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 Ways You’ll Win When You Buy a Home This Year

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 15, 2021

There are so many great reasons to purchase a home, and over the past year, we’ve realized more of them than we ever thought possible. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, having a home of your own can give you a greater sense of security and accomplishment in a time that’s largely uncertain. If you’re a […]

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Why It’s Easy to Fall in Love with Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 12, 2021

Some Highlights Homeownership provides comfort, stability, and security, and it makes you feel more connected to your community. Your home is something to be proud of and is uniquely yours, so you can customize it to your heart’s desire. If you’re ready to fall in love with a home of your own, let’s connect to […]

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47% of New Buyers Surprised by How Affordable Homes Are Today

By Richard Wamsat | Feb 11, 2021

Headlines matter. Right now, it’s hard to read about real estate without seeing a headline that suggests homes have become unaffordable for most Americans. In reality, there’s hard evidence that shows how owning a home is more affordable than renting in most parts of the country, as record-low interest rates are keeping monthly mortgage payments about 23% lower than […]

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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 […]

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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. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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