Real Estate Information Archive

You can find Ashton and Denny on KFDX Channel 3 every Sunday morning at 10:30 am!

Serious about selling your home? Before you sign anything, read about these common mistakes that home sellers make:

1.     Pricing Too High: It's no secret, price is everything. Overpricing does more to discourage buyers than any other single factor. When you overprice, you put your home in competition with homes that may be newer, larger or have more amenities than yours. You help your competition sell their home. This leads to long days on the market, and costs you, the seller, money in the long run. Make sure you get your pricing advice from a professional agent who knows the market.

2.     Poor Condition: A home that is in ill repair, or otherwise poor condition, does not excite buyers. A home like this is looked at by buyers as a work project and money pit. Having your home in good repair and great showing condition will significantly improve your chances for a sale at top dollar value. Having your home pre-inspected by a termite and dry rot inspector will also have a positive impact on buyers.

3.     Poor Curb Appeal: Most buyers today want to drive by. If your home is an attractive drive-by, it will gain more attention and certainly more showings. Doing the little things to help your home's curb appeal will make a huge difference.

4.     Dreary Dark Homes Don't Sell: Buyers like updated, light and bright homes. Dark carpets, paint, and curtains are often buyer turn-offs. Go through your home and remove clutter; touch up and update paint, counter tops, and carpets. Open your home up and make sure the sun shines in. Offensive odors from pets and smoking are also huge turn-offs to most buyers. Rid your home of offensive smells by burning scented candles and create a pleasant aroma. The most important rooms to concentrate on are the living room, family room, kitchen and master bedroom. Your entire home's atmosphere is set off by these rooms.

5.     Don't Over-improve: Get your home in good showing condition, but don't over do it. Huge projects such as complete remodels of kitchens, adding decks, and expanding room sizes may not pay back your investment. Before you jump into a huge improvement project, get some good advice.

6.     Be Financeable: Bad roofs, exterior paint, or structural problems may make your home un-financeable. The wider the scope of financing that your home can qualify for, the higher the overall market value. Remember -- government programs like VA and FHA will be the most picky.

7.     Get Good Advice and Good Market Exposure: Hiring a professional agent will help you get your home priced right, and will also get you started with the best fix ups. A strong agent will get your home exposed to the largest number of potential buyers. Paying the agent fee is often the least expensive part of selling your home. Trying to sell your home yourself can be costly. Most 'for sale by owner' homes close for less than comparable homes listed with an agent, and you have no representation.

8.     Don't Be Present During Showings: When your home is being shown, go for a drive or a walk. Take yourself, your family, and pets and let the agent and their clients have the freedom they need. An agent can always do their best job of showing your home when you are not underfoot. Buyers are more at ease and much more likely to spend time looking at your home's features and benefits.

9.     Let Your Agent Do the Negotiating: If there is ever a good reason to have a veteran agent working for you, it's during the negotiation of your home sale. A good negotiator can mean thousands of dollars to you, and will protect your interests. Don't let your emotions run wild during negotiations. Try to separate your emotions from your business side. Remain cool and calm during this time.

10.   Act Fast With Offers: When you do get an offer on your home, act quickly and decisively. Letting offers sit around without acting can be a huge mistake. Things can change quickly in the mind of a prospective buyer. Acting quickly while the excitement and interest level are at a high point can be very important. Typically, a buyer's motivation level decreases with time. Buyers' remorse can even set in. Acting in a timely manner is essential.

This month's edition covers Greater Wichita Falls real estate market activity and then we'll discuss how recent market activity and low interest rates are bringing stability to one of the best real estate markets in recent history!                                                            

www.TheFallsPodCast.com

Good Monday morning to you!

Market Update

For a full market update, check in at www.TheFallsPodCast.com. This month's edition covers the Greater Wichita Falls real estate market and then we share tips to prepare your home for winter and protect against factors that cause mold.

Wichita Falls and Surrounding Area Home Finder

www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com has become our areas #1 site that buyers are choosing to find their next home. Here you can set up a time to preview, create a favorites list, qualify for financing, and view GoogleEarth photos. Check it out today!

Thinking of Selling in 2012?

Go to www.WichitaFallsHomeValues.com. Complete the required information on your home and you will receive a complimentary Computer Analysis, indicating your home's approximate present value on the market today. It is simple and dependable.

