, Ohio, for $2.3 million. The land is fully entitled for the development of 115 manufactured home sites. The land is adjacent Meadows of Perrysburg, a 196-homesite community that is approximately 95 percent occupied. Site rents in the area average $500 per month and new homes will be $150,000. “This entitled land provides us with a pipeline of new sites to generate profitable sales and should result

in improved operating results. The purpose of this acquisition is to support our long-term strategy of growing the company through the infill of our 4,000 vacant sites, the development of our vacant land, and the growth of our sales and finance operation,” UMH President Sam Landy said.

Green Courte Partners Expand New York Community

Green Courte Partners, with the help of a bridge loan from Associated Bank, will expand Penfield Farms, a manufactured housing community in Rochester, N.Y. The project involves acquiring neighboring communities, East Avenue and Forest Lawn, resulting in a total of 716 homesites and allowing consolidation of operations and investment in infrastructure and amenities. Green Courte Partners, based in Chicago, is building a portfolio of manufactured housing communities through its real estate funds, including 23 properties under the Windward Communities brand. They also own and operate The Parking Spot and are developing active-adult and independent-living senior housing communities.

More Expansion for Flagship Communities

Flagship Communities has purchased three communities in Indiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee for about $21 million. The acquisitions have an average occupancy rate of 67 percent. “These acquisitions

align with our strategy to increase our presence in our core states to enhance efficiencies and achieve economies of scale,” Flagship Communities President Kurt Keeney said. “These properties are located in highly desirable, high-growth areas and are expected to generate above-market growth.”

Invesco Real Estate Announces Homestead Communities

Invesco Real Estate, a global leader in the real estate investment management business, has launched Homestead Communities, dedicated to addressing the affordable housing crisis in the U.S. by providing safe, clean, and supportive communities for working families and retirees where they can own or rent affordable, high-quality, single-family manufactured homes. The platform strengthens Invesco Real Estate’s commitment to the growing manufactured housing sector and enhances the firm’s speed-to-market, scale, and performance across growth markets nationally. “The manufactured housing industry is a strategic priority for Invesco Real Estate given it is a niche asset class with a strong track record of net operating income resiliency amid market volatility,” Invesco Real Estate’s Bert Crouch said. “As a part of our broader strategic initiative around vertically integrating operating companies... we believe Homestead Communities will allow us to capitalize on secular tailwinds and achieve operational efficiencies.”

Personnel

NCCER Names New Director

The National Center for Construction Education and Research has announced that Dr. Melissa L. Perkins, a certified fundraising executive, has joined the organization as the new director of philanthropy and partnerships. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, NCCER relies on philanthropic investments from corporations, foundations, and individuals to advance its mission. The need to provide rigorous and relevant workforce development solutions for the construction industry is central to national economic growth.

Industry Giving Michigan Community Operator Reaches Milestone in Giving

RHP Properties has provided a pair of $10,000 donations to support educational initiatives at Lincoln Elementary School in Ogden, Utah and Berkeley Lake Elementary School in Duluth, Ga., marking the 10th school RHP has adopted. The partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org has resulted in $100,000 in support for schools serving students who reside in RHP Properties’ manufactured home communities. The funds will be used to purchase essential basic supplies such as pens, glue, tape, pencils, notebooks, paper, and folders in addition to books and curriculum and STEM education materials such as science lab equipment, robotics kits, and supplies. »

Clayton Empowers Communities Through Team Member Volunteerism

Clayton Impact is a paid volunteer time-off program that enables team members to support causes they are passionate about and make a positive impact in their communities. The program garnered impressive participation in its first full year, with more than 35 percent of team members volunteering nearly 45,000 hours in hundreds of communities.

Clayton team members have utilized their volunteer time off in powerful ways to support a variety of causes, from building or repairing homes for underserved community members to helping local food banks and children’s hospitals. These volunteer efforts demonstrate a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. “At Clayton, we believe in investing in our communities and delivering positive experiences for our team members,” Clayton Director of Philanthropy Susan Brown said. “We are proud of the impact our team members have made through the company’s paid volunteer time-off program, Clayton Impact, and look forward to reaching even more communities in 2023. We will continue to expand our philanthropic efforts to empower families and communities to overcome challenges, achieve housing stability, and positively impact the planet we call home.”

In Memoriam Texas Mourns the Passing of Longtime Professional

William Franklin Hopkins, Jr. passed away on March 13 at his home in Texas. Mr. Hopkins was born Dec. 18, 1932 in Houston to William Franklin Hopkins, Sr. and Marjorie Frances (Ratliff) Hopkins. Mr. Hopkins attended Paschal High School in Ft. Worth and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1954. He worked in sales with two industrial manufacturing firms and spent several years in the manufactured housing industry. Later he owned and co-owned two businesses. Mr. Hopkins enjoyed sailing and was a Fort Worth Boat Club member at Eagle Mountain Lake. He and his wife Karen were long-time Christ Chapel Bible Church members where they sang in the choir, attended The Harvesters Sunday School class, and participated with the creative arts team in their bi-annual musical outreach productions.

North Carolina Industry Professional Passes Away

Al Randall, a longtime finance company member, passed away March 20. Mr. Randall supported and served the North Carolina Manufactured Housing Association, volunteering his time and participating in most every association event. His humor and personality would brighten the room and make everyone feel comfortable. Services were held at Waters-Powell Funeral Home in Florence, S.C.

Fleetwood Executive, Hall of Famer Remembered

Walter Hughes, Sr. of Union Hall, Va., passed away on April 16. Mr. Hughes began his career with Fleetwood Homes in Douglas, Ga., in 1968, and over the years worked at several plants. Mr. Huges ultimately was the general manager of Fleetwood Homes of Virginia, in Rocky Mount, Va., starting in 1980 where he remained until his retirement in 1994. He was an integral part of the manufactured housing industry in Virginia, helping to establish the Virginia Manufactured & Modular Housing Association where he served as the first chairman and went on to serve on the Board for 14 years. Mr. Hughes was inducted into the Virginia Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame and the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Ind. He also is honored and memorialized through the Walter K. Hughes, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award as the initial recipient and the namesake to inspire future honorees. MHV

Events

& Tradeshows

2023 Multi-State Convention

Saturday, July 29 — Monday, July 31, 2023

Orange Beach, Ala. | Perdido Beach Resort

Join the Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi manufactured housing associations to explore valuable networking opportunities, attend banquets, educational seminars, and state-specific continuing education. Attendees can explore an upscale marina near the resort that offers deep-sea fishing, dolphin excursions, boutique shopping, a day spa, and local eateries. Of course, a round of golf is nearby at a number of signature courses. Registration, exhibit, and sponsorship opportunities are available.

RV/MH Hall of Fame Induction Dinner & Ceremony

Monday, Aug. 21, 2023

Elkhart, Ind. | RV/MH Hall of Fame and Conference Center

The RV/MH Hall of Fame each year invites industry professionals, family, and friends to celebrate the recent lineup of hall of fame inductees. The event starts with a cocktail mixer, followed by dinner, and the induction ceremonies. The hall in Elkhart details the careers of hundreds of RV and MH professionals in a library, event center, and museums for each of the industries.

MH FacTOURy Summit

Tuesday, Aug. 22 — Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023

Elkhart, Ind. | RV/MH Hall of Fame and Conference Center and Northern Indiana Homebuilding Facilities

Two full days of factory tours and learning for retailers, community owner/operators, and vendors from around the nation. Attendees will have the chance to come together to learn about the latest trends in product development, home building, management, finance, and sales.

SECO National Conference of Community Owners

Sunday, Sept. 10 — Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023

Atlanta, Ga. | Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel and Convention Center

From industry panels, presentations, and roundtable discussions, to the networking mixers, and professional exhibits, the SECO National Conference of Community Owners again seeks to improve on that fresh, compelling interaction, and camaraderie. The event provides manufactured housing professionals with four days of high-level interaction, including educational seminars, panels, roundtables, fireside chats, mini TED talks, and open time for networking and deal-making.

