The City of Goose Creek Employer Assisted Homebuyer Program is open to City employees with at least one year of service, including Goose Creek Police officers. The award steps down with income: up to $15,000 below 80% AMI, $12,500 from 80% to 100% AMI and $7,500 above 100%. It's forgiven 20% a year over 5 years as long as you stay a full-time employee, and it covers purchases only. The home has to be inside Goose Creek city limits. CommunityWorks administers it, so newer hires should mark their one-year service date and line up a lender ahead of it.
What if I don't work for the City of Goose Creek?
Everyone else in Goose Creek relies on state programs, and Berkeley County's limits are generous. A household of 1-2 people can earn up to $141,000 and a household of 3 or more up to $164,500, with a $450,000 price ceiling. Berkeley is a targeted county, so you only need to not own a home when you close. SC Housing's year-round Homebuyer Program pairs a 30-year fixed loan with $10,000 in forgivable DPA, and Palmetto Home Advantage has no first-time buyer rule and a $140,000 statewide income cap.
The 5-year schedule matters when you weigh offers. Goose Creek forgiveness depends on staying a full-time City employee, while SC Housing's $10,000 needs 15 years of occupancy to be fully forgiven. A lender can show both together. Berkeley County School District teachers and Goose Creek Police staff also match Palmetto Heroes roles for the next round. See the Berkeley County guide or the common DPA mistakes guide.
Assistance offered by Goose Creek
City of Goose Creek (Berkeley County)
- Intended for
- City of Goose Creek employees with 1+ year of service (includes Goose Creek Police)
- Assistance
- Up to $15,000 (<80% AMI), $12,500 (80-100% AMI), $7,500 (>100% AMI)
- Form of help
- Forgivable second loan
Home must be inside Goose Creek city limits; forgiven 20% per year over 5 years while employed full-time; purchases only.
Reviewed November 2026 · our standards
Read our full accountAsk whether I qualifyStatewide choices
Buyers in Goose Creek may also turn to 5 statewide programs, Palmetto Heroes among them. You will find each one in the complete South Carolina list, or our program match can sort them for you.
The county guide: Berkeley County
Homebuyer classes near Berkeley County
Nearly every assistance program asks you to complete a homebuyer class before closing. The HUD-approved agencies below, each within reach of Berkeley County, teach that class or offer counseling before purchase.
| Agency | Location | Miles away | Offered | Languages | How it is taught |
|---|
| Origin Sc | North Charleston | 18 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English | Face to Face, Phone, Internet |
| Charleston Trident Urban League, Inc. | Charleston | 28 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English | Face to Face, Phone, Internet |
Taken from HUD’s list of housing counseling agencies. A given program may not accept every class.
Unsure which class will count? A loan officer who offers South Carolina programs can tell you, and can begin your pre-approval at the same time.
Begin my eligibility review
Questions about Goose Creek
Can I buy outside Goose Creek with the City employee program?
No. The home must be inside Goose Creek city limits.
How is the Goose Creek award forgiven?
20% per year over 5 years while you remain a full-time City employee.
What income limit applies to SC Housing programs in Goose Creek?
Berkeley County's limits: $141,000 for 1-2 people and $164,500 for 3 or more.
