The Grissim Guides to Manufactured Homes and Land

Q & A with John

Can I buy your books from a book store?
Yes. The books may be purchased from any book store. If your book store does not have copies, they can easily order them from Rainshadow Publications (toll free: 800-304-6650). The book is listed in Books in Print, the standard reference guide that most all bookstores have. You can also call our toll free number directly to place an order.
If I need the books in a hurry, can you ship them to me over night?
Sure. Just call the above 800 number and we’ll get your order out right away by Express Mail, UPS, or FedEx.
What are your qualifications to write these guides?
Back in 2001 I went through the experience of searching for, and buying, undeveloped land and purchasing a manufactured home to put on it, together with a garage, well, septic system, utilities hook-ups, road easements - the full nine yards. Building on the knowledge gained from that project, and having previously owned a site-built home, I spent over a year of full time research on the manufactured home industry to write the Buyer’s Guide. As a journalist and investigative reporter for more than three decades (I’ve authored seven other books), I was able to put my skills to good use to dig up the facts and reveal a lot of industry secrets that consumers need to know. The Ratings Guide was an outgrowth of the first book and represents better than a year of full-time research and writing. For more background please see About the Author.
Why does your site carry no advertising or solicit sales leads?
Actually, you could say this site is one big advertisement for my books, but aside from that, having ads on this site would be like Consumer Reports magazine carrying ads in its pages, which it doesn’t. I believe carrying advertising would compromise the credibility of the consumer information being offered here. Same with soliciting sales leads (please see A word of Caution).
Are your books up to date?
Yes. I wrote them to be a standard reference guide that would be completely up-to-date between periodic revised editions. Between revisions, time sensitive material such as my annual Grissim Report is made available free on this site and bundled with the Buyer’s Guide e-book edition.
How have your books been received by the industry?
I’d say, cool to indifferent, mixed with positive encouragement here and there. Historically this industry has been unaccustomed to close scrutiny by anyone not on its payroll, let alone a journalist who exposes a lot of insider secrets long used to victimize unwary home buyers. To their credit, reputable dealerships have welcomed my books as sensible guides that informs consumers and makes them better, more willing home buyers. (Please see What others are saying). However, some dealers absolutely detest the Buyer’s Guide since it exposes all the tricks that unscrupulous dealers use.
How do you see your role vis a vis the manufactured home industry?
As the voice of the consumer, an industry observer, and an advocate for much needed change. I’m a passionate believer in the potential of manufactured homes and I want to see industry change. Call it tough love. Full disclosure: I occasionally write articles for an industry trade magazine, often to advance the consumer’s viewpoint. For this I receive no money, only occasional ad space for my books (I believe retailers would benefit by understanding the consumer’s perspective and the Buyer’s Guide can help them).
Have you received any compensation from the industry or anyone connected with it?
Nope. Nor have I accepted any freebies, junkets and gifts. And readers have my assurance I intend to keep it that way. While I am a strong believer in manufactured housing, I am also an outsider, one of the industry’s most vocal critics whose loyalty is to the home buying consumer. Over the years I have crossed swords with more than a few builders who were not at all happy with my critiques. So be it. As a journalist I am fiercely protective of both my independence and professional integrity, as well as the credibility of my writing. Thus, other than income derived from book sales and speaking and writing about the consumer’s point of view, I neither solicit nor accept a dime from the industry about which I write.
Can I contact you if I have a question?
Sure. Email is best. I do my best to respond to all inquiries promptly. If you’re looking for more extensive ongoing assistance on any aspect of purchasing land and a home, including site preparation, installation and related issues, I offer a fee-based service as well. Please see Home & Land Advisor.
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