Navigating showings and accessing tenant-occupied properties requires a strategic approach. Whether you’re coordinating open houses, dealing with an uncooperative tenant, or considering a cash-for-keys agreement, understanding the legal landscape and best practices can make all the difference. From providing proper notice to leveraging incentives for tenant cooperation, landlords have options to ensure a smooth sales process while staying compliant with California law.
Thinking about upgrading your home in 2025? In Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Coastal Orange County, smart improvements can boost both your lifestyle and your property’s value. From luxurious kitchen remodels and spa-inspired bathrooms to energy-efficient upgrades and expanded outdoor living spaces, the right updates can make all the difference in our competitive market. Whether you’re selling soon or just want to enhance your home, these strategic upgrades will keep your property in high demand.
Want expert advice on maximizing your home’s value? Contact Lucas Real Estate today!
As of January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 2493 (AB 2493) introduces new requirements for California landlords regarding application screening fees. This law prohibits fees if no rental units are available and mandates refunds for applicants not selected, unless specific criteria are met. Landlords must provide written screening criteria, process applications in order, and issue refunds or credit reports promptly. These changes aim to enhance transparency and fairness in tenant screening. If you own property in Newport Beach or Costa Mesa, Lucas Real Estate can help you navigate these updates and stay compliant.
Under California Penal Code Section 396, rental price increases during a declared state of emergency are limited to 10%, with the base rent determined by prior rental history or fair market rent (FMR) as defined by HUD. If a property hasn’t been rented in the past year, the allowable base rent defaults to 160% of the HUD fair market rent. The choice between county-wide FMRs and Small Area FMRs (SAFMRs) depends on local market conditions, with SAFMRs providing more granular, ZIP code-specific data.
New landlord-tenant laws for 2025 include critical updates on application screening fees, tenant credit reporting, security deposit requirements, and lock-change protections. Key provisions include mandatory refunds for unselected applicants, expanded photo documentation for move-in and move-out inspections, and tenant options for reporting positive rental payments to credit agencies. These changes have particular implications for landlords in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. For expert advice and property management services tailored to help you navigate these updates, contact Lucas Real Estate.
Navigating AB 2801: A New Era in Landlord Transparency
Starting April 1, 2025, AB 2801 introduces mandatory photo documentation for California landlords at key stages of tenancy, ensuring transparency in security deposit deductions. At Lucas Real Estate, we’ve long embraced this best practice, photographing properties before and after tenancies, as well as post-repair or cleaning. Whether you’re managing your own property or need expert guidance, our property management services in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and beyond help you stay compliant while protecting your investment.
Contact us today to learn how we simplify property management and safeguard your interests.
2025 IRS Gift and Estate Tax Limits Reach Historic Highs
The IRS has raised the lifetime gift and estate tax exclusion to a record-breaking $13,990,000 per person for 2025, with the annual gift exclusion increasing to $19,000 per recipient. These high thresholds offer a unique opportunity for substantial tax-free gifting and estate planning, but they are set to revert to much lower levels in 2026 unless Congress acts. Learn how to maximize these benefits while they last, especially if you own high-value real estate in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, or the surrounding areas.
Capital Gains Tax Rates for 2025: What Home Sellers Need to Know
Planning to sell your home in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, or other high-value areas in 2025? Stay informed about the updated capital gains tax rates. For 2025, single filers can enjoy a 0% rate for gains up to $48,350, with higher rates applying to gains above this threshold. Married couples filing jointly benefit from a 0% rate up to $96,700. Learn how the IRS Section 121 Exclusion can save you $250,000 to $500,000 in taxable gains. Don’t overlook additional taxes like California’s income tax, which can push your total tax rate to 37.1%. Contact Lucas Real Estate for expert guidance on real estate sales and tax implications.
Discover the importance of title insurance for your Newport Beach or Costa Mesa real estate transactions. Learn how it protects your property rights, prevents legal disputes, and ensures a smooth home-buying process. Trust Lucas Real Estate for expert guidance and peace of mind.
California law requires real estate sellers to disclose known material facts about their property, even when certain exemptions apply. While some sellers—like trustees, fiduciaries, or those involved in court-ordered sales—may be exempt from completing forms such as the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS), they are still obligated to disclose any defects that could impact the property’s value. Learn how exemptions work, when they apply, and why tools like the Exempt Seller Disclosure Form are essential for compliance. For trustees, explore our detailed guide to their specific disclosure requirements. Whether you’re selling in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, or other coastal Orange County communities, Lucas Real Estate ensures your transaction is smooth, compliant, and stress-free.
Lucas Real Estate
2901 West Coast Highway Suite 200 | Newport Beach | California | 92663-4023
[email protected] | 949.478.1623 office
Devin Lucas BRE No. 01912302 | Courtney Lucas BRE No. 02015514
Lucas Real Estate, a dynamic full-service residential real estate team led by Devin Lucas, REALTOR®, Real Estate Broker, and Real Estate Attorney, and Courtney Lucas, REALTOR® and CPA, offers unparalleled expertise in Newport Beach and surrounding areas.
Privacy Policy | Accessibility | Disclaimer | Newsletter | Social Media