An affordable home. It shouldn’t be a dream. It should be something that we can all work toward, and experience the security, stability, and safety that homeownership affords. However, across the county we are seeing rising home prices driven up by several factors including an overall lack of inventory due to a shortage in existing homes on the market, coupled with surged interest in new home purchases.
High demand and low supply throughout 2020 has caused an unprecedented rise in lumber prices, in some cases as much as 200% higher than previous years’ cost. Most believe that prices will start to come down, however, pin pointing when that will happen is difficult. The uncertainty Covid-19 continues to factor into rebuilding economic confidence and while the housing industry has boomed during the pandemic, it has come with a heavy price for those trying to buy a home.
In Kittitas County, we are experiencing the same issues that are happening nationwide and the skyrocketing cost of lumber hits the hardest for those of us trying to build much needed affordable housing in our community. For example, with today’s lumber prices, the cost for lumber on a 1150 sq. ft. home is about $25,000.00. Various experts and economist speculate on the why and when we will see prices come down, but most agree that we will continue to see the surge for some time and most are targeting the end of 2022 before we see prices drop.
At Kittitas County Habitat for Humanity, we will do what we have always done; dig deep, and push hard to find funding avenues that will help offset the rising cost of home. Affordable housing is a right and everyone deserves a decent place to call home.
Stuart Meadows. Welcome Home.
Stuart Meadows is the official name of our 18-home affordable housing development project at 113 W. Bender Rd. and the end of Water street in Ellensburg. The community will have a commanding view of the Mount Stuart Range while tucked into the beautiful meadowland area. The name was selected from a list provided by Habitat council, volunteers, and community members, who paired the list down to their top three finalist. From there, Kittitas County Habitat Homeowner, Katie Haysom honored us by selecting the final and fitting name for our upcoming community. “Coming home should feel tranquil and secure,” stated Katie, “that is what Stuart Meadows feels like to me.” We couldn’t agree more.
Here is a sneak peek at the two unique designs and floor plans for Stuart Meadows. If you would like to find out how to become a Habitat Homeowner, just go to www.BuyHabitat.org
