South Carolina Mortgage Rates and Your Path to Owning a Home
South Carolina is one of the most popular locations to live on the East Coast. It’s metropolitan without being overwhelmingly populated, and the natural beauty of the state can’t be beat. From the inviting Atlantic coast to the mountainous Blue Ridge Region, South Carolina has something for everyone.

Although current South Carolina mortgage rates change based on various factors, there are many programs available for SC residents who want to purchase a home. The vast majority of these programs are available through the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SCSHFDA), which offers residents access to loan programs with low mortgage interest rates.

Low SC Mortgage Interest Rates in Conforming Mortgages
South Carolina residents can take advantage of the best SC mortgage interest rates with a conforming mortgage. A conforming mortgage is delivered through conventional lenders and backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, so there are several criteria that participants must meet in order to qualify. However, the benefit to these conforming mortgages is that the interest rates are lower than current SC mortgage rates.

There is a maximum loan amount for conforming loans, which is set on a yearly basis in response to the region's median homes values. Your lender or broker should be able to discuss these limits with you, as well as the qualifications that must be met for approval.

First Time Homebuyers and SC Mortgage Interest Rates
First time homebuyers can benefit from low South Carolina mortgage rates as long as they haven’t owned a home within the last three years. They also must meet specific income and credit guidelines. The first time homebuyers program through the SC State Housing Finance and Development Authority is available in two different categories – Non-Targeted counties and Targeted counties.

Besides these location-based differentiations, the program is also separated into three different categories based on the median income of the applicants. The categories are "above 80 percent of Median Income," "50.01 to 80 percent of Median Income" and "50 percent of Median Income", each with different down payment and mortgage interest rates. Your lender or the SCSHFDA will be able to help you determine into which category you fall.

Current South Carolina Mortgage Interest Rates for Second Mortgages
Second mortgages can be obtained with current SC mortgage interest rates if you need to borrow more money if you are unable to refinance due to a decrease in the value of your home. Second mortgages in South Carolina can be obtained with two different programs.

The first is a variable-rate home equity line of credit (HELOC). A HELOC works like a revolving credit card account. The second option is a fixed-rate home equity line, which functions like a regular debt that is paid off with specific payments each month. Both of these options will let you use the equity in your home and take advantage of current interest rates.