Manufactured (Mobile) Homes in the U.S.

The U.S. market for manufactured housing (previously known as “mobile homes”) has taken a beating over the past decade. Since peaking at $10.6 billion in 1998, its value has nearly been cut in half, falling to $5.6 billion by 2006. In the 1990s, substantial growth in manufactured housing and loose credit standards for home-only loans led to aggressive lending practices. As a result, default rates and repossessions rose, underwriting standards tightened and credit offerings were curtailed, sending the market into a nosedive from 1999 to 2001. In the years that followed, traditional mortgage rates dropped to rock-bottom levels, enabling would-be purchasers of manufactured homes to reach for conventional site-built homes. The industry got a small boost in 2005 when FEMA purchased 17,000 manufactured homes in response to Hurricane Katrina, but that boost petered out in 2006 when unit shipments hit a 44-year low. The outlook for 2007 isn' t any better, as SBI predicts a decline in market value due to excess inventory, diminishing unit shipments and lower prices. After another smaller decline in 2008, SBI expects the market to recover by 2011.

One bright spot for the industry is the growth of larger, more expensive manufactured housing. Nearly two out of three existing manufactured homes are single-wide units, but double-wides, triple-wides and larger units account for 85% of total market value. The biggest size category (triple-wides or larger) actually managed to grow during the 1997-2006 period, while single-wides, double-wides and the overall market declined. To grow the market, the industry is working to improve consumer financing options and contend with a nagging image problem. Several major manufacturers have also partnered with ENERGY STAR, a government program that promotes energy-efficient solutions, to build ENERGY STAR-qualified homes. Growing demographic groups, including Hispanics, retiring Baby Boomers and single women also present an opportunities for industry growth. MO< Manufactured (Mobile) Homes in the U.S. contains comprehensive data on the U.S. market for manufactured housing, including historical (1997-2006) and forecast (2007-2011) market size data in terms of the number and dollar value of unit shipments. The report identifies key trends affecting the marketplace, along with trends driving growth, and also profiles major marketers and consumer demographics.

The information in Manufactured (Mobile) Homes in the U.S. is based on data from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Census Bureau, along with information from trade associations such as the Manufactured Housing Institute, business journals, company literature and websites, and research services such as Simmons Market Research Bureau.

Manufactured (Mobile) Homes in the U.S. makes important predictions and recommendations regarding the future of this market, and pinpoints ways current and prospective players can capitalize on current trends and spearhead new ones. No other market research report provides both the comprehensive analysis and extensive data that Manufactured Homes in the U.S. offers. Plus, you' ll benefit from extensive data, presented in easy-to-read and practical charts, tables and graphs.

If your company is already doing business in the manufactured home market, or is considering making the leap, you will find this report invaluable, as it provides a comprehensive package of information and insight not offered in any other single source. You will gain a thorough understanding of the current market for manufactured housing, as well as projected markets and trends through 2011.

• Marketing managers identify market opportunities and develop targeted promotion plans for manufactured homes.
• Research and development professionals stay on top of competitor initiatives and explore demand for manufactured homes.
• Advertising agencies working with clients in the banking and retail industries understand the product buyer to develop messages and images that compel consumers to buy manufactured homes.
• Business development executives understand the dynamics of the market and identify possible partnerships.
• Information and research center librarians provide market researchers, brand and product managers and other colleagues with the vital information they need to do their jobs more effectively.