Sunshine Properties Blog

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Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:37:00 EST

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Manage Debt Smartly to Boost Your Chances of Buying a Home Soon

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:29:00 EST

Manage Debt Smartly to Boost Your Chances of Buying a Home Soon

For first-time homebuyers preparing financing on a 6–12 month timeline, everyday debt challenges before a mortgage can quietly become the biggest housing affordability barrier. Carrying balances, juggling payments, or leaning on cards for surprises can shrink what a monthly payment can safely handle, even when income looks solid. Just as important, the credit score impact on a home loan can turn routine debt into higher costs or a delayed approval when lenders take a snapshot of finances. A little short-term financial planning for a home purchase can bring the numbers back into range fast.

Quick Summary: Debt Moves That Help You Buy Sooner

Review your credit basics so lenders see strong, reliable borrowing habits.
Build a simple homebuyer budget that accounts for debt payments and savings goals.
Pay down high-interest balances first to reduce costs and improve cash flow.
Use smart, realistic ways to earn more income to strengthen your buying power.

Do These 8 Fixes to Shrink Balances and Lift Credit

When you're trying to buy a home soon, debt payoff works best when it's organized like a simple home project: clear zones, a short checklist, and weekly check-ins. Use these fixes to shrink balances, protect your credit, and keep momentum.

Build a homebuying budget (the "mortgage-ready" version): Start with your take-home pay, then list your fixed bills, minimum debt payments, and the savings you must keep (even if it's small). Give every dollar a job, and add one new line item called "Home Prep" for extra debt payoff. If your budget feels tight, cap "nice-to-haves" at a specific weekly number so you stop renegotiating with yourself daily.
Pick a payoff order and automate it: Choose either avalanche (highest APR first) or snowball (smallest balance first) and stick to it for 90 days. Pay minimums on everything else, then send your extra "Home Prep" money to the target debt within 24 hours of payday. This matches the quick-plan idea of focusing on one high-impact move at a time, instead of spreading effort too thin.
Protect your credit utilization ratio like it's a fragile shelf: Keep card balances low relative to limits, especially on any single card, because utilization can swing your score even when you pay on time. If you can't pay in full, aim to pay cards down before the statement closes (not just before the due date) so lower balances get reported. If you're making a large purchase, split it across payment methods or pre-pay part of it to avoid a sudden spike.
Call creditors and ask for easier terms: Set a 20-minute "debt admin" block and call one lender at a time. Many issuers are open to negotiation and may reduce an interest rate, waive a fee, or offer a structured plan if you explain you're stabilizing payments for a home goal. Get any agreement in writing and immediately update your autopay settings.
Consider a debt consolidation loan, but run it like a safety inspection: Consolidation can help if it lowers your interest rate and turns multiple payments into one, but it only works if you stop adding new card debt. Before applying, compare the APR, term length, fees, and whether the payment fits your budget even in a "rough month." A good test: if you can't commit to keeping credit cards at (or near) zero after consolidation, pause and focus on payoff first.
Add side income with a 4-week experiment: Look for work you can start quickly and control, extra shifts, weekend gigs, selling unused items, or a skill-based freelance task. The point isn't perfection; it's consistent extra cash to accelerate the target debt. Plenty of people do this already, 53% of full-time employees earn income from sources other than their main employment, so treat it as a normal short-term tool, not a forever lifestyle.
Build a small emergency fund to prevent backsliding: Start with a mini-goal like $500–$1,000 in a separate savings account so surprise expenses don't land on a card. Contribute a tiny amount weekly (even $10–$25) while you're paying down debt; consistency matters more than size at first. This is the "floor" that keeps your progress from getting wrecked by car repairs or a medical copay.
Do a weekly 15-minute money reset: Once a week, review balances, confirm autopays, and reassign any leftover money to your top-priority debt. Keep a simple one-page tracker: target debt, current balance, next milestone, and one action for the week. These small check-ins make it easier to map a realistic 6–12 month payoff pace and stay steady while your credit improves.

Plan → Pay → Report → Review

This workflow turns debt payoff into a 6 to 12 month roadmap you can repeat without burnout. You will know what to do each week, what to check each month, and what progress should look like before you talk to a lender.

Stage	Action	Goal
Map the next 30 days	Confirm due dates, cash flow, and one target balance	A realistic plan that fits your paycheck cycle
Schedule the paydown	Automate minimums; send extra money within 24 hours of payday	Fewer missed steps and faster principal reduction
Control what gets reported	Pay cards before statement close; avoid sudden utilization spikes	Lower reported balances and steadier score movement
Run a monthly check-in	Compare balances to last month; adjust budget caps and payoff target	Clear milestones and quick course corrections
Prep for pre-approval	Gather statements, verify income, and review credit report basics	Cleaner paperwork and fewer underwriting surprises

Each stage feeds the next: planning makes payments easier, payments make reporting cleaner, and cleaner reporting makes reviews more encouraging. Repeat the loop monthly and you will see your debt and your readiness move in the same direction.

Common Debt Questions Before You Buy a Home

Q: What are the best strategies to reduce debt before buying a home in the next 6 to 12 months?
A: Focus on one payoff target while keeping every other account current to avoid late marks. Use a simple two-step routine: automate minimum payments, then send extra money within a day of payday. If you carry credit cards, consider paying twice per month to keep reported balances lower.

Q: How can creating a budget help me manage my spending and improve my chances of mortgage approval?
A: A budget turns "I think I can afford it" into numbers a lender can trust. It helps you cap discretionary spending, free up cash for debt paydown, and prevent new balances from creeping in. Keep it simple: fixed bills, debt minimums, savings, then a weekly spending limit.

Q: Which types of debt should I prioritize paying off first when planning to purchase a house soon?
A: Prioritize high-interest revolving debt first, especially credit cards, because it can hurt cash flow and reported utilization. Next, tackle smaller balances you can clear quickly to reduce the number of monthly obligations. Keep installment loans current and avoid taking on new financing right before applying.

Q: What are effective ways to boost my income temporarily to accelerate debt reduction before a home purchase?
A: Look for short-term, trackable income you can commit entirely to debt, like overtime, a seasonal role, or selling unused items. Set a weekly transfer rule so extra earnings go straight to your target balance, not everyday spending. Save pay stubs or deposit records so you can document the income clearly.

Q: If I work with a financial advisor or mortgage specialist, how can they assist me in managing my debt for home buying readiness?
A: They can help you choose a payoff order that improves your application profile, not just your total balance. They can also spot paperwork issues early, including credit file mix-ups like wrong name, phone number, and tell you what statements to gather. For organization, keep a single folder of lender-ready PDFs, correct small form errors with a basic online PDF editing tool, and file everything by the requested deadline.

Turn Debt Progress Into Faster Mortgage Approval Momentum

Buying a home can feel like a race against time, especially when balances, paperwork, and credit worries pile up at once. The steadier path is a proactive debt-management mindset, stay organized, make intentional choices, and keep your plan moving even when it's not perfect. That kind of financial discipline supports long-term credit health, helps a lender see consistency, and strengthens successful home purchase planning on your timeline. Proactive debt management turns today's payments into tomorrow's approval. Choose three immediate actions, one debt move, one document check, and one credit follow-up, and do them this week. That momentum builds stability and resilience that lasts well beyond closing day

Article provided Suzie Wilson

California home sales, prices rise in February as mortgage rates ease, C.A.R. reports

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:21:00 EST

March 17, 2026

California home sales, prices rise in February as mortgage rates ease, C.A.R. reports

Existing, single-family home sales totaled 274,820 in February on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, up 7.0 percent from 256,910 in January and down 0.3 percent from 275,600 in February 2025.
February's statewide median home price was $830,370, up 0.9 percent from $822,630 in January and up from $829,060 in February 2025.
Year-to-date statewide home sales were down 0.7 percent in February.

SACRAMENTO (March 17) – California home sales perked higher in February as slightly more favorable mortgage rates improved affordability and encouraged more buyers to reenter the market, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (C.A.R.) said today.

Infographic: https://www.car.org/Global/Infographics/2026-02-Sales-and-Price

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California reached a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 274,820 in February, according to data collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. This annualized figure reflects the number of homes that would be sold in 2026 if February's sales pace continued throughout the year, with adjustments made for typical seasonal patterns. February sales were up from 256,910 in January and down 0.3 percent from 275,600 in February 2025.

Despite the uptick, the streak of sub-300,000 seasonally adjusted annualized sales continued for the 41st consecutive month, underscoring the market's persistent weakness over the past few years. While the stronger-than-usual, month-to-month increase in pending sales provides some hope that closed transactions could improve in March, the recent spike in mortgage rates may dampen buyer momentum and keep sales activity subdued in the near term.

"Following a soft start to the year, the housing market regained momentum in February, with both sales and prices showing solid gains," said 2026 C.A.R. President Tamara Suminski, a Southern California broker and REALTOR®. "The conflict in the Middle East is creating some uncertainty for the broader economy and financial markets, which could lead to some short-term hesitation in the housing market. We remain hopeful though that the situation will stabilize in the weeks ahead, allowing market fundamentals and buyer and seller confidence to reassert themselves."

California's median home price increased in February from both the prior month and year ago, bouncing back to $830,370 from a 23-month low reached a month ago. The statewide median price rose 0.9 percent from January, outpacing the long-run average of -0.3 percent observed between January and February. On a year-over-year basis, the median price rose following two consecutive months of annual declines and posted its best growth rate in five months. While prices are expected to climb as the market approaches the spring homebuying season, lingering concerns about the broader economy and the market condition could constrain the pace of price gains in the months ahead.

"While mortgage rates remain below year-ago levels, they recently jumped to their highest level in seven months and could temper buyer momentum as we head into the spring homebuying season," said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. "However, many homeowners remain locked in to historically low rates, and inventory remains tight, so any stabilization in rates could help bolster home prices in the spring market despite ongoing affordability and economic challenges."

Other key points from C.A.R.'s February 2026 resale housing report include:

At the regional level, three of California's five major regions recorded year-over-year increases in non-seasonally adjusted home sales. The Central Coast led with a solid 6.2 percent gain from a year earlier, followed by the San Francisco Bay Area (4.0 percent) and the Central Valley (0.6 percent). Meanwhile, the Far North posted a modest sales decline, falling 2.9 percent from its year-ago level, followed by Southern California (-0.6 percent).
At the county level, 27 of the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R. posted year-over-year sales gains in February, with 14 recording double-digit increases. Mariposa led with a 57.1 percent increase from a year earlier, followed by Tehama (53.8 percent) and Santa Cruz (53.6 percent). Meanwhile, sales in two counties, Contra Costa and Sonoma, remained flat, and 24 counties experienced annual sales declines, including 15 that fell by more than 10 percent. Mono led the pack with a -57.1 percent drop, Plumas (-28.6 percent) having the second biggest drop, and Siskiyou (-20.8 percent) recording the third largest dip.
Only two of California's five major regions recorded year-over-year median home price growth. The San Francisco Bay Area led with a 2.8 percent gain from February 2025, followed by the Central Coast with a 0.8 percent increase. In contrast, the Far North recorded the largest annual decline at 2.1 percent, followed by the Central Valley (-2.0 percent) and Southern California (-0.5 percent).
At the county level, 24 of the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R. recorded year-over-year median home price increases. Trinity led with a 225.4 percent increase, followed by Mono (74.1 percent); the gains in both counties largely reflected a shift in the mix of homes sold, which skewed the upturn in their median prices. Plumas ranked third with a solid annual growth rate of 34.9 percent. Conversely, 28 counties registered price declines from a year earlier, while Siskiyou remained unchanged. Lassen recorded the steepest price drop (-30.1 percent), followed by Santa Barbara (-19.8 percent) and Napa (-17.8 percent), underscoring continued price softness in many markets across the state.

Housing inventory pulled back in February, receding from the prior month and staying unchanged from a year earlier as slower market activity and growing economic uncertainty weighed on seller confidence. The Unsold Inventory Index was 4.0 months in February, down from 4.4 months in January and unchanged from February 2025. While total active listings increased from the previous month, they fell from a year ago for the first time in 25 months. With the streak of inventory expansion broken in February, the first dip in supply in slightly more than two years suggests that some homeowners may be delaying their listing decisions as mortgage rates continue to climb amid a tense geopolitical environment that has clouded the near-term economic outlook. As a result, while the number of properties for sale remains relatively high compared to levels observed a couple of years ago, the housing supply growth rate may begin to moderate in the months ahead.

The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 29 days in February, up from 26 days in February 2025.

C.A.R.'s statewide sales-price-to-list-price ratio* was 99.3 percent in February 2026 and 98.0 percent in February 2025.
The statewide median price per square foot** for an existing single-family home was $424, up from $421 in February a year ago.
The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 6.05 percent in February, down from 6.84 percent in February 2025, according to C.A.R.'s calculations based on Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage survey data.

Note: The County MLS median price and sales data in the tables are generated from a survey of more than 90 associations of REALTORS^® throughout the state and represent statistics of existing single-family detached homes only. County sales data is not adjusted to account for seasonal factors that can influence home sales. Movements in sales prices should not be interpreted as changes in the cost of a standard home. The median price is where half sold for more and half sold for less; medians are more typical than average prices, which are skewed by a relatively small share of transactions at either the lower end or the upper end. Median prices can be influenced by changes in cost, as well as changes in the characteristics and the size of homes sold. The change in median prices should not be construed as actual price changes in specific homes.

*Sales-to-list-price ratio is an indicator that reflects the negotiation power of home buyers and home sellers under current market conditions. The ratio is calculated by dividing the final sales price of a property by its original list price and is expressed as a percentage. A sales-to-list ratio with 100 percent or above suggests that the property sold for more than the list price, and a ratio below 100 percent indicates that the price sold below the asking price.

**Price per square foot is a measure commonly used by real estate agents and brokers to determine how much a square foot of space a buyer will pay for a property. It is calculated as the sale price of the home divided by the number of finished square feet. C.A.R. currently tracks price-per-square foot statistics for 53 counties.

Leading the way…® in California real estate for 120 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States with nearly 190,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Sacramento.

# # #

February 2026 County Sales and Price Activity
(and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

February 2026	Median Sold Price of Existing Single-Family Homes						Sales
State/Region/County	February 2026	January 2026		February 2025	Price MTM% Chg	Price YTY% Chg	Sales MTM% Chg	Sales YTY% Chg
Calif. Single-family home	$830,370	$822,630	r	$829,060	0.9%	0.2%	7.0%	-0.3%
Calif. Condo/Townhome	$645,000	$625,000		$675,000	3.2%	-4.4%	28.0%	1.2%
Los Angeles Metro Area	$812,950	$808,000		$824,880	0.6%	-1.4%	11.5%	-1.8%
Central Coast	$1,047,500	$1,091,180		$1,039,500	-4.0%	0.8%	21.2%	6.2%
Central Valley	$485,000	$480,000		$495,000	1.0%	-2.0%	15.4%	0.6%
Far North	$378,000	$379,950		$386,000	-0.5%	-2.1%	-12.6%	-2.9%
Inland Empire	$601,350	$595,000		$611,290	1.1%	-1.6%	9.0%	-3.7%
San Francisco Bay Area	$1,285,000	$1,127,000		$1,250,000	14.0%	2.8%	44.1%	4.0%
Southern California	$861,880	$845,530		$866,360	1.9%	-0.5%	13.7%	-0.6%

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	$1,303,500	$1,120,010		$1,300,000	16.4%	0.3%	33.8%	-4.5%
Contra Costa	$819,000	$802,000		$841,000	2.1%	-2.6%	31.2%	0.0%
Marin	$1,575,000	$1,527,000		$1,675,000	3.1%	-6.0%	58.3%	17.3%
Napa	$837,000	$1,002,500		$1,018,500	-16.5%	-17.8%	30.0%	18.2%
San Francisco	$1,976,000	$1,653,320		$1,600,000	19.5%	23.5%	93.3%	4.3%
San Mateo	$2,250,000	$2,000,000		$2,200,000	12.5%	2.3%	39.9%	12.9%
Santa Clara	$2,016,000	$1,807,500		$2,000,000	11.5%	0.8%	70.1%	13.7%
Solano	$565,400	$552,500		$600,000	2.3%	-5.8%	41.4%	0.4%
Sonoma	$809,500	$799,000		$852,560	1.3%	-5.1%	28.3%	0.0%
Southern California
Imperial	$447,500	$455,000		$394,000	-1.6%	13.6%	22.9%	-10.4%
Los Angeles	$842,660	$879,720		$852,190	-4.2%	-1.1%	14.2%	-0.3%
Orange	$1,432,500	$1,410,000		$1,465,500	1.6%	-2.3%	9.3%	-3.6%
Riverside	$631,000	$639,440		$646,840	-1.3%	-2.4%	20.4%	-4.0%
San Bernardino	$510,000	$500,990		$490,000	1.8%	4.1%	-14.7%	0.5%
San Diego	$1,050,000	$1,050,000		$1,040,000	0.0%	1.0%	22.2%	4.6%
Ventura	$930,000	$917,500		$969,500	1.4%	-4.1%	16.8%	7.3%
Central Coast
Monterey	$880,000	$998,750		$900,000	-11.9%	-2.2%	17.3%	7.5%
San Luis Obispo	$990,000	$950,000		$967,500	4.2%	2.3%	15.1%	-5.8%
Santa Barbara	$1,215,000	$1,475,000		$1,515,000	-17.6%	-19.8%	15.5%	-0.7%
Santa Cruz	$1,275,000	$1,237,500		$1,260,000	3.0%	1.2%	53.6%	53.6%
Central Valley
Fresno	$426,250	$429,990	r	$442,850	-0.9%	-3.7%	27.7%	8.3%
Glenn	$370,000	$340,000		$335,000	8.8%	10.4%	100.0%	40.0%
Kern	$410,000	$398,220		$409,900	3.0%	0.0%	5.9%	-12.4%
Kings	$356,990	$383,000		$375,000	-6.8%	-4.8%	0.0%	23.3%
Madera	$435,000	$412,000		$425,000	5.6%	2.4%	64.4%	-9.3%
Merced	$402,990	$409,750		$414,500	-1.6%	-2.8%	23.9%	38.3%
Placer	$639,980	$625,000		$649,000	2.4%	-1.4%	16.7%	-4.2%
Sacramento	$545,000	$540,000		$550,000	0.9%	-0.9%	20.7%	8.0%
San Benito	$821,000	$859,900		$780,000	-4.5%	5.3%	12.0%	3.7%
San Joaquin	$525,000	$530,000		$540,000	-0.9%	-2.8%	11.8%	-15.1%
Stanislaus	$462,500	$477,000		$460,000	-3.0%	0.5%	1.4%	8.0%
Tulare	$381,000	$375,000		$380,000	1.6%	0.3%	-8.8%	-8.3%
Far North
Butte	$435,750	$445,000		$449,000	-2.1%	-3.0%	-7.7%	-17.8%
Lassen	$199,000	$255,000		$284,500	-22.0%	-30.1%	-10.0%	12.5%
Plumas	$485,000	$350,000		$359,500	38.6%	34.9%	-28.6%	-28.6%
Shasta	$386,500	$386,000		$386,000	0.1%	0.1%	-6.6%	5.2%
Siskiyou	$285,000	$359,000		$285,000	-20.6%	0.0%	-9.5%	-20.8%
Tehama	$323,630	$347,000		$360,000	-6.7%	-10.1%	-37.5%	53.8%
Trinity	$374,250	$290,000		$115,000	29.1%	225.4%	-50.0%	-20.0%
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	$445,000	$430,000		$460,000	3.5%	-3.3%	22.2%	-15.4%
Calaveras	$452,920	$475,000	r	$415,000	-4.6%	9.1%	2.3%	7.1%
Del Norte	$335,000	$460,000		$352,000	-27.2%	-4.8%	66.7%	25.0%
El Dorado	$700,000	$705,380		$677,000	-0.8%	3.4%	17.7%	-11.0%
Humboldt	$430,000	$384,000		$431,000	12.0%	-0.2%	-21.5%	-15.1%
Lake	$338,950	$312,000		$352,500	8.6%	-3.8%	25.0%	-13.0%
Mariposa	$520,000	$369,750		$410,000	40.6%	26.8%	-8.3%	57.1%
Mendocino	$481,500	$480,000		$535,500	0.3%	-10.1%	0.0%	18.5%
Mono	$2,350,000	$1,564,500		$1,350,000	50.2%	74.1%	-50.0%	-57.1%
Nevada	$532,000	$578,500		$512,950	-8.0%	3.7%	1.5%	11.3%
Sutter	$464,040	$460,000		$417,500	0.9%	11.1%	25.9%	-19.0%
Tuolumne	$362,500	$420,000		$381,000	-13.7%	-4.9%	-10.2%	7.3%
Yolo	$600,000	$559,200		$633,500	7.3%	-5.3%	0.0%	-10.8%
Yuba	$430,000	$449,950		$459,000	-4.4%	-6.3%	32.5%	-18.5%

r = revised
NA = not available

February 2026 County Unsold Inventory and Days on Market
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

February 2026	Unsold Inventory Index				Median Time on Market
State/Region/County	Feb. 2026	Jan. 2026		Feb. 2025	Feb. 2026	Jan. 2026		Feb. 2025
Calif. Single-family home	4.0	4.4		4.0	29.0	40.0	r	26.0
Calif. Condo/Townhome	4.7	5.6		4.2	35.0	49.0		28.0
Los Angeles Metro Area	4.3	4.6		4.3	36.0	41.0		34.0
Central Coast	3.9	4.5		4.1	31.5	37.5		26.5
Central Valley	4.0	4.4		3.9	30.0	39.0		26.0
Far North	6.2	5.3		5.8	45.5	55.0		42.5
Inland Empire	4.9	5.3		5.1	48.0	49.0		43.0
San Francisco Bay Area	2.8	3.5		3.2	14.5	32.0		13.0
Southern California	4.1	4.4		4.1	32.0	39.0		30.0

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	2.5	2.8		3.0	12.0	17.0		11.0
Contra Costa	3.0	3.6		3.4	13.0	29.0		11.5
Marin	2.8	3.8		3.5	63.0	95.0		52.0
Napa	7.3	8.6		8.4	105.0	112.5		99.5
San Francisco	1.6	2.4		2.2	29.0	23.0		37.0
San Mateo	2.4	2.5		2.5	9.0	13.0		9.0
Santa Clara	2.4	2.9		2.5	8.0	11.0		8.0
Solano	3.3	4.2		3.2	55.0	59.0		46.0
Sonoma	4.0	4.5		4.3	79.5	95.0		73.5
Southern California
Imperial	3.9	5.1		3.2	18.0	23.0		33.5
Los Angeles	4.2	4.5		4.1	32.0	38.0		30.0
Orange	3.5	3.4		3.4	24.0	35.0		23.0
Riverside	4.7	5.6		4.9	50.0	50.0		45.0
San Bernardino	5.6	4.9		5.7	47.0	49.0		39.0
San Diego	3.2	3.6		3.4	18.0	29.0		16.0
Ventura	3.9	4.2		4.0	35.5	52.0		36.0
Central Coast
Monterey	4.4	4.9		4.5	33.0	39.0		19.0
San Luis Obispo	3.9	4.1		3.6	51.0	55.0		48.0
Santa Barbara	3.6	4.1		3.6	18.5	22.0		18.0
Santa Cruz	3.6	5.1		5.8	21.5	43.0		18.0
Central Valley
Fresno	4.6	5.6		4.4	27.0	34.0		26.5
Glenn	2.8	5.4		4.9	89.0	41.0		56.5
Kern	4.2	4.5		3.7	32.0	38.0		22.0
Kings	3.7	3.5		4.4	40.0	33.0		30.0
Madera	5.4	9.1		5.7	51.0	35.0		32.0
Merced	3.4	4.3		4.3	39.0	29.0		32.0
Placer	3.6	3.8		3.5	32.0	51.0		27.0
Sacramento	3.0	3.3		3.1	25.0	40.0		21.0
San Benito	4.2	4.2		4.6	41.0	58.0		22.0
San Joaquin	5.2	5.3		4.1	44.0	42.0		31.0
Stanislaus	4.0	3.9		4.2	26.5	32.0		26.0
Tulare	4.1	4.5		4.0	26.0	33.0		39.0
Far North
Butte	5.3	4.3		4.0	28.5	37.0		30.0
Lassen	4.2	5.3		11.3	268.0	141.5		85.5
Plumas	9.0	5.9		7.7	190.0	99.5		130.5
Shasta	5.2	5.0		5.2	36.5	49.0		27.0
Siskiyou	10.8	8.9		7.1	103.0	35.0		138.5
Tehama	7.4	4.7		9.1	61.0	99.0		35.0
Trinity	22.5	12.3		19.2	195.5	85.0		250.0
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	7.3	9.1		5.6	69.0	73.0		65.0
Calaveras	8.4	7.5	r	7.0	40.0	54.0	r	75.0
Del Norte	5.2	8.4		6.8	63.0	73.0		34.5
El Dorado	4.8	5.4		4.8	59.5	59.5		45.5
Humboldt	7.2	5.7		7.0	52.0	31.0		69.0
Lake	10.3	12.6		8.3	71.5	50.5		37.0
Mariposa	9.0	7.9		13.3	127.0	5.0		64.0
Mendocino	10.3	10.1		12.4	131.5	168.0		116.0
Mono	4.7	3.2		3.0	77.0	29.0		106.0
Nevada	4.1	4.0		5.6	62.0	82.5		52.0
Sutter	4.9	5.6		3.1	41.5	43.0		61.5
Tuolumne	6.3	6.0		9.0	85.0	75.0		92.0
Yolo	3.5	3.5		3.2	26.5	47.0		39.0
Yuba	4.5	5.8		4.3	28.0	53.0		49.0

Article belongs to CAR.org

Leading California Gubernatorial Candidates Share Homeownership at the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2026 Homeownership Matters Gubernatorial Forum

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:27:00 EST

March 6, 2026

Leading California Gubernatorial Candidates Share Homeownership at the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2026 Homeownership Matters Gubernatorial Forum

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 6) -- Homeownership emerged as a defining issue in California's 2026 gubernatorial race as six leading candidates gathered in Sacramento for the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) 2026 Homeownership Matters Gubernatorial Forum, focused on expanding pathways to ownership across the state.

Moderated by C.A.R. 2026 President Tamara Suminski and C.A.R. CEO Phil Hawkins, the forum brought candidates together to discuss solutions to California's housing affordability crisis and the role of homeownership in strengthening communities.

Throughout the discussion, candidates from across the political spectrum acknowledged the severity of the state's housing challenges and committed to making homeownership a priority if elected governor.

The 2026 Homeownership Matters Gubernatorial Forum featured:

Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and former California Attorney General
Steve Hilton, entrepreneur and political advisor
Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose
Katie Porter, former U.S. Congresswoman
Eric Swalwell, U.S. Congressman
Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles

"Housing affordability is one of the defining challenges facing California," said Phil Hawkins, C.A.R. CEO "What we heard today is clear: candidates across the political spectrum recognize that expanding pathways to homeownership must be a top priority if we want to preserve the California Dream."

Candidates discussed regulatory barriers that drive up housing costs and outlined their visions for strengthening pathways to homeownership, particularly for first-time buyers. The conversation also highlighted declining affordability, the rising age of first-time homebuyers, and the widening gap between wages and home prices — trends that are putting ownership further out of reach for many Californians.

"What we learned today is that homeownership is about more than housing supply; it is about economic mobility, generational stability, and the long-term strength of our communities," said Tamara Suminski, C.A.R. 2026 president. "If working families cannot put down roots in their communities, the consequences extend far beyond the housing market. California has the fourth largest economy in the world, and we cannot sell ourselves short in accepting a reality where homeownership is out of reach for so many of those who live here."

The forum provided an opportunity in the gubernatorial cycle for candidates to share their perspectives on housing and homeownership with industry leaders and voters alike.

The discussion reflected the growing prominence of housing policy in statewide conversations and highlighted the importance of long-term, practical solutions that expand opportunity for California families.

As the 2026 California gubernatorial race continues to take shape, homeownership is expected to remain a key topic of engagement among candidates, policymakers, and communities across the state.

For more information about the Homeownership Matters campaign, visit homeownershipmattersca.com. Watch the recorded forum on https://www.car.org/meetings/livestream or on Youtube.

About the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Leading the way…® in California real estate for 120 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States with nearly 190,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Sacramento.

# # #

Article belongs to CAR.org

CAC Trade Campaign Highlights The California Advantage for Retailers

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:25:00 EST

CAC Trade Campaign Highlights The California Advantage for Retailers

Apr 7, 2026

The California Avocado Commission's retail trade advertising program builds awareness of the California Avocados brand while highlighting the tools and support available to retailers. This season, the trade campaign centers on The California Advantage, reinforcing the benefits the California avocado season brings to retailers, including higher unit and dollar performance when and where California avocados are carried. The ads align with CAC's consumer messaging by emphasizing that California avocados are locally grown and sustainably farmed, while directing readers to CAC's retail webpage for insights and resources.

