Our research standards
How we check each South Carolina program
Every program in this guide is compared with its official source before we describe it. This page explains our method and the meaning of each label you will see.
1. The sources we rely on
We follow 25 programs in South Carolina, drawing on 42 official sources. These include the state housing finance agency’s program pages, rate sheets and income tables, along with the pages kept by the cities, counties and nonprofits that run local programs. Amounts, limits and rules come from those pages alone, never from another directory or a news story. Where two official sources disagree, we note the disagreement on the program’s page rather than choose one figure.
2. How often we look again
Every program carries the month of its latest review. We return to the official pages on a regular schedule and change a program’s standing whenever its money is spent, a new round begins or its terms are revised. A program that has ended is taken off the list. A program that is simply closed for the time being stays on it, clearly marked, so that you know to check back.
3. What our labels mean
| Label | Its meaning |
|---|---|
| Accepting applications | Applications are being taken through participating lenders or the program office. |
| Limited funds | The program relies on a yearly or fixed sum that may be used up. Please confirm money remains before applying. |
| Waiting list | The present funds are committed, and new applicants are placed on a list. |
| Not open at present | No applications are being taken today. Many such programs reopen with their next allotment. |
| Grant, never repaid | Nothing is owed back. |
| Forgivable second loan | The balance is excused over time while you live in the home, and is due if you sell or refinance sooner. |
| Deferred loan, repaid on sale | No monthly payment is due, but the sum is repaid when you sell, refinance or move away. |
| Loan with monthly payments | Repaid month by month, like any installment loan. |
4. What we will not do
We call a program a grant only when its official terms say that nothing is ever repaid. When a program’s amount or terms cannot be confirmed, we give it only a brief entry and wait for the program to publish them. This guide is independent: we are neither a lender nor a government office, and no program pays to appear here.
5. If something looks out of date
Rules change, and we are grateful to readers who tell us. If you notice that a program’s standing or terms have changed, please write to leads@scdownpmtassistance.com and we will look into it promptly.
