Washington County Homebuyer Assistance Program

What Is the Program?

The Washington County Homebuyer Assistance Program is designed to help first-time homebuyers attain their goal of home ownership by providing financial assistance for both the purchase and rehabilitation of eligible housing units. Administered by the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington, the program offers two separate loans to assist qualified applicants in building equity and achieving stable homeownership.

How the Program Works

The program provides financial assistance through two distinct loans that work together to help you purchase and improve your home. The first loan covers down payment assistance, while the second loan allows you to borrow the remaining purchase price plus closing costs. This two-loan structure makes homeownership accessible to those who would otherwise struggle to gather sufficient funds for a traditional down payment.

Income Eligibility Requirements

Your household income must not exceed 80% of the Median Family Income for the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Income limits are adjusted based on family size and are subject to change annually. Here are the 2026 income limits:

Family Size	Maximum Annual Income
Family of 1	$60,100
Family of 2	$68,700
Family of 3	$77,300
Family of 4	$85,850
Family of 5	$92,750
Family of 6	$99,600

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Washington County Homebuyer Assistance Program, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Your annual household income does not exceed 80% of the Median Family Income for the Pittsburgh MSA, adjusted for family size
• You have not owned a housing unit within the past 3 years, unless you are a displaced homemaker
• You can provide a cash payment of at least 3% of the purchase price
• You can obtain mortgage financing from a participating lending institution at the required loan-to-value ratio
• You must have the financial capability to obtain an 80% mortgage if you are a moderate-income applicant, or a 71% loan if you are a low-income applicant
• You must successfully complete the pre-purchase counseling class before participation

Who Qualifies as a First-Time Homebuyer?

The program defines first-time homebuyers as individuals who have not owned a housing unit within the past 3 years. The one exception is for displaced homemakers, who may qualify regardless of previous home ownership. If you fit this definition and meet the income requirements, you may be eligible for assistance.

Down Payment Assistance Details

The program's down payment loan is structured to make homeownership accessible without requiring you to save a large sum upfront. The assistance covers a portion of the required down payment, and the program lender provides a conditional Letter of Eligibility that you can take to any participating lending institution. This letter signals that you have qualified down payment assistance available, which strengthens your mortgage application.

Mortgage Requirements

The mortgage financing requirements differ based on your income classification:

• Moderate-income homebuyers must be able to obtain an 80% loan-to-value mortgage from a participating lender
• Low-income homebuyers must be able to obtain a 71% loan-to-value mortgage from a participating lender

These loan-to-value ratios mean the percentage of the home's purchase price you can borrow. The remaining percentage, combined with the program's down payment assistance, covers the balance.

Home Rehabilitation Assistance

Beyond down payment help, the program also supports the rehabilitation of eligible housing units. If the home you purchase needs repairs or improvements, the program can provide additional assistance for rehabilitation costs. This makes it possible to purchase homes that require updates while still keeping your total out-of-pocket investment manageable.

The Application Process

Getting started with the Washington County Homebuyer Assistance Program involves several steps:

• Contact the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington Home Improvement Department to request a pre-application
• Complete and submit your pre-application
• You will be placed on a waiting list and sent a confirmation letter
• When funding becomes available, a Rehabilitation Specialist will contact you to begin processing your full application
• Complete the required pre-purchase counseling class
• Work with a participating lender to obtain a mortgage commitment
• Receive your conditional Letter of Eligibility from RACW
• Use the letter to finalize your mortgage and close on your home

Important Program Notes

The Washington County program operates on a first-come, first-served basis with funding availability. Once you submit your pre-application, you are placed on a waiting list. When funding becomes available, RACW will contact you to move forward with processing. This may mean a wait period, so it is important to apply early if you think you may be interested in the program.

What the Program Does Not Cover

While the program provides substantial assistance, it does not pay for all homeownership costs. You are still responsible for your mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any maintenance or repairs beyond the rehabilitation assistance provided. It is important to budget for these ongoing costs before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Washington County to apply?

Yes. The program is designed to assist first-time homebuyers purchasing homes in Washington County, Pennsylvania.

What if my income is above the limit?

Unfortunately, exceeding the income limit disqualifies you from participation. Contact RACW to verify your exact income threshold based on family size.

Can I apply if I was married and owned a home with my spouse?

Generally, if you have owned a home within the past 3 years, you do not qualify. The displaced homemaker exception may apply in some cases. Contact RACW to discuss your specific situation.

What happens after I submit my pre-application?

You will receive a letter confirming receipt of your pre-application and your placement on the waiting list. When funding becomes available, RACW will contact you to move forward with processing your application.

Can I use this program if I have poor credit?

The program does not have specific credit score requirements, but you must be able to obtain financing from a participating lender. Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620. The pre-purchase counseling can help you understand and address credit issues.

Are there properties I cannot purchase with this program?

The program is designed for single-family homes. There may be restrictions on purchase price or property type. Consult the program guidelines for specific property requirements.

What is pre-purchase counseling?

Pre-purchase counseling is an educational class that teaches first-time homebuyers about homeownership responsibilities, budgeting, credit, and the mortgage process. Successful completion is required to participate in the program.

Benefits of This Program

The Washington County Homebuyer Assistance Program offers multiple advantages. It removes the barrier of a large upfront down payment by providing financial assistance and matching you with participating lenders. The program also emphasizes education and preparation through mandatory pre-purchase counseling, setting you up for long-term homeownership success. The inclusion of rehabilitation assistance means you can purchase a home needing improvements without additional out-of-pocket costs.

Next Steps

If you are a first-time homebuyer in Washington County with a household income at or below 80% of the area median income, contact RACW today to request the pre-application. The first step is submitting your pre-application and joining the waiting list. When funding becomes available, RACW will help you move through the remaining process toward homeownership.