IF YOU HAVE AN EVENT OR GATHERING YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE LISTED WITH MHINSIDER, PLEASE CONTACT US AT:

www.mhvillage.com/pro/manufactured-housing-industry-trade-shows/

cturturro@cascadeloans.com

Mark Aug. 21 for Dinner, Induction Ceremonies at RV/MH Hall of Fame

changes and grows, adding a new exhibit or museum space, and each August a dynamic new group of inductees are honored for decades of service to the RV and manufactured housing industries — or both! It’s all marked with special guests, industry colleagues, and the love and support of family

The mixer starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and ceremonies. To purchase a ticket, or buy a table visit www.rvmhhalloffame.org

The new inductees will be celebrated in August during an induction dinner and ceremony that annually draws past inductees and hundreds

Darlene (Dar) Stahla-Gardner

Retailer — Nebraska

Henry Stahla Mobile Homes

Donald William Sharp

Lender/Retailer — Indiana

Retired

Marc Lifset

Legal/Regulatory — New York

McGlinchey Stafford

Paula Reeves

Lender — Alabama

CIS Financial Services

Knute Chauncey

Supplier — Georgia

Tie Down Engineering

For Community Owners, By Community Owners

Entertainment Display Homes Mastermind Sessions

This year's SECO takes place within walking distance to the lively Battery Atlanta AND the Atlanta Braves' Truist Park! There will be opportunities to attend a ball game or even tee it up in our golf scramble tournament

Come see display homes designed for in-park sales and to fill your empty sites! There will also be a spirited demonstration of crafting the perfect Paella accompanied by festive Flamenco entertainment

Specialized training from successful owners/operators!

Speakers include:

Ben Braband

Brett Danko

Steve Case

Steve Edel

Justin Gonzalez

Ferd Niemann

Cole Phillips

THE FUTURE OF

People who apply names to things such as eras or movements may someday call early 2023 “The Spring of AI” with no small part played by the market introduction of ChatGPT, a language modeling tool from OpenAI. By the time even astute business analysts and marketing executives were aware students and teachers on a nearly global basis already were negotiating the transaction of artificial intelligence’s offerings in the classroom.

In March if you had asked anyone in their late teens or early 20s if they’d used Open AI’s groundbreaking offering and the answer was a wary “Oh… yeah.” It seemed everyone had used it, but “not a lot”. By May, all of the search engine offerings had followed Bing’s early entry into the artificial intelligence space, the breakthrough was making major magazine covers, literally, and Congressional hearings were underway.

The narrative between lawmakers and corporate heads was unlike anything seen or heard. It went something like “We know we look like magic, but

we’re not, it’s a tremendous combination of science and creativity, and, quite frankly, we don’t know where it’s going. Yes, please regulate us, no not on a domestic basis, but through a global effort.”

It was as refreshing as it was bizarre.

And if some of these developments have occurred without much attention paid, the key takeaway is that the technology, the widgets it creates, and the conversations around its ethical use, will impact each and every person. Not will, in fact, but is. From the CX bots to the launch of wildly sophisticated web searches you only recently have begun to see, the wave is washing over us. It is one that likely will be a boon for productivity — think of the calculator replacing the slide rule — but it’s not one that will transition into full use, whatever that is, without breaking existing architecture and creating a consumer vacuum for those who fail to plan as the waters rise.

ChatGPT itself, when asked, said “As society continues to rapidly evolve, one cannot help but wonder

TECHNOLOGY

by Patrick Revere

what lies ahead in the ever-expanding realm of technology. From groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence to the proliferation of smart devices, the future of technology promises to reshape our lives in profound ways.”

Language models may not be accurate in everything they convey, but ChatGPT is correct on that note.

How AI Will Be Implemented

Experts predict that AI will play an increasingly prominent role in diverse fields, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and manufacturing. The ability of machines to process vast amounts of data and make autonomous decisions is poised to revolutionize entire sectors.

The confluence of the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile and wearable smart devices, and artificial intelligence will provide vast creative solutions in nearly every realm, from the refinement of self-driving technology to smarter smart homes,

from personalized remote medicine to advanced environmental practices. If AI can help improve the health and productivity of our employees in their efforts to have smarter homes self-driven to happier customers who are we to stop it?

OK, it also should be noted AI, too, writes little ditties about kitties.

So, while the future of technology presents boundless opportunities, it also raises important considerations. Ethical questions surrounding privacy, data security, and the impact on the workforce require careful examination. As technology continues to advance, society must navigate the challenge in conjunction with enjoying the voyage.

The future of technology is both awe-inspiring and transformative. We are reshaping the world in real-time.

“The path ahead may be uncertain, but the potential rewards make it an exciting time to witness,” ChatGPT said about itself. MHV

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THE CREATIVE PROCESS WITH AI IMAGES

by Merit Kathan

For a graphic designer or art director, creating an image using AI feels like it goes against the instinctual creativity and specific marketing strategy that has been ingrained during an entire career. The marketing strategy, target market, creative brief, and vision that a designer typically uses to create a design or an image are of much less value in the AI platform. For an AI generator, all you really need is a handful of keywords and an art filter chosen by a drop-down menu, similar to filters used for selfies.

This technology definitely has benefits. I was able to generate hundreds of images of homes with futuristic, colorful, and abstract qualities. Fortunately, once an image is created it can be edited in many ways, including using tools in the AI program as well as a new Photoshop tool. Most are a bit clunky. I’ve learned that it takes practice and knowledge of how to “interact” with AI to get the desired look. For designers looking

for very specific details in their image, more research is definitely needed to work with AI, as one of the limitations is having successful strong details without disfigurement. Most community boards and help articles basically say “keep playing around” until you get the desired image, and use specific, concrete words instead of abstract words. Although using abstract words can give more diversity in the images generated. Also, using words to exclude from your image is helpful to clean up the details. Some popular excluded words are blurry, disfigured, wrong, and ugly.

Using an AI generator to create this edition’s cover image was an interesting lesson in new technology. I look forward to seeing where it goes! MHV

Merit Kathan is the Senior Graphic Designer for the MHInsider and has over 25 years of experience in print, marketing, publishing, and packaging design.

Manufactured home images created with PlaygroundAI.com

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Manufactured Housing CHATGPT INTERVIEWS THE PUBLISHER ON

ChatGPT: What are your general thoughts on manufactured housing?

MHInsider Publisher Patrick Revere: I think manufactured homes are a great option, particularly for buyers who want an affordable home, or need something quickly. They also work well for people who want to live in a community, like retirees, for instance. There are many buyers who purchase manufactured homes because of the industry’s sustainable practices and the energy efficiencies and technology that comes in the industry’s new homes.

Have you ever lived in a manufactured home or known anyone who has?

I’ve not lived in a manufactured home, but I would like to someday. And, yes, I have many friends growing up who lived in what we called “parks” and also friends

and colleagues now who live in manufactured homes, or have a getaway home that was built in a factory.

Do you think there are any misconceptions or stereotypes about manufactured housing that should be addressed?

There are so many misconceptions about manufactured homes. If I listed them all, we would have far too long of an article here. Let’s suffice to say that manufactured homes are built with quality materials, they do maintain and increase in value, and can sustain high winds and inclement weather if properly installed and secured.

In your opinion, what are some of the advantages and disadvantages of living in a manufactured home compared to a traditional home?

In a manufactured home you can get all of the form, feature, and performance that you would expect in a standard home but at a 40 percent price break. What’s not to like about that?

How do you think manufactured housing could be improved in terms of design, quality, and affordability?

Manufactured home builders have done a tremendous job, particularly in recent years, of creating inviting and well-designed interiors, and are getting much better at enhancing a home’s architectural appeal all in the face of the undeniable challenge that comes with toting a home down highways, streets, and country roads.

When ChatGPT received the responses to the first five questions, it provided — unprompted — five follow-up questions.

You mentioned that manufactured homes can sustain high winds and inclement weather if properly installed and secured. Can you speak more to the safety and durability of manufactured homes, especially in comparison to traditional homes?

Yes, during the last 20 years regional wind zone classifications have been developed to ensure that homes that face high winds — whether in a coastal zone, or in the plains where tornadoes are common — are more securely strapped into place and stabilized to ensure resident and homeowner safety during inclement weather.

While manufactured homes offer affordability, what are some potential challenges that buyers may face when purchasing or financing a manufactured home?

Obtaining a loan for a manufactured home is a nuanced process depending on where and how the home will be placed. For instance, if the home is placed on owned property the buyer may qualify for a conventional 30-year mortgage, however financing

for a home that will be placed on leased land requires a personal property loan, or chattel loan. Not every lender offers chattel loans, and typically interest rates on chattel loans are several points higher than the conventional mortgage.

How do you think the stigma around manufactured housing can be overcome or changed?

The market can be slow to move when it comes to consumer sentiment but recent research has shown that an increasing number of buyers are considering factory-built housing simply given affordability and availability considerations versus other options. Moreover, consumer feedback among younger buyers shows increasingly favorable views of manufactured homes as a quality option for affordable home ownership.

