I work as a Sales Manager for Palm Harbor Homes in Athens, Georgia. We get folks all the time that come into my office and want to look at some trailers. I smile and tell them, ” we never use the “T” word here.” They laugh and call them mobile homes or Manufactured homes.
Most of us in the business call them manufactured homes, usually because the name was changed when legislation changed in the 70’s, but the realityu is that people still think of them as trailers. Why?
I think it’s because we grew up calling them “Trailers” and we in the business still refer to them as Single wides or Double wides.
“Are you looking for a single wide or a double wide?” That is an issue we need to address as an industry. The site builders only refer to bedrooms and square footage. All of us would agree the quality is better in the manufactures home business because they are built in a factory, which has quality controls. Granted there is a minimum HUD standard, and we should work to move that quality up. Less use of lumber less than No. 2 and stronger rafter systems, no use of card board coverings. Sure these keep the cost down and a consumer doesn’t know they are used, even in the site built homes sometimes.
Our task as industry leaders is to improve the quality standards and improve the industry image, by insisting on better “standard” in quality. Our State Associations need to educate elected officials, bankers and appraiser on the quality of our industry. Improved appraisals, not accepting a devalued appraisal because of age is the only way to grow this industry now.
Setting better Standards is the path to a better business
Take the time and let your Associations know you want better representation for the money we add to each floor sold. Our customers deserve better.
The next time someone ask to see a trailer, tell them we don’t use the “T” word any more. Sell square footage!!
