helped 170 teachers across South Carolina

A new state program has helped 170 teachers across South Carolina own their first home.

The Palmetto Hero Program was part of the Education Department's efforts to attract and keep high-quality teachers. Schools Superintendent Jim Rex says buying a first home is particularly hard for teachers with low salaries.

Teachers who were first-time home buyers qualified for an interest rate of 5.875 percent and down payment assistance up to $7,000.

The average loan was around $117,000.

The program was a collaboration of the state Education and Housing Authority departments.

The agencies obligated $20 million in loans in what they hope is the first of many phases.