Good Monday morning to you!

This past week brought exciting news with Realtor Magazine selecting me into the 2010 Class of top 30 agents under 30 years of age in the nation. This award belongs to my family, friends, team members, and all of you that have supported me throughout the years. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2010/may/22/gustafson-among-top-30-young-agents-in-nation-27/

http://www.realtor.org/rmonews_and_commentary/30under30/30u30_2010/gustafson

Our market continues to stay positive with  high inventories of homes across the board. Aggressive pricing is leading to quick sales, and buyers are realizing that the interest rates are not going to hang where they are for long. Take a look @ some of these great properties - http://www.texomahomesource.com/Properties.

If we can serve you or anyone you may know this week, please let me know. Make it a great week!

"...all of us are living stories, and those stories teach other people to live stories. And what are stories are about matters, not just for us but for the world." Donald Miller

http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2010/may/22/gustafson-among-top-30-young-agents-in-nation-27/?cid=Facebook

Saturday May 22, 2010 - Story by Lee Anderson

Gustafson among top 30 young agents in nation

Realtor Magazine selects 27-year-old for recognition

• TIMES RECORD NEWS
• Posted May 22, 2010 at 12:01 a.m.

Ashton Gustafson, a real estate agent with the Ann & Denny Bishop Realtor Group, has been selected by Realtor Magazine as one of the top 30 agents in the nation under the age of 30.

Each June, the magazine produces its “30 under 30” issue to recognize young talent. This is the 10th anniversary of the prestigious award.

“This is a huge honor and has been a goal of mine from the day I started in the business,” Gustafson said. “This honor belongs to all of the people that have supported me over the past few years.”

Gustafson and all the others in the class were invited to the magazine’s headquarters to see the operation and pose for the Class of 2010 issue.

Gustafson was the only agent from Texas selected for the award.

In an article in the magazine, Gustafson said he started out working in his grandparents (Ann and Denny Bishop) real estate business here for $10 an hour. He soon earned his real estate license “and hasn’t slept much since,” the article said.

Last year, Gustafson, 27, ranked second out of 300 agents — just behind his grandparents, who are now his partners. He now manages a team of five licensed sales professionals in the family business.

In the magazine article, Gustafson said he and his team closed 237 transactions last year and he personally anticipates closing 100 this year.

He said his long-term goal is to “reach every major market in Texas by 2020 and every state by 2030. In addition to using the web and social media to connect with clients, he also attempts to make 100 calls every day.

For more information, go online to www.realtor.org.

Ashton Gustafson has been named to the 2010 Class of Realtor Magazine's 30 under 30.

Article is below or in the following link: http://www.realtor.org/rmonews_and_commentary/30under30/30u30_2010/gustafson

Stephen "Ashton" Gustafson

Catching Up, Sprinting Ahead

Ashton Gustafson started his "career" working for $10 an hour at his grandparents' real estate business. The next thing he knew he had his license—and he hasn't slept much since. Last year, he ranked second out of 300 agents—just behind his grandparents, who are now his partners. Gustafson manages a team of five licensed sales professionals, who together closed 237 transactions in 2009. He expects to personally close 100 transactions this year, while opening up an office 60 miles down the road. His long-term goal: Reach every major market in Texas by 2020 and every state by 2030. Gustafson is actively involved in strategic planning and governance with his local association. Through his church, he helps at-risk youth get on track.

 A Sale Is a Sale

Whatever the sale price, Gustafson treats each deal the same. "They all count toward our goal," he says. "I'm here to serve, I'm looking to get you the best deal if you're selling or buying."

 Incorporate Old-School Techniques

Although he uses Web and social media to connect with clients, Gustafson says he also tries to makes 100 phone calls and write 20 handwritten notes every day. "I try to communicate with all my clients personally once a month," he says. "It has been such a huge benefit. They may not buy for another 20 years—or ever again—but if real estate comes up in a conversation, I'm probably in their mind."

 Age: 27 | Owner, team leader, e-PRO® |
Bishop Group, REALTORS® | Wichita Falls, Texas
2009 Sales Volume: $11.9 million | Sides: 78 | www.ashtongustafson.com

If you're looking for a photographer to shoot a wedding, family, or YOU, look no further.

