Supporting Housing, Small Property Owners, and Leaders Who Understand Real Life
Julie Markarian with her friend Nancy, a dedicated political supporter, at a campaign fundraiser with Congresswoman Michelle Steel.
I have always believed that housing policy should be grounded in reality. Not slogans. Not blame. Not assumptions about who property owners are.
The truth is, a huge portion of rental housing in this country is provided by everyday people. They are not corporations. They are not giant investment funds. They are small mom-and-pop owners who saved, took risks, and invested in property as a way to build stability for their families.
That is why I pay attention to public policy and why I support leaders who understand the real-world impact of housing decisions.
The people behind “rental housing” are often small business owners
When people talk about “landlords” as if they are one group, it misses the bigger picture.
Many property owners are essentially small business owners. They manage repairs, maintenance, insurance, taxes, mortgages, and compliance, all while trying to provide safe, livable housing and operate responsibly.
That is not a talking point. It is daily life.
When policy ignores this reality, it creates unintended consequences. It can discourage responsible ownership, reduce housing supply, and make it harder for good actors to stay in the market.
Why I show up and support leaders who align with my values
The photo on this page captures a moment that reflects something I care about. In the picture, I’m with my friend Nancy, who is a dedicated political supporter, and we are standing with Congresswoman Michelle Steel at a fundraiser held in support of her campaign.
Even though she is no longer serving in Congress, the reason I supported her at the time was simple: many of her beliefs aligned with mine, especially around:
supporting small businesses
a free market approach
less government overreach
recognizing how policy impacts everyday property owners
A personal belief: less restriction, more opportunity
I am not interested in heavy-handed restriction as the default answer. I believe in creating systems where responsible investment is possible and where the rules are clear, fair, and sustainable.
When policy becomes overly restrictive or unpredictable, it does not just affect investors. It affects renters too.
Here is why: if it becomes too difficult for small owners to operate, they exit the market. That can reduce the number of available rentals, put more pressure on supply, and ultimately raise prices. These are real ripple effects, not theory.
Housing should be easier to invest in responsibly
I believe we need an environment where it is easier to invest in housing responsibly and easier to maintain housing well. That means:
policies that encourage long-term ownership and upkeep
regulations that protect tenants while also respecting property rights
clear enforcement that supports stability instead of uncertainty
solutions that increase supply, not policies that accidentally shrink it
If we want healthier housing markets, we need policy that supports stability.
Advocacy is not about politics, it is about outcomes
For me, supporting policymakers is not about labels. It is about outcomes and values.
I support leaders who:
recognize the economic role of small property owners
understand housing as a system, not a headline
approach solutions with practicality and balance
respect the fact that many property owners are essentially small businesses
When leaders understand that the “housing conversation” is really a “people conversation,” the policy tends to be better.
My bottom line
Housing is deeply personal. It shapes family stability, community safety, and economic opportunity. That is exactly why we should be thoughtful about both the rules and the rhetoric.
I will continue to advocate for solutions that:
support responsible ownership
keep housing investment viable for everyday people
strengthen small businesses
move us toward more supply, more stability, and more fairness