Real Estate Information Archive

The chanted questions seemed rhetorical as the Chico State student body rained down the chants of "Who let the air out?" and "How'd you get here?"  The throng may have been referring to the prank that left four flat tires between two vans which were Midwestern State's transportation to the University Soccer Stadium Saturday morning.  The second-ranked Mustangs, however, had quick and resounding answers for each question.  Junior striker David Freeland scored the first of his three goals just 40 seconds into the match as MSU quickly deflated any Chico State hopes of returning to a Final Four with a convincing 5-0 whipping of the Wildcats in the NCAA Division II national quarterfinals. The Mustangs (19-0-2) are making their second trip to the NCAA Division II Final Four and will face Rollins (Fla.) on Thursday, Dec. 2 on the campus of Bellarmine University in Louisville, Ky.  Catch all the soccer action with live stats or watch the game by going to www.msumustangs.com and follow the link to the NCAA. 

Good Monday morning to you and Happy Thanksgiving!

At the Bishop Realtor Group we are thankful for so much this Thanksgiving week. Because of you, our clients, we have had the best year in our company's history. Thank you for entrusting your business to us and sending us your referrals. May God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving Season.

Affordability

Did you know that there is a $140 difference in monthly payments from where rates were 2 years ago on a $100,000 loan? That's nearly $1500 of savings in a year and over $50,000 in savings over the life of the loan!

These record rates make our current market a wonderful opportunity to look at acquisition and building wealth in Real Estate. If you would like to discuss your options, please call me anytime @ 940.691.7355 or preview the market @ www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com.

Podcast

This month's edition covers the Greater Wichita Falls real estate market activity and then we'll detail the “Top Four Selling Tips” for getting your home sold in a competitive market! See www.TheFallsPodCast.com.

The Prairie Open House and Tour

Come tour The Prairie and one of our areas 1st Green/Renewable Energy homes for two weekends: December 4th-5th & December 11th-12th. For more information on The Prairie available lots, see www.ThePrairieWF.com. And for information on the home available for touring, see http://www.connollyhousetexas.com/.

Make it a great week!

If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness.  It will change your life mightily.  ~Gerald Good

Good Monday morning to you!

Market Snapshot

There are currently 62 residential properties IN-CONTRACT at this time in the Wichita Falls MLS. Only 4 (6%) are listed over $300,000. While many people thought the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit expiration would pull young buyers out of the market, the low interest rates have kept them hanging around...and rightfully so. If one is currently spending $800/month in rent, they can easily afford a mortgage at or near $100,000. Maybe that's why 84% of the current IN-CONTRACTS are under $200,000.

The market as a whole this year has roughly been flat. And judging by what the media reports on other markets and the nation as a whole, we are very fortunate. As the tortoise taught us, "slow and steady (growth) wins every time." For more information on what is available @ this time, see www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com.

Looking To Invest?

Have you ever thought about investing in Real Estate? Many people believe this is a very difficult and risky way to invest one's money. In reality, it may be one of the safest avenues available. As a Certified Investor Agent Specialist, I would be glad to meet with you and discuss your options and opportunities that are available. With interest rates at historical lows, now is the perfect time to enter the market. See www.ImAHappyBuyer.com.

Come View The Prairie

You may have heard about a new project in Archer County called The Prairie that I have been honored to be associated with. The Prairie is a residential green development located  just 10 minutes from Wichita Falls, Texas off of FM 1954 on Decker Road. It consists of 200+ acres with 28 available home sites made up of five to seven acres each.

December 4-5 and 11-12, we will be holding an open house to come and view The Prairie as well as the first finished home in the development. See http://www.connollyhousetexas.com/ for details, directions, and information.

Quote of the Week

"It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it." W. Somerset Maugham

Ashton Gustafson, owner of the Bishop Realtor Group, is proud to bring you the November Real Estate Report for Wichita Falls and North Texas.

This month's edition covers Greater Wichita Falls real estate market activity and then we'll detail the “Top Four Selling Tips” for getting your home sold in a competitive market!

See link below for information.

http://www.talkrealty.com/ashtongustafson - Pod Cast

Good Monday morning to you!

News in The Falls!

You may have heard that Wichita Falls was selected as one of the top 10 most affordable places to live in the U.S. The city was ranked No. 6 by the C2ER-Council for Community and Research in its third quarter ACCRA cost of living index. For more information see, http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2010/oct/28/wf-named-top-10-least-expensive-places-live-us/

Ashton Becomes North Texas' 1st CIAS

Also, I had the privilege this week to attend a class to to receive my CIAS certification. As a Certified Investor Agent Specialist™ (CIAS), I am specifically trained to find, create and close with residential real estate investors. Through comprehensive education and experience, I  have gained the knowledge and tools to streamline the process of real estate investment and help increase returns for investor clients.

Where can I Help Real Estate Investors Navigate?

