Four new Methow Housing Trust affordable homes in the McKinney Ridge neighborhood sold to local families this May. The MHT staff and homeowners of the first phase of homes welcomed their new neighbors with a parade on Friday May 15th. The Methow Housing Trust anticipates another 4 families closing on home sales on Canyon Street in early summer.
 
While these new homeowners have been working to become purchase ready for months, or even years, everything seemed uncertain with the COVID-19 pandemic in March.
 
The Methow Housing Trust immediately got to work to see what progress was still possible, amidst the ever-changing landscape. Through coordinated efforts with lending partners WFG Title, and Big Picture Construction, Stewardship Director, Erika Krumpelman, along with all MHT staff and board members, did everything to ensure that  applicants planning  to purchase homes were able to move forward. Erika reflects “It was important to get really clear information early from lenders about how the COVID-19 pandemic could impact the purchases for our homebuyers. Fortunately, income for the buyers remained fairly stable; therefore, they were still eligible for mortgage loans. Lenders, builders, appraisers and title company representatives really stepped up to make the process go smoothly when everything else in the world felt a bit chaotic.”.
 
For these new homeowners, the process of buying a home in the midst of COVID-19 has been a source of stability in an otherwise uncertain time. They are all extremely excited and can’t wait to settle in and start a new chapter. Methow Housing Trust is incredibly grateful for their trust in the process and their willingness to take the leap of faith required to become homeowners in unprecedented times.