Tiny houses becoming alternative mode of housing for some in Spokane

Описание: SPOKANE, Wash. — Known as "tiny homes" the less than 400-square-foot alternative to traditional houses are gaining steam in the Inland Northwest.

The average cost to buy a home right now in Spokane County is over $369,000. It's why more people are now looking into these alternative options.

With the high cost of housing here in the Inland Northwest, many first-time homebuyers say they were worried they wouldn't be able to buy a home with this housing market.

That's why they are looking at new options like these 400-square-foot tiny homes.

"That is kind of why I went the tiny home route," Amelia Ingle said. "Because, with the housing market the way it is, this I knew was going to be really the only way I was going to be able to afford a home."

Tired of renting after all these years, Ingle recently moved into her first home, a tiny house on Newman Lake. It's only 233-square-feet.

"One thing I realized as I was getting rid of stuff was that I didn't miss it," Ingle said.

Ingle's tiny home essentially has two rooms — one that consists of her living room, kitchen and lofted bed, and another one for her toilet and shower.

"So it's really for one person," Ingle said. "That's kind of all I need."

This year, owning these types of homes in Washington became much easier.

Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill into law removing barriers when it comes to building these kinds of homes.

"They're removing restrictions on ADU'S or accessory dwelling units that are put in place to create more affordable housing in these urban growth areas," Tonya Yeager, a sales coordinator with Tiny Homes of Spokane, said.

Tiny Homes of Spokane is a new addition to the city that helps people purchase these homes.

The base prices of these homes is anywhere from $52,000 - $68,000, much less that Spokane County's current average home cost.

"People just need more affordable options for housing," Yeager said.

To own a tiny home, homebuyers need to keep in mind that it isn't just the home you're buying, but you'll also have to rent or purchase the land you put you tiny home on as well.

"We do advise that people know their zoning laws and make sure they're in one of these urban growth areas," Yeager said.

She says these kinds of homes are ideal for a lot of people right now struggling with Spokane's housing market, whether they're struggling to pay rent, on a fixed income or people just looking to downsize.

"Anyone can benefit from from something like this," Yeager said.

Ingle says she's already seeing the benefits.

"It allows you a lot of freedom and, you know, you get to spend that money and that time on other things that will greatly improve your quality of life," Ingle said.

If you'd like to learn more about these tiny homes in Spokane, you can call them at (509) 242-3234 or you can go online to their website.

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