Charleston Home Moving

Charleston's First-Time Homebuyer Programs, All in One Place

Compare every grant, down payment assistance program, and first-time buyer benefit available in your city - then get matched with a local expert who can make it happen.

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Upcoming Events Near You

Local workshops, seminars, and homebuyer events happening soon.

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Charleston Farmers Market

Charleston

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Location: Marion Square, Charleston SC

The Charleston Farmers Market features local produce, artisan goods, live music, and food vendors in the heart of downtown Charleston.

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First-Time Homebuyer Workshop

North Charleston

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: North Charleston City Hall, 2500 City Hall Ln

Free workshop covering down payment assistance programs, mortgage basics, and the homebuying process in the Charleston area.

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Summerville Flowertown Festival

Summerville

Sunday, April 19, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Location: Downtown Summerville SC

One of South Carolinas biggest spring festivals featuring arts, crafts, food, and live entertainment among blooming azaleas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about buying your first home in Charleston

Down payment assistance (DPA) is money provided by government agencies, nonprofits, or lenders to help homebuyers cover their down payment and sometimes closing costs. It can come as a grant (free money) or a forgivable loan that doesn't have to be repaid if you stay in the home for a set period.
It depends on the loan type. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down, conventional loans can be as low as 3%, and VA and USDA loans require zero down payment. With down payment assistance programs in the Charleston area, many buyers pay little to nothing out of pocket.
Not always. Many programs define "first-time buyer" as someone who hasn't owned a home in the past 3 years. Some programs like VA loans and USDA loans have no first-time buyer requirement at all.
Most down payment assistance programs require a minimum credit score of 620. Some FHA programs accept scores as low as 580. The higher your score, the better your interest rate will be.
It depends on the program. Some programs are grants that never have to be repaid. Others are forgivable loans - meaning if you stay in the home for a certain number of years (typically 5-10), the balance is forgiven. A few programs are deferred loans that are repaid only when you sell or refinance.
Yes, in many cases you can stack programs. For example, you might combine an SC Housing program with an FHA loan and a local city grant. A licensed loan officer can help you identify the best combination for your situation.
The first step is getting pre-qualified with a local mortgage lender who knows the Charleston market and the available assistance programs. Contact Paul Thompson at Paul@venturehomelending.com to get started today - it's free and takes less than 15 minutes.

How It Works

1

Search Your City

Browse programs available where you want to buy.

2

See What You Qualify For

Filter by credit score, income, and buyer status.

3

Connect with a Local Expert

Get matched with Paul, a Charleston-based agent and lender.

First-Time Homebuyer Resources

Guides and tips to help you navigate the Charleston housing market

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Paul Thompson - Real Estate Agent and Mortgage Loan Officer

Your Local Expert

Paul Thompson is a real estate agent with Pluff Mud Realty and mortgage loan officer with American Financial Network, serving the greater Charleston metro. He specializes in helping first-time buyers navigate down payment assistance programs and get into a home with as little out-of-pocket cost as possible.

Mortgage questions: Paul@venturehomelending.com | Real estate questions: Paul@Pluffmudrealty.com | (704) 453-4847

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Tell us about your situation and we'll match you with every program you qualify for in your target city.

Information on this site is for educational purposes and is not legal, tax, or lending advice. Program terms and availability change frequently and may vary by borrower profile. Equal Housing Opportunity.