THA is located in Wilson County, which is currently under a face mask mandate until September 30, 2020. |
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High Lumber Prices Continue to Impact Material Costs, Housing Production |
The lumber supply shortage has led to a nationwide upsurge in lumber prices. The Random Lengths Framing Composite Price topped $600 per 1,000 board feet at the end of July — marking the first time that prices have topped the $600 level. Framing lumber prices have soared roughly 80 percent since mid-April, while the price of oriented strand board is up well over 100 percent from a year ago.
A combination of factors has led to increasingly volatile lumber prices, including lumber mills operating at a diminished capacity, if at all, in the Spring. This was partly a result of stay-at-home and social distancing measures enacted by state and local governments. In addition, many mills projected that housing would be adversely affected by the pandemic, so they anticipated a large drop in demand and substantially decreased production accordingly. Despite their projections, housing demand has remained steady across the country and there was also an unexpected surge in demand from do-it-yourselfers (DIY) and big box retailers during the pandemic. In addition to these supply pressures on lumber prices, tariffs on lumber imports from Canada continue to average more than 20 percent.
MHI has been in contact with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the White House, Congress and other national housing industry associations urging federal intervention and necessary action to support increased production of lumber. With unprecedented challenges ahead, material cost stability will be crucial to providing much-needed affordable housing for the people and communities who need them the most.
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CDC Issues Order Halting Evictions through December 31, 2020 |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an order temporarily halting residential evictions of any consumers for 'failure to pay rent', until December 31, 2020. This action is in response to President Trump’s August 8, 2020, “Executive Order on Fighting the Spread of COVID-19, by Providing Assistance to Renters and Homeowners”, which instructed the CDC to “consider” whether temporarily banning residential evictions is “reasonably necessary” to prevent further spread of COVID-19. This order was published today (September 4, 2020) in the Federal Register, and is now in effect.
According to the order, renters must file sworn declarations stating they are eligible for this relief because:
- The individual has used best efforts to obtain all available government assistance for rent or housing;
- The individual either (i) expects to earn no more than $99,000 in annual income for Calendar Year 2020 (or no more than $198,000 if filing a joint tax return), (ii) was not required to report any income in 2019 to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or (iii) received an Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check) pursuant to Section 2201 of the CARES Act;
- The individual is unable to pay the full rent or make a full housing payment due to substantial loss of household income, loss of compensable hours of work or wages, a lay-off, or extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses;
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The individual is using best efforts to make timely partial payments that are as close to the full payment as the individual’s circumstances may permit, taking into account other non-discretionary expenses; and
- Eviction would likely render the individual homeless— or force the individual to move into and live in close quarters in a new congregate or shared living setting— because the individual has no other available housing options.
This order does not relieve any individual of any obligation to pay rent nor does it prevent the “charging or collecting of fees, penalties, or interest as a result of the failure to pay rent or other housing payment on a timely basis." Further, landlords and property managers still have the ability to evict for health and safety reasons.
The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) continues to work with a coalition of leading national housing industry associations to ensure residents and landlords are supported as they deal with economic hardships posed by the protracted pandemic. MHI is arguing the best way to protect the housing of those residents who have been impacted by COVID-19 is through robust financial assistance such as an emergency rental assistance program or other programs designed to keep residents from ever missing rental payments.
On Thursday, MHI, along with a coalition of 11 other national housing industry associations, sent a letter to Congress urging policymakers to come together on a robust, targeted federal rental assistance plan to support the nation’s renters and housing providers.
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In light of this new/additional Agency Order relative to the eviction process, THA highly encourages you to contact your corporate/personal business attorney or a local attorney before you decide to initiate an eviction action against a resident, in the current environment. Overlaying federal, state and county laws or restrictions on the judicial process may apply. This includes: issuing a notice to vacate, initiating any eviction-related action, or assessing fees or penalties on residents for nonpayment of rent or other lease violations. |
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Tell Congress to...
Act on Two Major Policies that Impact Manufactured Housing
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Stabilize The Lumber Supply |
What We Are Asking
Ask Congress to contact President Trump to urge domestic lumber producers to ramp up production.
Justification
Since mid-April, framing lumber prices have soared roughly 80 percent, while the price of oriented strand board is up well over 100 percent from a year ago.
