Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 121-129 of 129

Today's Mortgage Rates

by Ashton Gustafson

GOVERNMENT  LOAN PRODUCTS

 

FHA/VA 

5.375% 0.00 +0.00     30 YR 

5.000% 0.00 +0.00     15 YR 

                    

Your browser may not support display of this image.Your browser may not support display of this image.

CONVENTIONAL LOAN PRODUCTS

(All Conventional Quotes assume a min. credit score of 740) 

FIXED RATE  ($50,000 MIN – $417,000 MAX) 

5.000% 0.00 + 0.00     30/20 YR 

4.625% 0.00 + 0.00     15/10 YR

Your browser may not support display of this image.Your browser may not support display of this image.CASH-OUT REFINANCE LOANS

 
 

5.000% 0.00 + 0.00     30 YR 

4.625% 0.00 + 0.00     15 YR 

(Over 70% LTV add .50 Discount Point) 

                                    (Minimum Credit Score 740) 

INFORMATION PROVIDED TO REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS & IS NOT

AN ADVERTISEMENT TO EXTEND CREDIT UNDER REG Z

RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE 

Your browser may not support display of this image.

Your browser may not support display of this image.

 

 

RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

Rates posted are based on owner occupied properties – 30 day quote

http://www.anbhomeloan.com

(MORTGAGE RATES POSTED DAILY)

What is a Home Warranty?

by Ashton Gustafson

http://www.ahswarranty.com/homeowners/homewarranty101/homewarranty101.html

What is a home warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of many of the most frequently occurring breakdowns of home system components and appliances.

Return to top

Why do I need a home warranty?

Your home is most likely one of your biggest investments. Unexpected repair or replacement costs can easily strain your budget. Plus, finding an approved and insured contractor to solve your problem can be stressful and inconvenient. A home warranty cannot prevent systems or appliances from breaking down, but it can help make covered repairs or replacement easier and less costly.

Return to top

How does a home warranty work?

When a covered item breaks down, request service by calling 1-800-776-4663 to speak with a highly-trained AHS customer service representative or visit us online at www.ahsservice.com. We’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to accept your service request. After your service request is received, one of our approved and insured contractors will contact you to schedule a time to diagnose your problem. A low Trade Service Call Fee, per trade, is due when the contractor arrives to diagnose the problem. Once repair or replacement is complete, and as long as we have your proper email address on file, AHS will send you a follow-up customer satisfaction survey regarding the service preformed.

Return to top

Why should I choose American Home Shield?

We lead the home warranty industry with over 35 years of experience caring for our customers, and today have over 1.3 million home warranties in force nationwide. AHS is committed to and solely focused on providing relief from home repair hassles, and continues to deliver innovative home warranty products to our customers.

Return to top

Your home is likely one of your largest investments – don’t trust the covered repairs or replacements to just anyone. Our network of over 11,000 approved and insured contractors are monitored and graded by our customers to help ensure satisfaction. Make the right choice in case things go wrong.

Return to top

Is everything in my home covered by the AHS Home Warranty?

No. While not everything is covered, we do offer coverage for many of the most frequently occurring breakdowns of home system components and appliances. Please review sample contract for specific covered items, terms and conditions, limitations and exclusions.

Return to top

How many times can I use my AHS Home Warranty?

Unlimited during your contract term. Currently, we have over 1.3 million active warranties in place nationwide, and on average, over 2 service requests are made by our customers each year. In 2007, that resulted in over $304 million spent nationwide to take care of our customers by repairing or replacing covered items.

Return to top

What if I have an appliance that just can’t be fixed?

If AHS determines your covered system component or appliance can’t be repaired by a service contractor, it will be replaced.*

Return to top

What out-of-pocket expenses will I have?

For each service request, you will pay a Trade Service Call Fee to each contractor of a different trade (plumber, electrician, etc.) who visits your home to diagnose a problem or perform service. There may be additional costs associated with the repair or replacement of covered items. Details will be included in your contract.

