Patchway To Membership
Join a growing cohousing community rooted in connection, sustainability, and shared living.
Elderberry Commons is a forming cohousing community in the Seattle area rooted in shared values, collaboration, and meaningful connection. We are coming together to intentionally design both a neighborhood and a way of living that supports belonging, mutual support, and long-term sustainability.
Joining early offers several important advantages, including:
Meaningful input into the community’s values and culture
Participation in early land search and site selection.
Influence over home design priorities and shared amenities
Priority position in home selection as the project moves forward
Become an Explorer
The best way to get to know Elderberry Commons—and for us to get to know you—is by becoming an Explorer. Explorers are people seriously interested in cohousing who want to thoughtfully explore whether Elderberry Commons is the right fit for them.
To become an Explorer, you pay $250 per household, non-refundable Explorer Fee
As an Explorer, you will:
Have time and space to ask questions and learn at your own pace
Attend community meetings and events to observe how decisions are made
Connect with other Explorers and our professional partners through zoom meetings and social opportunities
Learn about cohousing principles, expectations, and the realities of forming a new community
Each Explorer will be invited to an Explorer Orientation, where we will:
Share updates on potential land sites and the land search process
Review early development concepts and anticipated timeline
Introduce professional partners supporting the project
Discuss the financial structure, membership expectations, and participation commitments
Explorers play a central role in shaping Elderberry Commons, including participating in the search for land. Once a site is identified, Explorers will be invited to make a financial contribution to help secure the land and cover early project costs. These costs include hosting the Kick-Off Workshop with cohousing expert Katie McCamant. The amount, timing and structure of this contribution—as well as the dates, times, and location of the Kick-Off Workshop—will be shared clearly and transparently as we approach this milestone.
Become a Member
After land is secured, Elderberry Commons will host a Kick-Off Workshop with our professional partners, marking the transition from Explorer to Member.
Members will:
Participate in design workshops and early development decisions
Contribute toward development costs through a series of structured cash calls
During the development phase—prior to securing a construction loan—Members will contribute approximately 20% of their final home price. These funds support land acquisition and pre-construction expenses and will be credited toward each household’s down payment at closing.
The date on which membership and initial financial commitments are completed establishes seniority for home selection.
At the time of construction loan closing, Members are responsible for securing financing for the remaining balance of their home. Elderberry Commons strongly encourages Members who plan to use a mortgage to maintain appropriate pre-qualification throughout the process.
At the time of construction loan closing, Members are responsible for securing financing for the remaining balance of their home. Elderberry Commons strongly encourages Members who plan to use a mortgage to maintain appropriate pre-qualification throughout the process.
Welcome to Elderberry Commons!
We’re glad you’re here and excited to explore what’s possible—together.