Broker Associates and the MH Advantage

 

Why You Need an Expert to Sell Your Manufactured Home in North Carolina

In North Carolina, manufactured homes account for 13-15% of the housing market, a higher percentage than the national average. These homes, permanently placed on land, have become a vital housing option, offering affordability, flexibility, and modern conveniences. Despite their growing popularity, selling a manufactured home—especially one that is permanently affixed to land—comes with unique challenges. Many homeowners don't realize that the process differs significantly from selling a traditional stick-built home, which is why having an expert on your side is crucial.

This is where my decades of experience come in. I’ve been in the manufactured housing industry since 1975 and became a licensed realtor in 2015. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and developed proprietary systems designed specifically to help homeowners like you maximize the value of your manufactured home when it comes time to sell. I have integrated these systems into my firm, We call it the MH Advantage..

Broker Associates — The Manufactured Home Specialist

We understand that this housing segment is underserved, and we are committed to providing tailored services that address the unique needs of MH homeowners. We have a deep understanding of both manufactured homes and the real estate process. We have developed an 8 Phase (67 Step) Listing and Marketing Plan that removes the guesswork from selling or buying manufactured homes with land.

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Why Selling Manufactured Homes is Different

Manufactured homes are built off-site in a factory and transported to their permanent location. Unlike stick-built homes, which are constructed directly on-site, manufactured homes face different legal, financial, and buyer perception challenges. Here are a few key differences to keep in mind:

• Title and land considerations: One of the most important aspects of selling a manufactured home is ensuring it is properly classified. If the home is permanently affixed to the land, it must be classified as real estate rather than personal property. Handling this correctly ensures the sale process runs smoothly and allows buyers to secure the appropriate financing.
• Financing and appraisal: Not all buyers may qualify for traditional mortgages when purchasing a manufactured home. It’s essential to work with a realtor who understands the financing options available for MH buyers. Failing to properly address these issues can lead to delays or a failed transaction.
• Buyer perceptions: While manufactured homes have advanced considerably in terms of design, energy efficiency, and build quality, many buyers still hold outdated perceptions. Successfully selling your MH requires a marketing approach that highlights its modern features, value, and the advantages of owning this type of property.

The Secret Sauce

We have the Secret Sauce for the listing, marketing, and selling of manufactured homes on land. Everything is structured to eliminate surprises and ensure a smooth transaction from start to finish. Our success requires the following, which other firms and agents do not have available:

1. Success Requires an MH Professional
   As MH Specialists, we bring unmatched expertise to the table. Our knowledge covers everything from:
• The value and construction of your manufactured home.
• The additional features offered by home manufacturers that can add value.
• Setup, installation, and any post-setup additions (such as porches and decks).
2. Success Requires a Plan
   The foundation of our 8 Phase Plan is to identify and address potential challenges before they arise. This eliminates surprises such as:
• Appraisal issues: Ensuring the home appraises for the agreed-upon sale price.
• Home inspection surprises: Dealing with any unknown problems that could surface during the buyer’s inspection.
• Financing concerns: Making sure the home qualifies for the buyer’s approved financing.
3. Success Requires Preparation
   Preparing your home for sale can significantly reduce stress and increase buyer confidence. As part of our plan, we help you with:
• A pre-listing home checkup to uncover any potential issues.
• Certification of your home for buyer financing.
• Completing necessary repairs and updates to improve the home’s appeal.
• Getting a seller appraisal to ensure you are pricing the home accurately.

A Peace of Mind Program – The Icing on the Cake

For many buyers, peace of mind is a critical factor in making a purchasing decision. That’s why I offer the Certified Pre-Owned Home Program, the top way to provide potential buyers with confidence in their purchase. This comprehensive program includes:

• A thorough home inspection by a licensed home inspector to identify any issues that need addressing.
• Repair of any pertinent problems found during the inspection to ensure the home is in excellent condition.
• Reinspection by the original home inspector to verify that all issues were resolved.
• A comprehensive, one-year home warranty from a reputable national warranty company, offering buyers the protection and security they need to move forward with confidence.