The campaign runs from March through October and features print and digital placements in top produce industry publications such as The Packer, The Produce News, Produce Business, The Shelby Report, AndNowUKnow and The Produce Reporter. Media presence will be heavier early in the season, ahead of key in-season holidays and leading up to CAC's participation at the International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce & Floral Show in October. Additionally, email and web advertising extend the campaign's digital reach.

CAC's retail newsletter further engages existing industry contacts, including current retail partners, while also extending CAC's reach to small-to-midsize independent retailers looking for resources and information about California avocados. The newsletter shares performance data, consumer research, merchandising tools and California-origin messaging that supports stronger in-store performance.

Article belongs to California Avocado.

California Court Tentatively Rejects "True Lender" Claim in Bank-Fintech Partnership Dispute

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 15:54:00 EST

Takeaways

A California superior court has tentatively rejected the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation's effort to characterize OppFi's lending program with a Utah bank as an unlawful "rent-a-bank" arrangement.

If finalized, the decision would end a longstanding dispute in the superior court over whether OppFi is the "true lender" of loans originated by its bank partner.

The ruling comes as states, like Colorado and Oregon, are taking steps to limit the ability of out-of-state banks to export interest rates under a federal framework that has long governed interstate lending.

03.23.26

On February 24, 2026, the Los Angeles County Superior Court issued a tentative decision granting summary judgment to the fintech Opportunity Financial LLC (OppFi) in its litigation with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). The court rejected DFPI's arguments that OppFi's lending program with FinWise Bank should be treated as an unlawful "rent-a-bank" arrangement meant to evade California's interest rate caps.

If finalized, the decision would represent a significant development for bank-fintech partnerships.

Background
OppFi is a financial technology company that operates a consumer lending program in partnership with FinWise Bank, a Utah state-chartered bank that originates loans under the program. Although OppFi offers loan products to consumers nationwide at varying interest rates, apparently ranging from approximately 99% to 195%, the California Financing Law caps interest at 36% on certain consumer loans.

In its dispute, the DFPI alleged that OppFi, rather than FinWise Bank, was the "true lender" of the program loans and that FinWise merely "rented" its charter to OppFi in an attempt to evade California's interest rate caps.

The court granted summary judgment to OppFi on the grounds that the DFPI failed to raise a triable issue of material fact as to whether FinWise Bank was "merely a dummy" lender.

In reaching that conclusion, the court focused heavily on the substance of the bank-fintech partnership. Among other factors, the court emphasized that FinWise retained control of core lending functions, including:

FinWise controlled underwriting criteria, had sole authority to approve or reject loan applications, and rejected applications that failed to meet its thresholds.
FinWise used its own funds to originate loans and held title to program loans at origination. FinWise also retained title to and a 5% interest in the receivables for such loans.
FinWise retained ongoing economic exposure to the loans and remained entitled to origination and servicing-related fees.
FinWise maintained approval rights over consumer-facing marketing materials, compliance policies and OppFi's vendor relationships.
OppFi was required to provide ongoing reporting to the bank.

The court also raised a key question under California usury doctrine as to whether the program loans were usurious at inception. Specifically, Section 521 of the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 (DIDMCA) permits state-chartered, FDIC-insured banks to charge the interest rate allowed by the laws of their home state when lending to borrowers nationwide. Utah law does not impose the same interest rate caps as California, meaning that loans originated by a Utah bank, such as FinWise, may carry higher rates when extended to borrowers in other states.

Because FinWise was the lender when the loans were made and was entitled to export Utah's interest rates under federal law, the court maintained that the program loans were not usurious at origination. The court also rejected the notion that subsequent activities like a sale, assignment or other transfer of a loan to OppFi could render a loan usurious.

Other State Challenges to Bank-Fintech Partnerships
The OppFi decision comes amid increasing state efforts to challenge bank-fintech partnerships, both through true lender claims and by targeting interest rate exportation under DIDMCA.

Section 525 of DIDMCA permitted states to opt out of the federal framework that otherwise allows out-of-state, state-chartered banks to apply their home-state interest rates to loans made to borrowers nationwide. Although most states have not exercised that authority, some are now enacting legislation attempting to do so as part of broader efforts to address high-interest consumer lending.

Colorado previously enacted legislation opting out of DIDMCA's exportation authority for certain consumer loans made to Colorado residents. The measure prompted litigation over whether Colorado could enforce its interest rate caps against loans originated by out-of-state banks. In November 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ruled in favor of Colorado, holding that it could enforce the opt-out and apply its interest rate caps to certain loans made to Colorado borrowers by out-of-state state banks. A petition for rehearing is pending, and an injunction preventing enforcement of the opt-out currently remains in effect.

Oregon is the latest state to pursue similar legislation. On March 6, 2026, Oregon enacted H.B. 4116, which would opt the state out of Section 525 of DIDMCA for certain consumer loans. If implemented, the law would prevent out-of-state state banks from relying on their home-state interest rates when making consumer loans of $50,000 or less to Oregon borrowers. Instead, those loans would be subject to Oregon's 36% interest rate cap. If signed by the Governor, the law will take effect in early June 2026.

Implications Moving Forward
The Los Angeles County Superior Court's ruling in the OppFi decision is tentative. OppFi has 30 days from the tentative decision to submit a proposed final statement of decision. If the judgment is entered, DFPI will have the right to appeal the decision.

An appeal would likely present significant questions concerning interest rate exportation and frameworks for evaluating "true lender" claims in bank-fintech partnerships. Fintechs and bank lenders should continue to monitor these developments closely, as a higher-court ruling on these issues could have substantial implications for interstate lending programs.

Tags: Global Sourcing & Technology Transactions, Bank & Leveraged Finance, Finance, Financial Industry Group

Commission Produces Avocado Lace Bug Video

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 15:51:00 EST

Commission Produces Avocado Lace Bug Video

Mar 4, 2026

To address the growing threat of Avocado Lace Bug, the California Avocado Commission sought out industry experts to educate growers on the issue and produced an informational video to assist growers in early detection of the invasive pest. The video, featuring industry experts Tom Roberts, Pest Control Advisor for Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, and Dr. Mark Hoddle, Extension Specialist, Department of Entomology at UC Riverside, is showcased below.

The video reviews the history of the Avocado Lace Bug in California, which was first identified in 2017 in San Diego and Riverside Counties and was initially of little threat to avocados. By 2022-23, Avocado Lace Bug had been identified in Orange and Santa Barbara counties where it began to cause considerable damage in commercial orchards.

Researchers determined that the two populations were in fact two different variants of ALB — one from Mexico, which was not causing damage, and one from Florida, which was causing considerable damage.

The video showcases the symptoms of ALB, noting that early detection is both critical and difficult due to the size of the pest. It also demonstrates what growers should look for in their groves and how temperature impacts the pest, which tends to thrive in the 80-90˚F range.

The Commission will continue to assist growers by conducting additional research into the pest and sharing relevant information that will help producers scout their groves and practice optimal canopy and pest management to minimize ALB damage.

Article belongs to California Avocado

California home sales, prices rise in February as mortgage rates ease, C.A.R. reports

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 15:43:00 EST

March 17, 2026

California home sales, prices rise in February as mortgage rates ease, C.A.R. reports

Existing, single-family home sales totaled 274,820 in February on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, up 7.0 percent from 256,910 in January and down 0.3 percent from 275,600 in February 2025.
February's statewide median home price was $830,370, up 0.9 percent from $822,630 in January and up from $829,060 in February 2025.
Year-to-date statewide home sales were down 0.7 percent in February.

Infographic: https://www.car.org/Global/Infographics/2026-02-Sales-and-Price

Other key points from C.A.R.'s February 2026 resale housing report include:

At the regional level, three of California's five major regions recorded year-over-year increases in non-seasonally adjusted home sales. The Central Coast led with a solid 6.2 percent gain from a year earlier, followed by the San Francisco Bay Area (4.0 percent) and the Central Valley (0.6 percent). Meanwhile, the Far North posted a modest sales decline, falling 2.9 percent from its year-ago level, followed by Southern California (-0.6 percent).
At the county level, 27 of the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R. posted year-over-year sales gains in February, with 14 recording double-digit increases. Mariposa led with a 57.1 percent increase from a year earlier, followed by Tehama (53.8 percent) and Santa Cruz (53.6 percent). Meanwhile, sales in two counties, Contra Costa and Sonoma, remained flat, and 24 counties experienced annual sales declines, including 15 that fell by more than 10 percent. Mono led the pack with a -57.1 percent drop, Plumas (-28.6 percent) having the second biggest drop, and Siskiyou (-20.8 percent) recording the third largest dip.
Only two of California's five major regions recorded year-over-year median home price growth. The San Francisco Bay Area led with a 2.8 percent gain from February 2025, followed by the Central Coast with a 0.8 percent increase. In contrast, the Far North recorded the largest annual decline at 2.1 percent, followed by the Central Valley (-2.0 percent) and Southern California (-0.5 percent).
At the county level, 24 of the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R. recorded year-over-year median home price increases. Trinity led with a 225.4 percent increase, followed by Mono (74.1 percent); the gains in both counties largely reflected a shift in the mix of homes sold, which skewed the upturn in their median prices. Plumas ranked third with a solid annual growth rate of 34.9 percent. Conversely, 28 counties registered price declines from a year earlier, while Siskiyou remained unchanged. Lassen recorded the steepest price drop (-30.1 percent), followed by Santa Barbara (-19.8 percent) and Napa (-17.8 percent), underscoring continued price softness in many markets across the state.

Housing inventory pulled back in February, receding from the prior month and staying unchanged from a year earlier as slower market activity and growing economic uncertainty weighed on seller confidence. The Unsold Inventory Index was 4.0 months in February, down from 4.4 months in January and unchanged from February 2025. While total active listings increased from the previous month, they fell from a year ago for the first time in 25 months. With the streak of inventory expansion broken in February, the first dip in supply in slightly more than two years suggests that some homeowners may be delaying their listing decisions as mortgage rates continue to climb amid a tense geopolitical environment that has clouded the near-term economic outlook. As a result, while the number of properties for sale remains relatively high compared to levels observed a couple of years ago, the housing supply growth rate may begin to moderate in the months ahead.

The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 29 days in February, up from 26 days in February 2025.

C.A.R.'s statewide sales-price-to-list-price ratio* was 99.3 percent in February 2026 and 98.0 percent in February 2025.
The statewide median price per square foot** for an existing single-family home was $424, up from $421 in February a year ago.
The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 6.05 percent in February, down from 6.84 percent in February 2025, according to C.A.R.'s calculations based on Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage survey data.

# # #

February 2026 County Sales and Price Activity
(and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

February 2026	Median Sold Price of Existing Single-Family Homes						Sales
State/Region/County	February 2026	January 2026		February 2025	Price MTM% Chg	Price YTY% Chg	Sales MTM% Chg	Sales YTY% Chg
Calif. Single-family home	$830,370	$822,630	r	$829,060	0.9%	0.2%	7.0%	-0.3%
Calif. Condo/Townhome	$645,000	$625,000		$675,000	3.2%	-4.4%	28.0%	1.2%
Los Angeles Metro Area	$812,950	$808,000		$824,880	0.6%	-1.4%	11.5%	-1.8%
Central Coast	$1,047,500	$1,091,180		$1,039,500	-4.0%	0.8%	21.2%	6.2%
Central Valley	$485,000	$480,000		$495,000	1.0%	-2.0%	15.4%	0.6%
Far North	$378,000	$379,950		$386,000	-0.5%	-2.1%	-12.6%	-2.9%
Inland Empire	$601,350	$595,000		$611,290	1.1%	-1.6%	9.0%	-3.7%
San Francisco Bay Area	$1,285,000	$1,127,000		$1,250,000	14.0%	2.8%	44.1%	4.0%
Southern California	$861,880	$845,530		$866,360	1.9%	-0.5%	13.7%	-0.6%

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	$1,303,500	$1,120,010		$1,300,000	16.4%	0.3%	33.8%	-4.5%
Contra Costa	$819,000	$802,000		$841,000	2.1%	-2.6%	31.2%	0.0%
Marin	$1,575,000	$1,527,000		$1,675,000	3.1%	-6.0%	58.3%	17.3%
Napa	$837,000	$1,002,500		$1,018,500	-16.5%	-17.8%	30.0%	18.2%
San Francisco	$1,976,000	$1,653,320		$1,600,000	19.5%	23.5%	93.3%	4.3%
San Mateo	$2,250,000	$2,000,000		$2,200,000	12.5%	2.3%	39.9%	12.9%
Santa Clara	$2,016,000	$1,807,500		$2,000,000	11.5%	0.8%	70.1%	13.7%
Solano	$565,400	$552,500		$600,000	2.3%	-5.8%	41.4%	0.4%
Sonoma	$809,500	$799,000		$852,560	1.3%	-5.1%	28.3%	0.0%
Southern California
Imperial	$447,500	$455,000		$394,000	-1.6%	13.6%	22.9%	-10.4%
Los Angeles	$842,660	$879,720		$852,190	-4.2%	-1.1%	14.2%	-0.3%
Orange	$1,432,500	$1,410,000		$1,465,500	1.6%	-2.3%	9.3%	-3.6%
Riverside	$631,000	$639,440		$646,840	-1.3%	-2.4%	20.4%	-4.0%
San Bernardino	$510,000	$500,990		$490,000	1.8%	4.1%	-14.7%	0.5%
San Diego	$1,050,000	$1,050,000		$1,040,000	0.0%	1.0%	22.2%	4.6%
Ventura	$930,000	$917,500		$969,500	1.4%	-4.1%	16.8%	7.3%
Central Coast
Monterey	$880,000	$998,750		$900,000	-11.9%	-2.2%	17.3%	7.5%
San Luis Obispo	$990,000	$950,000		$967,500	4.2%	2.3%	15.1%	-5.8%
Santa Barbara	$1,215,000	$1,475,000		$1,515,000	-17.6%	-19.8%	15.5%	-0.7%
Santa Cruz	$1,275,000	$1,237,500		$1,260,000	3.0%	1.2%	53.6%	53.6%
Central Valley
Fresno	$426,250	$429,990	r	$442,850	-0.9%	-3.7%	27.7%	8.3%
Glenn	$370,000	$340,000		$335,000	8.8%	10.4%	100.0%	40.0%
Kern	$410,000	$398,220		$409,900	3.0%	0.0%	5.9%	-12.4%
Kings	$356,990	$383,000		$375,000	-6.8%	-4.8%	0.0%	23.3%
Madera	$435,000	$412,000		$425,000	5.6%	2.4%	64.4%	-9.3%
Merced	$402,990	$409,750		$414,500	-1.6%	-2.8%	23.9%	38.3%
Placer	$639,980	$625,000		$649,000	2.4%	-1.4%	16.7%	-4.2%
Sacramento	$545,000	$540,000		$550,000	0.9%	-0.9%	20.7%	8.0%
San Benito	$821,000	$859,900		$780,000	-4.5%	5.3%	12.0%	3.7%
San Joaquin	$525,000	$530,000		$540,000	-0.9%	-2.8%	11.8%	-15.1%
Stanislaus	$462,500	$477,000		$460,000	-3.0%	0.5%	1.4%	8.0%
Tulare	$381,000	$375,000		$380,000	1.6%	0.3%	-8.8%	-8.3%
Far North
Butte	$435,750	$445,000		$449,000	-2.1%	-3.0%	-7.7%	-17.8%
Lassen	$199,000	$255,000		$284,500	-22.0%	-30.1%	-10.0%	12.5%
Plumas	$485,000	$350,000		$359,500	38.6%	34.9%	-28.6%	-28.6%
Shasta	$386,500	$386,000		$386,000	0.1%	0.1%	-6.6%	5.2%
Siskiyou	$285,000	$359,000		$285,000	-20.6%	0.0%	-9.5%	-20.8%
Tehama	$323,630	$347,000		$360,000	-6.7%	-10.1%	-37.5%	53.8%
Trinity	$374,250	$290,000		$115,000	29.1%	225.4%	-50.0%	-20.0%
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	$445,000	$430,000		$460,000	3.5%	-3.3%	22.2%	-15.4%
Calaveras	$452,920	$475,000	r	$415,000	-4.6%	9.1%	2.3%	7.1%
Del Norte	$335,000	$460,000		$352,000	-27.2%	-4.8%	66.7%	25.0%
El Dorado	$700,000	$705,380		$677,000	-0.8%	3.4%	17.7%	-11.0%
Humboldt	$430,000	$384,000		$431,000	12.0%	-0.2%	-21.5%	-15.1%
Lake	$338,950	$312,000		$352,500	8.6%	-3.8%	25.0%	-13.0%
Mariposa	$520,000	$369,750		$410,000	40.6%	26.8%	-8.3%	57.1%
Mendocino	$481,500	$480,000		$535,500	0.3%	-10.1%	0.0%	18.5%
Mono	$2,350,000	$1,564,500		$1,350,000	50.2%	74.1%	-50.0%	-57.1%
Nevada	$532,000	$578,500		$512,950	-8.0%	3.7%	1.5%	11.3%
Sutter	$464,040	$460,000		$417,500	0.9%	11.1%	25.9%	-19.0%
Tuolumne	$362,500	$420,000		$381,000	-13.7%	-4.9%	-10.2%	7.3%
Yolo	$600,000	$559,200		$633,500	7.3%	-5.3%	0.0%	-10.8%
Yuba	$430,000	$449,950		$459,000	-4.4%	-6.3%	32.5%	-18.5%

r = revised
NA = not available

February 2026 County Unsold Inventory and Days on Market
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

February 2026	Unsold Inventory Index				Median Time on Market
State/Region/County	Feb. 2026	Jan. 2026		Feb. 2025	Feb. 2026	Jan. 2026		Feb. 2025
Calif. Single-family home	4.0	4.4		4.0	29.0	40.0	r	26.0
Calif. Condo/Townhome	4.7	5.6		4.2	35.0	49.0		28.0
Los Angeles Metro Area	4.3	4.6		4.3	36.0	41.0		34.0
Central Coast	3.9	4.5		4.1	31.5	37.5		26.5
Central Valley	4.0	4.4		3.9	30.0	39.0		26.0
Far North	6.2	5.3		5.8	45.5	55.0		42.5
Inland Empire	4.9	5.3		5.1	48.0	49.0		43.0
San Francisco Bay Area	2.8	3.5		3.2	14.5	32.0		13.0
Southern California	4.1	4.4		4.1	32.0	39.0		30.0

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	2.5	2.8		3.0	12.0	17.0		11.0
Contra Costa	3.0	3.6		3.4	13.0	29.0		11.5
Marin	2.8	3.8		3.5	63.0	95.0		52.0
Napa	7.3	8.6		8.4	105.0	112.5		99.5
San Francisco	1.6	2.4		2.2	29.0	23.0		37.0
San Mateo	2.4	2.5		2.5	9.0	13.0		9.0
Santa Clara	2.4	2.9		2.5	8.0	11.0		8.0
Solano	3.3	4.2		3.2	55.0	59.0		46.0
Sonoma	4.0	4.5		4.3	79.5	95.0		73.5
Southern California
Imperial	3.9	5.1		3.2	18.0	23.0		33.5
Los Angeles	4.2	4.5		4.1	32.0	38.0		30.0
Orange	3.5	3.4		3.4	24.0	35.0		23.0
Riverside	4.7	5.6		4.9	50.0	50.0		45.0
San Bernardino	5.6	4.9		5.7	47.0	49.0		39.0
San Diego	3.2	3.6		3.4	18.0	29.0		16.0
Ventura	3.9	4.2		4.0	35.5	52.0		36.0
Central Coast
Monterey	4.4	4.9		4.5	33.0	39.0		19.0
San Luis Obispo	3.9	4.1		3.6	51.0	55.0		48.0
Santa Barbara	3.6	4.1		3.6	18.5	22.0		18.0
Santa Cruz	3.6	5.1		5.8	21.5	43.0		18.0
Central Valley
Fresno	4.6	5.6		4.4	27.0	34.0		26.5
Glenn	2.8	5.4		4.9	89.0	41.0		56.5
Kern	4.2	4.5		3.7	32.0	38.0		22.0
Kings	3.7	3.5		4.4	40.0	33.0		30.0
Madera	5.4	9.1		5.7	51.0	35.0		32.0
Merced	3.4	4.3		4.3	39.0	29.0		32.0
Placer	3.6	3.8		3.5	32.0	51.0		27.0
Sacramento	3.0	3.3		3.1	25.0	40.0		21.0
San Benito	4.2	4.2		4.6	41.0	58.0		22.0
San Joaquin	5.2	5.3		4.1	44.0	42.0		31.0
Stanislaus	4.0	3.9		4.2	26.5	32.0		26.0
Tulare	4.1	4.5		4.0	26.0	33.0		39.0
Far North
Butte	5.3	4.3		4.0	28.5	37.0		30.0
Lassen	4.2	5.3		11.3	268.0	141.5		85.5
Plumas	9.0	5.9		7.7	190.0	99.5		130.5
Shasta	5.2	5.0		5.2	36.5	49.0		27.0
Siskiyou	10.8	8.9		7.1	103.0	35.0		138.5
Tehama	7.4	4.7		9.1	61.0	99.0		35.0
Trinity	22.5	12.3		19.2	195.5	85.0		250.0
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	7.3	9.1		5.6	69.0	73.0		65.0
Calaveras	8.4	7.5	r	7.0	40.0	54.0	r	75.0
Del Norte	5.2	8.4		6.8	63.0	73.0		34.5
El Dorado	4.8	5.4		4.8	59.5	59.5		45.5
Humboldt	7.2	5.7		7.0	52.0	31.0		69.0
Lake	10.3	12.6		8.3	71.5	50.5		37.0
Mariposa	9.0	7.9		13.3	127.0	5.0		64.0
Mendocino	10.3	10.1		12.4	131.5	168.0		116.0
Mono	4.7	3.2		3.0	77.0	29.0		106.0
Nevada	4.1	4.0		5.6	62.0	82.5		52.0
Sutter	4.9	5.6		3.1	41.5	43.0		61.5
Tuolumne	6.3	6.0		9.0	85.0	75.0		92.0
Yolo	3.5	3.5		3.2	26.5	47.0		39.0
Yuba	4.5	5.8		4.3	28.0	53.0		49.0

r = revised
NA = not available

Article belongs to CAR.org

Vice President of Marketing Terry Splane Retires

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:57:00 EST

Vice President of Marketing Terry Splane Retires

Feb 24, 2026

After almost three years with the California Avocado Commission, Vice President of Marketing Terry Splane announced his retirement effective February 28. Splane's career in foodservice and retail sales and marketing spans almost four decades; it started with Dart Container Corporation after his graduation from Washington State University in 1984, then continued with large food companies including McCormick & Company, Ventura Foods and Impossible Foods before he found his way to CAC.

"Leading the Commission's award-winning marketing program for the past several years has been one of the highlights of my 40-year career," said Splane. "I'm especially grateful to the dedicated CAC marketing staff, agency partners and inspirational group of avocado growers and industry leaders who made the work so impactful. My wife retired last year and now it is time for us to pursue our post-career journey together."

Splane departs with the 2026 California avocado consumer marketing program — including its advertising and social media campaign — already developed and ready to launch when the harvest reaches promotable volume levels. Customized retail and foodservice support programs, which are a key focus for Commission marketing, are in development for the season.

While Splane is proud of the work put into developing the consumer advertising campaign with CAC, he said he'll miss the team the most: "[They are] a team that wasn't afraid of change and always looking to enhance the brand and the business. It's the people I'll miss most—it always is."

Article belongs to Avocado Commission.org

Key Lending News & Updates:

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:55:00 EST

California lending news highlights increased regulatory action against crypto lenders, a new $2.3 million settlement with Caliber Home Loans for overcharging borrowers, and the reopening of the CalHFA Dream For All Program for first-time homebuyers. Private lending remains robust, while new laws are tightening restrictions on high-interest consumer loans, and recent crackdowns on fraudulent practices are occurring.

The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (.gov) +4

Key Lending News & Updates:

Crypto Lending Penalties: In January 2026, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) fined Nexo Capital Inc. $500,000 for offering unlicensed crypto-backed loans.
Mortgage & Housing: CalHFA reopened its "Dream for All" program in early 2026, providing up to 20% down payments for eligible homebuyers. Meanwhile, Caliber Home Loans is paying $2.3 million to settle allegations of overcharging.
Consumer Protection: State officials are scrutinizing "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) services, urging caution due to concerns about high-interest rates and limited consumer protection.
Private/Hard Money Lending: Despite complex regulations, California remains the top market for private lending, with the DFPI enforcing strict compliance under the California Financing Law (CFL).
Fraud Action: As of March 2026, authorities are prosecuting a real estate and loan scheme targeting elderly residents in Los Angeles, per CBS News.
Large-Scale Financing: The Los Angeles Times reports that February 2026 saw a $65.1 million construction loan for a Logistics Hub and a $300 million funding round for an aviation company

California home sales, prices rise in February as mortgage rates ease, C.A.R. reports

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:53:00 EST

March 17, 2026

California home sales, prices rise in February as mortgage rates ease, C.A.R. reports

Existing, single-family home sales totaled 274,820 in February on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, up 7.0 percent from 256,910 in January and down 0.3 percent from 275,600 in February 2025.
February's statewide median home price was $830,370, up 0.9 percent from $822,630 in January and up from $829,060 in February 2025.
Year-to-date statewide home sales were down 0.7 percent in February.

Infographic: https://www.car.org/Global/Infographics/2026-02-Sales-and-Price

Other key points from C.A.R.'s February 2026 resale housing report include:

At the regional level, three of California's five major regions recorded year-over-year increases in non-seasonally adjusted home sales. The Central Coast led with a solid 6.2 percent gain from a year earlier, followed by the San Francisco Bay Area (4.0 percent) and the Central Valley (0.6 percent). Meanwhile, the Far North posted a modest sales decline, falling 2.9 percent from its year-ago level, followed by Southern California (-0.6 percent).
At the county level, 27 of the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R. posted year-over-year sales gains in February, with 14 recording double-digit increases. Mariposa led with a 57.1 percent increase from a year earlier, followed by Tehama (53.8 percent) and Santa Cruz (53.6 percent). Meanwhile, sales in two counties, Contra Costa and Sonoma, remained flat, and 24 counties experienced annual sales declines, including 15 that fell by more than 10 percent. Mono led the pack with a -57.1 percent drop, Plumas (-28.6 percent) having the second biggest drop, and Siskiyou (-20.8 percent) recording the third largest dip.
Only two of California's five major regions recorded year-over-year median home price growth. The San Francisco Bay Area led with a 2.8 percent gain from February 2025, followed by the Central Coast with a 0.8 percent increase. In contrast, the Far North recorded the largest annual decline at 2.1 percent, followed by the Central Valley (-2.0 percent) and Southern California (-0.5 percent).
At the county level, 24 of the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R. recorded year-over-year median home price increases. Trinity led with a 225.4 percent increase, followed by Mono (74.1 percent); the gains in both counties largely reflected a shift in the mix of homes sold, which skewed the upturn in their median prices. Plumas ranked third with a solid annual growth rate of 34.9 percent. Conversely, 28 counties registered price declines from a year earlier, while Siskiyou remained unchanged. Lassen recorded the steepest price drop (-30.1 percent), followed by Santa Barbara (-19.8 percent) and Napa (-17.8 percent), underscoring continued price softness in many markets across the state.

Housing inventory pulled back in February, receding from the prior month and staying unchanged from a year earlier as slower market activity and growing economic uncertainty weighed on seller confidence. The Unsold Inventory Index was 4.0 months in February, down from 4.4 months in January and unchanged from February 2025. While total active listings increased from the previous month, they fell from a year ago for the first time in 25 months. With the streak of inventory expansion broken in February, the first dip in supply in slightly more than two years suggests that some homeowners may be delaying their listing decisions as mortgage rates continue to climb amid a tense geopolitical environment that has clouded the near-term economic outlook. As a result, while the number of properties for sale remains relatively high compared to levels observed a couple of years ago, the housing supply growth rate may begin to moderate in the months ahead.

The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 29 days in February, up from 26 days in February 2025.

C.A.R.'s statewide sales-price-to-list-price ratio* was 99.3 percent in February 2026 and 98.0 percent in February 2025.
The statewide median price per square foot** for an existing single-family home was $424, up from $421 in February a year ago.
The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 6.05 percent in February, down from 6.84 percent in February 2025, according to C.A.R.'s calculations based on Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage survey data.

