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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Things to Avoid after Applying for a Mortgage [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 15, 2021

Some Highlights There are a few key things to make sure you avoid after applying for a mortgage to help make sure you still qualify for your loan at the closing table. Along the way, be sure to discuss any changes in income, assets, or credit with your lender, so you don’t unintentionally jeopardize your application. The […]

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Why Right Now May Be the Time to Sell Your House

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 14, 2021

The housing market made an incredible recovery in 2020 and is now positioned for an even stronger year in 2021. Record-low mortgage interest rates are a driving factor in this continued momentum, with average rates hovering at historic all-time lows. According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyer demand across the country is incredibly strong. […]

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Woman sitting on sofa with question marks on wall.

Will Forbearance Plans Lead to a Tsunami of Foreclosures?

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 13, 2021

At the onset of the economic disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic, the government quickly put into place forbearance plans to allow homeowners to remain in their homes without making their monthly mortgage payments. Today, almost three million households are actively in a forbearance plan. Though 29.4% of those in forbearance have continued to stay current on […]

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Happy couple in white t-shirts and blue jeans unpack boxes in their new home.

4 Reasons People Are Buying Homes in 2021

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 12, 2021

According to many experts, the real estate market is expected to continue growing in 2021, and it’s largely driven by the lasting impact the pandemic is having on our lifestyles. As many of us spend extra time at home, we’re reevaluating what “home” means and what we may need in one going forward. Here are 4 […]

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Row houses under a blue sky

What Does 2021 Have in Store for Home Values?

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 11, 2021

According to the latest CoreLogic Home Price Insights Report, nationwide home values increased by 8.2% over the last twelve months. The dramatic rise was brought about as the inventory of homes for sale reached historic lows at the same time buyer demand was buoyed by record-low mortgage rates. As CoreLogic explained: “Home price growth remained consistently elevated throughout 2020. Home sales […]

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Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 8, 2021

Some Highlights Choosing the right real estate professional to work with is one of the most important decisions you can make in your homebuying or selling process. The right agent can explain current market conditions and break down exactly what they mean for you. If you’re considering buying or selling a home this year, let’s […]

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Living room white a fireplace

Is This the Year to Sell My House?

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 7, 2021

If one of the questions you’re asking yourself is, “Should I sell my house this year?” consumer sentiment about selling today should boost your confidence in the right direction. Even with the current health crisis that continues to challenge our nation, Americans still feel good about selling a house. Here’s why. According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment […]

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E-commerce Exchange Post

Irvine PD’s e-Commerce Exchange Zone

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 6, 2021

Like many, I entered the fray as zoom meeting, dog interrupting, dishwasher beeping, work from home business person in 2020. Last year at the beginning of the lockdown orders I met a man in the parking lot of a corner gas station to buy two used computer monitors for my makeshift home office since the State […]

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The Importance of Home Equity in Building Wealth

By Richard Wamsat | Jan 6, 2021

Homeownership has always been the first rung on the ladder leading to household wealth. As Freddie Mac recently posted: “Homeownership has cemented its role as part of the American Dream, providing families with a place that is their own and an avenue for building wealth over time. This ‘wealth’ is built, in large part, through the creation of […]

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