Just listed @ $149,900.

3 beds 2 baths - 2 garage + carport

wonderful country property just minutes from Wichita Falls on 4.07 acres. 

Super clean/move in ready with numerous updates.

Open living area connects to entry way and dining/breakfast area, and has wood burning fireplace.

Plenty of storage is found in kitchen cabinets.

Recent upgrades to kitchen appliances.

Dining/breakfast area joins the kitchen and connects to living area.

2 car garage has ample storage.

Utility room is off kitchen and connects to garage.

Bedrooms 2 and 3 and share hall bath.

Hall bath has tile floor, sink, and tub/shower.
 
Master bedroom has walk in closet.
 
Master bath has recent updates and walk-in shower.
 
Back yard is full of wonderful landscaping, has privacy fence, and beautiful swimming pool.
 
8X16 storage building is located just behind backyard - great for lawn mowing storage.
 
A handyman's dream is found in this 20X30 shop. Shop also has full power run to it and 10X10 storage.

This is country living with everything one could ask for. Here you'll find a beautiful pool, storm shelter, covered patio, storage building,
20X30 shop (with office), oversized garage space, and carport space - ALL on 4.07 acres. In less than 5 minutes your in the heart of Wichita Falls.
Children can go to either Archer City or Holliday ISD.
 

Call us today to set up an appointment - 940.691.7355

As Ranch Round Up moves on to another year, we now welcome the Hotter'n Hell 100 this weekend. If you or someone you know is looking to register, see http://www.hh100.org/.   The Hotter 'N Hell 100 is one of the oldest and largest cycling events in the nation. Fitness oriented riders and bicycle racers will come to Wichita Falls, Texas, from virtually every state and several foreign countries. 

August? Slow? No.

At the Bishop Realtor Group, we seek to break the mold. This month alone, we have sold a property every day. With school starting, vacations ending, and the HEAT, August tends to be one of the slower months. The hard works of our team has not allowed this to be the case, and we look to get over 30 properties in contract this month. If you have interest in selling, click www.TexomaHomeValue.com.

365 Wichita Falls

I have decided to put together a list, one a day for the next year, to give myself and others ideas to get out and see the city as they have not seen it before. We will take 365 Days of things to do, places to see, eating establishments, and events to go to in Wichita Falls. Enjoy and feel free to contact me with any comments or suggestions. Subscribe @ www.365WichitaFalls.com.

And don't forget the AG Referral Program. To see what you and your friends can received for referring your friends and family, see www.DinnerIsOnAshton.com.

Best of luck this week!

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." Ralph Waldo Emerson

For sale or lease -  $259,900 or $1975/month.

This Wachsman home is just like new and has it all! Great storage space, 4 beds, 2 baths, 3 car garage, and a wonderful master suite with luxurious bath and closet area. Home faces west, so you have great evening shade for grilling on covered patio. The chef of the family will enjoy the kitchen that has beautiful granite, stainless appliances, and bar area.

More details:

Great curb appeal with terrific landscaping.

3 car garage for ample outdoor/car/yard storage.

Tile throughout kitchen, breakfast area, dining room, utility, and bathrooms.

Utility room has great storage cabinets and room for extra refrigerator. (located off of garage entry)

Beautiful granite countertops, custom cabinets, and stainless appliances in kitchen

All living areas have soaring ceilings with charming crown molding.

Dining room is spacious with large window and great natural light.

Kitchen has large pantry connected and bar area with granite countertops.

Large open area has wonderful ceiling architecture and gas fireplace. No built-ins, so any tv works!

Beds 2,3, and 4 share the hall bath with tub/shower.

Master bedroom has extended living/sun area.

Master bathroom is equipped with his/her sinks, jacuzzi tub, tile shower, and HUGE walk-in closet.

Back patio is covered and shaded well by facing east.

Large backyard with play-set and privacy fence.

Alarm system has been installed.

