Richard Wamsat’s Real Estate News & Views

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

Subscribe

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

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 […]

Read More

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 […]

Read More

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 […]

Read More

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 […]

Read More

Where Will You Go If You Sell? You Have Options.

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 30, 2023

There are plenty of good reasons you might be ready to move. No matter your motivations, before you list your current house, you need to consider where you’ll go next. In today’s market, it makes sense to explore all your options. That includes both homes that have been lived in before as well as newly built ones. […]

Read More

Homeownership Builds Your Wealth over Time [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 27, 2023

Some Highlights If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, be sure to factor in the long-term benefits of homeownership. On average, nationwide, home prices appreciated by 288.7% over the last 32 years. That means homeowners grow their net w orth significantly in the long term. Homeownership wins over time. Let’s connect so you can start your homebuying journey today.

Read More

Why It Makes Sense To Move Before Spring

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 26, 2023

Spring is usually the busiest season in the housing market. Many buyers wait until then to make their move, believing it’s the best time to find a home. However, that isn’t always the case when you factor in the competition you could face with other buyers at that time of year. If you’re ready to […]

Read More

Why You Shouldn’t Fear Today’s Foreclosure Headlines

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 25, 2023

If you’ve seen recent headlines about foreclosures surging in the housing market, you’re certainly not alone. There’s no doubt, the stories in the media can be pretty confusing right now. They may even make you think twice about buying a home for fear that prices could crash. The reality is, the data shows a foreclosure crisis is […]

Read More

The 3 Factors That Affect Home Affordability

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 24, 2023

If you’ve been following the housing market over the last couple of years, you’ve likely heard about growing affordability challenges. But according to experts, the key factors that determine housing affordability are projected to improve this year. Selma Hepp, Executive, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic, shares: “. . . with slowly improving affordability and a more optimistic economic […]

Read More