# # #

February 2026 County Sales and Price Activity
(and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

February 2026	Median Sold Price of Existing Single-Family Homes						Sales
State/Region/County	February 2026	January 2026		February 2025	Price MTM% Chg	Price YTY% Chg	Sales MTM% Chg	Sales YTY% Chg
Calif. Single-family home	$830,370	$822,630	r	$829,060	0.9%	0.2%	7.0%	-0.3%
Calif. Condo/Townhome	$645,000	$625,000		$675,000	3.2%	-4.4%	28.0%	1.2%
Los Angeles Metro Area	$812,950	$808,000		$824,880	0.6%	-1.4%	11.5%	-1.8%
Central Coast	$1,047,500	$1,091,180		$1,039,500	-4.0%	0.8%	21.2%	6.2%
Central Valley	$485,000	$480,000		$495,000	1.0%	-2.0%	15.4%	0.6%
Far North	$378,000	$379,950		$386,000	-0.5%	-2.1%	-12.6%	-2.9%
Inland Empire	$601,350	$595,000		$611,290	1.1%	-1.6%	9.0%	-3.7%
San Francisco Bay Area	$1,285,000	$1,127,000		$1,250,000	14.0%	2.8%	44.1%	4.0%
Southern California	$861,880	$845,530		$866,360	1.9%	-0.5%	13.7%	-0.6%

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	$1,303,500	$1,120,010		$1,300,000	16.4%	0.3%	33.8%	-4.5%
Contra Costa	$819,000	$802,000		$841,000	2.1%	-2.6%	31.2%	0.0%
Marin	$1,575,000	$1,527,000		$1,675,000	3.1%	-6.0%	58.3%	17.3%
Napa	$837,000	$1,002,500		$1,018,500	-16.5%	-17.8%	30.0%	18.2%
San Francisco	$1,976,000	$1,653,320		$1,600,000	19.5%	23.5%	93.3%	4.3%
San Mateo	$2,250,000	$2,000,000		$2,200,000	12.5%	2.3%	39.9%	12.9%
Santa Clara	$2,016,000	$1,807,500		$2,000,000	11.5%	0.8%	70.1%	13.7%
Solano	$565,400	$552,500		$600,000	2.3%	-5.8%	41.4%	0.4%
Sonoma	$809,500	$799,000		$852,560	1.3%	-5.1%	28.3%	0.0%
Southern California
Imperial	$447,500	$455,000		$394,000	-1.6%	13.6%	22.9%	-10.4%
Los Angeles	$842,660	$879,720		$852,190	-4.2%	-1.1%	14.2%	-0.3%
Orange	$1,432,500	$1,410,000		$1,465,500	1.6%	-2.3%	9.3%	-3.6%
Riverside	$631,000	$639,440		$646,840	-1.3%	-2.4%	20.4%	-4.0%
San Bernardino	$510,000	$500,990		$490,000	1.8%	4.1%	-14.7%	0.5%
San Diego	$1,050,000	$1,050,000		$1,040,000	0.0%	1.0%	22.2%	4.6%
Ventura	$930,000	$917,500		$969,500	1.4%	-4.1%	16.8%	7.3%
Central Coast
Monterey	$880,000	$998,750		$900,000	-11.9%	-2.2%	17.3%	7.5%
San Luis Obispo	$990,000	$950,000		$967,500	4.2%	2.3%	15.1%	-5.8%
Santa Barbara	$1,215,000	$1,475,000		$1,515,000	-17.6%	-19.8%	15.5%	-0.7%
Santa Cruz	$1,275,000	$1,237,500		$1,260,000	3.0%	1.2%	53.6%	53.6%
Central Valley
Fresno	$426,250	$429,990	r	$442,850	-0.9%	-3.7%	27.7%	8.3%
Glenn	$370,000	$340,000		$335,000	8.8%	10.4%	100.0%	40.0%
Kern	$410,000	$398,220		$409,900	3.0%	0.0%	5.9%	-12.4%
Kings	$356,990	$383,000		$375,000	-6.8%	-4.8%	0.0%	23.3%
Madera	$435,000	$412,000		$425,000	5.6%	2.4%	64.4%	-9.3%
Merced	$402,990	$409,750		$414,500	-1.6%	-2.8%	23.9%	38.3%
Placer	$639,980	$625,000		$649,000	2.4%	-1.4%	16.7%	-4.2%
Sacramento	$545,000	$540,000		$550,000	0.9%	-0.9%	20.7%	8.0%
San Benito	$821,000	$859,900		$780,000	-4.5%	5.3%	12.0%	3.7%
San Joaquin	$525,000	$530,000		$540,000	-0.9%	-2.8%	11.8%	-15.1%
Stanislaus	$462,500	$477,000		$460,000	-3.0%	0.5%	1.4%	8.0%
Tulare	$381,000	$375,000		$380,000	1.6%	0.3%	-8.8%	-8.3%
Far North
Butte	$435,750	$445,000		$449,000	-2.1%	-3.0%	-7.7%	-17.8%
Lassen	$199,000	$255,000		$284,500	-22.0%	-30.1%	-10.0%	12.5%
Plumas	$485,000	$350,000		$359,500	38.6%	34.9%	-28.6%	-28.6%
Shasta	$386,500	$386,000		$386,000	0.1%	0.1%	-6.6%	5.2%
Siskiyou	$285,000	$359,000		$285,000	-20.6%	0.0%	-9.5%	-20.8%
Tehama	$323,630	$347,000		$360,000	-6.7%	-10.1%	-37.5%	53.8%
Trinity	$374,250	$290,000		$115,000	29.1%	225.4%	-50.0%	-20.0%
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	$445,000	$430,000		$460,000	3.5%	-3.3%	22.2%	-15.4%
Calaveras	$452,920	$475,000	r	$415,000	-4.6%	9.1%	2.3%	7.1%
Del Norte	$335,000	$460,000		$352,000	-27.2%	-4.8%	66.7%	25.0%
El Dorado	$700,000	$705,380		$677,000	-0.8%	3.4%	17.7%	-11.0%
Humboldt	$430,000	$384,000		$431,000	12.0%	-0.2%	-21.5%	-15.1%
Lake	$338,950	$312,000		$352,500	8.6%	-3.8%	25.0%	-13.0%
Mariposa	$520,000	$369,750		$410,000	40.6%	26.8%	-8.3%	57.1%
Mendocino	$481,500	$480,000		$535,500	0.3%	-10.1%	0.0%	18.5%
Mono	$2,350,000	$1,564,500		$1,350,000	50.2%	74.1%	-50.0%	-57.1%
Nevada	$532,000	$578,500		$512,950	-8.0%	3.7%	1.5%	11.3%
Sutter	$464,040	$460,000		$417,500	0.9%	11.1%	25.9%	-19.0%
Tuolumne	$362,500	$420,000		$381,000	-13.7%	-4.9%	-10.2%	7.3%
Yolo	$600,000	$559,200		$633,500	7.3%	-5.3%	0.0%	-10.8%
Yuba	$430,000	$449,950		$459,000	-4.4%	-6.3%	32.5%	-18.5%

r = revised
NA = not available

February 2026 County Unsold Inventory and Days on Market
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

February 2026	Unsold Inventory Index				Median Time on Market
State/Region/County	Feb. 2026	Jan. 2026		Feb. 2025	Feb. 2026	Jan. 2026		Feb. 2025
Calif. Single-family home	4.0	4.4		4.0	29.0	40.0	r	26.0
Calif. Condo/Townhome	4.7	5.6		4.2	35.0	49.0		28.0
Los Angeles Metro Area	4.3	4.6		4.3	36.0	41.0		34.0
Central Coast	3.9	4.5		4.1	31.5	37.5		26.5
Central Valley	4.0	4.4		3.9	30.0	39.0		26.0
Far North	6.2	5.3		5.8	45.5	55.0		42.5
Inland Empire	4.9	5.3		5.1	48.0	49.0		43.0
San Francisco Bay Area	2.8	3.5		3.2	14.5	32.0		13.0
Southern California	4.1	4.4		4.1	32.0	39.0		30.0

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	2.5	2.8		3.0	12.0	17.0		11.0
Contra Costa	3.0	3.6		3.4	13.0	29.0		11.5
Marin	2.8	3.8		3.5	63.0	95.0		52.0
Napa	7.3	8.6		8.4	105.0	112.5		99.5
San Francisco	1.6	2.4		2.2	29.0	23.0		37.0
San Mateo	2.4	2.5		2.5	9.0	13.0		9.0
Santa Clara	2.4	2.9		2.5	8.0	11.0		8.0
Solano	3.3	4.2		3.2	55.0	59.0		46.0
Sonoma	4.0	4.5		4.3	79.5	95.0		73.5
Southern California
Imperial	3.9	5.1		3.2	18.0	23.0		33.5
Los Angeles	4.2	4.5		4.1	32.0	38.0		30.0
Orange	3.5	3.4		3.4	24.0	35.0		23.0
Riverside	4.7	5.6		4.9	50.0	50.0		45.0
San Bernardino	5.6	4.9		5.7	47.0	49.0		39.0
San Diego	3.2	3.6		3.4	18.0	29.0		16.0
Ventura	3.9	4.2		4.0	35.5	52.0		36.0
Central Coast
Monterey	4.4	4.9		4.5	33.0	39.0		19.0
San Luis Obispo	3.9	4.1		3.6	51.0	55.0		48.0
Santa Barbara	3.6	4.1		3.6	18.5	22.0		18.0
Santa Cruz	3.6	5.1		5.8	21.5	43.0		18.0
Central Valley
Fresno	4.6	5.6		4.4	27.0	34.0		26.5
Glenn	2.8	5.4		4.9	89.0	41.0		56.5
Kern	4.2	4.5		3.7	32.0	38.0		22.0
Kings	3.7	3.5		4.4	40.0	33.0		30.0
Madera	5.4	9.1		5.7	51.0	35.0		32.0
Merced	3.4	4.3		4.3	39.0	29.0		32.0
Placer	3.6	3.8		3.5	32.0	51.0		27.0
Sacramento	3.0	3.3		3.1	25.0	40.0		21.0
San Benito	4.2	4.2		4.6	41.0	58.0		22.0
San Joaquin	5.2	5.3		4.1	44.0	42.0		31.0
Stanislaus	4.0	3.9		4.2	26.5	32.0		26.0
Tulare	4.1	4.5		4.0	26.0	33.0		39.0
Far North
Butte	5.3	4.3		4.0	28.5	37.0		30.0
Lassen	4.2	5.3		11.3	268.0	141.5		85.5
Plumas	9.0	5.9		7.7	190.0	99.5		130.5
Shasta	5.2	5.0		5.2	36.5	49.0		27.0
Siskiyou	10.8	8.9		7.1	103.0	35.0		138.5
Tehama	7.4	4.7		9.1	61.0	99.0		35.0
Trinity	22.5	12.3		19.2	195.5	85.0		250.0
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	7.3	9.1		5.6	69.0	73.0		65.0
Calaveras	8.4	7.5	r	7.0	40.0	54.0	r	75.0
Del Norte	5.2	8.4		6.8	63.0	73.0		34.5
El Dorado	4.8	5.4		4.8	59.5	59.5		45.5
Humboldt	7.2	5.7		7.0	52.0	31.0		69.0
Lake	10.3	12.6		8.3	71.5	50.5		37.0
Mariposa	9.0	7.9		13.3	127.0	5.0		64.0
Mendocino	10.3	10.1		12.4	131.5	168.0		116.0
Mono	4.7	3.2		3.0	77.0	29.0		106.0
Nevada	4.1	4.0		5.6	62.0	82.5		52.0
Sutter	4.9	5.6		3.1	41.5	43.0		61.5
Tuolumne	6.3	6.0		9.0	85.0	75.0		92.0
Yolo	3.5	3.5		3.2	26.5	47.0		39.0
Yuba	4.5	5.8		4.3	28.0	53.0		49.0

r = revised
NA = not available

Article belongs to CAR.org

Governor Newsom announces the commitment of over 160 lenders to extend mortgage relief for LA fire survivors

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:19:00 EST

Governor Newsom announces the commitment of over 160 lenders to extend mortgage relief for LA fire survivors

What you need to know: More than 160 lending institutions have now committed to supporting LA fire survivors who lost their homes in the devastating wildfires.

LOS ANGELES – Continuing the state's work to help accelerate recovery, Governor Newsom today announced the commitment from more than 160 lending institutions to provide mortgage relief for fire survivors impacted by the 2025 L.A. firestorms. These lenders have agreed to streamline the process for requesting at least one additional forbearance period of up to 90 days for qualified borrowers, beyond the 12-month commitment required by AB 238 (Harabedian), which the Governor signed into law last year. Impacted borrowers may request this additional forbearance by contacting their servicer and providing verbal rationale – no paperwork or forms required.

Ensuring housing stability is essential. This commitment from financial institutions will help provide homeowners the time and flexibility to focus on their families, safety, and rebuilding — with California continuing to work alongside survivors through every step of the recovery process.

Governor Gavin Newsom

The commitment provides additional forbearance of up to 90 days to impacted customers, subject to approval by investors such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and consistent with the terms of the Governor's January 2025 agreement with banks. This includes offering payment options that do not include lump-sum (balloon) payments, waiving any mortgage-related late fees that accrue during the forbearance period, and not reporting late payments on forbearance amounts to credit reporting agencies.

Vital mortgage relief for survivors

Over the past year, Governor Newsom has continued to engage with lenders on additional support for survivors nearing the end of their forbearance period. Lenders have stepped up to collaborate on solutions to provide those experiencing hardship additional flexibility as they continue down their road to recovery.

Building on the Governor's announcement in January 2025 of commitments from 5 major lenders and over 420 other financial institutions to offer forbearance for impacted customers, the Governor signed into law AB 238 (Harabedian), which extended forbearance for up to a maximum of 12 months from the date of request for borrowers experiencing financial hardship. Today's commitments expand on this relief. Any consumer who believes their mortgage servicer is not complying with the law or their commitments can submit a complaint to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation here.

Rebuilding financing

Today's commitments add to the state's consistent engagement with mortgage and banking industry leaders to ensure everyone does their part in this recovery. In January, the Governor announced that lenders and financial institutions, including Bank of America and member institutions of the California Mortgage Bankers Association, are developing new lending products specifically for LA firestorm recovery. These products will help homeowners finance the rebuilding of homes destroyed in the fires.

Additionally, to help more homeowners qualify for construction loans, the Governor is exploring creative financing mechanisms to address the residential rebuild funding gap that could integrate with private lender offerings. Over the coming months, the state will work with private lenders, philanthropic partners, state agencies, and the legislature to develop the proposed fund.

Accelerating recovery and protecting communities

Many survivors lost community spaces, historic neighborhood pillars, and schools that made communities feel like home. From the start, Governor Newsom and his administration have worked hand in hand with survivors to help communities recover and rebuild stronger. The Governor has helped accelerate the rebuilding of communities by:

Fast-tracking permitting and rebuilding. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act. The Governor also issued an executive order further cutting red tape by reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with the Governor's executive orders. Additionally, the Governor issued an executive order removing bureaucratic barriers, extending deadlines, and providing critical regulatory relief to help fire survivors rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly.
Providing tax and mortgage relief to those impacted by the fires. California postponed the individual tax filing deadline to October 15 for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Governor Newsom suspended penalties and interest on late property tax payments for a year, effectively extending the state property tax deadline. The Governor also worked with state– and federally-chartered banks that have committed to providing mortgage relief for survivors in certain zip codes, and later extended and expanded on that relief through legislation. He also announced a $125 million mortgage relief package for homeowners impacted by the Los Angeles fires and other recent disasters, which was adjusted to reach even more fire survivors. The Governor recently announced the program will be further expanded in the coming weeks.
Suspending building codes. In addition to issuing multiple executive orders, Governor Newsom has also helped speed permitting and rebuilding by suspending implementation of new building codes for residents rebuilding from the fires to create certainty and avoid the need to modify applications and lengthen the permitting process. This includes allowing homeowners who built their homes to the standards in the 2019 Building Code to use their previously approved plans, and a suspension of building codes that would have gone into effect on January 1, 2026.
Safeguarding survivors from speculators and price gouging. Governor Newsom expanded restrictions to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on rent, hotel and motel costs, and building materials or construction. The Governor also issued an executive order to protect firestorm victims from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited cash offers to purchase their property.
Getting kids back in the classroom. Governor Newsom signed an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms.

California steps up as federal government falls short

California will continue aiding those affected by natural disasters now and in the future. This administration will not leave any Californian behind. However, this work cannot be continued without the support of the federal government.

In addition to taking action to speed rebuilding, the Governor is also standing up for the Altadena, Palisades, and Malibu communities by calling out the White House for failing to approve long-term disaster funding for survivors of last year's catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires.

The Governor, who recently went to Washington, D.C in early December to advocate for survivors, renewed his call for immediate approval of the disaster supplemental, urging Congress and the President to deliver the same compassion and urgency that have been extended to other communities across the nation. This is the fourth request for funding since February, when President Trump promised he would "take care" of survivors.

The federal government plays a critical role as a partner to the state in this long-term recovery effort. Funding in this supplemental appropriation would:

Fund the rebuilding of schools, childcare centers, homes, and vital community facilities. This helps thousands of working families, veterans who lost homes, and nearly thousands of students displaced from their schools.
Keep small businesses open, support the economy, and maintain jobs. LA's small businesses and family-owned enterprises are the backbone of our local and national economy. Disaster loans and grants will keep them open, preserve thousands of jobs, and spur wider economic recovery — benefiting Americans who may never set foot in Los Angeles but rely on its goods, services, and culture.
Restore damaged water systems, rebuild responder infrastructure, and improve air quality monitoring. This protects not only LA's population but the tens of millions who travel, conduct business, and interact with the region each year.

For more information visit ca.gov/lafires.

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Commission Produces Avocado Lace Bug Video

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:17:00 EST

Commission Produces Avocado Lace Bug Video

Mar 4, 2026

Recording of the Homeownership Matters Gubernatorial Forum 2026 Now Available

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:16:00 EST

With no clear frontrunner, the California Governor's race is very competitive this year. On Thursday, March 5, C.A.R. held the Homeownership Matters Gubernatorial Forum 2026, and brought the leading candidates together for a timely conversation focused on the future of housing and pathways to homeownership in California.

This unique opportunity allowed REALTORS to hear directly from the candidates about policies that will shape our state's housing market for years to come. The forum featured a moderated discussion led by C.A.R. President Tamara Suminski and C.A.R. CEO Phil Hawkins. Candidates outlined their housing priorities, policy solutions, and visions for expanding homeownership opportunities for all Californians.

This event was a component of our Homeownership Matters campaign to ensure policymakers and the public understand why homeownership must remain achievable in California. Additional information about the Homeownership Matters campaign is available at homeownershipmattersca.com.

Watch the recording here.

March 5, 2026

article belongs to CAR.org

Recipes Connect with Consumers and Build the California Avocados Brand

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:58:00 EST

Recipes Connect with Consumers and Build the California Avocados Brand

Feb 8, 2025

Recipes featuring California avocados are a powerful tool to showcase the value and quality of the fruit, as well as create a connection between the California avocado grower, the product and the customers who enjoy them. For these reasons, California avocado recipes are used across the California Avocado Commission's marketing programs — with retailers, in advertising, on social media channels and the CaliforniaAvocado.com consumer website. CAC's foodservice team encourages usage of California avocados by restaurant chains by presenting them with menu ideations.

Throughout the year, CAC shares recipes that showcase what makes California avocados special, while incorporating messaging about the fruit's locally grown nature. The Commission shares with consumers that California avocados go from grove to grocer in just a matter of days — providing a freshness that enhances the recipes they are featured in. This messaging, along with communicating that California avocados are ethically sourced and sustainably farmed, differentiates California avocados from fruit grown in other origins and demonstrates they are worth paying more for.

When crafting and sharing recipes, the Commission focuses on concepts that align the California avocado season with relevant events such as Cinco de Mayo, California Avocado Month, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. In doing so, CAC fosters a sense of connection with consumers who enjoy these tried-and-true recipes at celebrations with friends or during cherished moments like breakfast with the family. A classic California avocado toast or guacamole recipe that enhances the occasion creates associations with warmth, health and joy for consumers — connecting the California Avocados brand with memorable moments.

Well-created recipes also demonstrate the Commission's expertise and authority on all things avocado. By providing tips, educational information and recipes, CAC positions itself as a trusted resource. In addition, the consistent quality of the recipes showcases the quality and reliability of California avocados. This trust translates into brand loyalty that encourages demand for the California-grown fruit.

By sharing recipes across multiple marketing channels, the Commission builds brand awareness that drives demand. Recipes shared in store or on retailer digital channels drive shopper awareness and interest in the fruit's availability. Advertising that features recipes can highlight the unique qualities of California avocados while social media posts create an emotional connection with consumers. Finally, by featuring California avocado recipes on the consumer website and using a variety of marketing tools that drive consumers to the recipe portion of the website, the Commission can capture the attention of consumers and direct them to additional information about how California avocados are grown and where they can purchase them.

Two examples of California avocado recipes are shown below. These recipes can be found on CaliforniaAvocado.com by clicking these links: Veggie Bean Stew with California Avocados, Cuban Salad.

California Housing Affordability Improves In Q4

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:55:00 EST

California Housing Affordability Improves In Q4

Feb 18, 2026

By Eric C. Peck

Managing Editor

Affordability in the Golden State edged higher in late 2025, as modest home price declines and easing mortgage rates improved buying power, though most households still remain priced out

Housing affordability in California improved modestly in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to both the previous quarter and a year earlier, offering some relief to prospective buyers following a prolonged stretch of worsening conditions, according to new data from California Association of Realtors (CAR).

The organization's Traditional Housing Affordability Index showed that 15% of California households could afford to purchase the state's median-priced single-family home in the fourth quarter, up from 14% in the third quarter and 14% in the fourth quarter of 2024. While the increase was slight, it marked a step in the right direction after affordability reached near-historic lows amid elevated mortgage rates and home prices.

The median price of an existing single-family home in California declined on both a quarterly and annual basis, helping improve affordability. At the same time, mortgage rates eased modestly from recent peaks, reducing borrowing costs for homebuyers and contributing to improved purchasing power.

Despite the improvement, affordability remains significantly constrained by historical standards. CAR noted that the minimum annual income required to qualify for the purchase of a median-priced home remained well above six figures, underscoring the continued financial barriers facing many households in the state.

Regional variations were also evident, as more affordable inland areas offered relatively better access to homeownership compared to high-cost coastal markets, where elevated home prices continue to limit affordability for most buyers. Still, affordability gains were seen across multiple regions as price moderation and slightly improved financing conditions took effect.

CAR officials emphasized that while the latest data signals progress, broader affordability challenges persist. Limited housing supply, elevated home prices relative to incomes, and still-high mortgage rates continue to restrict access for many first-time buyers.

About the author

Managing Editor

NMP Managing Editor Eric C. Peck has 25-plus years' experience covering the mortgage industry. He graduated from the New York Institute of Technology, where he received his B.A. in Communication Arts/Media. After graduating,

ARTICLE BELONGS TO NATIONAL MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL.COM

California housing affordability improves from third-quarter 2025 and a year ago, C.A.R. reports

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:52:00 EST

February 10, 2026

California housing affordability improves from third-quarter 2025 and a year ago,
C.A.R. reports

Eighteen percent of California households could afford to purchase the $869,300 median-priced home in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 17 percent in third-quarter 2025 and up from 16 percent in fourth-quarter 2024.
A minimum annual income of $213,200 was needed to make monthly payments of $5,330, including principal, interest, taxes and insurance on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at a 6.35 percent interest rate.
Twenty-eight percent of home buyers were able to purchase the $650,000 median-priced condo or townhome. A minimum annual income of $159,200 was required to make a monthly payment of $3,980.

SACRAMENTO (Feb. 10) – Moderating home prices and cooling market competition lowered borrowing costs and allowed more Californians to qualify for mortgages and improve their chances of buying a home in the fourth quarter of 2025, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (C.A.R.) said today.

Infographic: https://www.car.org/Global/Infographics/HAI-2025-Q4

Eighteen percent of the state's homebuyers could afford to purchase a median-priced, existing single-family home in California in fourth-quarter 2025, up from 17 percent in the third quarter of 2025 and up from 16 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to C.A.R.'s Traditional Housing Affordability Index (HAI). Despite recent gains, low affordability continues to challenge both buyers and sellers statewide.

The fourth-quarter 2025 figure is less than a third of the affordability index peak of 56 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012. C.A.R.'s HAI measures the percentage of all households that can afford to purchase a median-priced single-family home in California. C.A.R. also reports affordability indices for regions and select counties within the state. The index is considered the most fundamental measure of housing well-being for home buyers in the state.

The effective interest rate declined for the third consecutive quarter, dropping to its lowest level since third-quarter 2022. The average effective interest rate receded to 6.35% in fourth-quarter 2025 from 6.67% the previous quarter and was 41 basis points below the level 6.76% recorded a year earlier. Mortgage rates, which oscillated throughout the first six months of 2025 due partly to tariff-induced uncertainty, trended modestly lower in the second half of the year as the Federal Reserve's rate cuts ― or rather the expectations of the rate cuts ― kick-started the decline. The cumulative easing pushed the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate to a three-year low at the start of 2026 before rising in recent weeks. Entering 2026, the Fed opted to hold rates steady at its January meeting, but additional rate relief is expected later this year as softer economic growth is projected for the next 12 months. Lingering inflation risks and bond market volatility will continue to have an impact on borrowing costs, but costs should gradually come down by the end of the year, and housing affordability could see some slight improvement in the next 12 months.

The median price of an existing single-family home declined for the second straight quarter in the fourth quarter of 2025, falling 2.2 percent as market competition cooled — typical for year-end. On a year-over-year basis, California recorded its first annual price decline since the second quarter of 2023, falling 0.6 percent below the year-ago level. As the market transitions through its seasonal off-cycle, home prices may remain soft for the next couple of months but should rebound as the homebuying season begins in late March/early April. Should mortgage rates ease further and economic uncertainty diminish, housing affordability could see incremental improvement for the first quarter of 2026.

A minimum annual income of $213,200 was needed in California to afford the $5,330 monthly payment, including principal, interest, and taxes (PITI) on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.35%. While the fourth-quarter 2025 annual required income was $23,600 below the record high set in second-quarter 2024, it still marked the 12th of the past 13 quarters with income requirements above $200,000. Monthly PITI declined modestly from both the prior quarter (-4.7 percent) and a year earlier (-4.0 percent) but remained more than double the national average — a gap that has persisted since at least 2018.

More California households (28 percent) could afford a typical condo/townhome in fourth-quarter 2025, rising from 27 percent third-quarter 2025 and 25 percent in fourth-quarter 2024. An annual income of $159,200 was required to make the monthly payment of $3,980 on the $650,000 median-priced condo/townhome in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Compared with California, more than one-third (39 percent) of the nation's households could afford to purchase a $414,900 median-priced home, which required a minimum annual income of $101,600 to make monthly payments of $2,540. Nationwide, affordability edged up from 36 percent in both the third quarter of 2025 and a year ago.

Key points from the Fourth-Quarter 2025 Housing Affordability report include:

When compared to the previous quarter of 2025, housing affordability improved in the fourth quarter of 2025 in the vast majority of counties, declining in only three and unchanged in another three. Despite prices remaining near historical highs, 47 counties posted quarter-to-quarter affordability gains, driven by lower mortgage rates, higher incomes, and softer home prices. When compared to a year ago, affordability improved in 46 of 53 counties, while prices in seven counties either declined (three) or showed no improvement (four).
Lassen (57 percent) remained the most affordable county in California, followed by Trinity (44 percent) and Tuolumne (43 percent), where roughly two out of five households could afford a median-priced home. Of all counties in California, Lassen continued to require the lowest minimum qualifying income at $56,000.
Mono County (10 percent) was the least affordable county in the state, followed by Monterey and Santa Barbara (12 percent), each requiring a minimum income of at least $226,400. San Mateo remained the most expensive, with a minimum qualifying income of $507,600—the only county above $500,000 — followed by Santa Clara ($470,800) and San Francisco ($441,200).
As borrowing costs eased late in the year, affordability improved across much of the state, though it remains historically tight. The largest year-over-year gains were in Trinity (+15 points), Humboldt (+8), and Glenn (+8), while affordability declined most in Lake (-5), Imperial (-4), and Napa (-1). Housing affordability in California stayed near its all-time low and continued to be a challenge for both buyers and sellers.

See C.A.R.'s historical housing affordability data.
See first-time buyer housing affordability data.

