4 Ways to get Started for First Time Home Buyers

Topic: Housing and Goods

When I was just starting out, home ownership seemed like an insurmountable goal, especially when thinking about a down payment and trying to have affordable monthly payments. I had not heard about first-time home buyer programs or resources to help you find an affordable loan or money for a down payment and closing costs.

Today, there are many avenues for help and connecting to them has never been easier. Spend a little time with your research because eligibility requirements vary by program.

  1. SC Housing provides quality, affordable housing opportunities for the citizens of South Carolina, especially those with low-to-moderate incomes. Their programs can help with low, fixed-interest rate loans and down payment assistance as well as the dreaded mortgage insurance. They have lists by county of participating lending partners and of real estate agents who can help.
  2. County First, a program of SC Housing, is a rural initiative designed to help homebuyers in underserved communities with additional resources. Check it out if you live in Abbeville, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Calhoun, Chester, Clarendon, Dillon, Edgefield, Fairfield, Georgetown, Hampton, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, McCormick, Newberry, Orangeburg, Saluda, Union or Williamsburg Counties.
  3. Community Works offers down payment assistance to home buyers across South Carolina, especially those how have been underserved by traditional banks.
  4. Local assistance programs in City of Charleston, Origin SC in Charleston Tri-County, Florence, Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg Counties, Lexington County, Richland County, Rock Hill, and Spartanburg.


Many statewide and local resources can help you get started if you live in South Carolina. Do you research and celebrate any wins along the way!

 

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