Howard County Housing Accepting Applications for Moderate Income Housing Unit Program
Staff Writer
2012-09-29
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Howard County Housing is accepting applications for the October open enrollment period for the County’s Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program. The enrollment period will run from Monday, October 1 through Wednesday, October 31.
The MIHU program is an inclusionary zoning program that requires developers of new housing in certain zoning districts to sell or rent a percentage of the new dwelling units to households of moderate income. The program offers quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to income eligible families.
Housing will also hold a free “MIHU Buyers and Renters Workshop,” on Wednesday, October 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Gateway Building, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia. The workshop is open to the public and will explain the program’s eligibility requirements and application process for prospective homebuyers and renters. Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland and Delaware, Inc. will also be on hand to present information regarding the importance of credit scores for buying or renting a home. For more information or to register for the workshop, contact Housing’s MIHU Coordinator at 410-313-6497.
To purchase an MIHU home, persons must apply to Howard County Housing during an open enrollment period in order to be placed in the database and on the waiting list. The applicant’s household income may not exceed 80% of Howard County’s median income which, as of January 1, 2012, is $101,771 for a family of four. Applicants must also meet minimum credit score requirements and their household income must be sufficient to qualify for a home mortgage based on industry standards. Base sale prices for MIHUs can range from $186,000 for a condominium to $280,000 for a townhome. Actual sale prices vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit. If you were not eligible in the past because of household income, Howard County Housing encourages you to check current eligibility limits.
Available MIHU homes for ownership opportunities are at Dorset Gardens, Legacy at Cherry Tree and Riverwalk. Dorset Gardens is a new community in Elkridge featuring spacious garage townhomes with four bedrooms, two full and two half baths, and over 1,900 square feet of living space. Legacy at Cherry Tree, a 55+ active adult community located off Route 216 in Laurel, features condos with two bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchens and a washer and dryer in each home. Riverwalk offers three-level, two-car garage townhomes in Laurel, with three bedrooms, two and a half baths, gourmet kitchens, Energy Star® appliances and spacious and open interiors.