As the new chair of the National Modular Housing Council (NMHC), I would first like to thank the members of the NMHC for giving me the tremendous honor of representing them in this leadership role. I will work diligently on behalf of the entire modular industry that represents an increasingly important segment of the housing market. I would also like to recognize the efforts of my predecessor, Roger Lyons, Penn Lyon Homes, who has been a leader in developing the NMHC as an effective advocacy organization for modular housing, and truly saw the potential that this organization has to help elevate modular housing’s national presence.

As we know, 2008 will end as the third consecutive year of declining home prices in country. However over the summer the industry and the economy got a huge boost with the passage of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act. MHI/NMHC worked diligently to support the measures provided for in the bill. The law creates a refundable tax credit for first time homebuyers in the form of an interest-free loan in an amount equal to ten percent of the home’s purchase price up to $7,500. The law also provides a standard deduction for real property taxes to assist homeowners who do not itemize their income tax returns. These homeowners may claim an additional standard deduction of up to $500 ($1,000 for joint filers) regarding state and local real property taxes. This provision applies to the 2008 tax year only.

And while we celebrate success, we also know that moving forward in 2009 there will certainly be no shortage of issues challenging community owners while also facing a new political environment with a new Congress and new Administration in Washington, DC. One of my goals over the coming year will be to see that the NMHC continues to aggressively pursue its legislative and regulatory initiatives by fostering relationships with key members of Congress, and enhances communication with decision makers in the new Administration.

Above all, NMHC will continue to be at the forefront of pressing topics both in Washington, DC and through supporting the network of excellent state associations around the country. The economy will continue to dominate the political and legislative landscape, and the housing industry will be a key driver to bringing about stability in the overall marketplace. We expect additional economic stimulus packages to be discussed and presented before the end of 2008, and the MHI/NMHC will be at the table to ensure our industry is recognized and is playing its role in helping stabilize the housing market.

Building code issues will also dominate, particularly with the conclusion of the 2009 code-cycle and the incorporation of fire-sprinklers. The NMHC is also currently in the process of compiling relevant regulatory information and created a database directory to identify potential improvements to the third party inspection and design approval process and to advocate for the establishment of an effective, consistent third-party program in every state and adopt state programs where none currently exist.

Tremendous progress has been made towards developing a Green Building Certification program specifically for the modular housing industry, in concert with MHRA, which will adhere to the NAHB and the ICC National Green Building Standard. The industry should leverage this key advantage we have in providing quality-built homes that are also environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

2009 will be a critical year in helping bring this economy back, and should provide modular housing an opportunity to really demonstrate how we offer home builders and home buyers a smarter and better way to build homes. The backbone of any association is broad, representative membership. Not only for vital revenue to carry out initiatives, but also for more diverse input and development of ideas. If we accomplish nothing else in the coming year I hope you will assist me in increasing the number of manufacturers participating in NMHC. Our job will be to succinctly package the benefits of being a member of NMHC and provide them to you as a recruiting tool. I ask you to set a personal goal of recruiting at least one new member.

Strength in numbers is going to be more important than ever as the housing economy turns and begins improving. To that end, if I can be helpful in a conference call or direct contact with a prospect, please let me or the NMHC staff know how I can help.


I welcome your thoughts and comments. I can be reached at rsvinas@pbsnc.com


Ramon Sanchez-Vinas
Chairman, National Modular Housing Council
Professional Building Systems of North Carolina