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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A Look at Home Price Appreciation and What It Means for Sellers

By Richard Wamsat | Aug 16, 2021

When you hear the phrase home price appreciation, what does it mean to you? Through context clues alone, chances are you know it has to do with rising home prices. And as a seller, you know rising home prices are good news for your potential sale. But let’s look past the dollar signs and dive deeper […]

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Sellers Are in a Sweet Spot [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Aug 13, 2021

Some Highlights In today’s sellers’ market, you’re set up to win big when you list your house. That’s because homes are selling fast, receiving 4.4 offers on average and often selling above the asking price. Then, when you buy your next home, you’ll also win by addressing your changing needs and taking advantage of near historic-low mortgage rates. If you’re ready to make […]

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The Best Use of Time (and Money) When It Comes to Renovations

By Richard Wamsat | Aug 12, 2021

In the current sellers’ market, many homeowners wonder what, if anything, needs to be remodeled before they list their house. That’s where a trusted real estate professional comes in. They can help you think through today’s market conditions and how they impact what you should – and shouldn’t – renovate before selling. Here are some […]

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Are Houses Less Affordable Than They Were in Past Decades?

By Richard Wamsat | Aug 11, 2021

There are many headlines about how housing affordability is declining. The headlines are correct: it’s less affordable to purchase a home today than it was a year ago. However, it’s important to give this trend context. Is it less expensive to buy a house today than it was in 2005? What about 1995? What happens […]

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Looking for a Place To Call Home? Consider a Condominium.

By Richard Wamsat | Aug 10, 2021

It’s no secret that one of the top stories in today’s real estate market is low housing supply and high buyer demand. If you’re a first-time buyer looking for a starter home or are someone who’s interested in downsizing, it may be worth considering a condominium (condo) as a worthwhile option. In fact, trends indicate condos are […]

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The Community and Economic Impacts of a Home Sale

By Richard Wamsat | Aug 9, 2021

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a house, chances are you’re focusing on the many extraordinary ways it’ll change your life. What you may not realize is that decision impacts people’s lives far beyond your own. Home purchases and sales are significant drivers of economic activity. They have a major impact on your community and the […]

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Ready To Sell, but Don’t Know Where You’ll Go? [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Aug 6, 2021

Some Highlights If you’re thinking of selling your house but don’t know what you should buy, you have options. Existing homes offer a wide variety of home styles, an established neighborhood, and lived-in charm. Meanwhile, new home construction lets you create your perfect home, cash in on energy efficiency, and minimize repairs. Whether you’re looking for newly built or existing homes, both […]

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Beige siding house exterior with covered porch and trimmed bushes in front. View of soft blue staircase with narrow walkway.

Surprising Shift Favors Homeowners: Buyers Now Prefer Existing Homes

By Richard Wamsat | Aug 5, 2021

In April, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) posted an article, Home Buyers’ Preferences Shift Towards New Construction, which reported: “60% of people who were looking to buy a home in 2020 said they’d prefer new construction to an existing home.” However, it seems buyers are now shifting their preferences back to existing homes. The latest Consumer Confidence Survey reveals […]

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Woman vlogging at home with video camera on worktop and daughter's watching

Sellers: Make Today’s Home Price Appreciation Work for You

By Richard Wamsat | Aug 4, 2021

Home prices continue to rise as we move through the summer, and that’s good news for sellers who are looking to maximize their home’s potential. If you’re on the fence about whether to list your house now or later, the question you should really ask is: will this price appreciation last? Here’s what three leading industry experts […]

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