# # #

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

Traditional Housing Affordability Index
Fourth Quarter 2025

4^th Qtr. 2025	C.A.R. Traditional Housing Affordability Index
STATE/REGION/COUNTY	4^th Qtr. 2025	3^rd Qtr. 2025		4^th Qtr. 2024		Median Home Price	Monthly Payment Including Taxes & Insurance	Minimum Qualifying Income
Calif. Single-family home	18	17		16	r	$869,300	$5,330	$213,200
Calif. Condo/Townhome	28	27		25	r	$650,000	$3,980	$159,200
Los Angeles Metro Area	17	16		15	r	$830,000	$5,090	$203,600
Inland Empire	24	23		21	r	$595,000	$3,650	$146,000
San Francisco Bay Area	23	22		21	r	$1,263,900	$7,750	$310,000
United States	39	36		36		$414,900	$2,540	$101,600

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	22	21		19	r	$1,225,000	$7,510	$300,400
Contra Costa	27	26		25	r	$860,000	$5,270	$210,800
Marin	25	22		19	r	$1,527,500	$9,360	$374,400
Napa	17	16		18		$924,000	$5,660	$226,400
San Francisco	21	22		21		$1,800,000	$11,030	$441,200
San Mateo	19	18		17		$2,070,000	$12,690	$507,600
Santa Clara	21	20		19	r	$1,920,000	$11,770	$470,800
Solano	30	26		26		$580,000	$3,550	$142,000
Sonoma	19	19		19	r	$821,000	$5,030	$201,200
Southern California
Imperial	25	26		29	r	$435,000	$2,670	$106,800
Los Angeles	13	12		12	r	$939,690	$5,760	$230,400
Orange	14	13		12		$1,396,500	$8,560	$342,400
Riverside	24	23		21	r	$633,580	$3,880	$155,200
San Bernardino	30	29		28	r	$497,000	$3,050	$122,000
San Diego	15	13		12		$994,000	$6,090	$243,600
Ventura	17	16		14		$932,500	$5,720	$228,800
Central Coast
Monterey	12	9		11	r	$925,000	$5,670	$226,800
San Luis Obispo	14	13		12	r	$905,000	$5,550	$222,000
Santa Barbara	12	12		11	r	$1,250,000	$7,660	$306,400
Santa Cruz	15	14		15	r	$1,287,500	$7,890	$315,600
Central Valley
Fresno	33	30		31	r	$430,000	$2,640	$105,600
Glenn	42	37		34	r	$342,750	$2,100	$84,000
Kern	33	31		30	r	$397,490	$2,440	$97,600
Kings	36	35	r	34	r	$370,000	$2,270	$90,800
Madera	35	32		30		$440,000	$2,700	$108,000
Merced	30	27		25	r	$420,000	$2,570	$102,800
Placer	34	31		31		$655,000	$4,010	$160,400
Sacramento	30	28		27	r	$539,000	$3,300	$132,000
San Benito	27	26		21	r	$750,000	$4,600	$184,000
San Joaquin	31	29		28	r	$540,000	$3,310	$132,400
Stanislaus	31	28		31	r	$465,000	$2,850	$114,000
Tulare	35	33		29	r	$381,500	$2,340	$93,600
Far North
Butte	30	27		28		$440,000	$2,700	$108,000
Lassen	57	52		52	r	$229,000	$1,400	$56,000
Plumas	39	30		35	r	$399,500	$2,450	$98,000
Shasta	37	35		35	r	$370,000	$2,270	$90,800
Siskiyou	39	35		36	r	$302,500	$1,850	$74,000
Tehama	39	35		37	r	$322,000	$1,970	$78,800
Trinity	44	34		29		$250,000	$1,530	$61,200
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	38	36		36	r	$420,000	$2,570	$102,800
Calaveras	39	34		35	r	$439,000	$2,690	$107,600
Del Norte	36	34		33		$379,000	$2,320	$92,800
El Dorado	32	29		27	r	$675,000	$4,140	$165,600
Humboldt	30	25		22	r	$413,000	$2,530	$101,200
Lake	31	29		36	r	$332,000	$2,030	$81,200
Mariposa	29	29		24	r	$441,000	$2,700	$108,000
Mendocino	25	26		22	r	$492,500	$3,020	$120,800
Mono	10	7		7	r	$923,000	$5,660	$226,400
Nevada	31	30		30	r	$550,000	$3,370	$134,800
Sutter	31	28		25	r	$450,000	$2,760	$110,400
Tuolumne	43	36		38	r	$380,000	$2,330	$93,200
Yolo	26	25		24	r	$622,500	$3,820	$152,800
Yuba	29	28		27		$442,750	$2,710	$108,400

r = revised

Traditional Housing Affordability Indices (HAI) were calculated based on the following effective composite interest rates: 6.35% (4Qtr. 2025), 6.67% (3Qtr. 2025) and 6.76% (4Qtr. 2024).

Article belongs to CAR.org

First-generation home buyers can apply for housing down payment assistance

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:47:00 EST

First-generation home buyers can apply for housing down payment assistance

Apply by March 16 for a down payment loan of up to $150,000. Loans do not need to be repaid until you sell or pay off the home.

Published:

February 23, 2026

Last Updated:

February 23, 2026

Prospective first-generation home buyers can apply for a loan of up to $150,000 that would only be repaid when the house is eventually sold, transferred, or the mortgage paid off.

The loan can cover up to 20% of the home price and can be used for down payment or closing costs.

You may qualify if:

At least one borrower is a first-generation homeowner
All borrowers are first-time homeowners
Household income is under $253,000 in Alameda County
You're a California resident

Owners will repay the full loan amount along with a share of the increase in home value when the house is sold, transferred, or the first mortgage is paid off.

These state-funded loans are ideal if you can afford monthly mortgage payments but don't have the savings to cover a down payment.

To get started, check your eligibility, meet with an approved lender, and apply for the voucher lottery by March 16, 2026.

Apply to California Dream for All by March 16

The state program – known as California Dream for All – requires that applicants talk to an approved lender to get a pre-approval letter and register for a voucher during the registration period from February 24, 2026 to March 16, 2026.

Step one: Check eligibility

First, fill out a short form to check if your household is eligible. Eligibility criteria include:

First-generation homebuyer: at least one borrower must not have been on a property title in the US in last seven years and borrower's parents must not presently be on a title in the US
First-time homebuyers: all borrowers have had no previous property ownership within the last three years
Income limit: must meet CalHFA Income Limits for the county you are purchasing in (up to $253,000 in Alameda County)

Step two: Work with a loan officer

Then reach out to an approved lender to request a pre-approval letter. Approved lenders in Berkeley include:

BMO Bank
- 1480 Shattuck Avenue | (510) 649-9191
- 2495 Bancroft Way | (510) 935-7012
CrossCountry Mortgage
- 1577 Solano Avenue | (925) 395-3693
- 1647 Hopkins Street, Suite B | (510) 367-5562
- 2987 College Ave | (510) 254-4697
Guaranteed Rate Affinity
1495 Shattuck Avenue | (925) 254-1419
Preferred Rate
- 2820 College Avenue, Unit #3 | (510) 927-0557

You can also choose lenders outside of Berkeley from the state-approved lender list for this program.

Step three: Gather documents and complete training

Next, gather the documents you need to apply:

California Dream for All Pre-Approval Letter completed by an approved lender
Government-issued ID
If applicable, proof of Foster Care
Parents' names, dates of birth, address, date of death (if applicable)
Proof of parent relationship: Birth certificate or adoption papers

You will also need to complete the California Dream for All education course. This free, one-hour online training will cover how shared appreciation works and what you will have to pay back when you sell or refinance your home.

Step four: Apply between Feb 24-Mar 16

Submit materials on the Dream for All application portal between February 24-March 16, 2026.

If eligible, you will be entered in a random lottery for a loan of up to 20% for down payment or closing costs, not to exceed $150,000.

If your lottery number is selected, you will have 90 days to shop for a home.

No payments will be due during the term of the loan, making your mortgage payment more affordable. At the end of the loan term (or earlier, if you choose to sell or refinance), you will repay the full loan, plus an additional amount based on the increase in property value.

For questions about California Dream for All, call (877) 922-5432.

California Dream for All can help you purchase your first home. Start working with an approved lender today to be ready for the February 24 – March 16, 2026 application window.

CAS Seminar

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:45:00 EST

CAS Seminar: Exploring Avocado Growing in the Central Valley

Feb 24, 2026

The California Avocado Society is hosting a "Exploring Avocado Growing in the Central Valley" seminar on March 12 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The in-person learning session will take place at the Lindcove Research and Extension Center located at 22963 Carson Avenue in Exeter, CA.

Featured speakers include:

Dr. Tapan Pathak — Climate trends in South Joaquin Valley
Dr. Inaki Hormaza — Flowering and pollination avocado
Dr. Ben Faber — Irrigation and use of berms in avocado
Dr. Arnon Dag — Overhead cooling in avocado
Dr. Mary Lu Arpaia — Dry matter and harvest dates

The fee to attend is $25 and includes a lunch. Online registration is now available and should be completed by March 9.

Article belongs to Avocado Commission.

California home sales decline in January to lowest level since May 2025 amid 23-month price low, C.A.R. reports

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:43:00 EST

California home sales decline in January to lowest level since May 2025
amid 23-month price low, C.A.R. reports

Existing, single-family home sales totaled 256,550 in January on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, down 10.8 percent from 287,570 in December and down 1.3 percent from 260,040 in January 2025.
January's statewide median home price was $823,180, down 3.2 percent from $850,680 in December and down from $839,130 in January 2025.
Year-to-date statewide home sales were down 1.3 percent in January.

SACRAMENTO (Feb. 18) – California home sales retreated in January to their lowest level since May 2025 as home prices fell to a 23-month low, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (C.A.R.) said today.

Infographic: https://www.car.org/Global/Infographics/2026-01-Sales-and-Price

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California reached a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 256,550 in January, according to data collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. This annualized figure reflects the number of homes that would be sold in 2026 if January's sales pace continued throughout the year, with adjustments made for typical seasonal patterns. January sales were down 10.8 percent from a downwardly revised 287,570 in December and down 1.3 percent in January 2025.

The decline extends the streak of sub-300,000 seasonally adjusted annualized sales to 40 consecutive months, underscoring the ongoing market weakness in the last few years. However, a stronger than typical monthly increase in pending sales suggests that closed sales could rebound in February, especially since mortgage rates have recently declined nearly back to their recent lows.

Statewide pending home sales increased from both the prior month and January 2025. On a month-to-month basis, pending sales jumped 34.6 percent, as mortgage rates dropped sharply in the second week of January before bouncing back towards the end of the month.

"After closing out 2025 on a strong note, California's housing market has started the new year on a softer footing, with both sales and prices coming in below last year's levels," said 2026 C.A.R. President Tamara Suminski, a Southern California broker and REALTOR®. "However, as mortgage rates ease toward recent lows and housing supply is expected to improve in the coming weeks, we anticipate momentum to build as the market heads into the spring homebuying season."

California's median home price declined in January from both the prior month and year ago, falling to a 23-month low of $823,180 as market competition remained cool at the start of the year. The statewide median price dropped 3.2 percent from December, nearly double the long-run average of 1.7 percent observed between December and January. On a year-over-year basis, the median price fell for the third time in the past four months and registered its largest annual price decline since June 2023. Moderating demand and still-elevated inventory levels continued to exert downward pressure on prices in early 2026, indicating that the market is gradually transitioning towards a more balanced supply and demand condition.

"California's housing market pulled back in January as heightened policy uncertainty and geopolitical tensions contributed to increased volatility in mortgage rates early in the year," said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. "More recent economic indicators, however, suggest that the broader economy is beginning to stabilize, which should help restore confidence among both buyers and sellers. With pending home sales posting a solid gain last month, we anticipate a rebound in housing market activity in February."

Other key points from C.A.R.'s January 2025 resale housing report include:

Only one major region in California recorded a non-seasonally adjusted, year-over-year increase in home sales. The Far North (19.8 percent) stood out as the sole region posting double-digit gains from a year earlier. Meanwhile, the Central Valley (-7.6 percent), San Francisco Bay Area (-7.0 percent), Central Coast (-5.0 percent), and Southern California (-4.4 percent) all registered moderate annual sales declines, reflecting a broad-based slowdown in closed sales activity at the start of the year. Although mortgage rates remain below their year-ago levels, recent volatility in rates has tempered buyer momentum, suggesting that while sales activity could improve as the spring homebuying season approaches, a rebound will depend on sustained rate relief and clearer economic signals in the months ahead.
At the county level, 24 of the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R. posted year-over-year sales gains in January, with 14 recording double-digit increases. Mariposa led with sales that tripled from a year earlier, followed by Trinity (166.7 percent) and Tehama (128.6 percent). Meanwhile, 29 counties experienced annual sales declines, including 16 that fell by more than 10 percent, led by Lassen (-44.4 percent), Calaveras (-42.3 percent), and Glenn (-41.7 percent).
Only two of California's five major regions recorded increases in year-over-year median home price gains. The Central Coast led with a moderate 2.9 percent growth in from January 2025, followed by the San Francisco Bay Area with a marginal 0.2 percent uptick. In contrast, the Far North posted the largest annual decline of 5.0 percent, while Southern California slipped 0.6 percent, and the Central Valley region remained flat compared to a year earlier.
At the county level, 31 of the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R. recorded year-over-year median home price gains in January. Mono County led with a 222.6 percent increase, largely reflecting shifts in the mix of homes sold that skewed the median upward. Del Norte (19.3 percent) and Siskiyou (18.5 percent) followed with solid annual gains. Conversely, 21 counties registered price declines from a year earlier, while Sacramento remained unchanged. Mariposa experienced the steepest drop (-43.1 percent), followed by Trinity (-34.5 percent) and Plumas (-22.2 percent), underscoring continued price softness in select smaller markets.

Housing inventory expanded in January, rising sharply from the prior month and moderately from a year earlier, as market activity slowed amid a slowdown in the labor market that weighed on consumer confidence. The Unsold Inventory Index was 4.4 months in January, up from 2.7 months in December and up from 4.1 months in January 2025. While total active listings rose from January 2025 for the 24th consecutive month, the annual gain recorded in January was the smallest in two years. January also marked the ninth consecutive month of decelerating inventory growth, suggesting that while housing supply has been showing some improvement, the pace of expansion is losing steam as the market continues to be hindered by mortgage volatility and economic uncertainty.

The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 39 days in January, up from 35 days in January 2025.

C.A.R.'s statewide sales-price-to-list-price ratio* was 98 percent in January 2025 and 98.6 percent in January 2025.
The statewide median price per square foot** for an existing single-family home was $399, down from $409 in January a year ago.
The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 6.11 percent in January, down from 6.96 percent in January 2025, according to C.A.R.'s calculations based on Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage survey data.

# # #

January 2026 County Sales and Price Activity
(and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

January 2026	Median Sold Price of Existing Single-Family Homes						Sales
State/Region/County	Jan. 2026	Dec. 2025	Jan. 2025		Price MTM% Chg	Price YTY% Chg	Sales MTM% Chg	Sales YTY% Chg
Calif. Single-family home	$823,180	$850,680	$839,130	r	-3.2%	-1.9%	-10.8%	-1.3%
Calif. Condo/Townhome	$625,000	$638,000	$649,000		-2.0%	-3.7%	-29.0%	-4.0%
Los Angeles Metro Area	$808,000	$807,540	$820,000		0.1%	-1.5%	-28.8%	-4.0%
Central Coast	$1,091,180	$997,000	$1,060,000		9.4%	2.9%	-32.9%	-5.0%
Central Valley	$480,000	$485,000	$480,000		-1.0%	0.0%	-30.1%	-7.6%
Far North	$379,950	$380,000	$400,000		0.0%	-5.0%	-24.3%	19.8%
Inland Empire	$595,000	$600,050	$600,000		-0.8%	-0.8%	-23.6%	0.7%
San Francisco Bay Area	$1,127,000	$1,200,000	$1,125,000		-6.1%	0.2%	-39.6%	-7.0%
Southern California	$845,530	$855,000	$850,500		-1.1%	-0.6%	-27.8%	-4.4%

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	$1,120,010	$1,181,000	$1,150,000		-5.2%	-2.6%	-39.0%	1.9%
Contra Costa	$802,000	$839,500	$785,000		-4.5%	2.2%	-35.2%	2.4%
Marin	$1,527,000	$1,465,000	$1,332,500		4.2%	14.6%	-43.4%	15.4%
Napa	$1,002,500	$930,000	$917,500		7.8%	9.3%	-43.7%	-9.1%
San Francisco	$1,653,320	$1,697,500	$1,432,500		-2.6%	15.4%	-52.5%	-38.5%
San Mateo	$2,000,000	$2,058,000	$1,960,000		-2.8%	2.0%	-43.7%	0.7%
Santa Clara	$1,807,500	$1,830,000	$1,840,000		-1.2%	-1.8%	-40.0%	-19.0%
Solano	$552,500	$570,000	$565,000		-3.1%	-2.2%	-32.0%	-5.9%
Sonoma	$799,000	$840,000	$811,470		-4.9%	-1.5%	-42.2%	-8.6%
Southern California
Imperial	$455,000	$462,950	$386,750		-1.7%	17.6%	-23.9%	45.8%
Los Angeles	$879,720	$890,910	$886,400		-1.3%	-0.8%	-34.7%	-8.5%
Orange	$1,410,000	$1,390,000	$1,430,000		1.4%	-1.4%	-24.8%	-3.4%
Riverside	$639,440	$635,000	$645,000		0.7%	-0.9%	-26.7%	-9.0%
San Bernardino	$500,990	$500,970	$505,000		0.0%	-0.8%	-13.5%	25.1%
San Diego	$1,050,000	$1,000,000	$1,030,000		5.0%	1.9%	-23.8%	-7.3%
Ventura	$917,500	$913,000	$875,000		0.5%	4.9%	-27.9%	-2.4%
Central Coast
Monterey	$998,750	$900,000	$965,000		11.0%	3.5%	-35.5%	-22.8%
San Luis Obispo	$950,000	$905,000	$920,000		5.0%	3.3%	-30.4%	9.6%
Santa Barbara	$1,475,000	$1,128,500	$1,550,010		30.7%	-4.8%	-24.7%	8.4%
Santa Cruz	$1,237,500	$1,287,500	$1,199,500		-3.9%	3.2%	-45.6%	-17.6%
Central Valley
Fresno	$429,900	$415,000	$426,690		3.6%	0.8%	-33.0%	-13.3%
Glenn	$340,000	$342,000	$327,500		-0.6%	3.8%	-50.0%	-41.7%
Kern	$398,220	$405,000	$390,000		-1.7%	2.1%	-20.9%	-6.3%
Kings	$383,000	$374,700	$365,990		2.2%	4.6%	-5.4%	82.8%
Madera	$412,000	$440,000	$441,940		-6.4%	-6.8%	-41.0%	-38.5%
Merced	$409,750	$395,000	$415,000		3.7%	-1.3%	-5.6%	17.5%
Placer	$625,000	$645,740	$650,000		-3.2%	-3.8%	-31.6%	2.8%
Sacramento	$540,000	$530,000	$540,000		1.9%	0.0%	-27.8%	-8.8%
San Benito	$859,900	$777,500	$777,500		10.6%	10.6%	-34.2%	-10.7%
San Joaquin	$530,000	$525,900	$510,000		0.8%	3.9%	-42.9%	-24.0%
Stanislaus	$477,000	$456,250	$460,000		4.5%	3.7%	-28.0%	7.6%
Tulare	$375,000	$397,600	$371,900		-5.7%	0.8%	-29.2%	0.6%
Far North
Butte	$445,000	$430,000	$443,000		3.5%	0.5%	-38.7%	1.6%
Lassen	$255,000	$280,000	$231,000		-8.9%	10.4%	-23.1%	-44.4%
Plumas	$350,000	$395,000	$450,000		-11.4%	-22.2%	-33.3%	-26.3%
Shasta	$386,000	$380,000	$405,000		1.6%	-4.7%	-22.8%	32.2%
Siskiyou	$359,000	$308,500	$303,000		16.4%	18.5%	-34.4%	10.5%
Tehama	$347,000	$304,500	$337,450		14.0%	2.8%	45.5%	128.6%
Trinity	$290,000	$260,000	$442,500		11.5%	-34.5%	0.0%	166.7%
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	$430,000	$420,000	$437,000		2.4%	-1.6%	-44.9%	35.0%
Calaveras	$455,000	$434,500	$449,500		4.7%	1.2%	-44.4%	-42.3%
Del Norte	$460,000	$361,000	$385,500		27.4%	19.3%	0.0%	-10.0%
El Dorado	$705,380	$650,000	$615,000		8.5%	14.7%	-35.8%	-7.5%
Humboldt	$384,000	$425,000	$407,500		-9.6%	-5.8%	-19.4%	49.1%
Lake	$312,000	$319,400	$340,000		-2.3%	-8.2%	-54.9%	-13.5%
Mariposa	$369,750	$500,000	$650,000		-26.1%	-43.1%	9.1%	200.0%
Mendocino	$480,000	$445,200	$498,000		7.8%	-3.6%	-22.0%	14.3%
Mono	$1,564,500	$762,500	$485,000		105.2%	222.6%	-40.0%	-14.3%
Nevada	$578,500	$542,500	$525,000		6.6%	10.2%	-15.0%	-1.4%
Sutter	$460,000	$450,000	$405,000		2.2%	13.6%	-42.6%	-27.0%
Tuolumne	$420,000	$381,000	$364,000		10.2%	15.4%	-22.2%	2.1%
Yolo	$559,200	$605,000	$600,000		-7.6%	-6.8%	0.0%	10.9%
Yuba	$449,950	$429,000	$441,000		4.9%	2.0%	-42.0%	-13.0%

r = revised
NA = not available

January 2026 County Unsold Inventory and Days on Market
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

January 2026	Unsold Inventory Index				Median Time on Market
State/Region/County	Jan. 2026	Dec. 2025	Jan. 2025		Jan. 2026	Dec. 2025	Jan. 2025
Calif. Single-family home	4.4	2.7	4.1		39.0	36.0	35.0
Calif. Condo/Townhome	5.6	3.3	4.5		49.0	42.0	39.0
Los Angeles Metro Area	4.6	2.9	4.3		41.0	36.0	37.0
Central Coast	4.5	2.6	4.1		37.5	31.0	32.0
Central Valley	4.4	2.8	3.8		39.0	38.0	34.0
Far North	5.3	3.9	6.0		55.0	46.0	50.0
Inland Empire	5.3	3.7	5.3	r	49.0	43.0	45.0
San Francisco Bay Area	3.5	1.6	3.2		32.0	29.0	29.0
Southern California	4.4	2.9	4.1		39.0	35.0	36.0

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	2.8	1.3	3.2		17.0	19.0	17.0
Contra Costa	3.6	1.9	3.6		29.0	21.0	26.0
Marin	3.8	1.5	3.9		95.0	86.5	103.0
Napa	8.6	4.4	6.8		112.5	87.0	92.0
San Francisco	2.4	0.8	2.2		23.0	32.5	57.0
San Mateo	2.5	1.0	2.4		13.0	15.0	12.0
Santa Clara	2.9	1.0	2.1		11.0	14.0	10.0
Solano	4.2	2.5	4.0		59.0	64.5	64.0
Sonoma	4.5	2.4	4.1		95.0	77.0	61.5
Southern California
Imperial	5.1	3.5	6.2		23.0	20.5	11.0
Los Angeles	4.5	2.8	4.0		38.0	33.0	33.0
Orange	3.4	2.1	3.2		35.0	30.0	34.0
Riverside	5.6	3.6	5.2		50.0	43.0	46.0
San Bernardino	4.9	3.9	5.7	r	49.0	43.0	45.0
San Diego	3.6	2.5	3.4		29.0	27.0	29.0
Ventura	4.2	2.7	3.8		52.0	44.0	40.0
Central Coast
Monterey	4.9	2.8	3.4		39.0	29.0	24.0
San Luis Obispo	4.1	2.6	4.7		55.0	41.0	45.0
Santa Barbara	4.1	2.7	4.4		22.0	21.0	36.0
Santa Cruz	5.1	2.4	3.8		43.0	40.0	28.5
Central Valley
Fresno	5.6	3.5	4.4		34.0	32.0	33.0
Glenn	5.4	2.8	3.6		41.0	28.0	84.5
Kern	4.5	3.1	3.9		38.0	33.0	29.0
Kings	3.5	2.7	6.4		33.0	30.5	31.0
Madera	9.1	5.1	6.0		35.0	60.5	57.5
Merced	4.3	3.7	4.5		29.0	35.0	38.0
Placer	3.8	2.3	3.7		51.0	49.0	42.5
Sacramento	3.3	2.2	2.7		40.0	37.0	34.0
San Benito	4.2	2.6	3.9		58.0	38.5	24.5
San Joaquin	5.3	2.7	3.8		42.0	38.0	35.0
Stanislaus	3.9	2.5	3.9		32.0	33.5	35.0
Tulare	4.5	2.9	4.0		33.0	35.5	27.0
Far North
Butte	4.3	2.6	4.3		37.0	37.0	34.5
Lassen	5.3	6.5	4.6		141.5	153.0	20.0
Plumas	5.9	3.4	5.1		99.5	89.0	146.0
Shasta	5.0	3.4	5.8		49.0	40.0	47.0
Siskiyou	8.9	6.0	9.2		35.0	56.0	96.0
Tehama	4.7	7.2	8.5		99.0	71.0	66.0
Trinity	12.3	12.4	29.0		85.0	158.0	237.0
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	9.1	4.8	10.4		73.0	98.0	46.0
Calaveras	7.2	4.3	5.4		42.0	51.5	68.0
Del Norte	8.4	10.3	8.2		73.0	76.0	64.0
El Dorado	5.4	3.2	5.2		59.5	52.0	53.5
Humboldt	5.7	4.6	9.2		31.0	40.0	48.0
Lake	12.6	5.4	9.8		50.5	87.0	85.0
Mariposa	7.9	8.4	22.5		5.0	149.0	165.0
Mendocino	10.1	7.9	10.9		168.0	99.0	83.0
Mono	3.2	2.3	3.6		29.0	39.0	56.0
Nevada	4.0	3.4	4.5		82.5	49.0	78.0
Sutter	5.6	2.8	3.5		43.0	50.0	26.0
Tuolumne	6.0	4.5	6.9		75.0	81.0	66.0
Yolo	3.5	2.0	3.9		47.0	46.5	36.0
Yuba	5.8	3.0	5.6		53.0	56.0	45.0

r = revised
NA = not available

Article belongs to CAR.org

Key 2026 California Lending Developments:

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:50:00 EST

In early 2026, California lending news is focused on increased consumer protection, new housing assistance, and fraud enforcement. Key highlights include the expansion of wildfire victim mortgage relief to $100,000, continued, California Dream for All Program offering 20% down payment assistance, and strict, DFPI, crackdowns on illegal crypto-backed loans.

Key 2026 California Lending Developments:

Housing & Mortgage Relief: The state has significantly expanded the CalAssist Mortgage Fund, offering up to $100,000 for disaster survivors and one year of mortgage payments. The California Dream for All program, continues to assist first-time homebuyers with up to 20% down payment aid (capped at $150,000).
Consumer Protection & Regulations: New DFPI regulations (SB 825) effective Jan 1, 2026, empower regulators to act against any entity, licensed or not, engaged in abusive, unfair, or deceptive, lending practices,.
Enforcement Actions: The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) fined Nexo Capital Inc. $500,000 for offering illegal crypto-backed loans. Additionally, Apoyo Financiero, Inc. was penalized $1 million for excessive interest and fees.
Pandemic-Era Fraud: The SBA has suspended over 111,000 California borrowers, targeting $8.6 billion in suspected fraudulent, pandemic-era, SBA loans,.
Housing Market Data: As of late 2025/early 2026, California's median home price was $850,680, with sales volume rising despite high, affordability, constraints,.

Dream For All application period to open February 24 to March 16

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:49:00 EST

The California Housing Finance Agency's Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan program will begin accepting applications for down payment assistance on February 24. The application window will close on March 16. After that, applications will be selected and audited. Recipients of conditional approval will have 90 days to shop for a home. C.A.R. was instrumental in getting funding for CalHFA's down payment assistance program.

The life-changing down payment assistance program, which offers first-generation homebuyers up to 20% of their home purchase price or appraised value in down payment assistance, will be using a random selection process to facilitate the equitable distribution of state funds.

CalHFA expects to make $150 million to $200 million available for 2026, and potential applicants should start getting ready now. The random selection process will include Governor Newsom's direction that at least 10% of the funding goes to applicants in a Qualified Census Tract.

All borrowers must meet CalHFA's Dream For All income limits – about $148,000 in Del Norte County, $168,000 in Los Angeles County and $309,000 in Santa Clara County – and need to work with one of CalHFA's Approved Lenders to get a Pre-Approval letter, prior to submitting their application. Other documents will be needed for submission, including a government-issued ID and parent information—the complete list is located on the Dream For All webpage along with other valuable program information.

The California Dream For All program addresses the challenge of buying a home in California in several ways. First-generation homebuyers can receive a large enough down payment to eliminate the need for mortgage insurance and benefit from smaller monthly payments. The California Dream For All program's shared appreciation loan will save the average homebuyer about $1,200 per month, according to California Forward, a nonprofit policy advocacy organization that prepared a report on shared appreciation for the California State Treasurer's Office in 2022.

