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Wichita Falls Real Estate Blog

Ashton Gustafson

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Wichita Falls Real Estate Update - August 24, 2009

by Ashton Gustafson

Good Monday morning to you!

This past week was favorable for rates as we saw many local lenders offer rates again below 5.375 on a 30 year fix.

I encourage you to listen to my Pod Cast this month to hear about many things affecting the Real Estate sector.
Here I discuss the 1st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit and other useful information.
Click www.TalkRealty.com/AshtonGustafson to listen.

Have you thought about investing? I've found many great buys lately that would make great rentals.
Click www.TexasBankOwned.com to have them sent to you each Wednesday.

Wondering about the homes for sale in your neighborhood? You can find them all at my buyer's only site.
Click www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com for every home for sale in the Greater Wichita Falls MLS.

If I can serve you or anyone you may know this week, please let me know - I'm here to help.

"Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance." Francis of Assisi

1509 Aldrich - New Home On The Market

by Ashton Gustafson

1509 Aldrich

3 beds - 2 baths - 2 car garage - covered patio - subject to a Short Sale.

Priced to sell @ $89,900

Call Ashton @ 940.224.0881 for an appt

5450 Carlson - Wichita Falls, TX - New On The Market

by Ashton Gustafson

5450 Carlson - Wichita Falls, TX 76302

Priced @ $143,000

Built in 2007, this 4 bedroom 2 bath home is in great condition and offers numerous amenities that include: crown molding, soaring ceilings, ceramic tile, isolated master, open floor plan, large lot, and privacy fenced backyard.

Call Ashton today @ 940.224.0881 for an appointment to preview this property.

Discounts For Wichita Falls Home Buyers

by Ashton Gustafson

Ashton’s

1st Time Home Buyer

Stimulus Plan

 

Buy a home with Ashton and get these discounts!!!

1) Hamilton Bryan

 

10% off one-time appliance purchase of Whirlpool, Maytag, and Kitchen Aid products.

20% off one-time furniture or bedding purchase.

25% off one-time accessory purchase.

 

Discounts can only be applied to regularly price items. (Excludes sale prices, contract pricing, and discontinued items) Only allowed on Discounts cannot be used in combination with special finance offers.  (Finance charges will be added to total ticket.)

Offer expires 5/31/2010. (Tickets must be written no later than 5/31/2010.)

 

2) Texas Carpet Outlet

 

10% off any service: carpet, flooring, or counter tops.

 

3) Harris Nursery

 

20% off any tree, shrub, flower, or plant purchase at one visit.

 

4) Perm-O-Green

 

$10 off first lawn treatment.

 

*One must use Ashton Gustafson as a Buyer's Agent and Must Close By December 1, 2009 to qualify

the $8,000 tax credit

Today's Mortgage Rate Update

by Ashton Gustafson

August 7, 2009

The 10 yr bond which has influence on mortgage rates has been in a steady climb this week and we have seen rates follow.  Last week the 10 yr bond was in the 3.5% range and today it is currently trading around 3.85%.  Consequently, mortgage rates have climbed.  I don’t know where we are headed but the last time the 10 yr bond ran to the 4% range, 30 year mortgage rates went to 5.875%.  Fortunately, rates receded back into the 5.25% range, but have been on another climb since then.
 
Today’s rates:
30 yr conventional           5.625% 0+0  (740 FICO, loan amount >$125,000)
15 yr conventional           4.875% 0+0  (740 FICO, loan amount >$125,000)
 
FHA
30 yr                                      5.625% 0+0  (660 FICO, loan amount >$120,000)
15 yr                                      4.875% 0+0 (660 FICO, loan amount >$120,000)
 
Another option for a conventional product:
If you have a buyer that is only planning on living in the home for a few years (relocation, planned move up):
5/1 ARM with 30 yr amortization               4.625% 0+0         (740 FICO, loan amount >$125,000)

3rd Annual Shrimp, Wine, and Art Celebration!!!

by Ashton Gustafson

On September 12th from 4pm to 8pm we will host our 3rd Annual Shrimp, Wine & Art Celebration!
We are working with the Kemp Center for the Arts and the Arts Coalition to provide a perfect ending
for the collaborative “Stroll N’ Roll” museum day event on September 12th.
 
“Stroll N’ Roll” is an all day affair from 10am to 4pm, free to the public, to showcase all the different museums and
art institutions here in Wichita Falls. The historic Trolley’s will be providing free transportation from the
MPEC center to the downtown locations. Each museum will have special interest exhibits and display.
The Wichita Falls Museum Coalition is comprised of Kell House Museum; The Kemp Center for the Arts;
Wichita Falls Fire and Police Museum; Museum of North Texas History; Call Field Memorial Exhibit; Wichita
Falls Museum of Art at MSU; Sheppard AFB Heritage Center; River Bend Nature Center; and the Wichita Falls
Railroad Museum.  
 