This program also provides peace of mind for the seller by ensuring the home is fully prepared for the market. To make things easier, we offer discounted commissions for sellers who opt for this program. This means saving 1000s in paid out commission. 

If certification isn’t the right option for you, our Bid Time Advantage offers a fast, efficient, and hassle-free way to sell your home. Bid Time uses a competitive online bidding process and advanced marketing strategies to reach more potential buyers. Bid Time. is also available for manufactured homes being sold without land, such as those located on private lots or in manufactured home communities where the homeowner does not own the land. Key benefits include:

• No commission for sellers: The commission burden is shifted to the buyer, allowing you to keep more of your money.
• Sell your home as-is: You don’t need to worry about costly repairs or contingencies—Kickstart allows you to sell your home in its current condition.
• Maximized exposure: Our online bidding system reaches a broad audience, ensuring that your home is seen by as many potential buyers as possible.
• You remain in control: With Kickstart, you can set a reserve price, ensuring that you only sell if the highest bid meets your expectations.

Why My Firm is Right for You

I’ve been part of the manufactured home industry since 1975, and I sold my first home that same year. I began placing homes on real estate as a package in the 1980s, giving me unmatched experience in understanding the complexities of manufactured homes and land packages. Over the years, I’ve built relationships with top manufactured home builders, visited their factories, and gained firsthand knowledge about the quality and construction of these homes. I have systemized what I know into our MH Advantage Program.. The result is our 8 Phase (67 Step) Listing and Marketing Plan, which makes us uniquely qualified to guide you through a successful sale of your manufactured home with or without land.

If you’re ready to sell your manufactured home, partnering with specialists like us is the best decision you can make. Let us help you maximize your home’s value, navigate any potential challenges, and ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

And for a limited time, we’re offering a free manufactured home value analysis for homeowners in Triad area. Now is the perfect time to get an expert opinion on your home's worth and determine the best approach for selling in today’s market.

The Power of Shared Laughter

 

The Power of Shared Laughter

Laughter is one of the simplest ways to bring people together, whether in friendships, family gatherings, or even difficult moments. It's not just about the humor—it’s about the connection that forms when people share moments of joy. Laughter strengthens relationships, builds trust, and creates lasting memories. However, in times of stress or grief, humor can feel far away. But even in those moments, laughter has a unique ability to reenter relationships, often through shared experiences from the past.

1. Laughter as a Bridge to Better Days

When someone is stressed or going through a difficult time, laughter might seem inappropriate or out of reach. Yet, one of the most meaningful ways to reintroduce humor into a relationship is by recalling past moments of shared laughter. These are the moments when you and a loved one laughed so hard that it became a memory you both cherish.

While someone may not be in a "laughing mood," simply hearing others reflect on joyful, funny events can ease the weight of their emotions. For example, in the context of a close-knit group, like family or friends, revisiting a past humorous story can often bring about a smile, even when life feels heavy. The recollection of heartfelt laughter stirs happiness, creating an emotional opening for joy to creep back in.

2. Finding Laughter Amid Emotional Gatherings

There’s something deeply human about the way humor finds its place, even in emotional gatherings like funerals. While these are times of mourning, the recounting of funny stories about the person who passed away often sparks collective laughter. Tears of sadness mix with laughter, and for a brief moment, joy enters the room.

I’ve seen this many times: a funeral speaker tells a humorous story about the deceased, and even in the midst of grief, everyone laughs together. It’s a reminder that the bond we share with loved ones goes beyond their passing. Laughter, in these moments, is both healing and a tribute to the life lived.

3. The Healing Power of Shared Memories

Recalling past moments of joy is a powerful way to remind someone that humor and happiness are still part of life, even when things feel difficult. When you bring up a memory that made you both laugh in the past, it shows that you recognize and value the connection you’ve shared. It’s a gentle way to bring humor back into a relationship without forcing it.

These memories serve as emotional anchors—points of connection that remind both of you that life isn’t always serious, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. It’s a subtle way to invite joy back into the conversation, helping your loved one feel supported and understood.

