One single-family home and eight townhouses that are a part of Leelanau County's "affordable housing" programs are now on the market for eligible homebuyers.

AFFORDABLE TOWNHOMES nearing completion in the
village of Lake Leelanau will be on the market for sale in
January. Units in the "Provemont Pines" development will
be available through the county's affordable housing
program for "income eligible" homebuyers.

The single-family home has been appraised at $226,000 but is on the market for $117,106 through Leelanau REACH (Resources for Affordable Community Housing).

Located on Erie Street in the New Neighborhood development in Empire, the home costs so little because of the impact of a Community Land Trust established as part of the affordable housing program.

Ownership of the land stays in the trust so the home itself is more affordable. Constructed two years ago, the three-bedroom, 2.5-bath home was purchased by a single mother who recently married and moved out of state. The energy-efficient home has 1,344 square feet of living space, plus a full basement.

A new buyer must meet certain household income criteria to be eligible to buy the home. For a family of three, for example, annual income must not exceed $45,850. In addition, a buyer must be able to obtain financing and make a down payment.

“Leelanau REACH can help find financing,” said Ron Crummel of the county’s Planning and Community Development office. “Also, the home must be used as a permanent residence year-round,” he added.

For further information, call 256-8183.

Leelanau County is also in the final stages of developing its first condominium project, according to Crummel. The Provemont Pines Townhouses are being developed at the south end of St. Joseph Street in Lake Leelanau.

LEELANAU REACH (Resources for Affordable
Community Housing) is offering this single-family
home in Empire's "New Neighborhood" for sale
substantially below its appraised price.

The first four units, located west of St. Joseph Street, will be ready for buyers in January. Each unit has 1,288 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, a deck, garage, laundry room and storage. The units will sell for between $93,000 and $98,000.

The second four units, east of St. Joseph Street, will each have 1,652 square feet of living area, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a deck, spare room, garage and utility room.

The condos are currently under construction by Wayne Tyge Builders of Lake Leelanau. New owners of the condos will be part of the Provemont Pines Owners Association, which will collect association fees for snow plowing, trash collection, water and sewer, and maintenance.

“It’s important for the economy of our communities to be made up of an integrated mix of young families, retirees, single persons, seasonal residents and lots of tourists – all who want to enjoy the unique quality of life offered in Leelanau County,” Crummel said.

“The weakest link in this formula to sustain vibrant communities is young families with school-aged children,” Crummel added. “The biggest factors for the declining numbers are good paying jobs and decent housing that young families can afford to buy,” he said.