The Shrimp, Wine & Art Celebration in the Sculpture Gardens at The Kemp Center for the Arts will conclude
the day’s activities.
 
Jon Reese, Wichita Fish Farms, will be cooking the shrimp; Local and area “Go Texan” wines will be featured;
art will be for sale from local and area professional artists on the grounds; and the Kemp Center
will be open for the attendees to view their current exhibits until the end of the event.
 Music will be emanating from the Gazebo performed by talented local bands while the
participants are enjoying the art displays, the delicious food and wine.   
 
We would like to offer you an opportunity to be one of the recognized sponsors for the 3rd Annual Shrimp Wine & Art
Celebration or to reserve a table. The cost of sponsorship tables and individual reserved tables are as follows:
 
 “Vineyard Table” (Sponsor)………………………………………………………$350.00/Table                                                   
Reserved Table for (10)
Includes: (1) admission, (1) dinner, (2) glasses of wine per person
Signage posted at table
Recognition as Sponsor in advertising and signage at event
Bottle of “Go Texan” wine & “Go Texan” wine glasses
 
“Master Vintner Table” (Sponsor)……………………………… …………...…$300.00/Table
Reserved Table for (8)
Includes: (1) admission, (1) dinner, (2) glasses of wine per person
Signage posted at table
Recognition as Sponsor in event advertising and signage at event
Bottle of “Go Texan” wine & “Go Texan” wine glasses
 
“Wine Connoisseur” (Individual).………..…………………………………..$250.00/Table
Reserved Table for (8)
Includes: (1) admission, (1) dinner, (2) glasses of wine per person
Bottle of “Go Texan” wine & “Go Texan” glasses
 
Individual Pre-sale Tickets are $25.00/person which includes dinner and 2 drink tickets (beer or wine).
 
 
 
We appreciate your consideration of this exciting downtown event.  If you have any questions,
or want more information,  please give us a call at the Downtown Wichita Falls Development office, 322-4525.
 
Thank you in advance for your interest and your time in support of downtown Wichita Falls. 
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Cynthia Laney, Executive Director
DWFD, Inc
719 Scott Street, Ste 418
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
940-322-4525

New Regulation Z Rules

by Ashton Gustafson

This is from Jeff McClatchy @ Fidelity Bank - for more information - contact Jeff directly @ 940.763.2100

 

INDUSTRY UPDATE

 

New Regulation Z Rules Effective July 30, 20O9

The Federal Reserve has approved new rules concerning Regulation Z / Truth in Lending (TIL)

disclosures which go into effect on July 30, 2009 for ALL loan applications. The rules apply to

all mortgage lenders including brokers, bankers, wholesalers, federal or state banks and

credit unions.

 

In summary:

• Prior to issuance of the three-day disclosures, ONLY a credit report fee can be collected up

front. No other fees may be collected until AFTER the initial disclosures are issued.

 

• A new statement will be added to both the initial and final disclosure that states, "You are

not required to complete this agreement merely because you have received these disclosures or

signed a loan application."

 

• There is a MANDATORY seven business day (all days except Sunday and holidays)

waiting period from the time the initial TIL is issued to the time of closing. For example,

if the loan application is taken on Monday and the disclosures aren't issued to the borrower until

Wednesday, the loan cannot close until the following Thursday. The option to transfer a loan from

another lender one day and close it the next day has been prohibited.

 

• If the final TIL changes from the initial TIL (primarily meaning the APR changes by 1/8% up or

down), there is a MANDATORY three business day waiting period from the time the new

TIL is received by the borrower to when the loan can close. If the new TIL is mailed, then it

is a MANDATORY six business day waiting period.

 

• The new rules apply to owner-occupied purchases, refinances, second homes and

home equity loans. They do not apply to non-owner-occupied properties or home equity lines

of credit (HELOC).

Lenders must allow adequate time for locks; and ensure fees are accurate at the beginning of the

loan application; and items which impact the APR (i.e., fees, loan amount, interest rates) do not

change during the loan transaction. Additionally, short close contracts (less than seven days)

cannot be written.

