Richard Wamsat’s Real Estate News & Views
Local market updates, buyer and seller tips, and homeowner resources for Orange County and Irvine.
When Does In-N-Out Open at the Great Park?
As of August 22, 2026, In-N-Out is a confirmed tenant at The Canopy at Great Park. The building is up. There is still no official opening day.
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Before You Buy Your Next Orange County Home, Know These Two Numbers
Before buying your next Orange County home, understand your likely net proceeds and compare financing and timing options with a trusted REALTOR® and licensed lender.
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Refresh Your Home This Summer: Enter to Win a Wayfair Gift Card
Refresh Your Home This Summer: Enter to Win a Wayfair Gift Card Whether you are getting your home ready for the market, updating a room you use every day, or simply looking for a reason to finally tackle that project you have been putting off, a little refresh can go a long way. Coldwell Banker […]
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Orange County and Irvine Buyers: More Negotiating Room as the Market Plateau
Orange County buyers are no longer dealing with the same frenzied housing market that defined the pandemic years. The market has not crashed, but it has clearly cooled. The Orange County market data in this article is based on the July 2026 Steven Thomas Orange County Housing Report and June 2026 Irvine market data. According […]
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Down Payments Are Smaller Than They’ve Been Since 2021
Saving for a down payment can feel like the hardest part of buying a home. And with affordability as tight as it’s been lately, it’s fair to wonder how anyone manages it right now. Here’s something you may not have seen coming. Some people are getting their foot in the door with a smaller down […]
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Is It a Bad Time to Buy a Home in Orange County Because of the Iran Conflict?
Orange County first-time home buyers are weighing whether global conflict and higher rates mean it is smarter to buy now or wait. This post explains how the local market, inventory, and affordability trends can shape that decision.
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Irvine Move-Up Sellers: How Your Home Equity Can Make the Next Purchase Easier
Irvine move-up sellers often have more flexibility than they realize—thanks to home equity. This post breaks down how equity impacts net proceeds, loan size, and offer strength, plus current local market stats and practical strategies to help you plan a smoother move-up purchase.
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Buying a Home This Winter in Irvine: Motivated Sellers, Less Competition, and Smarter Inspections (Lake Forest & Mission Viejo Too)
Winter home buying in Irvine can be a practical move for renters and relocation buyers who want a calmer search and cleaner timelines. This post breaks down local leverage signals, when negotiation is more realistic, why attached homes often lead under $1M shortlists, and what to look for during inspections after rain.
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Crash or “Great Housing Reset”? What 2026 Could Really Look Like for Orange County and Irvine
The Orange County and Irvine housing market 2026 is more likely to see a slow “Great Housing Reset” than a crash. Explore what a cooler, fairer market could mean for Irvine buyers, sellers, and homeowners planning their next move.
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