July 1, 2020
Media Contacts:
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Kelly Cimino, Director, Department of Housing and Community Development, 410-313-6318
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is now accepting applications for its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program. Applications are available online and completed applications may only be submitted either online or by mail to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046. Applications are being accepted now through Friday, July 31, 2020.
“Homeownership improves economic mobility and expands opportunity for generations as families build wealth,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “Through our MIHU program, we are creating affordable homeownership opportunities to help families call Howard County home as we foster safe and engaged communities. This program is an investment in people, in socioeconomic diversity and in building a county that cultivates a better quality of life for all. If you are interested in our MIHU program or know anyone who can benefit, I encourage you to visit our MIHU website today to learn more about the program’s eligibility requirements."
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DHCD will not be hosting its regularly scheduled, in-person MIHU renter and homeownership informational workshops during its July open enrollment period. However, the presentations from each of these informational workshops are available online.
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% of Howard County’s median income (example: maximum $92,461 for a four-person household to as much as $122,048 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 MIHUs available now currently range from $245,000 for a new condo to $370,000 for a new townhouse. Actual sale prices may vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit.
Homeownership opportunities are currently offered at below-market sales prices in several communities, including Delacour at Blue Stream in Elkridge, Paddock Pointe in Laurel, River Overlook and the Yards at Oxford Square in Hanover, and Trotters Knoll in Ellicott City. Previously owned condominiums and townhomes throughout the county are also for sale under the MIHU program as they become available. With historically low interest rates now available, individuals and families with incomes as low as $65,000 or slightly less may qualify to purchase a home. MIHU homeownership program applications are available online.
To rent an MIHU unit, a qualified applicant’s household income may not exceed 60% of the Howard County median income (example: maximum $48,542 for a one-person household and $74,893 for a five-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. Alta at Regency Crest, Annapolis Junction, Ashbury Courts, Azure Oxford Square, Belmont Station, Brompton House, Burgess Mill Station II, Dartmoor Place, Miller’s Grant, Mission Place, Orchard Meadows, Orchard Park, Penniman Park, Townes at Pine Orchard, The Refinery, The Vine and Verde II 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 open enrollment website for more information.
Open enrollment periods for the MIHU homeownership program are held quarterly. Those interested in obtaining more information or household size/eligibility requirements should call 410-313-6318 and select option two, or visit the website at DHCD’s open enrollment website.