In terms of environmental impact, do you think manufactured homes have an advantage over traditional homes?

They certainly do. The efficiencies from building in a factory are well documented, and in recent years builders and community owners have placed a heavy emphasis on how energy efficient and environmentally friendly the homes are, with attributes that include everything from limited construction waste to enhanced insulation to the use of solar power and smart technology.

Lastly, what would you say to someone who is considering purchasing a manufactured home but may be hesitant due to the negative stereotypes or misconceptions surrounding this type of housing?

Just be patient and look at all of the floorplans and exterior designs. There truly is a good option for most buyers coming from the builders in our industry. From a single-section home with a front-loaded porch and a view of the water to a vast multi-section home in a city neighborhood or off a country road, the industry is creating options and winning new fans all of the time. MHV

EACH COMMERCIAL SOLAR PROJECT IS DESIGNED AND DEVELOPED IN-HOUSE, FROM START TO FINISH, BEGINNING WITH OUR PROPRIETARY SOLAR ENERGY ANALYSIS/AUDIT

SOLAR ENERGY AUDIT • DESIGN & ENGINEERING • INSTALLATION • MONITORING • MAINTENANCE

THE LEADER IN MOBILE HOME PARK SOLAR

HOW AI LANGUAGE MODELS CAN AID IN EVERYDAY EFFICIENCIES

MHInsider Publisher Patrick Revere: Can I interview you about how your language model might be able to help organizations in the manufactured housing industry operate more efficiently?

ChatGPT: Of course! I’d be happy to discuss how a language model like mine could potentially help organizations in the manufactured housing industry operate more efficiently. Please go ahead and ask your questions, and I’ll provide you with relevant information and insights.

If I work in an office and have a busy day interacting with residents and the general public, how might your capabilities assist in saving time and improving sales efforts?

As a language model, I can offer several ways in which my capabilities can assist in saving time and improving sales efforts in the manufactured housing industry. Here are a few examples:

1. Customer Support: I can help automate and streamline customer support interactions. You can integrate my capabilities into your website or chatbot to handle common inquiries from residents and the general public. This way, you can provide instant responses to frequently asked questions, such as pricing, availability, amenities, and leasing options, without the need for manual intervention.

2. Lead Generation: I can assist in lead generation efforts by analyzing and extracting relevant information from customer inquiries or forms. For instance, if potential buyers submit inquiries about specific features they are looking for in a manufactured home, I can help identify those key requirements and provide you with valuable insights to tailor your sales pitch accordingly.

3. Sales Assistance: When interacting with residents or potential buyers, you can leverage my language capabilities to draft personalized »

emails, proposals, or marketing materials. Whether it’s communicating the unique selling points of a particular manufactured home model or answering specific questions about the home buying process, I can help you create compelling and informative content to enhance your sales efforts.

It’s important to note that while I can provide language support and generate content, the actual sales process and negotiations are best handled by experienced professionals. However, by integrating my capabilities into your workflows, you can enhance efficiency, save time, and improve the overall sales experience for your organization and customers.

Some workers, including content creators, are concerned that relying on AI will compromise accuracy of messaging and perhaps even result in legal trouble.

What do you have to say about that?

The concerns you mentioned are valid, and it’s important to address them when considering the use of AI language models like mine. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Accuracy and Quality Control: While AI models can assist with generating content, it’s essential to maintain oversight and implement quality control measures. Content creators should review and edit the output generated by the AI to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with the organization’s messaging and standards. By treating AI-generated content as a collaborative tool, content creators can leverage its capabilities while still maintaining control over the final output.

2. Legal Compliance: Organizations should be cautious when using AI-generated content to ensure it complies with relevant legal requirements. Content creators should review and validate the AI-generated content to avoid any potential legal issues, such as inaccurate claims, copyright infringement, or violations of advertising regulations. Legal professionals can provide guidance on incorporating AI-generated content within the boundaries of applicable laws and regulations.

3. Ethical Use of AI: As AI technology evolves, ethical considerations become increasingly important. Organizations should establish guidelines and best practices for using AI language models responsibly. This includes being transparent about the use of AI-generated content, ensuring the protection of personal data, and being aware of potential biases in the training data that could affect the generated output.

It’s crucial to view AI language models as tools that can augment human capabilities rather than replace them entirely. By combining the creativity, expertise, and critical thinking of content creators with the efficiency and assistance provided by AI, organizations can strike a balance that optimizes accuracy, legal compliance, and the overall quality of messaging.

How much could you be relied on in a professional setting to provide code for websites or software?

As an AI language model, I can provide assistance and generate code snippets for websites or software in a professional setting. However, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

1. Support and Guidance: I can help with providing code examples, explaining programming concepts, or suggesting solutions to common coding problems. I can assist with various programming languages, frameworks, and libraries. However, it’s important to note that I’m not a substitute for professional software engineers or experienced developers. It’s always advisable to seek guidance and review the code generated by the AI to ensure its suitability for your specific requirements.

2. Verification and Testing: While I strive to provide accurate and functional code, it’s essential to thoroughly review and test any code generated by AI. This helps identify any potential bugs, security vulnerabilities, or compatibility issues that may arise. Professional software engineering practices, including code reviews and testing procedures, should still be followed to ensure the reliability and stability of the software or website.

3. Security and Best Practices: When working with code, it’s important to adhere to security best

practices and coding standards. AI-generated code snippets should be evaluated against these principles to ensure that they meet the necessary security requirements and industry standards. It’s also crucial to consider any specific coding guidelines and practices followed within your organization or development team. Remember, the responsibility for the final code lies with the developers and organizations utilizing it. While AI can be a valuable tool in generating code snippets and providing guidance, it’s always essential to exercise critical thinking, validate the code, and leverage the expertise of professional developers to ensure high-quality and reliable software solutions.

Can you tell me what you don’t do?

Certainly! Here are a few things that I don’t do:

1. Access to Real-Time Information: As an AI language model, my responses are based on the information available up until September 2021. I don’t have access to real-time data, news, or events beyond that timeframe. Therefore, any information or insights I provide may not reflect current or evolving situations.

2. Personal Opinions or Beliefs: I don’t have personal opinions, beliefs, or subjective experiences. While I can provide information on a wide range of topics, my responses are based on patterns and knowledge extracted from a diverse dataset. It’s always important to cross-reference and validate information from multiple sources.

3. Legal or Financial Advice: I can provide general information and explanations on legal or financial topics, but I am not a substitute for professional advice. Laws and financial regulations can vary based on jurisdiction, and specific circumstances should be considered. It’s always advisable to consult qualified professionals for accurate and tailored advice.

It’s crucial to use my responses as a starting point for research, discussion, or decision-making processes. While I can provide valuable insights and information, it’s always wise to exercise critical thinking, verify information from reliable sources, and consult domain experts when needed.

If you were to compare your entry into the marketplace with other big breakthroughs, what comparison would you make?

When considering the entry of language models like me into the marketplace, a comparison could be drawn with previous breakthroughs in technology. One relevant comparison could be the advent of the internet and its transformative impact on communication and access to information. Here’s why this comparison can be made:

1. Disruption of Communication: Just as the internet revolutionized communication by enabling global connectivity, language models have the potential to revolutionize human-machine interaction. They offer a new way to interact with technology, leveraging natural language processing to bridge the gap between humans and machines.

2. Access to Information: The internet democratized access to information by making it readily available to anyone with an internet connection. Similarly, language models can enhance access to knowledge by providing instant responses to queries, assisting with research, and offering insights across various domains and topics. »

By combining the creativity, expertise, and critical thinking of content creators with the efficiency and assistance provided by AI, organizations can strike a balance that optimizes accuracy, legal compliance, and the overall quality of messaging.

— ChatGPT

3. Efficiency and Productivity: The internet transformed the way we work, communicate, and conduct business. Language models have the potential to significantly enhance efficiency and productivity in various sectors by automating tasks, assisting with data analysis, and providing support in decision-making processes.

It’s important to note that while these comparisons highlight potential similarities, each breakthrough has its unique characteristics and implications. The entry of language models into the marketplace brings its own set of opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations that need to be carefully addressed as this technology continues to evolve.

When will your next large update be, and what new capabilities will it offer? Is there a cost associated to it? What are your premium offerings?

