hey prescott.
See what you qualify for

Pickens County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program

Pickens County Habitat for Humanity · Clemson, South Carolina

Last verified
See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

What is Pickens County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program?

Pickens County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Clemson, South Carolina, administered by Pickens County Habitat for Humanity.

  • Pickens County Habitat for Humanity builds new homes for low-to-moderate income families in Easley, Pickens, Liberty, Central, and Clemson. Homes are sold with a 0% interest mortgage (no down payment), requiring 200 hours of sweat equity labor and financial education. Annual household income must be between 45% and 80% of Pickens County AMI. Applicants must live or work in Pickens County for at least 6 months. Applications are closed as of 2026-06-13 and expected to reopen in January 2026 (per site — confirm before referring clients).
  • 0% interest mortgage (no down payment from borrower).
  • New construction home.
  • 200 hours sweat equity.
  • Financial education included.
  • Homes built in Easley, Pickens, Liberty, Central, Clemson.
  • Funding comes from Habitat for Humanity donations/grants; USDA, FHLB, and other partner funding.

Do you have to pay it back?

Pickens County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is a first mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by Pickens County Habitat for Humanity.

  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Pickens County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Financial education classes on budgeting and first-time home buying (included in sweat equity hours)
  • Residency: Must live or work in Pickens County for at least 6 months prior to application
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-13): pending review. IMPORTANT: Applications are currently CLOSED as of site check 2026-06-13; expected to reopen January 2026 (note: this date may have passed — confirm with PCHFH at (864) 878-6374 before referring clients). Income must be between 45-80% AMI (not below 45%). Sweat equity requirement: 200 hours per household (friends and family can assist). Approval process takes 4-5 months; total time from approval to move-in is 24-30 months.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above 80% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

Pickens County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Annual household income between 45% and 80% AMI for Pickens County. 2024 guidelines in use (2025 not yet posted). Exact dollar amounts provided in information packet from PCHFH.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Pickens County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program can be used for Single Family.

  • New construction is eligible.
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Pickens County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program serves buyers purchasing in Clemson, South Carolina.

How do you apply?

Applications for Pickens County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program go through Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Financial education classes on budgeting and first-time home buying (included in sweat equity hours).

  2. Contact Pickens County Habitat for Humanity to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

90-second match

Not sure which you qualify for?

Answer 9 questions and we'll match you to every program you can actually use — in about 90 seconds. No SSN, no credit pull.

Find my programs