The process of buying a home has long been recognized as one of the most stressful events in peoples’ lives.
Add the stress of not knowing whether a home is even affordable, and many people simply give up before trying.
Fortunately there are programs in Rockville aimed at helping people uncover ways in which they may afford to purchase homes in the City.
On Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Red Brick Courthouse, the City and its Human Rights Commission are sponsoring the program, “How to Buy Affordable Homes in Rockville.” The free program will inform participants on how to buy homes, townhomes and condominiums at affordable prices throughout Rockville.
“We are so delighted to conduct this program,” said Yvonna J. Love of the Human Rights Commission. “Many times this information is overlooked by individuals hoping to buy a home simply because they did not know it was a resource available to them. We’re hoping to educate the public on some of the home buying strategies in Rockville, and this is the first step.”
One program that will be discussed is the Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) program, offered through the City’s Department of Community Planning and Development Services. The MPDU program provides assistance to those with incomes under 60 percent of the Washington area median to possibly buy or rent single family homes, town homes or condominiums at costs more affordable on their incomes. Rockville requires that all developments exceeding 50 units must provide at least 12.5 percent to MPDUs.
Community Development Program Manager Ed Duffy of Rockville will be on hand to discuss MPDUs.
Also presenting on Nov. 13 is one of the City’s Historic Designation representatives, Judy Christensen, who will explain how homes are designated a “National Historic Site,” which often results in significant tax benefits. These tax breaks are often overlooked by potential home buyers. Some older properties that may seem too expensive might be well within a buyer’s budget with the tax breaks afforded by the Historic Designation.
Love and Enilda Abreu of the City’s Human Rights Commission and Janet Kelly of the City’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services will be available as well.
The Red Brick Courthouse is located at 29 Courthouse Square, in downtown Rockville. The event will be in room G-06, and is free with refreshments.
To reserve a spot, contact Kelly at 240-314-8316.
(reprinted from Rockville Reports, November 2003)
