Manufactured Housing Industry May See Boom From Katrina

Sep. 7–Widespread destruction in Louisiana and Mississippi after last week’s killer hurricane could result in a boom for the manufactured housing industry.

In a letter to members of various state manufactured housing associations, the Manufactured Housing Institute said the Federal Emergency Management Agency is looking to buy mobile homes quickly.

FEMA wants a report from dealers on existing inventory that is ready to ship. FEMA particularly is interested in manufactured homes that are between 30 feet and 35 feet in length and cost less than $28,000.

Tommy Blanchard, owner of Worldwide Mobile Homes in Lumberton, serves as treasurer of the Texas Manufactured Housing Association.

“We’ve seen increased demand,” Blanchard said.

He said he recently has sold four or five units that will be going to Louisiana.

“We were contacted last week to send a list of our inventory to FEMA,” Blanchard said. “Louisiana and Mississippi are huge areas for manufactured homes.

“It’s relatively easy to move a new home in and get people back to normal.”

In Southeast Texas, among eight dealers, Blanchard estimated there might be 80 manufactured homes available on lots.

“An oil company from near Lafayette (La.) called me wanting to lease some homes,” he said. “There are no houses to be had in Louisiana. I ordered 30 houses on Friday, and I expect them anywhere from two weeks to two months.”

Aaron Cook, sales manager for Seatac Homes in Vidor, said he also received the inquiry from the Manufactured Housing Institute regarding FEMA’s request.

Cook said he has two homes in FEMA’s range, but they are pre-owned and FEMA had asked for new units under warranty.

The homes also must be equipped with heat and air-conditioning and should be furnished. FEMA prefers electric furnaces and appliances, according to their specs.

Handicap-accessible homes are needed immediately, the letter said.

Cook said Seatac deals primarily with manufactured homes that are larger and more expensive than the units FEMA is seeking.

“I think we’ll be hearing a lot from them,” he said.

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