A combination of factors has led to increased volatility lumber prices, including lumber mills operating at a diminished capacity, if at all, in the Spring. Housing demand has remained steady across the country and there was also an unexpected surge in demand from do-it-yourselfers (DIY) and big box retailers during the pandemic. With the economy already facing unprecedented challenges in the wake of COVID-19, predictable pricing for materials will be crucial to supporting the needs of homebuyers.
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Pass Rental Assistance Funding |
What We Are Asking
Ask Congress to provide rental assistance funding to stabilize the rental housing sector.
Justification
The halt on evictions imposed by the CDC without funding for rental assistance puts the stability of the rental housing sector in danger.
Congress’ next COVID-19 relief package must include funding for rental assistance to keep residents who have a COVID-related hardship in their homes, and to support housing providers who are already stretched thin providing necessary assistance and services for residents.
Without funding, the very people the halt on evictions aims to help will be harmed by making it impossible for housing providers to meet their financial obligations and continue to provide shelter to their residents.
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A letter has already been prepared! Just enter your name, address, etc in the form provided at each link above, and press submit! |
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SEPTEMBER Is National Workforce Development Month |
Did you know? ... As of noon today, there were 221,628 job openings available on Jobs4TN.gov? Currently Tennessee's unemployment rate sits at 9.5%
If you know someone who is looking for a job, have them register on the Jobs4TN.gov site today.
If you have openings at your company, consider placing a notice on the Jobs4TN.gov site, or at least search for individuals who may be qualified for your available positions.
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THDA Research and Publications |
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Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) |
Join TEMA during the month of September as they recognize National Preparedness Month.
As Tennessee continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved. #BeReady
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The TN State of Emergency, related to the ongoing pandemic currently extends to September 30, 2020. |
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Tennessee Governor Lee
Statewide Press Conference
Stay tuned to your local stations for weekly scheduled dates and times.
Online live and prerecorded viewing may be accessed HERE.
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Department of Education Commissioner, Penny Schwinn, announced a new dashboard for school districts to upload positive COVID-19 cases into. The dashboard will include new positive cases in students and teachers from the previous week and the week prior to that, the primary operating model for each school, information about a school's critical infrastructure designation for certain workers, or lack thereof where applicable, and a link to each school's continual learning plans (CLP). Out of privacy precautions, the Department of Education announced that schools with less than 50 total students will not upload positive cases into the dashboard, and schools with 5 or less positive cases between teachers and students, will not upload specific positive case numbers into the dashboard. Additional information can be located in the press release from the Department of Education which can be found here.
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Department of Health Commissioner, Lisa Piercey, announced a shift in the department's information reporting format regarding COVID-19. Per CDC guidelines, the Department of Health has altered several definitions around COVID-19 case reporting including reducing the definition of active cases from 21 days since infection to 14 days since infection and altering the definition of what constitutes close contact from 10 minutes of exposure to an infected individual within 6 feet to 15 minutes of exposure to an infected individual within 6 feet. Additionally, the new strategy will target reporting individual county's epidemic curve, cumulative counts of positive cases, total hospitalizations and deaths, recent versus historic trends, and in-depth data on testing. Additional information can be located in the press release from the Department of Health which can be found here.
- A recent Department of Health COVID-19 case reporting audit identified 1,700 cases were geographically misidentified. The misidentification largely came a s result of a positive case's zip code straddling two counties. Commissioner Piercey announced that the department will be correcting this misidentification in the coming day(s), which could lead to an impact in positive cumulative cases by county.
- Commissioner Barnes of the Tennessee Department of Human Services announced that Tennessee has applied for an additional round of the P-EBT program. The application has been submitted to the USDA and is currently under review.
- Additionally, Commissioner Barnes announced the approval of a waiver from FNS, an arm of the USDA, to allow schools to continue to operate their Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) through December 31st.
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TN Surveillance Data - COVID-19
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The TN COVID-19 Public Information # is 877/857-2945 or 833/556-2476.
Open 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday.
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Reflection Always Initiates Perspective |
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Yesterday marked six months since deadly tornadoes devastated regions across Tennessee. Just two days later, Tennessee reported its first COVID-19 case. All of our lives have changed since that early March 3rd day... but our hope and perseverance have not wavered. Regardless of the challenge, we will prevail.
