Helping South Carolina’s everyday heroes become homeowners
South Carolina Palmetto Heroes Program
The SC Housing Palmetto Heroes Program helps eligible teachers, first responders, licensed medical professionals, military members, National Guard members, and veterans pursue homeownership with special mortgage financing and down payment assistance.
A smarter path to buying
What the Palmetto Heroes Program Offers
Palmetto Heroes is part of the SC Housing Homebuyer Program. It is designed to recognize South Carolinians who serve their communities by providing access to qualifying mortgage financing and assistance toward eligible upfront homebuying costs.
Eligible borrowers may access a reduced fixed interest rate through a participating SC Housing lending partner.
Down payment assistance may reduce the amount an eligible buyer needs to bring toward qualifying purchase costs.
A knowledgeable South Carolina real estate agent and approved lender can help coordinate the home search, contract, and financing timeline.
Eligible occupations
Who May Qualify for Palmetto Heroes?
Employment, certification, service, income, credit, property, and loan requirements apply. These summaries are a starting point, not an approval decision.
Educators
Full-time teachers with active South Carolina teacher certification may qualify. Eligible positions may include classroom teachers, school librarians, school counselors, school psychologists, and speech-language pathologists.
Law Enforcement Officers
Full-time state or local law enforcement officers meeting applicable South Carolina certification requirements may be eligible.
Correctional Officers
Eligible full-time correctional officers may include qualifying employees of state, county, municipal, juvenile justice, detention, or federal prison agencies.
Firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics
Qualifying full-time firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics may be eligible. Certain volunteer firefighters and contracted emergency medical personnel may also meet program requirements.
Veterans
Eligible veterans generally must meet SC Housing service, discharge, recency, and principal-residence ownership requirements.
Active Duty Military
Members in good standing with an eligible branch of the United States Armed Forces may qualify with the required service documentation.
SC National Guard Members
Members in good standing of the South Carolina Army National Guard or South Carolina Air National Guard may qualify with required documentation.
Licensed Medical Professionals
Qualifying full-time medical professionals must generally work in an eligible medical setting and hold the applicable South Carolina license or certification.
Other Program Requirements
Buyers must satisfy current SC Housing and lender requirements, which may include household income limits, home price limits, credit standards, property eligibility, occupancy rules, loan guidelines, and homebuyer education. Program funds and terms can change.
From questions to closing
How the Homebuying Process Works
Talk With a Local Agent
Discuss your preferred area, price range, timing, and homeownership goals.
Connect With an Approved Lender
A participating lender reviews current eligibility, financing, and assistance options.
Find the Right Home
Tour eligible homes and prepare an offer that fits the financing and program timeline.
Complete the Loan Process
Your lender verifies documentation, reserves available assistance, and guides financing through closing.
Serving Charleston and communities across South Carolina
Could Palmetto Heroes Help You Buy?
Call Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto to connect with a local agent who understands home searches involving SC Housing financing and down payment assistance.
Common questions
Palmetto Heroes Program FAQ
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?
Eligibility rules can vary by borrower and program requirements. A participating SC Housing lender should review your ownership history and current guidelines before you rely on the program.
How much down payment assistance is available?
Assistance amounts, repayment or forgiveness terms, funding, and availability can change. Confirm the current offering directly with SC Housing and an approved participating lender.
Which mortgage types can be used?
The program may offer eligible FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional financing. The best fit depends on borrower qualifications, property eligibility, and current loan guidelines.
Can I use Palmetto Heroes to buy in Charleston or Summerville?
The program is intended for eligible purchases in South Carolina. County-specific income limits, home price limits, property requirements, and available funding may apply.
When should I speak with a lender?
Speak with an approved lender before making financing decisions. SC Housing states that borrowers need a fully executed sales contract before the interest rate can be locked, so early planning with both your lender and real estate agent is important.