Call for an appointment today 940.691.7355

To join this movement - see http://www.facebook.com/pages/365-Wichita-Falls/111102282278959

Good Monday morning to you!

Local Market News

Local lenders this last week locked in my clients with 15 year rates @ 3.75% - no points paid. That is unbelievable - remember, www.ImAHappyBuyer.com to see just how GREAT these rates are.
The Prairie

If you have not taken the short drive out to The Prairie Development, please do. The Prairie is a residential green development located  just 10 minutes from Wichita Falls, Texas off of FM 1954 on Decker Road. It consists of 200+ acres with 28 available home sites made up of five to seven acres each. See www.ThePrairieWF.com for more information.

Ashton's View

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb.

So true. I find this Proverb very insightful, in regards to Real Estate and Real Estate Investment. Think about it...we have never seen interest rates like we have right now (affordability). Furthermore, there has never been more inventory available for sale (opportunity). You may not be looking to invest today, but I encourage everyone to start thinking about it. One of my goals is to have as many people I know increase their wealth, and understand the beauty of owning income producing properties. How predictable, stable, and profitable do you want your future to be income stream? If you're interested, let's talk about planting a tree soon.

Don't forget www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com.

Make it a great week!

Ashton Gustafson, e-Pro, CDPE
Owner - Bishop Realtor Group
Realtor Magazine Selected- 30 under 30

20 Acres and just minutes from Wichita Falls, TX.

Priced @ $209,900. 4 beds and 2 baths. 2 car garage.

This is THE PLACE for anyone looking for country living and good times! This 2000 built home sits on 20 acres, has a stock pond (full of fish), wooded acreage (with turkey and deer and deer-stand), hot tub, PARTY BARN with bar (could be 2 car garage), updated kitchen with granite and stainless appliances. Master bedroom is isolated with spacious bath and closet space.

To get to this property, take 287 to HWY 79 towards Dean. Once in Dean, turn north on FM 2393...its just a minute or so down the road on the right.

Call us today to view this great property! 940.691.7355

Priced @ $109,000 - 3 beds - 2 baths - 2 car garage

This is a great home in Henrietta that is in wonderful condition. You will find an open floor plan, large closet space, wonderful backyard, and over sized garage.

Anyone looking in Henrietta should definitley preview this home!

New City Rating May Lower Insurance Premiums

 The Wichita Falls Fire Department and City Leaders are pleased to announce that the City's Public Protection Classification (PPC) has been upgraded from a "3" to a "2" by the insurance Services Office (ISO). This rating is used to help establish appropriate fire insurance premiums for residential and commercial properties and will become effective December 1, 2010. Public Protection Classifications are assigned on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing superior property fire protection, according to the Insurance Service Office.
 
 " This new rating is the direct result of 15 years of extensive planning and improvements by the Fire Department, Public Works Department, and City leaders," said Wichita Falls Fire Chief Earl Foster. In 1995, the City received a PPC of "3", and since then City and Fire Department have been working toward improving that PPC rating. Fire stations were relocated, personnel were added, new equipment and apparatus were purchased, a new Dispatch Center and fire department training facilities were constructed, and the water distribution system was substantially improved," said Foster.

 The ISO conducted a survey of the City and Fire Department in November of 2009.  The survey collected information about the City's fire protection efforts including fire alarm and communication systems, engine companies, ladder or service companies, distribution of fire stations and fire companies, equipment carried on apparatus, pumping capacity, reserve apparatus, department personnel, training and a review of the City's water supply system. The results of the survey were released to the City in May of this year and approved in July by the State Fire Marshal.
 
 "The PPC rating for Wichita Falls now ranks in the top 1.29% (618 out of 48,086) of all communities nationally," said Foster. "Wichita Falls now ranks in the top 5.11% (123 out of 2,405) of all communities state-wide.  Only 60 communities in the United States and only 13 communities in Texas have a "1" rating and rank above Wichita Falls," Foster continued.

