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Displaying blog entries 41-50 of 66

Ashton's Weekly Real Estate Update - Wichita Falls

by Ashton Gustafson

Good Monday morning to you!

I hope this email finds you doing well this Christmas season. It looks like interest rates will remain at historically low rates as we enter into 2010. We have no idea how long they will stay here, but we do know they can only go one way - up!

With these rates, its a great time to look at investing. See www.TexasBankOwned.com for a weekly list of possible investments.

If there is anything we can do for you or anyone you may know this week, please let me know.

Remember,

www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com for Buyers

www.TexomaHomeValue.com for Sellers

www.TexomaForeclosure.com - Foreclosure prevention.

"Patience and perseverance have a magical affect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." John Quincy Adams

Wichita Falls Real Estate Update

by Ashton Gustafson

Good Monday morning to you!


Interest rates had a favorable decline this week, which continues to make this a great time to be in the market. I saw numerous local lenders with 30 and 15 year FIXED rates at below 5% - these figures are historically low, and will not last forever.


Have you ever thought about investing in Real Estate? In an area where Real Estate is so affordable, you can purchase a small home, rent it out, and own it free and clear faster than you may realize. If this is something that you would like to discuss, please call me to set up a consultation appointment. Get a jump on the market now @ www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com.


Thinking of selling and wondering what your home would bring in today's economic climate? Remember, www.TexomaHomeValue.com. Here we'll provide you with a market analysis within 24-48 hours of you submitting your request.
If I can serve you or anyone you may know this week, please let me know - I'm here to help.

Good news for Wichita Falls Real Estate

by Ashton Gustafson

Forecast says Wichita Falls will be in Top 10 for Home Price Performance in ‘09
By admin • September 11th, 2009
 
Need evidence that Wichita Falls is a great place to buy a home?  Curious just what others really think about the Wichita Falls real estate market?
 
Check this out…just released from Local Market Monitor:
 
“According to the forecast, among the largest US markets—identified as those with populations greater than 600,000—the 10 markets with the best expected performance in home price are:
 
Baton Rouge, LA
Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY
Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX
Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA
Pittsburgh, PA
San Antonio, TX
Syracuse, NY
Wichita Falls, TX
 
These top markets, where home values are expected to remain level, are among those markets that did not have a big housing boom and have had relatively small job losses over the past year.”
 
here’s the link:
http://tinyurl.com/kqhmhy
 
also reported in the Dallas Morning News:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/classifieds/news/homecenter/realestate/stories/091009dnbusTophome.1636dbf23.html
 
We are excited about the news, but not surprised!
 

A Modern Approach To Real Estate - Wichita Falls

by Ashton Gustafson

Nothing is done the same today as it was yesterday. With this reality, we've decided to think the same way about Real Estate.

Is there a home you've driven by and would like info on? See www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com

Are you thinking about selling your home in the Wichita Falls area? See www.TexomaHomeValue.com

Would you like a list of homes emailed to you within your criteria everyday? See www.TexomaListings.com

Have you thought about investing in foreclosures? See www.TexasBankOwned.com

Seen a for sale by owner that you want info on? See www.TheFallsFSBO.com

Struggling with paying your mortgage? See www.TexomaForeclosure.com

If you have any other questions in regards to Wichita Falls Real Estate, please contact Ashton direct @ ashton@bishoprealtors.com

Now is the time to buy in Wichita Falls.

by Ashton Gustafson

Rates have increased due to concerns over government spending and inflation concerns.   If trends continue rates will continue to rise with periods of stable rates that staircase upward.
 

If you are looking for a home, you must see www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com . This site is the 1 stop shop for everyone looking for a home.

When & How Is The FTHB Assistance Available?

by Ashton Gustafson

The 4th in the series of the First-Time Homebuyers Program administered by the Neighborhood Resources Division  - The City of Wichita Falls, Texas is information on what to do if your home needs repairs and how the program is available to you.  If you are not familiar with the previous three series, please take a moment to read these to find out how you can benefit from this great opportunity.

What If The Home Needs Repairs Before It Passes Inspection?

After the inspection of the property, a report will be sent ot your REALTOR(R)  and lender that describes  the needed repairs.  The seller usually performs this work up to the repair limits in the sales contract.  However in some cases, the buy and seller may negotiate the completion of the required repairs.  When repairs are complete, the house is re-inspected.  Also the FTHB Program may possibly provide assistance to the buyer after the closing for a major item (e.g roof, electrical) now working properly but in the judgement of the City's inspector, is approaching the end of its useful life and needs replacement.  These repairs are made after the closing.

When And How Is The FTHB Assistance Made Available To Me?

After you have met all program requirements and the home passes inspection, a check for $7,500 is issued to your title company for the day of closing.

After Closing, Then What?

After closing, your occupancy of the home may be periodically monitored by the Neighborhood Resources Division during the period of the lien.

Remember, you can contact me for more information on this great program and I can assist you in finding the home that meets your goals.  I can even set you up to receive daily emails alerts on homes as the become available within your price range.

Take advantage of this program now and let's start building equity for you!

