Through Project SCOPE (Selling City Owned Property Efficiently), Baltimore Housing has created a simplified and cost effective process for selling vacant city-owned properties via experienced real estate agents.

• Properties are selected by the city and offered to realtors who list them in the statewide Multiple Listing Service (MLS). To make an offer on a property, simply contact the listing agent identified.
• In most cases, offers are accepted on SCOPE properties for a pre-determined period of time, after which they are reviewed by the City.
• If there is no deadline set for offers, they are reviewed on a weekly basis.
• Deadline dates are specified on the listing sheet.
• The City typically does not review offers below the list price for a property until the property has been listed for more than two weeks.
• Offers are typically awarded or rejected within 10 days of the review. From award, it can take one or two weeks for final approval by the City's Board of Estimates.
• Settlement is expected to occur within 60 days of Board approval. Buyers need to demonstrate financial capacity to fully redevelop the properties in order to be awarded and settle on a property.
• View the list of available SCOPE properties

If you have any questions on SCOPE or the status of a specific property, please call Baltimore City's Office of Asset Management at 410-396-4109.

• Background: Subsidies traditionally applied toward rental payments are eligible to be applied towards a montly mortgage payment. For qualified section 8 voucher holding families, it is a special opportunity for homeownership.
• Purpose: To facilitate a transition from renting to homebuying for participants who qualify for a mortgage from a lender. Homeownership builds wealth within low and moderate-income families and strengthens neighborhoods & communities.
• Source of Funds: Federally funded program administered through HABC.
• Implemenation: The Section 8 homeownership program is a city-wide program and participants are eligible to buy homes anywhere in Baltimore City. HABC's Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program supports families' efforts to improve their economic conditions and prepare for homeownership. Applicants must be in good standing with the Section 8 program and must also complete a homeownership counseling program with a city-approved agency. For a list of eligible agencies, click here .
• A minimum cash downpayment of 1% the purchase price must come directly from the purchaser.
• Partners: Fannie Mae, lenders, real estate agents, and housing counselors.

Contact for Information:
Ms. Rhonda Rone, HABC Homeownership Coordinator
417 E. Fayette Street, 11th floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 396-4175
Fax: (410) 396-1284
Email: Rhonda.Rone@baltimorecity.gov 

• Low-income families may purchase public housing units through the Housing Authority
• Buyers must select a home from the current Housing Authority inventory.
• Standard federal income guidelines will be used to determine participant eligibility.
• Applicants must complete a homeownership counseling program with a city-approved agency. For a list of eligible agencies, click here .
• Buyer must provide a cash down payment of at least 1% of the purchase price.
  

Contact for Information:
Ms. Rhonda Rone, HABC Homeownership Coordinator
417 E. Fayette Street, 11th floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 396-4175
Fax: (410) 396-1284
Email: Rhonda.Rone@baltimorecity.gov 

Tenants buying the home where they are now renting may be eligible for the Tenant Conversion Mortgage Program, which provides 5% interest mortgage loans. Family incomes cannot exceed $41,150 and the price of the house cannot exceed $50,000 at current levels.

Contact:
Robert Bartolini, Baltimore Housing
(410) 396-3124