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It’s eye-opening to realize that for many California households, it now takes an average of 14.7 years to save up a 20% down payment on a typical home—currently priced at $776,200, with a median income of $105,600. For minimum-wage earners setting aside savings on their own, that timeline stretches to a staggering 44.2 years. Geography certainly plays a part: our state’s coastline, mountains, and protected lands mean that most new housing is squeezed into premium coastal corridors. Add in a long-standing tax incentive that encourages homeowners to stay put, along with strong job growth in technology and health care, and you have even more pressure on our local housing market.

For first-time buyers, especially here in the Inland Empire and nearby areas I serve, planning ahead is more important than ever. It’s not just about saving—wage growth would have to outpace home price increases for years before these timelines shorten. As a REALTOR® with deep local experience, my focus is always on helping buyers and sellers navigate these realities with clear, no-pressure guidance, so you can make informed decisions about your next move.

Here's a quick update on San Bernardino County's real estate market. Homes are selling at a similar pace as before. The number of properties available and sold remains consistent with last year.

The numbers around California homeownership can be daunting these days. With the median home price hovering near $930,000, a household needs about $212,000 in annual income to compete—almost double the typical $116,000 income. Even steady employment, strong salaries, and years of saving may not be enough for many families to buy a home here. In the Bay Area, that gap is even wider, with average homes reaching $1.4 million, turning homeownership into something that feels out of reach for too many. While steps like saving more, reducing debt, or considering a move farther from major job centers might help in some situations, the reality is that careful budgeting alone won’t bridge every gap. As someone who’s guided clients throughout Redlands, Yucaipa, and the Inland Empire since 2001, I see firsthand how affordability shapes the dreams and decisions of local families. The challenge now is determining who California’s housing market truly serves—and finding the smartest path forward for those hoping to call this state home.

There’s a new proposal on the horizon that could change the homebuying journey for many in California—Proposition 37. As someone who’s spent over two decades guiding buyers and sellers in Redlands, Yucaipa, and throughout the Inland Empire, I know that the upfront down payment often stands as the biggest hurdle, even for families who can handle monthly payments. This measure would offer a state-backed second mortgage for select newly built homes, letting qualified buyers put in at least 3% themselves, with state assistance covering up to 17% of the purchase price. Combined, that means reaching the typical 20% down—opening doors that might otherwise stay closed.

The state could issue up to $25 billion in revenue bonds, with homeowners’ loan payments designed to pay back investors and fund the program. It’s a potential new option for those—especially Latino households—who feel the pressure of high housing costs but are ready for homeownership if the upfront barrier is lowered. On November 3, 2026, California voters will have the chance to decide if this program deserves a statewide rollout. I’ll be following this closely, as innovative solutions like these could make a real difference for Inland Empire buyers seeking a path to homeownership.

Labor Day in the United States celebrates the contributions of workers everywhere, while also unofficially marking the final big summer weekend before fall takes over.
It’s known for backyard barbecues, road trips, and that classic tradition of buying things you didn’t know you needed because “it’s on sale.”
Beaches, parks, and grills reach peak activity as everyone tries to squeeze every last drop of summer fun out of the long weekend.
Happy Labor Day! Wishing you a fun, easygoing weekend filled with good vibes, great food, and absolutely no thoughts about Monday.