 An improved PPC Rating may affect the cost of property insurance for businesses and residences, although, a number of factors go into determining insurance premiums. Communities having a good PPC rating generally have lower insurance premiums than communities having a poor PPC Rating. The ISO does not establish the rates for insurance premiums, individual insurance companies determine rates.  Citizens and businesses should contact their insurance company to determine how the improved PPC Rating will affect the cost of their insurance.

 The new PPC rating does not become effective until December 1st, 2010.  New property insurance policies and renewal of existing property insurance policies prior to December 1st will be based on the old PPC rating.  Policies, new or renewed, activated after December 1st will be based on the new PPC rating of two. For more information please contact Wichita Falls Fire Chief Earl Foster at 761-7901.

Texas Ranch Roundup

One of the finest traditions our community has is the Texas Ranch Roundup. This 2 day event allows us all to revisit the historical ranching heritage of Texas and the true working cowboy. This event will be August 20-21 @ MPEC. I have 2 tickets that I'm going to give away. All you have to do is email me Ashton@BishopRealtors.com with Ranch Roundup in the subject line and attach your Name, Number and Address. Good luck! For ticket information call the K.Y.C. box office at (940)716-5555 or www.wfmpec.com.

AG Referral Program - www.DinnerIsOnAshton.com

By referring your friends to myself or the Bishop Realtor Group, you could receive dinner for 4 at Salt and Pepper, Pasquals, or the restaurant of your choice.  Do you have friends, family or co-workers who may be interested in selling their home or even buying a new home in the next 6 months? Please send us the contact information of referrals that may be looking to buy or sell in the near future. And go to www.DinnerIsOnAshton.com for more information!

Foreclosure Answers

Today, nearly 1 out of every 6 homeowners in America is behind on mortgage payments. These are tough and frustrating times. Now more than ever, it's important to identify your options. Foreclosure can be avoided, your credit can be saved, and your financial future can be salvaged. Through my experience handling distressed properties, I've found that homeowners today have more questions than answers about their circumstances. I have created this site, www.WichitaFallsShortSale.com,  to help you understand the possible solutions to foreclosure, as well as provide a detailed explanation of short sales, which may be the best course of action for some homeowners.

If there is anything else I can do for you or someone you may know this week, please let me know!

Make it a great week!

"Find what you do well and perfect it." David L. Cook

Hotter 'N Hell Hundred and the cycling community of America can look forward to continued innovation in 2009, GPS mapping, and changes to Hell’s Gate. Riders and racers from all over the USA will celebrate the 29th annual Hotter 'N Hell Hundred on Aug. 29, 2009. Hotter 'N Hell Hundred will continue to excite record numbers of participants and add to their fitness experience. The Hotter 'N Hell Hundred is one of the oldest and largest cycling events in the nation. Fitness oriented riders and bicycle racers will come to Wichita Falls, Texas, from virtually every state and several foreign countries. They will set their calendars for the week of Aug. 27 - Aug. 30, 2008. The official ride start will be approximately 7:00 a.m. (official sun rise) on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. The Endurance ride is Saturday Aug. 29,2009 with USA Cycling racing on Friday and Saturday. The HHH will continue to offer an off-road mountain bike race on Friday August 28, 2009 and a trail run on Sunday August 30, 2009 as well. By the way, the HHH is always 9 days before Labor Day.

Several things happen during the Hotter 'N Hell weekend. The activities that comprise the HHH are: Registration, Consumer Show, Spaghetti Dinner, USA Cycling Criterium Race, USA Cycling Road Race, the Hotter 'N Hell Hundred Endurance Ride, an Off-Road bicycle race, off-road trail run along with entertainment food and fellowship at the Finish Line Village. In other words, HHH is not just one day, it is at least 4 days of challenging and inspiring activities.

