Central Valley Real Estate & Lifestyle Update – September 26 2025

Market Pulse: Housing and Investment Trends

Build‑to‑Rent development approved. On September 4 the Fresno Planning Commission approved a 44‑unit build‑to‑rent (BTR) gated community at Peach Avenue between Tulare and Huntington avenues near Sunnyside High Schoolnorthmarq.com. BTR homes are built to rent rather than sell. Each of the proposed homes will be ~1,350 sq ft with three bedrooms, two baths and a two‑car garagenorthmarq.com. Rents are expected to be around $2,250 and the developer plans to build a block wall to address neighbors’ privacy concernsnorthmarq.com. The project now heads to the Fresno City Council for final approvalnorthmarq.com.

Fresno’s Prohousing comeback. Fresnoland reports that city leaders unanimously voted on August 29 to apply to regain California’s Prohousing designation after it was revoked for non‑compliancefresnoland.org. The designation would restore access to millions of dollars in state housing grants and reinforces the city’s commitment to building more homesfresnoland.org. Fresno plans to submit its application by mid‑September with approval expected by mid‑Octoberfresnoland.org. The council also approved purchasing and demolishing the historic Peacock Hotel for the Villa Baccara project—about 100 affordable and market‑rate apartments with ground‑floor commercial spacefresnoland.org. In addition, $6 million was allocated to the Parkview Apartments along Parkway Drive, which will add up to 170 units of affordable housingfresnoland.org.

Affordable homeownership in southwest Fresno. ABC 30 reports that a vacant lot off Florence Avenue has been transformed into a neighborhood of new affordable single‑family homes. Resident Edgar Navarro said his family can now enjoy a stable environment and avoid the repair issues of older rentalsabc30.com. Fresno City Council member Miguel Arias noted that community members wanted to own quality homes like those found on the north side of townabc30.com. Each home is valued at about $325,000, but thanks to city and local‑agency investments, mortgages will be closer to $200,000abc30.com. Seventeen families will move in once construction is completedabc30.com.

Multifamily market analysis. According to Northmarq’s Q2 2025 report, the Central Valley delivered more than 1,000 multifamily units in Q2—one of the highest quarterly totals on recordnorthmarq.com. Vacancy ticked up to 4.5 % (about 130 basis points above the five‑year average), but renter demand remains strong and rents are still risingnorthmarq.com. Sales activity is shifting toward smaller deals; the average unit count for traded properties dropped 45 % compared with 2024, and most transactions involve older Class C assets in the $5–$10 million rangenorthmarq.com. Northmarq expects completions to reach a decade high this year and predicts continued rent growth—although at a moderate pace—supported by strong logistics‑driven job growth in counties like Fresno and Stanislausnorthmarq.com.

Housing market numbers. FresYes’ June 2025 update for Fresno and Clovis reported a median sold price of $445,000 (up 1.14 % year‑over‑year) and an average price per square foot of $293 (up 2.07 %). Fewer homes were sold, leading to tight inventory and 5 extra days on market, giving buyers more negotiation power.

Clovis vs. Fresno lifestyle snapshot. Cygnus Estates’ 2025 comparison highlighted Clovis’ small‑town charm, top‑ranked Clovis Unified School District, and higher resale valueshomesbycygnus.com. Fresno offers a larger urban environment with diverse entertainment, varied property types and relative affordability, though some neighborhoods require careful research due to crime rateshomesbycygnus.com.

Upcoming Realtor & Community Events – September 2025

Stay connected through the Fresno Association of REALTORS® September 2025 events calendar:

• MLS Tours & Trends Meeting (Sept 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30) – weekly tours and networking at 6720 N West Ave, Fresnofresnorealtors.com.

• Know Your Forms (English & Spanish, Sept 2) – back‑to‑back classes that demystify real estate contract formsfresnorealtors.com.

• YPN Committee Meeting (Sept 2) – Young Professionals Network gatheringfresnorealtors.com.

• Byte Sized Brilliance (Sept 4, 11, 18 & 25) – fifteen‑minute MLS training sessions via Zoom for quick skill buildingfresnorealtors.comfresnorealtors.com.

• CRMLS – Agent Essentials & CRMLS App trainings (Sept 4 & 18) – virtual classes on using the MLS systemfresnorealtors.comfresnorealtors.com.

• Investors/Exchangors meetings (Sept 5, 19 & 26) – Zoom sessions for investorsfresnorealtors.comfresnorealtors.com.

• Community Outreach Committee Meeting (Sept 8) – volunteer and outreach planningfresnorealtors.com.

• WCR Fashion Show (Sept 10) at Birdstone Winery – a fun networking event hosted by the Women’s Council of REALTORS®fresnorealtors.com.

• Wake‑Up YPN (Sept 11) – breakfast networking at PressBox Sports Grillfresnorealtors.com.

