Richard Wamsat’s Real Estate News & Views

Local market updates, buyer and seller tips, and homeowner resources for Orange County and Irvine.

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2020 Homebuying Checklist

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 24, 2020

Some Highlights: If you’re thinking of buying a home, plan ahead and stay on the right track, starting with pre-approval. Being proactive about the homebuying process will help set you up for success in each step. Make sure to work with a trusted real estate professional along the way, to help guide you through the […]

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The #1 Reason It Is Difficult to Find Your Dream Home

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 23, 2020

The headlines in real estate today all revolve around one major point: there is a shortage of homes available for sale. Price appreciation is accelerating again because there is a shortage of homes available for sale. First-time buyers are taking longer to purchase a home because there is a shortage of homes available for sale […]

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Toy model in a hand

How Buyers Can Win By Downsizing in 2020

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 22, 2020

Home values have been increasing for 93 consecutive months, according to the National Association of Realtors. If you’re a homeowner, particularly one looking to downsize your living space, that’s great news, as you’ve likely built significant equity in your home. Here’s some more good news: mortgage rates are expected to remain low throughout 2020 at […]

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Kid playing ball with dog while 2 woman watching

The 2 Surprising Things Homebuyers Really Want

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 21, 2020

In a market where current inventory is low, it’s normal to think buyers might be willing to give up a few desirable features in their home search in order to make finding a house a little easier. Don’t be fooled, though – there’s still an interest in the market for some key upgrades. Here’s a […]

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Woman holding a paper with house shape

Make the Dream of Homeownership a Reality in 2020

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 20, 2020

In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. led and inspired a powerful movement with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Through his passion and determination, he sparked interest, ambition, and courage in his audience. Today, reflecting on his message encourages many of us to think about our own dreams, goals, beliefs, and aspirations. For many […]

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Family, young couple, senior couple

Where Homebuyers Are Heading By Generation [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 17, 2020

Some Highlights: Whether capitalizing on job opportunities, affordability, or warm-weather places to retire, Americans are making moves to these top cities to take advantage of the strength in the current housing market. A strong economy and lower mortgage rates have made it easier for many would-be buyers to get into the market. According to realtor.com, […]

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Toy house model in a shopping cart

Housing Inventory Vanishing: What Is the Impact on You?

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 16, 2020

The real estate market is expected to do very well this year as mortgage rates remain at historic lows. One challenge to the housing industry is the lack of homes available for sale. Last week, move.com released a report showing that 2020 is beginning with the lowest available housing inventory in two years. The report […]

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Toy model house with dollar bills

Homes Are More Affordable Today, Not Less Affordable

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 15, 2020

There’s a current narrative that owning a home today is less affordable than it has been in the past. The reason some are making this claim is because house prices have substantially increased over the last several years. It’s not, however, just the price of a home that matters. Homes, in most cases, are purchased […]

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Young couple in the front door

2020 Luxury Market Forecast

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 14, 2020

By the end of last year, many homeowners found themselves with more equity than they realized, and at the same time their wages were increasing. When those two factors unite, it can spark homeowners to think about making a move to a larger or more expensive home in the luxury space. That said, now is […]

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