SUGAR LAND, Texas – Sugar Land said Wednesday that its City Council recently approved a program to help people update their homes.
Called Great Homes, the city described the program as a “residential reinvestment initiative that empowers Sugar Land homeowners to invest in their community by preserving, protecting and enhancing their neighborhoods.”
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How is this being funded?
The city said Great Homes is a “one-year pilot program funded with existing one-time sales tax capacity available in the general fund and will be re-evaluated in 2024.”
What does the program do?
Sugar Land said Great Homes basically has two programs within it: the Great Homes Update program and the Great Homes Design program.
Here’s the description of each program:
The Great Homes Update Program: “A reimbursement incentive encouraging rehabilitation and refurbishments of the exterior of single-family houses. Through the Update program, homeowners may be eligible for a reimbursement of up to $10,000 for a portion of their exterior home improvement costs.”
Here’s more from the program’s brochure: “An incentive of up to $10,000 is available through the program and will be provided on a reimbursement basis following approval and completion of a project. Projects started prior to program acceptance will not be reimbursed. Program participants can receive up to 10% of the cost of their exterior home renovation project if approved through the program. Additionally, if a property is constructed prior to 1995 and has an appraised market value less than $370,000 from the Fort Bend County Appraisal District, applicants with those properties can receive up to 25% of the cost of their exterior home renovation project.
What are eligible projects? Exterior painting; Addition of new exterior siding, soffit, or trim; Replacement of exterior siding; Window replacement; Garage door replacement; Replacement or expansion of driveway and/or front path; Fence replacement; Addition, expansion, or replacement of front porch/patio; Installation of exterior accent lighting features; Roof replacement projects*; and Landscaping projects* (*Restrictions apply)”
See the brochure for more information.
Sugar Land said the Great Homes Update process will happen like this:
1. Apply with a Project
2. Get Approved; Sign an Agreement; Start Project
3. Submit Reimbursement Docs, Get Reimbursed
The Great Homes Design program: “Provides Sugar Land homeowners and homeowners associations with a creative, re-envisioned exterior home design at a cost exclusive to Sugar Land residents. Under the Design program, a $500 rebate may be available for homeowners who substantially implement at least one qualifying exterior improvement on their home within six months of receiving a design through the program.”
Here’s more from the program’s brochure: “An exterior home design from Great Homes can give homeowners guidance and creative direction on how they can drastically improve their home through simple, cosmetic upgrades. Modern, aesthetic renovations can bring a lot of value to your home and be visually transformative. Program participants will receive a discounted exterior design service as well as a clickable shopping list to implement your new home design. A rebate is also available for participants who substantially implement their home design.”
Who is eligible?
Eligibility requirements for both programs must be met to qualify for program participation and reimbursement.
According to published materials about the program, “All single-family residences located within the Sugar Land city limits are eligible for participation in the program. Any occupancy and ownership qualify (the property may be owner-occupied, tenant-occupied, or vacant). Property taxes must be current, and the property must be covered by a valid and current homeowner’s insurance policy. Townhomes, multi-family buildings, and condominiums are not eligible, and participation in the programs requires a completed application that the City must approve.”
Here’s the program’s brochure.
When can I apply?
Applications for the programs will be available starting Feb. 15 at SugarLandEcoDev.com/Great-Homes.
What authorities are saying about it
“This is an incredible opportunity for residents who own single-family homes to update their homes and invest in the community they already call home,” Jonathan Soriano, Sugar Land community development program strategist, said. “Investing in older homes and neighborhoods is vital to pushing Sugar Land to the next stage of its success and provides the chance for residents to finally do those home improvements they’ve been putting off.”
More than 70 percent of single-family homes in Sugar Land were built before 2000, according to the city.
The Sugar Land blog, Sugar Scoop said of the program, “(It’s) is an integral step in ensuring Sugar Land keeps pace with new housing options within the region. All single-family homeowners with properties within the Sugar Land city limits are potentially eligible and encouraged to participate in the program.”
This initiative is just one example of Sugar Land’s commitment to trailblazing and evolving our community to build a life for our residents that is better than they can even imagine.