CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) is a statewide trade association dedicated to advancing professionalism in real estate. Its core mission is to shape, promote, and protect an environment where California REALTORS® can successfully meet the real property needs of consumers. C.A.R. is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

C.A.R. provides a comprehensive suite of products and services to its more than 200,000 members, including REALTORS®, REALTOR®-Associates, and affiliate members. These offerings encompass transaction management tools like zipForm®, legal articles and advice, continuing education (CE) training, marketing materials, and robust political advocacy. The association also operates a legal hotline for members and offers various member benefits designed to support real estate professionals across California.

In late 2024, C.A.R. installed its 2026 Leadership Team, with Tamara Suminski as President, Mark Peterson as President-elect, Nikki Coppa as Treasurer, and Phil Hawkins as Chief Executive Officer. A notable recent development includes C.A.R.'s July 2024 release of new transaction forms that removed references to broker-to-broker offers of compensation. This change was a proactive response to an inquiry from the U.S. Department of Justice concerning commission-sharing practices, aiming to adapt to evolving legal and regulatory landscapes in the real estate industry. C.A.R. maintains its position as one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States, with a legacy spanning over a century in California real estate.

Latest updates

California Homeownership Gap Widens for Black, Latino Households Despite Affordability Gains

Event summary

  • California housing affordability improved slightly in 2025, with 19% of Californians now able to afford a median-priced detached home, up from 18% in 2024.
  • Affordability increased for Asian (29%) and White (non-Hispanic) (23%) households, but remained low for Black (11%) and Hispanic/Latino (11%) households.
  • The affordability gap between Black households and the overall population in California widened to 8.7 percentage points in 2025, up from 8.3 points in 2024.
  • C.A.R. has provided $4 million in closing cost grants to 413 first-time homebuyers from underserved communities since 2022.
  • A minimum annual income of $221,200 is now required to purchase the median-priced home, with a monthly payment of $5,530 assuming a 20% down payment and a 6.71% interest rate.

The big picture

While overall housing affordability in California saw a marginal improvement, the stark disparities across ethnic groups highlight the ongoing impact of systemic inequities and wage gaps. The widening gap for Black households, coupled with the continued challenges for Hispanic/Latino buyers, suggests that broader market trends are not translating into equitable access to homeownership. C.A.R.'s efforts to provide closing cost assistance represent a limited intervention in a much larger structural problem.

What we're watching

Wage Dynamics
The persistent income gap between ethnic groups will likely constrain broader affordability improvements unless wage growth accelerates significantly for Black and Hispanic/Latino households.
Policy Response
The widening affordability gap may prompt increased pressure on California policymakers to implement targeted interventions, potentially impacting the real estate market.
Rate Sensitivity
Further increases in mortgage rates, even if modest, could rapidly erode the limited affordability gains seen in 2025 and exacerbate the existing disparities.

California Housing Sales Slump Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

Event summary

  • California existing home sales fell 3.5% in March, down from 272,020 in March 2025.
  • The statewide median home price increased 7.1% to $889,190 in March, a slight increase year-over-year.
  • Year-to-date home sales are down 1.3% compared to the previous year.
  • Geopolitical tensions, particularly the Iran conflict, and rising energy prices are cited as key factors impacting the market.

The big picture

California's housing market, a bellwether for the broader US economy, is experiencing a pronounced slowdown driven by external factors. The ongoing geopolitical instability and resulting financial market volatility are outweighing the typical spring buying season uplift. This situation highlights the vulnerability of even robust regional markets to global events and underscores the persistent affordability challenges facing potential homebuyers.

What we're watching

Rate Sensitivity
The market's responsiveness to further interest rate fluctuations will dictate the pace of recovery, potentially delaying a return to pre-conflict sales volumes.
Inventory Dynamics
Whether the 'lock-in effect' – homeowners reluctant to sell due to low mortgage rates – will continue to constrain supply and support prices remains a critical factor.
Regional Divergence
The disparity in sales performance across California's regions, with the Far North and Central Coast showing relative strength, suggests localized economic factors are at play and could widen.

California Gubernatorial Candidates Prioritize Homeownership Amid Affordability Crisis

Event summary

  • Six leading candidates for California Governor participated in a forum hosted by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) on March 6, 2026.
  • Candidates, spanning the political spectrum, acknowledged the severity of California’s housing affordability crisis and committed to prioritizing homeownership.
  • The forum highlighted trends including declining affordability, a rising average age of first-time homebuyers, and a widening gap between wages and home prices.
  • C.A.R. estimates that nearly 190,000 real estate professionals are members of the organization.

