Apply Through Oct. 31 For Moderate Income Housing Unit Program In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Howard County’s Department of Housing and Community Development is accepting applications now through Oct. 31 for its Moderate Income Housing Unit program's October open enrollment period.

Applications are available online and completed applications can be either submitted 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.

"Our Moderate Income Housing Unit program is expanding opportunities for homeownership and helping more families build wealth and realize their dreams. For many of our residents, purchasing their first home may feel out of reach, but this program is designed to make homeownership a reality for more individuals and families, enable economic mobility, and ensure people of all incomes can call Howard County home," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said.

To purchase an MIHU home, individuals 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 $96,928 for a four-person household to as much as $127,945 for an eight-person household).

Applicants must meet 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 $254,985 for a new condominium to $384,916 for a new townhouse. Actual sale prices may vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit.

Homeownership opportunities are currently being offered at below-market sales prices in several Howard County communities, including Elkridge Crossing II in Elkridge and Wellington Farms in Laurel. 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 the current interest rates, individuals and families with incomes as low as $55,000 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 calling 410-313-6318 and selecting option two or emailing housing@howardcountymd.gov.

New townhomes and condominiums also are under construction with spring delivery dates in Elkridge, Ellicott City and Laurel. Down payment 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 rent an MIHU unit, a qualified applicant’s household income may not exceed 60 percent of the Howard County median income (example: maximum $50,887 for a one-person household and $72,696 for a four-person household). MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, are interspersed throughout each community and residents enjoy 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, Robinson Overlook, Townes at Pine Orchard, Verde II at Howard Square, The Vine, and The Wexley @ 100 currently participate in the MIHU rental 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 open enrollment website.