T
he Tulare County residential real estate market has bucked the trend of a declining California housing market. According to statistics from the California Association of Realtors (CAR), existing single-family home sales in the state decreased by 3.4% in April, compared to March, and 0.2% from April 2023. However, the median home price reached a record high, increasing by 2.9% to $910,160.

    The CAR President attributed the sluggish start to this spring's buying season to concerns over tariffs and a potential recession. With prices rising and mortgage rates remaining high, homebuyers are showing hesitation due to economic uncertainty.

    In contrast, Tulare County saw an increase in home sales of 3.4% compared to last year, according to CAR. The median price of a house sold in the county was $380,660 in April, up a modest 0.2% from April 2023. Visalia Mayor Brett Taylor, who is also CEO of the Tulare County Association of Realtors, notes that affordability is a major factor in the state real estate market.

    "When you're looking at median prices pushing upwards of $1 million on the coast, it becomes unattainable for young families or couples trying to start a family," Taylor said. "That's why people are starting to look at Central Valley homes." He believes that Tulare County is one of the most affordable areas in the state, with new three-bedroom, two-bath homes available for around $350,000.

    Taylor doesn't expect tariffs to have a significant impact on Tulare County home sales. "Most jobs here are steady, and we're not a tourist community like Las Vegas," he said. While national events may eventually affect the county, Taylor believes it will be less pronounced than in cities with large ports or tourist industries.

    Other current events, such as the recent fires in Southern California, have had more of an effect on the county real estate market. "We've seen a little bit of pickup from people looking to move here after losing their homes," Taylor said.