The big picture

The prioritization of homeownership by gubernatorial candidates underscores the growing political pressure to address California's housing crisis, which impacts the state's $3.6 trillion economy. This forum signals that housing policy will be a key differentiator in the 2026 election, potentially leading to significant shifts in regulatory approaches and investment priorities. The focus on first-time homebuyers suggests a recognition that broader economic mobility is tied to access to homeownership.

What we're watching

Policy Shifts
The degree to which candidates' stated commitments translate into concrete policy proposals will reveal the true extent of their focus on homeownership solutions.
Regulatory Impact
How candidates address regulatory barriers impacting housing costs will significantly influence the pace of new construction and affordability improvements.
Voter Response
The prominence of homeownership as a campaign issue will likely shape voter turnout and influence the overall election outcome, potentially impacting future housing policy.

California Gubernatorial Candidates Face Scrutiny on Housing Crisis

Event summary

  • The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) is hosting a gubernatorial forum on March 5, 2026, in Sacramento.
  • Six leading candidates – Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell, and Antonio Villaraigosa – will participate.
  • The forum focuses on proposed solutions to California's housing crisis and pathways to homeownership.
  • C.A.R. represents 190,000 real estate professionals in California.
  • The event is part of C.A.R.’s ‘Homeownership Matters’ campaign.

The big picture

California's housing crisis remains a central political issue, impacting affordability, economic growth, and social equity. The forum highlights the pressure on gubernatorial candidates to present viable solutions, given the state's persistent shortage of affordable housing and the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers. The C.A.R., as a powerful lobbying group representing a significant segment of the California economy, is strategically positioning itself to influence the outcome of the election and shape future housing policy.

What we're watching

Policy Shifts
Candidate proposals will likely reveal divergent approaches to zoning reform and density regulations, potentially impacting long-term housing supply and property values.
Lobbying Influence
The C.A.R.'s prominent role in hosting the forum underscores the organization's significant lobbying power and its ability to shape the housing policy debate.
Voter Sentiment
Public perception of the housing crisis will heavily influence candidate messaging and policy priorities, potentially leading to more radical or incremental solutions.

California Home Sales Plunge to 23-Month Low, Signaling Market Weakness

Event summary

  • California home sales totaled 256,550 in January 2026, down 10.8% from December and 1.3% from January 2025.
  • The median home price fell to $823,180, a 23-month low, down 3.2% from December and 1.9% year-over-year.
  • Pending home sales increased by 34.6% month-over-month, driven by a drop in mortgage rates.
  • The streak of sub-300,000 seasonally adjusted annualized sales continues for 40 consecutive months.

The big picture

California's housing market is experiencing a prolonged slowdown, extending a multi-year trend of declining sales and prices. The current environment, characterized by heightened policy uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, is impacting mortgage rates and buyer confidence. While pending sales offer a glimmer of hope, the market's trajectory remains heavily dependent on broader economic stability and the ability of rates to remain subdued.

What we're watching

Rate Sensitivity
The rebound in pending sales hinges on sustained mortgage rate relief; any significant increase could quickly derail the nascent recovery.
Inventory Dynamics
While inventory is expanding, the decelerating growth rate suggests that supply may not increase enough to fully balance demand and stabilize prices.
Regional Divergence
The performance of the Far North region, which saw sales gains, warrants close monitoring to determine if this represents a localized trend or a broader shift in buyer preferences.

California Realtors Launch Broad Campaign to Reframe Homeownership Debate

Event summary

  • The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) debuted its first advertisement in the Official Super Bowl Program on February 6, 2026.
  • The ad is part of the 'Homeownership Matters' campaign, aimed at making homeownership a legislative priority in California.
  • C.A.R. President Tamara Suminski emphasizes a shift towards direct consumer engagement, moving beyond traditional industry channels.
  • The campaign seeks to address the disconnect between Californians' desire for homeownership and the current market realities of high costs and limited supply.

The big picture

C.A.R.'s move represents a significant shift in industry lobbying tactics, moving away from traditional Capitol Hill engagement towards direct consumer outreach. This strategy reflects a growing recognition that housing affordability is a politically sensitive issue, and that public sentiment can be a powerful lever for policy change. The Super Bowl ad signals a willingness to invest heavily in brand building and public awareness, potentially setting a new precedent for real estate industry associations.

What we're watching

Public Perception
The campaign's success hinges on whether C.A.R. can genuinely shift public perception of homeownership beyond aspirational desire and into a tangible policy goal, especially among renters and younger demographics.
Legislative Impact
The effectiveness of the campaign will be measured by its ability to influence California's 2026 legislative housing agenda and whether it translates into concrete policy changes addressing affordability.
Consumer Response
The questionnaire embedded in the ad will provide initial data, but sustained engagement requires C.A.R. to demonstrate how consumer feedback shapes their advocacy efforts.
CID: 1672