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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What is Really Happening with Home Prices?

By Richard Wamsat | May 16, 2019

Home values have softened over the last twelve months. We are no longer seeing 6-7% annual appreciation levels for the national housing market. The current numbers are closer to 4%. Some have suggested that year-over-year appreciation levels could fall to 3% or less this year. However, a stronger-than-expected economy and a good spring housing market […]

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4 Tips for Making a Competitive Offer

By Richard Wamsat | May 15, 2019

So, you’ve been searching for that perfect house to call ‘home,’ and you’ve finally found it! The price is right, and in such a competitive market, you want to make sure you make a good offer so that you can guarantee that your dream of making this house yours comes true! Below are 4 steps […]

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Family picture of young couple and their 3 kids

New Research Shows Housing Is Affordable For First-Time Buyers

By Richard Wamsat | May 14, 2019

Home prices have been on the rise for the last seven years, leading many housing market analysts to conclude that first-time homebuyers are being shut out of the market due to affordability concerns. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports on the percentage of First-Time Home Buyers (FTHB) on a monthly and yearly basis. Their […]

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A Lack of Inventory Continues to Impact the Housing Market

By Richard Wamsat | May 13, 2019

The housing crisis is finally in the rear-view mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up and distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) have fallen to their lowest point in years. The market will continue to strengthen in 2019. However, there is one thing that […]

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Exterior of house

A Tale of Two Markets [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | May 10, 2019

Some Highlights: An emerging trend for some time now has been the difference between available inventory and demand in the premium and luxury markets and that in the starter and trade-up markets and what those differences are doing to prices! Inventory continues to rise in the luxury and premium home markets which is causing prices […]

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toy model house in a calculator

Mainstream Concerns about an Economic Slowdown Revisited

By Richard Wamsat | May 9, 2019

Recently, we reported that many believe a recession could happen within the next two years. We explained that 70% of economists and market analysts surveyed last year believe that a recession will occur in 2019 or 2020 and that 42% of consumers currently looking to purchase a home also agree that a recession will occur […]

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Piggy banks

The Benefits of a 20% Down Payment

By Richard Wamsat | May 8, 2019

If you are in the market to buy a home this year, you may be confused about how much money you need to come up with for your down payment. Many people you talk to will tell you that you need to save 20% or you won’t be able to secure a mortgage. The truth […]

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Home Buyers are Optimistic About Homeownership!

By Richard Wamsat | May 7, 2019

When we consider buying an item, we naturally go through a research process prior to making our decision. We ask our friends and family members who have made similar purchases about their experience, we get opinions and insights, and we read reviews online. There’s no difference when considering a home purchase! Most homebuyers start by […]

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Key in keyhole

Why Access Is One of the Most Important Factors in Getting Your House Sold!

By Richard Wamsat | May 6, 2019

So, you’ve decided to sell your house. You’ve hired a real estate professional to help you through the entire process, and they have asked you what level of access you want to provide to your potential buyers. There are four elements to a quality listing. At the top of the list is access, followed by condition, financing, […]

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