As an AI language model, I don’t have direct information about future updates or specific release schedules. Updates and new capabilities are determined by OpenAI, the organization behind the development of

ChatGPT, and they periodically release new versions and improvements to the model.

OpenAI has introduced different versions of the GPT model in the past, such as GPT-2 and GPT-3. As for future updates, it’s best to stay informed through official announcements and OpenAI’s channels for any news regarding enhancements or new versions.

Regarding costs and premium offerings, OpenAI provides access to its models and services through various pricing plans. These plans may offer different levels of access, usage limits, and additional features depending on the specific needs of individuals or organizations. To get detailed information about the pricing options and premium offerings, it’s advisable to visit OpenAI’s official website or contact their sales or customer support teams directly.

It’s worth noting that as an AI language model, I’m an instance of the GPT-3.5 architecture and do not have visibility into specific commercial arrangements, pricing structures, or premium offerings that OpenAI may provide beyond what was publicly available up until my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. MHV regionalbg.net

Understanding ESG and Why It’s

Important ESG Provides Operating Accountability, Management Insight

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, and it refers to a set of criteria used to assess the sustainability and ethical impact of a company’s operations. Approaches to building an ESG framework in corporate settings have gained significant attention in recent years as investors, consumers, employees, and other stakeholders increasingly seek sustainable and responsible business practices.

Integrating ESG into business strategies can have several benefits, including risk mitigation, long-term value creation, improved reputation, access to capital, and resilience in the face of environmental and social challenges.

The Components of ESG

Environmental: The environmental aspect of ESG focuses on a company’s impact on the environment. It considers factors such as carbon emissions, resource usage, waste management, pollution, and climate change mitigation efforts. Companies with strong environmental practices often prioritize sustainability, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and conservation initiatives.

Social: The social aspect of ESG looks at a company’s relationships with its employees, customers, suppliers, »

communities, and other stakeholders. It encompasses areas such as labor rights, diversity and inclusion, human rights, employee well-being, customer satisfaction, community engagement, and philanthropy. Companies that prioritize social responsibility often foster inclusive workplaces, support fair labor practices, and contribute positively to society.

Governance: The governance aspect of ESG focuses on the internal structure and processes of a company. It includes elements such as board composition, executive compensation, transparency, accountability, risk management, and adherence to regulations and legal standards. Strong governance practices ensure that companies are well-managed, have effective oversight, and maintain high ethical standards.

Various frameworks and standards exist to evaluate and report on ESG performance, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Additionally, there are ESG rating agencies and indices that provide assessments and rankings of companies based on their ESG performance, aiding investors in their decision-making process.

ESG practices can vary across industries and regions, and the specific factors considered may differ depending on the context. Nonetheless, the overarching goal is to encourage businesses to operate in a more sustainable, ethical, and responsible manner, taking into account their impact on the environment, society, and corporate governance.

Flagship Communities in April completed and published its third ESG Report.

“We understand that delivering on our commitments to sustainability, affordability, employee empowerment, and strong and transparent governance will benefit our stakeholders,” the company’s CEO Kurt Keeney said. “At Flagship, we

believe that a dedicated focus on ESG will translate into strong performance.”

The 32-page report, which can be found on Flagship’s website, includes details on water conservation and renewable energy, diversified staff and Board of Trustees, and its corporate governance structure.

At the end of last year, Flagship owned and operated 69 communities with 12,601 homesites and a portfolio-wide occupancy rate of 83 percent.

On the environmental front, Flagship has eliminated more than half the waste it was creating from the construction process for the homes they were purchasing. A portfolio-wide community lighting program has resulted in comprehensive use of LED lighting and solar power. It also has cut back on water consumption by more than 25 percent.

“All of these accomplishments speak to our values as an organization. Since our humble beginnings in 1995 we have always been laser-focused on doing well for investors while doing good,” Keeney said. We were pleased with our ESG performance in 2022, but we continually look to improve each year.”

In March, the third largest builder in the manufactured housing industry, published its first report on ESG initiatives.

Cavco’s work affirms the company’s progress on its Corporate Responsibility Report roadmap released last year to advance its goals across the tenets of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and corporate governance. It reports that workplace injuries from 2021 to 2022 had decreased by 18 percent even though productivity increased, including a 3.5 percent increase in hours worked. The company has reduced the cost of employee benefits by 5 percent and witnessed a 20 percent increase in health care benefit enrollment.

Wages at Cavco have increased 43.5 percent in just two years. “The gains have been a combination of base wage increases and higher payouts through

Customers may not read the ESG report themselves but they’re looking for that information on the way we’re approaching things. By being more vocal about what our properties are doing, we are getting that message out.

–Melissa Smith, Sun Communities

incentive programs that align pay to the success of the company,” the company stated in its report.

Sun Communities may have the longest-running ESG framework in the industry.

Melissa Smith is the director of sustainability for Sun Communities, and has worked on ESG efforts for 22 years.

She said the document evolves from year to year, as programs and initiatives become more developed. Smith has authored three of the company’s reports and feels all stakeholders have responded positively, including residents, and RV and marina customers.

“I think people are talking about it more,” she said. “Customers may not read the ESG report themselves but they’re looking for that information on the way we’re approaching things. By being more vocal about what our properties are doing, we are getting that message out.

And while it seems the ESG framework companies endeavor in are designed for external consideration, the corporate team and the individual properties benefit from the learnings as well.

“We use them for understanding around our carbon use and green house gas emissions,” Smith said.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission proposed a rule last year that would require climate disclosures in financial reporting for public companies. Some private companies within a public company’s supply chain will have to report as well.

To ensure accuracy in reporting, Sun hired a pair of consultants with expertise in assisting companies to develop ESG reporting approaches.

“Because of the nuances of the industry, whether it’s manufactured housing, the outdoor portfolios, marinas, we need advice on how we would approach those properties with this element in mind,” Smith said.

Additionally, one of Sun’s largest recent acquisitions expanded its ESG interests to the UK where just this year companies are required to report on green house gas and provide an interpretation of risk for climate change and how it may impact assets. MHV

Conservice Buys ESG Services Provider to Expand Offerings in a Growing Market

by Patrick Revere

Conservice, the nation’s largest utility management provider, has expanded its offerings with the acquisition of Goby and its ESG Platform to create what it believes will be a true lifecycle of products that can ease concern about field operations and inform executive decisions.

The 2021 transaction has transformed the usage data Conservice collects into a framework clients can use for environmental, social, and governance insight and reporting tools that aid in sustainable business growth as well as regulatory compliance.

Goby has a 10-plus year record of providing a leading data management and reporting platform.

The ESG Platform enables clients the ability to better visualize utility data and analyze it to mitigate risk, attract and retain customers, and accelerate sustainable growth for their companies.

Goby has been recognized by the EPA as a 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year, which is the 9th such consideration. The company also is a GRESB Partner, a Fitwel Champion, a ULI Strategic Partner, and a LEED Proven Provider.

“As a high-level concept, ESG refers to the sum ability of a company to operate in a way that is environmentally friendly and socially responsible,” Conservice CEO Scott Hardy said. “Naturally, utility usage is one of the key measurements that investors and governmental stakeholders use to assess an organization’s sustainability.”

Interest from all stakeholders in how a company conducts itself in regard to all of these vital areas of operation has been growing in recent years across multiple industries. The growth of the manufactured housing industry at the same time has provided opportunities for all organizations, particularly public companies, to be proactive and transparent about how they are viewed through the ESG lens.

Conservice cites two fundamental steps for any organization to consider when building an ESG framework:

Measure and dashboard — the only way to scale an ESG strategy with any kind of organizational growth is to automate the process of collecting and dashboarding utility usage data.

Analyze and report - most of the critical SEC requirements to emerge over the last several years have been around the need to report usage data. Being able to collate usage data into compliant reports and then analyze that data to drive business decisions is critical to getting the most out of an ESG strategy.

“Historically, any time a vertical is confronted by ESG, the companies that begin developing strategies and implementing sustainable policies early fair the best in the long run,” Conservice ESG Senior Vice President and General Manager Ryan Nelson said. “ESG continues to mature, and is relatively new in manufactured housing so now is the time for businesses in this space to engage.” MHV

STABILIZING THE U.S. ECONOMY

The U.S. Federal Reserve spent the year raising rates before taking a summer hiatus in an effort to tame and eye the economy. The goal is to restore price stability while causing as little pain as possible in the labor market.

