The California Association of Realtors released its October home sales and price report on Nov 18, which highlighted the state’s highest level of sales since February.

Across the state, single-family homes sales reached 282,590 on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, up 1.9% from September’s 277,410 and 4.1% above the 271,370 recorded a year earlier.

Although October marked the highest total of statewide sales since February, it was below the 300,000 sales benchmark for the 37th straight month.

The statewide median home price reached $886,960, an increase of 0.4% from September but 0.2% lower than October 2024. Year-to-date sales were up 0.8%.

Uncertainty surrounding mortgage rates and the economy could potentially keep buyers “on the sidelines.”

“Mortgage rates, which briefly approached their 12-month low in October, have resumed an upward trajectory as the Federal Reserve took a more cautious approach during the government shutdown,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. “With the market easing into its seasonal slowdown, housing demand will stay soft, and California is likely to close out 2025 with only a modest uptick in home sales over last year.”

In the Central Valley, prices remained stable while counties posted mixed sales performance. 

Fresno County’s median price was $440,000, down 1.1% from September and up 7.2% from October 2024. Sales dropped 0.6% month over month but rose 6.5% this year. 

Kings County posted the state’s highest sales increase at 52.9% year over year despite a 5.1% monthly decrease. The county’s median price was $357,500, down 4.4% from September but up 5.1% annually.

Madera County’s median price reached $459,000, up 2.0% month to month and 4.8% year over year, sales fell 5.8% annually. 

Tulare County had a $380,000 median, the same from September and down 3.0% from last year, while sales climbed 18.0% year over year.