More info.

Article belongs to CAR.org

The Food That Fits Your Lifestyle

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:45:00 EST

As with all fruits and vegetables, wash avocados before cutting. Check out our tips for how to choose and use California Avocados

Picture this scenario:

You're about to host a party for 50. As the RSVPs start to trickle in, you see a few guests have written special dietary notes. "Okay, no big deal, I can do a dairy-free menu," you say to yourself. The day before the big bash, a few late RSVPs roll in and before you know it you have a vegan, two vegetarians, three low sodium, one low-carb, six gluten-free and three dairy-free guests that will be joining you! Panic ensues, am I right?

First off, don't stress! I promise you will get through this and have a wonderful evening with delicious food that will be raved about for weeks to come. Here's how:

Embrace the Californian style of cooking. Yes, it sounds simple and truthfully it is! The Californian style of cooking is filled with fresh produce which makes it easy to accommodate the various eating styles out there. While each has its own list of approved foods, it's good to know fresh produce, like nutritious, delicious California Avocados, will always be on the list, fitting into a variety of healthy eating patterns.

California Avocados are in season from spring through summer and in style any time, sort of like your favorite summer outfit! You know you can rock it 100 percent of the time and it will always make you feel like a million bucks. Just like that outfit, California Avocados truly are the superfood that fits!

Okay, now back to that party. Let's talk for a minute about the benefits of wholesome California Avocados and how Mother Nature's perfect goodness will please every palate! Did you know that California Avocados are virtually the only fruit that contains monounsaturated fat (aka, the good fat)? Replacing saturated or trans fats with unsaturated fats is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Guests looking to follow that low-sodium diet can rest easy knowing that California Avocados are not only sodium-free, but also cholesterol- and trans-fat free. They are also naturally low-carb, making them a heart-healthy, tasty treat for your guests watching their carb intake.

Plus, California Avocados are naturally free of the eight major food allergens which include the following as identified by FDA: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans. They also make an excellent replacement for butter in baked foods which those guests with a milk allergy or intolerance would typically have to avoid. The addition of California Avocado to the recipe also may increase satiety because of the fiber content. Fiber adds bulk to the diet and can leave individuals feeling full faster and satisfied longer!

Now that you know how California Avocados are the food that fits all of your guests' dietary lifestyles and restrictions, let's take a quick look at how to plan your menu!

My simple rule of thumb when feeding guests (or myself for that matter!) is to think about offering foods that include a source of protein, a complex carbohydrate and a heart-healthy unsaturated fat. Cooking with love and this trio of foods will ensure your guests are satiated and satisfied.

To satisfy the vegetarian, low-sodium, nut-free guests, I highly recommend checking out this Mediterranean Falafel Bowl! It's filled with California Avocados, chickpeas and leafy greens, making it the perfect satisfying bowl to prep ahead and serve in mini bowls, too!

To appease the vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free guests at brunch, I totally encourage you to whip up this Tofu-Vegetable & Avocado Scramble. Serve it alongside baked corn tortilla chips for a fun grab-and-go option in little cups!

For a crowd pleaser for the low-carb group, try these California Avocado Cucumber Cups.
They make a perfectly portable appetizer too!

Not "feeling" any of these options. Don't worry! California Avocados have your back. Take a look here and browse through the almost 1,000 recipes to create your menu, including many Dietitian Approved recipes!

Pick up Fresh California Avocados at your local retailer this season (remember they're available spring through summer) and relish in the joy of being the hostess with the mostest as you offer your guests the food that fits all their lifestyles!

Read this article next:
THE MEDITERRANEAN LIFESTYLE WITH CALIFORNIA AVOCADOS

Posted

August 6, 2019

Elizabeth Shaw, MS RDN CLT CPT

Elizabeth (Liz) Shaw is a nationally known nutrition expert and owns a nutrition communications business and private practice in California. Liz has been a dietitian for over 10 years, an adjunct professor for over 7 years and is a certified personal trainer. She is a four-time author, with titles including the Instant Pot Cookbook For Dummies, Air Fryer Cookbook For Dummies, Fertility Foods Cookbook, and the Stress-Free IVF Nutrition Guide! A guest on local and national television, she serves as a spokesperson for many different agencies, discussing the importance of food and nutrition as key players in leading a healthy life through sound, evidenced based nutrition. You'll also see Liz frequently quoted as a national nutrition expert in the news for publications such as Prevention, Oxygen Magazine, Shape, and others.

What she loves most about her current position is that she gets to connect with consumers and help dispel nutrition myths daily! You'll find Liz sharing regularly over on her popular Instagram feed @shawsimpleswaps, and on Pinterest, Facebook , and LinkedIn. She believes all foods can fit in a balanced lifestyle and shares these tips via her blog, Shaw's Simple Swaps, and in her work as a national spokesperson for health and food organizations.

Liz is a registered dietitian nutritionist for the California Avocado Commission. Their content on the California Avocado Commission website and/or blog are part of their partnership with our organization.

R ead All Posts

Article belongs to California avocado comission.

California housing affordability improves from third-quarter 2025 and a year ago, C.A.R. reports

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:09:00 EST

February 10, 2026

California housing affordability improves from third-quarter 2025 and a year ago,
C.A.R. reports

Eighteen percent of California households could afford to purchase the $869,300 median-priced home in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 17 percent in third-quarter 2025 and up from 16 percent in fourth-quarter 2024.
A minimum annual income of $213,200 was needed to make monthly payments of $5,330, including principal, interest, taxes and insurance on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at a 6.35 percent interest rate.
Twenty-eight percent of home buyers were able to purchase the $650,000 median-priced condo or townhome. A minimum annual income of $159,200 was required to make a monthly payment of $3,980.

Infographic: https://www.car.org/Global/Infographics/HAI-2025-Q4

Key points from the Fourth-Quarter 2025 Housing Affordability report include:

When compared to the previous quarter of 2025, housing affordability improved in the fourth quarter of 2025 in the vast majority of counties, declining in only three and unchanged in another three. Despite prices remaining near historical highs, 47 counties posted quarter-to-quarter affordability gains, driven by lower mortgage rates, higher incomes, and softer home prices. When compared to a year ago, affordability improved in 46 of 53 counties, while prices in seven counties either declined (three) or showed no improvement (four).
Lassen (57 percent) remained the most affordable county in California, followed by Trinity (44 percent) and Tuolumne (43 percent), where roughly two out of five households could afford a median-priced home. Of all counties in California, Lassen continued to require the lowest minimum qualifying income at $56,000.
Mono County (10 percent) was the least affordable county in the state, followed by Monterey and Santa Barbara (12 percent), each requiring a minimum income of at least $226,400. San Mateo remained the most expensive, with a minimum qualifying income of $507,600—the only county above $500,000 — followed by Santa Clara ($470,800) and San Francisco ($441,200).
As borrowing costs eased late in the year, affordability improved across much of the state, though it remains historically tight. The largest year-over-year gains were in Trinity (+15 points), Humboldt (+8), and Glenn (+8), while affordability declined most in Lake (-5), Imperial (-4), and Napa (-1). Housing affordability in California stayed near its all-time low and continued to be a challenge for both buyers and sellers.

See C.A.R.'s historical housing affordability data.
See first-time buyer housing affordability data.

# # #

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

Traditional Housing Affordability Index
Fourth Quarter 2025

4^th Qtr. 2025	C.A.R. Traditional Housing Affordability Index
STATE/REGION/COUNTY	4^th Qtr. 2025	3^rd Qtr. 2025		4^th Qtr. 2024		Median Home Price	Monthly Payment Including Taxes & Insurance	Minimum Qualifying Income
Calif. Single-family home	18	17		16	r	$869,300	$5,330	$213,200
Calif. Condo/Townhome	28	27		25	r	$650,000	$3,980	$159,200
Los Angeles Metro Area	17	16		15	r	$830,000	$5,090	$203,600
Inland Empire	24	23		21	r	$595,000	$3,650	$146,000
San Francisco Bay Area	23	22		21	r	$1,263,900	$7,750	$310,000
United States	39	36		36		$414,900	$2,540	$101,600

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	22	21		19	r	$1,225,000	$7,510	$300,400
Contra Costa	27	26		25	r	$860,000	$5,270	$210,800
Marin	25	22		19	r	$1,527,500	$9,360	$374,400
Napa	17	16		18		$924,000	$5,660	$226,400
San Francisco	21	22		21		$1,800,000	$11,030	$441,200
San Mateo	19	18		17		$2,070,000	$12,690	$507,600
Santa Clara	21	20		19	r	$1,920,000	$11,770	$470,800
Solano	30	26		26		$580,000	$3,550	$142,000
Sonoma	19	19		19	r	$821,000	$5,030	$201,200
Southern California
Imperial	25	26		29	r	$435,000	$2,670	$106,800
Los Angeles	13	12		12	r	$939,690	$5,760	$230,400
Orange	14	13		12		$1,396,500	$8,560	$342,400
Riverside	24	23		21	r	$633,580	$3,880	$155,200
San Bernardino	30	29		28	r	$497,000	$3,050	$122,000
San Diego	15	13		12		$994,000	$6,090	$243,600
Ventura	17	16		14		$932,500	$5,720	$228,800
Central Coast
Monterey	12	9		11	r	$925,000	$5,670	$226,800
San Luis Obispo	14	13		12	r	$905,000	$5,550	$222,000
Santa Barbara	12	12		11	r	$1,250,000	$7,660	$306,400
Santa Cruz	15	14		15	r	$1,287,500	$7,890	$315,600
Central Valley
Fresno	33	30		31	r	$430,000	$2,640	$105,600
Glenn	42	37		34	r	$342,750	$2,100	$84,000
Kern	33	31		30	r	$397,490	$2,440	$97,600
Kings	36	35	r	34	r	$370,000	$2,270	$90,800
Madera	35	32		30		$440,000	$2,700	$108,000
Merced	30	27		25	r	$420,000	$2,570	$102,800
Placer	34	31		31		$655,000	$4,010	$160,400
Sacramento	30	28		27	r	$539,000	$3,300	$132,000
San Benito	27	26		21	r	$750,000	$4,600	$184,000
San Joaquin	31	29		28	r	$540,000	$3,310	$132,400
Stanislaus	31	28		31	r	$465,000	$2,850	$114,000
Tulare	35	33		29	r	$381,500	$2,340	$93,600
Far North
Butte	30	27		28		$440,000	$2,700	$108,000
Lassen	57	52		52	r	$229,000	$1,400	$56,000
Plumas	39	30		35	r	$399,500	$2,450	$98,000
Shasta	37	35		35	r	$370,000	$2,270	$90,800
Siskiyou	39	35		36	r	$302,500	$1,850	$74,000
Tehama	39	35		37	r	$322,000	$1,970	$78,800
Trinity	44	34		29		$250,000	$1,530	$61,200
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	38	36		36	r	$420,000	$2,570	$102,800
Calaveras	39	34		35	r	$439,000	$2,690	$107,600
Del Norte	36	34		33		$379,000	$2,320	$92,800
El Dorado	32	29		27	r	$675,000	$4,140	$165,600
Humboldt	30	25		22	r	$413,000	$2,530	$101,200
Lake	31	29		36	r	$332,000	$2,030	$81,200
Mariposa	29	29		24	r	$441,000	$2,700	$108,000
Mendocino	25	26		22	r	$492,500	$3,020	$120,800
Mono	10	7		7	r	$923,000	$5,660	$226,400
Nevada	31	30		30	r	$550,000	$3,370	$134,800
Sutter	31	28		25	r	$450,000	$2,760	$110,400
Tuolumne	43	36		38	r	$380,000	$2,330	$93,200
Yolo	26	25		24	r	$622,500	$3,820	$152,800
Yuba	29	28		27		$442,750	$2,710	$108,400

r = revised

Traditional Housing Affordability Indices (HAI) were calculated based on the following effective composite interest rates: 6.35% (4Qtr. 2025), 6.67% (3Qtr. 2025) and 6.76% (4Qtr. 2024).

Article belongs to Car.org

California Lending News.

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:14:00 EST

In early 2026, California lending news is focused on new rounds of the "Dream for All" down payment assistance program, mortgage relief for wildfire victims, and significant fraud investigations. Key highlights include the restart of the Dream for All program in February 2026, massive SBA loan suspensions for fraud, and over 160 lenders offering relief for LA fire survivors.

Key California Lending Updates (Feb 2026)

Dream for All Program: The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) announced that the popular first-generation homebuyer program is resuming, with applications opening in February 2026, following over $313 million in prior loans awarded.
LA Fire Mortgage Relief: Over 160 lenders have committed to providing mortgage relief for 2025 Los Angeles firestorm victims, including options for loan forbearances up to 12 months.
SBA Loan Fraud Suspensions: As of February 6, 2026, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has suspended over 111,000 California borrowers suspected of committing $8.6 billion in pandemic-era loan fraud.
Mortgage Industry Litigation: Rocket Mortgage filed a lawsuit against a California broker alleging fraud on loan applications, highlighting continued tension in the sector.
Regulatory Actions: The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) reported that 2025 commercial financing annual reports are due March 15, 2026, as part of continued oversight under the California Consumer Financial Protection Law.
Interest Rates & Trends: While mortgage rates remain volatile, California home prices have shown relative stability between late 2022 and late 2025.

Ad in the Official Super Bowl Program marks a new approach to reaching Californians directly about the importance of homeownership

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:13:00 EST

For release:
February 6, 2026

Ad in the Official Super Bowl Program marks a new approach to reaching Californians directly about the importance of homeownership

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 6) — The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) today announced the debut of its first-ever advertisement in the Official Super Bowl Program as part of its ongoing Homeownership Matters campaign — a statewide public education and advocacy campaign to make homeownership a critical priority of California's 2026 legislative housing agenda.

Unlike traditional paid broadcast advertising, this opportunity offers one of the most visible and culturally shared moments of the year, creating a unique chance to reach millions of Californians at once with a message that cuts across political, geographic, and generational lines.

The ad, featured in the Official Super Bowl Program, reflects a new chapter in how C.A.R. engages the public: moving beyond traditional policy and industry channels to speak directly to millions of Californians about why homeownership remains central to economic security and community stability, while empowering consumers to help shape the conversation by sharing their personal experiences.

"For decades, REALTORS® have shown up at the Capitol and in local communities across the state to advocate for homeownership," said Tamara Suminski, 2026 C.A.R. President. "This ad is about showing up in a new way and meeting Californians in a moment we all share and reminding them that homeownership still matters, especially at a time when it feels out of reach for so many hard-working families."

While Homeownership Matters has already been engaging policymakers and stakeholders across California, the ad represents a conscious decision to expand the campaign's reach to a broader audience — including renters, first-time buyers, and families who should be the center of the state's housing policy conversations.

"Too often, discussions about housing policy stay confined to the Capitol or industry circles," Suminski added. "We wanted to take this opportunity where millions will be watching in our own backyard in the Bay Area and send a message directly to Californians — to spark awareness, connection, and urgency around the role homeownership plays in building stable lives and strong communities."

The advertisement underscores the growing disconnect between Californians' aspirations and the realities of today's housing market, where rising costs and limited supply have pushed homeownership beyond reach for many middle-class and essential workers. By leveraging one of the most-watched media moments of the year, C.A.R. aims to elevate homeownership as a shared priority, not just a policy issue.

The ad in the Official Super Bowl Program is one component of the broader Homeownership Matters effort, which will continue throughout 2026 with policy engagement, digital outreach, and public education focused on explaining attainable pathways to ownership.

"Homeownership is not just buying a home," said Suminski. "It's a home where memories are made, lives are shared and it gives people ownership over their future. This message is a reminder that safeguarding those opportunities, both for today and generations to come, starts with elevating the voices and stories of Californians."

The ad evokes memories of football, family and homeownership, and it asks readers to provide their own reasons why homeownership is important to them, with a QR code that leads to a short questionnaire on the Homeownership Matters website. The ad appears on page 161 of the digital program.

For more information about the Homeownership Matters campaign and how to share your story about why homeownership matters to you, please visit www.homeownershipmattersca.com.

About the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Leading the way…® in California real estate for 120 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States with 185,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Sacramento.

Article belongs to CAR.org# # #

The California Avocado Society is a California Non-Profit Corporation. Membership in the California Avocado Society does not involve the marketing of your avocados.

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:11:00 EST

The California Avocado Society is a California Non-Profit Corporation. Membership in the California Avocado Society does not involve the marketing of your avocados.

The original tree was really a mistake - a lucky chance seedling. In the late 1920's, Mr. Rudolph Hass, who was a postman, purchased seedling trees from A. R. Rideout of Whittier, for the purpose of developing two acres of budded trees of the Lyon variety. It was Rideout's custom to plant very small seedlings at orchard spacing (12' x 12') at the grove site. The seedlings were grown in 2"x2" x 8" tarpaper open-ended tubes of square cross sections. The seedlings were to grow in place for a year, or until well established, and be later budded in the field.

Hass' children first brought the tree to his attention. They preferred the fruit. Since the quality was high and the tree bore well, Hass patented it in 1935. The same year he ordered 300 trees propagated to this variety by H. H. Brokaw of Whittier. Hass never planted the ordered trees; however, he entered into an agreement that Brokaw grow and promote the variety in consideration of splitting gross tree income 25% for Hass and 75% for Brokaw.

That wasn't an easy decision in those days because the Hass fruit differed so dramatically from the Fuerte, which was the standard of the industry. Nonetheless, Brokaw began to propagate the rough, black Hass exclusively and promote it in favor of the then standard varieties. He and Hass felt justified inasmuch as the Hass was a far better bearer than the Fuerte and matured at a different time of year. Because of the seasonal advantage Brokaw was successful to the point of yearly sellouts of his nursery crops of 3 to 10,000 trees. Selling price was $5.00 per tree and against (Fuerte tree) prices varying from $3.50 in good years down to $1.25 in poor ones.

The Hass was at first thought to be an upright-growing variety since it was found crowded among other upright growing seedlings. Its season was advertised as being from May to November, even in the La Habra and Whittier areas. Brokaw maintains that this was so, just as the Fuerte commonly held until June in those days. He blames smog for earlier seasons in all varieties.

Despite speculation to the contrary, nobody knows what variety of seed produced the Hass. Rideout was an innovator and pioneer in avocados and used whatever seeds he could find - many times planting them along streets or in neighbor's yards in search for new varieties. Ironically, the Hass was one he hadn't intended to leave as a seedling.

The original Hass tree died and was removed in the fall of 2002.

Article belongs to California Avocado Society

January 2026 Market update

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:40:00 EST

January 2026 Marketing Digest

Jan 22, 2026

California Avocado Growers Take the Spotlight for 2026 Ad Campaign

The upcoming 2026 Voice of the Grower marketing campaign is an evolution of the successful programming of the past two years, leaning into the authentic stories told by real California avocado growers to showcase what makes the fruit special. Two local groves will be featured in the campaign content. The two families will give an inside look at the care and pride taken in sustainably farmed and locally grown California avocados, illustrating why "the best avocados have California in them."

Rancho Monte Vista

The Lyall farm in Pauma Valley has been in operation since the 1930s, and they have been growing avocados for the past 10 years. Warren Lyall and his two sons, Andy and Tim, have put a great amount of care and effort in giving back to the land. "Avocado growing is a combination of art and science, and while we're constantly using all the tools and technology available to us, the best fertilizer is a farmer's footsteps," according to Andy.

Pinkerton Family Farm

The Pinkertons have been growing avocados for more than half a century and have been farmers in California for generations. The Pinkerton family was affected by the 2018 Thomas Fire that devastated acres of avocado groves in Santa Barbara and Ventura. Although their home and 70% of the ranch were destroyed, Catherine Pinkerton and the rest of the Pinkerton family were devoted to rebuilding what was lost and are committed to continuing to farm responsibly. "Many of us are not only carrying on a long-standing operation, but we're honoring an important legacy," says Catherine.

The California avocado marketing team is thrilled to spotlight the generational impact present in California's avocado industry. This will be featured in content ranging from broadcast TV spots, social media, website promotions and digital and audio ads beginning in April.

Foodservice Update: Late-Season Fruit a Hit at Oregon State University

In the fall, the California Avocado Commission's foodservice team took advantage of late season crop availability to participate in a food fair on the campus of Oregon State University in Corvallis. With more than 38,000 students, it's the largest university in the state, and the on-campus foodservice program focuses on local produce. The team introduced students and culinary staff to the Gwen variety and the benefits of California avocados, while serving a tasty California Avocado Chocolate Overnight Oats recipe. This lays the groundwork to return in summer 2026 for a full culinary training session with the on-campus chefs.

Current Rates

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:39:00 EST

As of January 29, 2026, "current rates" vary significantly by product. The most frequently tracked rates are for mortgages and federal benchmarks.

1. Mortgage Rates (National Averages)

Mortgage rates have remained relatively stable recently, hovering in the low-6% range for a 30-year fixed loan.

30-Year Fixed: 6.10% – 6.19%
15-Year Fixed: 5.43% – 5.58%
30-Year FHA: 5.81% – 6.18%
30-Year Jumbo: 6.34% – 6.37%

Article belongs to Google.com

How to Buy and Manage Your First Investment Property Successfully

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:37:00 EST

How to Buy and Manage Your First Investment Property Successfully

For first-time property investors and other beginner real estate buyers ready to turn a purchase into a rental, the excitement usually hits before the questions do. The core tension is simple: investment property basics sound straightforward, but the day-to-day math, responsibility, and uncertainty can feel heavier than expected. Rental income opportunities are real, yet so are the real estate investment challenges that surprise new owners, vacancies, repairs, and decisions that can't be undone with a quick fix. With the right expectations, that first investment property can become a steady, manageable part of long-term financial life.

Build a Plan for Your First Investment Purchase

Here's how to move from hope to a workable plan.

This process helps you go from "I want a rental" to "I can afford this one," with clear checkpoints for money, financing, and property choices. It matters because a first investment is easiest to manage when the numbers and the condition of the home are understood upfront.

Step 1: Gather your money picture and set guardrails
Start by listing your income, debts, savings, and current monthly expenses so you can see what you can truly handle. A simple checklist like get your finances in order keeps you from skipping the basics that lenders and your own budget will care about.
Step 2: Build an investment budget with "real life" cushions
Estimate the monthly costs you will pay even when the place is empty: mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities (if you cover them), and a repairs fund. Add buffers for vacancies and maintenance so one surprise does not force you into credit cards or rushed decisions.
Step 3: Compare mortgage options and get pre-approved
Talk with a few lenders and compare the down payment, interest rate, and whether the payment could change over time. Ask each lender what documents they need and what price range you are approved for so your search stays realistic and fast when you find a good fit.
Step 4: Choose a property type that matches your time and stress level
Pick the kind of rental you can manage, not just the one that looks profitable on paper. Remember that property is any interest in land and its buildings, so "what you're buying" includes the structure, the lot, and the ongoing responsibility that comes with both.
Step 5: Do a pre-purchase evaluation before you offer
Walk the property like an owner: check obvious wear, look for signs of water issues, and estimate what you would repair in the first year. Confirm local rent expectations, and make sure the projected rent can cover your budget, not just the mortgage payment.

A calm, numbers-first approach makes your first offer feel much less intimidating.\

Legal Structure: Forming an LLC for Your Investment Property

Before you start managing tenants or collecting rent, take a moment to decide how you want to structure ownership of your investment property. For many first-time investors, forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a practical way to separate personal and business finances. An LLC can provide liability protection—shielding your personal assets from potential claims related to the property—and may simplify bookkeeping by allowing you to open a dedicated business bank account for all rental income and expenses.

Creating an LLC doesn't have to be complicated. Services like ZenBusiness help new property owners set up an LLC quickly, guiding you through state requirements and filing paperwork. Once established, your LLC can hold title to the property, manage leases, and file its own tax returns, creating clearer lines between your personal and investment activities.

This upfront decision not only provides legal and financial protection but also helps your operation look more professional when dealing with lenders, insurance providers, and potential tenants. It's an early move that supports long-term stability as your real estate portfolio grows.

First-Rental Options Compared at a Glance

Here's a quick side-by-side look.

This table compares the biggest early "lever pulls" that affect cash flow, workload, and risk: what you buy, how you finance it, and how you insure it. Use it to choose an option that fits your time, temperament, and budget, not just the projected rent.

Option	Benefit	Best For	Consideration
Single-family rental	Often simpler maintenance and tenant turnover	First-time landlords who want fewer moving parts	Vacancy means 100% income stop
Small multi-unit 2 to 4	Multiple rents can smooth cash flow	Buyers who can handle more coordination	More wear and more tenant communication
Fixed-rate mortgage	Predictable payment supports steady budgeting	Long-term holds and stability-focused plans	Rate may be higher than adjustable initially
Adjustable-rate mortgage	Lower start payment can boost early cash flow	Shorter holds or refinance-ready buyers	Payment can rise after introductory period
Landlord insurance	Designed for rental risks and liability	Any non-owner-occupied rental property	Costs can rise over time as premiums change, like premium rose by 11.2 percent in 2022

If you prefer a calmer first year, prioritize predictability: simpler properties, stable payments, and the right coverage. If you want higher upside, you can trade some simplicity for more doors or flexible financing, as long as you plan for the added variability. Knowing which option fits best makes your next move clear.

Next, you'll set up a repeatable system to run the rental day to day.

Plan → Screen → Operate → Review

Your first rental runs smoother when you follow a simple rhythm instead of reacting to surprises. This workflow keeps legal compliance, tenant screening, maintenance, and money tracking in the same routine so nothing important gets missed.

Stage	Action	Goal
Set your rules	Confirm lease terms, house rules, and legal compliance for landlords	Clear standards you can enforce consistently
Prepare the home	Build a property maintenance schedule and fix safety items	Rent-ready condition with fewer urgent repairs
Screen and onboard	Run a tenant screening process, sign lease, collect deposits	Qualified tenant and clean documentation
Run weekly ops	Collect rent, log requests, coordinate vendors, communicate calmly	Small issues handled before they become costly
Close the month	Reconcile income, track ongoing property expenses, file receipts	Accurate numbers for taxes and decisions
Adjust quarterly	Review vacancy, repairs, rent, and policies; update checklists	Better performance with less stress

Each phase feeds the next: good standards make screening easier, and good screening reduces maintenance and collection headaches. When weekly operations and monthly bookkeeping are routine, your quarterly review becomes a simple tune-up, not a crisis.

Start with the checklist you will actually follow.

Quick Answers for First-Time Property Investors

When things feel fuzzy, lean on a few simple decision filters.

Q: What are the key steps I should follow when buying my first investment property to avoid common mistakes?
A: Start by verifying landlord rules and required disclosures where the property sits, then get pre-approved so your budget is real. Run due diligence with an inspection, insurance quote, and a conservative repair reserve, and never skip reviewing HOA or local rental restrictions. Finish with a written operations plan so you are not inventing systems after move-in.

Q: How can I evaluate whether a property will generate a good return on investment?
A: Estimate rent using comparable leased listings, then subtract realistic expenses like taxes, insurance, vacancy, maintenance, and utilities you will cover. Keep a buffer because expenses have increased for many operators, and your first year often includes setup costs. If the deal only works with perfect assumptions, pass.

Q: What types of investment properties are best suited for first-time buyers?
A: Look for a simple, rentable home in a stable area where demand is easy to understand, like a basic single-family or small condo with clear rules. Avoid heavy renovations, unusual layouts, or complex short-term rental strategies until you have reps. A "boring" property can be a confidence builder.

Q: Should I manage my investment property myself or hire a property manager, and what factors should influence this decision?
A: Self-managing can work if you have time, local availability, and comfort with firm communication and documentation. Hire help if distance, a demanding job, or stress makes consistency hard, since late responses tend to get expensive. Decide after pricing management fees and honestly estimating how many hours you can give each month.

Take One Confident Step Toward Profitable Property Ownership

Buying a first investment property can feel like juggling financing, legal obligations, and the fear of costly mistakes. The steady path is a simple mindset: make clear decisions, set up clean systems, and treat successful property management like a routine, not a rescue. Do that consistently and the long-term investment benefits show up through building rental property equity, steadier cash flow, and real estate wealth building that doesn't rely on luck. Simple systems and steady decisions build wealth faster than constant second-guessing. Choose one move this week, confirm your local landlord rules, decide on an LLC, or set up your management workflow, and put it on the calendar. That follow-through creates stability and options that keep growing long after the first lease is signed.

How to Buy and Manage Your First Investment Property Successfully

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:57:00 EST

How to Buy and Manage Your First Investment Property Successfully

Build a Plan for Your First Investment Purchase

Here's how to move from hope to a workable plan.