Analysis from the International Monetary Fund suggests that maintaining elevated interest rates throughout the year will help tame inflation. Although these higher rates are expected to temporarily increase unemployment, they are seen as necessary for achieving stable inflation and sustainable economic growth, ultimately creating more jobs in the future.

This is in the face of historical demand for new hires in the U.S. The market has eclipsed the supply of available workers, leading to the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years and contributing to higher inflation.

These conditions have increased workers’ bargaining power, leading to higher wages and subsequent price increases as firms raise prices to offset rising labor costs. Labor-intensive industries such as hospitality and food service have been particularly impacted by the inflationary market.

When prices began to rise in 2021 impacted by pandemic-related monetary disruptions, it was felt heavily throughout the economy, and particularly in auto and housing markets. The growth rate of prices had been above 9 percent and remains well more than double the 2 percent target.

Achieving the Fed’s 2 percent inflation target is crucial for stable job growth and sustainable income growth in the medium to long term. The temporary increase in unemployment resulting from higher interest rates is seen as a necessary measure to offset inflation costs and pave the way for a stable and robust economy.

Notes on the Housing Market

The general housing market has experienced a 30 percent decline in the last year, followed by a lag in construction activity. This dip in the general market is seen as an opportunity for more affordable and attainable homes, including manufactured housing. Analysts believe the sector will face continued pressure through the year.

Home prices have started to come down in some high-demand markets, notably out west in

places like Las Vegas, and Tucson, Ariz., offering some optimism for a creeping correction. Fortunately, the current housing correction differs from the crisis of 2008 as household leverage is currently at a 20-year low. Going forward, the main concern is less related to credit risks and more focused on the lack of housing mobility and high barriers to entry for prospective buyers.

While consumer spending showed a strong start in the year, concerns arose due to elevated prices, higher interest rates, and deteriorating credit conditions, suggesting a slowdown in spending in the coming months.

Real consumer spending growth is projected to average around 4 percent annually into the third quarter. Personal income will remain significantly lower than pre-COVID-19 levels, raising concerns about the sustainability of consumer spending. Although consumers have managed to cope with elevated prices through savings and increased credit utilization, these factors cannot replace organic income growth. MHV

AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS PLAGUES THE UNITED STATES, DEMANDING IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

by ChatGPT

In an era marked by soaring real estate prices and stagnant wages, the lack of affordable housing in the United States has reached critical levels. As the disparity between housing costs and income widens, an increasing number of Americans find themselves struggling to secure safe and affordable places to call home. The urgent need for accessible housing has sparked nationwide concerns and calls for immediate action.

According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one-third of American households allocate more than 30 percent of their income toward housing expenses, surpassing the threshold commonly deemed affordable. This staggering statistic is a testament to the profound challenges faced by individuals and families as they grapple with the ever-rising costs of housing.

The affordability crisis transcends geographical boundaries, impacting both urban and rural communities across the nation. Major metropolitan areas, such as New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, have become notorious for exorbitant housing prices that render the dream of homeownership virtually unattainable for many. Nevertheless, the issue extends beyond these prominent cities, infiltrating smaller towns and suburbs where residents face similar hurdles.

The ramifications of the affordable housing crisis are far-reaching. It strains household budgets, stifles economic mobility, and exacerbates income inequality. Families forced to allocate a disproportionate amount of their earnings to housing often struggle to meet other basic needs, such as healthcare, education, and food security. The dire consequences ripple through communities, stifling economic growth and hampering social progress.

How Did We Get Here?

Various factors contribute to the current predicament. Insufficient housing supply, coupled with surging demand, has created an environment that inflates prices and limits options for prospective homeowners and renters. Furthermore, wage stagnation and a growing wealth gap have only served to intensify the crisis, leaving low-income and marginalized populations particularly vulnerable.

Manufactured home images created with PlaygroundAI.com

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, policymakers, advocacy groups, and industry leaders have called for a comprehensive approach to tackle the affordable housing crisis. Proposed solutions include increasing funding for affordable housing programs, implementing regulatory reforms to expedite construction and development, and incentivizing partnerships between government entities and private developers to promote affordable housing initiatives.

In recent years, cities and states have taken measures to address the issue. Some have introduced inclusionary zoning policies, which require developers to allocate a certain percentage of units for affordable housing. Others have implemented rent control measures or launched subsidized housing programs to provide relief to struggling individuals and families. While these efforts have demonstrated progress, the scale of the crisis necessitates a coordinated national response.

The Biden administration has made affordable housing a priority, proposing ambitious initiatives aimed at expanding housing opportunities for low- and middle-income Americans. The administration’s plan includes investing billions of dollars in affordable housing projects, providing rental assistance, and offering incentives for sustainable and equitable housing development.

The road to achieving affordable housing for all is arduous, requiring collaboration, innovation, and sustained commitment. The crisis demands a multifaceted approach that addresses systemic issues, enhances financial support, and fosters public-private partnerships. By tackling the affordable housing crisis head-on, the United States can move closer to ensuring that every citizen has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing—a fundamental cornerstone of a thriving society. MHV

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence text chatbot made by the company OpenAI that was released as a free web-based tool in late 2022. It relies on technology known as a large language model, which is trained to mimic how people write by processing a large database of digitized books and online writings and analyzing how words are sequenced.

THERE’S AN EASIER WAY TO FIND ACQUISITION OPPORTUNITIES

With detailed rent, occupancy and community attributes for nearly 200 markets nationwide, Datacomp has the information the manufactured housing industry relies on to locate and evaluate opportunities. Get the insights you need in today’s competitive market and continue to grow your portfolio with confidence.

MHM Provides Well-Scaled Resort Lifestyle for Seniors

by Kellie Speed

The folks at MHM Communities know that affordable homes for seniors in manufactured housing communities are not only a viable option but also provide an elevated quality of life.

They are dedicated to creating resort-style neighborhoods for people 55 and over.

MHM has 14 locations in Florida and several more in Tennessee and North Carolina. The communities are committed to “improving the neighborhood’s infrastructure, building new modern amenities, improving the property’s management system, and expanding social activities.”

From hosted community socials, game nights, and holiday events to walking trails, bocce

ball, fishing, boating, and biking, there is something for everyone of every activity level.

“I would attribute the popularity of manufactured homes lately to the high demand for affordable housing and also the demand for seniors to live independently,”

Bob Miller, founder and CEO of MHM Communities, said during a recent phone interview. “They can plant flowers outside their home and enjoy a socially engaging environment with the freedom to have space in a community as opposed to going to an apartment environment.”

live affordably, and also independently. Residents are able to customize the perfect model from a wide portfolio of homes, created to suit their lifestyle. The homes are constructed by Jacobsen Homes in Safety Harbor, Fla., the largest provider of factory-built housing in the state of Florida.

The homes are similar in structure to site-built residences, and boast many modern amenities including granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. On the exterior, MHM has put in brick paver driveways and uses fiber cement siding and architectural shingled roofs.

“We are finding that more and more people are retiring at a younger age, and they are looking for communities that offer more active lifestyles,” Miller said. “Shuffleboard for most communities is out. Pickleball is in. People want an amenitized community like ours that is offered at a great value.”

In addition to being affordably priced, these homes also offer a safe and secure environment for residents.

“Most of our communities are gated and well secured, which gives comfort to our seniors,” Miller noted. “These are all highly amenitized communities that offer the same amenities that you would expect to find in an upscale gated community. Several are located on the water. In Florida, we have properties from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Some people want inland communities, others want a boating-type environment. Whatever location you want, we can find the right fit.”

How the Pandemic Changed Buyer Preferences

During a challenging time like the pandemic, MHM continued to push forward and acquired more than $500 million in real estate throughout Florida alone. But what really sets MHM Communities »

Enjoy Independent Living MHM Communities provides seniors with the opportunity to

The Falls, an MHM property in Ormond Beach, Fla

apart is the social aspect they provide for residents. Miller said he has noticed that prospects walk through the door today looking to buy the community experience first, and then find the house they want.

“With COVID, people were not active which wasn’t the healthiest thing in the world for them,” Miller said. “That has all changed. People

Homes at MHM Communities range in price from $250,000 to $500,000.

“Our communities offer a different type of environment,” Miller said. “We are focused on offering senior resort-style living. You can live in a mobile home community, but if you want to live a lifestyle, come to one of our communities. We offer micro-golf

optics and wire directly into each house. We are very turnkey in our operational approach. What is great for the customer is there are no HOA fees. We own the property, so they just have to lease the property their home is on.”

