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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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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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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With Rents on the Rise – Is Now the Time To Buy?

By Richard Wamsat | Aug 3, 2021

According to recent data from realtor.com, median rental prices have reached their highest point ever recorded in many areas across the country. The report found rents rose by 8.1% from the same time last year. As it notes: “Beyond simply recovering to pre-pandemic levels, rents across the country are surging. Typically, rents fluctuate less than 1% from month to month. In May and […]

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Key Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying a Home

By Richard Wamsat | Aug 2, 2021

Sometimes it can feel like everyone has advice when it comes to buying a home. While your friends and loved ones may have your best interests in mind, they may also be missing crucial information about today’s housing market that you need to make your best decision. Before you decide whether you’re ready to buy a […]

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