The manufactured housing industry, a critical source of affordable homes in the United States, has long been fragmented, with buyers struggling to find essential services. On [Date], MHarketplace (mharketplace.com) launched a comprehensive online platform designed to bridge this gap, offering a nationwide directory of communities and a network of service professionals. The platform's rollout is state-by-state but aims for national coverage, addressing a market that ships roughly 100,000 new homes annually at an average price of $115,600—less than one-third the cost of a site-built home.
According to industry data, manufactured housing is America's largest source of unsubsidized affordable housing, with community occupancy near 95 percent. Yet, the process of buying and servicing these homes remains daunting, especially for first-time buyers. Jacob Campbell, founder of MHarketplace, notes that the expertise exists but is disconnected. "The problem was never a lack of good people... What's been missing is the connection - homeowners simply don't know these businesses exist."
MHarketplace aims to solve this by providing a searchable community directory, a trusted services network, educational resources, and a marketplace for buying, selling, and renting homes. The platform is designed to complement existing listings marketplaces by focusing on the surrounding services and education. "Visibility isn't marketing - it's opportunity," Campbell emphasizes.
The platform's launch is timely, as researchers highlight manufactured housing as a critical tool for closing the affordability gap. However, the industry's public perception lags behind its improvements. By empowering homeowners with information and connections, MHarketplace hopes to strengthen the entire ecosystem.
Businesses can claim and enhance their listings, while homeowners can browse services for free. The platform is live now, rolling out across states. For more information, visit MHarketplace.
