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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Experts Project Mortgage Rates Will Continue To Rise in 2022

By Richard Wamsat | Nov 3, 2021

Mortgage rates are one of several factors that impact how much you can afford if you’re buying a home. When rates are low, they help you get more house for your money. Within the last year, mortgage rates have hit the lowest point ever recorded, and they’ve hovered in the historic-low territory. But even over the past […]

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Sellers Have Incredible Leverage in Today’s Market

By Richard Wamsat | Nov 2, 2021

With mortgage rates climbing above 3% for the first time in months, serious buyers are more motivated than ever to find a home before the end of the year. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), puts it best, saying: “Housing demand remains strong as buyers likely want to secure a home before mortgage rates increase even further […]

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Renters Missed Out on $51,500 This Past Year

By Richard Wamsat | Nov 1, 2021

Rents have increased significantly this year. The latest National Rent Report from Apartmentlist.com shows rents are rising at a rate much higher than the three years leading up to the pandemic: “Since January of this year, the national median rent has increased by a staggering 16.4 percent. To put that in context, rent growth from January to September averaged just 3.4 […]

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The Mortgage Process Doesn’t Have To Be Scary [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Oct 29, 2021

Some Highlights Applying for a mortgage is a big step towards homeownership, but it doesn’t need to be one you fear. Here are some tips to help you prepare. Know your credit score and work to build strong credit. When you’re ready, lean on your agent to connect you with a lender so you can get pre-approved and begin your home […]

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Does Your House Have What Buyers Want?

By Richard Wamsat | Oct 28, 2021

The rise in remote work is changing what many Americans want in their homes. Many companies are choosing to delay reopening or go remote full-time, and today’s buyers are looking for homes with more space to support their work needs. As a seller, if you no longer need the extra room you have in your home, rest assured […]

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Housing Challenge or Housing Opportunity? It Depends.

By Richard Wamsat | Oct 27, 2021

The biggest challenge in real estate today is the lack of available homes for sale. The low housing supply has caused homes throughout the country to appreciate at a much faster rate than what we’ve experienced historically. There are many reasons for the limited number of homes on the market, but as you can see […]

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There Are More Homes Available Now than There Were This Spring

By Richard Wamsat | Oct 26, 2021

There’s a lot of talk lately about how challenging it can be to find a home to buy. While housing inventory is still low, there are a few important things to understand about the supply of homes for sale as we move into the end of the year. The Number of Homes for Sale Usually Peaks in […]

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Knowledge Is Power When It Comes to Appraisals and Inspections

By Richard Wamsat | Oct 25, 2021

Buyers in today’s market often have questions about the importance of getting a home appraisal and an inspection. That’s because high buyer demand and low housing supply are driving intense competition and leading some buyers to consider waiving those contingencies to stand out in the crowded market. But is that the best move? Buying a home is […]

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Your Home Equity Is Growing [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Oct 22, 2021

Some Highlights If you’re a homeowner, today’s rising equity is great news. On average, homeowners have gained $51,500 in equity since this time last year. Whether it’s funding an education, fueling your next move, or starting a business, your home equity is a great tool you can use to power your dreams. Ready to sell? Let’s connect to talk about how you […]

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