Let’s talk real numbers and what they actually mean for people here in Fresno. The California Association of REALTORS® just released its fourth-quarter 2025 Housing Affordability Report. The headline across the state is simple: affordability improved slightly. But the real story is local. And Fresno continues to stand out in a big way. Statewide: Slight Improvement, Still Tough Across California, only 18 percent of households could afford to buy the median-priced home in Q4 2025. That’s up from 17 percent the previous quarter and 16 percent a year ago. Small improvement? Yes.Affordable? Not really. The median California home price sits around $869,300 and requires roughly $213,200 in annual income to qualify for the typical monthly payment. Even condos and townhomes aren’t cheap statewide. The median price for attached homes is about $650,000, requiring an income of roughly $159,200. Bottom line: most of California is still extremely expensive. Fresno Tells a Very Different Story Here’s where things get interesting. According to the same report, 33 percent of Fresno County households can afford to purchase a median-priced home. That’s up from 30 percent last quarter and higher than last year. Compare that to: California overall: 18 percent United States overall: 39 percent Fresno: 33 percent We sit right in that sweet spot where homeownership is still possible for a large portion of working families. The median home price in Fresno is approximately $430,000.The estimated monthly payment is about $2,640.The income needed to qualify is around $105,600 annually. Is that cheap? No.Is it doable compared to most of California? Absolutely. Why Affordability Improved Three things moved in buyers’ favor: 1. Interest rates softenedThe average 30-year mortgage rate dropped to about 6.35 percent in late 2025, the lowest level in nearly three years. 2. Prices cooled slightlyHome prices dipped modestly statewide toward the end of the year, which is typical seasonally but still helpful. 3. Competition easedLess frenzy meant fewer bidding wars and slightly more negotiating power for buyers. These factors combined to give more people a chance to qualify for a mortgage. What This Means for Fresno Buyers If you live in Fresno and you’ve been waiting, here’s the truth: You are in one of the most affordable major markets in California.And historically, that doesn’t last forever. When rates drop further or confidence returns to the market, demand typically surges. When demand surges, prices follow. That means the cost of waiting can be real. Every year someone waits: Prices can rise Rents typically rise Down payments grow And competition increases I’m not saying rush blindly into buying.I am saying get educated and get prepared. The Role of Local Real Estate Agents Right Now This is where good agents step up. Our job in 2026 is not just opening doors and writing offers.It’s educating buyers on: Down payment options Closing costs Monthly payment realities The financial cost of waiting And what’s actually happening locally Because real estate is local. National headlines might scream doom or boom.But Fresno plays by its own rules. My Take for 2026 We are not in a crash.We are not in a frenzy.We are in a window. A window where affordability has improved slightly.A window where buyers can still get in.A window where Fresno continues to offer opportunity that most of California can’t. If you’re a buyer, get your numbers together and talk to a professional.If you’re a seller, understand that properly priced homes are still moving.And if you’re just watching the market, keep your eyes on Fresno. Because what happens here over the next 12–24 months will matter. — Jason FarrisFresYes Realty | FresYes.com ...read more read less