Q. Are there any home repair programs through the County to assist homeowners? A. The County administers single-family rehabilitation loan programs for low and moderate-income homeowners. Loan terms and payments will be determined by underwriting standards based on affordability and income. This underwriting helps low to moderate and fixed income persons who would not qualify through the conventional financing. The County also offers an emergency repair program to help income-eligible homeowners correct imminently hazardous conditions. To apply call the Housing Opportunities Office at 410-887-3124, or should you have further questions you may ask to speak with the Housing Rehabilitation Staff, Deborah Sparks-Single Family Rehab-Management Assistant or Randy Jones-Single Family Rehab Specialist. Back to top Q. What is the County doing to promote and retain homeownership? A. The County provides funding to community-based agencies to provide homeownership education for first time homebuyers. The agency also administers the County's Settlement Expense Loan Program (SELP) to help first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance. Providing a homebuyer education program helps to strengthen the County's communities through responsible homeowners and is one piece of the Community Conservation mission. For additional information on the programs, please call and ask to speak with Housing Opportunities at 410-887-3124. Back to top Q. What is SELP? A. The Settlement Expense Loan Program was created to provide closing cost assistance to moderate-income families purchasing their first home. The County can lend up to $10,000 to income eligible purchasers to help with required closing costs in the purchase of an existing home in the Community Conservation Areas of Baltimore County. Back to top Q. How do I apply for a SELP loan? A. You must complete a homebuyers education program through one of the County funded homeownership agencies. The education consists of a group workshop and one individual financial counseling session. Upon completion, the agency will provide a graduation certificate and allow the client to complete a SELP application. You are not eligible for a SELP loan if you have entered a contract before homebuyer education. For a list of the counseling agencies for your area and the workshop schedule, call 410-887-3124. Back to top Revised July 5, 2006 |
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