Real Estate Information Archive

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.

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

Good Monday morning to you!

I believe in Real Estate. I believe that it is the fastest way to build wealth and financial stability with the least amount of risk. Naturally, I am a bit biased, but no one has to be a genius to understand the principles of buying, selling, owning, renting, and speculating with Real Estate. At some point, every tenant needs a new place to sleep, work, or recreate - and you the INVESTOR get to play the role as provider for that need. It is really that simple.

In watching the market for some time now, I've seen 5 factors that effect the market: Iventory, Interest Rates, Mortgage Availability, Consumer Confidence, and Unemployment.

Here's a reality check for us all....

Inventory) - We're at an all time high. This means choice.

Interest Rates - We're at an all time low. This means affordability.

Mortgage Availability) - At least 90% of the people that I send to lenders get qualified. If you want a loan, chances are I can get you one.

Consumer Confidence) - We just had the most sales for August in our company history. The consumer is quite confident.

Unemployment) - The entire country wishes things were different, but we've seen "blue skies" here in North Texas.

No matter if its a $20,000 home or a multi-million dollar project, they all count. I would love to help you build wealth for yourself and future generations. Register @ www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com to keep your thumb on the market.

"The truly great tragedy is the destruction of our human resources by our failure to fully utilize our abilities, which means that most men and women go to their graves with their music still in them.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

Make it a great week.

Good Monday morning to you!

Did you know that you have 92,750 reasons to be happy if you missed the 1st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit?

Less than 2 years ago, rates were at 6.5% fixed on a 30 year conventional loan.

Lately, with Wichita Falls local lenders, rates have hit 4.5% and below on a 30 year conventional loan.*

If you took a $200,000 loan out, this change in interest charged would save you $92,750 over the life of the loan, as compared to where rates were not long ago.

This is a HUGE savings and should not be taken lightly. See www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com for every home available at this time in our market. Simply click request a showing, and I'll meet you there at a time that works for you.

And if you want to invest, see www.TexasBankOwned.com.

Best of luck in all you do this week.

"Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value." Albert Einstein

Happy Labor Day to you!

Its hard to believe that September marks two-thirds of the year being behind us. As we finish up the final third, our firm looks to finish strong and re-write the record books in what has been a very volatile time.

If you get a chance, listen to this month's Pod Cast @ www.TalkRealty.com/AshtonGustafson. My focus here is buying NOW. If you are at a place in life where you can invest, now is the time. The more rentals in your portfolio, the more you will succeed in the coming years. Rates have one way they can go....up. And when they go up, the consumer's payments become higher, and the market's demand for rentals becomes very high.

Don't forget our other sites:

www.TexomaHomeValue.com -  Looking to sell?

www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com - The Falls' own buyer's site.

I wish you all the best today - call me if I can do anything for you.

Good Monday morning to you!

As Ranch Round Up moves on to another year, we now welcome the Hotter'n Hell 100 this weekend. If you or someone you know is looking to register, see http://www.hh100.org/.   The Hotter 'N Hell 100 is one of the oldest and largest cycling events in the nation. Fitness oriented riders and bicycle racers will come to Wichita Falls, Texas, from virtually every state and several foreign countries. 

August? Slow? No.

At the Bishop Realtor Group, we seek to break the mold. This month alone, we have sold a property every day. With school starting, vacations ending, and the HEAT, August tends to be one of the slower months. The hard works of our team has not allowed this to be the case, and we look to get over 30 properties in contract this month. If you have interest in selling, click www.TexomaHomeValue.com.

365 Wichita Falls

I have decided to put together a list, one a day for the next year, to give myself and others ideas to get out and see the city as they have not seen it before. We will take 365 Days of things to do, places to see, eating establishments, and events to go to in Wichita Falls. Enjoy and feel free to contact me with any comments or suggestions. Subscribe @ www.365WichitaFalls.com.

And don't forget the AG Referral Program. To see what you and your friends can received for referring your friends and family, see www.DinnerIsOnAshton.com.

Best of luck this week!

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." Ralph Waldo Emerson

365 Things to do in Wichita Falls...

Having been born and raised in Wichita Falls I decided to come back after college to pursue my career in real estate. Now, after being back I have realized that there is still so much to Wichita Falls that I still have not seen.

I have decided to put together a list, one a day for the next year, to give myself and others ideas to get out and see the city as they have not seen it before. Enjoy and feel free to contact me with any comments or suggestions.

To join this movement - see http://www.facebook.com/pages/365-Wichita-Falls/111102282278959

Ashton,

Good Monday morning to you!

Local Market News

Local lenders this last week locked in my clients with 15 year rates @ 3.75% - no points paid. That is unbelievable - remember, www.ImAHappyBuyer.com to see just how GREAT these rates are.
The Prairie

If you have not taken the short drive out to The Prairie Development, please do. 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. See www.ThePrairieWF.com for more information.

Ashton's View

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb.

So true. I find this Proverb very insightful, in regards to Real Estate and Real Estate Investment. Think about it...we have never seen interest rates like we have right now (affordability). Furthermore, there has never been more inventory available for sale (opportunity). You may not be looking to invest today, but I encourage everyone to start thinking about it. One of my goals is to have as many people I know increase their wealth, and understand the beauty of owning income producing properties. How predictable, stable, and profitable do you want your future to be income stream? If you're interested, let's talk about planting a tree soon.

Don't forget www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com.

Make it a great week!

Ashton Gustafson, e-Pro, CDPE
Owner - Bishop Realtor Group
Realtor Magazine Selected- 30 under 30