Howard County offers homes to moderate income residents

       Finding affordable housing in Howard County can be a challenge.  For many workers in our local service industry the opportunities to live near where they work maybe impossible.  Commuting from less expensive communities is a fact of life for many of these workers.  The one opportunity to change this reality is the Howard County Moderate Income Housing program.  Applications are now being accepted through January 31st.  An informational session on the program will be held at the Howard County Gateway Office Building on January 14th from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Homes like the ones pictured above at Shipley's Grant are included in the program.  The Housing Department's website provides this information on the program:

"The MIHU Program is an inclusionary zoning program that requires developers of new housing in specific zoning districts to sell or rent a portion (generally 10-15%) of the dwelling units to households of moderate income. MIHUs are sold or rented at affordable prices and rents set by Howard County Housing. Sale prices for MIHUs range from $182,000 for a condominium to $277,000 for a townhouse. Prices vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit. Rents range from about $1,113 to $1,722, including utilities. MIHUs are interspersed throughout each development and enjoy all of the amenities of each community. An individual wishing to purchase an MIHU must fill out an application form during one of four open enrollment periods held throughout the year. The application includes information about the applicant’s income, assets and household size. In addition, an applicant may qualify for one or more purchasing preferences, such as: a first-time homebuyer, living or working in Howard County, or employed by County government, the school system, or a nonprofit organization. Once an application is received and determined complete, the applicant’s name is placed on a waiting list."
The chart for eligibility is as follows:



This link shows all the developments with homes currently for sale under this program.

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