Prosperity Home Mortgage

Our Preferred Lenders

COO, BIC Premiere Group License ID: 30707
Hi guys, my name is Ralph Wetherell, Broker in Charge and COO for AgentOwned Realty Premiere Group in the Charleston area of South Carolina I have been in the real estate industry my whole life. That may sound crazy, but I am a third generation realtor, and grew up with my mom and dad in the business. As early as I can remember, I was carted off to showings and spent time in my parents’ offices. I remember the early days as a youngster, cutting grass and helping my dad fix up investment houses. I think my dad was more excited than I was about me getting my driver’s license, because as soon as I did, he got me a car with a trailer hitch and a trailer so I could haul lawnmowers and construction equipment and really help out. Real Estate is in my blood. I got my real estate license some thirty five years ago and started off listing and selling homes with Coldwell Banker. I have always wanted to be in management and to be a broker in charge. Be careful what you wish for, right, because today I am BIC for five AgentOwned offices in the north area of Charleston. Although I was a top producer for the first few years, I got my broker’s license as soon as I was able and jumped into managing an office after my first three years. Ironically, I have only been with two real estate companies over all these years. The only reason for the company change was that we changed from Coldwell Banker to starting our own brand, AgentOwned Realty, in 1992. I still have the privilege of working with the founders of AgentOwned Realty; the same couple that I started with since my first days in real estate. That’s quite a statement concerning the quality of the individuals I work with. It's that way really with all the management and agents associated with our companies. It is such an awesome group! I have spent many years giving back to the industry that I love so much! Over the years I have actively been engaged in many aspects of both the local, state and national Association of Realtors. I have had the privilege of service in leadership at our local Charleston Association of Realtors, serving as president of our local Association and MLS. I have even been named Realtor of the Year by my local Association. That was quite a story and such an honor! Today, even after all of these years, I am still actively engaged in the day to day operations of my offices. I still am passionate and enthusiastic to come into work each day and engage in the many opportunities and challenges that this business brings forth. I am honored to work with AgentOwned Realty and with some of the greatest agents in our local markets. I am married to the love of my life, Terri, and together we have four grown children and currently two fantastic grandchildren. Having lived in Charleston most of my life, we thoroughly enjoy the lifestyle that Charleston has to offer. We spend as much time as possible boating and jet skiing the local waterways. Perhaps two other quick tidbits that you might find interesting. Some years ago I completed my master’s degree in Christian Leadership and am currently a Lay Pastor, engaged with our local church in Mt. Pleasant. Also back in 2010, I earned my wings as a private pilot. Terri would tell you thank God for the first tidbit because it keeps me safe in the second!

Mortgage Help

Down Payment

The typical rule of thumb is to pay 20 percent of the home's price as your down payment, although some mortgage loans require as little as 3.5 percent down. Your down payment reduces the total amount of your mortgage loan, so the more money you put down, the lower your payments will be - or the more expensive a house you can buy.

Loan Term

Your loan program can affect your interest rate and monthly payments. Choose from 30-year fixed, 15-year fixed, and more in the calculator.

Loan Type

There are several types of mortgage loans, but the most commonly used are fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans. Fixed-rate loans have the same interest rate for the entire duration of the loan. That means your monthly payment will be the same, even for long-term loans, such as 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. Two benefits to this loan type are stability, and being able to calculate your total interest up front. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have interest rates that can change over time. Typically they start out at a lower interest rate than a fixed-rate loan, and hold that rate for a set number of years, before changing interest rates from year to year. For example, if you have a 5/1 ARM, you will have the same interest rate for the first 5 years, and then your interest rate will change from year to year. The main benefit of an adjustable-rate loan is starting off with a lower interest rate.

Interest Rate

This field is pre-filled with the current average mortgage rate. Your actual rate will vary based on factors like credit score and down payment.

Property Tax Rate

The mortgage payment calculator includes estimated property taxes based on the home's value. You can edit this in the advanced options.

Home Insurance

Home insurance or homeowners insurance is typically required by lenders, depending on the loan program. You can edit this number in the mortgage calculator advanced options.

HOA Fees

A homeowners association fee (HOA fee) is an amount of money that must be paid monthly by owners of certain types of residential properties, and HOAs collect these fees to assist with maintaining and improving properties in the association.

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