With more than $3 billion in acquisitions over the past 20-plus years, MHM Communities is set to continue to raise the bar with another $4.2 billion slated for their active acquisition pipeline.

In addition to benefiting from a successful business plan, Miller said the MHM team derives a great amount of pride and satisfaction from bringing a great life experience to the communities.

who are moving in now want to know what our social calendar is like. We offer everything from a men’s lunch to ladies’ cards and even water aerobics. We have found that people are yearning for that active lifestyle. Even people in their 80s have a desire to be active and have that social contact in a community environment.

“I think COVID taught people that you need to be more socially active and appreciate every day that you have,” he said.

courses. It’s just very different, but our residents love the aesthetics of the community lifestyle. It’s a very engaging environment, so it’s a different customer that truly appreciates what they get. The value proposition is great.”

Miller said MHM Communities invests $4 to 6 million in each property they acquire after closing.

“We have had to build out marinas and docks, which typically takes about a year,” he said. “We upgrade every community to fiber

“It’s so rewarding to have a business where if you do a little extra accommodating things for your residents, they have your back,” Miller said. “It’s just wonderful to be able to walk out of the office every day with a smile on your face. I can’t say enough about how rewarding it has been, which is a nice way to do business. Our seniors have done so much that we feel it’s our turn to do something for them.” MHV

Kellie Speed has more than 20 years’ experience writing for a variety of publications, including Realtor.com, Haute Living, U.S. Veterans magazine, DiverseAbility, and Forbes Global Properties. She can be reached at kkspeed@aol.com.

UMH PROPERTIES, INC. A PIONEER IN MANUFACTURED HOUSING

As a publicly traded REIT (NYSE:UMH), we have been providing quality a ordable housing since 1968. Our portfolio provides high pro t margins, recession resistant qualities, reliable income streams and the potential for long-term value appreciation.

• $1.9 billion in total enterprise value

• 135 communities, 25,700 homesites, 2 joint venture communities containing 363 homesites, 11 states

• Housing approximately 21,000 families

• 7,600 total acres, 3,800 acres in Marcellus and Utica Shale regions

UMH Awarded 2021 Manufactured Home Community Operator of the Year and 2021 Retail Sales Center of the Year by the Manufactured Housing Institute For more information, visit www.umh.reit or contact ir@umh.com

Top Tech Tools for MHC Management in 2023

by Andrew Keel

In today’s fast-paced world, technology has become integral in almost every industry, including manufactured home community management. Although “technology” and “mobile homes”, as many residents still refer to them, may seem like an odd combination, the truth is that in 2023, new and innovative technology is being utilized more than ever before in order to streamline and optimize operations for manufactured housing community owners and investors.

Many communities are still managed by momand-pop operators who struggle with tasks such as communicating with residents, and fixing deferred maintenance. Fortunately, the advent of new technologies has made it possible to overcome these setbacks and run properties more efficiently and effectively.

This article will highlight some of my favorite tech tools used for community management in 2023. These tools are designed to help manufactured housing community owners and investors manage and optimize their assets, improve resident satisfaction, and ultimately boost profits. »

Zego / PayLease

An online payment system that streamlines rent collection. It provides a simple and secure way to pay rent and also offers various key features such as customizable payment options, automatic payment reminders, and mobile payment capabilities.

• Pricing: Contact for a quote

• Website: www.paylease.com

AmRent

This is a resident screening service that enables property managers to perform background, credit, and eviction checks on potential renters and buyers. It helps parks evaluate risk, reduce turnover, and provide key services, including employment verification, and rent payment reporting.

• Pricing: Contact the company for pricing

• Website: www.amrent.com

Trello

Here is a project management software that provides a visual platform for organizing and delegating tasks, along with customizable workflows, and checklists for effective project management.

• Pricing: Four pricing plans from $0/month to $17.50/month based on annual billing

• Website: www.trello.com

Slack

Slack is a team communication tool that is used to streamline internal communications. It offers group chat functionality, file-sharing capabilities, and integrations with other tools to improve team collaboration and productivity.

• Pricing: Starting at $7.25 per person/month billed annually and with customizable Enterprise Grid plan available by quote.

• Website: www.slack.com

InvestNext

This offering is an investor relations platform designed for real estate syndications that facilitates reporting, communication, and investment management. It provides a centralized platform for investor engagement, and includes key features such

as automated distributions, secure document storage, and performance analytics.

• Pricing: Three pricing suites available, from $55/ month to $95/month

• Website: www.investnext.com

Flex

Flex is a rent payment service that allows users to split their monthly rent into two payments, helping to improve cash flow, and simplify rent payment. Renters can use Flex to build their credit history and establish positive payment habits, while owners benefit from guaranteed on-time rent payments.

• Pricing: $14.99 monthly membership plus payment processing fee

• Website: www.getflex.com

Google Workspace

Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) is a suite of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools developed by Google. It includes a range of applications, including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Calendar, and more, all designed to enhance team collaboration and productivity.

• Pricing: $6/user/month to $18/user per month, based on a one-year commitment, with Enterprise pricing available by quote

• Website: www.workspace.google.com

Loom

This is a screen recording tool for creating and sharing videos. The features include voiceover recording, video editing capabilities, and annotations. It can be used for various training purposes, such as staff onboarding, safety training, and policy reporting.

• Pricing: Three plans available - Starter $0/creator/ month, Business $12.50/creator/month (based on annual billing), and Enterprise plan by quote

• Website: www.loom.com

1Password

This is a password management tool that securely stores and encrypts passwords and login credentials. It helps protect against data breaches and cyberattacks

and allows users to access and manage passwords across multiple devices easily.

• Pricing: Business $7.99 per user/month, Teams

Starter Pack $19.95/month for up to 10 people, plus Enterprise plan for large users

• Website: www.1password.com

smrtPhone

smrtPhone is a cloud-based phone system that provides advanced call routing and communication features. It offers call forwarding, conference calling, and voicemail-to-email services while allowing for easy management of calls.

• Pricing: $42/month to $84/month, billed annually, with the Enterprise plan available by quote

• Website: www.smrtphone.io

Hubstaff

Businesses use this time-tracking and workforce management platform to monitor remote employee time, productivity, and attendance. It also features payroll capabilities as well as project and task management tools to help teams stay on track with their work.

• Pricing: $0/user per month to $8.33/user per month, based on annual billing, with a minimum fee starting at $140. Customized Enterprise plan is also available by quote.

• Website: www.hubstaff.com

Slybroadcast

This is a cloud-based automated messaging platform to send out pre-recorded audio messages, such as rent payment reminders, or survey requests using its ringless voicemail feature. It offers an automated callback service to help businesses set up and manage call campaigns without manual calling.

• Pricing: Pay As You Go and Monthly Delivery plans are available with pricing starting at $8/month based on the number of successful deliveries

• Website: www.slybroadcast.com

ChatGPT

ChatGPT is an AI-driven NLP platform that can automatically generate detailed listing descriptions for homes for sale, allowing them to appear high on search engine results. »

• Pricing: Free in BETA with a $20/month premium subscription option

• Website: www.openai.com/blog/chatgpt

Matterport

Matterport is the most commonly used 3D imaging technology, allowing users to experience properties in 360 degrees, creating digital twins of physical spaces with detailed measurements and data. Provides a way to explore properties online and create immersive 3D walkthroughs.

• Pricing: $0/month to $69/month based on the number of active spaces and users, excluding camera purchase price, with the Enterprise plan available by quote

• Website: www.matterport.com

AvidXchange

Here we have an accounts payable automation software designed to streamline the process of invoices and payments. It simplifies by combining invoicing, ACH/EFT processing, and accounts payable into one secure platform with customizable data analytics.

• Pricing: Contact the company for pricing and to request a demo

• Website: www.avidxchange.com

Zoom

The online video conferencing platform that securely connects people from anywhere for meetings, collaboration, and virtual events. Zoom provides interactive streaming, cloud recording, and powerful group collaboration features.

• Pricing: Four plans available, from the Free Basic to the Business Plus plan at $250/year per user, plus custom Enterprise pricing

• Website: www.zoom.us

19. Reonomy

Reonomy is commercial real estate intelligence data and a platform that empowers users to build advanced analytics, discover investment opportunities, and access ownership data. It combines public records with proprietary data to enable informed decision making for companies of any size.

• Pricing: Contact the company for pricing

• Website: www.reonomy.com

Trainual

Finally, we have a training and onboarding platform enabling businesses to quickly streamline processes, equip personnel with policy knowledge, learn organizational structure, and effectively orientate new employees.

