NOTICE OF POTENTIAL CHANGES TO ELIGIBLE AREA MAPS FOR USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT HOUSING PROGRAMS

MARCH 8, 2023 — The United States Department of Agriculture is looking at remapping the USDA Rural Development Housing eligibility for certain areas that have been eligible allowing buyers the 100% no down payment loan program. Now, it appears that several counties may have some communities excluded due to density changes. Some of those areas include Calvert, Charles, Frederick, and Worcester counties. Communities in existing ineligible areas may also be expanded to include areas around Cumberland, Owings Mills, Randallstown, Westminster, Elkton, Linganore, Bel Air North, Ellicott City, Lexington Park and Salisbury. 

The impact of these changes affect the buyer’s buying power in rural areas thereby creating a shift for potential sellers. The USDA loan product is a powerful loan product in assisting buyers in areas who may be facing more challenging hurdles to homeownership due to lower income, less money available for the downpayment, higher interest rates for other loan programs and variable employment opportunities. 

The public shall have 90 days from the date of this public notice to submit comments regarding the potential loss of eligibility for Rural Development housing programs.  Comments should be sent to Janet.Brittingham@usda.gov. 

For details, or questions about specific changes, please contact the Maryland/Delaware Rural Development Housing Program staff at (302) 857-3595.