Howard County, Maryland
Howard County, Maryland
Welcome to Howard County, Maryland, a jewel in the crown of affluent and educated communities in the United States. Situated in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, Howard County invites travelers seeking a blend of sophistication, education, and recreational wonder. With a median home sales price of $525,000, this county offers a glimpse into a lifestyle of prestige and opportunity.
Howard County offers immediate access to leading educational and healthcare institutions, upscale retail destinations, and outstanding recreation and entertainment options. With a thriving economy and proximity to federal agencies, universities, Fortune 500 companies, technology giants, defense innovators, and healthcare leaders, this community continues to thrive.
For nature enthusiasts, Howard County is a paradise. The county boasts regional and community parks, golf courses, lakes, and over 200 miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails. Explore the beauty of Patapsco State Park and Patuxent River State Park, perfect for camping, canoeing, and fishing amidst breathtaking natural landscapes.
Downtown Columbia, the vibrant urban heart of Howard County, has recently undergone a remarkable transformation. Luxury apartments, office spaces, and dining options now beckon near the mall. Don't miss Merriweather Post Pavilion, a nationally renowned entertainment venue offering live music experiences. Howard County's planned Crescent neighborhood promises retail, office space, cultural venues, hotels, and residential units.
Howard County's dedication to leisure and wellness is apparent in its extensive park system. Explore trails for biking, horseback riding, hiking, bird watching, and nature walks. Columbia alone offers an abundance of outdoor experiences.
Recreation in Howard County extends beyond the outdoors. The Columbia Association manages facilities including art centers, fitness clubs, ice rinks, golf courses, and pools.
Indulge your cultural sensibilities with concerts at Merriweather Post Pavilion and explore the vibrant arts scene thriving within the county's colleges.
In Howard County, every moment is an opportunity to embrace education, culture, and recreation in an affluent and forward-thinking community. Discover the wonders of Howard County, where affluence meets opportunity.
Whether you're searching for your next home or looking to list or auction a property in Howard County, Meredith Page, a licensed REALTOR with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty: Columbia, is here to assist you. Contact Meredith at 240-554-5111 or visit her website at http://www.bricksorleaves.com/.
Unlocking Homeownership Success in Howard County: Your Pathway Awaits
DHCD is offering monthly educational workshops and personalized one-on-one counseling sessions. These resources are tailor-made for households gearing up to buy a home in Howard County, or for those eager to explore DHCD's homeownership programs, including standouts like the Settlement Downpayment Loan Program (SDLP) and the Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program. They're proudly HUD-approved and meticulously designed in line with the National Industry Standards for Homeownership and Counseling. In simple terms, you'll be getting top-tier guidance from the get-go.
The workshops include a 4-hour group session followed by 2 hours of one-on-one counseling – the group workshops take place on one Saturday each month. After you've attended a Saturday workshop, you'll arrange your 2-hour one-on-one counseling session with a credit agency, focusing on your specific needs.
Registration is a must to attend these workshops, and everyone planning to join must register individually. So, if you're ready to begin the process to homeownership in the beautiful Howard County, inquire about classes in 2024 via homebuyerclass@howardcountymd.gov or Howard County Home Buyer Education.
MIHU (Moderate Income Housing) Homeownership Open Enrollment
Open enrollment periods for the MIHU homeownership program are held quarterly. Anyone interested in purchasing an MIHU must complete an application during one of four open enrollment periods held throughout the year – during the months of January, April, July and October. Applicants with a combined household income of a MINIMUM OF $55,000 are eligible to apply. If you do not meet the minimum annual household income of $55,000.
Please allow 4-6 weeks processing time before you receive a response.
MIHU applications will be accepted online, by mail or in-person through Tuesday, October 31st at 4:00 pm. Online and mail submissions are strongly recommended. You must schedule an appointment before dropping off your application. To schedule an appointment, please email ModerateIncomeHousing@howardcountymd.gov. Completed applications along with all attachments should be delivered to Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046. Please check in with the Guard’s Desk.
For more information: www.howardcountymd.gov/DHCD-MIHU-Open-Enrollment
Settlement/Downpayment Loan Program
Loans are available through Howard County's Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) for settlement and downpayment costs. All loans will be deferred, due upon sale of home, refinance, or default. Low interest rates at 2 points below the primary mortgage interest rate. Lenders will process all requests.
For more information: www.howardcountymd.gov/DHCD-SDLP