Home prices have reached record highs while housing inventory has dropped to historic lows, creating one of the most competitive seller’s markets in recent years. With homes selling faster than ever and mortgage rates rising, buyer behavior is shifting—impacting affordability, demand, and who can enter the market.

California’s AB 2527, a bill that sought to ban landlords from using credit reports in tenant screening, has been shelved following opposition from property owners. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between fair housing access and financial risk management for landlords.

This landlord Q&A covers essential topics like rental assistance eligibility, eviction procedures, tenant bankruptcy, lease violations, and deposit rules—helping property owners navigate common legal and financial challenges.

In a competitive real estate market, some buyers waive home inspections to secure a deal—but this can come with serious risks. Skipping an inspection may limit your ability to identify defects and even affect your legal rights if issues arise later. Before making that decision, it’s important to understand the potential consequences and why inspections are a critical step in protecting your investment.

Rising mortgage rates in 2022 are expected to impact affordability and buyer demand, but low housing inventory continues to support home prices. While interest rate hikes may slow the market slightly, strong demand and limited supply mean home values are still likely to increase—just at a more moderate pace than previous years.

Managing a rental property can be stressful and time-consuming, especially when handling tenants, maintenance, and legal matters. Hiring a property manager helps streamline operations, improve tenant selection, ensure timely rent collection, and reduce overall workload—making it a smart investment for landlords.