Frequently Asked Questions
We get lots of questions, and know affordable housing is a complex issue. Here are quick links to our website resources on some of our most frequently asked questions:
Why is the problem so bad here?
70% of the people in our community could not afford to purchase a home here today because of escalation in land prices without a commensurate rise in incomes. And, we're not alone - the problem exists in many areas.
It seems this is an impossible problem to solve.
There are no impossible problems. A problem means something has gotten off of track and needs to be put back where it belongs. Or that we're not seeing the whole picture. We've developed a number of innovative strategies (see below) that open some exciting new solutions.
How can the homes be made affordable?
Good design (without wasted space), energy efficiency, affordable land, and public investment in initial construction are some of the elements. Then resale provisions to keep the community from losing that investment.
How can continuing housing affordability be guaranteed?
NeahCasa became a Community Land Trust (CLT) because that structure is the best mechanism we've found to ensure perpetual affordability. CLTs own the land in trust, in perpetuity, so it doesn't escalate in price. Resale formulas ensure that owners get their equity out and prices remain affordable for the next owner. "Ownership" here is a 99-year renewable lease on the land.
Who are the homes for? Who qualifies?
They're for permanent, full-time residents of our community. Our friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Qualification for various assistance funding programs varies. We are working primarily with an income band that allows extending home ownership to a broader segment of our community, and the care that home ownership brings. We want also to be able to offer some rentals for those whose situations aren't ready for ownership.
Are we making money off of it?
No. NeahCasa is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization. Our conflict-of-interest policies were reviewed by the IRS, and our volunteers have put in more than 2500 hours of unpaid work in the last two years.
What kind of houses are we going to build?
We're going to build what is needed. We've put together a "Plan Book" to have a good base to work from - for different sizes of families, different lots, solar access, interior layout, accessibility needs. Take a look!
Who does a CLT belong to and who owns CLT homes?
A CLT is community-owned. A non-profit whose board has 1/3 homeowner representation, 1/3 community organizations, 1/3 community members. Residents have a good say, but are protected from getting their houses "flipped" and made unaffordable. Some homes may be rented, but most are resident-owned. Residents own their homes, get their equity back on resale, plus a shared portion of any increase in value.
Is NeahCasa working on anything innovative?
We're probably incapable of not trying to do things better! We're working on innovative land acquisition, flex-home design, financing, zero-energy homes, efficient construction, local community investment, car-share and other things that are exciting by themselves. Together, these elements create a whole, new structure of home ownership and that promises major reduction in housing costs. Plus, of course, a bunch of public policy initiatives to help get us there.
Are ADUs going to be squeezing more houses in already dense neighborhoods?
Accessory Dwelling Units are an "ordinance" used in many cities to get around excessive building code requirements for inexpensively making duplexes out of existing homes. Getting better use from our existing housing stock. Each community designs their own ordinance. Some want more density to support shops and transit. Others want existing patterns but with full-time residents living in the neighborhood.
Is what we're doing like "public housing"?
No way. Look at our planbook of designs we and other CLTs can make available. Check out the websites of other CLTs in the region. These are good homes that people are happy with. And homebuyer-initiated purchases are CLT financing of existing homes in existing neighborhoods. We want homes that last, contribute to our neighborhoods, and give back to the community. And we want homes with soul, the same as with Cartm. Look at the last pages of our Plan Book for hints!
What have we done so far?
Affordable housing is a big and complex issue. Our first priorities were dealing with emergency housing for families in our school district and advocacy for public involvement. Second, we put an organization and strategic plan together that can creatively make new things happen. Click here to see a more complete list of what we've done so far.
What are we waiting on?
Land use approvals, start-up funding for staff, getting homeowner preparation programs together, and more people in the community willing to pitch in and help. As always, we move forward as way opens. JOIN US! Together we can bring big changes.
