A little about me

I was born in Southern California, and currently live in Irvine, with my beautiful wife Brandy and a fluffy white dog named Murphy. My knowledge of real estate spans two decades having purchased my first home at the age of 19. I have worked in both Northern California and Southern California markets and have fought with banks to save clients' homes or get relief from underwater mortgages during the Great Recession. 

For over 20 years I have represented clients in all price ranges from condos to mansions, and from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors. The department of real estate does nothing in the licensing process to teach real estate agents how to effectively represent their clients, so in 2013 I sought out a company, RENI a member of the Harvard Program on negotiation to teach me how to negotiate on behalf of my clients. In 2015 I earned the designation of Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE). Less than 1% of real estate agents nationwide have earned this designation. This does not mean that I convince a seller to sell you a Ferrari for the price of a Camry, but what it means is that I have both the experience and training to protect your interest in negotiating your home sale.


Here are a few of my accomplishments

Real Estate License

In 2002 I obtained my real estate license after studying at The California School of Real Estate. I passed the state licensing exam on my first attempt, later learning that it takes the average agent several tries before passing.

Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)

In 2009 I earned the designation of “Certified Distressed Property Expert” (CDPE) and the National Association of Realtor’s “Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource” (SFR) designation. During the “Great Recession” I helped families who were upside down and owed more than their home was worth negotiate with their bank to either save their home or allow them to sell it. Many of them had lost their job in the recession, gotten a divorce, or had fallen ill and could no longer afford their mortgages (some had payments that doubled).

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)

In 2013 I earned the designation of “Certified Negotiation Expert” (CNE). According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors both home sellers and home buyers ranked negotiation skills high on their list of important skills when choosing a Realtor. Yet the state licensing exam teaches you nothing about how to negotiate on behalf of your clients. Worse yet, most agents are just winging it. This is why I sought out The Real Estate Negotiation Institute who’s founder and instructor was trained at Harvard and Wharton. The principles I learned were similar to what attorneys are taught in order to effectively negotiate for their clients.

Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE)

In 2015 I graduated to the Master Certified Negotiation Expert” (MCNE) designation. Putting me in an elite group since less than 1% of Realtors nationwide hold this designation.

Broker Associate

In 2022 I obtained my real estate broker's license from the California Department of Real Estate. Just like when I took my original real estate salesperson license in 2002, I passed the licensing exam on my first attempt. Real estate brokers have a higher level of training and can work independently if they choose to do so. I continue to affiliate myself with Coldwell Banker Realty because of the value that they bring to my business and the tools and resources that I can use to the benifit of my clients. 

Awards and Recognitions include

  • International Diamond Society - Coldwell Banker
  • International Sterling Society - Coldwell Banker
  • President's Club - RE/MAX
  • Executive Club - RE/MAX
  • Master's Club - Central Valley Association of Realtors
  • 3-time recipient of the United States President's Volunteer Service Award - Points of Light Foundation 


Real estate is my passion, and I enjoy helping others reach their real estate goals. 

My clients are awesome

"Thanks to Richard the process of moving into our new rental was seamless. His communication and attention to detail are unmatched. We are lucky to have found a realtor who we can really trust. We look forward to working with Read More Read Less
"I want to express my genuine appreciation to work with Richard Wamsat. From our initial consultation, it was clear that Richard was determined to find us a home that ticked most of the boxes of our wish list, including meetin Read More Read Less
"I would highly recommend Richard be the first person of interest for anyone looking to buy or rent property in Southern CA. He's extremely knowledgeable, professional, doesn't cut corners, and gives you direct no-nonsense adv Read More Read Less