Real Estate Information Archive

ASHTON GUSTAFSON HAS BEEN AWARDED THE CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST DESIGNATION BY THE COUNCIL OF RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS.

Friday, December 28, 2012

by Ashton Gustafson

Ashton Gustafson, a Wichita Falls realtor has been awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.

Realtors who receive the CRS Designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated

professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Fewer than 32,000 realtors nationwide have

earned the credential. Home buyers and sellers can be assured that CRS Designees subscribe to the strict realtor code of ethics, have access to the latest technology and are specialists in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying and selling a home.

Ashton Gustafson is a Broker/Owner with the Bishop Realtor Group in Wichita Falls. He is a member

of the Wichita Falls Association of Realtors. Ashton also is a board member of Straight Street,

Wichita Falls MPEC, and the Midwestern State University Mustang Club. He authors a daily blog at

www.LTMPblog.com and is the author of the forthcoming book Let the Music Play.

Ashton On The News - First Time Home Buyer

Thursday, March 12, 2009

by Ashton Gustafson

Ashton was on the news yesterday in regards to the first time home buyer stimulus.

Click link for story http://texomashomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=34911

Information Spreading About Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers

Reported by: Mechell Dixon

Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 @06:00pm CST

Many people cannot fathom buying a home in today's economy.
    But, some in the home buying business say now is the perfect time to do so... and it's all thanks to a tax credit the federal government is offering to those who have not owned a principal home in the past three years.

Wayne Pharries / V.P. Mortgage Lending, First National Bank
"This is called a refundable tax credit .... in that... whether you owe taxes or not... you're going to get this money. So, if you didn't owe any taxes at all, you would get the full amount that you qualify for... up to $8,000."

    This tax credit differs from a $7,5000 tax credit offered last year, which actually had to be repaid to the government over a 15 year period.

Mechell Dixon / mechell@kfdx.com:
"There is at least one exception to the no pay back rule. If you sell your house within threes of buying it and taking advantage of that tax credit... then.. the government will expect you to repay them $8,000."

    But, one local realtor says... remaining in a house for three years is well worth the free money you could receive.
    And, he can't wait for word to spread about the new tax law.

Ashton Gustafson / The Bishop Realtor Group:
"Haven't seen it yet catch on. I think it will. I think once people realize, essentially, what this tax credit is, they'll understand at that time it's a great opportunity."

    There is an income limit on the tax rule.
    But, provided you qualify and you have the money for a down payment... you can take advantage of this deal that the government believes is one of the first steps to strengthening the economy.

wichita falls news KFDX ashton gustafson first time home buyer $8000 credit

Save Thousands - Wichita Falls Home Buyers

Thursday, September 25, 2008

by Ashton Gustaphson

Purchasing a home can save you money very quickly. FIRST, you'll save on taxes because the interest on your home mortgage is tax deductible. If you rent, your landlord gets the break.

SECOND, you'll save on interest payments while keeping the great tax advantage.

Image: What Ever Home Buyer Should Know

For example if you are paying $900 per month in rent, you are paying a portion of this towards your landlord's property taxes and mortgage loan interest. Your landlord can write this amount off. You derive absolutely no tax break. When you own a home, you now reduce your taxes for the mortgage interest and for your property taxes. Your interest is always the highest during the early years of your loan, so your overall write-off is largest during these early years.

Paying rent is like throwing your money out the car window each month. You pay it out and never see it again. With home ownership you receive loan interest write-off, and gain money over the years from the increased value of your home. Over a ten year period, on an initial purchase price of $100,000, you could gain over $100,000 in tax advantages and appreciation based on an 8% mortgage interest rate and 5% per year increase in home values.

On both the 15 year and 30 year loans, your interest deduction is highest in the first few years of the loan, so your tax deduction is highest then, too. Remember, if you plan to move or refinance after 5 years, you will maximize your tax deductions. Keep in mind that as you pre-pay part of your loan to reduce the interest expense, you also reduce your tax deduction. How long you plan to keep your current mortgage loan can help determine which type of loan, and which payment strategy, is ideal for you.

Have questions? Give me a call. I am happy to help.

Wichita Falls Real Estate news lenders mortgage times record news

Text "ASHTON" TO 47464 - Wichita Falls

Thursday, September 25, 2008

by Ashton Gustaphson

I have now introduced a new system for buyers to utilize while driving and looking at homes. If you pass a listing that I have in Wichita Falls, you can simply text message "ASHTON" to 47464 with your cellular phone and have the criteria of the home sent to your home as well as photos. This is a great feature and another simple set in the modern approach of buying and selling real estate.