Tax Free Weekend For Energy Star Appliances

Shelley Childers
schilders@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News
May 29, 2010

Odessa, TX - Thanks to a government program, this weekend is a great time to save some green, while going green, when purchasing that new appliance for your home.

For anyone interested in saving hundreds on their energy bills and purchasing those energy saving appliances, this weekend is the time to buy, but there are some stipulations shoppers should be aware of.

"Yes, it's busier than normal," said David Brown, owner of Southwest TV and Appliance in South Odessa.

Thanks to the third annual Texas Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday, Southwest TV and Appliance has seen a spike in business.

"It's a win-win for everyone, you save on your utility bills and you also save on your taxes for this weekend," Brown said.

Their biggest seller this weekend, Energy Star refrigerators, but that isn't the only item available tax-free.

"It will be refrigerators with the Energy Star logo under $2,000, Energy Star dish washers, and Energy Star washers, ceiling fans, air conditioners under $6,000 and dehumidifiers."

According to the Energy Star website, these appliances can have up to 75 percent in energy savings when compared to standard models.

Compared to the federal incentive that lasted only seven hours, this deal lasts for three days.

"This is a great time for anyone who missed the federal program."

Consumers can purchase these products on-line, in person or through a catalog.

"Utilities never go away, they're always going to go up and if you can save some money and save utilities and water, that's a great thing," said Brown.

Incandescent and Fluorescent light bulbs are also included.

Southwest TV and Appliance also offers free delivery and removal of any old appliances when you purchase from them.

The tax-free holiday for energy-efficient appliances did begin early this morning, and will last through Memorial Day Monday.

The Wichita Falls Museum of Art is proud to announce the  launch of Season 2 of the Live @ the Lake Outdoor Concert Series on Thursday, June 3 at 6 p.m. Performing will be the acoustic trio Exit Strategy.

The Live @ the Lake series will present 12 musical performances from a wide variety of artists, including Mike O'Neill, Black Magic, Falls Chamber Orchestra, Erick Palacios and Ryan Burch, A Formal Affair, Gary Hankins, Ashton Gustafson, Teresa Burney, A Band Called John, Kory & David, Ali Holder and Tom Hargrove.This free concert series is made possible through the support of MSU, Falls Distributing, The Spot and the Museum of Art.Shows will start at 6 p.m. on the lawn between the Museum and Sikes Lake.  Refreshments will be provided.  Just bring a blanket or a lawn chair -- and tell your friends to come join you every Thursday this summer...Live @ the Lake!

Good Monday morning to you!

This past week brought exciting news with Realtor Magazine selecting me into the 2010 Class of top 30 agents under 30 years of age in the nation. This award belongs to my family, friends, team members, and all of you that have supported me throughout the years. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2010/may/22/gustafson-among-top-30-young-agents-in-nation-27/

http://www.realtor.org/rmonews_and_commentary/30under30/30u30_2010/gustafson

Our market continues to stay positive with  high inventories of homes across the board. Aggressive pricing is leading to quick sales, and buyers are realizing that the interest rates are not going to hang where they are for long. Take a look @ some of these great properties - http://www.texomahomesource.com/Properties.

If we can serve you or anyone you may know this week, please let me know. Make it a great week!

"...all of us are living stories, and those stories teach other people to live stories. And what are stories are about matters, not just for us but for the world." Donald Miller

http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2010/may/22/gustafson-among-top-30-young-agents-in-nation-27/?cid=Facebook

Saturday May 22, 2010 - Story by Lee Anderson

Gustafson among top 30 young agents in nation

Realtor Magazine selects 27-year-old for recognition

• TIMES RECORD NEWS
• Posted May 22, 2010 at 12:01 a.m.

Ashton Gustafson, a real estate agent with the Ann & Denny Bishop Realtor Group, has been selected by Realtor Magazine as one of the top 30 agents in the nation under the age of 30.

Each June, the magazine produces its “30 under 30” issue to recognize young talent. This is the 10th anniversary of the prestigious award.

“This is a huge honor and has been a goal of mine from the day I started in the business,” Gustafson said. “This honor belongs to all of the people that have supported me over the past few years.”

Gustafson and all the others in the class were invited to the magazine’s headquarters to see the operation and pose for the Class of 2010 issue.

Gustafson was the only agent from Texas selected for the award.

In an article in the magazine, Gustafson said he started out working in his grandparents (Ann and Denny Bishop) real estate business here for $10 an hour. He soon earned his real estate license “and hasn’t slept much since,” the article said.

Last year, Gustafson, 27, ranked second out of 300 agents — just behind his grandparents, who are now his partners. He now manages a team of five licensed sales professionals in the family business.

In the magazine article, Gustafson said he and his team closed 237 transactions last year and he personally anticipates closing 100 this year.

