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 Selling Your House with a Real Estate Professional Is Essential

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 30, 2021

Selling your house is no simple task. And when you sell on your own – known as a FSBO (or For Sale by Owner) – you’re responsible for handling some of the more difficult aspects of the process without the expert guidance you need. The 2021 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) surveys […]

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Expert Insights on the 2022 Housing Market

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 29, 2021

As we move into 2022, both buyers and sellers are wondering, what’s next? Will there be more homes available to buy? Will prices keep climbing? How high will mortgage rates go? For the answer to those questions and more, we turn to the experts. Here’s a look at what they say we can expect in 2022. Odeta Kushi, Deputy […]

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5 Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 28, 2021

As a buyer in a sellers’ market, sometimes it can feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. When you’re ready to make an offer on a home, remember these five easy tips to help you rise above the competition. 1. Know Your Budget Knowing your budget and what you can afford is […]

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Key Things To Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 27, 2021

Once you’ve found your dream home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. It’s exciting to start thinking about moving in and decorating your new place, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any major life changes, be sure […]

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Thank You for All of Your Support

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 24, 2021
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When a House Becomes a Home

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 23, 2021

It’s clear that owning a home makes financial sense. But lately, the emotional side of what drives homeownership is becoming increasingly important. No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a familiar scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own homes can be more important to […]

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The Perks of Putting 20% Down on a Home

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 22, 2021

If you’re thinking of buying a home, you’re probably wondering what you need to save for your down payment. Is it 20% of the purchase price, or could you put down less? While there are lower down payment programs available that allow qualified buyers to put down as little as 3.5%, it’s important to understand the many […]

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The Average Homeowner Gained $56,700 in Equity over the Past Year

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 21, 2021

When you think of homeownership, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Chances are you might focus on the non-financial benefits, like the security or stability a home provides. But what about equity? While it can be overlooked, a homeowner’s equity helps build long-term wealth over time. Here’s a look at what equity is and […]

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Homebuyers: Be Ready To Act This Winter

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 20, 2021

To succeed as a buyer in today’s market, it’s important to understand which market trends will have the greatest impact on your home search. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, says there are two factors every buyer should keep their eyes on: “Going forward, the conditions buyers face are primarily dependent on two things: mortgage rates and housing supply.” […]

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