Hogan Administration Announces $600,000 Partnership with Garrett County for Homeownership
Some residents drove more than 30 miles on Wednesday to get information about a new homeownership partnership between the Hogan administration and the county.
Initiatives announced for homebuyers and current owners for home improvements
McHenry, MD – The Hogan administration and Garrett County Commissioners on Wednesday announced Maryland Pathway to Homeownership in Garrett County, an upcoming partnership between the administration and the county that will help an estimated three dozen potential homebuyers purchase a home in the county by making down payment and closing costs more affordable.
The department announced programs that offer significant resources for potential homebuyers and current homeowners, including $300,000 of down payment assistance from the county and $300,000 committed from the state for down payment assistance, closing costs, and loans and grants for home repair. This is believed to be the first such partnership between the county and the state to encourage homeownership.
“A healthy housing market is key to a healthy economy,” Governor Larry Hogan said. “We are proud to partner with Garrett County to not only help homeowners improve their aging homes with upgrades and enhanced efficiency but also encourage new homeowners to plant roots in Garrett County for many years to come.”
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Single Family Housing Program Director Amy Grutzner and Garrett County Board of Commissioners Chairman Paul Edwards announced the new partnership at the Town of McHenry’s homeowners meeting at Garrett College, which was also attended by staff members from the single family and energy programs. Further details will be announced on Nov. 10.
Residents in Garrett County will also find it easier to apply for state grants and low interest loans to make much-needed improvements to their homes through housing and community development programs.
The department brings the ease of one-stop shopping to help homeowners – including senior citizens and those with special needs – invest in improvements that can save money on heating and cooling costs, enhance livability and make repairs to meet building codes for safer and healthier living. The initiative is part of Governor Larry Hogan’s focus on changing Maryland for the better by making government more effective and more accessible, particularly in rural communities.
Attendees learned how the loan programs can be used to improve the safety, comfort and accessibility of the whole home by:
- Adding accessibility features such as hand railings, ramps, grab bars and wider doorways
- Correcting building code violations
- Installing energy conservation materials and insulation
- Installing EnergyStar appliances and retrofit lighting
- Rectifying structural or maintenance issues
- Reducing and eliminating lead paint hazards
- Repairing or replacing heating and cooling systems
- Repairing plumbing and septic systems
- Replacing or repairing roofs and porches
- Sealing air and whole house envelope
- Upgrading energy-efficient appliances
“These programs are examples of Governor Hogan’s commitment to rural Maryland,” said Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “Empowering rural communities is vital to strengthening our local economy and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens.”
Applications will be accepted until the allocated grants are reserved. To learn more about home improvement loan programs, call 1-301-429-7802 and for energy efficiency programs, call 1-855-583-8976.
The department’s one-stop shopping approach was first introduced with great success in September before homeowners in Snow Hill on the Eastern Shore.
Visit dhcd.maryland.gov for additional information on all housing and community development programs.
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