Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make…and it can feel overwhelming. The good news? If you’re a first-time homebuyer in South Carolina, North Carolina, or Florida, there are programs specifically designed to make homeownership more affordable and accessible. At Carolina Mortgage Firm in Fort Mill, SC, we help buyers across all four states navigate these opportunities every day.
What Counts as a First-Time Homebuyer?
You might be surprised: the definition is broader than most people think. In most programs, you qualify as a first-time homebuyer if you haven’t owned a primary residence in the past three years. That means even if you owned a home previously, you could still qualify after a gap in ownership.
South Carolina: SC Housing Programs
SC Housing offers several programs for first-time buyers, including the SC Housing Home Loan Program, which provides competitive fixed interest rates, and the Palmetto Home Advantage program offering down payment assistance of up to 4% of the loan amount. These programs are available to buyers purchasing in all 46 SC counties, including York County where Fort Mill is located.
North Carolina: NC Home Advantage Mortgage
The NC Housing Finance Agency offers the NC Home Advantage Mortgage, which includes down payment assistance of up to 3% of the loan amount. There’s also a $15,000 down payment assistance option for first-time buyers and military veterans purchasing in targeted areas. Combined with competitive interest rates, NC programs are some of the strongest in the Southeast.
Florida: Florida Housing Programs
Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers first-time homebuyer programs including the Florida First loan program (FHA, VA, and USDA-backed), Florida HFA Preferred (for conventional loans), and down payment assistance of up to $10,000 through the Florida Assist Second Mortgage. Florida’s programs work across the entire state and are especially powerful when combined with FHA loans.
Ready to Get Started?
At Carolina Mortgage Firm, we work with buyers at every level — whether you have a 580 credit score or a 750, whether you’re putting 3% down or 20%. Our job is to match you with the right program for your unique situation. Contact us today and let’s figure out what you qualify for. You may be closer to homeownership than you think.