Hello! For those of you who know me well, you know I have always wanted to own a home. I have searched high and low for opportunities, made offers, watched, waited and dreamed for years. But it never happened. Years ago I applied for an opportunity to purchase a home through the Sonoma County Housing Land Trust. I was not a match for any of the homes, until now. On October 10th, 2022 they drew my name for an opportunity to buy in a new community being built in Petaluma. Four walls, three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, could be mine. The Land Trust makes home ownership possible for middle income local families. The purchase price is a percentage of your income. Financing 100% covers the cost of the home. The only thing that is needed is closing costs...and some appliances...and some furniture...and some landscaping. There are days it all feels like too much to take on but then I zoom out and realize I have a built a beautiful community around me and it's ok to share the process.
A few years ago, I heard a voice in my head say "Be ready" and I have been listening to it. I have been saving. I have been getting ready. But I need some help to get all the way there.
Some would say it is too much to ask for help. But we are ok asking when we get married, have a baby or in the unfortunate case of getting sick. Why don't we feel like we can ask in other life transitions like divorce? I have climbed a long way on my own but now I'm asking for help in the spirit of a barn raising. Helping a neighbor step forward so that we can all thrive. I am piloting this idea of helping each other through the rough parts of life and would like to build a path that others can travel after me.
lot #22 - could be mine!
First walk through....
If all goes as planned the house will be ready in early January 2023.
If you feel like you can help make this dream come true...
I feel like part of this gift is to share what is possible with others. There have been land trusts for decades, doing important work and yet many people I speak with have never heard of this wonderful community resource.
I am working with the Housing Land Trust of Sonoma County. They are celebrating their 20th year of fostering community in Sonoma County. You can learn more about their work here: www.housinglandtrust.org
I have been following the work of the Bolinas Community Land Trust and I am so impressed with how they are fostering community in this magical little town that I grew up near. They are keeping the heart of "old Marin" alive and well. Learn more about their work here: https://www.bolinaslandtrust.org Or follow them @bolinascommunitylandtrust