South Carolina Mortgage Loans, Compare 20+ Top Lenders, One Quote

Less than most South Carolina buyers think. Conventional loans start at 3% down for first-time buyers (5% for repeat buyers). FHA requires just 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score. VA loans require $0 down for eligible veterans. On a $700,000 South Carolina home, that means as little as $21,000 down for conventional or $24,500 for FHA.

It depends on the loan program. FHA loans go down to 580 FICO (and even 500-579 with 10% down). VA loans technically have no minimum credit score, though most lenders look for 580+. Conventional loans typically require 620+. NON-QM programs accept scores as low as 580. We work with borrowers across the full credit spectrum and will tell you exactly which programs you qualify for after a soft credit check.

For most South Carolina counties, the 2026 baseline conforming loan limit is $832,750. In high-cost counties like Los Angeles, Orange, San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Santa Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa, the ceiling rises to $1,249,125. FHA loan limits in those same high-cost counties also reach $1,249,125. Loan amounts above those ceilings are considered jumbo loans and have different qualification rules.

Typical South Carolina purchase loans close in 21 days from full application for qualified borrowers. Refinances usually run 18-30 days. The biggest variables are appraisal turnaround (South Carolina appraisers are in heavy demand) and how quickly you return underwriter document requests. Our average closing time across all South Carolina loan types last year was 24 days.

A bank offers only its own loan products at retail rates. As a wholesale mortgage broker, OnPoint shops your loan across 20+ wholesale lenders, including the same lenders many banks use, but priced for brokers (wholesale rate, not retail markup). For most borrowers, this means a lower rate, more program options, and faster approval. South Carolina mortgage brokers are licensed by the SC Department of Consumer Affairs under the South Carolina Mortgage Lending Act.

Yes. Standard conforming and FHA loans accept self-employed borrowers with two years of tax returns. For business owners whose tax returns don't reflect their real income, we offer NON-QM programs: bank-statement loans (12-24 months of business bank statements instead of tax returns), asset-depletion loans (qualify on liquid assets), and Profit & Loss loans. These are widely used by South Carolina small-business owners and 1099 contractors.

No origination fee on most loan programs, and no junk fees ever. You'll see every line item on your Loan Estimate within 3 business days of application, per the federal TRID disclosure rules. Compare ours line-by-line against any bank or retail lender quote.

Standard documentation includes: two most recent pay stubs, W-2s from the last two years (or 1099s / tax returns if self-employed), two months of bank statements for all accounts used in qualifying, government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card. For VA loans, also a DD-214. For purchase loans, your fully executed purchase contract. Your loan officer sends a personalized needs list within 24 hours of your application, and most files require fewer documents than this complete list.