Our Guide to Buying A House or Real Estate in Charleston, SC

If you’re considering buying a home for the first time, congratulations! It’s one of the most rewarding purchases you’ll ever make and comes with a huge list of benefits. At Dream Finders Homes, we want you to be confident about making the leap into homeownership. When it’s your first time buying a house in South Carolina, you’re bound to have many questions and concerns, but we’re happy to offer our expertise and guidance. We’ve helped many first-time homebuyers find the right home. Let’s dive into some things you should know about moving to Charleston.

Is Charleston, SC Good for First-Time Home Buyers?

Buying a home is a great investment overall, and one of the things you want to look for when searching where to buy is market value. Areas where there’s a steady increase in population mean the value of the houses will go up, translating to a higher return on investment when you decide to sell. Charleston is one of these areas. 

With median home prices around $269,400 across the city, it’s not difficult to find safe, affordable neighborhoods that fit any lifestyle and budget. Residents benefit from South Carolina’s low tax rates—especially if they’re retired. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, Charleston is attractive because of its booming economy. Charleston’s thriving job market offers possibilities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, defense, logistics, life sciences, and technology. With several hundred tech companies in the area, Charleston has earned the nickname “Silicon Harbor”. It is also home to employers like Joint Base Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina, the Boeing Company, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and more. This city also has several Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Grainger. 

Charleston is a fun and exciting place to live. Like any metro area, there are numerous towns in the region to choose from. From quaint villages to vibrant up-and-coming areas, consider the type of home and lifestyle you want as well as your career or commute to work. 

Tips When Purchasing Your First Property

• BUDGET WISELY. Different areas will accommodate different budgets too, so consider your budget. It is easy to feel excited about shopping for your first home and overshoot what you can realistically afford. To avoid maxing out your finances and getting a house that you may struggle to afford long-term, carefully approach your home-buying budget. Seeking help from a trusted lender can help you determine your budget and find programs that fit your financial situation.
• START SAVING. One of the best actions you can take before buying your first home is saving early and often. Most conventional mortgages require a down payment of around 6%, but some mortgage loans only require around 3% of the purchase price. In addition to your down payment, you’ll need to set aside money for closing costs which can run another 3% to 6% of the home’s purchase price. You may also need to put up 1% to 3% earnest money. Earnest money is similar to a deposit. To meet these financial obligations, it is a good idea to begin saving at least two years before you think you’ll purchase your first home. 
• BOOST YOUR CREDIT SCORE. A year or two before you plan to buy your first home, start boosting your credit score. A high credit score can help you gain pre-approval for a mortgage loan and increase your chances of being offered a low interest rate on your mortgage. Start by obtaining a copy of your credit history. Review the information to ensure that all the information is accurate. Address any issues that lower your credit score, such as late payments or high balances. Generally, lenders won’t approve you for a mortgage if your debt-to-income ratio is higher than around 43%, so work toward lowering this number to boost your credit score. 

First-Time Home Buyer Programs in South Carolina 

There are benefits to being a first-time homebuyer, including down payment and closing costs assistance programs. They can include government programs at both the state and local levels, programs offered by non-profit organizations, as well as lender-offered programs. There are also educational resources offered by a variety of organizations including government agencies like HUD, private companies like Fannie Mae, and non-profit organizations.

Several loans may be available to first-time homebuyers with low or no down payments, including FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Each loan comes with its own set of unique applicable qualifications in addition to the requirements of the lender offering them. The minimum down payment a borrower may put down on a home in South Carolina depends on the loan. The down payment can be as low as 0% (USDA and VA loans), 3% (Conventional loans), or 3.5% (FHA loans).

First-time home buyer grants make it easier for eligible people to buy their first homes by helping them pay for the down payment and closing costs. These grants usually come from state and local government programs, non-profit groups, and private organizations. 

The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) works with lenders to offer many programs for first-time homebuyers. Some of these programs include:

• Mortgage Credit Certificate Program (MCC): MCC is a first-time homebuyer tax credit program that offers a tax credit based on the amount of mortgage interest paid. The actual value of the tax credit depends on the homebuyer’s unique tax situation. MCCs may also be combined with other assistance programs.
• Palmetto Home Advantage: This program is available to first-time homebuyers and has no sales price limit. It offers forgivable down payment assistance of 0%, 4%, or 5% of the loan amount. There is no monthly payment requirement, but there are income limits and borrowers must have a credit score of at least 640 to qualify.
• County First Initiative: This is a county-based program that is designed to offer resources to underserved communities in rural areas. It offers up to $8,500 in forgivable down payment assistance to eligible borrowers. There are program requirements including income and price limits.

South Carolina homebuyer assistance programs each have unique eligibility requirements and qualifications. In addition to the ones offered by SC Housing, there are local programs within various cities in South Carolina. 