• Pricing: $99/month to $199/month, based on the number of seats and annual billing

• Website: www.trainual.com

Closing Thoughts

As a manufactured home community owner or investor, your time is valuable. Consider the following scenario: What if you could reduce your time spent on management by five to 10 hours each week with the help of these technology tools? How much would that be worth to you? $500, $1,000, or even $10,000-plus per month?

To optimize your community’s performance and to save time, I recommend that you carefully analyze your business systems and spend the time to fully understand the capabilities that these tech tools offer. This list of top tech tools for park management is a great starting point, but this is not meant to be an exhaustive list. There are many additional useful tech tools not mentioned here that can help you achieve significant time savings.

I would like to thank the several community operators who provided input for the above list of tech tools, I hope manufactured housing industry professionals will benefit from our combined insights. MHV

Andrew Keel is the CEO of Keel Team Mobile Home Park Investments. He currently owns and self-manages just under 40 mobile home parks across 16 states. His business model includes buying value-add mobile home communities, fixing the deferred maintenance, and holding them long-term with agency financing. Please visit KeelTeam. com for more information.

We are excited to announce the release of our 17th annual Manufactured Home Community Financing Handbook and Market Update. What started as a niche sector has quickly grown over the years into the tremendous industry we are proud to be a part of today.

To learn more and download your copy, visit wellsfargo.com/mhc

New Innovation in Home Moving Technology Means Increased Efficiency, Safety

by Sean Vichinsky

When Gerard Hungerford of Texas-based GH Lifts took charge of moving manufactured homes into a community in Dickerson, Texas, meeting city-mandated base flood elevation quickly proved to be a challenge. He found that he had to raise some homes as high as 10 feet to meet local compliance requirements.

Then, a new problem emerged: GH Lifts was told they couldn’t use cranes to move the homes into place. They’d have to come up with a new solution for moving

the homes while adhering to the heightened base flood elevations.

“It only took me a few minutes from there to think to myself, ‘Huh, I can come up with that,’” Hungerford said.

As a result, GH Lifts has patented an all-new type of mover for manufactured homes. The mover is designed to drastically reduce the footprint required when siting a home in a park while increasing efficiency, speed, and safety.

This new mover, dubbed the Phoenix Lift, uses an electric-overhydraulic system to lift the home

on a series of I-beams. While the Phoenix Lift secures the home on its I-beams, hydraulics are used to lift the home to the desired height.

“These homes that we’ve been moving with this method average seven, eight feet in elevation,” Hungerford said. “These would take way more time with a crane, taking into account the setup, delivery, and the footprint of the crane itself.”

The Phoenix Lift, which GH Lifts worked on in conjunction with Alabama-based Trans Lift, enables Hungerford and his team to move two single-section homes in one day, far faster than previous methods. The Phoenix Lift is added onto a Trans Lift unit to achieve this. Hungerford’s engineering and transportation history led to the design of the Phoenix Lift, while Andy Hill of Trans Lift handles new sales of the mover.

“The biggest positive of using this lift is the time saved versus, say, bringing in a crane,” Hill said. “This house lifting system is very precise, and very safe.

According to Hungerford, setting a home into place using this method can take mere minutes, compared to hours using a jack-lift.

The two pillars of this new innovation that Hungerford and Hill both emphasize above all else are precision and safety.

Hungerford first tested the Phoenix Lift on his ranch in Texas with a fully furnished multi-section home. He said the home was sited with enough precision so that not even the front porch had to be re-adjusted.

The increased safety of using the Phoenix Lift over a crane or jack-lift is significant as well. By keeping workers from being under a home that’s several feet above the ground, movers can more easily do their job, often at a faster pace that doesn’t compromise workplace safety.

Implementing a new mover like this one into communities keeps community operators from having to wait on orders for home transport equipment and avoids empty lots due to restrictive zoning laws that keep cranes from being able to move homes in some areas, Hungerford said.

“It keeps them from having an empty lot with no income,” he said. “It’s a win for everybody.”

Though the Phoenix Lift is a relatively new invention, both Hungerford and Hill have high hopes for the future. After showing off the lift for the first time at the Biloxi Manufactured

Housing Show & Expo in March, moving pros are already asking for live demos. Hungerford is even going to Florida himself to deliver and test the Phoenix Lift for a new customer.

New modifications to the system, such as add-ons that can further increase the height, speed, efficiency, and safety of the home moving process, are in the works. Yet with how much promise the Phoenix Lift shows in its current form, Hungerford and Hill are ecstatic for what this means for home movers.

“I really believe in this product,” Hill said. “I believe it’s going to be the industry standard for lifting houses.”

For more information, visit ghlifts.com MHV

Sean Vichinsky is an editor of MHInsider and a marketing copywriter for MHVillage.

Google Analytics is Dead, Long Live Google Analytics

Everything about Google Analytics is changing, and for marketers — especially those who haven’t been paying attention — the changes will be profound.

by Darren Krolewski

“The king is dead, long live the king” is a historical proclamation in many parts of the world to simultaneously acknowledge the death of a sovereign and announce the transition to a new monarch.

This time, the announcement is not referencing some distant king in a faraway land, it’s about the passing of Google’s Universal Analytics platform, the de facto standard for measuring website performance and user behavior since its introduction in 2005.

When Google Analytics came onto the market, it was a paradigm shift from the old website counters that simply tracked website “hits” with little or no context about the underlying traffic. For the first time, and at no cost, website owners could take advantage of analytics tools previously available only in expensive enterprise-level software. By bringing website analytics to the masses, Google empowered a generation of professionals to make more informed decisions about their Internet marketing.

But time waits for no one, not even a king.

After nearly two decades of analytics dominance, evolving worldwide privacy regulations related to consumer data, increasing use of web browser privacy settings and today’s varied environment of computers, mobile devices and apps have made it considerably more challenging to track online user behavior.

Enter Google Analytics 4, or GA4 as it is more commonly known. Although it’s not exactly brand new (it first hit the scene in 2020), and with some lingering concerns that it may not be completely ready to assume the throne from its predecessor, the transition to GA4 promises to bring a host of predictive analysis and machine-learning empowered capabilities to more than 28 million websites that rely on Google for website analytics.

Designed for a Cookieless Future

Google developed GA4 in preparation for the “cookiepocolypse”, the planned phasing out of third-party cookies, which are small snippets of data placed on a user’s device to identify the user for the purposes of advertising. Several web browsers such as Safari and

Firefox have been blocking third-party cookies for years, and Google’s Chrome browser has promised to phase out cookies by 2024. This is good for consumers, but challenging for advertisers who rely on robust user profiles to ensure ad networks serve up relevant advertising.

GA4 offers several advantages over the legacy Universal Analytics platform in preparation for these changes:

Greater Emphasis on Consumer Privacy

GA4 is designed to provide website visitors more control over their data and how it is utilized, including the ability to opt out of tracking and deleting any collected data entirely.

Better Tracking of the Customer Journey

GA4 collects data across devices, including websites and apps, for a more complete picture of the customer journey.

More Complete Data

GA4 relies on machine learning, or artificial intelligence, to predict consumer behavior and fill in the gaps that will invariably exist as the consumer privacy landscape continues to evolve.

Better Insights on Conversions

GA4 is organized around events, rather than user sessions, and those events can include multiple conversion activities. In Universal Analytics, only one conversion could be counted per session, making it more difficult to measure all the touchpoints that resulted in a transaction to occur.

The End is Here. No, Really

While Google has been heralding the end of the existing Universal Analytics platform for over a year now, and warning website owners to make the switch sooner rather than later, there will undoubtedly be marketers who fail to make the transition by the July 1 deadline. »

direct: 407.227.9643 office: 800.261.9464 ext. 7012 hunter@capstone-companies.com

JON

direct: 386.871.4716 office: 800.261.9464 ext. 7024

jwilsman@capstone-companies.com

That is why beginning in March of this year, Google began automatically creating GA4 properties for Universal Analytics users that had not yet migrated to the new platform. So even if you were not aware of the transition to GA4, or delayed taking action, Google has at least done some of the work for you with a basic GA4 setup, though it may not be ideal for every user.

So What Happens Now That the July 1 Deadline Has Passed?

Universal Analytics Won’t Collect Any More Data

For websites that haven’t been upgraded to GA4, as of July 1, Universal Analytics will stop collecting new data. That means no more website traffic will be recorded. It will be like someone turned off a switch. Essentially, you’ll be flying blind. Month-over-month and year-over-year comparisons will be impossible because there will be no more data going forward.

