The Housing Development Corporation of Rock Hill (HDC) offers a First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Program to help local residents achieve the dream of homeownership. The program provides education, one-on-one counseling, and up to $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible participants.

 

What the Program Offers:

• Home Buyer Education

  • Participants complete a certified First-Time Home Buyer class that covers:

    • Budgeting and preparing for homeownership

    • Mortgage loans and the buying process

    • Real estate transactions

    • Down payment assistance programs

    • Classes are offered both in-person and online and are required to qualify for assistance​​

• One-on-One Counseling

  • Each participant receives personalized guidance from a housing counselor, including:

  • Credit and budget counseling

  • Home purchase planning

  • Lender and Realtor referrals

• Financial Assistance

  • Eligible applicants may receive up to $5,000 in assistance toward down payment and closing costs.

  • Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis

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Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the program, applicants must:

• Be a first-time home buyer (no ownership in the past 3 years)

• Complete the HDC First-Time Home Buyer Class

• Purchase a home within Rock Hill city limits

• Use the home as a primary residence

• Have a credit score of 620 or higher

• Have a debt-to-income ratio below 57%

• Have reserves equal to at least 1.5% of the home price

• Have household income below 80% AMI 

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Eligible Property Types

• Newly constructed or existing homes

• Condominiums and townhomes

• Modular homes on a permanent foundation

All properties must be located within the City of Rock Hill and serve as the buyer’s primary residence.

 

How to Get Started

• Register for a Home Buyer Class​​​

• Attend and Complete the Class

  • Classes are offered both virtually and in person.

• Meet with a Housing Counselor

  • Complete one-on-one counseling to review credit, budget, and next steps.

• Apply for Assistance

  • After completing the education and counseling requirements, submit an application for financial assistance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
    Yes. The program is specifically designed for individuals and families purchasing their first home.

Is the $5,000 assistance guaranteed?
   Assistance is based on eligibility and available funding at the time of application.

Does the home have to be in Rock Hill?
   Yes. Homes purchased outside Rock Hill city limits do not qualify.