$8,000 tax credit as a down payment

There has been a lot of questions from realtors asking if a first time homebuyer can use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment. That program has only been approved for a few other states. Here is the response I received from our Regional Emerging Markets Director who handles low to moderate income programs:

Our participation is based on the South Carolina State Housing Agency participating in the program. Currently, they have indicated that they will NOT participate. We are only allowing the participation if the local state bond agencies will monetize the tax credit. It's up to SC Housing to change their minds regarding participation.