4. Laughter as a Path Forward

In the end, laughter becomes a bridge—connecting past moments of joy to the present. It creates a path forward, where relationships can heal, stress can lighten, and emotional wounds can begin to close. The key is patience, knowing that while someone may not be in a place to laugh today, the shared moments of heartfelt laughter you recall together can gently open the door to future joy.

Conclusion: The Subtle Return of Joy

Shared laughter isn’t always instant. Sometimes, it’s about planting a seed—a memory of joy that can slowly grow even during hard times. Whether it’s remembering a past funny event, or finding moments of levity in emotional gatherings, humor has the ability to reenter relationships and bring people closer. And when it does, the healing power of shared laughter is undeniable.

As Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV) says, "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." Laughter truly is good for the soul, offering healing, hope, and a reminder that joy is never far away.

DISC and Me

The Power of DISC: A Lifelong Resource for Personal and Professional Growth

In life, we encounter resources that have the potential to change us forever. For me, one such resource was the DISC Behavioral Assessment, which I was introduced to in 1980. The self-discovery aspect of DISC helped me understand myself, my natural strengths and weaknesses, and, most importantly, how I interact with others. The four distinct behavioral styles—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—continue to shape my approach to life, business, and relationships to this day.

As a businessman running a sales organization, DISC became an invaluable tool in how I dealt with both my employees and customers. Understanding the different behavioral styles allowed me to tailor my communication and management style to fit the individual, enhancing productivity, reducing stress, and improving overall work culture. It wasn’t long before I saw the results, and I knew I had stumbled upon something transformative.

Around that time, I told my friend Bill Brooks, who was a college football coach, about DISC. Bill was developing a consulting company and helping my team with time management training. He quickly recognized the value of DISC and became so enthusiastic that he began working with Carlson Corporation, a DISC marketing company. Bill’s success was remarkable; he left his coaching position to pursue full-time consulting and became our dedicated trainer. He equipped all my sales personnel with the skills to sell using DISC principles. We also integrated DISC into our hiring process, matching individuals to roles based on what’s known as "Job Fit."

My interest in DISC didn’t stop there. Several years later, after selling my original company (the one I owned when I introduced Bill to DISC), I launched my own consulting firm, with DISC as a major part of our service offerings. While I’m no longer actively consulting, I still have clients who use my online assessment services. When I started, everything was done with pen and paper. But in the 1990s, TTI Success Insights developed a computer program that greatly expanded the assessment results. Now, everything is online, and the information provided to recipients is light-years ahead of what I originally received.

What is DISC? A Simple Overview

DISC was initially developed by psychologist William M. Marston in the 1920s to help people better understand human behavior. The model focuses on four primary behavioral styles:

1. Dominance (D): People who exhibit dominance tend to be direct, results-oriented, and confident. They focus on achieving goals and prefer to take charge of situations.

2. Influence (I):  Individuals with a high level of influence are social, outgoing, and persuasive. They thrive in environments that allow them to build relationships and influence others.

3. Steadiness (S): Those who score high in steadiness are calm, dependable, and supportive. They value stability and enjoy working in environments that allow for cooperation and teamwork.

4. Conscientiousness (C): People with high conscientiousness are detail-oriented, analytical, and methodical. They prefer to work in structured environments where they can focus on accuracy and quality.

Many companies have expanded on Marston’s work, but none have done it better than TTI Success Insights. Since 1997, I have partnered with them, and they continue to lead the industry in providing assessments that offer deep insights into behavior, communication styles, and job fit.

A Personal Review of DISC

Here’s what I’ve learned about behavioral style over the years: A person needs to understand both themselves and others. When you know your own temperament, communication improves. Stress is reduced or even eliminated, and productivity increases. Life just works better. After more than four decades of working with DISC, I can confidently say that it’s a proven tool for personal and professional growth. I highly recommend the DISC assessment and reports, and in my experience, TTI Success Insights is the best company that offers DISC and they remain the gold standard for behavioral assessments. Their other assessments are also highly regarded and when combined with DISC offer even greater insights.in yourself and others. 

Whether you're a business leader, a coach, or someone seeking self-improvement, DISC is a tool that can change your life—just as it has mine.

