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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Home Builders Ramp Up Construction Based on Demand

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 5, 2021

If you’re thinking of buying a home, there really is no time like the present. With today’s low mortgage rates, you have a great opportunity to get more home for your money. The challenge is inventory. Like you, many buyers want to capitalize on these market conditions, and it’s leading to more buyer competition and bidding […]

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Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 2, 2021

Wishing you a happy and safe Independence Day. ~Richard and Brandy

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Speech Bubble

Are We in a Housing Bubble? Experts Say No.

By Richard Wamsat | Jul 1, 2021

The question of whether the real estate market is a bubble ready to pop seems to be dominating a lot of conversations – and everyone has an opinion. Yet, when it comes down to it, the opinions that carry the most weight are the ones based on experience and expertise. Here are four expert opinions […]

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Aerial panorama of a small town at sunrise

What Do Experts See on the Horizon for the Second Half of the Year?

By Richard Wamsat | Jun 30, 2021

As we move into the latter half of the year, questions about what’s to come are top of mind for buyers and sellers. Near record-low mortgage rates coupled with rising home price appreciation kicked off a robust housing market in the first half of 2021, but what does the forecast tell us about what’s on […]

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Woman at home sitting on sofa with cup of coffee

What To Expect as Appraisal Gaps Grow

By Richard Wamsat | Jun 29, 2021

In today’s real estate market, low inventory and high demand are driving up home prices. As many as 54% of homes are getting offers over the listing price, based on the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Shawn Telford, Chief Appraiser at CoreLogic, elaborates: “The frequency of buyers being willing to pay more than the market data supports is increasing.” […]

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Young girl helping her grandmother while working in the kitchen

Is Homeownership Still Considered Part of the American Dream?

By Richard Wamsat | Mar 31, 2021

Since the birth of our nation, homeownership has always been considered a major piece of the American Dream. As Frederick Peters reports in Forbes: “The idea of a place of one’s own drives the American story. We became a nation out of a desire to slip the bonds of Europe, which was still in many respects a collection […]

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Young man mowing the lawn.

How a Change in Mortgage Rate Impacts Your Homebuying Budget

By Richard Wamsat | Mar 30, 2021

Mortgage rates are on the rise this year, but they’re still incredibly low compared to the historic average. However, anytime there’s a change in the mortgage rate, it affects what you can afford to borrow when you’re buying a home. As Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, shares: “Since January, mortgage rates have increased half a percentage point from historic lows and […]

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Exterior of Craftsman Style Bungalow

What It Means To Be in a Sellers’ Market

By Richard Wamsat | Mar 29, 2021

If you’ve given even a casual thought to selling your house in the near future, this is the time to really think seriously about making a move. Here’s why this season is the ultimate sellers’ market and the optimal time to make sure your house is available for buyers who are looking for homes to purchase. The latest Existing Home Sales Report from The […]

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2021 Real Estate Myth Buster [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Mar 26, 2021

Some Highlights There are a lot of misconceptions about buying or selling a home today, making it challenging to know exactly how to navigate the current real estate landscape. Here’s a little clarity when it comes to 5 common myths about the 2021 housing market. Let’s connect to discuss your needs and so you can […]

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