Affordable Homeownership in Bolinas BCLT & Habitat for Humanity Greater SF Pending Partnership

The Bolinas Community Land Trust (BCLT) is pleased to announce a pending partnership with Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco (Habitat) offering the first affordable homeownership opportunities in Bolinas on Overlook and Aspen. Habitat for Humanity Greater SF builds homes and sustains affordable homeownership opportunities for families in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties. Their values focus on building partnerships, equity, stability, and legacy.

These houses will be sold through mortgages held by Habitat that do not require a down payment or accrue interest. Due to single-family zoning in Bolinas, restrictions in the coastal zone, and the limitations of a shared water meter and septic system, these homes are most easily held as a Tenancy in Common (TIC) which commercial lenders do not currently support in our area. We are fortunate that Habitat is willing to hold such mortgages and to work with us from our waitlist. 

Habitat’s model generally includes a sweat equity component as part of the construction of their homes. Since the houses on Overlook were pre-fabricated, the volunteer program for this project will include native landscaping, fencing, driveways, and lot clearing overseen by a local contractor who is yet to be determined. If you are interested in donating time to support the future homeowners on these lots, please contact BCLT staff at info@bolinaslandtrust.org. 

The application process for these homes will be made available as soon as the agreement is solidified in the coming weeks. If you are interested in purchasing one of these homes affordably, please join our waitlist to receive automatic updates: bolinaslandtrust.org/affordable-housing.

In collaboration with CLAM, the BCLT will host an affordable homeownership workshop on Wednesday, June 15 at 6:00 at the Bolinas Community Center. This workshop will be a good introduction for anyone wanting to be a homeowner in West Marin. We encourage all interested households to attend. Habitat will offer additional workshops in the future to better prepare those interested in their offerings.

Please stay tuned for more information, we are SO excited!

In service,

BCLT Staff