2025 compliance rundown for California landlords 

California landlords face new 2025 laws on security deposits, screening fees, and protections for domestic violence survivors.

 Should You Sell Your Property Vacant or Occupied?

When it comes to selling a property, one of the key decisions sellers face is whether to list the property vacant or occupied. Each option has its advantages and challenges, and understanding the impact on sale price and market appeal can help you make the best decision to maximize value.



Selling a Vacant Property: Pros and Cons
Vacant properties are often appealing to real estate investors and developers who seek quick, hassle-free transactions. However, there are a few key factors to consider:

• Pros:
• Greater flexibility for showings, increasing exposure to potential buyers.
• Easier logistics without the need to coordinate with occupants.
• Cons:
• Vacant homes can feel less inviting, potentially turning off buyers.
• Minor flaws are more noticeable, which can lower perceived value and sale price.

A vacant listing is ideal for sellers targeting investors or those who want to simplify the process.

Selling an Occupied Property: Pros and Cons
Occupied properties, especially well-staged ones, tend to resonate with homebuyers looking for a primary residence. Here’s why:

• Pros:
• Creates a warm, lived-in feel that increases perceived value.
• Tends to generate more competitive offers from buyers.
• Cons:
• Scheduling showings can be challenging, particularly if tenants are involved.
• May take longer to sell due to limited availability for buyer visits.

For sellers aiming to maximize sale price, staging an occupied property can make a significant difference.

The Impact on Sale Price
Research shows that well-staged, occupied homes can sell for 5-10% more than vacant properties. While actual results vary depending on location and property type, this data highlights the importance of presenting your property in the best possible light.

Key Takeaways:

• Selling vacant offers flexibility and appeals to investors but may result in lower offers.
• Selling occupied appeals to homebuyers and often leads to higher sale prices.
• Staging an occupied property can create a lived-in feel that resonates with buyers.

Ready to Maximize Your Property’s Value?
Team Schuler is here to guide you through every step of the real estate process. Whether you’re selling vacant or occupied, we’ll help you make the right decisions to achieve your goals.

Contact Erik at 510-919-9485 or erik@teamschuler.com today to get started!

Voters reject Prop 33, extreme rent control defeated again

Thanks to a campaign led by the California Apartment Association, voters have once again rejected a statewide proposition that would have brought extreme rent control policies back to California.

Rent Control Is on the Ballot Again. Here’s What to Know

For the third time in six years, California voters will decide in November whether to grant cities and counties more power to regulate rents.

What Bay Area Landlords Need to Know About the 2024 Home Affordability Index and Rental Trends

The Bay Area has a hot real estate market. But, it’s tough for landlords to navigate it. One important factor that should always be on your radar is the Home Affordability Index (HAI). If you’re a Bay Area landlord, know this index. It affects the local market. It can help you set rental prices, invest in property, and manage tenants.

Court strikes down San Francisco 10-day notice law, sides with rental housing providers 

On September 11, 2024, the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, issued a final decision in the matter of SFAA v. City and County of San Francisco, holding that Dean Preston’s 2022 legislation requiring property owners to send residents with a 10-day warning notice before they could deliver a 3-day notice was invalid and could not be enforced. 

For the past two years, SFAA members have had to navigate this 10-day warning process before serving a statutory 3-day notice for most types of evictions. The Rent Board even developed a special form for this warning. 

The Court of Appeal agreed with the arguments of SFAA’s attorneys at Zacks & Freedman that such a requirement was invalid because local cities cannot change the unlawful detainer procedures, as only the state legislature has this authority. 

This is a huge win for rental property owners, and congratulations and thank you to Zacks & Freedman for their expertise and sound guidance throughout this ordeal.

Newsom Signs Haney's Bill Allowing Monthly Rent Payments To Be Included On Credit Scores

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Prop 33 Will Decide Future of Rent Control in
San Francisco

San Francisco could extend rent control to 40% of its renters if voters approve Proposition 33 this November.