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What's Up in Wichita Falls Real Estate Market

by Ashton Gustafson

Water Disruption February 12, 2013 @ 10:00 pm

by Ashton Gustafson

 

Wichita Falls, Texas-

The City's Public Utilities Department has scheduled routine maintenance in the water distribution system that will affect several streets and areas south of Kell Boulevard to Hampstead. These include Piedmont, Speedway, Taft, Berkeley, Martin, Ellingham, and the Parker Square shopping center.

            The maintenance will begin at 10:00 pm, Tuesday February 12th and end at 6:00 am Wednesday, February 13th. Businesses and residents located in the described area will experience a temporary disruption of their water supply. 

            In preparation for this project residents may want to set aside some water for cooking or drinking. We appreciate your continued understanding and patience as we work to maintain the water system for the community.  For more information please contact the Public Information Office at 761-7401, or the Water Distribution Division at 761-4333.

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.

Water-Sewer Line Insurance Not a City Program or Requirement

by Ashton Gustafson

Wichita Falls residents have again begun receiving letters offering them water and sewer line insurance.  This most recent letter is from HomeServe USA Repair Management Corp. of Austin, Texas.  This offer is not a City program or a City requirement.  Home or business owners in the City of Wichita Falls ARE NOT required to carry water or sewer line insurance.  Citizens are urged to consult with their insurance provider and the Better Business Bureau for questions related to HomeServe.

Fantasy of Lights to begin December 7th @ 6:00 p.m.

by Ashton Gustafson

 

The MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights opening ceremony will be at 6 p.m. Friday, December 7, on the Hardin Lawn. Keeping with tradition, the MSU Band will perform its annual Christmas concert at 7 p.m. in Akin Auditorium. Everyone is invited to attend.
 
The displays will be turned on each weeknight through January 1 from dusk to 10 p.m. and weekends from dusk to 11 p.m.
 
Admission is free. Donations are gladly accepted. Your contributions help keep the exhibit going each year since no state funds can be used. It's a memory you'll want to share with your whole family.
 
For additional information, call Randy Canivel at (940) 397-4786.
 

Avoid The Top 10 Selling Mistakes With Your Home

by Ashton Gustafson

 

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.

Empty Bowls Exhibition at Museum of Art at MSU

by Ashton Gustafson

Empty Bowls is a community-wide event to ensure that fewer people in the Wichita Falls and surrounding communities go home to an "empty bowl." The basic premise of Empty Bowls involves MSU graduates and instructors working together to create handcrafted bowls. This juried ceramic exhibition will run through October 20 at the Museum of Art at MSU. The juror is Keith Williams, past president of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts. The curator will be Pamela Moller (’82). All money raised will be donated to the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank. For more information, click on www.mwsu.info/wfma/event/empty-bowls/.

Historic West Floral Heights Saturday Oct 13, 2012

by Ashton Gustafson

Christ Academy's first seniors united in journey

by Ashton Gustafson

Here's a great story on the first graduating seniors from Christ Academy here in Wichita Falls, TX.

Click here to read the full story.

Christ Academy Recognized for Forward Thinking Education

by Ashton Gustafson

Here's a great article on Christ Academy and their forward thinking education for their students enrolled in high school.

See link below!

http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2012/sep/02/new-type-of-learning/

Displaying blog entries 11-20 of 259

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