HERMITAGE, Pa. - The City of Hermitage has announced an assistance program for first-time homebuyers in the city.

The program will be launched on Monday, September 16 and applications will be available at the Hermitage Municipal Building and the city's website.

Applicants must complete the application, provide a fully executed sales agreement and meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered for the program:

- Applicants must not have owned a principal residence in the City of Hermitage within the last three years (couples are eligible if either individual meets the requirement)

- Applicants must be an individual and not a corporate or other form of entity

- Applicants must purchase a single family home (condos and townhouses separated by a ground-to-roof wall are eligible) as their personal primary residence and not a rental or investment property

- Applicants must purchase the home in a bona fide arms length transaction on which Realty Transfer Tax is assessed

Completed applications with a signed sales agreement must be dropped off at the Hermitage Municipal Building by the applicant or agent during regular business hours. Business hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Assistance comes in the form of a $5,000 grant payable to the closing/settlement agent for disbursement. No lien will be placed on the property. The transaction must be closed within 60 days of the application with an extension available in limited circumstances.

The program has been established as a pilot program and will close once 15 applications have been accepted. The pilot program was adopted by City Commissioners following its development by the Hermitage Community and Economic Development Commission.