Applying For The First-Time Homebuyers Program

by Ashton Gustafson

If you have been following my blog this week you have been learning about the First-Time Homebuyers Program administered by the Neighborhood Resources Division of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas.  Now you are most likely wondering

HOW DO I APPLY

First you must apply for a standard mortgage loan (no sub-prime loans allowed) for one of the Participating Lenders, which you can find on my website or from a a recognized mortgage lender who agrees to meet program requirements.  Just mention to your lender or REALTOR(R) that you want to apply for the First-Time Homebuyers assistance through the City of Wichita Falls. (You can apply for a loan and the First-Time Homebuyers Program even before you have found a home!)

Now What?

After your lender pre-qualifies you for a mortgage loan, call the First-Time Homebuyers Program at 761-7448 for an appointment.  Bring with you:

  • Your real estate contract
  • A copy of the loan application that the lender may have provided you
  • Copies of recent earnings
  • Income and benefits statement for all members of the household.

The City of Wichita Falls Neigborhood Resources Division will explain the program requirements, answer any questions you may have, and give you an application to fill out and return.

After you return your application and sales contract to the First-Time Homebuyers Program, they will schedule an inspection of the property to determine if the home meets the required federal and local property standards.

Now, if you are a little overwhlemed by all that is involved, please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to answer any questions.  And, remember, NOW is the time to start building the future you have always dreamed of!

 

Top 5 Closing Delays

by Ashton Gustafson

Buyers Beware: Top 5 Closing Delays


Everyone is anxious to close their first home but many are amazed when the run into delays first the lenders and the inspections, then the holidays roll around…..you find yourself thinking what’s next….TIME it can kill a deal like nothing else!
 
1.       Problems with the lender –  This can happen for a number of reasons, ranging from underwriter delays and appraisals not coming in as expected. Find out up front,  anything that you may need to provide to your lender to avoid delays.
 
2.       Inspections not completed – Many homeowners think that the home inspection covers it all. Don’t make this mistake, although home inspections are important, lenders may require termite, well and / or septic inspections as well.  If you wait to closing to find out, you then have to find and inspector, get scheduled and then wait on their report.
 
3.       Holidays -   Avoid scheduling your closing around a holiday. Many people forget about the minor holidays that close down city and county offices. Having you closing around such a holiday can delay the recording of your deed, which allows the seller and other parties involved to be paid. So, if the seller says “No check – no key”, you may not get into your home for three or four days if you close around a holiday.
 
 
4.       Property not ready – Keep in mind when the writing your contract if repairs that you have put in as conditions are not completed the closing will not happen.  Also many times homeowners will not complete other tasks requested by the buyer, so stay on top of any details that need to be completed by the sellers to close this may hold things up.
 
5.       Time Kills Deals – the longer it stretches out the more likely the deal  will never close!!   If it doesn’t kill it, time can still be costly. Many lenders charge the buyer a fee for everyday past the closing date that a deal doesn’t close….be aware of these clauses and make sure you meet the deadline or are ready to pay.
 
So don’t be a sitting duck, watch for delays and push things along….ask questions and plan it’s the best way to keep a deal on track. You can rely on your agent to take care of many of these things but make sure you are aware of the details too.  
 
Need more advice, before you decide let us know we’ll be glad to help.
 

Wichita Falls Market Statistics - March - 2009

by Ashton Gustafson

There is currently a 6 month inventory of homes available for Wichita Falls. Now some price ranges may differ, but for the entire community - it rests at 6 months. This is a stunning figure, when you consider the entire face of the nation's economy right now. A 6 month inventory, is what Real Estate economist believe is the best figure to have. If you are considering buying a home in Wichita Falls, please see www.TexomaListings.com . There are some many reasons why now is a great time to buy - federal tax credits - city first time home buyer plan - great inventory of homes, just to name a few.

If you are considering selling, see www.TexomaHomeValue.com - I have been very successful this year, selling my own listings - if you are interested in how I can help you sell your home in the lease amount of time, with the least amount of hassles, and for the most money - call me at 940.224.0881.

Ashton Gustafson - Realtor

1916 N. Elmwood Ave

Wichita Falls, TX 76308

What's going on with Wichita Falls Real Estate?

by Ashton Gustafson

Numerous people have been calling and emailing with questions and concerns about the local Real Estate economy of Wichita Falls. Fortunatley, we find ourselves in a very protected part of the country that is not dealing with what the other parts of America are dealing with.

Our January numbers were essentially identical to a year ago, and we are seeing numerous buyers and sellers have success in their transactions. Interest rates continue to stay at historical lows, and the inventory of homes is as good as its ever been.

If you are considering a home purchase in the Wichita Falls area, please see www.TexomaListings.com . This site has become the best site for Wichita Falls buyers and you will see why. It emails you every home within your criteria, and then every morning emails you the last 24 hours of activity within your price range.

If you are considering selling a home in the Wichita Falls area, please see www.TexomaHomeValue.com . You will receive a CMA within 48 hours of submitting your information.

If you have any other questions, please call me at 940.224.0881.

Displaying blog entries 41-50 of 66

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