ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has begun accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) homeownership program October open enrollment period. 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 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 29th.
Through our MIHU program, we're 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.
From DHCD’s “Open Enrollment” website, visitors can also 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. Downpayment and closing cost assistance is available through DHCD’s Settlement Downpayment Loan Program, making homeownership even more affordable for first-time homebuyers.
The Department is preparing to award new homes in several communities this fall. If you are considering homeownership, I encourage you to review our virtual MIHU workshop on our website or attend our first-time Homebuyer Class on October 9th to learn next steps to owning your own home. New and Resale units are available in Laurel, Elkridge, Columbia and Jessup.
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 $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 currently 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 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, Townes at Pine Orchard, Verde II at Howard Square, The Vine, and The Wexley @ 100 rental communities are currently 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.