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Ashton Gustafson

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What Would You Do With $7500?

by Ashton Gustafson
What would you do with $7500?  Now's your chance to ask yourself that question - and have it be a reality.  To stimulate the mortgage industry, a $7500 tax credit is now available to first time home buyers. 

If you buy your first home by the end of this year, you could be eligible for the credit on your 2008 tax return.  So what would you do with that money?  Let's talk investments.  You can put it in savings and let it gain interest while you pay it back $500 at a time at no interest over the next 15 years. 

Some may choose to use the money to pay bills:  You could put it towards your new mortgage, your school loans, or pay off credit cards.  If  you borrowed the down payment for your home, the tax credit could pay that money back to prevent you from being indebted to a family member.


On a more exciting note, your brand new home presents many opportunities to put that money to good use --   renovations and upgrades, new furniture.  Another opportunity you can take is to travel.  What better time to see Italy, or New Zealand, or to take the family on a cruise?  There are no restrictions on what you do with the money.  Once you file your taxes and get your return, the possibilities are endless.


If you're considering buying a home and want to be able to file for the credit on this year's taxes, you must close on your new home by the end of the year. Please call me at 940.224.0881 to discuss ASAP.

October Newsletter

by Ashton Gustafson
National Market Trends Update

The National Association of REALTORS reported in late September that recent sales for existing homes declined slightly, to an estimated annual volume of 4.91 million units for 2008. Recent tightening in mortgage lending has created challenges for some of today's home buyers. According to Freddie Mac, the thirty year fixed rate mortgage hovered around 6.5 percent during the month of August, up slightly from the month before.

Officials are hoping that recent actions taken by the Federal government will create stability in the housing market. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS, says, "With higher loan limits and a beefing up of the FHA program, all the mechanisms have been falling into place to increase mortgage availability."

Average (Mean) Sales Price of Existing Homes by Region

Date 

U.S.

Northeast

Midwest

South

West

2006

268,200

299,700

205,300

230,000

371,300

2007

266,000

307,100

200,500

225,600

365,900

           

05/08

252,600

309,100

190,700

219,000

326,700

06/08

257,900

298,700

201,900

230,500

328,500

07/08

253,300

307,100

196,900

221,100

322,400

08/08

245,400

300,600

196,400

220,400

294,500

Statistics from the National Association of REALTORS®

Many experts are predicting an upturn in market confidence once congress agrees on a plan to deal recent challenges in the financial markets.

 

 

Good News for Veterans

On September 11, the House of Representatives passed the Veterans Construction and Extension Act of 2008, which helps Veterans achieve their dreams of home ownership. The legislation provides assistance for veterans who need to refinance their Sub prime or adjustable rate loans into a safer, more affordable loan backed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill has been passed on to the Senate for finalization. If you're in the market for a home, contact us for information on FHA, VA, and other mortgage programs that might be right for you.

 

For everything else concerning Wichita Falls Real Estate, please call ashton @ 940.224.0881.

Wichita Falls Hockey Opens Tonight

by Ashton Gustafson

The puck drops tonight at the KYC @ 7:00 for the Wichita Falls Wildcats! If you're looking for something to do, this is a great family outing. See http://www.wfwildcatshockey.com/ for all details.

A Terrific Wine Festival - Downtown Wichita Falls

by Ashton Gustafson

I had the priviledge to attend this last weekend's Wine and Shrimp Festival in downtown Wichita Falls. The weather was wonderful, the music was great, the art inspiring, and the shrimp and wine was more than satisfying. Executive Director of Downtown Wichita Falls Devlopment, Inc., Cynthia Laney, did an outstanding job orchestrating the event and it looks like she will continue to bring great things to our downtown area.

For questions about downtown development see www.WichitaFallsDowntownProud.com

http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2008/oct/17/festival-barbie/ - News Article

Monday Mortgae Rates

by Ashton Gustafson

The quotes below were sent from Ralph Dunkelberg - Fidelity Bank - Wichita Falls

Rates fell again today...Conv 30 year 6.375%
 
FHA 30 year 6.500%

See www.TexomaListings.com to have every home in Wichita Falls or Burkburnett emailed to you as soon as it hits the market. For anything else Real Estate related, see www.TexomaHomesource.com .

ashton@bishoprealtors.com - 940.224.0881 cell

Wichita Falls First Personal Home Finder

by Ashton Gustafson

www.TexomaListings.com

Because you have better things to do.

