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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Waiting To Buy a Home Could Cost You [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 30, 2021

Some Highlights If you’re thinking of buying a home but wondering if waiting a few years will save you in the long run, think again. The longer the wait, the more you’ll pay, especially when mortgage rates and home prices rise. Even the slightest change in the mortgage rate can have a big impact on your buying power no matter your price point. […]

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Home Sellers: There Is an Extra Way To Welcome Home Our Veterans

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 29, 2021

Some veterans are finding it difficult to obtain a home in today’s market. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “Conventional conforming mortgages (mortgages that conform to guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), accounted for 74% of mortgages obtained by homebuyers in May 2021, an increase from about 65% during 2018 through 2019…The share of VA-guaranteed loans has also decreased […]

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4 Reasons Why the End of Forbearance Will Not Lead to a Wave of Foreclosures

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 28, 2021

With forbearance plans about to come to an end, many are concerned the housing market will experience a wave of foreclosures like what happened after the housing bubble 15 years ago. Here are four reasons why that won’t happen. 1. There are fewer homeowners in trouble this time After the last housing crash, about 9.3 million households […]

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3 Hot Topics in the Housing Market Right Now

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 26, 2021

If you’re a prospective buyer or seller, it’s important to understand the current real estate market conditions and how they affect you. The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) just released its Top Ten Issues Affecting Real Estate report. Here are three hot topics from the list and how they impact today’s housing market. Technology Acceleration and Innovation The past year […]

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Pop Quiz: Can You Define These Key Terms in Today’s Housing Market? [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 23, 2021

Some Highlights The language of buying and selling a home may sound scary at first, but knowing how key terms relate to today’s market can help you. For example, current low mortgage rates and higher wages positively impact affordability for buyers, while home price appreciation continues to grow home equity, which sellers can use to fuel a move up. Terms […]

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Today’s Real Estate Market Explained Through 4 Key Trends

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 22, 2021

As we move into the second half of the year, one thing is clear: the current real estate market is one for the record books. The exact mix of conditions we have today creates opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Here’s a look at four key components that are shaping this unprecedented market. A Shortage […]

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Remote Work Has Changed Our Home Needs. Is It Time for Your Home To Change, Too?

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 21, 2021

Over the past year, many homeowners realized what they need in a home is changing, especially with the rise in remote work. If you’re longing for a dedicated home office or a change in scenery, now may be the time to find the home that addresses your evolving needs. Working from Home Isn’t a Passing Fad Before the […]

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3 Charts That Show This Isn’t a Housing Bubble

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 20, 2021

With home prices continuing to deliver double-digit increases, some are concerned we’re in a housing bubble like the one in 2006. However, a closer look at the market data indicates this is nothing like 2006 for three major reasons. 1. The housing market isn’t driven by risky mortgage loans. Back in 2006, nearly everyone could […]

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What You Should Do Before Interest Rates Rise

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 19, 2021

In today’s real estate market, mortgage interest rates are near record lows. If you’ve been in your current home for several years and haven’t refinanced lately, there’s a good chance you have a mortgage with an interest rate higher than today’s average. Here are some options you should consider if you want to take advantage of today’s […]

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