Homeownership Self-Help Housing and Housing Counseling

Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee, Inc. receives a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s, Rural Development Services (RDS) to administer the Self-Help Technical Assistance Program in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.

Self-Help is a method of home construction where a group of families assist in building each others’ homes. They form a labor pool, then perform approximately 65% of the labor, working under the supervision of construction site supervisor provided by SMTCCAC, Inc. They perform tasks such as clearing, digging footings, wall framing, roofing, painting, installing doors and windows, insulation, siding, cabinets and countertops.

House plans are provided by SMTCCAC. All plans are modestly sized and priced and approved by the Rural Development Service. Loans for RDS eligible families are packaged and sent to the local RDS office for approval. Construction begins after the loans are approved and closing dates set.

Loans are scheduled for a 33 years; closed at the current market rate. The actual interest depends on household income and family size, sometimes it is as low as 1%. No down-payment or closing costs are required, although a one year homeowners insurance policy, paid in full, is required at closing. Loan payments are deferred until construction is completed, with the first payment due 30 days after completion.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants:

Meet RDS income guidelines

· Have a good credit rating, with a score of 660 or higher

· Have a low debt load

· Have repayment ability based on ratio calculations

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Work Groups Being Formed to build homes in our Prince Frederick Villas and Hunting Creek

· Prince Frederick Villas II – in Prince Frederick, Calvert County. Two homes, duplex style

· Hunting Creek – in Lexington Park, off of Willows Rd. Thirty Self-Help homes will complete the Hunting Creek subdivision.