Garrett County Community Action Committee Receives $220,000 Grant for Homeownership Program
In a significant stride toward making homeownership a reality for low- to moderate-income residents, the Garrett County Community Action Committee has been awarded a substantial $220,000 grant through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), this federal grant is set to empower first-time homebuyers by providing crucial financial assistance for down payments and closing costs.
The grant funds are poised to amplify the Garrett County Community Action Committee’s mission to foster homeownership opportunities. Over the years, the committee has made commendable strides, helping more than 500 individuals and families achieve their dreams of homeownership. Their initiatives, including the Garrett County Pathway to Homeownership Program and the Homeownership Education & Finance Program, have been instrumental in providing prospective homeowners with essential knowledge regarding financial, legal, and other aspects of the homebuying process.
One of the most significant barriers that low- and moderate-income first-time buyers face is the daunting down payment required to purchase a home. Paul Edwards, Chairman of the Board of Garrett County Commissioners, expressed, “The Department award directly contributes to Garrett County’s goal that all County residents will be able to live in comfortable, safe, and affordable housing by assisting first-time homebuyers with the down payment assistance required to purchase a home.”
Katherine Shadel, the Asset Development Director at the Garrett County Community Action Committee, added, “Between the county’s Pathway to Home Ownership project and the CDBG award, over 70 households will be able to purchase a home in Garrett County.” This grant is not just financial assistance; it’s the key to unlocking the doors of homeownership for many families.
The $220,000 grant awarded to the Garrett County Community Action Committee through the CDBG program is a testament to the power of community development and collaborative efforts to make homeownership a reality for deserving individuals and families. It reflects Maryland’s commitment to creating safe, affordable, and vibrant communities that empower residents to achieve their dreams. This grant is more than just financial assistance; it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity for those striving to secure a place they can proudly call home.
Who I Am
My name is Jay Ferguson, and I am a lifelong resident of the Deep Creek Lake area. I am also co-owner of the real estate side of Taylor Made. I have been in the real estate business for 21+ years now and I LOVE what I do! I have to say, my career really took off when I co-founded the real estate side of Taylor Made in 2014. Its been an amazing experience, building a real estate company from the ground up and achieving so much so quickly! In August 2016, we purchased Long & Foster Real Estate Deep Creek, where I had started my career in 2000. In 2018, we on-boarded virtually every agent from Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty as they closed up shop and the real estate family grew even more! We now have over 40 sales agents and have expanded to West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well. Taylor Made is the #1 vacation rental company at Deep Creek with over 475 vacation rental homes, and over one hundred thousand yearly visitors. Its amazing what we have accomplished using the principles of honesty, teamwork and customer service!
Personally, my wife Jessica and I enjoy traveling and especially spending time in the outdoors, hiking and exploring the many diverse areas that Garrett County is naturally blessed with. We have raised two wonderful children here, Kayleah (22) and Noah (13). In the summer, we love spending time on the water with friends & family and enjoying the lake life! We are both active in our church, our community & local school activities, and we fill our schedule with plenty of volunteer efforts. I currently serve on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. I am proud to say that I was named Deep Creek Time’s Favorite ‘Community Champion’ in 2019. I was also named Garrett County Realtor of the Year in 2018-19, as well.
I really enjoy promoting my hometown. I am very proud of the resort area that has developed over my lifetime and look forward to growing the area even more! Deep Creek Lake has been described as ‘The Lake Tahoe of the east', and I think that speaks volumes about the potential to own property here! Deep Creek Lake isn't really a town or city by itself; it's comprised of three towns: Oakland, Swanton & McHenry, Maryland. I am very passionate about my hometown and am impressed with how many people know about it as we travel around the country. Deep Creek Lake is an amazing place to visit and even better place to live! During the pandemic in 2020, our market exploded and more and more people left their primary residence in the city to live here permanently. With distance learning in schools and tele-commuting becoming the ‘norm’, many more people were drawn to the area to ‘live where they love to play’.
Why You Want Me Working for You: In addition to being an owner, I am consistently one of the top-producing agents in the entire area and the Associate Broker of record for Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. I have 21+ years of experience and I am a problem solver. There aren’t many situations that I have not encountered and I have a strategy for almost every scenario that you may encounter. I
have extensively trained in all areas of real estate & emerging technologies, and also have trained as an appraiser, as well as served as a full-time Broker. I have a strong knowledge of the industry, as well as many trusted local contacts & affiliations that allow me to perform at a very high level and deliver results. I have a great deal of respect for my peers in this industry and have strong working relationships that I would love to put to work for you.
Call me to discuss your situation - I know I can be of great service to you & others you care about!
Honesty. Integrity. Results.
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