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 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.” 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. 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.”

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.

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

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.