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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Think Twice Before Waiting for 3% Mortgage Rates

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 17, 2023

Last year, the Federal Reserve took action to try to bring down inflation. In response to those efforts, mortgage rates jumped up rapidly from the record lows we saw in 2021, peaking at just over 7% last October. Hopeful buyers experienced a hit to their purchasing power as a result, and some decided to press pause on their plans. Today, the rate […]

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What Past Recessions Tell Us About the Housing Market

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 16, 2023

It doesn’t matter if you’re someone who closely follows the economy or not, chances are you’ve heard whispers of an upcoming recession. Economic conditions are determined by a broad range of factors, so rather than explaining them each in depth, let’s lean on the experts and what history tells us to see what could lie […]

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Key Terms To Know When Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 13, 2023

Some Highlights Buying a home is a major transaction that can seem even more complex when you don’t understand the terms used throughout the process. If you’re looking to become a homeowner this year, it’s important to know these housing terms and how they relate to the current market so you feel confident throughout the homebuying process. Let’s connect so […]

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Is It Time To Sell Your Second Home?

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 12, 2023

During the pandemic, second homes became popular because of the rise in work-from-home flexibility. That’s because owning a second home, especially in the luxury market, allowed those homeowners to spend more time in their favorite places or with different home features. Keep in mind, a luxury home isn’t only defined by price. In a recent article, Investopedia shares […]

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Today’s Housing Market Is Nothing Like 15 Years Ago

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 11, 2023

There’s no doubt today’s housing market is very different than the frenzied one from the past couple of years. In the second half of 2022, there was a dramatic shift in real estate, and it caused many people to make comparisons to the 2008 housing crisis. While there may be a few similarities, when looking at key […]

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The Truth About Negative Home Equity Headlines

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 10, 2023

Home equity has been a hot topic in real estate news lately. And if you’ve been following along, you may have heard there’s a growing number of homeowners with negative equity. But don’t let those headlines scare you. In truth, the headlines don’t give you all the information you really need to understand what’s happening and at what scale. […]

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What Experts Are Saying About the 2023 Housing Market

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 9, 2023

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home soon, you probably want to know what you can expect from the housing market this year. In 2022, the market underwent a major shift as economic uncertainty and higher mortgage rates reduced buyer demand, slowed the pace of home sales, and moderated home prices. But what about 2023? An article from HousingWire offers this […]

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Tips To Reach Your Homebuying Goals in 2023 [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 6, 2023

Some Highlights If you’re planning to buy a home in 2023, here are a few things to focus on. Work on your credit and save for a down payment. If saving feels like a challenge, there’s help available. Then, get pre-approved, create a list of desired features, and prioritize them. Let’s connect so you have expert advice on how to reach your homebuying goals this year.

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3 Best Practices for Selling Your House This Year

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 5, 2023

A new year brings with it the opportunity for new experiences. If that resonates with you because you’re considering making a move, you’re likely juggling a mix of excitement over your next home and a sense of attachment to your current one. A great way to ease some of those emotions and ensure you’re feeling confident […]

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