Southern California Real Estate: A January 2026 Compass
Welcome, SoCal home buyers and sellers! As your dedicated real estate blogger, I'm diving deep into the latest market trends in Moreno Valley, Riverside, Corona, Brea, and Fullerton. Let's uncover what's shaping our local markets this week and what it means for you.
Interest Rate Realities and Affordability
First, let's address the elephant in the room: interest rates. As of January 11, 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in California hovers around 6.14%, while a 15-year fixed mortgage averages 5.60%. While these figures are down from the highs of late 2023, experts anticipate rates will likely remain in the 6-7% range for the remainder of the year. According to a January 9, 2026 CBS News report, the average mortgage interest rate on a 30-year term is 5.87%. This slight decrease could be attributed to the Federal Reserve's consistent interest rate-cut campaign.
What this means for buyers: Affordability remains a key concern. Factor in these rates when calculating your potential monthly payments. Explore options like the CalHFA programs for first-time homebuyers to potentially secure more favorable terms. What this means for sellers: Pricing your home strategically is crucial. Buyers are rate-conscious, so a well-priced property is more likely to attract attention in today's market.
Local Market Snapshots: Trends and Insights
Moreno Valley: A Balanced Market
Moreno Valley presents a market with renewed vigor in January 2026. New listings are coming onto the market, and buyer demand remains robust. According to Inplex.ai, 150 new listings hit the market, with 120 homes finding new owners. The median sale price stands at $485,000, with a competitive climate indicated by 96% of sales at or above the list price.
Key Stats:
- New Listings: 150
- Homes Sold: 120
- Median Sale Price: $485,000
- Months of Supply: 1.7 (Tight supply accelerates decisions)
- List to Sale Price Ratio: 99.3%
Neighborhood Watch: Move-up listings in the $500,000 to $550,000 range have increased, offering options for those seeking upgrades. Areas like Towngate and Hidden Springs are showing steady activity.
Riverside: Seller's Advantage
Riverside currently favors sellers, with limited inventory and brisk sales. Inplex.ai reports 764 active residential listings with a median sales price of $645,000. The median days on market are a swift 22 days.
Key Stats:
- Active Listings: 764
- New Listings: 362
- Median Sale Price: $645,000
- Median Days on Market: 22
- Months of Inventory: 2.4
Neighborhood Focus: Consider areas near the River District, where revitalization efforts are underway, including developments around Fairmount Park.
Corona: A Competitive Landscape
Corona's real estate market is characterized by active movement and a balanced inventory. With a median sales price of $715,000 and properties averaging 36 days on the market, both buyers and sellers need to be strategic.
Key Stats:
- Median Sales Price: $715,000
- Active Inventory: 238 homes
- New Listings (January 2026): 92
- Average Days on Market: 36
- Months of Supply: 2.1
Buyer Tip: Look for opportunities arising from price reductions, as 10 were observed in January 2026.
Brea: A Robust Seller's Market
Brea continues to be a strong seller's market, with a median sale price of $965,000. Homes are selling quickly, averaging just 22 days on the market, and close to the list price.
Key Stats:
- Median Sale Price: $965,000
- List to Sale Price Ratio: 99%
- Active Homes: 42
- New Listings (January 2026): 31
- Median Days on Market: 22
Seller Strategy: Sharp pricing is essential to capitalize on motivated and informed buyers.
Fullerton: High Demand, Rising Prices
Fullerton's housing market is very competitive. In November 2025, home prices were up 7.2% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $1.1M. On average, homes in Fullerton sell after 33 days on the market.
Key Stats:
- Median Sale Price (November 2025): $1.1 Million
- Days on Market: 33
Important Considerations: Fullerton is facing a housing crisis and needs to construct over 13,000 housing units to meet state requirements. The city is also working to address homelessness by establishing low-barrier shelters and affordable housing options.
Actionable Insights for Buyers and Sellers
For Buyers:
- Get Pre-Approved: Know your budget and be ready to act fast in competitive markets.
- Explore Financing Options: Investigate first-time homebuyer programs and compare mortgage offers to secure the best rates.
- Be Prepared to Negotiate: Even in seller's markets, opportunities for negotiation may exist.
For Sellers:
- Price Strategically: Work with a real estate professional to determine the optimal listing price for your home.
- Prepare Your Home: Staging and marketing can give you an edge in attracting buyers.
- Respond Rapidly: Be ready to respond quickly to offers and feedback.
The IE Real Estate News Perspective
While I don't have specific recent updates from IE-RealEstate.com *this week*, keeping an eye on local Inland Empire news sources is always a good idea. These sources often provide insights into local developments, new projects, and broader market trends affecting the region.
Final Thoughts
The Southern California real estate market remains dynamic and localized. Whether you're buying or selling, staying informed and working with a knowledgeable real estate professional is key to navigating the market successfully. Good luck with your real estate endeavors!
