The terms we use carry weight. Over the years, the industry has oscillated between "trailer", "coach", "mobile home" and "manufactured home". Are we placing too much emphasis on nomenclature? After all, the current name of "manufactured home" has only garnered a fraction of the sales of the earlier term of "mobile home". Yet the debate ranges on.
The Power of Simplicity
At its core, a dwelling is a place of residence—a home. Whether constructed on-site or in a factory, the essence remains unchanged. By appending qualifiers like "manufactured," we inadvertently create distinctions that may not serve the intended purpose. In many communities, especially in smaller towns, these homes are simply referred to as "homes," without any prefix. This organic acceptance suggests that perhaps the industry should embrace simplicity and focus on the quality and comfort these homes provide.
Perception vs. Reality
The term "manufactured" might evoke images of assembly lines and mass production, which can be at odds with the personalized and comfortable living spaces these homes offer today. Modern factory-built homes boast a range of features—from energy-efficient designs to customizable interiors—that rival traditional site-built homes. Emphasizing these attributes could be more effective in shaping public perception than rebranding efforts centered solely on terminology. There is no mass-produced product that is more valuable than a custom one-off creation, so why remind the consumer with the name "manufactured"?
Consumer Awareness and Priorities
Today's consumers are well-informed. They recognize the value proposition of factory-built homes: affordability, efficiency, and modern amenities. Rather than being swayed by labels, buyers are more interested in the tangible benefits these homes offer. Highlighting aspects like sustainability, design flexibility, and cost-effectiveness can resonate more deeply than focusing on what to call the product.
The Cruel Reality of the Internet
Something like 90%+ of all internet searches are done using the term "mobile home". So that is the official name of this product. No manufacturer or park owner dares to use a name that has no attraction to the public. It would be sheer marketing suicide. So really the debate on what you call the public is somewhat esoteric and would involve attempting to morph the name over time.
Some Better Alternatives
Since the argument has already been settled thanks to the simple fact that the commodity has been officially named by the American public as "mobile home", there are still some alternatives that better describe the mobile home park side of the business. The parking lot that mobile homes are placed in still has the potential to be amended since park owners don't need internet traffic once their property is full, and most use of the name of the product is used as a part of persuasion to obtain permits for expansions or bank loans. We've been often using the terminology "high density subdivision" with good success. Another option is to simply leave off any reference to the product and call it just a "community".
Conclusion
In the end, the true measure of a home lies in its ability to provide comfort, security, and a sense of belonging. By shifting the focus from labels to the lived experiences these homes facilitate, the industry can better connect with potential homeowners. After all, regardless of construction method or terminology, a home is where life's moments unfold.