 

Fines and penalties for violating the regulations include:

• Civil liability (lawsuits)

• Criminal liability ($5,000 and up to one year in jail)

• Administration actions (cease and desist orders)

• Possible forgiveness of the debt to the borrower

 

To review the regulations, visit:

www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/bcreg/20090508a.htm

3200 York - New On The Market - Move In Ready!

by Ashton Gustafson

It simply cannot get better than this! You name it, and it has been updated. Home updates include: gourmet kitchen with maple cabinets and granite counter tops, refurbished original hardwood floors, updated bathrooms, blown-in insulation, new HVAC - and the list goes on.

This home has 2 living areas and an upstairs bonus room.

Located on a corner lot, this home is just minutes from anywhere you need to be in Wichita Falls. There is a side carport with a new door opening system, and a 2 car carport in the backyard with rear access. The workshop in the back has power run to it and a floor drain system.

This is the perfect first time home for anyone in the market.

Act now, and this home can be yours. And if you're a first time home buyer, you would receive the $8,000 tax credit, but you have to close by December 1, 2009.

Call or email Ashton today for your private showing - 940.224.0881 or ashton@bishoprealtor.scom

Ranch Round Up - Get your tickets!

by Ashton Gustafson

The Original Texas Ranch Roundup began in 1981 and is held annually every August in Wichita Falls.  To be eligbile to participate in the TRR, a ranch must be selected by the Roundup Committee with consideration given to working ranch status, length of ownership or management and historical significance.  Contestants and alternates must be full time employees of their ranches, and they must have been employed a minimum of six months.  They ride their own horse or one belonging to the ranch.  What makes the Texas Ranch Roundup unique is that it incorporates the entire ranch family with a cookin' contest as well as a festival including photography, painting & drawing, furniture, crafts and western handiwork.  Winners of these events earn points that, combined with their points in the rodeo, make up the Ranch Roundup winner.

 
THE 2009 RANCHES:  R.A. Brown Ranch, Circle Bar Ranch, JA Ranch, Johnson Ranches, Pitchfork Land & Cattle Co., Rocker b Ranch, Spade Ranches, Swenson Land & Cattle Co., Tongue River Ranches & W.T. Waggoner Estate
 
THE EVENTS: Wild Cow Milking, Calf Doctoring, Ranch Bronc Riding, Team Branding, Team Penning & Top Hand-Top Horse
 
THIS YEAR: The 2009 Ranch Roundup will be held August 14 & 15 at the Kay Yeager Coliseum in downtown Wichita Falls.  During both days, a Bit, Spur & Western Collectibles Trade Show with over 200 booths will be held in the MPEC Exhibit Hall from 9am-7:30pm.  The Ranch Cutting Horse Competition will be held at the J.S. Bridwell Arena Friday morning at 7:30 and a Ranch Horse Competition will take place Saturday morning at the K.Y.C. at 7:30.
SPONSORS: Bud Light & North Texas Rehabilitation Center
 
The event benefits the North Texas Rehabilitation Center, West Texas Rehabilitation Center, West Texas Boys Ranch
Bit, Spur & Western Collectibles Show- Friday & Saturday, 9am-7pm.  Admission, Over 200 Booths.  For Vendor information call the Villines Trading Company at (208)962-3003.
 
TICKETS: for ticket information call the K.Y.C. box office at (940)716-5555 or www.wfmpec.com

MSU Wellness Center is now open - Wichita Falls

by Ashton Gustafson

We are very excited to announce the opening of the new Bruce and Graciela Redwine Student Wellness Center.  The facility includes two indoor basketball courts, an indoor walking track, over 60 new cardiovascular machines including TRUE treadmills, ARC Trainers, Elliptical Machines - with a personal viewing monitor, and more than 30 new CYBEX weight machines.  We have also opened our group fitness rooms which accommodate all of our fitness classes, including indoor cycling, ZUMBA, TURBO, Pump It, PIYO, Circuit Training and more.  There are locker rooms and showers for use with daily lockers available.  We are very excited about the new center and invite you to utilize this state-of-the-art facility.  Please feel free to stop by between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to schedule a tour or to work out.

 Group Membership

Eligibility

Fee

Students

Eligible

N/A

Faculty/Staff

Eligible

N/A

Alumni Association Members
(must be a graduate of the University)
Domestic Partners of Eligible Alumni Members

Eligible

Eligible

$270 per year

$270 per year

Guests of Eligible Individuals

Eligible

$5 (per day)

Retired Faculty/Staff

Eligible

$100 per year / $50 per semester or
$5 (per day)

Domestic Partners of Students/Faculty/Staff

Eligible

$100 per year / $50 per semester or
$5 (per day)

General Public

Not Eligible

 

Displaying blog entries 231-240 of 379

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