An upcoming fair could showcase Howard?s other housing options, not just the high-cost listings often seen in real estate ads, said Anne Darr of the county?s Chamber of Commerce.
“There are more affordable homes and some programs available to make them more affordable,” said Darr, the chamber?s director of work force initiatives. “We get plenty of publicity for being a great place to live, but this is showing people it can also be affordable.”
As in much of the region, housing prices have continued to soar in Howard, prompting cries from officials and residents for more affordable housing.
In 2005, the median cost of a single-family detached house was $505,128, and for a condo $232,270, according to the county?s Affordable Housing Task Force report.
But as the number of low-cost houses decreased, the number of median and low-wageworkers has increased, the report states.
The “Come Home to Howard County” housing fair is expected to help residents considering a move or already living in Howard.
“Even though this is an extremely savvy marketplace and an attractive marketplace, it still deserves the chance to highlight the opportunities,” said Stacy Spann, director of the Department of Housing and Community Development.
The inaugural fair will bring together Realtors, mortgage companies, rental firms and potential homeowners to educate the public, he said.
The event will include information on work force housing, senior housing and family housing, he said.
In addition, Howard will hold a drawing to select a qualified individual or family to purchase a $475,000 home for $200,000. The county has renovated the home on Pamplona Road in Columbia?s Oakland Mills and will share the mortgage with the homeowner, Spann said.
BY THE NUMBERS
Mean home prices by ZIP code in Howard County from October 2005 to September 2006
» 20794 (Jessup): $335,851
» 21042 (Ellicott City): $612,638
» 21794 (West Friendship): $934,125
IF YOU GO
What: Howard housing fair
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 2
Where: Oakland Mills High School, 9410 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia
Source: Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning
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