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Governor Lee release the video below one month after the storm moved through, and it serves as a reminder of just how far we have come, while understanding there is still much to do! |
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Labor Day - Monday, September 7th |
Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
The office of the Association will be closed Monday, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
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The THA 2020 Political Action Committee (PAC) Campaign is in full swing!
We have received $24,047 towards our $35,000 Goal. 68.7%!
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The THA-PAC is accepting contributions!
Thank you for your consideration!
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Tennessee accepts corporate, personal and LLC contributions. Your contribution is critical! |
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- As the campaign season for November elections is in full swing here in Tennessee, your political contribution of funds is critical to our industry's state success.
- Access to our legislative members is key, as was just proven by THAs successful passing of much needed changes to our transportation law.
- Please support the THA-PAC, to allow THA's continuance of educating key lawmakers on the importance of our industry, while also providing general counsel in ways of promoting manufactured homes as a viable option for addressing the affordable housing crisis.
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MANUFACTURED HOUSING INSTITUTE (MHI) |
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Dr. Lesli Gooch
Chief Executive Officer, MHI
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Mark Bowersox
President, MHI
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CFPB Report Examines the Early Impact of COVID-19
Pandemic on Consumer Credit
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a report examining the impacts of COVID-19 on consumer credit. Analyzing mortgage, student loan, car loan and credit card accounts between March 2020 and June 2020, the report did not find a drastic rise in delinquency or negative credit amongst consumers.
While unemployment spiked as a result of COVID-19 during that same timeframe, the report notes that the assistance provided to consumers through the CARES Act may be reflected in those numbers. Among the findings, the CFPB also reported that new delinquencies actually fell between March and June, and there was an increase in payment assistance from creditors and lenders to borrowers. Additionally:
- Student loan and first-lien mortgage accounts had the largest increase in assistance from lenders.
- Assistance appeared to be concentrated among borrowers residing in areas that were more severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated shocks to employment.
- Financial institutions reduced access to credit card debt by closing existing lines of credit and halting credit limit increases on open accounts.
- Account closings and credit line reductions primarily affected borrowers with high credit scores.
Throughout this national health emergency, MHI has advocated to ensure federal relief supports the long-term prosperity of our industry, residents, homebuyers and the economy. As the effects of COVID-19 continue to create challenges for American families and businesses, we will continue our efforts for the industry.
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CFPB Issues Analysis of HMDA Data Points on Manufactured Homes
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a new analysis of the 2019 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data, including information about manufactured home loan originations.
The analysis includes home buyer demographic information, divisions by geographic area, loan costs, and more.
According to the report, about 178,200 manufactured home loans were originated in 2019—an increase from 170,700 manufactured home loans reported in the 2018 data. About 106,100 of those were secured by both manufactured homes and land, and 53,900 were home only loans. The analysis includes data about manufactured home buyers, including average income and creditworthiness.
Quick-reference tables in the CFPB analysis related to manufactured home origination, include:
The CFPB is currently working on a separate analysis of the 2019 HMDA data specifically regarding financing for manufactured housing.
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Jim Gray, Duty To Serve Program Manager, to Retire
After more than four years serving as Manager of the Duty to Serve Program at the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), Jim Gray announced he will retire from the federal workforce. Jim plans to become a Senior Fellow at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. At the helm of the Duty to Serve Program, Jim helped move the program from a requirement in law to full implementation. As a part of this, he helped to cultivate and elevate the profile of manufactured housing, listening to and working with MHI, its members, and stakeholders to ensure successful and meaningful progress. We are grateful for Jim’s diligence in ensuring the Enterprises are on a path to better serve manufactured housing in the secondary market, in accordance with their Duty to Serve as required by law.
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MHI Tells FHFA that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Must Continue Moving Forward with their DTS Plans
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has proposed a new rule that would establish risk-based capital requirements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises)—one of many moves the Agency is making to recapitalize and reinforce the Enterprises as it assesses their exit from conservatorship.
In response to the proposed rule, MHI is submitting comments urging leadership at the FHFA to ensure the Enterprises’ statutory Duty to Serve manufactured housing is maintained and the GSEs are held accountable to the expectations laid out in their Duty to Serve Plans.
