First time’s a charm to own home in Terrace

By Sharon Salyer

For the Enterprise

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — When you think of a first-time home buyer, you probably wouldn’t think of a couple in their early 50s — or, for that matter, of a woman in her 80s.

But a program of the Housing Authority of Snohomish County made it possible for three area residents beyond the typical age of many first-time home buyers to own their own homes.

Sue Thompson’s husband, Don, had made a career of the Navy, a machinist’s mate on a submarine. The couple didn’t want to buy a house because they moved every three or four years. “We didn’t want to be stuck selling a house,” she said.

When her husband retired, the couple looked for an apartment that would allow them to keep their two dogs.

The open spaces and trails surrounding Markland Woods attracted them to what was then a development of rental condominiums and townhouses.

The Thompsons initially moved into a three-bedroom unit, and two years later found a 1,700-square-foot, four-bedroom home to rent.

Last year, she and he husband learned that Markland Woods was going to be converted from rentals into a home ownership complex after being bought by the Housing Authority of Snohomish County.

“We were elated,” she said. “We wanted to stay here.” Using a low-interest loan provided by the housing authority, the couple was able to buy the $181,000 unit.

The Thompsons were so excited about the program that they talked several other couples into buying, too.

“They’re all about our age,” Sue Thompson said. “They didn’t think they could. They said, ‘We can’t afford it. We can’t do it right now.’ But they did it.”

So, too, did Sue Thompson’s 83-year-old mother, who lives in an adjoining building.

Jeanette Brouwers had rented since her husband passed away about 12 years ago. She moved into Markland Woods four years ago and is buying a two-bedroom condominium.

“So many people said, ‘She can’t buy a condominium. Who’s going to give her a loan?’” Sue Thompson said.

“She can’t believe it either,” she said of her mother’s reaction. “She said she’d believe it when she gets her keys.”

Sharon Salyer is a reporter for the Herald in Everett.