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 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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Why This Isn’t Your Typical Summer Housing Market

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 13, 2021

In real estate, it’s normal to see ebbs and flows in the market. Typically, the summer months are slower-paced than the traditionally busy spring. But this isn’t a typical summer. As the economy rebounds and life is returning to normal, the real estate market is expected to have an unusually strong summer season. Here’s how […]

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4 Major Incentives To Sell This Summer

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 12, 2021

While the housing market forecast for the second half of the year remains positive, there may not be a better time to sell than right now. Here are four things to consider if you’re trying to decide if now’s the right time to make a move. 1. Your House Will Likely Sell Quickly According to the most […]

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Your Home Equity Can Take You Places [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 9, 2021

Some Highlights The amount of wealth Americans have stored in their homes has increased astronomically. On average, homeowners gained $33,400 in equity over the last 12 months, and the average equity on mortgaged homes is now $216,000. When it’s time to sell, your home equity can help accomplish your goals. Let’s connect to discuss how you can take advantage of today’s […]

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Selling Your House? Make Sure You Price It Right.

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 8, 2021

There’s no denying we’re in a sellers’ market. With low inventory and high buyer demand, homes today are selling above the asking price at a record rate. According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR): Homes typically sell within 17 days (compared to 26 days one year ago). The average home sold has five offers to pick […]

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