Step 1: Gather your money picture and set guardrails
Start by listing your income, debts, savings, and current monthly expenses so you can see what you can truly handle. A simple checklist like get your finances in order keeps you from skipping the basics that lenders and your own budget will care about.
Step 2: Build an investment budget with "real life" cushions
Estimate the monthly costs you will pay even when the place is empty: mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities (if you cover them), and a repairs fund. Add buffers for vacancies and maintenance so one surprise does not force you into credit cards or rushed decisions.
Step 3: Compare mortgage options and get pre-approved
Talk with a few lenders and compare the down payment, interest rate, and whether the payment could change over time. Ask each lender what documents they need and what price range you are approved for so your search stays realistic and fast when you find a good fit.
Step 4: Choose a property type that matches your time and stress level
Pick the kind of rental you can manage, not just the one that looks profitable on paper. Remember that property is any interest in land and its buildings, so "what you're buying" includes the structure, the lot, and the ongoing responsibility that comes with both.
Step 5: Do a pre-purchase evaluation before you offer
Walk the property like an owner: check obvious wear, look for signs of water issues, and estimate what you would repair in the first year. Confirm local rent expectations, and make sure the projected rent can cover your budget, not just the mortgage payment.

A calm, numbers-first approach makes your first offer feel much less intimidating.\

Legal Structure: Forming an LLC for Your Investment Property

First-Rental Options Compared at a Glance

Here's a quick side-by-side look.

Option	Benefit	Best For	Consideration
Single-family rental	Often simpler maintenance and tenant turnover	First-time landlords who want fewer moving parts	Vacancy means 100% income stop
Small multi-unit 2 to 4	Multiple rents can smooth cash flow	Buyers who can handle more coordination	More wear and more tenant communication
Fixed-rate mortgage	Predictable payment supports steady budgeting	Long-term holds and stability-focused plans	Rate may be higher than adjustable initially
Adjustable-rate mortgage	Lower start payment can boost early cash flow	Shorter holds or refinance-ready buyers	Payment can rise after introductory period
Landlord insurance	Designed for rental risks and liability	Any non-owner-occupied rental property	Costs can rise over time as premiums change, like premium rose by 11.2 percent in 2022

Next, you'll set up a repeatable system to run the rental day to day.

Plan → Screen → Operate → Review

Stage	Action	Goal
Set your rules	Confirm lease terms, house rules, and legal compliance for landlords	Clear standards you can enforce consistently
Prepare the home	Build a property maintenance schedule and fix safety items	Rent-ready condition with fewer urgent repairs
Screen and onboard	Run a tenant screening process, sign lease, collect deposits	Qualified tenant and clean documentation
Run weekly ops	Collect rent, log requests, coordinate vendors, communicate calmly	Small issues handled before they become costly
Close the month	Reconcile income, track ongoing property expenses, file receipts	Accurate numbers for taxes and decisions
Adjust quarterly	Review vacancy, repairs, rent, and policies; update checklists	Better performance with less stress

Start with the checklist you will actually follow.

Quick Answers for First-Time Property Investors

When things feel fuzzy, lean on a few simple decision filters.

Take One Confident Step Toward Profitable Property Ownership

Mission Produce® Announces Agreement to Acquire Calavo Growers, Expanding North American Avocado Business and Diversifying Portfolio Across Fresh Produce

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:46:00 EST

Mission Produce® Announces Agreement to Acquire Calavo Growers, Expanding North American Avocado Business and Diversifying Portfolio Across Fresh Produce

Transaction seeks to enhance Mission's position in the North American avocado category with expanded supply across Mexico and California

Vertically integrated platform with sourcing security and produce diversification to better serve customers and grower partners worldwide

Represents entry for Mission into the high-growth and attractive prepared food segment, complementing existing value-add avocado business

Significant value creation opportunity for both Mission and Calavo shareholders with expected cost synergies of approximately $25 million within 18 months post-close with meaningful upside potential

Oxnard, California and Santa Paula, California – January 14, 2026 – Mission Produce, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVO) ("Mission"), a global leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh avocados, and Calavo Growers, Inc. (NASDAQ: CVGW) ("Calavo"), a leading provider of fresh avocados, tomatoes, papayas, and value-added prepared foods such as guacamole, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Mission will acquire Calavo in a cash-and-stock transaction (the "Agreement").

"This acquisition marks an important milestone for Mission and for our industry," said Steve Barnard, Co‑Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mission. "By bolstering Mission's vertically integrated platform and trusted global distribution network with Calavo's complementary sourcing, prepared foods capabilities, and deep customer relationships, we intend to build a stronger, more diversified company positioned for sustainable growth. When the transaction closes, we believe we will have enhanced scale and a more diversified business model and product portfolio, so that we can deliver even greater value to our customers, growers, employees, and shareholders."

"We have great respect for Calavo's heritage as a trusted name in fresh and prepared foods, and are proud to welcome their organization into the Mission network," said John Pawlowski, President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer-designate of Mission. "With this acquisition, we strive to expand our premium avocado position in North America and create a leading global fresh produce platform, which we believe will be well-positioned to capture the increasing demand for fresh, healthy, and convenient foods. In line with our long-term growth strategy, we believe this transaction enhances the value we deliver to our customers, growers, and partners, while reinforcing our commitment to operational excellence."

Founded as the original avocado company in North America over 100 years ago, Calavo has evolved into a global purveyor of quality produce. Today, Calavo's offerings include fresh avocados sourced from California, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia; tomatoes; Hawaiian papayas; and a variety of ready-to-eat products such as guacamole and salsas. Its products are sold under the Calavo brand name, proprietary sub-brands, as well as private labels and store brands.

Mission is a leading global supplier of avocados with fully integrated operations, including value-added services such as ripening, packaging, regional distribution, and logistics supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure. The addition of Calavo is expected to create a scaled North American avocado and fresh produce platform well positioned to expand internationally and accelerate Mission's business model diversification by expanding its presence in the high-growth prepared foods segment following closing. Mission has previously expanded into produce categories including mangos and blueberries, and Calavo's tomato and papaya offerings further diversify Mission's produce portfolio. In addition, the combination of both companies' grower networks positions Mission to enhance supply reliability and sourcing security.

"Over the past century, the Calavo team has built this company into a global leader in the sourcing and distribution of avocados, tomatoes, papayas, and the processing of guacamole and other prepared foods," said B. John Lindeman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Calavo. "We believe combining with Mission represents a compelling next chapter that will enable our combined business to unlock new growth and expand the impact of our trusted Calavo brand, while also providing our shareholders with compelling value and the opportunity to participate as a shareholder of a global leader in a growing sector. Mission shares our values and our commitment to quality and consistency for customers and growers alike. By joining a larger global platform, we will be better positioned to invest, innovate, and serve the market at scale."

Strategic Rationale and Transaction Highlights

The acquisition is expected to bolster Mission's premier avocado and fresh produce platform in North America and accelerate global expansion. Bringing Calavo into the Mission network is expected to build on Mission's leading position across the avocado value chain by expanding Mission's foothold in Mexico and California. Following closing, Calavo's two packinghouses in Michoacán and Jalisco will expand Mission's network to four packinghouses in Mexico, increasing access to high-quality fruit from the country that serves as the #1 source of avocados to the U.S.[1]. This expanded footprint and robust global distribution network positions Mission to provide a more consistent, year-round supply while supporting continued growth across its global customer base.
Vertically integrated platform following closing with sourcing security and expanded year-round portfolio across complementary fresh produce categories. Mission has a vertically integrated platform spanning growing, sourcing, packing, marketing, and distribution of avocados and other fresh produce. Upon close, the transaction is expected to broaden Mission's existing avocado, mango, and blueberry portfolio into additional fresh produce categories offered by Calavo, including tomatoes and papayas. The produce diversification is expected to enable more efficient utilization of the combined distribution network, improve year-round productivity, and help mitigate seasonal troughs in avocado supply.
Expected to drive business model diversification with expanded offerings aligned with evolving customer demand. The transaction, once completed, represents Mission's entry into the high-growth and attractive prepared food segment, complementing its existing avocado business with Calavo's value-added, avocado-based prepared foods, such as guacamole. Following closing, Mission will be positioned to continue benefiting from growing consumer demand for convenience, freshness, and better-for-you options.
Significant value creation opportunity for shareholders with operational synergies expected to drive significant EBITDA growth and cash flow generation. The transaction is expected to deliver $25 million of annualized cost synergies within 18 months post-close, with meaningful upside potential.

Transaction Details

Under the terms of the Agreement, Calavo stockholders will receive $27.00 per share (based on the 30-trading day volume weighted average price of Mission common stock for the period ending January 13, 2026), comprised of $14.85 in cash and 0.9790 shares of Mission for each share of Calavo. Upon close, based on the shares currently outstanding, Mission shareholders are expected to own approximately 80.3% of the combined company and Calavo shareholders are expected to own approximately 19.7%.

The transaction values Calavo at a total enterprise value of approximately $430 million. The transaction price represents a premium of approximately 26% to Calavo's 30-trading day volume weighted average price of $21.41.

The Boards of Directors of both companies have approved the transaction, which is expected to close by the end of August 2026, subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals, the approvals of Mission and Calavo shareholders, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Governance and Management

Upon close of the transaction, John Pawlowski – who on December 18, 2025 was named Mission's CEO effective as of the close of Mission's April 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders – is expected to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the combined company. Steve Barnard, who will become Executive Chairman of Mission effective as of the close of the 2026 Annual Meeting, is expected to hold the same title for the combined company. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Board of Directors of the combined company is expected to be comprised of 10 individuals. Additionally, one director designated by mutual agreement of Mission and Calavo will be appointed to Mission's Board, subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement.

The company will be headquartered at Mission's corporate offices in Oxnard, California.

Financial Results Update

Calavo separately announced today its fourth quarter and full-year 2025 financial results.

Conference Call Information

Mission and Calavo will host a joint conference call today at 4:30 p.m. EST to discuss the proposed transaction. To listen to the call and access the presentation materials, please visit Mission's website at https://investors.missionproduce.com/news-events/events or Calavo's website at https://ir.calavo.com. A recording of the call will also be available on both companies' websites.

Advisors

Evercore is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Mission, and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as its legal advisor. Alvarez & Marsal is serving as Mission's business, tax and financial diligence advisor, and FGS Global is serving as Mission's strategic communications advisor.

Jefferies LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Calavo, and Cozen O'Connor P.C. is serving as its legal advisor. PwC is serving as Calavo's financial, tax and synergies diligence advisor, and Financial Profiles is serving as Calavo's strategic communications advisor.

About Mission Produce, Inc.

Mission Produce, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVO) is a global leader in the worldwide fresh produce business, delivering fresh Hass avocados and mangos to retail, wholesale and foodservice customers in over 25 countries. Since 1983, Mission has been sourcing, producing and distributing fresh Hass avocados, and today also markets mangos and grows blueberries as part of its diversified portfolio. The Company is vertically integrated and owns five state-of-the-art packing facilities across the U.S., Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala. With sourcing capabilities across 20+ premium growing regions, the company provides a year-round supply of premium fresh fruit. Mission's global distribution network includes strategically positioned forward distribution centers across key markets throughout North America, China, Europe, and the UK, offering value-added services such as ripening, bagging, custom packing and logistical management. For more information, please visit www.missionproduce.com.

About Calavo Growers, Inc.

Calavo Growers, Inc. (Nasdaq: CVGW) is a global leader in the processing and distribution of avocados, tomatoes, papayas and guacamole. Calavo products are sold under the trusted Calavo brand name, proprietary sub-brands, private label and store brands. Founded in 1924, Calavo has a rich culture of innovation, sustainable practices and market growth. The Company serves retail grocery, foodservice, club stores, mass merchandisers, food distributors and wholesalers worldwide. Calavo is headquartered in Santa Paula, California, with facilities throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Learn more about The Family of Fresh™ at calavo.com .

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This communication contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "could," "continue," "estimate," "expects," "intends," "will," "should," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "would" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and reflect Calavo's and Mission's current views about future events. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about the benefits of the proposed transaction involving Calavo and Mission, including future financial and operating results, Calavo's and Mission's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the proposed transaction, and other statements that are not historical facts, including the combined company's ability to create an advanced marketing and sales platform, the combined company's ability to accelerate innovation and enhance efficiency through the transaction, and the combined company's plan on future stockholder returns. No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements contained in this communication will occur as projected, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the ability to obtain the requisite Calavo and Mission stockholder approvals; the risk that Calavo or Mission may be unable to obtain governmental and regulatory approvals required for the proposed transaction (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction); the risk that an event, change or other circumstance could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; the risk that a condition to closing of the proposed transaction may not be satisfied; the risk of delays in completing the proposed transaction; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully or that the integration will be more costly or difficult than expected; the risk that the cost savings and any other synergies from the proposed transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the risk that any announcement relating to the proposed transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of Calavo's or Mission's common stock; the risk of litigation related to the proposed transaction; the risk that the credit ratings of the combined company or its subsidiaries may be different from what the companies expect; the diversion of management time from ongoing business operations and opportunities as a result of the proposed transaction; the risk of adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; adverse economic conditions; reductions in spending from Calavo or Mission clients, a slowdown in payments by such clients; risks related to each company's ability to attract new clients and retain existing clients; changes in client advertising, marketing, and corporate communications requirements; failure to manage potential conflicts of interest between or among clients of each company; unanticipated changes related to competitive factors in the fresh foods or packaged foods industries; unanticipated changes to, or any inability to hire and retain key personnel at either company; currency exchange rate fluctuations; reliance on information technology systems and risks related to cybersecurity incidents; changes in legislation or governmental regulations; risks associated with assumptions made in connection with critical accounting estimates and legal proceedings; risks related to international operations; risks related to environmental, social, and governance goals and initiatives; and other risks inherent in Calavo's and Mission's businesses.

All such factors are difficult to predict, are beyond Calavo's and Mission's control, and are subject to additional risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in Calavo's most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K that are available on its website at https://ir.calavo.com/financial-information/sec-filings and on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")'s website at http://www.sec.gov, and those detailed in Mission's most recent annual report, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K that are available on Mission's website at https://investors.missionproduce.com/financial-information/sec-filings and on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Neither Calavo nor Mission undertakes any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof.

NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION

This communication is not intended to be, and shall not constitute, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made, except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC

In connection with the proposed transaction, Calavo and Mission intend to file a joint proxy statement with the SEC and Calavo intends to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 that will include the joint proxy statement of Calavo and Mission and that will also constitute a prospectus of Calavo (the "Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus"). Each of Calavo and Mission may also file other relevant documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. This document is not a substitute for the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or registration statement or any other document that Calavo or Mission may file with the SEC. The definitive Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of Calavo and Mission. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CALAVO, MISSION AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement and Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus (if and when available) and other documents containing important information about Calavo, Mission and the proposed transaction, once such documents are filed with the SEC through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the Form S-4 and Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus (if and when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Calavo may be obtained free of charge on Calavo's website at Calavo's SEC Filings Website or, alternatively, by directing a request by mail to Calavo's Corporate Secretary at Attention: Corporate Secretary, Calavo Growers, Inc., 1141A Cummings Road, Santa Paula, CA 93060. Copies of the registration statement and Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus (if and when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Mission may be obtained free of charge on Mission's website at Mission's SEC Filings Website or, alternatively, by directing a request by mail to Mission's Corporate Secretary at Attention: Corporate Secretary, Mission Produce, Inc., 2710 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard, CA 93030.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION

Calavo, Mission and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Calavo, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in Calavo's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2024, including under the heading " Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance;" proxy statement for Calavo's 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025, including under the headings and subheadings "Executive Compensation," "Proposal No. 1 Election Board of Directors," and "Common Stock Ownership Information of Certain Beneficial Owners and Managers;" and Item 5.02 of Calavo's current reports on Form 8-K filed on November 13, 2025, November 25, 2025, and December 12, 2025. To the extent holdings of Calavo Common Stock by the directors and executive officers of Calavo have changed from the amounts reflected therein, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3 ("Form 3"), Statements of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form 4 ("Form 4") or Annual Statements of Changes in Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 5 ("Form 5"), subsequently filed by Calavo's directors and executive officers with the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of Mission, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in Mission's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2025, and proxy statement for Mission's 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on February 25, 2025, including under the headings and subheadings "2024 Director Composition," "Executive Compensation" and "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management." To the extent holdings of Mission Shares by the directors and executive officers of Mission have changed from the amounts reflected therein, such changes have been or will be reflected on Forms 3, Forms 4 or Forms 5, subsequently filed by Mission's directors and executive officers with the SEC. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the registration statement and Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction when such materials become available. Investors and security holders should read the registration statement and Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of any of the documents referenced herein from Calavo or Mission using the sources indicated above.

[1] Source: Hass Avocado Board. 2025 Imports.

Article belongs to Global news, Mission Produce.

Today's Mortgage Rates

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:44:00 EST

Today's Mortgage Rates

The Mortgage News Daily rate index is published daily (weekdays) around 4PM EST. Learn About Our Rate Survey

30 Yr. Fixed

6.19%

-0.01

6.01%

7.13%

$1,530 / mo

15 Yr. Fixed

5.76%

+0.00

5.55%

6.52%

$2,077 / mo

30 Yr. Jumbo

6.38%

+0.00

6.10%

7.45%

$1,560 / mo

7/6 SOFR ARM

5.71%

+0.00

5.59%

7.25%

$1,453 / mo

30 Yr. FHA

5.86%

-0.02

5.69%

6.54%

$1,476 / mo

30 Yr. VA

5.88%

-0.01

5.70%

6.55%

$1,480 / mo

Estimated Principal & Interest

Loan Amount:

Mortgage Calculators

30 and 15 Year Fixed Rates

More Charts: 30YR | 15YR | 30YR Jumbo | 30YR FHA | 5/1 ARM

Thursday'S RATE TREND

POSITIVE

MINIMAL

NEGATIVE

MBS prices are

moderately weaker

so far today. This downward movement of MBS may result in higher mortgage rates for today.

This tool provides an idea of the underlying trends in MBS that may influence mortgage rates today. It is not intended to forecast lender rate changes.

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Mortgage Rate Watch

Daily Mortgage Rate Market Analysis

Mortgage Rates Sideways to Slightly Lower

Wed, Jan 21 2026, 3:09 PM

Markets held more sideways overnight as traders awaited further geopolitical developments today surrounding Greenland. Both stocks and bonds lost ground yesterday on the threat of additional tariffs (and counter-tariffs) as well as decreased participation in the US bond market from foreign wealth funds.

When bonds lose ground, rates move higher.

Bond market improvement was tentative earlier in the day but more noticeable in the afternoon when Trump announced "the framework of a deal" just after 2:30pm ET. Both stocks and bonds rallied on the news.

Up until that point, mortgage rates were holding right in line with yesterday's latest levels, but some lenders are offering mid-day improvements this afternoon.

(view article)

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California home sales end on high note in December, C.A.R. reports

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:40:00 EST

Existing, single-family home sales totaled 288,200 in December on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, up 0.3 percent from 287,450 in November and up 2.0 percent from 282,490 in December 2024.
December's statewide median home price was $850,680, down 0.4 percent from $853,780 in November and down from $861,020 in December 2024.
For 2025 as a whole, sales of existing statewide homes were up 0.9 percent from 2024, and the annual median price was up 1.2 percent from 2024.

SACRAMENTO (Jan. 15) – California's housing market ended the year on a high note as sales rose in December from both the previous month and year for the fourth consecutive month, and closed the year nearly 1 percent higher than in 2024, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (C.A.R.) said today.

Infographic: https://www.car.org/Global/Infographics/2025-12-Sales-and-Price

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California reached a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 288,200 in December, according to data collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. This annualized figure reflects the number of homes that would be sold in 2025 if December's sales pace continued throughout the year, with adjustments made for typical seasonal patterns.

December sales inched up 0.3 percent from 287,450 in November. Compared with a year earlier, December sales were up 2.0 percent from a revised 282,490. For the year as a whole, the state recorded an annual sales level of 271,590, an increase of 0.9 percent from the revised sales level of 269,170 reported in 2024.

Statewide pending home sales were virtually flat with a slight 0.2 percent year-over-year decline in December. On a month-to-month basis, however, pending sales fell sharply by 21.5 percent, reflecting typical seasonal slowing compounded by heightened mortgage rate volatility and growing economic uncertainty.

"California's housing market closed out 2025 on solid footing, with both home sales and available inventory improving over the prior year," said 2026 C.A.R. President Tamara Suminski, a Southern California broker and REALTOR®. "As price growth eased toward the end of the year and mortgage rates fell to near-three‑year lows, the stage is set for a more optimistic 2026. We expect increased opportunities for buyers and a healthier, more balanced market in the months ahead."

California's median home price fell in December from both the prior month and a year earlier, dropping to a 10-month low of $850,680 as market competition cooled more than is typical for the season. The statewide median price declined 0.4 percent from November, defying the historical average 0.9 percent increase between November and December. This marked the second year-over-year drop in the past three months, as well as the largest annual decline since June 2023. Softer demand and elevated inventory continued to weigh on prices at the end of 2025, paving the way for a more balanced market for buyers and sellers entering 2026.

"Housing affordability showed some improvement in the fourth quarter, and the combination of lower mortgage rates and a growing supply of homes should encourage more prospective buyers to enter the market this year," said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. "While some policy uncertainty remains as we look ahead to the next 12 months, our outlook calls for modest economic growth and continued progress for the housing market in 2026."

Other key points from C.A.R.'s December 2025 resale housing report include:

At the regional level, all major California regions recorded year-over-year increases on a non-seasonally adjusted basis. The Far North (23.5 percent) and Central Coast (12.8 percent) stood out as the only regions with double-digit gains from a year earlier. Meanwhile, the Central Valley (5.5 percent), San Francisco Bay Area (2 percent) and Southern California (1.7 percent) all posted more modest annual sales gains. With mortgage rates sliding a full percentage point since a year ago, housing markets across the state are finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, and home sales in California should continue to improve, albeit moderately, in the next 12 months.
At the county level, 39 of the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R. posted year-over-year sales gains in December, with more than half of those counties (22) recording double-digit increases. Plumas led the pack with a 133.3 percent surge, followed by Mono (100 percent) and Lassen (44.4 percent). Meanwhile, 13 counties experienced annual sales declines, including three that fell by more than 10 percent, led by Del Norte (-50 percent), Mariposa (-35.3 percent), and Madera (-12.3 percent).
Three of California's five major regions recorded year-over-year increases in their median home prices. The Far North posted a moderate gain of 2.8 percent from December 2024, followed by Southern California with a 0.6 percent increase and the Central Coast region with a slight 0.2 percent uptick. In contrast, the Central Valley recorded a drop of 1.4 percent from a year ago, while the San Francisco Bay Area's median prices were unchanged.
At the county level, 22 of the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R. recorded year-over-year median home price gains. Mono led with a 27.1 percent increase, followed by Imperial (21.5 percent) and Lassen (18.1 percent). Conversely, 30 counties posted annual price declines while Solano's price was unchanged. Trinity experienced the steepest drop (-23 percent), followed by Glenn (-18.6 percent) and Siskiyou (-15.5 percent).
Housing inventory in December declined from the prior month and prior year, as market conditions slowed housing demand and lengthened the time listings stayed on the market. The Unsold Inventory Index was 2.7 months in December, down from 3.6 months in November and flat from 2.7 months in December 2024. While total active listings increased from a year ago for the 23rd consecutive month, the annual gain recorded in December was the smallest since February 2024. December also marked the eighth consecutive month of decelerating inventory growth, indicating that while housing supply remains elevated, momentum on the supply side is gradually easing as the market moves through its typical off-season.
The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 36 days in December, up from 31 days in December 2024.

C.A.R.'s statewide sales-price-to-list-price ratio* was 97.9 percent in December 2025 and 98.7 percent in December 2024.
The statewide median price per square foot** for an existing single-family home was $408, down from $413 in December a year ago.
The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 6.19 percent in December, down from 6.72 percent in December 2024, according to C.A.R.'s calculations based on Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage survey data.

Leading the way…® in California real estate for 120 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States with 190,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Sacramento.

# # #

December 2025 County Sales and Price Activity
(and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

December 2025	Median Sold Price of Existing Single-Family Homes						Sales
State/Region/County	Dec. 2025	Nov. 2025		Dec. 2024	Price MTM% Chg	Price YTY% Chg	Sales MTM% Chg	Sales YTY% Chg
Calif. Single-family home	$850,680	$853,780	r	$861,020	-0.4%	-1.2%	0.3%	2.0%
Calif. Condo/Townhome	$638,000	$660,000		$664,560	-3.3%	-4.0%	9.9%	4.8%
Los Angeles Metro Area	$807,540	$823,000		$815,500	-1.9%	-1.0%	15.0%	2.2%
Central Coast	$997,000	$1,032,500		$995,000	-3.4%	0.2%	11.3%	12.8%
Central Valley	$485,000	$492,850	r	$492,000	-1.6%	-1.4%	12.2%	5.5%
Far North	$380,000	$385,000		$369,500	-1.3%	2.8%	13.7%	23.5%
Inland Empire	$600,050	$585,000		$594,950	2.6%	0.9%	14.4%	4.0%
San Francisco Bay Area	$1,200,000	$1,275,000		$1,200,000	-5.9%	0.0%	-9.3%	2.0%
Southern California	$855,000	$860,000		$850,000	-0.6%	0.6%	13.5%	1.7%

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	$1,181,000	$1,192,500		$1,180,000	-1.0%	0.1%	-8.9%	-5.7%
Contra Costa	$839,500	$889,000		$875,000	-5.6%	-4.1%	-6.8%	3.8%
Marin	$1,465,000	$1,470,000		$1,558,000	-0.3%	-6.0%	-28.9%	-4.5%
Napa	$930,000	$931,500		$880,000	-0.2%	5.7%	1.4%	-2.7%
San Francisco	$1,697,500	$1,800,000		$1,530,000	-5.7%	10.9%	-15.5%	17.9%
San Mateo	$2,058,000	$2,000,000		$1,844,500	2.9%	11.6%	-12.5%	25.0%
Santa Clara	$1,830,000	$1,935,250		$1,810,000	-5.4%	1.1%	-15.8%	-8.9%
Solano	$570,000	$580,000		$570,000	-1.7%	0.0%	7.1%	-0.8%
Sonoma	$840,000	$801,000		$859,500	4.9%	-2.3%	-0.7%	19.6%
Southern California
Imperial	$462,950	$432,500		$381,000	7.0%	21.5%	4.5%	9.5%
Los Angeles	$890,910	$942,610		$912,370	-5.5%	-2.4%	20.2%	0.9%
Orange	$1,390,000	$1,400,000		$1,362,000	-0.7%	2.1%	7.5%	2.4%
Riverside	$635,000	$629,950		$624,790	0.8%	1.6%	16.2%	0.2%
San Bernardino	$500,970	$497,160		$490,950	0.8%	2.0%	5.5%	6.1%
San Diego	$1,000,000	$990,000		$975,000	1.0%	2.6%	7.4%	-0.6%
Ventura	$913,000	$955,000		$895,000	-4.4%	2.0%	6.5%	1.4%
Central Coast
Monterey	$900,000	$901,500		$932,000	-0.2%	-3.4%	22.6%	10.9%
San Luis Obispo	$905,000	$905,000		$930,000	0.0%	-2.7%	16.8%	17.5%
Santa Barbara	$1,128,500	$1,499,000		$1,275,000	-24.7%	-11.5%	0.7%	4.1%
Santa Cruz	$1,287,500	$1,307,500		$1,255,000	-1.5%	2.6%	5.1%	22.6%
Central Valley
Fresno	$415,000	$436,090		$420,570	-4.8%	-1.3%	8.5%	8.0%
Glenn	$342,000	$370,000		$420,000	-7.6%	-18.6%	7.7%	-6.7%
Kern	$405,000	$395,000		$405,500	2.5%	-0.1%	15.5%	5.6%
Kings	$374,700	$362,500	r	$372,200	3.4%	0.7%	0.0%	16.7%
Madera	$440,000	$427,500		$430,000	2.9%	2.3%	28.2%	-12.3%
Merced	$395,000	$440,000		$425,000	-10.2%	-7.1%	-7.8%	4.4%
Placer	$645,740	$665,000		$639,480	-2.9%	1.0%	12.2%	7.4%
Sacramento	$530,000	$535,000		$545,000	-0.9%	-2.8%	5.7%	0.1%
San Benito	$777,500	$732,500		$830,000	6.1%	-6.3%	35.7%	8.6%
San Joaquin	$525,900	$550,000		$535,000	-4.4%	-1.7%	17.6%	13.1%
Stanislaus	$456,250	$465,000		$462,750	-1.9%	-1.4%	14.3%	4.2%
Tulare	$397,600	$372,950		$380,990	6.6%	4.4%	33.3%	14.8%
Far North
Butte	$430,000	$437,500		$426,500	-1.7%	0.8%	23.3%	43.2%
Lassen	$280,000	$185,000		$237,000	51.4%	18.1%	-23.5%	44.4%
Plumas	$395,000	$415,000		$359,000	-4.8%	10.0%	-27.6%	133.3%
Shasta	$380,000	$380,000		$355,000	0.0%	7.0%	31.3%	11.9%
Siskiyou	$308,500	$345,000		$365,000	-10.6%	-15.5%	-23.8%	14.3%
Tehama	$304,500	$370,000		$326,000	-17.7%	-6.6%	15.8%	15.8%
Trinity	$260,000	$260,130		$337,500	0.0%	-23.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	$420,000	$470,000		$445,000	-10.6%	-5.6%	81.5%	40.0%
Calaveras	$434,500	$456,000		$510,000	-4.7%	-14.8%	14.9%	10.2%
Del Norte	$361,000	$397,500		$384,950	-9.2%	-6.2%	-47.1%	-50.0%
El Dorado	$650,000	$690,000		$723,000	-5.8%	-10.1%	22.9%	24.5%
Humboldt	$425,000	$410,000		$426,680	3.7%	-0.4%	10.1%	2.1%
Lake	$319,400	$335,000		$373,000	-4.7%	-14.4%	115.2%	29.1%
Mariposa	$500,000	$399,900		$510,000	25.0%	-2.0%	-26.7%	-35.3%
Mendocino	$445,200	$499,000		$507,500	-10.8%	-12.3%	-4.7%	-6.8%
Mono	$762,500	$931,000		$600,000	-18.1%	27.1%	25.0%	100.0%
Nevada	$542,500	$544,000		$541,200	-0.3%	0.2%	-9.1%	-4.8%
Sutter	$450,000	$440,000		$481,080	2.3%	-6.5%	20.5%	-9.6%
Tuolumne	$381,000	$392,500		$410,000	-2.9%	-7.1%	8.6%	28.6%
Yolo	$605,000	$650,000		$610,000	-6.9%	-0.8%	0.0%	7.7%
Yuba	$429,000	$450,000		$441,000	-4.7%	-2.7%	-2.8%	38.0%

r = revised
NA = not available

December 2025 County Unsold Inventory and Days on Market
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

