As we head into what is traditionally the start of the home buying season we are faced with a highly competitive market, shaped primarily by lack of inventory. Active listings throughout California fell an average of 52% in February as compared to one year ago. The market was also driven by lower interest rates. In February of this year a 30-year fixed mortgage was 2.81% compared to February 2020’s rate of 3.47%.

The lower rates mean that people can afford to pay more, which they have to if...