July 1, 2019
Media Contacts:
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Kelly Cimino, Director, Department of Housing and Community Development, 410-313-6318
Free informational workshops scheduled for July 11th, 17th and 25th
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 will be accepted through Wednesday, July 31, 2019.
“Creating affordable housing opportunities that lead to greater economic mobility is a priority of my administration,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “We are working to encourage the full spectrum of housing, with affordable opportunities to help families call Howard County their home. This program is about an investment in people, in socioeconomic diversity and in building a community that reflects our values. I encourage all applicable residents to attend a workshop and apply for the Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program.”
During the month of July, DHCD will host three MIHU workshops to explain the program’s eligibility requirements and the application process. The workshops are free and open to the public; however, registration is required. On Thursday, July 11, DHCD will host a MIHU RENTERS Information Workshop from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 211 at DHCD’s offices at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. To register for this workshop, visit: https://mihu_renters_info_workshop.eventbrite.com.
On Wednesday, July 17, DHCD will host its first of two MIHU HOMEOWNERSHIP Information Workshops from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Room 211 at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. To register for this workshop, visit https://mihu_homebuyers_1.eventbrite.com.
The second MIHU HOMEOWNERSHIP Information Workshop will take place on Thursday, July 25 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Room 211 at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. To register for this workshop, visit https://mihu_homebuyers_2.eventbrite.com.
For more information on either workshop, contact DHCD’s Housing Opportunities Programs Division at 410-313-6318 and select option two or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/MIHU_openenrollment.
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 $89,178 for a four-person household and $117,715 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 can range from $223,000 for a new condo to approximately $315,000 for a new townhouse. Actual sale prices vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit.
Homeownership opportunities are currently offered at below-market sales prices in several communities, including Exeter Park, 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 favorable interest rates still available, individuals and families with incomes as low as $60,000 may qualify to purchase a home. MIHU homeownership program applications are available online at www.howardcountymd.gov/MIHU_openenrollment or in the DHCD’s office, located at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224 in Columbia.
To rent an MIHU unit, a qualified applicant’s household income may not exceed 60% of the Howard County median income (example: maximum $46,819 for a one-person household and $66,884 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. Alta at Regency Crest, Annapolis Junction, Ashbury Courts, Azure Oxford Square, Belmont Station, Brompton House, Burgess Mill Station II, Miller’s Grant, Mission Place, Orchard Meadows, Orchard Park, Penniman Park, Townes at Pine Orchard, 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. For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/MIHU_openenrollment.
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 www.howardcountymd.gov/MIHU_openenrollment.