With the myriad first-time home buyer programs in South Carolina, a loan officer at Jet Homeloans can walk you through your available options, helping to make your new dream home in Charleston a reality.

The Best New Homes in Charleston, SC!

Now that you know a bit more about real estate in Charleston, SC, it’s time to find the right community to call home. As trusted home builders in Charleston, SC, Dream Finders Homes specializes in building the best new homes in distinctive new home communities. You can expect to live in a tight-knit, welcoming community atmosphere with exciting amenities and access to everyday conveniences. Our communities have something for everyone.

The Overlook at Copahee Sound | Awendaw, SC

Nestled among the serene waters of the Copahee Sound neat Mount Pleasant, this exquisite community promises a lifestyle of unparalleled tranquility and charm. You’re just minutes from award-winning shopping and dining at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre and relaxation on the beautiful Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island beaches. For those seeking to live in this idyllic locale, the allure of custom-built homes amidst lush surroundings is irresistible. Homes start at $907,000.

Hampton Woods | Summerville, SC

With an array of homes, including single-family homes and townhomes, Hampton Woods caters to diverse preferences and lifestyles. Set in the heart of Summerville, this charming community blends natural beauty with easy living. Hampton Woods is characterized by lush greenery and well-maintained streets, creating an inviting atmosphere. It is accessible to Summerville’s historic downtown, offering shops, restaurants and schools, plus downtown Charleston is just 30 minutes away! Enjoy low maintenance living and Lowcountry charm. Homes start at $272,121.

High Point at Foxbank | Moncks Corner, SC

High Point at Foxbank in Moncks Corner offers modern living amid natural beauty. Nestled within this vibrant 800-acre master planned community are a swimming pool, a 67-acre lake, 141 acres of preserved wetlands, walking trails, green spaces and a children’s park. Foxbank Plantation Elementary is open within the community, along with a village featuring retail shops and a future grocery store. Located off Highway 52, our homes offer style and functionality, with spacious layouts, modern amenities, or eco-friendly features. Homes start at $330,490.

Oak Bluff | Charleston, SC 

Oak Bluff offers a blend of southern charm, modern amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere. Nestled within the historic city of Charleston, this community provides access to the culture and history of the area, along with the tranquility of suburban living. Oak Bluff is convenient to both Mt. Pleasant and Daniel Island. This beautiful neighborhood features Charleston-style architecture with inviting front porches, via a variety of single-family homes. Homes start at $485,990.

Sweetgrass Station | Summerville, SC

Nestled in the heart of the Lowcountry, Sweetgrass Station offers an enticing blend of Southern charm and modern amenities. Set amidst lush greenery, it offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Enjoy a community pool, playground, ample green spaces, and schools within walking distance. Summerville boasts a vibrant array of shops, eateries, and community events. Downtown Charleston is just 35 minutes away. Discover a plethora of single-family homes & townhomes tailored to your preferences. Homes start at $283,990.

Tidewater at Lakes of Cane Bay | Summerville, SC 

Tidewater at Lakes of Cane Bay offers modern living and Southern charm. Lakes of Cane Bay provides a plethora of outdoor activities, from fishing and kayaking on serene lakes to hiking along scenic trails. There are also community pickle ball courts, a resort-style pool, a dog park, a playground, and greenspaces throughout. From historic charm to parks and nature reserves, there are endless opportunities for recreation, shopping and dining in Summerville. Tidewater invites you to embark on a new chapter. Homes start at $413,990.

Twin Lakes | Johns Island, SC

Twins Lakes on Johns Island is a retreat in the heart of the Lowcountry, with family-friendly living and natural beauty. Featuring a peaceful lifestyle amongst the live oaks, Twins Lakes boasts ample privacy with downtown Charleston just 15 minutes away.  Johns Island offers many amenities and attractions, including excellent schools and a laid-back lifestyle, outdoor recreation and leisure activities. Twins Lake offers single-family and cottage-style homes with double front porches, first-floor owners suite options, gourmet kitchens and open layouts. Homes start at $508,990.

Windsor Crossing | North Charleston, SC

Windsor Crossing in North Charleston offers a suburban lifestyle coupled with access to urban amenities. It has a community dog park, playground, and nature trails throughout. It also offers proximity to downtown Charleston, top employers, nearby shopping, and Coosaw Creek Country Club. North Charleston’s amenities include sprawling parks, top-rated schools and diverse dining options. Windsor Crossing’s homes boast spacious floor plans, upscale finishes, and thoughtful design elements. Whether cozy retreat or spacious haven, they are the perfect canvas for your dreams. Homes start at $329,990.

If you just can’t wait to call one of these communities home, you’ll be happy to know that we have many quick move-in homes available for a faster move-in timeframe.

Connect with Dream Finders Today!