The COVID-19 health emergency has created unprecedented challenges for homeowners and access to financing will be crucial as the economy continues to recover. MHI understands the Enterprises and FHFA are struggling to address the impact through the imposition of repricing certain types of risks. With the uncertain economic climate, private sector lenders are generally being more cautious. As American families and businesses continue to recover, access to mortgage credit through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is all the more important.
MHI appreciates that both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have taken steps to create and implement Duty to Serve. That is why we will continue to advocate to make these programs more accessible including streamlining the Duty to Serve and expanding outreach to lenders and appraisers to familiarize them with the programs. These are precisely the types of actions that the statute identifies as Duty to Serve responsibilities.
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FHFA Orders Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac to Delay Implementation of Refinance Fee
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to delay implementation of an adverse market refinance fee to December 1, 2020. The .5% fee on refinance mortgages was originally scheduled to take effect on September 1.
MHI, as part of a coalition of national housing industry associations, strongly argued that imposing this refinance fee on homeowners was the wrong approach as the economy recovers from the impact of COVID-19. In addition to its advocacy efforts as a part of this coalition, MHI, along with almost 100 members and eight state associations, directly contacted Members of Congress asking them to tell FHFA that this action would have a negative economic impact on homeowners seeking to improve their personal finances by refinancing their mortgages. More than 40 Representatives and eight Senators sent letters urging FHFA Director Mark Calabria to tell Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that an adverse market fee is bad for homeowners. Additionally, numerous Members of Congress and the Administration issued statements expressing serious concerns with the refinance fee.
FHFA also announced it would exempt refinance loans with loan balances below $125,000 from the fee. Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s low down payment products, Home Ready and Home Possible, are also exempt.
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September 10, 2020
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern
Developing Land-Lease MH Communities for the Future
Presented by: Scott Roberts,
Roberts Resorts and Communities
Hear how new land-lease communities can be developed to compete with modern apartments and site built communities. In this webinar you will learn planning and development techniques from a community owner that is having success in establishing new manufactured home communities by overcoming obstacles such as planning and zoning.
The webinar cost is $25 per person.
Presented by Hometown America Communities and Skyline Champion Corporation
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SAVE THE DATE
September 29, 2020
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern
Education Makes a Good Community Manager Great
Presented by: Amy Bliss,
Wisconsin Housing Alliance and
Ross Kinzler, Pin Point Strategies
Community managers are at the front-line of ensuring a MHC is well-maintained, revenue is collected, expenses are reasonable and residents are happy. Learn about MHC-specific education that is available to community managers and how these programs turn good community managers into great community managers.
The webinar cost is $25 per person.
Presented by Cavco Industries and Credit Human
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2020 Webinar Series: Embracing Change |
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Upcoming Free Webinar
Thursday, September 10, 2020, 2 PM ET
Measurement Matters: Making Data Driven Decisions
with Jenny Hodge
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- Thursday, September 24, 2020, 2 PM ET - Live from KMHI in Louisville
- Thursday, October 8, 2020, 2 PM ET - Chris Nicely - Next Step
- Thursday, November 5, 2020, 2 PM ET - Growing Your Business - Boom! The Next 10 Years - Ken Corbin
- Thursday, November 19, 2020, 2 PM ET - The State of Emotional Assistance Alligators and Other Changes to Assistance Animal Rules - Matt Paletz
- Thursday, December 3, 2020, 2 PM ET - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
- Thursday, December 17, 2020, 2 PM ET - Development - Lenny Kopowski
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Free Webinars
Powered/Sponsored by: ManufacturedHomes.com
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Initial Licensing/Certification Retailer/Installer Education
available online for Tennessee !
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Initial Licensing/Certification |
05 Hour Continuing Education |
Several current license holders and certified employees have not completed their annual required education for license renewal. Many have expiration dates which are rapidly approaching. Ensure you keep your working credentials in order! Business is brisk right now, and we can't afford to lose anyone from the work list, when class can be completed at anytime, on any day!! |
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The THA Annual Member's Meeting & 65th Anniversary Celebration has been postponed until June 27 - 29, 2021. |
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For more information, contact Show Coordinator Dennis J. Hill at (770) 587-3350. |
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