Insure Your Days Count

Don’t Count the Days, Make Your Days Count

There’s a saying: “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” I’ve come to realize that one of the best ways to ensure your days count is to take intentional breaks, like a beach day. In my years as a businessman, I’ve seen firsthand how essential it is to step away from work from time to time. Burnout is real, and it can sneak up on you if you don’t make downtime a priority.

Beach days always count! But let’s be real, it doesn’t have to be a tropical vacation to recharge. Long weekends can be just as effective. What matters is that you schedule it and make it happen. Plan the time off so you can return to work with fresh energy and focus.

When you take those breaks, it allows you to make the most of the rest of your time. You come back ready to give your all and make every day count.

So, don’t just count the days—make them count!

Honesty and Fairness: The Cornerstones of Effective Leadership

Honesty and Fairness

Many years ago, I came across the idea 💡 that two essential qualities in any leadership or management relationship are honesty and fairness. These attributes are the foundation of a healthy working environment, whether you're leading a team or being led by someone else. But as simple as these qualities may seem, the nuances of how they play out in real-life situations can reveal the difference between a thriving, productive workplace and one full of discontent.

The Honesty-Fairness Dilemma

A leader can be honest, yet not necessarily fair. Imagine a manager being completely upfront about an upcoming change that negatively affects their employees. The truth might be laid bare, but the decision itself may not feel fair to the team. This discrepancy can create a situation where, although the leader is not withholding information, they are still seen as unjust in their actions.

This example highlights a significant leadership challenge: being honest doesn’t always equate to being fair. In contrast, fairness should go beyond mere honesty and seek to balance the well-being of the employees with the needs of the organization. As leaders, we should strive to ensure that our honesty benefits both the individual and the collective.

Fairness Without Honesty

On the other side of the coin, a leader may appear to be fair by making decisions that seem equitable on the surface. However, if the truth is hidden and fairness is only a facade, the trust between the leader and the employee quickly crumbles. Being fair but dishonest undermines the entire foundation of the relationship. When a person realizes they've been misled, despite a situation appearing fair, the fallout can be detrimental—not just to morale but to the entire organizational culture.

A lie wrapped in fairness is perhaps the most damaging scenario in leadership. It’s the moment when someone realizes they’ve been misled, even though they were assured the situation was fair. This revelation breeds distrust and disillusionment, and once honesty is broken, it’s incredibly difficult to rebuild.

The Leader's Role

For leaders, being both honest and fair should be non-negotiable. It's not enough to excel in one area while neglecting the other. Employees are more likely to feel valued, respected, and satisfied in their roles when they trust that their leaders will always tell them the truth and do so with fairness. This balance creates a foundation of mutual respect, where people know they can rely on their leader's word and trust their intentions.

In contrast, if either of these two pillars is missing, the relationship between leader and employee begins to erode. The workplace becomes an environment of suspicion, dissatisfaction, and disengagement.

The Employee’s Perspective

From the employee's standpoint, one of the most important things to look for in a manager or leader is this combination of honesty and fairness. Are they honest about what’s going to happen? Are they making decisions that respect the team and consider the impact on everyone? The leaders we trust most are those who embody both qualities consistently.

When employees feel secure in knowing that their leader will not only be honest but also act fairly, they are far more likely to be content, motivated, and committed to their work.

In Conclusion

Honesty and fairness go hand in hand in leadership. Without both, the integrity of a relationship between a leader and their team can suffer, leading to distrust and discontent. As leaders, we must strive to embody these values in every interaction, ensuring that our honesty is always paired with fairness, and that our fairness is always rooted in honesty. When these two qualities are present, people thrive—both in their roles and in the organization as a whole.

Jesus is Calling

 

The Pursuit of Life

When it comes to living a meaningful life, words like passion, purpose, calling, and gifting often dominate the conversation. Each of these terms holds significance, offering a unique perspective on what it means to live fully. However, amidst all these concepts, one stands above the rest: calling.

Our ultimate calling transcends our passions and purposes. It is the call to follow Jesus Christ and to pursue His Kingdom. This divine call is not just an option; it is the most important pursuit we can undertake in our lives. When we prioritize this calling above all else, everything else falls into place. We find clarity in our passions, direction in our purpose, and fulfillment in our gifting. 

