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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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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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Wendy's fast food restaurant exterior and sign

Newly Minted GameStop Millionaires Could Be Poised to Buy in Irvine, CA

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 29, 2021

What does Wendy’s restaurant and GameStop have in common? Not much, except it seems that it is r/wallstreetbets on Reddit’s favorite fast-food chain. If you haven’t heard there is a war between the Wall Street hedge fund managers and a group of self-identified internet degenerates. Right now this loose band of misfits is kicking the […]

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Is Right Now the Right Time to Sell? [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 29, 2021

Some Highlights If you’re on the fence about selling your house, now is a great time to take advantage of sky-high demand, low supply, and fierce buyer competition. With buyer demand rising and historically low inventory for sale, if you’re in a position to move, your house may really stand out from the crowd. Let’s connect today to get […]

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What Record-Low Housing Inventory Means for You

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 28, 2021

The real estate market is expected to do very well in 2021, with mortgage rates that are hovering at historic lows and forecasted by experts to remain favorable throughout the year. One challenge to the housing industry, however, is the lack of homes available for sale today. Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their Existing Home Sales Report, which […]

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Wood House Model with Question marks

What Happens When Homeowners Leave Their Forbearance Plans?

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 27, 2021

According to the latest report from Black Knight, Inc., a well-respected provider of data and analytics for mortgage companies, 6.48 million households have entered a forbearance plan as a result of financial concerns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s where these homeowners stand right now: 2,543,000 (39%) are current on their payments and have left the program […]

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