Real Estate Information

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

Local Agent Receives Training to Effectively Counsel Real Estate Investors, Provide Wealth-Building Strategies
 
Austin, TX– (10-30-10) – Ashton Gustafson of the Bishop Realtor group in Wichita Falls has earned the prestigious Certified Investor Agent Specialist™ (CIAS) Designation, having completed extensive training to understand the different real estate investor types, and the investment opportunities, financing options and calculations needed to provide solutions for each.
 
The five real estate investor types include: First-Time Investors, Move-Up Investors, Portfolio Investors, Performance Investors, and Rehab and Resell Investors. “For decades, investing in real estate has proven to be a consistent and stable way for individuals to build wealth,” Gustafson said. “Real estate investment supports a number of industries, including construction, retail and professional services, and is a strong way to energize and increase investment in our local economy.”
 
Over the past 12 months, investment and second-home properties comprised more than $300 billion in sales, representing approximately 19 percent of all residential real estate transactions. In addition, in market conditions affected by mortgage industry challenges, 48 percent of investors made all-cash purchases.
 
“As markets face the challenges of distressed properties and a difficult economy, real estate investors have the opportunity to find productive deals while helping communities stabilize,” Gustafson said. “Investors provide much needed liquidity to the market, decrease vacancy rates, improve neighborhoods, and present solutions for homeowners who need to sell.”
 
With the CIAS Designation training, Gustafson will help Wichita Falls-area residents build wealth through real estate investment, and homeowners facing foreclosure find potential buyers for their properties. Today, millions of homeowners are either delinquent on their mortgages or in the foreclosure process. One potential solution for homeowners in this situation is a short sale, in which the lien holder accepts a sale price of the home that is less than the mortgage amount owed. Increasingly, real estate investors are facilitating this solution.
 
“When it comes to properties that actually end up in foreclosure,” Gustafson added, “up to 30 percent of them can’t close conventionally. Investors are often the only ones who can buy them.” The Distressed Property Institute provides live and online CIAS Courses to train real estate professionals how to address the needs of all real estate investors.
 
For more information about the CIAS Designation, visit www.cias.com.

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

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.