County Spotlight: RCHAP

RCHAP OFFERS HELP FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS

The Richland County Office of Community Development works to improve residents’ quality of life through multiple means. One example is the Richland County Homeownership Assistance Program (RCHAP), which aims to help first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing costs.

Those who are accepted into the program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), can receive up to $10,000 toward the down payment or closing costs on the purchase of a single-family home.

Through RCHAP, the County hopes to make affordable housing a reality for all residents, even those who have never purchased a home before.

RCHAP helps about 30 homebuyers annually.

To be eligible for the program, applicants (a) must be South Carolina residents, (b) cannot have a contract on a house until after they complete program requirements, and (c) must be qualified as a low- to moderate-income household by HUD. Once their eligibility is established, prospective homeowners must complete an orientation, followed by a series of classes, before applying for RCHAP.

Eligible properties must be built after 1978 and located in unincorporated Richland County. They also must pass inspection and cannot exceed a maximum purchase price.

For more information or to register for RCHAP orientation, visit richlandcountysc.gov.