Return to top

How do I know my service contractor is qualified?

Our comprehensive network of approved and insured contractors are consistently monitored and graded on their performance through our customer satisfaction survey program.

Return to top

Is the AHS Home Warranty renewable?

Yes, warranty holders may renew their AHS coverage (at the option of AHS). We will notify the homeowner in advance of the expiration date, and will offer a variety of convenient payment plans.

Return to top

I'm in the market for a home. What's the benefit of buying a home protected by an AHS Home Warranty?

An AHS Home Warranty helps provide confidence during and after a home purchase. An unexpected, covered breakdown can be devastating to your budget. Enjoy your home without the hassles of covered breakdowns.

When a covered system component or appliance breaks down, call one number or go online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to request service. There's no need to get back in touch with the real estate agent or track down the previous owner.

Return to top

I'm selling my home. Why would I want an AHS Home Warranty?

An AHS Home Warranty helps give buyers additional confidence in the real estate transaction—they’ll know that AHS stands behind the covered systems or appliances in the house. An added benefit is that we can also protect your home while it’s on the market which can help you avoid investing more money into a home you’re trying to sell.

Return to top

My home systems and appliances are old. Does that matter to AHS?

No. The age of a home or its system components and appliances are not important to AHS. The covered items must be in good working condition and properly maintained at the time coverage is purchased.*

Return to top

Does AHS need to inspect my home systems and appliances before I purchase?

No. A home inspection is not necessary to order an AHS Home Warranty.*

Return to top

What is a Trade Service Call Fee?

Since it may require more than one contractor or several unrelated trips to the house by the same contractor, (one to fix the pipe, another to fix the dishwasher) there is a fee due for each trade a service call covers. It's perfectly alright to report more than one breakdown at a time. Additional fees may apply if the repairs fall into different categories.*

Return to top

Is there a limit to the number of repairs AHS covers?

No. American Home Shield allows an unlimited number of covered repairs.

Return to top

* Not all home systems and appliances are covered. To receive a copy of the contract that details specific coverages, exclusions, and limitations, please call 1-866-634-1442. Coverage includes single-family homes under 5,000 square feet. The trade service call fee applies to the initial visit by a technician for each covered trade. Additional charges may apply to some repairs and replacements. AHS may provide cash back in lieu of repair or replacements in the amount of AHS's actual cost to repair or replace that item, which at times may be less than retail pricing. Systems and appliances 1) will be replaced with units that have comparable features, not necessarily the same dimension, color and/or brand; 2) must be in good working condition on the effective date of contract; 3) designated by the manufacturer as commercial are not covered. Improper maintenance of any covered system or appliance may result in denial of coverage for lack of maintenance. Offer valid for new AHS customers only. Not valid in conjunction with real estate transactions or current AHS contract renewals. Cancellation after the review period is subject to administrative fees and service costs incurred prior to the cancellation date. Refer to contract for state specific cancellation provisions. Void where prohibited by law.

Wichita Falls MLS - AUTOMATED LISTINGS

by Ashton Gustafson

Fast. Easy. Automatic. FREE!

www.TexomaListings.com is a FREE service to help area home buyers find their dream home. Your first email will list all homes currently for sale that meet your search criteria. Then each morning you will be emailed a list of all of the new homes for sale and price changes since your previous search. No more having to rely on manual searches. Fill out the form below and start your auto-email home search today! It's just that easy!

A Daily Email List Of New Homes For Sale As They Hit The Market!

www.TexomaListings.com

Because You Have Better Things To Do!

What is PMI?

by Ashton Gustafson

What Is PMI?

PMI is extra insurance that lenders require from most homebuyers who obtain loans that are more than 80 percent of their new home's value. In other words, buyers with less than a 20 percent down payment are normally required to pay PMI.

Benefits of PMI

PMI plays an important role in the mortgage industry by protecting a lender against loss if a borrower defaults on a loan and by enabling borrowers with less cash to have greater access to homeownership. With this type of insurance, it is possible for you to buy a home with as little as a 3 percent to 5 percent down payment. This means that you can buy a home sooner without waiting years to accumulate a large down payment.

