Manufactured housing, also referred to as prefab or mobile homes, has demonstrated its resilience against deadly diseases and recession threats. In fact, the industry is thriving in difficult times, growing stronger every time. After the pandemic, this durable and low-cost investment class is gradually diversifying its offerings and investing in improvements to the community that could result in the removal of the stigma that surrounds it.
So, what makes these communities appealing to buyers of manufactured housing, and how can homeowners improve their marketing strategies?
Highlight The Most Important Attributes
The possibility of real affordability is a major draw of manufactured housing. These homes are usually cheaper than conventional site-built homes. If you sell the home itself or the property under it, the cost is attractive to prospective renters.
Energy efficiency is another appealing feature of MHCs. The new manufactured homes are considerably more energy efficient than homes on the market for the same price. This improves the home’s overall value since homeowners’ energy bills are significantly reduced.
Concentrate On The Facilities
In the past, mobile and manufactured homes could have looked like bare bones. However, the times have changed. Housing communities manufactured by manufacturers now provide numerous amenities ranging in size from septic tank privates to pools, parking, and infrastructure. The latest developments have gotten inspiration from the multifamily industry and have developed amenities that include playgrounds, clubhouses, tennis courts, spaces for open play, gardens, Wi-Fi, and security.
A growing amount homes in manufactured communities run on solar energy energy, as some homeowners living in mobile residences have built rooftop solar photovoltaic panels. If your MHC has energy-saving features or green building materials, Make sure you mention that.
The surrounding areas also offer recreation opportunities. The MHC could have wood or river-frontage, which is crucial for avid nature lovers. There may be convenience stores nearby, biking trails, and parks.
Utilize The Most Effective Advertising Methods
The world is in the age of digitalization. Consequently, manufactured housing must increase its online presence. Professional websites (make sure that they’re mobile-friendly! ), A Google My Business listing, pages on social media platforms, and chat rooms on WhatsApp or Facebook are all great tools.
In addition, traditional and offline marketing is still effective. Flyers, brochures, billboards, or even billboards in areas that see a lot of foot traffic are excellent methods for achieving this. The only downside to traditional methods is that they are often far more expensive than they have been in years past, as well as less effective.
Use testimonials from previous customers to build confidence with prospective renters. Reviews and positive reviews can go a long way in promotion.
Focus On The Community Portion Of The MHC
One common misconception about those living inside MHCs is that they’re “lone wolves” who don’t enjoy socializing. This misconception must remain for the foreseeable future. Create a community for the people and they will feel part of the community. Give them on-site management along with maintenance and leasing teams, and they’ll be happy. Include that information in your description.
Maintain contact with your renters currently at the property, via telephone, email as well as social networks. Inform them of scheduled inspections maintenance, landscaping and maintenance. Solicit their suggestions regarding how you can improve the park, and organize events for social gatherings like Ice cream parties during the summer and Thanksgiving dinners in November, create a Neighborhood Watch Program. This helps a good degree in creating the feeling of belonging as well as social interactions.
If necessary, cooperate with local governments and housing associations to look into affordable housing programs for the less fortunate. Certain grants and subsidies may be accessed to aid those with lower incomes in meeting their housing requirements. Furthermore, communities can be set up to guard portable home park sites from development and ensure their survival for the long term.
Utilize MHAuthority In Conjunction With MyState MLS
Using any local, regional, or statewide MLS has never really been an option for owners and operators of mobile home and manufactured housing communities. With The Nationwide MLS, manufactured housing community owners and operators can (now) not only allow you to list within an MLS company that is home to tens of thousands of real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers now have the power to syndicate your manufactured housing communities on the most popular listing websites, such as Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com and more (over 160 syndication websites, to be more specific).