Carson Community Land Trust FAQ

A Community Land Trust (CLT) is a nonprofit housing model that makes homeownership more affordable by separating ownership of the home and the land.

• You purchase and own the home

• The land is held by the land trust

This structure reduces the purchase price and keeps homes affordable for future buyers in Carson and across Washington state.

Yes. You own your home just like in traditional homeownership.

You can:

• Build equity

• Sell your home

• Pass it on to your heirs

The land remains in trust to preserve long-term affordability.

Separating the land from the home is what makes Community Land Trust housing more affordable.

By removing the cost of land from the purchase price:

• Homes become accessible to more buyers

• Affordability is preserved for future homeowners

This ensures that the opportunity to own a home remains available in the community long-term.

A ground lease is a long-term agreement (typically 99 years, renewable) that allows you to live in and fully use the land your home sits on.

It provides:

• Stability and long-term housing security

• Clear guidelines for ownership and resale

• Full rights to enjoy your property as a homeowner

Download Ground Lease Template

Yes. You can build equity over time in a CLT home.

Homeowners build wealth by:

• Paying down their mortgage

• Benefiting from shared appreciation

• Recovering their initial investment when they sell

Yes. You can sell your home at any time.

Homes are sold using a resale formula that:

• Allows you to earn equity

• Keeps the home affordable for the next buyer

This creates a balance between personal financial growth and long-term community affordability.

Homeowners earn a portion of the home’s appreciation based on a resale formula.

This model is designed to:

• Allow you to build equity and gain a modest return

• Ensure the home remains affordable for future buyers

It’s a shared-equity approach that supports both homeowners and the community.

No. Income limits typically apply only at the time you purchase the home.

After you become a homeowner:

• Your income can increase without affecting your eligibility

• You remain in your home regardless of income changes

Yes. Buyers must qualify for a mortgage through an approved lender.

This means:

• Meeting standard lending requirements

• Completing pre-approval before purchasing

Our team will guide you through every step of the process, including applying for a mortgage. 

To qualify for affordable homeownership in Carson, WA, applicants must:

• Be first-time homebuyers (no ownership in the past 3 years)

• Earn at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)

• Be able to qualify for a mortgage

If this sounds like you, join the waitlist to be guided through the next steps.

Homes in the Carson Community Land Trust are anticipated to be available between Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.

Join the waitlist to receive updates on:

• Application timelines

• Home availability

• Next steps in the process

Homes are currently expected to be priced at or below $350,000. Pricing is preliminary and will be finalized as development progresses.