New pics should but up and out soon! A BIG Thank you goes out to Kelly Trimble. I knew she could do what I was looking for.

Check out www.KellysPointOfView.com.

http://kellyspointofview.com/blog/2010/05/18/ashton-gustafson-head-shots/

We just put this home on the market. Super condition, everything (refrigerator, washer/dryer, microwave) stays, hardwood floors, fresh paint, recent HVAC, easy to maintain yard, and carport.

Great 1st home for someone or investment in Iowa Park, TX.

511 W Magnolia - Iowa Park, TX

$44,900 - 2 beds - 1 bath - carport

Call us @ 940.691.7355 to set up a time to preview.

Good Monday morning to you!

At the Bishop Realtor Group, we know how important rapid response is. In fact, its part of our Core Values. We have created numerous sites to help guide you through the real estate maze, quickly and efficiently. Should you have any questions on the market, please see the sites below. If the sites cannot answer your questions, let's talk - 940.691.7355.

www.AshtonGustafson.com - Market Information

www.TalkRealty.com/ashtongustafson - Market Podcast Update

www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com - Find any home for sale!

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

www.WichitaFallsShortSale.com - Know someone behind on their loan?

www.TexasBankOwned.com - Find the bank owned properties.

Ashton Makes National Headlines:

Ashton has been selected as this month's Star Power STAR. Less than 250 agents in the country have had this honor. http://www.starpower.com/star-of-the-month/may-2010/ashton-gustafson

Please let us know if we can serve you in any form this week.

Ashton Gustafson

Bishop Realtor Group - Wichita Falls, TX

Ashton Gustafson is one of the youngest Stars in STAR POWER's 20-year history and one-third owner of Bishop Realtor Group in Wichita Falls, Texas. In 2010, Ashton has accelerated Bishop Realtor Group's market share to an unprecedented 30 percent. A fourth-generation real estate professional, he follows in the path of grandparents and STAR POWER Stars Denny and Ann Bishop.

Ashton describes himself as having a "sick" work ethic and drives himself to succeed by dreaming big. He credits his meteoric rise to success to his innovative use of technology, dynamic systems, and old-fashioned hard work. He is able to focus his talent through a set of core principles that keep the client at the center of all transactions.

Ashton writes up to 20 personal cards a day to his network, in addition to making guest appearances on local radio shows and maintaining a large Internet presence. Find out how one of the industry's brightest young Stars is launching his business into the future.

See link below.

https://www.starpower.com/star-of-the-month/may-2010/ashton-gustafson

Good Monday morning to you!

Its hard to believe we are already 1/3 of the way through 2010. I mentioned last week that our inventory of great homes is a good as its ever been. www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com . If anyone you may know is in the market place, please forward them this email.

Market Statistics: Average Days on Market for SOLDS

$350,000 and up........408 days

$250,000 - $350,000........92 days

$200,000 - $250,000........81 days

$150,000 - $200,000..........117 days

$100,000 - $150,000..........72 days

These are very interesting figures. The Sheppard Air Force Base market has been very active from $225,000 - $275,000, and numerous first time home buyers took advantage of the credit from $100,000 - $150,000...therefore, we can see why these two parameters shared the lowest days on market. For more information on this, please let me know.

Hope all is well, and make it a great week.

"Wisdom is supreme; therefore make a full effort to get wisdom. Esteem her and she will exalt you; embrace her and she will honor you." Proverbs 4:7-8

Good Monday morning to you!

We're now into the final days of the 1st Time Home Buyer and repeat buyer Federal Tax Credit. 1st Time Buyers qualify for up to and $8000.00 and repeat buyers can qualify for up to $6500.00 Tax Credit. For more information on this, please call us @ 940.691.7355

Remember our sites:
www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com - For Buyers
www.TexomaHomeValue.com - Looking to sell?
www.TalkRealty.com/AshtonGustafson - Market update

I have never seen a better inventory of GREAT properties on the market. www.TexomaHomeSource.com

Make it a great week!

"Success demands singleness of purpose. " Vince Lombardi

What's happening in the housing market? What's being done about it? Learn about the government's new HAFA program, providing foreclosure avoidance options including short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure. Here's the big picture, clearly explained. For more information see www.WichitaFallsShortSale.com .