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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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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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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Empty living room of a modern villa

What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 26, 2021

If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer money for the purchase. […]

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Why Moving May Be Just the Boost You Need

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 25, 2021

As we look back over the past year, we’ve certainly lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. After spending so much more time at home throughout the health crisis, some are wondering if they should move to improve their mental health and well-being. This is no surprise since the U.S. Census Bureau reported […]

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Couple sitting in new apartment using laptop

Owning a Home Is Still More Affordable Than Renting One

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 20, 2021

If spending more time at home over the past year is making you really think hard about buying a home instead of renting one, you’re not alone. You may be wondering, however, if the dollars and cents add up in your favor as home prices continue to rise. According to the experts, in many cases, it’s still more affordable […]

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Should I Wait for Lower Mortgage Interest Rates?

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 19, 2021

Historically low mortgage rates are a big motivator for homebuyers right now. In 2020 alone, rates hit new record-lows 16 times, and the trend continued into the early part of this year. Many hopeful homebuyers are now wondering if they should put their plans on hold and wait for the lowest rates imaginable. However, the reality is, […]

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Cheerful young woman holding large key outside new house

How to Make the Dream of Homeownership a Reality This Year

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 18, 2021

In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired a powerful movement with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Through his passion and determination, he sparked interest, ambition, and courage in his audience. Today, reflecting on his message encourages many of us to think about our own dreams, goals, beliefs, and aspirations. For many Americans, one […]

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