December 2025	Unsold Inventory Index				Median Time on Market
State/Region/County	Dec. 2025	Nov. 2025		Dec. 2024	Dec. 2025	Nov. 2025		Dec. 2024
Calif. Single-family home	2.7	3.6		2.7	36.0	33.0	r	31.0
Calif. Condo/Townhome	3.3	4.4		2.9	42.0	39.0		34.0
Los Angeles Metro Area	2.9	3.9		2.9	36.0	36.0		33.0
Central Coast	2.6	3.7		2.9	31.0	30.0		31.0
Central Valley	2.8	3.7		2.7	38.0	31.0		29.0
Far North	3.9	5.2		4.4	46.0	45.0		42.0
Inland Empire	3.7	4.7		3.7	43.0	42.0		39.5
San Francisco Bay Area	1.6	2.2		1.6	29.0	25.0		26.0
Southern California	2.9	3.8		2.8	35.0	35.0		31.5

San Francisco Area
Alameda	1.3	1.8		1.2	19.0	14.0		21.0
Contra Costa	1.9	2.3		1.8	21.0	22.0		21.0
Marin	1.5	2.0		1.5	86.5	66.0		79.0
Napa	4.4	6.0		3.3	87.0	96.0		77.0
San Francisco	0.8	1.1		1.5	32.5	31.0		40.0
San Mateo	1.0	1.5		1.1	15.0	13.0		14.0
Santa Clara	1.0	1.4		0.9	14.0	11.0		11.0
Solano	2.5	3.6		2.7	64.5	57.0		44.5
Sonoma	2.4	3.4		2.8	77.0	74.0		66.0
Southern California
Imperial	3.5	3.8		2.9	20.5	10.0		22.5
Los Angeles	2.8	3.8		2.7	33.0	33.0		29.0
Orange	2.1	2.9		2.1	30.0	34.0		31.0
Riverside	3.6	4.6		3.6	43.0	42.0		41.0
San Bernardino	3.9	4.9		3.9	43.0	44.0		39.5
San Diego	2.5	3.2		2.3	27.0	28.0		24.0
Ventura	2.7	3.5		2.3	44.0	44.0		44.0
Central Coast
Monterey	2.8	4.2		2.9	29.0	27.0		26.0
San Luis Obispo	2.6	3.7		3.2	41.0	38.0		42.0
Santa Barbara	2.7	3.2		2.6	21.0	20.0		24.0
Santa Cruz	2.4	3.8		2.9	40.0	38.0		26.0
Central Valley
Fresno	3.5	4.2		3.2	32.0	27.0		24.0
Glenn	2.8	3.6		2.7	28.0	74.0		17.0
Kern	3.1	4.0		3.0	33.0	27.5		23.5
Kings	2.7	3.5	r	3.2	30.5	17.0	r	22.0
Madera	5.1	7.2		4.5	60.5	49.0		32.0
Merced	3.7	3.7		3.3	35.0	34.0		36.5
Placer	2.3	3.3		2.3	49.0	41.0		40.5
Sacramento	2.2	2.9		1.9	37.0	28.0		28.0
San Benito	2.6	4.5		2.8	38.5	36.5		46.0
San Joaquin	2.7	4.0		2.9	38.0	34.0		34.0
Stanislaus	2.5	3.5		2.3	33.5	32.0		24.5
Tulare	2.9	4.3		3.0	35.5	31.5		26.0
Far North
Butte	2.6	4.0		3.3	37.0	33.0		21.5
Lassen	6.5	5.7		9.3	153.0	87.0		89.0
Plumas	3.4	3.6		11.0	89.0	115.0		81.0
Shasta	3.4	5.4		3.5	40.0	35.0		36.0
Siskiyou	6.0	5.1		5.9	56.0	52.0		74.5
Tehama	7.2	6.6		6.2	71.0	66.0		98.0
Trinity	12.4	13.9		10.6	158.0	63.5		102.0
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	4.8	10.5		5.9	98.0	84.0		35.0
Calaveras	4.3	6.5		5.8	51.5	56.0		70.0
Del Norte	10.3	5.6		4.1	76.0	51.0		41.5
El Dorado	3.2	5.1		4.2	52.0	55.0		49.0
Humboldt	4.6	6.0		4.4	40.0	56.0		52.5
Lake	5.4	13.7		6.4	87.0	71.0		61.0
Mariposa	8.4	7.8		4.8	149.0	21.0		46.0
Mendocino	7.9	8.8		6.5	99.0	85.0		100.5
Mono	2.3	3.9		4.2	39.0	61.0		37.0
Nevada	3.4	4.0		3.6	49.0	51.0		44.0
Sutter	2.8	4.2		2.3	50.0	34.0		27.5
Tuolumne	4.5	6.4		6.6	81.0	74.5		55.0
Yolo	2.0	3.4		2.2	46.5	40.0		38.0
Yuba	3.0	3.7		5.1	56.0	42.0		41.5

r = revised
NA = not available

Article belongs to CAR.org

Nutrition & Health Benefits

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:22:00 EST

Botanically classified as a single-seeded berry, avocados (Persea americana) are nutrient-dense fruits native to Mexico and Central America.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

Avocados are often called a superfood due to their unique profile of healthy fats and micronutrients.

Healthy Fats: They are one of the few fruits high in monounsaturated fats, primarily oleic acid, which supports heart health and brain function.
Vitamins & Minerals: A single fruit provides roughly 20 vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin K (for bone health), Folate (crucial for pregnancy), and more potassium than a banana.
Fiber: High fiber content (approx. 10–14g per fruit) aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar.
Nutrient Booster: Eating avocado with other vegetables helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

Popular Varieties

While there are over 1,000 varieties, the market is dominated by a few specific types:

Hass: The most popular globally (95% of U.S. sales). Known for its bumpy, dark skin that turns purple-black when ripe and a high oil content.
Fuerte: A pear-shaped green-skinned variety that remains green even when ripe.
Reed & Pinkerton: Large, round varieties often grown in California.
Florida Avocados: Generally larger, smoother, and lower in fat than Hass.

Ripening & Storage Tips

The "Climacteric" Fruit: Avocados only ripen after they are picked from the tree.
Quick Ripening: Place an unripe avocado in a paper bag with a banana or apple; the ethylene gas released will speed up the process.
Prevention of Browning: To keep cut avocado from turning brown (oxidation), squeeze lime or lemon juice on the flesh and store in an airtight container.

Safety & Precautions

Human Health: Some individuals may experience latex-fruit syndrome, an allergic reaction related to a latex allergy.
Animal Toxicity: Avocado contains persin, which is toxic to many animals, particularly birds, horses, and rabbits.

Would you like to see specific recipes for using avocado or more detailed growing instructions for your own tree?

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® calls for expanded homeownership opportunities across California

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:20:00 EST

January 8, 2026

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® calls for expanded homeownership opportunities across California

SACRAMENTO (Jan. 8) – The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (C.A.R.) today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Gavin Newsom's final State of the State address:

"The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® applauds Gov. Newsom for recognizing that housing costs are a major driver of California's affordability crisis," said 2026 C.A.R. President Tamara Suminski.

"We appreciate that state leaders are searching for meaningful solutions to bring down the cost of housing, and the state has made progress by streamlining housing development and increasing supply."

"However, we caution that prolonged and stringent rent restrictions would move the state in the wrong direction. These kinds of policies risk shrinking supply, discouraging investment, and ultimately making it harder for California's families to find a place to live.

"C.A.R. shares the goal of ensuring that all Californians have a roof over their head. We stand ready to work with policymakers on balanced, practical incentives that encourage large institutional investors to transition single-family units back to owner-occupied housing and expand opportunities for first-time buyers.

"We look forward to continued engagement with the governor and legislative leaders to advance solutions that boost housing supply, provide opportunities for aspiring homeowners and strengthen communities. Homeownership is the foundation of vibrant neighborhoods and long-term economic growth," Suminski said.

Leading the way…® in California real estate for more than 120 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States with 190,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Sacramento.

# # #

Article belongs to Car.org

The Rental Refresh: Practical Upgrades That Make an Investment Property Feel "Worth It"

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 13:59:00 EST

The Rental Refresh: Practical Upgrades That Make an Investment Property Feel "Worth It"

Refreshing an investment property—a home or unit you rent out for income—usually comes down to one thing: making it easier for a prospective tenant to picture a comfortable life there (and harder for them to find a reason to pass). The tricky part is that you're not renovating for your taste. You're renovating for speed (rent faster), stability (fewer calls), and perception (better photos and showings). The best upgrades do all three.

Quick takeaways you can use today

Fix anything that looks neglected first: plumbing leaks, stains, peeling paint, sticky doors, broken switches.
Choose one simple style direction (neutral paint, consistent hardware) and repeat it.
Spend on durability in high-traffic areas; save on "nice-to-haves" that won't survive turnover.
Add one comfort upgrade that tenants feel every day (lighting, temperature control, storage).

Start with a "deal-breaker sweep"

Before you dream up a backsplash, do a fast walk-through and ask: What would make someone hesitate after a 30-second glance?

Think in categories:

Cleanliness and smell: Deep clean, remove pet odors, address musty areas at the source.
Lighting: Dim rooms feel smaller and older. Bright, consistent lighting is an instant mood lift.
Wear signals: Scuffed trim, torn screens, mismatched fixtures, chipped outlets—small, but loud.
Function: Doors that don't latch, slow drains, wobbly toilets, loose railings—these kill trust.

A surprisingly large "refresh" is just restoring the unit to a crisp baseline.

Where upgrades tend to pay off

Upgrade type	Typical examples	Shows up in photos?	Helps long-term?	Best time to do it
Visual refresh	Paint, new fixtures, hardware, blinds	Yes	Medium	During turnover
Durability	LVP flooring, washable paint, better caulk/sealants	Some	Yes	During turnover
Comfort	Ceiling fans, improved airflow, better showerhead	Sometimes	Medium	Any time
Safety & compliance	Smoke/CO alarms, handrails, grab bars, GFCI outlets	Not really	Yes	ASAP
Curb appeal	Trim landscaping, pressure wash, fresh numbers/lighting	Yes	Medium	Before listing

Financing a refresh while staying focused on cash flow

When the upgrade plan is meant to raise rent, reduce vacancy, or protect the property from wear, some investors look into understanding what a DSCR loan is as a way to fund improvements based on the property's rental strength rather than personal income. With this type of loan, lenders commonly look at how the rent supports the monthly housing payment; DSCR is calculated by dividing monthly rental income by the total monthly housing payment (typically mortgage, taxes, and insurance). A ratio of 1.00 or higher generally indicates the rent can cover those costs, which can make it easier to finance strategic upgrades that improve appeal and value. Learn more here: understanding what a DSCR loan is.

Upgrades renters mention (and maintenance appreciates)

Not every improvement needs to be flashy. Some are just…smart.

Durable flooring in living areas instead of carpet
Simple, sturdy blinds that match across rooms
Additional shelving or a basic closet organizer
USB outlets in a couple of convenient spots
A consistent set of fixtures (no "five different silvers")

These won't win design awards. They will reduce turnover complaints.

A resource to keep you out of trouble later

If you're tracking repair vs. improvement expenses, depreciation, and what records to keep, the IRS guide for rental owners is genuinely useful. Bookmark IRS Publication 527 (Residential Rental Property) and use it as a reference when organizing receipts and upgrade notes.

FAQ

Which single upgrade makes the biggest difference fast?
Fresh paint plus better lighting is the classic combo. It changes photos, showings, and first impressions without requiring structural work.

How do I avoid over-renovating?
Let the neighborhood set the ceiling. Aim to be among the nicer options nearby—not a luxury outlier that can't earn back the cost.

Should I remodel the kitchen fully?
Only if the existing one is beyond a refresh. Often, replacing hardware, updating a faucet/lighting, and cleaning up worn details gets most of the perceived benefit.

What's a safe "tenant-pleaser" that doesn't break the bank?
Storage. Even small shelves, hooks, and closet organizers can make a place feel more livable.

Conclusion

The best investment-property refresh isn't a single big renovation—it's a sequence of thoughtful fixes that remove friction and add confidence. Start by eliminating anything that looks broken or neglected, then lean into consistent finishes and durable materials. Add one or two comfort upgrades that renters will feel every day. Do that, and your property becomes easier to rent, easier to maintain, and easier to value.

Article belongs to CAR.org

How Many Calories Are in an Avocado?

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:09:00 EST

As with all fruits and vegetables, wash avocados before cutting. Check out our tips for how to choose and use California Avocados

Answer: One serving (1/3 of a medium avocado or 50g) has 80 calories.

This is one of the most common questions we receive from avocado lovers interested in avocado nutrition facts. Most people are surprised when they learn about avocado calories.

Avocado Calories

To put this in perspective, other foods commonly used as spreads and sandwich add-ons contain about twice as many calories per serving – mayonnaise has 100 calories (one tablespoon), butter has 100 calories (1 tablespoon) and Cheddar Cheese has 110 calories (one slice), to name a few.

California Avocados are a heart-healthy nutrient-dense choice because of the nutrition provided in those 80 calories.

For example, a serving provides "good" poly- and mono-unsaturated fats, which are a great substitution for foods rich in saturated fat. According to the American Heart Association, mono and polyunsaturated fats, when consumed in moderation and eaten in place of saturated or trans fat, can help reduce blood cholesterol levels and decrease risk for heart disease. California Avocados also provide nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, and phytochemicals or beneficial plant compounds. And the good news is that avocados are also naturally sugar, cholesterol and sodium-free.

Simple Substitutions

To save calories, fat, saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol, try swapping California Avocados with other high-fat spreads and dips used on sandwiches and toast, or use blended avocado to create creamy dressings for salads, pasta and rice dishes. Have you ever tried baking with California Avocados? This is one of my favorite ways to replace fat in muffin and bread recipes, and in baked treats. Simply replace the fat in a recipe (from butter or shortening) with equal parts California Avocado for a delicious nutrition boost.

Check out the Smart Spreads and Dips chart to see exactly how California Avocados compare with other choices.

Emily Schiller

Emily Schiller is a registered dietitian who specializes in making nutrition information easy to understand and relevant to a variety of consumer and stakeholder audiences. As a Senior Community Manager, Nutrition &| Wellness at GolinHarris, she offers expertise in key areas including the development of healthcare professional outreach strategies, nutrition toolkits, presentations, strategic partnerships and media messaging. She also aptly tracks the latest in nutrition policy and scientific updates and translates the information to help her clients achieve business success. Emily is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition &| Dietetics and several of its subgroups including the Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition| Weight Management| and Dietitians in Business and Communications Dietetic Practice Groups. Emily completed her undergraduate degree in nutritional sciences at The Pennsylvania State University and completed a dietetic internship with an emphasis in community nutrition at Loyola University, Chicago.

Emily is a brand advocate. Their content on the California Avocado Commission website and/or blog is part of their partnership with our organization.

California Mortgage and Refinance Rates

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:01:00 EST

Citibank	6.375% 30 year fixed	6.386%	$6,538
Citibank	7.625% 5/6 ARM	5.885%	$7,418
Bank of America	5.375% 5/6 ARM	6.306%	$5,869
Bank of America	6.125% 30 year fixed	6.222%	$6,368
San Diego County Credit Union	5.375% 5/1 ARM	6.000%	$5,869
San Diego County Credit Union	6.000% 30 year fixed	6.004%	$6,283

Current mortgage interest rates in California

As of Sunday, January 04, 2026, current interest rates in California are 5.88% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 5.25% for a 15-year fixed mortgage.

Mortgage rates in California — and throughout the country — peaked near 8 percent in late 2023 and have decreased since, but not as quickly as many prospective homebuyers were hoping. While rates have fallen further in recent months due to economic uncertainty, experts expect them to remain between 6 and 7 percent for the rest of the year, settling closer to 6.5 percent as 2025 ends.

Refinance rates in California

Refinance rates are looking much more attractive these days, especially if you bought your home a few years ago, when rates were higher. According to property data provider ATTOM, the number of refinance loans in the Golden State increased by 1.3 percent year-over-year between August 2024 and August 2025.

Refinancing now could help you lock in a lower rate, and if you have a large chunk of equity — either because you've owned for a long time or because your home value has increased — you may be able to benefit from a cash-out refinance. This lets you turn some of your home's equity into cash, which you can use for home improvements, education or other financial goals. Almost half of California homeowners are equity rich — that is, they own more than 50 percent of their homes — according to ATTOM.

National mortgage rates by loan type

Product	Interest Rate	APR
30-Year Fixed Rate	6.20%	6.26%
15-Year Fixed Rate	5.49%	5.59%
30-Year Fixed Rate FHA	6.17%	6.24%
30-Year Fixed Rate VA	6.41%	6.45%
30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo	6.43%	6.47%
3/1 ARM Rate	5.58%	6.11%
7/1 ARM Rate	5.84%	6.01%

Rates as of Sunday, January 04, 2026 at 6:30 AM

How Bankrate collects mortgage rates

California housing market statistics and trends

While California is a notoriously expensive place to purchase a home, there are more affordable pockets of the state, and the median sale price only grew nominally in October (up 0.06 percent over last year at the same time). Homes are also remaining on the market a median of 10 days longer year-over-year in October, and the percentage of homes with price drops increased by 3 percent. So while California can still be a tough place to buy, there are positive signs.

Median home sales price, Sept. 2025: $744,000
Median home value, Sept. 2025: $773,750
Median down payment, Sept. 2025: $156,000
Median days on market, Oct. 2025: 47
Percentage of homes sold above list price, Oct. 2025: 33.8%
Percentage of homes with price drops, Oct. 2025: 28.6%
Homeownership rate, Q2 2025: 55.3%

Sources: Redfin, ATTOM, U.S. Census Bureau

No matter where you're looking to buy, don't just look at the list prices: Compare homeowners insurance options, too, since the state has struggled to keep major carriers in the wake of recent natural disasters.

Mortgage options in California

California conventional mortgages: To qualify for a conventional mortgage, you'll generally need a credit score of at least 620 and a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of no more than 43 percent. In many cases, you can find down payments as low as 3 percent — though if you put down less than 20 percent, you will need to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI).
CalHFA: The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) offers state residents access to mortgages, as well as smaller loans designed to help with down payment or closing costs. To get started, borrowers can contact a CalHFA-approved lender or preferred loan officer.
California FHA loans: Home loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) are offered throughout the U.S. While the FHA doesn't offer loans directly, you can find one through an FHA-approved lender in California. FHA loans are generally designed for low- to moderate-income borrowers with lower credit scores.
California VA loans: Guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA loans are offered to eligible veterans and active-duty service members. While the VA doesn't offer loans directly, you can find one through a VA-approved lender in California. VA loan interest rates are typically lower than conventional mortgages, and these loans usually require no down payment.
California jumbo loans: You'll find higher conforming loan limits in many of California's pricier zip codes, but you may still need to borrow even more money to make homeownership a reality in the state. If you do, you'll need to compare jumbo loan rates from multiple lenders and be prepared to meet higher down payment and credit score requirements.

Learn more: Types of home loans

First-time homebuyer programs in California

Buying a house in California can be pricey, but first-time homebuyers might qualify for grants or other forms of help. This includes:

CalHFA down payment assistance programs: Low- to moderate-income borrowers can apply for small down-payment and closing-cost assistance loans through CalHFA. One option is the MyHome Assistance program, which allows you to borrow a deferred loan worth up to 3.5 percent of the purchase price or appraised value for a government loan and up to 3 percent with a conventional loan.
CalHFA Loan Programs: With the CalHFA Conventional Loan Program, you can get a 30-year, fixed-rate conventional loan, potentially at a more affordable interest rate, but you'll also need to meet qualification requirements. The CalPLUS Conventional Loan Program is similar, but with a slightly higher interest rate. These loans can be combined with the CalHFA Zero Interest Program to help pay closing costs. CalHFA also offers lower rate FHA, VA and USDA loans, which come with their own benefits and qualifying criteria.

In addition to statewide assistance programs, be sure to compare local options. Some local organizations offer loans and grants to certain types of buyers, including first-time buyers and low- to moderate-income families.

Learn more: California first-time homebuyer programs

How to find the best mortgage rate in California

Step 1: Strengthen your credit score

Long before you start looking for a mortgage lender or applying for a loan, give your finances a check-up, and improve your credit score if needed.
Step 2: Determine your budget

To find the right mortgage, you'll need a good handle on how much house you can afford.
Step 3: Know your mortgage options

There are a few different types of mortgages.
Step 4: Compare rates and terms from multiple lenders

Rate-shop with at least three different banks or mortgage companies to get the best deal, and be sure to read reviews of different lenders.
Step 5: Get preapproved for a mortgage

Getting a mortgage preapproval is the only way to get accurate loan pricing for your specific situation.

Learn more: How to get a mortgage

Additional California mortgage resources

California loan limits by county: Learn the conforming loan limit for your city or town.
Best mortgage lenders in California: Find out Bankrate's top picks.
California housing market overview: Know what to expect as a homebuyer or seller in California.
Cost to buy a house in California: Home prices vary widely across the state. Narrow down your budget here.
Homeowners insurance in California: Compare policies from a variety of providers.

Written by

Jeff Ostrowski

Writer and Housing Market Analyisis

Article beligongs to Bankrate.com

FHA loan limit increases to $1.25 million in 2026

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 22:59:00 EST

The Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today said it will raise the maximum claim amount for its Single-Family Forward and Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) mortgage insurance programs to $1,249,125 in 2026, up from $1,209,750 this year.

FHA updates its loan limits every year based on rules in the National Housing Act. These limits are calculated using home-sale data from each county or metropolitan area. The law sets three cost tiers, and FHA adjusts the limits according to local home prices.

The law also caps the loan limit in high-cost areas at 150% of the national conforming loan limit, which is set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The new limit is a 3.3 percent increase of $39,375, marking the 10th straight year of increases.

Loan limits for most of the country will increase due to the continued appreciation of home prices over the past year.

Article belongs to CAR.org

New Farm Multi-hazard Emergency Guide Available

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:55:00 EST

New Farm Multi-hazard Emergency Guide Available

Dec 23, 2025

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has released a Farm Multi-hazard Emergency Plan created by the California Annual Response Emergency Support (CARES) program to help growers prepare for natural disasters.

The guide outlines procedures to help growers create disaster plans and take measures to protect them from wildfire, flood, earthquakes, structural fires and extreme heat. The plan includes a guide to establishing an operational disaster planning team, specific disaster mitigation measures, evacuation planning, a list of essential supplies and various situational planning examples. A variety of appendices include emergency contact information, a communications plan, hazards and risk analysis, an inventory list, farm site map and shelter in place checklist.

Article belongs to California Avocado Commission.

Lending News

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:53:00 EST

Lending news highlights a shift towards innovation (Fintech, AI in debt collection, reverse mortgages) alongside ongoing regulatory focus (CFPB, state AGs on BNPL). Key trends include rising adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) applications, increasing profitability for some lenders, and major bank involvement in new areas like crypto collateral, with forecasts for a mortgage market reset and continued growth in specific areas like SBA lending.

Key Lending Sectors & News:

Mortgage: Applications for ARMs are surging, refinancing is high, and the market anticipates a reset in 2026 with increased originations, though compliance remains crucial. Freddie Mac data shows fluctuating, but generally lower, rates.
Consumer Lending: Focus on regulatory scrutiny (CFPB, state AGs on BNPL), fraud in auto lending, and fintech expansion (Propel Bank).
Commercial/SBA Lending: Local success stories highlight strong SBA lending activity, with some institutions leading in loan volume and dollar amounts.
Fintech & Innovation: AI is poised to disrupt debt collection, while companies like Nova Credit attract capital for new loan types, and reverse mortgages see growth through innovation.

Major Themes:

Regulation & Compliance: Scrutiny on high-cost loans, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), and data security (vendor breaches) is increasing.
Technology: AI, data analytics, and new banking licenses (Puerto Rico) are changing the landscape.
Market Dynamics: Lenders are seeing increased profitability and volume in some areas, but also navigating shifts in consumer demand, like ARM adoption, as rates fluctuate.

Where to Find More:

American Banker: For broader consumer and banking news.
HousingWire & Mortgage News Daily: For in-depth mortgage market analysis.
Securities Finance Times: For capital markets and securities lending updates.

Article belogns to AI Google.

California home sales reach three-year high in November, C.A.R. report

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:50:00 EST

December 16, 2025

California home sales reach three-year high in November, C.A.R. reports

Existing, single-family home sales totaled 287,940 in November on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, up 1.9 percent from 282,590 in October and up 2.6 percent from 280,530 in November 2024.
November's statewide median home price was $852,680, down 3.9 percent from $886,960 in October and essentially flat from $852,880 in November 2024.
Year-to-date statewide home sales were up 0.9 percent.

SACRAMENTO (Dec. 16) – California home sales rose in November from both the previous month and year for the third consecutive month to reach the highest level since September 2022, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (C.A.R.) said today.

Infographic: https://www.car.org/Global/Infographics/2025-11-Sales-and-Price

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California reached a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 287,940 in November, according to data collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. This annualized figure reflects the number of homes that would be sold in 2025 if November's sales pace continued throughout the year, with adjustments made for typical seasonal patterns.

Sales increased 1.9 percent from October, rising from 282,590 to 287,940 in November. Compared with a year earlier, November sales were up 2.6 percent from a revised 280,530. Cumulatively, total home sales through the first 11 months of 2025 also remained above last year's level. Nevertheless, November marked the 38th consecutive month in which statewide sales remained below the 300,000-unit benchmark.

Statewide pending home sales in November declined 4.6 percent year over year — marking the first annual drop in four months. Compared to October, pending sales fell sharply by 18 percent, reflecting both typical seasonal factors and heightened mortgage rate volatility amid growing economic concerns. At the county level, pending sales improved from last year in 25 of the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R., with more than half of those counties recording double-digit increases.

"California home sales reaching their highest level in more than three years is an encouraging sign that the housing market is continuing its recovery," said 2026 C.A.R. President Tamara Suminski, a Southern California broker and REALTOR^®. "While the sales growth remains gradual, the upward trend suggests that the market is slowly gaining momentum — good news for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals alike."

As market conditions cooled during the off-peak market season, the statewide median home price fell 3.9 percent from $886,960 in October to $852,680 in November, a steeper decline than the long-run average drop of 0.3 percent usually observed between October and November. Compared to a year earlier, prices were virtually unchanged, continuing a trend that the market has been observing in the past few months.

"Mortgage rates are expected to continue declining in 2026, but the decrease is unlikely to be dramatic," said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. "With the Federal Reserve signaling a more cautious approach to rate cuts and recent signs of economic slowing, California home sales and prices are projected to experience mild to moderate growth over the next 12 months."

