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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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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Experts Agree: Options Are Improving for Buyers [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 16, 2021

Some Highlights Buyers hoping for more homes to choose from may be in luck as housing inventory begins to rise. Many experts agree – new sellers listing their homes is great news for buyers and the overall market. Although the supply increases are modest, more homes mean more options for buyers. A rise in inventory may also help slow the price […]

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Diving Deep into Today’s Biggest Buyer Concerns

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 15, 2021

Last week, Fannie Mae released their Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI). Though the survey showed 77% of respondents believe it’s a “good time to sell,” it also confirms what many are sensing: an increasing number of Americans believe it’s a “bad time to buy” a home. The percentage of those surveyed saying it’s a “bad time to buy” hit […]

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Housing Supply Is Rising. What Does That Mean for You?

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 14, 2021

An important factor in today’s market is the number of homes for sale. While inventory levels continue to sit near historic lows, there are indications we may have hit the lowest point we’ll see. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, recently said of our supply challenges: “It looks like inventory may have hit a bottom (we’ve seen this in […]

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