You’ll Lose All Your Historical Data (Eventually)

In addition to no longer recording new website data in Universal Analytics, Google will be clearing out any historical data. Fortunately, not right away, but soon (Google has said they will make the data available until Oct. 1, 2023). So if you want the ability to access past performance or make comparisons, you’ll want to back up those reports soon or lose them forever.

You’ll Have to Learn a New Platform

The reporting interface for GA4 compared to Universal Analytics is very different. Many of the reports you may be used to reviewing may have changed or no longer have a comparable equivalent in GA4. You’ll have to take a crash course on GA4 to get up to speed.

You May Need to Set Up Integrations Again

Some third-party software, including CRMs like Hubspot, link to Google Analytics. If you connect your Google Analytics data to outside tools, those integrations will need to be set up again within GA4.

Your Digital Ad Campaigns May Become Less Effective

If you previously linked Universal Analytics to your Google AdWords account, conversion data will stop

flowing into your digital advertising campaigns, which could have a significant impact on your campaign performance, and increase your costs.

You’ll Have to Worry About Your Data

In Universal Analytics, you could store historical data indefinitely, but in GA4, the maximum retention period is 14 months. In other words, you can only retain 14 months of historical data unless you backup your data to a warehousing solution, such as Google’s own BigQuery product, which adds additional complexity.

Most of All, the End of Simplicity

Perhaps the biggest change in the transition to GA4 is the loss of simplicity. Google Analytics in its previous incarnations was an incredibly powerful tool for marketers that was relatively easy to configure and utilize. At the same time, there were plenty of additional features and customizations for more advanced users.

GA4 works very differently than its predecessor, and with these changes come some technical requirements that may call for a new skill set. At the very least, marketers may need some time to learn the GA4 platform and ensure everything is configured correctly for their needs.

Fortunately, Google offers a robust support section for GA4 including free, online courses, developer support and documentation, and a series of instructional videos on its @GoogleAnalytics YouTube channel. Google Analytics, at least as marketers have come to know it, is dead. And while its successor is very different in many respects, GA4 promises to continue a legacy of delivering actionable insights for marketers. Long shall it reign! MHV

Darren Krolewski is co-president and chief business development officer of MHVillage, the top website for manufactured homes, retailers, and communities, and leads efforts that generate home transactions of more than $3 billion.

TWO DAYS OF FACTORY TOURS & EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

AUGUST 22-23

RV/MH Hall of Fame

Elkhart, Indiana

This is your opportunity to tour the region’s leading manufactured home building facilities, meet with factory representatives, see the latest innovations in engineering and construction, and sharpen your sales, marketing and operations skills with informative seminars from industry experts.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Retailers & Community Owners

• Property Managers

• Sales Personnel

• Marketing Team Members

• New Employees

WHY ATTEND?

• Stay Ahead of Your Competition

• Build a High Performing Sales Team

• Pick Up New Marketing Tips and Tactics

• Understand the Latest Trends and Buyer Preferences

• Purchase the Right Homes for Your Buyer and Market

SPONSORED BY:

IS IT TIME TO TELL YOUR STORY?

by George Allen, CPM Emeritus, MHM-Master

Five years ago, the inaugural issue of MHInsider magazine featured the first Allen Legacy column. Titled Preserving Your Personal & Corporate Legacy, it was an introduction to the newly published booklet, “Who Will Preserve Your Legacy? Answer: You!”. Since then, this popular pamphlet has gone through several printings, and just recently a rewrite. The new publication, containing four additional autobiographies, will be distributed to members of RV/MH Heritage Foundation’s prestigious Hall of Fame Class of 2023, and you, if desired.

In the meantime, I have to ask, again, is it time for you to tell your personal or corporate story? What follows here is advice to Hall of Fame enshrinees, and readers of this column, interested in collecting, writing, and sharing personal as well as business career stories, including lessons learned along life’s way.

And especially to those being inducted into the prestigious RV/MH Hall of Fame on Aug. 21, now might be time to pause and reflect on your personal adventures, business career, and the important lessons learned during your lifetime.

How to go about this once-in-a-lifetime endeavor? Well, that’s the purpose of what follows here, and in the referenced booklet. Follow the logical steps,

and your legacy project will achieve fruition and possibly publication.

For motivation, we have provided, on the MHInsider blog, 14 summaries of autobiographies and memoirs from RV & MH pioneers and notable leaders. All the titles are available in the RV/MH Hall of Fame library in Elkhart, Ind. And here we describe how to organize and collect one’s memoirs; and then, if desired, compile them into an autobiography.

How to Preserve Your Personal or Corporate Legacy

1.

SET GOALS.

Decide, “I’m going to do this!” Then, compile a preliminary list (It will change and grow throughout the writing and editing process!) of personal and or corporate short stories and memories. Next; pen at least one or two short stories each month from this list – as hard copy (i.e. pen on paper or electronically). These are your memoirs! Hint. Simply sit down alone, write, or type what comes to mind, not worrying about grammar, spelling, errors, word choices or how it flows – until later. It helps to tell these stories from a consistent perspective, e.g. first or second person, but likely not third.

Always wait 24 hours before making changes to what you’ve written. Reread the story slowly, making pen changes along the way, e.g. better word choices, correct spelling, comma placement, and grammar. Then retype the story, wait another 24 hours, and edit again! Hint. On average, I fine tune my memoirs five times before compiling them into an autobiography; then some more fine tuning…

Over time, collect the edited memoirs and put them in some sort of order, usually chronological, but possibly topical. Doing so will trigger memories of more events, other short stories, and incidents worth recording. So, add those new topics to aforementioned list, and write about them as well.

2. BE PATIENT.

Memoirs can be fun to write, especially when pacing oneself to pen just one or a few each month. But this also takes time, meaning the overall writing and editing process can easily take the better part of a year or longer, to tell all one’s stories. This is wise use of our time. Better to avoid rush; and wishing later you’d penned more memoirs. »

“One of the deepest impulses is to leave a record of what we did and what we thought and felt on our journey.”

— William Zinsser

Again, if memoirs haven’t already been organized chronologically or by topics, do so. This will highlight gaps that may need to be filled with additional stories. Hint. At this stage, if not already doing so, make it a point to read other memoirs, even autobiographies. Observe the writer’s style, perspective from which they write, type size and style used, and how easy or difficult their story is to read.

3. EDIT WITH A PASSION.

If not qualified to do this, hire or enlist a trusted, capable, experienced, motivated individual (preferably non-family member) to do this for or with you. Hint. Both parties learning and using basic proofreader marks makes this process easier and more productive.

4. DECIDE WHEN ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

Do the memoirs cover the desired, limited or broad scope of personal and or corporate life for now – or forever? Only you can decide. Hint. One’s story can just as easily be a portion of one’s life, business experience,

or much more. Just take one part at a time, if need be, and then decide.

5. SEEK ASSISTANCE WITH PRE-PRESS MATTERS.

Identify and interview more than one printer/binder, for price, product quality, and service comparisons. Ensure they’re experienced with basics and nuances of the self-publishing process. Ask for samples of their past work. Hint. Become familiar with front and back material requirements, to legitimize your finished product, e.g. ISBN#, copyright information, and more.

6. BE PREPARED TO MARKET YOUR BOOK OR SIMPLY GIVE THEM AWAY.

No one but you is going to market and sell your self-published book! Seriously. Traditional publishers won’t be interested if you’re not already published; and, vanity publishers will publish anything for a price that varies with book quantity and services.

A Closing Word of Encouragement

“The main thing is to do this before it’s too late. Some people find telling their story to be very gratifying, even therapeutic. And the story could have a profound impact on others now or in the future. Every story matters.” — Jo Harris. MHV

George Allen is a nonfiction author, internet blogger, and magazine columnist with expertise in manufactured housing and land-lease communities. He also is a retired lieutenant colonel of U.S. Marines, with a combat tour in the Republic of Vietnam and service during Desert Storm. Read his autobiography, “FromSmittyAlpha6 to MHMaven” available via www. educatemhc.com, and also his “Chapbook of Prayer” and “Chapbook of Business Management & Wisdom” as well as other interesting titles. Allem can be reached at gfa7156@aol.com, (317) 881-3815 & GFA c/o Box # 47024, Indianapolis, IN. 46247.

PANELS THAT DEFEAT THE WEED EATER FOR ALL CLIMATE NEEDS