Calvert Library, in collaboration with Calvert Concept Charitable Corporation (C4), Calvert County Commission for Women, Calvert NAACP, and other partners, will host a financial empowerment workshop titled “Buying an Affordable Home and Keeping It” on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. The event, held at Calvert Library Prince Frederick and streamed online, aims to guide residents through the complexities of homeownership, a critical topic in Calvert County where median home prices hover around $450,000, per 2025 market data.
The session, sponsored by C4 and Calvert NAACP, features a panel of experts addressing key aspects of purchasing and maintaining a home. Topics include securing low or no-down-payment options, understanding mortgage choices for varying credit levels, evaluating a property’s true value beyond aesthetics, and budgeting for hidden costs like repairs, taxes, and insurance. The discussion will also cover strategies to stay financially stable in a home during economic challenges, a concern for many in Southern Maryland where rising property taxes and maintenance costs can strain budgets.
Homeownership remains the largest financial commitment for most Calvert residents, with ongoing expenses often catching buyers off guard. For example, county property taxes, assessed at 0.937% of a home’s value, add significant annual costs, while unexpected repairs like HVAC replacement can exceed $5,000. The panel will provide practical tools to plan for these, drawing on resources like Maryland’s Homeowner Assistance Fund, which offers relief for struggling homeowners. Experts will also highlight programs for first-time buyers, such as the Maryland Mortgage Program, which provides low-interest loans and down payment assistance.
Calvert Library’s financial empowerment series, launched in 2023, has covered topics like spotting scams, college financial aid, budgeting, and estate planning. Past sessions, available on the library’s YouTube channel under “Financial Empowerment Calvert”, have drawn hundreds of views, reflecting local demand for accessible financial education. The October 4 event continues this mission, aligning with Calvert NAACP’s focus on economic equity and C4’s commitment to community-driven solutions.
The Prince Frederick library, located at 850 Costley Way, serves as a hub for such initiatives, offering free resources like financial literacy databases and cost-saving services that reduce household expenses. For instance, library cardholders can access free streaming, e-books, and Wi-Fi hotspots, saving families hundreds annually. The event’s hybrid format ensures broader reach, with online access details available at calvertlibrary.info.
Calvert County’s housing market, with 92% owner-occupied homes in areas like Chesapeake Beach, remains competitive, per 2025 county data. Yet, affordability challenges persist, especially for young families and first-time buyers facing 6.5% average mortgage rates. The workshop addresses these realities, offering insights into programs like FHA loans, which require as little as 3.5% down, and local grants through the Calvert County Department of Community Resources.
Attendees can engage with experts from banking, real estate, and financial planning, with Q&A sessions to address specific concerns. Registration is encouraged but not required, and virtual participants can join via a link posted on the library’s website. For those unable to attend, the session will be recorded and uploaded to the YouTube channel, joining a growing archive of financial tools tailored for Calvert residents.
This partnership underscores Calvert Library’s role as a community anchor, fostering economic resilience in a county where 38,000 households navigate rising costs. Residents can contact the library at 410-535-0291 or visit calvertlibrary.info for more details on this and future workshops.