Fast - Free - Automated

Searches the Wichita Falls, Burkburnett, and Sheppard Air Force Base MLS every day and emails you homes as they come available. Numerous people have this site useful and have simply woken up and found their dream home emailed to them.

 

Wichita Falls MLS Statistics - September 2008

by Ashton Gustafson

The results are in and once again, the Wichita Falls MLS was up compared to a year ago. September 2007 showed the Wichita Falls MLS to have $17,967,225 in total sales....September 2008 showed the Wichita Falls MLS to have $19,208,138 in total sales. These numbers are great when your compare other similar economies across the the country.

Note: Ashton Gustafson has quickly risen to be one the most successful agents in the Wichita Falls area. For any questions you would like answered about these statistics, please email him at ashton@bishoprealtors.com .

 

New Housing Development

by Ashton Gustafson
New Housing Development
A new housing development on the northside of Wichita Falls near Sheppard Air Force Base caled Patriot Place had its opening this week.  New homes priced in the $125,0000 price range will be featured at the Patriot Place.  Rhone Building Corporation is the developer of this tract.  Homes will be either 3 or 4 bedroom plans.  For additional information contact Ashton Gustafson at Ashton@bishoprealtors.com or 940 691-7355.

Wichita Falls Listing Specialist - Ashton Gustafson

by Ashton Gustafson

Wichita Falls Realtor Participates in University-Level Course Teaching Specialized Methods for Helping Sellers Get Greater Value in Real Estate Sales
 
Atlanta, Georgia - Ashton Gustafson of Ann and Denny Bishop Realtor Group in Wichita Falls participated in an intensive, two day Listing Specialization course here, learning with a select group of Realtors how to dramatically improve the services they render to real estate sellers, thereby enabling sellers to obtain the home value they're looking for in less time and with fewer hassles.
 
Ashton, who already ranks substantially above the average real estate agent, has currently helped over 60 home owners move this year. The typical agent in the United States averages less than 12 transactions, buyers and sellers, per year.
 
According to Gustafson, "The practice of listing specialization has created an opportunity for sellers to receive an unmatched level of professional service, and I've made a commitment to serve my selling clients this way."
 
Gustafson learned principles, strategies, systems, and techniques for enhancing a powerful, effective, home selling side of the business, focused on helping sellers obtain the maximum value the market will bear for their home faster. Program content also emphasized helping sellers enjoy a smooth, hassle-free and money saving transaction.
 
The program was presented as part of Howard Brinton STAR POWER Systems' STAR POWER University, the real estate industry's only University-level series of intensive, comprehensive training programs. There are many current events that address a broad spectrum of issues, but only STAR POWER offers a series of sharply-focused, two day programs for specific aspects of the business, from team building and systems implementation to buyer specialization and business operations.
 
The course was taught by STAR POWER's cadre of STARS - all are top producers, whose annual production averages $43 million and 200 families helped each year.
 
According to Howard Brinton, founder and CEO of STAR POWER Systems, participants in these events are part of an elite group of agents. "The quality of the learning experience and depth of the practical knowledge and skills acquired by participants is unparalleled.
 
Brinton claims it is rare in any industry, and certainly in real estate, to find this level of commitment to clients and employees. "Ashton has demonstrated a deep commitment to better serve his clients. His dedication is evidenced in his investment in this course, and the substantial expenses involved to be here. Ashton and his peers are something special, and the clients and employees who are served by them are fortunate indeed," he said.

Wichita Falls Mortgage Update

by Ashton Gustafson

I had the chance to speak with Ralph Dunkelberg of Fidelity Bank this morning about the currently financial situation that we are all facing. He explained that rates are STILL historically low and very available to those with good credit. As of this morning, a 30 year FHA Loan was at 6.5% and a conventional was at 6.375%.

Ralph can be contacted at rdunkelberg@fidelitybankwf.com or 940.763.2100.

Remember to see our other new sites at www.TexomaListings.com or www.TexomaHomeValues.com - All have been very useful to our clients that are in the market to purchase Wichita Falls Real Estate.

Displaying blog entries 351-360 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