Endurance cyclists will face wind and heat with the help of 4,000 event volunteers on routes up to 100 miles. The Hotter 'N Hell Hundred route is rolling with some long inclines accentuated by incessant wind. With the huge consumer products show, off-road mountain biking and USA Cycling Races over the weekend, the Hotter 'N Hell offers an awesome start and the greatest weekend on two wheels. If you are going to ride 100 miles, the best place to do it is at the Hotter 'N Hell Hundred!


People ask what you get when you register for the HHH. It is a grueling day in the sun so what does a rider get besides sore muscles, tired posterior, sense of accomplishment and several hours of pure cycling madness? There is no answer that fits all. Riders pit themselves against the road and elements for different reasons. What everyone does get is a ride T-shirt and water bottle, goodie bag, free stuff from the consumer show, his or her share of 15,000 gallons of hydration fluid, truck loads of fruit, pickles, thousands of helpers on the route and a hard-earned finisher pin.
Route distances are:
10K - 25 mile - 50 mile - 100K - 100 mile
Riders for the 100 miles need to be aware of Hell's Gate! Hell's gate is located at the 60.3 mile mark on the 100 mile route. Hell's Gate normally closes at 12:30 p.m. unless weather conditions force an early closure. Riders who reach Hell's Gate after closure are directed to a shorter route that finishes the day with 84 miles. This year, rest stops prior to Hell’s Gate will display closure status so riders can adjust their pace to reach Hell's Gate prior to closing. The process for closing Hell's Gate will be reviewed in the Ride Tabloid mailed during the spring of 2009.

10K: This short route is for those who don't ride much but want to experience the dynamics and human energy unleashed at the starting line.
Off Road: HHH weekend includes a 10-mile off-road route. The start is adjacent to the 100-mile start. The trail will be open all day but will be swept for survivors at 6 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday. The trail is single track with quick short climbs and drops. The route is fun but riders are reminded that these nature trails are on natural surfaces surrounded by trees, water, wild animals, pointy objects and poison ivy. Off-roading requires skill and caution on the part of the rider.


EntryFee: HHH has worked hard to keep entry fees as low as possible. To help families, there is a family discount. Regular registration is $30. The family discount is applied to registrations from the same household after the first full fee is paid. The maximum is 5 discounts per household. The family rate is $25. The family discount is available during early registration which expires July 31, 2009. All family discount registrations need to be received at one time and paid all together. Riders can register on line, by mail, fax, or in person. Late registration is $35.

Timing: Riders can request electronic timing. For an additional $5.00 ($7 at late registration) riders will use a state-of-the-art electronic timing chip and receive comparative speed and elapsed time information by age and gender. Riders that pre-register can contract for text messaging service as they cross the finish line.

Or join them on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/HH100

 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.

As our clients, what you think matters most to us and we want to hear from you!  Please let us know what you think about your experience in working with Ashton and the Bishop Realtor Group.  One of the biggest compliments you could give our team would be the referral of your friends! So, we are introducing a new referral program starting this month through the end of the year and want to invite you to join!  By referring your friends to Ashton or the Bishop Realtor Group, you could receive dinner for 4 at Salt and Pepper, Pasquals, or the restaurant of your choice.  Do you have friends, family or co-workers who may be interested in selling their home or even buying a new home in the next 6 months? Please send us the contact information of referrals that may be looking to buy or sell in the near future.   We would love to serve them just as we have you!  Please send us the name, phone number and email of someone you would like for us to work with. We appreciate you and want to let you know that through this program!

You can reach Ashton @ 940.691.7355 or Ashton@BishopRealtors.com.

A summer tradition has begun in Wichita Falls and its called LIVE @ THE LAKE. Every Thursday evening from 6:00 - 7:30, a local artist will perform at the Museum and Art Center by Sikes Lake. This week it will be myself and my good friend Kevin Rhine taking the stage. Beverages are provided by Falls Distributing and pizza is provided by The SPOT. If you're free this Thursday evening, please come by and enjoy a great time...oh, and don't forget a lawn chair!

