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“I Want to Sell… But I Don’t Know What I’d Exchange Into.”
If you own multifamily in California and have thought about selling, there’s a good chance you’ve also thought this: “I’d sell—but I don’t know where the money would go.” That hesitation is rational. Not because selling is wrong—but because tax friction and reinvestment risk are real, and the stakes are high. For many long-time apartment owners, the conversation stops right there. Let’s talk about why—and how to think about it more clearly. The Real Reason Multifamily Owners
Elaine Kim
Feb 113 min read


California Property Tax Petitions in 2026: What Property Owners and Renters Should Know
California’s property tax system is back in focus as new petitions related to Proposition 13 and Proposition 19 circulate ahead of the 2026 statewide election cycle . These efforts reflect ongoing debate about property tax stability, intergenerational transfers, and housing mobility across the state. Whether you own property, rent, or plan to buy in California, understanding what these petitions propose — and what they do not do — can help you better evaluate how potential
Elaine Kim
Feb 93 min read


“Developers Only Build Luxury Housing”—And What Measure ULA Has to Do With It
One of the most common criticisms I hear—especially from renters—is this: Developers only build luxury housing, so new construction doesn’t help people who are already struggling. That frustration is real. New buildings are expensive. Most renters don’t see themselves living in them. And when housing costs keep rising, it’s fair to question whether development is actually serving the people who live here. But Measure ULA has made this tension worse—not better—and understandin
Elaine Kim
Feb 53 min read


Builder’s Remedy Is Back in Play — Here’s What Just Happened in California
If you’ve been hearing renewed chatter about Builder’s Remedy in California, there’s a reason. A quiet but significant court development just reopened the door — and cities across the state are scrambling. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what comes next. The Short Version • A California appellate court ruled that a city’s housing element was legally invalid. • The California Supreme Court declined to review that ruling. • Because the decision now stands, Builder’
Elaine Kim
Jan 303 min read


Rethinking Measure ULA: How the “Mansion Tax” Has Impacted Apartment Owners, Developers, and Renters
Measure ULA is often described as a “mansion tax,” but that label obscures its real impact. In practice, Measure ULA applies broadly to commercial real estate transactions—including multifamily apartment buildings—and its effects have been felt not only by developers and owners, but by renters across Los Angeles. Many tenants oppose changes to ULA because they believe new development primarily produces high-end apartments they cannot afford. That concern is understandable in
Elaine Kim
Jan 306 min read


Understanding Prop 19's Impact on Real Estate Owners and Inheritors: Key Insights and Solutions
California’s Prop 19 has changed the way property taxes work for many homeowners and heirs. Originally designed to affect the family home by requiring heirs to live in the inherited property or sell it, Prop 19 has had wider effects, especially on commercial real estate. This post breaks down what Prop 19 means for owners and inheritors of all types of real estate, and offers practical steps for succession planning. A family gathers around a table, engaged in planning for fut
Elaine Kim
Jan 233 min read


Navigating Property Sales in a Trust My Journey to Closing My First Deal
When I first met my client, they were unsure if they could sell a property held in a trust. Many agents had told them it was complicated or even impossible. But I knew better. I was the only agent who confidently told them, yes, you can sell and exchange a property in a trust . That moment marked my first big win in real estate, and it taught me valuable lessons about trust sales, fiduciary duty, and working with families who have inherited property. Selling a property held i
Elaine Kim
Jan 234 min read


Understanding 1031 Exchanges A Beginner's Guide to Tax-Deferred Property Swaps
When you hear about real estate investors saving thousands of dollars in taxes, chances are they are using a 1031 exchange. If you have no experience with this term, it might sound complicated or even intimidating. But the truth is, a 1031 exchange is a powerful tool that can help you defer capital gains taxes when you sell an investment property and buy another one. This guide breaks down the basics in simple terms so you can understand how it works and why it might be usefu
Elaine Kim
Jan 233 min read
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