The truth is simple yet profound: Jesus is calling each of us to Himself. He invites us to seek first His Kingdom, trusting that everything else we need will follow. In the words of Scripture, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, NKJV).

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is easy to chase after many things—career success, personal happiness, or societal approval. Yet, none of these can offer the lasting fulfillment that comes from aligning our lives with the call of Christ. 

So, let's embrace this journey. Let's make pursuing His Kingdom our highest priority. When we do, we will find not just a good life, but our very best life—the one God has designed uniquely for each of us. 

Jesus is calling. Have you answered? Will you answer?

The Night I Witnessed a Miracle in Jamaica

The Night I Witnessed a Miracle in Jamaica

Many years ago, I had the opportunity to join a missionary team traveling to Jamaica. It was a wonderful experience, and a particular highlight from that trip often comes to mind. I think you’ll enjoy reading about it.

The weather was beautiful in Jamaica. During the day, we enjoyed the warm sunshine, and at night, our services went off without a hitch. Many were saved, even as the local folks stood by, some with very large joints tucked behind their ears — haha! Others were curious, asking why we were there, especially since, just the week before, a white man had been killed in the area. We hadn’t heard about that, but it didn’t change anything for us. We were there on a mission, and we trusted that God would guide and protect us.

Before this trip, I had already witnessed the miraculous impact of God's power in my family. I knew, without a doubt, that God saves, delivers, and heals. I went to Jamaica expecting God to do something amazing because that’s where my faith is — always believing that God moves when we anticipate His presence and power.

Our team held nightly street services in a rough area of Montego Bay, Jamaica. Trust me, tourists didn’t go to this area. After one service (it was late at night), the local pastor asked me to pray for a very sick man to receive Jesus. The man had been kicked out of the local hospital because he had no money or insurance. He had bandages all over him and was on crutches. They said he had sickle cell anemia.

We knelt down, and I led him in a prayer. After we finished, I said to him, “The same God who saved you will heal you.” (That had to be the Holy Spirit prompting me.) He was open to being prayed for, so I began to pray, and he was clearly being touched by God.

In the meantime, a small crowd had gathered across from us in the street. (We were on an elevated ministry area looking out onto the street.) Suddenly, a man with blond hair in the middle of the crowd shouted out to me, “Tell him to get up and walk!” I did, and the man did! He started jumping and dancing around, saying, “What’s happening to me?” and I said, “That’s the power of God.”

Well, he left healed, carrying his crutches. I praise God for what He did that night. Only He can do that! I never saw the blond man after that. He was there, and then he was gone. I don’t know what happened to him. I was telling the story years later, and someone suggested the man was an angel. I think he was.

I want to encourage you to have faith in God and take advantage of the opportunities He puts before you. There is some preparation involved. If you don’t already know how, you should learn how to pray for yourself and others. Find a mentor or take a class. Learn how to lead someone in the prayer of salvation. John G. Lake Ministries has a great series on Divine Healing that I highly recommend. My church, Agape Faith in Clemmons, NC, also offers classes that teach about healing and prayer. Then, when you're asked to pray, you can pray more effectively. And if you sense there's something more, trust the Holy Spirit within you. Many call it the anointing — those moments when you just know that the Holy Spirit is moving in you and through you.

This is not to say that miracles only happen when you feel the anointing — they will happen regardless. I know this to be true. But it is a special kind of blessing when you’re right in the middle of what God is doing, and you’re aware of His presence. By stepping out in faith and trusting God, your life and the lives of those around you will never be the same. Don’t get all religious; just be yourself and let God be God.

Scripture Reflection

The Bible reminds us of the power of faith and prayer. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) tells us, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith is believing in God's promises, even when we cannot see the outcome. Mark 11:24 (NKJV) also assures us, "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." These scriptures encourage us to pray boldly and expectantly, knowing that God hears and responds.

If you’re in need of a miracle today, remember that God is still in the business of healing and restoration. Trust Him, pray boldly, and expect the miraculous. And if you need prayer, don’t hesitate to reach out — jeffryjbrown@gmail.com.