Now back to Real Estate.....

You may have seen my blog, "I'm a Happy Buyer" last week. If not, take a look @ www.ImAHappyBuyer.com. This is a great visual of just how terrific these current interest rates are.

Also, www.LuxuryHomesWF.com has now launched. This is a FREE service to help area home buyers view the finest homes Wichita Falls has to offer, the minute they hit the market. Your first email will list all homes currently for sale that meet your search criteria. Then each morning you will be emailed a list of all of the new homes for sale and price changes since your previous search. No more having to rely on manual searches. I look forward to unlocking the door to spectacular real estate on your behalf.

And remember our other sites for fast answers:

www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com - every home for sale in our area.

www.TexomaHomeValue.com - thinking of selling?

Make it a great week!

"Focused intensity over time multiplied by God creates unstoppable momentum." Dave Ramsey

In today’s market, 1 in 7 homeowners is having trouble paying the mortgage. More than 70% of these homeowners proceed without seeking assistance or getting the facts. Many do not even realize that foreclosure is a process, and that there is time to make decisions that may result in a better outcome.

You are not alone. Millions of other homeowners nationwide are in the same circumstances. To assist you, I’ve prepared a free report outlining the first steps a homeowner should take when facing a foreclosure.

Fill out your information in the link below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get back on track today!

http://hosted.cdpe.com/43911/Your-First-Steps-To-Avoid-Foreclosure.aspx

Ashton Gustafson is a Certified Distressed Property Expert in Wichita Falls, TX.

Fast. Easy. Automatic. FREE!

LuxuryHomesWF.com is a FREE service from Ashton Gustafson to help area home buyers view the finest homes Wichita Falls has to offer, the minute they hit the market. Your first email will list all homes currently for sale that meet your search criteria. Then each morning you will be emailed a list of all of the new homes for sale and price changes since your previous search. No more having to rely on manual searches. Fill out the form  and start your auto-email home search today! It's just that easy!

We look forward to unlocking the door to spectacular real estate on your behalf.

I wrote a blog this week that can be read at www.ImAHappyBuyer.com. This shows just how significant the savings can be with these interest rates we are seeing.

3.875% 15 year fixed and 4.25% 30 year fixed were available this past week with our local lenders! That should make all of us interested, Happy Buyers!! See www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com and see where you could invest today.

The Prairie

I also have the privilege to market a new Green-Sustainable residential development, called The Prairie. 

The Prairie is a 200-acre development in Archer County near Wichita Falls, Texas, whose goal is to maintain and enhance the beauty and ecological processes of the restored mixed prairie native to this region of the United States. The large lot community embraces green building concepts and promotes the conservation of energy, land, water, and resources thorough appropriate site and building design, construction, and maintenance. The principles that guide The Prairie’s development includes minimizing land disturbances, protecting natural resources, optimizing solar orientation, using storm water runoff on-site, creating neighborhood connectivity, developing passive recreation areas, and managing the restored prairie.

The community is a comprehensive neighborhood of streetscapes, quality built residences, and related site improvements that reflect an elegant but casual outdoor lifestyle. The development, as a whole, is designed to respect The Prairie landscape. In addition, each building and lot stands on its own design merit and contributes to the desired neighborhood character. Thus, the compatibility, long-term quality, and appreciation of value of the original investments and the overall community are optimized. Each proposed new home addition or improvement, including site improvements and landscaping, is designed and reviewed for consistency and/or compatibility with the appropriate character outlined in the Sustainable Guidelines. See www.ThePrairieWF.com for more information.

If I can answer any questions or be of service this week, please let me know.

Make it a great week!

PS - I love this week's quote.

"Your positive energy and vision must be greater than anyone's and everyone's negativity. Your certainty must be greater than everyone's doubt." Quote from The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon

Less than 2 years ago, rates were at 6.5% fixed on a 30 year conventional loan.

