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

Homeownership Is Still at the Heart of the American Dream

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 15, 2024

Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains at the heart of the American Dream. Unlike renting, owning a home means more than just having a place to live – it offers a sense of belonging, stability, and freedom. According to Nicole Bachaud, Senior Economist at Zillow: “The American Dream is still owning a home. There’s […]

Read More

Home Prices Forecast To Climb over the Next 5 Years [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 12, 2024

  Some Highlights If you’re worried about what’s next for home prices, know the HPES shows experts are projecting they’ll continue to rise at least through 2028. Based on that forecast, if you bought a $400,000 house this year, experts say it could gain over $72,000 in equity over the next five years. If you’re worried about falling home […]

Read More

The Dramatic Impact of Homeownership on Net Worth

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 11, 2024

If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home this year, here’s a powerful insight that could give you the clarity and confidence you need to make your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), which compares net worth for homeowners and renters. The latest report shows the average homeowner’s net worth […]

Read More

Avoid These Common Mistakes After Applying for a Mortgage

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 10, 2024

If you’re getting ready to buy a home, it’s exciting to jump a few steps ahead and think about moving in and making it your own. But before you get too far down the emotional path, there are some key things to keep in mind after you apply for your mortgage and before you close. Here’s a list of things […]

Read More

Ways Your Home Equity Can Help You Reach Your Goals

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 9, 2024

If you’ve owned your house for at least a couple of years, there’s something you’re going to want to know more about – and that’s home equity. If you’re not familiar with that term, Freddie Mac defines it like this: “. . . your home’s equity is the difference between how much your home is worth and how much you […]

Read More

What Lower Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Purchasing Power

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 8, 2024

If you want to buy a home, it’s important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month. Fortunately, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages have come down significantly since the end of October and are currently under 7%, according to Freddie Mac (see graph below): This recent trend is great news for buyers. As […]

Read More

Achieving Your Homebuying Dreams in 2024 [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 5, 2024

  Some Highlights Planning to buy a home in 2024? Here’s what to focus on. Improve your credit score, plan for your down payment, get pre-approved, and decide what’s most important to you. Let’s connect so you have expert advice on how to achieve your homebuying goals this year.

Read More

Why Pre-Approval Is Your Homebuying Game Changer

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 4, 2024

If you’re thinking about buying a home, pre-approval is a crucial part of the process you definitely don’t want to skip. So, before you start picturing yourself in your new living room or dining on your future all-season patio, be sure you’re working with a trusted lender to prioritize this essential step. Here’s why. While home […]

Read More

Thinking About Buying a Home? Ask Yourself These Questions

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 3, 2024

If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you’re probably paying closer attention than normal to the housing market. And you’re getting your information from a variety of channels: the news, social media, your real estate agent, conversations with friends and loved ones, the list goes on and on. Most likely, home prices and mortgage rates are coming up […]

Read More
Home
Properties
About Me
Blog
Neighborhood News
eho-89x83.png
realtor_white-71x83.png

Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement | Fair Housing Notice

© 2026 Coldwell Banker Realty

©2026 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.