If I can answer any questions for you or anyone you may know about our real estate, I would be glad to. Call me anytime at 940.691.7355.

Ashton Gustafson of The Bishop Team presents:
The Greater Wichita Falls Real Estate Podcast

This month's edition covers Greater Wichita Falls real estate market activity and then we'll share tips to prepare your home for winter and protect against factors that cause mold.
 

www.TheFallsPodCast.com
 

October Pod Cast Is Up!

This month's edition covers Greater Wichita Falls real estate market activity and then and we'll discuss the latest staging tips for buying or selling in this upcoming fall market. Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning. Check out www.TheFallsPodCast.com.

Now Is The Time

Rates have NEVER been this low, and inventory has never been this high. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.

http://www.texomahomesource.com/properties - See our listings!

www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com - Every home for sale.

www.LuxuryHomesWF.com - Daily updates on the luxury market.

www.TexasBankOwned.com - Looking to invest? Start here.

Thinking of Selling?

We all want to know what our home is worth in today's economy. See www.TexomaHomeValue.com. Within 24 hours we will get you an updated market analysis for your area.

Make it a great week, and let us know how we may serve you or anyone you may know.

Good Monday morning to you!

What If?

What if you had the opportunity to purchase a home on a 15 year mortgage, allow us to find you a renter, 15 years from now own the home free and clear, and in 18 years sell the home and have most (if not all) of your child or grandchild's college tuition paid for?

What if you COULD sell your home for what you paid for it (despite what CNN says) and buy another home that is worth 12-18% more than the one you have owned - with the SAME or LESS MONEY PER month?

What if you could take the $1000 per month you are currently spending on rent, and pay less than that each month with an FHA/VA loan on a home worth $130,000?

This is opportunity that lies before all of us. For more details on what is available, check out www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com.

Make it a great week!

Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God. Leo Buscaglia

Good Monday morning to you!

It is hard to believe today is the first day back to school for teachers and students in the Greater Wichita Falls area. I hope you all have had a wonderful Summer - now let's pray for some rain!

Thinking of Selling?

Now that school is in session, you may have selling your home on your radar. If so, check out www.TexomaHomeValue.com.  We will provide you with an analysis of what has gone on in your area and get back to you within 48 hours. Check it out!

I'm Ready to Buy

If you are ready to buy, you must check outwww.TheFallsHomeFinder.com. This has become the fastest growing Real Estate website in our area for buyer. Here you will find Google Earth images, maps, virtual tours, and more! Check it out today!

Behind On Your Mortgage?

I have recently released  a report called "10 solutions for alleviating the stress of an unaffordable mortgage”. This community resource is available atwww.WichitaFallsShortSale.com. In addition to providing more information about the alternatives to foreclosure, the report explains ten foreclosure alternatives that a homeowner can take advantage of like a loan modification or short sale.

Times Like These

In times like these, you do not need an amateur, you need an expert. Our site, www.SeeWhatTheyAreSaying.com showcases all of our happy customers. We hope to serve you with our expertise soon!

“The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up." John Maxwell

Good Monday morning to you!

Ashton Is The Falls' Home Finder

I absolutely LOVE helping people find their next home. When I launched www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com 3 years ago, I never dreamed it would be such a success. This site has become the choice site of over 3,000 local and International buyers. If you or someone you know is looking to buy, I would love to be their home finder.

It Is Time To Invest

Thinking of Selling?

Check out www.TexomaHomeValue.com. We will provide you with an overview of your neighborhood's activity. If you are thinking of selling soon, this is a great place to start.

If we can answer any questions for you this week, please let me know.
 

Good Monday morning to you!

The Heat Is On

Can you believe the heat? Ever thought about owning a home with a pool? If so, check out www.AshtonIsMyPoolboy.com. Here you can find every home in our market that is available for sale with a pool. Check it out!

Market Facts

Our office remains at the forefront of our market for closed transactions year to date. While we are one of the smaller offices in the market (in terms of number of agents) we currently rank #1 year to date in volume closed. If you are thinking about selling, please see www.TexomaHomeValue.com. We look forward at the chance to serve you further.

Pod Cast

Check out this month's pod cast at www.TheFallsPodCast.com. This month's edition covers Greater Wichita Falls real estate market activity and then we'll explain how buyers can make the most of favorable summer conditions.

If I can do anything else for you or anyone you may know this week, please let me know.

"Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too." Steven Pressfield