He said his long-term goal is to “reach every major market in Texas by 2020 and every state by 2030. In addition to using the web and social media to connect with clients, he also attempts to make 100 calls every day.

For more information, go online to www.realtor.org.

Ashton Gustafson has been named to the 2010 Class of Realtor Magazine's 30 under 30.

Article is below or in the following link: http://www.realtor.org/rmonews_and_commentary/30under30/30u30_2010/gustafson

Stephen "Ashton" Gustafson

Catching Up, Sprinting Ahead

Ashton Gustafson started his "career" working for $10 an hour at his grandparents' real estate business. The next thing he knew he had his license—and he hasn't slept much since. Last year, he ranked second out of 300 agents—just behind his grandparents, who are now his partners. Gustafson manages a team of five licensed sales professionals, who together closed 237 transactions in 2009. He expects to personally close 100 transactions this year, while opening up an office 60 miles down the road. His long-term goal: Reach every major market in Texas by 2020 and every state by 2030. Gustafson is actively involved in strategic planning and governance with his local association. Through his church, he helps at-risk youth get on track.

 A Sale Is a Sale

Whatever the sale price, Gustafson treats each deal the same. "They all count toward our goal," he says. "I'm here to serve, I'm looking to get you the best deal if you're selling or buying."

 Incorporate Old-School Techniques

Although he uses Web and social media to connect with clients, Gustafson says he also tries to makes 100 phone calls and write 20 handwritten notes every day. "I try to communicate with all my clients personally once a month," he says. "It has been such a huge benefit. They may not buy for another 20 years—or ever again—but if real estate comes up in a conversation, I'm probably in their mind."

 Age: 27 | Owner, team leader, e-PRO® |
Bishop Group, REALTORS® | Wichita Falls, Texas
2009 Sales Volume: $11.9 million | Sides: 78 | www.ashtongustafson.com

If you're looking for a photographer to shoot a wedding, family, or YOU, look no further.

New pics should but up and out soon! A BIG Thank you goes out to Kelly Trimble. I knew she could do what I was looking for.

Check out www.KellysPointOfView.com.

http://kellyspointofview.com/blog/2010/05/18/ashton-gustafson-head-shots/

Good Monday morning to you!

In a world that is ever-changing, there's something to be said for consistency. It seems as though UPs and DOWNs have become the norm for numerous markets and agents across the country.

Fortunately, this has not been the case in North Texas or at the Bishop Realtor Group. Our market has stayed positive and as of Friday, the Bishop Office is involved in nearly 50% of the residential market pending contracts in Wichita Falls (according to Wichita Falls MLS).

If we can serve you or anyone you may know this week, please let me know. And remember our sites:

www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com - For Buyers
www.TexomaHomeValue.com - Thinking of selling?
www.talkrealty.com/ashtongustafson - Market update Podcast

Make it a great week.
"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing." Abraham Lincoln

Ashton
Owner - Bishop Realtor Group                                                            

We just put this home on the market. Super condition, everything (refrigerator, washer/dryer, microwave) stays, hardwood floors, fresh paint, recent HVAC, easy to maintain yard, and carport.

Great 1st home for someone or investment in Iowa Park, TX.

511 W Magnolia - Iowa Park, TX

$44,900 - 2 beds - 1 bath - carport

Call us @ 940.691.7355 to set up a time to preview.

Good Monday morning to you!

At the Bishop Realtor Group, we know how important rapid response is. In fact, its part of our Core Values. We have created numerous sites to help guide you through the real estate maze, quickly and efficiently. Should you have any questions on the market, please see the sites below. If the sites cannot answer your questions, let's talk - 940.691.7355.

www.AshtonGustafson.com - Market Information

www.TalkRealty.com/ashtongustafson - Market Podcast Update

www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com - Find any home for sale!

www.TexomaHomeValue.com - Wondering what your home is worth?

www.WichitaFallsShortSale.com - Know someone behind on their loan?

www.TexasBankOwned.com - Find the bank owned properties.

Ashton Makes National Headlines:

Ashton has been selected as this month's Star Power STAR. Less than 250 agents in the country have had this honor. http://www.starpower.com/star-of-the-month/may-2010/ashton-gustafson

Please let us know if we can serve you in any form this week.

Ashton Gustafson

Bishop Realtor Group - Wichita Falls, TX

Spacious 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car garage Colonial Park home with 2,446 square feet of beautifully updated amenities. Ceramic tile flooring everywhere except bedrooms. Large open living area with fireplace. Update kitchen and baths. Arched opening into formal dining room. A lot of home for the money in Colonial Park!

See link for more information http://www.texomahomesource.com/property/2309-Barbados-Wichita-Falls-Texas