In Southern California, finding the right home to buy often feels like a competitive sport—especially with limited turnkey options and bidding wars on well-priced properties. Many owners are choosing to stay put, thanks to a mix of low mortgage rates, property tax protections, and concerns over capital gains taxes. For those who have owned their primary residence for at least two years, current rules allow a $500,000 exemption for married couples and $250,000 for single sellers before taxable gains kick in. Now, with federal proposals on the table that could potentially increase these exemptions or adjust them for inflation, there's real hope that more local homeowners might be willing to list. If these changes come through, we could see more inventory and better opportunities for buyers across our High Desert and Mountain communities. I keep a close eye on these trends so my clients can make confident decisions, whether they're ready to buy, sell, or just weighing their options.

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