Finally! Affordable housing available in new subdivision

As the area continues to suffer from a lack of affordable housing, builders of a new subdivision in the City of Gillette hope to help ease that housing crunch. Offering homebuyers an area that is affordable and attractive, Ash Meadows should be ready for occupancy by the end of September, said Ash Meadows co-owner Albert Howell. With more than 100 lots available for manufactured homes, Howell said Ash Meadows will help meet the need for affordable housing.

Theres a gap in the housing market, he said. We want to fill that. We've already been getting lots of calls.

The new subdivision, which is on the north of Gillette on Kluver Road, boasts 107 lots ranging in size from 6,000 to 10,000 square feet. With rising housing costs in Campbell County, Howell said the lots will be home to two to four-bedroom manufactured homes which is an ideal solution to ease the affordable housing crunch. Starting at $125,000 for a three-bedroom land and home package, Howell said the mortgages for the homes and land in Ash Meadows is comparable or lower than apartment rent.

There are no hidden costs, Howell said. These are just affordable homes. There are no tricks.

Excited about the opportunity to provide Gillette residents with an affordable home, Iseman Homes manager Ronnie Mikkelson said the company has teamed up with Ash Meadows to provide homes for those eager to live in the new area. As construction on roads and infrastructure nears completion in Ash Meadows, Mikkelson said it is a perfect for the Campbell County market.

It's going to be a nice area out there, he said.

Spacious, Affordable Houses
While news reports often tell of increasing home foreclosures and dropping home prices, Campbell County is instead enjoying a thriving economy where residents and newcomers alike are finding competitive wages, a wealth of recreation activities and a progressive education system. Match that with an opportunity to buy affordable homes in Ash Meadows and homebuyers are realizing their dream of ownership that can eventually offer them financial freedom and a sound investment.

A lot of people have said, ˜this is lower than I'm paying in rent, Howell said.

With hundreds of floor plans constructed by the finest homebuilders in America, Mikkelson said homebuyers have options when it comes to buying manufactured homes from Iseman Homes. From spacious open floor plans to ultimate kitchens to master suites, new manufactured homes are not only attractive, but also affordable. Some models offer huge walk-in pantries while others offer a master glamour bath. But all are ideal for those looking for style and comfort while staying within a budget.

All you have to do is walk through some of the homes, Mikkelson said. They are very nice.

With a lot full of manufactured homes to tour, Mikkelson said potential buyers can choose from a variety of floor plans at Iseman Homes. With features ranging from electric fireplaces to stainless steel appliances to an eat-in kitchen with island, Mikkelson said homes can be custom-made to meet each clients needs.

Plus Mikkelson said used homes are valuable to Iseman Homes, the company offers competitive trade values to assist a homeowner with a new home purchase. Iseman Homes representatives also seek out the best financing options for a homeowner to provide loan terms that can save money. Land/Home financing, such as a home and a lot in Ash Meadows, has become a larger part of Isemans business and Iseman Homes has been at the leading edge of that trend.

Though homes in Ash Meadows will range favrom two to four bedrooms, all are required to be new, never lived-in homes. The subdivision will also have a park and a bike path system for residents to enjoy. The subdivision is on city water and city sewer, and Howell said its an ideal location for those who want to live close to town without having to reside in the middle of the city.

It's just a 10-minute commute to downtown Gillette, Howell said.

Filling a Need
Experiencing a steady demand for the areas energy resources, the area is in the midst of a thriving economy with continued business and population growth. While Campbell County's energy related economy provides a prosperous quality of life and numerous possibilities for employment and career improvement, the area has been experiencing a tremendous boost in population.

As the area continues to grow and develop because of its rich supply of low-sulfur coal, oil reserves and abundant natural gas supplies, hundreds of people are moving to the area to fill job openings. With the current population increase- as well as the prediction of thousands more moving to the area within the next 10 years Howell said there continues to be a need for affordable housing. And he hopes to be part of the solution.

Our basic goal is affordable housing, he said.

With a low unoccupancy rate in rental units and low unemployment numbers rolling in, Howell said he knows there is a need for the subdivision he is developing. In fact, he said almost a dozen families are waiting for the final construction to be completed so they can move in.

The workers coming in have filled up all the rentals and made rentals crazy here, he said.

With the addition of Ash Meadows, Howell said it is possible to buy a new home and still see mortgage payments that are equivalent to what many are facing in monthly rent checks. Some of the mortgages for the home/lot packages will cost a homeowner less than $850.

I think that's why we are getting a lot of calls because people see that's what they are paying in rent, Howell said.

Thats the reason Howell and his son-in-law and business partner Larry Messer bought the land that is now Ash Meadows about a year ago. They saw a need for affordable housing a need that wasn't being filled. The pair has built similar subdivisions in California and knew a comparable subdivision would be a perfect fit for Gillette. Now as the subdivision nears completion, Howell said he and Messer expect the lots to go quickly as people realize they can afford to buy a new home in a new subdivision.

Theres such a shortage of labor that if you build stick built homes, you're going to have to bring in the labor from Colorado or Nebraska which increases the cost of the home, Howell said.

Plus stick built homes take more time. Working with Iseman Homes and other manufactured home dealers in the area, Howell said homebuyers will be able to move into Ash Meadows in just a matter of months. With an opportunity to fill the need in the City of Gillette and Campbell County for affordable housing, Howell and Messer are excited about the project that will help many realize their dream of home ownership.

We expect to open up mid-September, he said.It's an exciting time.

To find out more information about Ash Meadows, visit www.ashmeadows.net or call (307) 689-9070. Find out more about Iseman Homes or view floor plans at www.isemanhomes.com, visit their show lot at 4001B S. Douglas Hwy in Gillette or call (307) 682-0201.

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