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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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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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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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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Young couple moving in with there dog

Buying a Home Early Can Significantly Increase Future Wealth

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 13, 2020

According to an Urban Institute study, homeowners who purchase a house before age 35 are better prepared for retirement at age 60. The good news is, our younger generations are strong believers in homeownership. According to a Freddie Mac survey, “The dream of homeownership is alive and well within “Generation Z,” the demographic cohort following Millennials. Our […]

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Cut you energy costs day

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 10, 2020

Some Highlights: On January 10th of each year, “National Cut Your Energy Costs Day” encourages consumers to reduce their overall energy costs by improving home efficiency. According to Freddie Mac, a typical U.S. family spends $2,200 per year on energy bills. By making energy efficient upgrades, you could reduce your energy bills by up to […]

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There’s a Long Line of Buyers Waiting for Your House

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 9, 2020

If you’re following what’s happening in the housing market right now, you know that many people believe the winter months aren’t a good time to sell a home. As realtor.com Senior Economist George Ratiu recently noted, “Sellers tend to be more reluctant to list during the colder time of year when the market typically makes […]

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