January 2, 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
Free informational workshops scheduled for January 9th, 15th, 23rd and 27th
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 during its first open enrollment period of 2020. Applications will be accepted through Friday, January 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 attend one of our upcoming workshops to learn more about the program’s eligibility requirements and spread the word.”
During the month of January, DHCD will host four 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, January 9, 2020, DHCD will host its first of three 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_homeownership_1.eventbrite.com.
The second MIHU HOMEOWNERSHIP Information Workshop will take place on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Room 211 at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. To register visit https://mihu_homeownership_2.eventbrite.com.
The third and final MIHU HOMEOWNERSHIP Information Workshop will take place on Thursday January 23, 2020 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_homeownership_3.eventbrite.com.
Finally, on Monday, January 27, 2020, 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_rental.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 $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 $242,000 for a new condo to approximately $333,000 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 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 or slightly less 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 $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 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 www.howardcountymd.gov/MIHU_openenrollment 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 www.howardcountymd.gov/MIHU_openenrollment.