The Redevelopment Authority of Washington County has established the USDA Closing Cost Assistance Program to assist first time, low income, homebuyers in attaining their goal of home ownership by providing financial assistance.

The Authority will provide up to $4,500 in closing cost assistance to individuals and families purchasing a single family home in Washington County as defined by HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program regulations through the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development 502 Direct Housing Program.  Eligible closing costs include reasonable fees for attorneys, credit reports, mortgage recording, home and termite inspections, title search, transfer tax, document preparation, notary, settlement/closing and other applicable fees.  Realtor and mortgage brokers fees, property taxes, and insurance premiums are not considered to be closing costs.

Basic Eligibility Requirements:
1.   Applicants must have an annual household income that does not exceed 80% of the Median Family Income for the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which is determined by HUD and adjusted for family size.
                    Family of 1 - $35,000
                    Family of 2 - $40,000
                    Family of 3 - $45,000
                    Family of 4 - $50,000 
                    Family of 5 - $54,000
                    Family of 6 - $58,000
2.   Applicants must have successfully completed a HUD approved homebuyer counseling/training program.
3.   The applicant must be a first time homebuyer as defined by the HOME Program Regulations.

Program Benefits:
*Up to $4,500 in financial assistance for qualified applicants
*Borrowed funds will be secured with a mortgage that is forgiven 20% per year over a 5 year period

Applying:
The Redevelopment Authority does not accept applications for this program.  To apply or get information regarding the USDA's program, Community Action or the USDA must be contacted.

Community Action Southwest:
Irene Keirsbilck
Housing Counselor
724-225-9550 x 431
www.caswg.org

Connie Ferris
Assistant Executive Director of Community Action Southwest
724-225-9550 x 403

USDA, Rural Development:
Mary Ann Campbell
724-482-4800 x 100

Waiting List:
A waiting list will not be maintained for this program.  When funds are available, they will be provided on a first-come first-serve basis to eligible homebuyers that have been referred to the Authority from the USDA.  Homebuyers must meet all of the requirements for the USDA's 502 Home Loan Program.

All eligibility requirements must be met to partake in this program; such requirements include, but are not limited to, those listed above.  Please click below to download the Program Guidelines for a more thorough explanation of the requirements and procedure affiliated with this program.