Other key points from C.A.R.'s November 2025 resale housing report include:

At the regional level, only one of the state's major regions recorded a year-over-year increase on non-seasonally adjusted home sales. The Far North stood out with a 2.0 percent gain from a year earlier, while the San Francisco Bay Area (-3.5 percent), Central Valley (-3.1 percent), Southern California (-3.1 percent), and Central Coast (-2.4 percent) all posted annual sales declines.
At the county level, 25 of the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R. posted year-over-year sales gains in November, with more than half of those counties (16) growing by double digits. Trinity led the gains with a 60.0 percent surge, followed by Imperial (46.7 percent) and Mendocino (43.3 percent). Meanwhile, 26 counties experienced annual sales declines, including seven that fell by more than 10 percent — led by Amador (-44.9 percent), Madera (-42.6 percent) and Lake (-35.3 percent).
Three of California's five major regions recorded year-over-year increases in their median home prices. The Far North posted a moderate gain of 2.7 percent from November 2024, followed by Southern California with a 1.2 percent increase and the Central Coast region with a slight 0.2 percent uptick. In contrast, the San Francisco Bay Area experienced the largest annual price decline (-3.2 percent), followed by the Central Valley (-1.0 percent).
The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 32 days in November, up from 26 days in November 2024.

At the county level, 28 of the 53 counties tracked by C.A.R. recorded year-over-year gains in median home price in November. Del Norte led with a 24.4 percent increase, followed by Tehama (22.3 percent) and Siskiyou (16.9 percent). Conversely, 24 counties posted annual price declines, while Santa Cruz's price was unchanged. Lassen experienced the steepest drop (-26.6 percent), followed by San Benito (-11.3 percent) and Trinity (-10.3 percent).
Housing inventory in November rose from both the prior month and prior year, as market conditions slowed housing demand and lengthened the time listings stayed on the market. The Unsold Inventory Index was 3.6 months in November, up from 3.2 months in October and 3.3 months in November 2024. Total active listings increased from the same month of last year for the 22nd consecutive month, but the annual gain recorded last month was the smallest since February 2024. November marked the seventh straight month of decelerating inventory growth, suggesting that while supply remains elevated, momentum on the supply side is gradually easing as the market moves deeper into the holiday season.

C.A.R.'s statewide sales-price-to-list-price ratio* was 98.3 percent in November 2025 and 99.4 percent in November 2024.
The statewide median price per square foot** for an existing single-family home was $423, down from $429 in November a year ago.
The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 6.24 percent in November, down from 6.81 percent in November 2024, according to C.A.R.'s calculations based on Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage survey data.

Leading the way…® in California real estate for 120 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States with 190,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Sacramento.

# # #

November 2025 County Sales and Price Activity
(and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

November 2025	Median Sold Price of Existing Single-Family Homes					Sales
State/Region/County	Nov. 2025	Oct. 2025	Nov. 2024	Price MTM% Chg	Price YTY% Chg	Sales MTM% Chg	Sales YTY% Chg
Calif. Single-family home	$852,680	$886,960	$852,880	-3.9%	0.0%	1.9%	2.6%
Calif. Condo/Townhomes	$660,000	$650,000	$675,000	1.5%	-2.2%	-21.4%	-2.0%
Los Angeles Metro Area	$823,000	$845,180	$822,000	-2.6%	0.1%	-23.5%	-2.7%
Central Coast	$1,032,500	$1,068,000	$1,030,000	-3.3%	0.2%	-18.6%	-2.4%
Central Valley	$490,000	$499,000	$495,000	-1.8%	-1.0%	-20.3%	-3.1%
Far North	$385,000	$375,000	$375,000	2.7%	2.7%	-23.4%	2.0%
Inland Empire	$585,000	$599,520	$600,000	-2.4%	-2.5%	-18.9%	0.1%
San Francisco Bay Area	$1,275,000	$1,300,000	$1,316,500	-1.9%	-3.2%	-21.9%	-3.5%
Southern California	$860,000	$874,240	$850,000	-1.6%	1.2%	-23.4%	-3.1%

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	$1,192,500	$1,275,000	$1,285,000	-6.5%	-7.2%	-21.0%	-3.8%
Contra Costa	$889,000	$860,000	$897,500	3.4%	-0.9%	-20.4%	1.1%
Marin	$1,470,000	$1,680,000	$1,625,000	-12.5%	-9.5%	-17.7%	11.2%
Napa	$931,500	$899,500	$895,000	3.6%	4.1%	-5.4%	25.0%
San Francisco	$1,800,000	$1,850,000	$1,598,000	-2.7%	12.6%	-31.3%	-9.7%
San Mateo	$2,000,000	$2,189,500	$2,194,000	-8.7%	-8.8%	-20.0%	6.9%
Santa Clara	$1,935,250	$1,950,000	$1,931,050	-0.8%	0.2%	-22.8%	-16.5%
Solano	$580,000	$597,000	$597,000	-2.8%	-2.8%	-21.9%	-8.4%
Sonoma	$801,000	$822,500	$805,000	-2.6%	-0.5%	-24.7%	5.7%
Southern California
Imperial	$432,500	$400,000	$387,500	8.1%	11.6%	0.0%	46.7%
Los Angeles	$942,610	$960,620	$937,030	-1.9%	0.6%	-27.6%	-5.4%
Orange	$1,400,000	$1,391,000	$1,375,000	0.6%	1.8%	-21.9%	-3.0%
Riverside	$629,950	$634,990	$628,000	-0.8%	0.3%	-20.3%	-1.8%
San Bernardino	$497,160	$491,970	$510,000	1.1%	-2.5%	-13.3%	10.2%
San Diego	$990,000	$985,000	$975,000	0.5%	1.5%	-23.6%	-6.0%
Ventura	$955,000	$947,500	$912,000	0.8%	4.7%	-24.6%	2.3%
Central Coast
Monterey	$901,500	$1,015,000	$930,000	-11.2%	-3.1%	-30.3%	-3.9%
San Luis Obispo	$905,000	$920,000	$920,000	-1.6%	-1.6%	-13.4%	-0.6%
Santa Barbara	$1,499,000	$1,327,500	$1,367,500	12.9%	9.6%	-11.0%	0.7%
Santa Cruz	$1,307,500	$1,275,000	$1,307,500	2.5%	0.0%	-19.7%	-7.5%
Central Valley
Fresno	$436,090	$440,000	$440,000	-0.9%	-0.9%	-17.4%	-7.0%
Glenn	$370,000	$325,000	$359,000	13.8%	3.1%	-23.5%	30.0%
Kern	$395,000	$389,000	$405,000	1.5%	-2.5%	-28.4%	-12.3%
Kings	$365,000	$357,500	$367,500	2.1%	-0.7%	1.3%	38.6%
Madera	$427,500	$459,000	$415,000	-6.9%	3.0%	-39.5%	-42.6%
Merced	$440,000	$415,000	$415,000	6.0%	6.0%	-17.2%	-7.2%
Placer	$665,000	$658,750	$649,490	0.9%	2.4%	-25.1%	-2.0%
Sacramento	$535,000	$550,000	$550,500	-2.7%	-2.8%	-16.6%	-2.5%
San Benito	$732,500	$774,820	$825,920	-5.5%	-11.3%	-9.7%	0.0%
San Joaquin	$550,000	$540,000	$540,000	1.9%	1.9%	-21.7%	3.5%
Stanislaus	$465,000	$475,000	$469,500	-2.1%	-1.0%	-10.4%	7.9%
Tulare	$372,950	$380,000	$385,000	-1.9%	-3.1%	-27.7%	7.1%
Far North
Butte	$437,500	$447,000	$438,950	-2.1%	-0.3%	-22.5%	-8.5%
Lassen	$185,000	$251,500	$252,160	-26.4%	-26.6%	-10.5%	6.3%
Plumas	$415,000	$415,000	$385,000	0.0%	7.8%	-29.3%	31.8%
Shasta	$380,000	$360,500	$357,250	5.4%	6.4%	-29.9%	-1.3%
Siskiyou	$345,000	$286,000	$295,000	20.6%	16.9%	10.5%	20.0%
Tehama	$370,000	$353,880	$302,500	4.6%	22.3%	-13.6%	-5.0%
Trinity	$260,130	$250,000	$290,000	4.1%	-10.3%	-38.5%	60.0%
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	$470,000	$414,500	$420,000	13.4%	11.9%	-41.3%	-44.9%
Calaveras	$456,000	$424,500	$436,250	7.4%	4.5%	-30.9%	2.2%
Del Norte	$397,500	$360,000	$319,610	10.4%	24.4%	-10.5%	41.7%
El Dorado	$690,000	$680,000	$653,120	1.5%	5.6%	-30.5%	-10.8%
Humboldt	$410,000	$406,850	$455,000	0.8%	-9.9%	-25.2%	4.7%
Lake	$335,000	$340,000	$350,000	-1.5%	-4.3%	-50.0%	-35.3%
Mariposa	$399,900	$460,000	$405,000	-13.1%	-1.3%	7.1%	15.4%
Mendocino	$499,000	$512,000	$491,500	-2.5%	1.5%	-10.4%	43.3%
Mono	$931,000	$1,150,000	$912,500	-19.0%	2.0%	-27.3%	0.0%
Nevada	$544,000	$557,000	$557,500	-2.3%	-2.4%	-17.8%	-6.4%
Sutter	$440,000	$486,000	$435,000	-9.5%	1.1%	-27.8%	-23.5%
Tuolumne	$392,500	$360,000	$405,000	9.0%	-3.1%	-17.1%	-7.9%
Yolo	$650,000	$625,000	$573,000	4.0%	13.4%	0.0%	4.2%
Yuba	$450,000	$454,950	$430,000	-1.1%	4.7%	4.4%	34.0%

r = revised
NA = not available

November 2025 County Unsold Inventory and Days on Market
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

November 2025	Unsold Inventory Index			Median Time on Market
State/Region/County	Nov-25	Oct-25	Nov-24	Nov-25	Oct-25	Nov-24
Calif. Single-family home	3.6	3.2	3.3	32.0	32.0	26.0
Calif. Condo/Townhomes	4.4	3.9	3.6	39.0	38.0	30.0
Los Angeles Metro Area	3.9	3.4	3.6	36.0	37.0	29.0
Central Coast	3.7	3.5	3.5	30.0	30.0	23.0
Central Valley	3.7	3.3	3.2	31.0	32.0	25.0
Far North	5.2	4.5	5.0	45.0	34.0	31.5
Inland Empire	4.7	4.1	4.5	42.0	44.0	38.0
San Francisco Bay Area	2.2	2.2	2.0	25.0	22.0	20.0
Southern California	3.8	3.3	3.5	35.0	35.0	28.0

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	1.8	2.0	1.8	14.0	14.0	14.0
Contra Costa	2.3	2.4	2.1	22.0	19.0	17.0
Marin	2.0	2.4	2.1	66.0	59.0	63.5
Napa	6.0	7.0	6.2	96.0	88.5	67.0
San Francisco	1.1	1.2	1.4	31.0	37.0	39.0
San Mateo	1.5	1.7	1.5	13.0	12.0	11.5
Santa Clara	1.4	1.5	1.2	11.0	10.0	10.0
Solano	3.6	3.3	3.0	57.0	59.0	43.0
Sonoma	3.4	3.2	3.4	74.0	69.0	65.5
Southern California
Imperial	3.8	4.0	3.8	10.0	22.0	16.5
Los Angeles	3.8	3.3	3.5	33.0	33.0	26.0
Orange	2.9	2.7	2.7	34.0	34.0	27.0
Riverside	4.6	3.9	4.5	42.0	43.0	38.0
San Bernardino	4.9	4.6	4.8	44.0	46.0	38.0
San Diego	3.2	2.9	2.9	28.0	25.0	20.0
Ventura	3.5	3.0	2.9	44.0	46.0	38.0
Central Coast
Monterey	4.2	3.2	4.0	27.0	30.5	23.0
San Luis Obispo	3.7	3.8	3.8	38.0	35.0	37.5
Santa Barbara	3.2	3.2	3.1	20.0	27.5	21.5
Santa Cruz	3.8	3.7	3.3	38.0	23.5	20.0
Central Valley
Fresno	4.2	3.8	3.5	27.0	24.0	23.0
Glenn	3.6	3.5	5.0	74.0	18.0	10.5
Kern	4.0	3.2	3.2	27.5	29.0	23.0
Kings	3.7	3.9	2.9	16.0	26.5	27.0
Madera	7.2	4.6	4.3	49.0	46.0	39.0
Merced	3.7	3.0	2.9	34.0	32.0	33.0
Placer	3.3	2.9	3.0	41.0	37.0	27.0
Sacramento	2.9	2.9	2.5	28.0	32.0	23.5
San Benito	4.5	4.7	4.6	36.5	19.0	26.5
San Joaquin	4.0	3.4	3.8	34.0	41.0	27.0
Stanislaus	3.5	3.5	3.4	32.0	30.0	26.0
Tulare	4.3	3.3	3.9	31.5	33.0	25.5
Far North
Butte	4.0	3.3	3.2	33.0	24.0	25.5
Lassen	5.7	5.6	5.9	87.0	40.0	55.5
Plumas	3.6	3.7	6.4	115.0	76.0	93.0
Shasta	5.4	4.4	5.0	35.0	30.0	23.5
Siskiyou	5.1	6.4	5.7	52.0	46.0	54.0
Tehama	6.6	6.5	6.5	66.0	72.5	41.0
Trinity	13.9	9.1	17.8	63.5	64.0	72.0
Other Calif. California
Amador	10.5	6.6	4.7	84.0	65.0	62.0
Calaveras	6.5	5.1	7.6	56.0	58.0	43.5
Del Norte	5.6	5.1	7.0	51.0	75.0	39.5
El Dorado	5.1	4.2	4.5	55.0	53.5	43.0
Humboldt	6.0	4.9	6.0	56.0	44.0	30.0
Lake	13.7	7.8	7.7	71.0	64.5	66.0
Mariposa	7.8	8.9	8.1	21.0	67.0	27.0
Mendocino	8.8	8.6	11.0	85.0	117.0	108.0
Mono	3.9	2.8	2.9	61.0	50.0	114.0
Nevada	4.0	3.9	4.3	51.0	59.0	37.5
Sutter	4.2	3.6	3.2	34.0	43.0	23.0
Tuolumne	6.4	6.0	5.2	74.5	81.5	24.0
Yolo	3.4	2.7	3.7	40.0	43.5	20.5
Yuba	3.7	4.6	5.5	42.0	47.0	34.0

r = revised
NA = not available

Article belongs to CAR.org

FHA loan limit increases to $1.25 million in 2026

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:32:00 EST

The law also caps the loan limit in high-cost areas at 150% of the national conforming loan limit, which is set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The new limit is a 3.3 percent increase of $39,375, marking the 10th straight year of increases.

Loan limits for most of the country will increase due to the continued appreciation of home prices over the past year.

Article belongs to CAR.org

Why California Avocados.

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:30:00 EST

California avocados, primarily the creamy Hass variety, are a popular, nutritious fruit grown by dedicated local farmers in ideal Southern California conditions, offering rich flavor and versatility in dishes, known for sustainability and a season running from spring to fall, with millions of trees providing fresh, healthy options across the U.S..

Key Characteristics

Variety: The Hass avocado makes up about 95% of the California crop, prized for its rich, buttery texture, but other types like Fuerte, Reed, and Lamb Hass are also grown.

Flavor & Texture: They are known for being creamy, velvety, and naturally flavorful.

Sustainability: California growers focus on sustainable practices, emphasizing worker well-being, land preservation, and responsible farming.

Growing Regions & Season

Ideal Conditions: Groves benefit from Southern California's ideal climate, with ample sunshine, cool ocean breezes, and fertile soil.
Season: The main season for California avocados runs from spring through summer.

Nutritional Value

Rich in vitamins (A, C, D, E, K, B vitamins) and healthy fats, providing essential nutrients.

Where to Find Them

Look for them at local grocery stores and farmers' markets, especially during their peak season.

Why They're Special

Local & Fresh: Often fresher as they aren't shipped as far as some imports, allowing for longer ripening.
Legacy: Many farms are multi-generational, continuing a long tradition of avocado cultivation in California.

Current Rates

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:29:00 EST

Current rates vary by product, but as of mid-December 2025, average rates for a

30-year fixed mortgage are around 6.1%–6.3%, while 15-year fixed rates are generally in the 5.2%–5.6% range, with specific offers depending on the lender, loan type (conventional, FHA, VA), and borrower qualifications, notes sources like Bankrate, Bank of America, and Mortgage News Daily.

Mortgage Rates (Approximate Averages - Dec 2025)

30-Year Fixed: ~6.1% – 6.3% (e.g., Bankrate, Mortgage News Daily)
15-Year Fixed: ~5.2% – 5.6% (e.g., Bank of America, Freddie Mac)
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs): 7/1 ARM rates around 5.6%–6.1%.

Key Factors Influencing Your Rate

Loan Type: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo loans all have different rates.
Credit Score & Down Payment: Stronger credit and larger down payments often secure lower rates.
Lender: Rates differ significantly between banks, credit unions, and online lenders.
Market Conditions: The Federal Reserve's actions and broader economic health impact rates.

To Find Your Best Rate:

Compare Offers: Use sites like Bankrate to compare personalized quotes.
Check with Multiple Lenders: Get pre-approved by a few lenders to see who offers the best terms for you.

California Avocado Growers Strengthen California's Economy

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:48:00 EST

Economic Viability Is Key To Sustainability

Avocados have been grown in California for more than a century. They are an important part of California history, culture and cuisine. And similar to any business, for the California Avocado industry to be sustainable it must be economically viable — it has to be strong enough to provide a living for those working in it. California Avocado growers are faced with many challenges, and they toil day-in and day-out to ensure that their groves and businesses are healthy. Some are new to the business and are learning from a community of growers helping other growers learn the best practices in avocado cultivation. Many come from families who have been growing California Avocados for generations – the ultimate proof of an economically sustainable operation.

Economic studies indicate that the California Avocado industry provides for more than 14,510 jobs on a full-time equivalent basis as a result of their business activities and the multiplier effect created by the fact that their purchases create jobs in a variety of farming and non-farming economic sectors. So, every California Avocado you enjoy in a salad, on toast, in a smoothie or however you like it helps contribute to employment in the state.

Land And Varieties

It is said that land is a farmer's most valuable asset. Caring for that land is paramount for success. California Avocado growers care for their groves and also continuously strive for yield improvements that deliver more avocados per acre. This can involve different planting schematics, such as high-density planting, tree height maintenance to aid in harvesting and timely pruning of their trees. Different practices work for different avocado groves. While the Hass avocado, a California native, accounts for the vast majority of the California Avocado harvest, some growers are improving their economic viability by adding additional avocado varieties to their groves.

Read this article next:
What Makes California Avocados Ethically Sourced?

Posted

September 24, 2024

California Avocado Commission

Created in 1978, the California Avocado Commission strives to enhance the premium positioning of California Avocados through advertising, promotion and public relations, and engages in related industry activities. California Avocados are commercially cultivated with uncompromising dedication to quality and freshness, by about 3,000 growers in the Golden State. The California Avocado Commission serves as the official information source for California Avocados and the California Avocado industry.

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® supports referral fee transparency in real estate transactions

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:46:00 EST

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® supports referral fee transparency in real estate transactions

SACRAMENTO (Nov. 21) – The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (C.A.R.) today issued the following statement by 2026 C.A.R. President Tamara Suminski, a Southern California broker and REALTOR^®, regarding referral fees involved in a real estate transaction:

"The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® has long championed compensation transparency, especially when it comes to real estate transaction referral fees. C.A.R. has always led the way in demonstrating public trust by supporting full disclosure of referral fee arrangements and advising its members accordingly.

Ensuring that consumers know exactly how their real estate professionals are compensated is central to protecting consumers' interests and reinforcing trust in the transaction process. When clients understand whether and how referral fees are involved, they are empowered to make more informed decisions, ask the right questions, and confidently evaluate the services they receive.

To further facilitate this, C.A.R. is revising a standard form for release next month to enhance language regarding referral fees and provide a standardized way to make these disclosures. This approach ensures consumers are fully aware of all sources of compensation, including referral fees, which strengthens transparency for clients throughout the transaction."

Leading the way…® in California real estate for 120 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States with 190,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Sacramento.

# # #

C.A.R. members: read the FAQ on referral fee disclosures.

Article belgons to CAR.org

Moving in Midlife: Why a New Home Can Rewrite Your Lifestyle, Purpose, and Future

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:45:00 EST

Moving in Midlife: Why a New Home Can Rewrite Your Lifestyle, Purpose, and Future

A midlife move—whether across town or across the country—is more than a change of address. It's a deliberate reorientation of lifestyle, identity, and next-chapter ambition. People in their 40s, 50s, and 60s often describe this transition as surprisingly energizing: a chance to reclaim time, reset priorities, and anchor their lives around what actually matters now.

Quick Summary

A midlife move creates a clear break from old routines and opens space for new priorities to take root. By choosing a home and neighborhood that match your evolving lifestyle, career goals, and personal values, you can set the stage for a more aligned and energizing next chapter.

Reimagining Your Life Through a New Location

Many people reach a point when the home and neighborhood that once fit no longer reflect who they are. Kids may have launched, careers may have shifted, and long-standing habits may feel stale. A move reopens the future:

Lifestyle Fit: Maybe you want walkable streets, quiet nature, or a more social community.
Career Reset: A new home base can shift your logistics—shorter commutes, remote-work readiness, or proximity to new industries.
Personal Renewal: Sometimes fresh scenery triggers creative focus, motivation, or simply better well-being.

Even small environmental changes—like more natural light or a neighborhood with active community life—can create a domino effect in daily satisfaction.

Practical Real Estate Considerations

Decision Area	What to Evaluate	Why It Matters
Neighborhood Fit	Walkability, noise levels, community events, lifestyle alignment	Reinforces new routines and social patterns
Home Layout	Office space, accessibility, storage, single-level living options	Supports long-term comfort and remote-work flexibility
Market Conditions	Local pricing trends, inventory levels, tax implications	Helps you time your move and avoid unnecessary financial strain
Future Needs	Proximity to healthcare, family, or recreational areas	Ensures your environment grows with you—not against you

Education as a Springboard in Your Midlife Move

Some midlife movers fold personal growth into their fresh start by returning to school. Taking courses or pursuing new credentials can diversify your opportunities—especially if your career goals are changing alongside your address. For nurses, enhancing career impact is possible through a flexible RN to BSN program, which helps deepen clinical expertise and elevate patient outcomes. Online degree pathways also make it easier to balance coursework with an existing job, offering freedom during a major life transition.

Working With an Experienced Realty Team

A midlife move often benefits from guidance that is both practical and personalized. Partnering with a trusted team like Sunshine Properties Real Estate can turn uncertainty into clarity. Their local market experience, understanding of community dynamics, and ability to translate your goals into specific property recommendations make the process more intentional and less overwhelming. Having a knowledgeable advocate helps you find a neighborhood that supports your goals—not just a house that fits your budget.

Key Things to Review Before You Relocate

Identify what your next chapter requires—space, pace, and daily rhythm.
Audit your current home for friction: What no longer serves you?
Map ideal neighborhood traits (quiet, energetic, coastal, wooded, walkable).
Interview real estate professionals with deep local insight.
Explore financial considerations: taxes, insurance, renovation needs.
Decide what belongings stay or go—move lighter, think clearer.
Visit potential areas at different times of day for a full picture.

FAQs

Is it "too late" to start over in midlife?
Not at all. Many people choose midlife as the ideal period to shift careers, relocate, or redesign their lifestyle because priorities crystallize and flexibility increases.

How long does a typical midlife move take to plan?
Anywhere from a few months to a year. The timeline depends on home inventory, financial readiness, and how dramatic the change is.

How do I know if a new area will fit my long-term goals?
Spend time in the neighborhoods, talk to locals, and work with pros who understand lifestyle alignment—not just real estate transactions.

Additional Insights to Keep in Mind

Don't underestimate the emotional impact of letting go of a long-time home.
Midlife moves aren't just logistical—they're deeply identity-shaping.
Your environment influences sleep, stress, creativity, and relationships more than you think.
Relocation can expand your social world in unexpected ways.

Conclusion

A midlife move is more than a relocation—it's an intentional redesign of how you want to live. By choosing a home and community aligned with your evolving values, working with knowledgeable real estate experts, and weaving in opportunities for growth, you can create a next chapter that feels purposeful and energizing. The right environment doesn't just house your life—it elevates it.

Article belongs to Suzie

Current Crop Estimates

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:56:00 EST

Current Crop Estimates

Below represents the industry's mid-season crop estimate and harvest projections, compiled based on survey responses submitted in April and May 2025 from eight AMRIC handlers, as well as growers and grove managers representing over one-third of the industry acreage.

Sunshine Properties Blog

Fallbrook Avocado Festival

Manage Debt Smartly to Boost Your Chances of Buying a Home Soon

Manage Debt Smartly to Boost Your Chances of Buying a Home Soon

Quick Summary: Debt Moves That Help You Buy Sooner

Do These 8 Fixes to Shrink Balances and Lift Credit

Plan → Pay → Report → Review

Common Debt Questions Before You Buy a Home

Turn Debt Progress Into Faster Mortgage Approval Momentum

California home sales, prices rise in February as mortgage rates ease, C.A.R. reports

Leading California Gubernatorial Candidates Share Homeownership at the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2026 Homeownership Matters Gubernatorial Forum

CAC Trade Campaign Highlights The California Advantage for Retailers

CAC Trade Campaign Highlights The California Advantage for Retailers

California Court Tentatively Rejects "True Lender" Claim in Bank-Fintech Partnership Dispute

California Court Tentatively Rejects "True Lender" Claim in Bank-Fintech Partnership Dispute

Takeaways

Commission Produces Avocado Lace Bug Video

Commission Produces Avocado Lace Bug Video

California home sales, prices rise in February as mortgage rates ease, C.A.R. reports

Vice President of Marketing Terry Splane Retires

Vice President of Marketing Terry Splane Retires

Key Lending News & Updates:

California home sales, prices rise in February as mortgage rates ease, C.A.R. reports

Governor Newsom announces the commitment of over 160 lenders to extend mortgage relief for LA fire survivors

Governor Newsom announces the commitment of over 160 lenders to extend mortgage relief for LA fire survivors

Vital mortgage relief for survivors

Rebuilding financing

Accelerating recovery and protecting communities

California steps up as federal government falls short

Commission Produces Avocado Lace Bug Video

Commission Produces Avocado Lace Bug Video

Recording of the Homeownership Matters Gubernatorial Forum 2026 Now Available

Recipes Connect with Consumers and Build the California Avocados Brand

Recipes Connect with Consumers and Build the California Avocados Brand

California Housing Affordability Improves In Q4

California Housing Affordability Improves In Q4

California housing affordability improves from third-quarter 2025 and a year ago, C.A.R. reports

First-generation home buyers can apply for housing down payment assistance

First-generation home buyers can apply for housing down payment assistance

Apply to California Dream for All by March 16

Step one: Check eligibility

Step two: Work with a loan officer

Step three: Gather documents and complete training

Step four: Apply between Feb 24-Mar 16

Links:

CAS Seminar

CAS Seminar: Exploring Avocado Growing in the Central Valley

California home sales decline in January to lowest level since May 2025 amid 23-month price low, C.A.R. reports

Key 2026 California Lending Developments:

Dream For All application period to open February 24 to March 16

The Food That Fits Your Lifestyle

The Food That Fits Your Lifestyle

Elizabeth Shaw, MS RDN CLT CPT

California housing affordability improves from third-quarter 2025 and a year ago, C.A.R. reports

California Lending News.

Ad in the Official Super Bowl Program marks a new approach to reaching Californians directly about the importance of homeownership

The California Avocado Society is a California Non-Profit Corporation. Membership in the California Avocado Society does not involve the marketing of your avocados.

The California Avocado Society is a California Non-Profit Corporation. Membership in the California Avocado Society does not involve the marketing of your avocados.

January 2026 Market update

January 2026 Marketing Digest

Current Rates

How to Buy and Manage Your First Investment Property Successfully

How to Buy and Manage Your First Investment Property Successfully

Build a Plan for Your First Investment Purchase

Legal Structure: Forming an LLC for Your Investment Property

First-Rental Options Compared at a Glance

Plan → Screen → Operate → Review

Quick Answers for First-Time Property Investors

Take One Confident Step Toward Profitable Property Ownership

How to Buy and Manage Your First Investment Property Successfully

How to Buy and Manage Your First Investment Property Successfully

Build a Plan for Your First Investment Purchase

Legal Structure: Forming an LLC for Your Investment Property

First-Rental Options Compared at a Glance

Plan → Screen → Operate → Review

Quick Answers for First-Time Property Investors

Take One Confident Step Toward Profitable Property Ownership

Mission Produce® Announces Agreement to Acquire Calavo Growers, Expanding North American Avocado Business and Diversifying Portfolio Across Fresh Produce

Mission Produce® Announces Agreement to Acquire Calavo Growers, Expanding North American Avocado Business and Diversifying Portfolio Across Fresh Produce

Today's Mortgage Rates