UMD Alum-Turned-Faculty Ditches their Commute

As graduate student at UMD, CJ commuted from D.C. When he returned to UMD as a faculty member in the Fall of 2019, his priority was a walkable/bikeable commute. Initially, CJ rented an apartment in Hyattsville. Prior to discovering the Partnership’s Homebuyer Assistance Program, CJ didn’t think homeownership was a possibility.  

The first house CJ saw in person, “felt like a perfect fit–it was walking distance to the metro and a beautiful back yard.” As a former rental property, CJ’s dream house was eligible for an additional $5,000 in closing cost assistance from the City of College Park’s New Neighbors Grant. He immediately put in an offer, and, with the help of the Partnership’s homebuyer assistance, stood out from the 11 offers submitted on the home, “[it] made a big difference…with [my realtor’s] help and guidance, and the financial support of both programs, my offer was accepted! 

The Partnership’s Live+Work College Park Program provides individuals employed full-time in College Park $20,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance towards a home in College Park, Maryland. Learn more and apply here.