Nick Barrett and Lindsay Sanders

Although homeownership seemed out of reach for us, we started to save for a downpayment anyway and got hooked on saving. Things were looking hopeful. Spurred on by our friends’ success with KulshanCLT homeownership we decided to take the plunge. Christina Olson encourages us to begin the journey, Peoples Bank’s Alona Wrightson coached us on the financing, and Todd Peed of RE/Max Whatcom County made our home search go smoothly. We’ve been in our Birchwood neighborhood home for about six months and are enjoying every minute! Between starting a vegetable garden, installing a fence and making some small improvements, it seemed that we didn’t have enough on our plates and recently adopted our second dog from the Whatcom Humane Society. We’re a big, happy family in our cozy Craftsman home! Thank KulshanCLT!

 

Lindsay Sanders and Nick Barrett

Birchwood neighbors

 

Ann Marie and Matt Cooper

When we crossed the threshold of our latest rental house for the first time, we knew we were home.  It was the perfect place for us, and we held out hope that one day the owner would sell it to us. About a year after moving in, our landlady, Jennifer Willner, —so attached to her beloved purple house—told us she was finally willing to part with it when we were ready.  We signed up for KulshanCLT’s homeownership course and discovered that with KulshanCLT’s help, we were ready. Things came up during the process—as they always do—and with creative problem-solving everything fell into place.  Now the ‘perfect purple place’ is all ours, and we are forever grateful to everyone at KulshanCLT—especially Christina Olson, Paul Schissler and Dean Fearing for working so diligently to make this purchase a reality.  And even better, we’re part of something bigger; something positive for this community that means so much to us. 

 

Ann Marie and Matt Cooper

Columbia neighbors

 

Amy and Sküter Fontaine

When we realized that there was an opportunity to purchase a KulshanCLT resale one mile away from our Everson farm, we were amazed.  Our business – Terra Verde Farm - is in its early stages and our resources are limited so a conventional loan would not work for us.  Upon viewing the house there was an overwhelming feeling that yes, this was right: This was our house! Throughout the process, the interactions with the previous KulshanCLT homeowners were professional, but relaxed and honest.  We often look at each other, shake our heads and say, “Wow, we own a house;” and our commute by bicycle to our farm just can’t be beat!  We feel so fortunate. Thank you so much Paul Schissler, Christina Olson, Anne Russell, and everyone involved with KulshanCLT for creating inspirational homebuying opportunities for people like us.

 

Amy and Sküter Fontaine

Everson neighbors

 

Tracy Goheen

A lifelong resident of Bellingham, Tracy Goheen has been committed to raising her son and working in this area so that she can continue to embrace all that her hometown has to offer.  She sees her home purchase through KulshanCLT as a wonderful way to maintain stability in this community while there is such rapid growth. “Homeownership,” she says, “brings pride and I like to see people of all income levels experience that pride.”  While she sees her home purchase as an important step in financial and personal security, she enjoys the knowledge that if she one day decides to sell, it will be to someone who may not have the chance to otherwise be able to purchase a quality affordable home in a wonderful neighborhood.   

 

Tracy Goheen

Lettered Streets neighbor

 

Kate Johnson and Travis Kiefer

We had moved to Bellingham to be closer to family and raise our daughter, Emma, and first learned about KulshanCLT walking through the Lettered Streets when we stopped to chat with a young couple working in their garden. KulshanCLT homeowners Annie Edone and Chris Elder were so encouraging that we signed up for homebuyer education and learned we qualified. We had been saving diligently and dreamed of someday owning a home of our own, of living more self-sufficiently, growing our own food and putting down roots. When we learned that a KulshanCLT resale was available in the Whatcom Falls neighborhood, it was more than we had hoped. We moved in just in time to welcome the birth of our son, Eli. It is so incredible to know he spent his first day of life in our new home! We are so grateful to Josh Henry of The Bank of the Pacific and to Rachel Castor and Youtree Lunde for taking care of this home before us. It's so cool to know that someday we will be able to pass this home along to another family like ours.

Kate Johnson and Travis Kiefer

Whatcom Falls neighbors 

 

Peg Laitala

It was time. When I first considered buying, eager to take advantage of the first-time homebuyer tax credit, I soon realized that I couldn’t afford the condos I looked at with my realtor and yoga friend Tom Funk. Providence stepped in when I saw KulshanCLT’s listing for a Harris Square condo resale on Craigs List. It was difficult getting qualified as a largely self-employed massage therapist and I thought I was going to have to give up a couple times. I was determined, as was Josh Martin from Banner Bank and Christina Olson who both persevered with the ingenuity needed to make it happen. Tom, Christina, Josh, and Whatcom Land Title’s Joann Steidl helped make what initially seemed an overwhelming and intimidating process an empowering event in my life on which I can build a better future. I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity I was given. May Kulshan CLT continue making home ownership opportunities possible for many years to come.

Peg Laitala

Fairhaven Neighbor

 

BJ and Jesi van Leeuwen

We were lucky to learn about KulshanCLT while renting next door to KulshanCLT homeowner and former Programs Director Erika Malone, an altogether lovely woman! As a one-income family, she helped us realize we were perfect KulshanCLT candidates. It didn’t take long to start the ball rolling to purchase a Birchwood neighborhood KulshanCLT resale. We couldn’t be happier as we start to set down roots. We loved working with KulshanCLT and cannot thank them enough for helping us and so many others like us in the community realize this dream!  With two daughters and a third on the way, we appreciate so much finally having a place to call home, and know we will keep ‘home’ possible for so many in the future! 

 

BJ and Jesi van Leeuwen and family

Birchwood neighbors