May you always walk in faith, expecting God to do great things in and through your life. Remember, His miracles are not just for others; they are for you too. Stay expectant, stay open, and let God surprise you with His grace.

Fast Cash for Personal Property Program: Your Guide to Online Auctions

Fast Cash for Personal Property Program: Your Guide to Online Auctions

Do you have personal items that you no longer need or want? Whether it’s furniture, collectibles, jewelry, antiques, or any other valuable possessions, an online auction could be the perfect way to turn them into quick cash. At Broker Associates | Auction Services, our Fast Cash for Personal Property Program makes it easier than ever to auction your personal property and get the best possible return. Here's how it works:

How Does an Online Auction Work?

An online auction is a virtual marketplace where buyers can place bids on items they are interested in purchasing. The auction takes place entirely online, giving buyers the flexibility to bid from anywhere at any time within the auction period. Here’s a basic overview:

1. Listing the Item: You start by listing your item on an online auction platform like HiBid, providing detailed descriptions, photos, and videos.

2. Pre-Auction Marketing: Your item is marketed online to attract potential buyers, creating anticipation and interest before the auction begins.

3. Bidding Begins: Once the auction starts, buyers place bids on the items they want. The bidding process is usually time-bound, adding urgency and excitement.

4. Auction Close: When the auction ends, the highest bidder wins the item. The platform handles the financial transaction, and the seller is paid after deducting any fees.

5. Item Transfer: The item is shipped or picked up by the winning bidder.

Benefits of Online Auctions

1. Wider Audience: Online auctions attract a global audience, increasing the chances of finding the right buyer willing to pay top dollar for your items.

2. Convenience: Sellers can list their items from anywhere, and buyers can bid at their convenience, making the process simple and efficient.

3. Transparency: The bidding process is transparent, allowing you to see the competitive offers on your items in real-time.

4. Quick Sales: Online auctions are typically time-bound, meaning your items can sell quickly, often within days.

5. Cost-Effective:: Online auctions eliminate the need for physical showrooms or events, reducing overhead costs.

Step-by-Step Process to Auction Your Personal Property Online

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Contact us to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, evaluate your personal property, and explain how our process can work for you.

Step 2: Market Analysis and Valuation

We use digital tools and market insights to determine the current value of your items. Based on this analysis, we provide you with a recommended starting bid price.

Step 3: Professional Photography and Videography

Our team will take high-quality photos and videos of your items. Visual appeal is crucial in attracting potential buyers, and we ensure your property looks its best.

Step 4: Listing Preparation

We create compelling, detailed listings for your items, highlighting their unique features and benefits. These listings are optimized for search engines to ensure they reach the widest audience possible.

Step 5: Pre-Auction Marketing

We market your items on the HiBid platform and other high-traffic websites to attract interested buyers. This includes targeted ads, email campaigns, and social media promotions to generate maximum interest before the auction begins.

Step 6: Bidding Phase

Once the auction goes live, potential buyers can start bidding on your items. The auction platform provides real-time updates, allowing you to see the bids as they come in.

Step 7: Auction Close and Sale

When the auction ends, the highest bidder wins. The auction platform handles all the transaction details, including buyer payments and receipts, making the process seamless for you.

Step 8: We Handle Pickup and Shipping

Our team takes care of coordinating the pickup or shipping of the sold item to the winning bidder. We manage all logistics to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transfer, providing you with peace of mind.

Step  9: Post-Sale Follow-Up

We conduct a final review to ensure the sale is completed smoothly. You’ll receive a settlement statement with a full breakdown of the auction results and fees.

Step 10: Payment Settlement

You receive your payment promptly, ensuring you get your cash quickly and efficiently.

Ready to Get Started?

Online auctions are a powerful way to sell your personal property quickly and efficiently. Contact Broker Associates | Auction Services today to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step toward a simpler life.

Broker Associates, Winston-Salem, NC  

Serving the North Carolina Region  

336-664-8709

Don’t let your valuable items sit idle—turn them into cash with our Fast Cash for Personal Property Program.