For too many Californians, the path to homeownership is becoming harder to reach. High costs, limited inventory and rising barriers for first-time buyers are affecting families in communities across the state. That is why conversations with lawmakers cannot be confined to Sacramento. They must also happen in the communities where Californians are working to buy, sell and remain in their homes.

Each year, California REALTORS® participate in in-district outreach across the state to meet legislators where they serve and discuss the housing issues affecting their local communities. This summer, as part of the 2026 Summer SPC In-District meetings, REALTORS® once again engaged state lawmakers representing every part of California through in-person meetings, phone calls, Zoom conversations and community luncheons. Together, these efforts reached state Senators and Assemblymembers representing legislative districts across California, ensuring that the Homeownership Matters message was shared broadly with our state’s policymakers. This year, the campaign was part of those discussions, reinforcing the need for more ownership opportunities and practical solutions that help Californians put down roots, build equity and create lasting stability.

These meetings provide lawmakers with direct insight from REALTORS® who work daily with buyers, sellers, homeowners and families trying to put down roots. REALTORS® reported current market conditions, including challenges for families attempting to save for a down payment and concerns about limited supply options for first-time buyers. They also highlighted persistent worries about rising costs and the need for more attainable pathways to home ownership within the communities where they work and live. Many expressed concerns that increasing homeownership costs, driven in part by the insufficient supply of entry-level market-rate housing, which is making it difficult for working families to remain in their communities.

C.A.R. continues to work with policymakers across the state to advance solutions that expand homeownership opportunities, increase housing supply, unlock existing inventory and protect Californians from policies that make buying or selling a home more expensive.

Homeownership creates stability, builds equity and strengthens communities. By meeting with legislators in their districts, California REALTORS® are helping keep homeownership at the center of California’s housing conversation and making clear that every policy decision should move more Californians closer to the opportunity to own a home.