New PMI Requirements

A new federal law, The Homeowner's Protection Act (HPA) of 1998, requires lenders or servicers to provide certain disclosures concerning PMI for loans secured by the consumer's primary residence obtained on or after July 29, 1999. The HPA also contains disclosure provisions for mortgage loans that closed before July 29, 1999. In addition, the HPA includes provisions for borrower-requested cancellation and automatic termination of PMI.

Why a Change in PMI Requirements?

In the past, most lenders honored consumers' requests to drop PMI coverage if their loan balance was paid down to 80 percent of the property value and they had a good payment history. However, consumers were responsible for requesting cancellation and many consumers were not aware of this possibility. Consumers had to keep track of their loan balance to know if they had enough equity and they had to request that the lender discontinue requiring PMI coverage. In many cases, people failed to make this request even after they became eligible, and they paid unnecessary premiums ranging from $250 to $1,200 per year for several years. With the new law, both consumers and lenders share responsibility for how long PMI coverage is required.

The Homeowner's Protection Act (HPA) of 1998

What Loans Are Covered?

Generally, the HPA applies to residential mortgage transactions obtained on or after July 29, 1999, but it also has requirements for loans obtained before that date. This new law does not cover VA and FHA government-guaranteed loans. In addition, the new law has different requirements for loans classified as "high-risk." Although the HPA does not provide the standards for what constitutes a "high risk" loan, it permits Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to issue guidance for mortgages that conform to secondary market loan limits. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are corporations chartered by Congress to create a continuous flow of funds to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership. As of January 1, 2000, mortgages in amounts of $252,700 or less are considered conforming loans. For non-conforming mortgages, the lender may designate mortgage loans as "high risk."

What Is a Residential Mortgage Transaction?

There are four requirements for a transaction to be considered a residential mortgage transaction: (1) a mortgage or deed of trust must be created or retained; (2) the property securing the loan must be a single-family dwelling; (3) the single-family dwelling must be the primary residence of the borrower; and (4) the purpose of the transaction must be to finance the acquisition, initial construction, or refinancing of that dwelling.

How Do You Cancel or Terminate PMI?

Cancellation

Under HPA, you have the right to request cancellation of PMI when you pay down your mortgage to the point that it equals 80 percent of the original purchase price or appraised value of your home at the time the loan was obtained, whichever is less. You also need a good payment history, meaning that you have not been 30 days late with your mortgage payment within a year of your request, or 60 days late within two years. Your lender may require evidence that the value of the property has not declined below its original value and that the property does not have a second mortgage, such as a home equity loan.

Automatic Termination

Under HPA, mortgage lenders or servicers must automatically cancel PMI coverage on most loans, once you pay down your mortgage to 78 percent of the value if you are current on your loan. If the loan is delinquent on the date of automatic termination, the lender must terminate the coverage as soon thereafter as the loan becomes current. Lenders must terminate the coverage within 30 days of cancellation or the automatic termination date, and are not permitted to require PMI premiums after this date. Any unearned premiums must be returned to you within 45 days of the cancellation or termination date.

For high risk loans, mortgage lenders or servicers are required to automatically cancel PMI coverage once the mortgage is paid down to 77 percent of the original value of the property, provided you are current on your loan.

Final Termination

Under HPA, if PMI has not been canceled or otherwise terminated, coverage must be removed when the loan reaches the midpoint of the amortization period. On a 30-year loan with 360 monthly payments, for example, the chronological midpoint would occur after 180 payments. This provision also requires that the borrower must be current on the payments required by the terms of the mortgage. Final termination must occur within 30 days of this date.

Looking to Sell Your Wichita Falls Home?

by Ashton Gustafson

If at any time you would like an updated accurate look at your homes current market value, please contact me for a no obligation visit to your home.  With a half an hour visit, I can give you a very close look at the current Real Estate market in our area and an accurate look at your homes current market value.

