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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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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You May Not Need as Much as You Think for Your Down Payment [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 3, 2023

Some Highlights Many people believe you need to put down 20% of the purchase price when you buy a home. But recent homebuyers actually put down far less on their purchase. And with programs like FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans, some qualified buyers are able to put down as little as 0-3.5%. Let’s connect to make sure you have a […]

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Experts Forecast a Turnaround in the Housing Market in 2023

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 2, 2023

The housing market has gone through a lot of change recently, and much of that was a result of how quickly mortgage rates rose last year. Now, as we move through 2023, there are signs things are finally going to turn around. Home price appreciation is slowing from the recent frenzy, mortgage rates are coming down, inflation is easing, and […]

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Should You Rent Your House or Sell It?

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 1, 2023

If you’re a homeowner ready to make a move, you may be thinking about using your current house as a short-term rental property instead of selling it. A short-term rental (STR) is typically offered as an alternative to a hotel, and they’re an investment that’s gained popularity in recent years. According to a Harris Poll survey, 28% of homeowners have considered […]

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Lower Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back to the Market

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 31, 2023

As mortgage rates rose last year, activity in the housing market slowed down. And as a result, homes started seeing fewer offers and stayed on the market longer. That meant some homeowners decided to press pause on selling. Now, however, rates are beginning to come down—and buyers are starting to reenter the market. In fact, the latest […]

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