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 Two Big Issues the Housing Market’s Facing Right Now

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 21, 2023

The biggest challenge the housing market’s facing is how few homes there are for sale. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains the root causes of today’s low supply: “Two dynamics are keeping existing-home inventory historically low – rate-locked existing homeowners and the fear of not finding something to buy.” Let’s break down these two big issues in today’s housing […]

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Spring into Action: Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with Expert Guidance

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 20, 2023

To sell your home this spring, it may need more preparation than it would have a year or two ago. Today’s housing market has a different feel. There are more homes for sale than there were at this time last year, but inventory is still historically low. So, if a house has been sitting on the market […]

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Wondering What’s Going on with Home Prices?

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 16, 2023

The recent changes in home prices are top of mind for many as the housing market begins gearing up for spring. It can be hard to navigate misleading headlines and confusing data, so here’s what you should know about today’s home prices. Local price trends still vary by market. But looking at national data, Nataliya Polkovnichenko, Ph.D., […]

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Should You Consider Buying a Newly Built Home?

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 15, 2023

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you might be focusing on previously owned ones. But with so few houses for sale today, it makes sense to consider all your options, and that includes a home that’s newly built. The Number of Newly Built Homes Is on the Rise While there are more houses for sale […]

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Why It’s Easy To Fall in Love with Homeownership

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 14, 2023

No matter how the housing market changes, there are some things about owning a home that never change—like the personal benefits it can provide. When you own your home, you likely feel a sense of attachment because of the comfort it gives and also because it’s a space that’s truly yours. Over the last few years, we’ve fully […]

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What You Should Know About Closing Costs

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 13, 2023

Before you buy a home, it’s important to plan ahead. While most buyers consider how much they need to save for a down payment, many are surprised by the closing costs they have to pay. To ensure you aren’t caught off guard when it’s time to close on your home, you need to understand what closing costs are […]

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Number of Homes for Sale Up from Last Year, but Below Pre-Pandemic Years

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 8, 2023

The biggest challenge in the housing market right now, and likely for years to come, is how few homes there are for sale compared to the number of people who want to buy. That’s why, if you’re thinking about selling your house, this is a great time to do so. Your house would be welcome […]

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How Experts Can Help Close the Gap in Today’s Homeownership Rate

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 7, 2023

As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the past and present experiences of Black Americans. This includes the path toward investing in a home of their own. And while equitable access to housing has come a long way, homeownership can be a steeper climb for households of color. It’s an important experience to […]

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The Top Reasons for Selling Your House

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 6, 2023

Many of today’s homeowners bought or refinanced their homes during the pandemic when mortgage rates were at history-making lows. Since rates doubled in 2022, some of those homeowners put their plans to move on hold, not wanting to lose the low mortgage rate they have on their current house. And while today’s rates have started […]

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