• Investment Strategies
• Self-directed IRAs
• 1031 Exchange
• Leverage Options
• Key Calculations
• Return-on-Investment
• Capitalization Rate
• Average Returns
• Cash Flow
• And much more!

I am developing a new site at this time for local investors, but remember www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com to preview what is available in the market at this time.

Best of luck this week, and cheer on the Rangers!

“Some men see things as they are and say, ‘Why?’ I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’ George Bernard Shaw

Good Monday morning to you!

If you've read anything about the Real Estate market over the past 3 years, the main buzz was the 1st Time Home Buyer and Repeat Buyer Federal Tax Credits. This $8000 tax credit sent a wave of buyers into all markets...and, rightfully so.

However, in less than 6 months, interest rates have fallen on a 30 year fix from 5.25% to 4.25%. At a loan amount of $200,000, this is over $43,000 in savings over the life of that loan. The last time I checked, $43,000 was greater than $8,000...what a difference a year makes. The chart below puts this into great perspective.

To keep an eye on all of the opportunities that are hitting the market each day, remember to log in @ www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com. This has quickly become the best site for the buyer/investor in North Texas.

If you're thinking about taking advantage of these rates and moving up, see www.TexomaHomeValue.com for a free market analysis of your property.

If I can answer any other questions or serve someone you may know, please let me know.

Make it a great week and GO RANGERS!

"He who says he can, and he who says he can't both are usually correct." Confucius

Good Monday morning to you!

How bout those Rangers!!! Hopefully we can see them come back our way soon from New York and be ahead in the series.

Time to Buy

One of our VALUES is Rapid Response. Unfortunately, I'm not seeing enough people respond rapidly to the opportunity that this market has brought us. With interest rates at historic lows and inventory at an all time high, there is great opportunity.

Everyone is also looking for diversification too...right? Americans have traditionally chosen the stock market for additional income and retirement funds; however, real estate—especially today—can provide cash flow, more stability and better tax incentives than investing in stocks. In fact, when properly managed, leveraged equity in real estate can far outpace stock appreciation over time.

Below you will see that over the past 10 years, the S&P 500 has lost value, while the average home price has appreciated, even when taking into account the recent national housing crisis.

Graph Source: www.CIAS.com

New Listings

For more information, see http://www.texomahomesource.com/Properties.

Useful Websites

www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com - Every home available for sale in MLS.

www.TexomaHomeSource.com - Wondering what your home is worth?

www.ImAHappyBuyer.com - What's up with interest rates?

Best of luck in the week ahead, and please let me know if I can serve you or anyone you know this week.

In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists. Eric Hoffer

Good Monday morning to you!

The famous UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden, once said - "When opportunity arrives its too late to prepare." I heard that quote this week and it has not left my thoughts. We must plan, we must prepare, and only then can we expect to win and find success. Essentially what he was saying is, success and achievement is not an accident.

The reality is opportunity is HERE, and no one knows for how long. We have never seen this much available inventory, and we have never seen interest rates this low. These two facts, truly, make this a great time to participate in the market.

A great place to prepare and watch the market is @ www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com. Here you will get your choice of either weekly or daily updates of new listings and price adjustments.

Did you know that the stock market was flat from 2000 - 2010?

Did you know that the Real Estate market is up 20% from 2000, and that is after the biggest drop in values ever?

Did you know that the difference in a loan of $200,000 from where interest rates were 2 years ago is almost $100,000 in interest paid over the life of that loan?

Opportunity is here, and I want to play a roll in your preparation and ability to capitalize on it.

If I can serve you or anyone you may know, please let me know.

 Pride in The Falls!

Wichita Falls is already reaping benefits thanks to our investment in "Pride in the Falls." Join us for a first-class lunchtime event as we show the progress we’ve made and take an insider’s peek at the next phase of this amazing campaign. We’ll mix and mingle with food and beverage, look at our future, and host a door prize of two American Airlines tickets anywhere American Airlines flies in the continental U.S., Canada or Mexico. Join Us.

"Mix and Mingle"

Good Monday morning.

Well, the Cowboys won...so we should all be on our way to a great week! If Romo and the Boys kept you from getting out yesterday to see an open house, go to www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com. Here you can find every home within your criteria, see virtual tours, view Google Earth images, and create a favorites list.

One of our Values is Rapid Response. The Real Estate business, like every industry, is now changing daily. You want your answers and information faster than ever. With our Internet creations, nearly every question you have has an answer that can be found in mere seconds. The markets will continue to change and we will continue to rapidly respond.

Wondering what's out there? www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com.

What is my home worth? www.TexomaHomeValue.com

Having mortgage problems? www.WichitaFallsShortSale.com

Are there any repos? www.TexasBankOwned.com

Should I buy now? www.ImAHappyBuyer.com

Who is this Ashton guy? www.SeeWhatTheyAreSaying.com

Are you hungry??????? www.DinnerIsOnAshton.com

You were born to win...make it a great week. If I can serve you in any way, please let me know.

"In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." Eric Hoffer