Moderate Income Housing Applications Accepted Through July 31

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Howard County’s Department of Housing and Community Development is accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit program through the end of the month.

Applications are available online and completed applications can be submitted either online, mailed to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at DHCD’s Patuxent Woods Drive office by appointment only. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Friday, July 31.

"We continue to work to expand opportunities for homeownership and help more families realize their American dream,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball in a news release. "For many of our residents, purchasing your first home may feel out of reach, but our MIHU program is an incredible opportunity to make homeownership a reality."

A virtual moderate income homeownership informational workshop will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 15, via Webex.

For details about the workshop and how to sign up, visit the housing department’s “Open Enrollment” website.

Additionally, from DHCD’s “Open Enrollment” website, visitors can find presentations from previous homeownership and rental informational workshops, as well as frequently asked questions and answers explaining the program’s eligibility requirements and application process.

“New townhomes and condominiums are under construction with fall delivery dates in Columbia, Elkridge, Hanover and Laurel. If you are interested in moving before the new school year starts, now is a great time to apply to the MIHU homeownership program and purchase a home at below market prices,” said Kelly Cimino, DHCD director, in a news release. “Downpayment and closing cost assistance is available through the county’s Settlement Downpayment loan Program to make homeownership even more affordable for first-time homebuyers.”

To purchase an MIHU home, residents must apply to DHCD during an open enrollment period to be placed in the database. To qualify, an applicant’s household income may not exceed 80 percent of Howard County’s median income (example: maximum $94,184 for a four-person household to as much as $124,323 for an eight-person household).

Applicants must meet minimum credit score requirements and household income must be sufficient to qualify for a mortgage based on industry standards. Sale prices for available MIHU homes, currently range from $267,544 for a new condo to $386,938 for a new townhouse. Actual sale prices may vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit.

Homeownership opportunities are being offered at below-market sales prices in several Howard County communities, including Cedar Creek in Columbia, Delacour at Blue Stream in Elkridge, Elkridge Crossing II in Elkridge, Paddock Pointe in Laurel and The Yards at Oxford Square in Hanover.

In addition to these new homes, previously owned condominiums and townhomes throughout the county are also for sale under the MIHU program as they become available. With current low interest rates, individuals and families with incomes as low as $60,000 or slightly less may qualify to purchase a home.

MIHU homeownership program applications are available online or interested applicants can request to have a paper application mailed to them by emailing housing@howardcountymd.gov or calling 410-313-6318 and selecting option two.

To rent an MIHU unit, a qualified applicant’s household income may not exceed 60 percent of the Howard County median income (example: maximum $49,447 for a one-person household and $70,638 for a four-person household).

MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, are interspersed throughout each community and residents have the same amenities of community life as market rate tenants.

Annapolis Junction, Ashbury Courts, Azure Oxford Square, Belmont Station, Brompton House, Burgess Mill Station II, Dartmoor Place, Miller’s Grant, Mission Place, Oakland Place, Orchard Meadows, Orchard Park, Penniman Park, The Refinery, Regency Crest, Townes at Pine Orchard, Verde II at Howard Square, The Vine, and The Wexley @ 100 rental communities participate in the MIHU program.

Prospective renters may apply directly to a participating rental community at any time during the year. Visit DHCD’s MIHU rental website for more information.

Open enrollment periods for the MIHU homeownership program are held quarterly. For more information, to request a paper application and/or to schedule an appointment to drop off your completed application, contact DHCD’s Housing Opportunities Programs Division at 410-313-6318 and select option two, email housing@howardcountymd.gov or visit DHCD’s MIHU Homeownership website.