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.

California's median single-family home price hovered near $800K, leaving condominiums as a more realistic ownership path for many younger, working, and middle-class households.
The main barrier described was legal risk: condo projects faced defect disputes that could reach court before builders had a chance to repair problems.
After a homeowners association formed, attorneys could pursue claims quickly, and that exposure reportedly led many developers to favor apartments over for-sale condos.
The bill would create a right-to-repair process, giving builders time to fix defects first while preserving homeowners' ability to seek stronger remedies.
Supporters argued those changes could restore feasibility for starter ownership homes and pair with California's broader efforts to upzone, streamline approvals, and reduce fees.

California voters in Mid-Q4 will consider two housing measures: one focused on middle-class buyer help, another on lower-income housing and veteran loans.
The middle-class measure would use up to $25B in revenue bonds, covering down payments up to 17% for newly built homes statewide.
A separate $11.25B bond package would direct $10B to lower-income housing and $1.25B in revenue bonds to veteran home loan programs across California.
Unlike a grant, that middle-class assistance would likely be repaid monthly; supporters say it could encourage more for-sale construction, while critics warn taxpayers face risk.
The measures would arrive alongside a state-run shared-appreciation program that recently offered up to 20% down payment help, capped at $150K, for first-generation buyers.