A CMA contains the following:

Active Listings:  This gives you the number of homes that are on the market in your neighborhood that fit into the same age, size and price range that your home should be in.  Your home needs to be priced in relationship to the number of homes competing.  Low competition may allow for more aggressive pricing.  High competition may demand more conservative pricing.

Pending Sales:  This gives you an idea of very recent sales activity.  The number of pending sales in relationship to the actives can give you a good look at how much buyer activity is currently taking place in your price range and neighborhood.  Remember the prices you see for pending sales homes is not the true sales price, but the price that the home was listed at.

Sold Listings:  This category gives us the track record of where homes similar to your have been selling at.  It is important to remember that in a declining market these homes price may be higher than what the market demands and in a market that is on the upswing these home prices may be lower than what the market demands.

If you would like this report for your neighborhood - see www.TexomaHomeValue.com for a free assesment of your home's value.

Wichita Falls Real Estate Update

by Ashton Gustafson

Now that we've got more daylight, I'm ready to show any property to you or someone you may know after normal working hours. Rates dipped a little this last week to 5.25% on the 30 Year Fixed and the 15 Year Fixed can be found under 5%. Our market continues to be great, and March is looking to be another success.


Also, the new Pod Cast is up - www.talkrealty.com/ashtongustafson

Looking to buy? - www.TexomaListings.com

Looking to sell? www.TexomaHomeValue.com

Ashton On The Rise and Shine Show

by Ashton Gustafson

I would to thank Joe Tom white for having me on his show again this morning...always a great time. See link below to listen to this morning's show.

http://riseandshine.texomacountry.com/2009/03/02/monday-march-2-2009.aspx

www.TexomaListings.com - Buyers

www.TexomaHomeValue.com - Sellers

Housing Act May Help Some Struggling Texomans - Ashton On The News

by Ashton Gustaphson

http://texomashomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=11601 Click to watch Ashton's News Story

Reported by: Erica Rosales
Friday, Aug 1, 2008 @06:32pm CST

 It's being regarded as one of the most significant housing bills in decades.

With more than $300 billion being invested to stabilize a shaky market, some Texoma housing professionals say it can only help.

Ashton Gustafson

Bishop Group realtor associate
"Home values here are very, very affordable and for a first time home buyer it makes this new house bill very promising."


The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 offers a tax credit to first time home buyers of up to $7,500. The credit is essentially an interest-free loan that buyers will repay to the government over a 15-year period.


Ashton Gustafson

Bishop Group realtor associate
"There's been numerous first time home buyer incentives over the past few years but we haven't seen anything like this."


The bulk of the money in the act aims at helping folks who already own their homes but who are on the brink of foreclosure. Some home owners will be allowed to refinance into fixed-rate loans insured by the federal government. But Debra Clements, owner of Argocie Mortgage, says the measure limits help to some of the people who need the most help.


Debra Clements

Argocie Mortgage President
"You're gonna have to come up with looser guidelines. You can't just sit here and say OK well, we're gonna give all this money to this bill but you've gotta have a perfect credit score."


Housing professionals agree that there are a lot of gray areas in the bill that they'll have to help people sort out before they can find out if they'll qualify for assistance, but they say right now any bit helps.


Debra Clements

Argocie Mortgage President
"There's a lot of people that are hurting right now in a lot of areas of their lives and mortgage is just one part, but I think any help we get is good."


For more specific details on the bill you can visit the Bishop Group website at www.WichitaFallsSource.com/blog or you can find an overview and full text of the act at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-3221.

 

 

Text "ASHTON" TO 47464 - Wichita Falls

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.

Displaying blog entries 121-129 of 129

Contact Information

Photo of Ashton Gustafson Real Estate
Ashton Gustafson
The Bishop Realtor Group
1916 N. Elmwood Ave.
Wichita Falls TX 76308
Office: 940-691-7355
Fax: 940-691-7363