Can't buy or build a green home? There are small (and affordable) ways you can green up what you buy. When thinking about making your home more green and energy efficient, the first thing that probably pops into your head is solar panels. While solar panels are definitely a part of "greenifying" your home, there are several, less extreme things you should evaluate first. They may not be quite as glamorous as solar panels, but taking care of them first can maximize cost effectiveness.

First-time homebuyers who fall within the low to middle-income bracket may also qualify for financial assistance from the Greenville Housing Fund, a nonprofit organization started in 2007 from a partnership through the United Way, the City of Greenville and the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority.

Experts share tips on determining what you can afford and settling on a rate. Buying a home for the first time can be a daunting process. No, let me rephrase that: buying a home for the first time is definitely a daunting process. Phrases and new terms like mortgage payments, PMI, installment loans, credit scores and origination fees swirl around the minds of those first-time homebuyers. What does it all mean? How can you know if your credit is good enough to buy a house?

Before you buy, you have to decide what you want - right? The house in the Overbrook neighborhood dated back before 1940. If you put furniture right next to the wall, it leaned inward a little, the closets were somewhat small and there was only one bathroom. But for 37-year-old Shannon McKamey, it was exactly what he was looking for. He chose this house for several reasons. He wanted to be within walking distance of downtown Greenville, he liked the size of the house and it was in his price range.