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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Will the Housing Market Bloom This Spring?

By Richard Wamsat | Mar 11, 2021

Spring is almost here, and many are wondering what it will bring for the housing market. Even though the pandemic continues on, it’s certain to be very different from the spring we experienced at this time last year. Here’s what a few industry experts have to say about the housing market and how it will […]

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6 Simple Graphs Proving This Is Nothing Like Last Time

By Richard Wamsat | Mar 10, 2021

Last March, many involved in the residential housing industry feared the market would be crushed under the pressure of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Instead, real estate had one of its best years ever. Home sales and prices were both up substantially over the year before. 2020 was so strong that many now fear the market’s exuberance mirrors […]

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How Upset Should You Be about 3% Mortgage Rates?

By Richard Wamsat | Mar 9, 2021

Last Thursday, Freddie Mac announced that their 30-year fixed mortgage rate was over 3% (3.02%) for the first time since last July. That news dominated real estate headlines that day and the next. Articles talked about the “negative impact” it may have on the housing market. However, we should realize two things: 1. The bump-up in rate should […]

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5 Reasons to Sell Your House This Spring

By Richard Wamsat | Mar 8, 2021

When selling a house, most homeowners hope for a quick and profitable transaction that puts them in a position to make a great move. If you’re waiting for the best time to win as a seller, the market is calling your name this spring. Here are five reasons why this is the perfect time to […]

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How to prepare your house for sale this spring

How to Prepare Your House for a Winning Sale This Spring  [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Mar 5, 2021

  Some Highlights With so few homes available to buy today, houses are in high demand, and they’re selling fast. That means it’s a great time to sell if you’re ready to make a move. Let’s connect to make sure your house is ready for a top-dollar sale this spring. It may be closer than you think!

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Is It a Good Time to Sell My House?

By Richard Wamsat | Mar 4, 2021

Last year, many homeowners thought twice about selling their houses due to the onset of the health crisis. This year, however, homeowners are beginning to regain their confidence when it comes to selling safely. The latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) by Fannie Mae shows that 57% of consumers believe now is a good time to sell. Doug Duncan, Vice President and […]

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How Smart Is It to Buy a Home Today?

By Richard Wamsat | Mar 3, 2021

Whether you’re buying your first home or selling your current house, if your needs are changing and you think you need to move, the decision can be complicated. You may have to take personal or professional considerations into account, and only you can judge what impact those factors should have on your desire to move. […]

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Home Prices: What Happened in 2020? What Will Happen This Year?

By Richard Wamsat | Mar 2, 2021

The real estate market was on fire during the second half of 2020. Buyer demand was way up, and the supply of homes available for sale hit record lows. The price of anything is determined by the supply and demand ratio, so home prices skyrocketed last year. Dr. Lynn Fisher, Deputy Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Division […]

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What Are the Benefits of a 20% Down Payment?

By Richard Wamsat | Mar 1, 2021

If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you may be wondering how much money you need to come up with for your down payment. Many people may think it’s 20% of the loan to secure a mortgage. While there are plenty of lower down payment options available for qualified buyers who don’t want to put […]

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