A Hedonic Price Comparison of Manufactured and Site-Built Homes in the Non-MSA United States

This research used the hedonic price technique to focus on a housing characteristic that has been studied infrequently: whether a home is site-built or manufactured. Two hedonic price regression models were used to determine the predictive power of construction type on home price. The first, which controlled for factors found to relate to home prices in previous research, showed a significant difference between the prices of the two types of homes. The second, which also included other variables through a stepwise regression, found that the type of construction had more predictive power than any other explanatory variable in the model

Assessing Housing Affordability In Rural Georgia

Rural areas and the rural South in particular have unique characteristics that render inappropriate many urban-oriented housing affordability approaches, delivery systems, and programs. In addition, a lack of data for smaller communities makes accurate assessments of the housing stock difficult. This paper explores factors that influence housing affordability. A methodology is developed that policy makers in local communities can use with volunteers to collect reliable data and to develop a local housing agenda which meets community needs. Regression analysis using data from four rural Georgia communities reveals that housing quality plays a role in housing expenditures. The paper concludes with strategies for rural community housing assessment and implementation

Partnering with Local Employers to Meet Housing Needs

Low- and moderate-wage earners in Georgia have difficulty finding quality, affordable housing. This article describes one way to help the workforce improve their housing situation. Working with an employer to survey a representative sample of their new employees, University of Georgia Housing and Demographics Research Center researchers collected primary data regarding housing needs and preferences. The survey methodology and logistics are described in detail, and a descriptive summary of the data is included. Survey findings reveal valuable information about housing capacity and desire, and can be used to plan effective, educational programs designed to help workers obtain housing

United States-India Collaborative Research Directions In Urban Housing And Supporting Infrastructure

The importance of joint US-India symposium in urban housing and infrastructure development is discussed. The symposium was sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), USA, and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, during October 2005 in New Delhi, India. It was an effort to initiate collaborative research in these areas and served as an important step in advancing knowledge and understanding. It provided a platform for learning from each other\u27s experiences in critical challenges. It was organized into three focus areas which included Policy, Regulatory, Finance, Consumer Aspects, Methods, Materials, Construction Mangement Techniques, and Supporting Infrastructure. The collaborative research directions included regulations and legal framework, asset management, green buildings, housing finance, and low-income housing. It also included hazard mitigation, pre-fabrication, sustainable housing, agency requirements, and codes and standards