Today, with Wichita Falls local lenders, rates hit 4.5% on a 30 year conventional loan.*

If you took a $200,000 loan out, this change in interest charged would save you $92,750 over the life of the loan, as compared to where rates were not long ago.

This is a HUGE savings and should not be taken lightly. See www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com for every home available at this time in our market.

*You must qualify, and rates vary and are not guaranteed.

Ashton Gustafson - Owner- Bishop Realtor Group

The Prairie is a residential green development located  just 10 minutes from Wichita Falls, Texas off of FM 1954 on Decker Road. It consists of 200+ acres with 28 available home sites made up of five to seven acres each.

The Prairie is the first green development in Northwest Texas! It has walking trails, native plants & grasses, and wild flowers, with an abundance of wildlife such as turkey, deer, water fowl, song birds and much more. Please feel free to contact us for pricing, availability, and lot descriptions. Or you may view our Sustainable Guidlines for more information.

Ashton Gustafson, Owner at The Bishop Realtor Group, is proud to be the listing agent for The Prairie.

Vision

Originally,three fourths of the state of Texas was covered by prairie and savanna. The tallgrass prairies covered 20 million acres. Today these tallgrass prairies have been reduced to less than one percent of those original 20 million acres.

The tallgrass prairie is a proud part of our heritage. In an effort to preserve this beautiful, vanishing ecological system, Mr. Hirschi made a commitment to preserve and restore the Decker Road property to its natural prairie character.

The Prairie settlers of the past had many “common sense” practices in their architectural design and their use of energy. Rainwater collection, cisterns for water storage, solar orientation for heat protection and breezes, along with generous overhangs, and strategically placed window openings all worked to provide comfort and improved livability. Many of these ideas are again in vogue and known as “green or sustainable” practices. Keeping with these ideas and the incorporation of new technologies, we have developed the basis for The Prairie’s Sustainable Guidelines.

Master Plan

The Prairie is a 200-acre development in Archer County near Wichita Falls, Texas, whose goal is to maintain and enhance the beauty and ecological processes of the restored mixed prairie native to this region of the United States. The large lot community embraces green building concepts and promotes the conservation of energy, land, water, and resources thorough appropriate site and building design, construction, and maintenance. The principles that guide The Prairie’s development includes minimizing land disturbances, protecting natural resources, optimizing solar orientation, using storm water runoff on-site, creating neighborhood connectivity, developing passive recreation areas, and managing the restored prairie.

The community is a comprehensive neighborhood of streetscapes, quality built residences, and related site improvements that reflect an elegant but casual outdoor lifestyle. The development, as a whole, is designed to respect The Prairie landscape. In addition, each building and lot stands on its own design merit and contributes to the desired neighborhood character. Thus, the compatibility, long-term quality, and appreciation of value of the original investments and the overall community are optimized. Each proposed new home addition or improvement, including site improvements and landscaping, is designed and reviewed for consistency and/or compatibility with the appropriate character outlined in these Sustainable Guidelines.

Location

The Prairie is located just 10 minutes from Wichita Falls, Texas off of FM 1954 on Decker Road.

For more information on this beautiful developement, contact Ashton Gustafson @ 940.691.7355 or Ashton@ThePrairieWF.com.

To determine if you should REFI, you want to establish your BreakEven (BE) -- how many years it will take to re-coup the cost of your refinance through lower interest payments.

If you anticipate selling prior to BE (even if IR were at 1%), it doesn't always make financial sense to refinance your loan.

But, if you plan on owning your home beyond BE, taking advantage of today's historically low IR is likely a prudent decision. Rates today are hovering around 4.25% (4.34% APR) for a 30-year fixed and 3.75% (3.875% APR) for a 15-year fixed.

Contact us today to learn your BreakEven and to determine if now is a good time to refinance your current loan in order to take advantage of these interest rates if you are not in the market to buy.  

Remember our site for buyers: www.TheFallsHomeFinder.com