Last Chance to Enter Housing Lottery

Each year, Howard County offers the promise of homeownership to people of moderate means.

As part of the local government's moderate-income housing unit program, developers must set aside 10 to 15 percent of residences for the county to offer at lower prices.

To qualify for the moderate-income housing program, individuals must make between $42,744 and $107,470 (amounts vary based on household size—see the breakdown).

Then, four times each year, Howard County holds open enrollment for qualified people to buy or rent properties from the moderate-income housing inventory.

One of those open enrollment periods ends Wednesday, April 11, at 5 p.m.

Applicants who meet that deadline and the moderate-income requirements will be entered for the chance to buy one of two homes in the county's "housing lottery."

One home in the lottery is in Elkridge—a three-bedroom, three-bath townhouse in Howard Square, north of Waterloo Road off Washington Boulevard, available for $209,813.

The other home in the lottery is a two-bedroom, two-bath townhome in Laurel's Whiskey Run development. That home is going for $140,000.

The two winners will be announced on Saturday, April 14, at the annual ".

Here is the application. The deadline is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11.

For more information, contact Howard County's housing office at 410-313-6343 or visit the department's housing lottery page online.