Interested in owning a home in Leavenworth, but daunted by the high cost of local housing?

Upper Valley MEND’s Affordable Homeownership Program may be right for you.

About the affordable homeownership program

Upper Valley MEND used a Community Land Trust model to create 20 permanently affordable homes in our community.

The Basics

When you purchase a home through this program:

  • You buy the house and improvements at below-market rates

  • MEND retains ownership of the land beneath your home

  • You gain a secure, 99-year renewable lease on the land

  • You enjoy the benefits and responsibilities of homeownership

How We Keep Homes Permanently Affordable

When you receive the gift of affordability, you pass it forward to the next family when you sell. Here's how it works:

  1. You purchase your home at a below-market price

  2. You agree to a predetermined formula that governs how your home's value increases over time

  3. When you decide to sell, this formula ensures the home remains affordable for the next buyer

  4. The cycle continues, creating permanently affordable housing in our community

No homes are available for purchase currently. The waitlist for future homes opens annually.

If you would like to be notified when the waitlist opens and MEND accepts applications for affordable homeownership, please email kathia@uvmend.org.

Why purchase a MEND home?

Purchasing a home in one of MEND’s neighborhoods gives you the benefits of traditional homeownership, plus:

  • Prices you can afford: This means affordable monthly housing payments. Homes bought through Upper Valley MEND cost roughly $200,000, less than half of the median home price in the Upper Wenatchee Valley. Many of our homeowners’ mortgage payments are similar to what they paid in rent before they purchased their homes.

  • Homebuyer preparation: There are many steps to get ready to purchase a home, including understanding the process, getting your credit in order, preparing documents, finding a mortgage lender, and finding your dream home. Upper Valley MEND is a trusted support in this process, helping you get ready for one of the biggest purchases you’ll make.

  • Down payment assistance: Homeowners who haven’t been able to save a large chunk of money for a down payment may be eligible for a low-interest down payment assistance loan through Upper Valley MEND. (Credit restrictions apply.)

Learn if you are eligible to purchase a MEND home.

Ready to take the next step?

Click the button below to learn if you are eligible to purchase a MEND home and to prepare your application to join the waitlist.