The City's Homeownership Program provides affordable homeownership opportunities to income eligible households with good or improving credit. The City buys deteriorated houses, typically 2-4 bedroom units with one full bath, then rehabilitates and resells them to qualified buyers. The program is financed through sales of homes. Homes sell for the appraised value after rehabilitation.

A down payment of $500 is required which is applied toward the purchase price of the house. Buyers receive first mortgages through the Maryland Mortgage Program and a second mortgages through the HOME program. HOME mortgages are deferred with no interest or monthly payments and are forgiven after a specified period which depends on the amount of the loan. Buyers apply for the program through the Community Development Department. The Department reviews applications and responds within two weeks.

Below is a list of maximum annual household income established by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the City of Hagerstown's Community Development programs.

Current Income Guidelines (effective May 2010)

For more information or for a current list of available houses:

• Call the Department of Community Development at 301-739-8577 Ext. 136 or TDD 301-797-6617
• E-Mail the Department of Community Development at community@hagerstownmd.org