Richard Wamsat’s Real Estate News & Views

Local market updates, buyer and seller tips, and homeowner resources for Orange County and Irvine.

Subscribe

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

White breakfast table with black leather chairs, white wood and glass pane island with black granite countertop, cupboards in country style kitchen, black granite tile flooring

The Luxury Market Is Attracting Buyers in 2021

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 10, 2021

As more people continue to identify their changing needs this year, some are turning to the upscale housing sector for more space or finer features. In their most recent Luxury Market Report, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM) shares: “In a snapshot of 2020, despite the devasting effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the luxury real estate market has […]

Read More
Balloon flying too close to cactus

3 Reasons We’re Definitely Not in a Housing Bubble

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 9, 2021

Home values appreciated by about ten percent in 2020, and they’re forecast to appreciate by about five percent this year. This has some voicing concern that we may be in another housing bubble like the one we experienced a little over a decade ago. Here are three reasons why this market is totally different. 1. […]

Read More
Father and daughter putting up paintings in their new home

6 Foundational Benefits of Homeownership Today

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 8, 2021

Over the past year, our homes have become an integral part of our lives more than ever. They’re much more than the houses we live in. They’re our workplaces, virtual schools, and safe havens that provide shelter, stability, and protection through the evolving health crisis. Today, 65.8% of Americans are fortunate enough to call their homes their […]

Read More
""

FREE 2020 Tax Prep in Irvine, CA

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 5, 2021

The City of Irvine has partnered with the Orange County United Way (OCUW) to provide free tax preparation service for qualifying taxpayers who live, work, or attend school in Irvine and earned less than $60,000 in 2020 according to a press release from the City of Irvine. There will be IRS-trained volunteers to help file […]

Read More
""

Thinking about Building a New Home? Your Agent Is Critical. [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 5, 2021

Some Highlights A real estate professional is an expert who can advocate on your behalf throughout the process when building a home. Most new home developments require you to bring your agent with you on your first visit in order to have your agent’s brokerage fee paid on your behalf, so call your agent BEFORE […]

Read More
Facade of home with covered porch and door

Why Owning a Home Is a Powerful Financial Decision

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 4, 2021

In today’s housing market, there are clear financial benefits to owning a home: increasing equity, the chance to build your net worth, and appreciating home values, just to name a few. If you’re a renter, it’s never too early to think about how homeownership can propel you toward a stronger future. Here’s a dive into three often-overlooked financial benefits […]

Read More
""

Do I Really Need a 20% Down Payment to Buy a Home?

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 3, 2021

Is the idea of saving for a down payment holding you back from buying a home right now? You may be eager to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates, but the thought of needing a large down payment might make you want to pump the brakes. Today, there’s still a common myth that you have to […]

Read More
A little toddler in the garden, watering plants with can.

Want to Build Wealth? Buy a Home This Year.

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 2, 2021

Every year, households across the country make the decision to rent for another year or take the leap into homeownership. They look at their earnings and savings and then decide what makes the most financial sense. That equation will most likely take into consideration monthly housing costs, tax advantages, and other incremental expenses. Using these […]

Read More
Asian man looking at the his laptop

Turn to an Expert for the Best Advice, Not Perfect Advice

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 1, 2021

As we approach the anniversary of the hardships we’ve faced through this pandemic and the subsequent recession, it’s normal to reflect on everything that’s changed and wonder what’s ahead for 2021. While there are signs of economic recovery as vaccines are being issued, we still have a long way to go. It’s at times like […]

Read More