Andrea Levere on why it is time to
change our perceptions of mobile homes:
"Few stereotypes are as well
entrenched — and wrongheaded — as the perception of mobile homes as the
marginal housing choice of the destitute and downtrodden.
Although most of today’s mobile homes aren’t truly mobile and
many are situated in pleasant, tree-lined communities, these outdated
assumptions prevent us from embracing an important affordable housing option.
They also prevent low-income owners from reaping financial rewards from their
most valuable assets — their homes.
In America today, about 18 million people live in factory-built
“manufactured homes.” They are disproportionately low-income, with a median
annual household income of $30,000. That makes manufactured housing the largest
source of unsubsidized affordable housing in the nation. When well built and
maintained, mobile homes can appreciate in value like any home and are half the
price of standard “site-built” homes.
Unfortunately, antiquated policies, perpetuated by powerful
financial interests, prevent residents
from experiencing the benefits of homeownership."
Click here for the full
blog posting by Andrea Levere in the New York Times.