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

Three Blue Sticky Blank Notes On Pink Background

An Honest Look at Unemployment Numbers

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 8, 2020

Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the November Jobs Report. It revealed that, though headed in the right direction, the nation’s job recovery has slowed. The consensus reaction is best exemplified by a quote from Glassdoor Senior Economist, Daniel Zhao: “We saw positive job gains, but I think the sentiment is largely negative because we know that we’re heading into […]

Read More
Beach View from Veranda of Estate Home in Florida

How Remote Work Can Power Your Vacation Home Sale

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 7, 2020

This year, the opportunity to work remotely has increased the demand for vacation homes. Gay Cororaton, Senior Economist and Director of Housing and Commercial Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), notes: “Working from home is a positive factor in demand for vacation homes.” Buyers are taking advantage of the fact that working from home might be someplace other […]

Read More
""

The Path to Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 4, 2020

Some Highlights If you’re thinking of buying a home and not sure where to start, you’re not alone. Here’s a map with 10 simple steps to follow in the homebuying process. Let’s connect today to discuss the specific steps along the way in our local area.

Read More
Woman Works on Laptop

A New Way to Shop for Homes in a Virtual World

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 3, 2020

In a year when we’re learning to do so much remotely, homebuying is no exception. From going to work to attending school, grocery shopping, and even seeing our doctors online, digital practices have changed the way we live. This year, rather than delaying their home purchases, buyers – alongside their trusted real estate professionals – […]

Read More
House reflected in piggy bank

With Home Values Surging, Is it Still Affordable to Buy Right Now?

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 2, 2020

Housing inventory is at an all-time low. Realtor.com just reported that there are 39% fewer homes for sale today than there were last year. At the same time, buyer demand remains strong. In a recent newsletter, research analyst Ivy Zelman explained: “Although the headwind of severe supply constraints in most markets has contributed to slight moderation in seasonally-adjusted and year-over-year new […]

Read More
Happy mother and daughter walking in the street in the autumn. The girl is aged 9 and the mother is in her 30s. They are wearing coats, scarfs and caps.

Knowledge Is Power on the Path to Homeownership

By Richard Wamsat | Dec 1, 2020

Homeownership is on the goal list for many young adults, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly how to get there. From understanding the homebuying process to pre-approval and down payment assistance options, uncertainty along the way can ultimately hold some buyers back. Today, there are over 75 million Millennials and 67 million Gen Z’ers in the […]

Read More
Background of gray stars and one gold highlighted at the top

5 Tips for Homebuyers Who Want to Make a Competitive Offer

By Richard Wamsat | Nov 30, 2020

Today’s real estate market has high buyer interest and low housing inventory. With so many buyers competing for a limited number of homes, it’s more important than ever to know the ins and outs of making a confident and competitive offer. Here are five keys to success for this important stage in the homebuying process. 1. Listen to […]

Read More
""

Key Terms to Know in the Homebuying Process [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Richard Wamsat | Nov 27, 2020

Some Highlights Buying a home can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the terms used throughout the process. To point you in the right direction, here’s a list of some of the most common language you’ll hear along the way. The best way to ensure your homebuying process is a positive one is to […]

Read More
""

Thank You for Your Support

By Richard Wamsat | Nov 26, 2020

This year has been a struggle for many families across the globe. Our country has been divided on so many issues, political, social, and health, so it is more important than ever to take stock of the things that you are thankful for and give thanks. Today I am thankful for my family, my beautiful […]

Read More