Buying a house used to be tough.

Eve Olasov provides you with an easy and transparent process
to transition from renting to owning

Landis provides you with an easy
and transparent process to transition from renting to owning

Landis provides you with an easy and transparent process to transition from renting to owning

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A First Time Buyer Solution.

Contact Eve Olasov

We can help you become a homeowner. Just a few easy steps to follow. Numerous programs are available to help marginal mortgage applicants succeed. It simply takes some time, perseverence, and education.

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Find your dream home

If you would like to review the various first-time buyer assistance programs, schedule a day and time to speak with Eve. 843-345-8267

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Home Ownership is your goal

It's best to have a month to month rental, so once you're ready and able to purchase a home, you aren't locked into a long term lease. Note, mortgage lenders do take into account your current housing budget. The thought is that if you can afford $2,000 per month in rent, then you won't go into payment shock with a $2,200 per month mortgage payment.

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When you're ready, buy your home.

Many first time buyer programs require reduced or low down payments, and some require no down payment. Contact Eve Olasov, Realtor® to learn more 843 345 8267

Become a homeowner.

Learn how adequate credit scores, and a low debt to income ratio are important.

 

Summerville rent to own home


A First Time Buyer Solution.

 

We work with homebuyers who cannot secure a mortgage because of marginal credit or the inability to come up with the full down payment. The goal is to help you qualify for a mortgage in the next 12 to 24 months.

Contact Eve

 


It's all in the details.

 

 

 

home with blue shutters

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First-Time Homebuyer Programs in South Carolina

 

Several statewide, federal, and local programs are available to help first-time homebuyers in South Carolina with down payment and closing costs. Many of these options are offered through the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing).

Statewide SC Housing Programs

SC Housing Homebuyer Program

  • Overview: Offers qualifying first-time homebuyers a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage with optional forgivable down payment assistance (DPA).
  • Financial Assistance: DPA comes as a second mortgage at 0% interest with no monthly payments. The loan is forgiven after you live in the home for the full term (either 10 or 20 years, depending on your income).
  • Eligibility: Must be a first-time homebuyer (or have not owned a home in the last three years) and meet credit, income, and purchase price limits.

Palmetto Home Advantage

  • Overview: Provides forgivable down payment assistance and competitive, fixed-rate loans for first-time and repeat buyers across all 46 counties.
  • Financial Assistance: Offers up to 4% or 5% of the loan amount in DPA, structured as a 10-year forgivable loan with a 0% interest rate.
  • Eligibility: Has a statewide income limit of $127,200 and no purchase price limits.

2025 Palmetto Heroes Program

  • Overview: Provides $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance and low, fixed-rate mortgages for public service workers.
  • Eligibility: Supports teachers, nurses, law enforcement, veterans, active-duty military, and first responders.

Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)

  • Overview: Offers a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 each year for the life of your loan, based on the mortgage interest paid.
  • Benefit: The tax credit reduces your federal tax liability, which can increase your qualifying loan amount.

Federal Programs Available in SC

  • FHA Loans: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these loans have more lenient credit score requirements and a lower down payment of 3.5%.
  • VA Loans: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers loans with no down payment requirement for eligible military service members, veterans, and surviving spouses.
  • USDA Loans: The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides zero-down-payment loans for homes in designated rural areas to low- and moderate-income borrowers.
  • Fannie Mae HomeReady & Freddie Mac Home Possible: Both offer conventional mortgages with down payments as low as 3% and flexible criteria for low-income borrowers.
  • Good Neighbor Next Door: This program, managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), allows police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and teachers to receive a 50% discount on homes in certain "revitalization areas".

Local and County-Specific Programs

  • Richland County Homeownership Assistance: Provides up to $24,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance through a forgivable loan for eligible residents.
  • Charleston Homeownership Initiative: Offers down payment and closing cost assistance of up to $20,000 for income-eligible first-time buyers.
  • Greenville County CommunityWorks DPA: This program offers up to $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance for eligible homebuyers.
  • City of Spartanburg Homebuyer Assistance Program: Qualifying first-time buyers with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income may receive up to $20,000 in assistance.

How to Get Started

  3. Define your first-time buyer status: For most programs, you are a first-time homebuyer if you have not owned a home in the last three years. Some programs offer exceptions for veterans or buyers in specific areas.
  4. Determine your eligibility: Check your credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio to see which programs you qualify for. You can find up-to-date income and home price limits on the SC Housing website.
  5. Complete a homebuyer education course: Many DPA programs require you to complete a homebuyer education course to qualify.
  6. Connect with a lender: Contact a lender approved by SC Housing or a local government agency to formally apply for these programs.

Contact Eve Olasov, Realtor® Get started today in the Charleston SC Tri-county area.

 

Dedicated to helping.

 

Eve Olasov specializes in Landis rent to own homes

Call or text 843 345 8267

Eve Olasov, Realtor®

 

 

 

 

Eve Olasov is a SC Realtor® with Luxury Land & Homes Inc. copyright © 2025 Charlestonhomelistings.com