• WCR California Fall State Meeting (Sept 13–14) – statewide training and inspirationfresnorealtors.com.

• Headshots Day (Sept 17) – free professional headshots for REALTORS®fresnorealtors.com.

• VAREP – A Locked & Loaded Lunch (Sept 18) – safety and self‑defense training for agentsfresnorealtors.com.

• Alliance Fresno – A Fresh Start (Sept 24) – dinner event launching the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance’s local chapterfresnorealtors.com.

Seasonal Décor & Interior Design Trends for Fall 2025

Rich & Moody Color Palettes

Fall 2025 design leans into deep, saturated hues. Rusty oranges, olive green, charcoal, browns, plum and ochre replace the pale neutrals of recent yearsmycreativedays.com. Jewel tones like mustard yellow and wine red are also trendingvogue.com. Use throw pillows, blankets or artwork to bring these colors into living rooms and bedrooms.

Layered, Cozy Textures

Chunky knit throws, velvet and bouclé fabrics, pleated drapery and warm woods create a sense of comfortmycreativedays.com. Vogue notes that velvet is replacing boucle as the favorite upholstery, and pleated/printed drapery is being used as an art formvogue.comvogue.com. Brown “antique” furniture is back; mix it with verdigris (copper patina) accents for charactervogue.com.

Vintage & Thrifted Accents

Sustainability and nostalgia are huge drivers. Fall decorating guides recommend incorporating vintage books, brass candlesticks, old picture frames or cratesmycreativedays.com. These elements pair beautifully with the return of Art Deco patterns and jewel‑toned accessoriesvogue.comvogue.com.

Natural Elements & Handmade Touches

Bring the outdoors inside with preserved leaves, dried flowers, wood, stone and claymycreativedays.com. Simplify front‑porch décor with layered neutral rugs, plaid welcome mats and a few lanterns or plantersmycreativedays.com. Handmade wreaths, painted pumpkins and DIY artwork add personal meaningmycreativedays.com. For budget‑conscious homeowners, thrifting and repainting old décor in trending colors is a cost‑effective strategymycreativedays.com.

Biophilic & Wellness‑Focused Spaces

Outdoor rooms remain popular. Estate Landscaping notes that sustainable landscapes using native plants, efficient irrigation, rain gardens and pollinator gardens reduce water useestatelandscaping.com. Low‑maintenance landscapes with drought‑tolerant plants, artificial turf and mulch save timeestatelandscaping.com. 2025 trends include edible landscapes (herbs, fruit trees), vertical gardens and meditation/yoga areasamericangardensllc.com. Natural hardscapes using stone and wood create a relaxed, “wild” aestheticamericangardensllc.com.

Curb‑Appeal & Landscaping Updates

• Warm, Earthy Exteriors: Better Homes & Gardens notes a shift from cool gray modern minimalism toward biophilic curb appeal with pale tan, forest green, navy blue and charcoal; natural accents like stone and wood help homes feel more welcomingbhg.com.

• Bold Front Doors & Statement Steps: Vibrant doors in navy, teal or terra‑cotta offer a pop of personalitybhg.com. Oversized front doors and wider steps create a grand entrancebhg.com.

• Dark Exterior Trim: Painting trims, windows or an accent wall in black or dark hues gives modern contrast without overwhelming the façadebhg.com.

• Artistic Hardscaping: Expect unique patterns in driveways, permeable pavers and living wallsbobvila.combobvila.com.

• Lived‑In Landscaping: Rewilding with native plants, clover and decorative rock beds supports biodiversity and reduces maintenancebobvila.combhg.com. Xeriscaping and drought‑tolerant landscaping are especially relevant in the Central Valley’s dry climatebhg.com.

• Smart Outdoor Lighting: Adjustable LEDs connected to apps or voice assistants enhance ambience and safetybhg.com.

• Decking & Fencing: Rich brown stains like Burnt Hickory complement the move toward earthy palettesbhg.com.

Interior Design “In & Out” List

IN: Drapery as art installations, Art Deco patterns, brown antique furniture, verdigris accents, velvet upholstery, jewel tones (mustard yellow and wine red), flame‑stitch patterns, “shambolic” layered decor, wallpaper on ceilings and upholstered walls, and mixing woods and metalsvogue.comvogue.comvogue.comvogue.comvogue.comvogue.com.

OUT: All‑white interiors, black kitchens, over‑curated spaces, fluted tile and space‑age light fixturesvogue.com.

Actionable Tips for Sellers & Buyers

1. Enhance curb appeal before listing: Add a bold front door, update porch lighting and incorporate drought‑tolerant landscaping. Fresh mulch and native plants can deliver up to a 200 % return on investment according to BHGbhg.com.

2. Highlight eco‑friendly features: Buyers are increasingly seeking energy‑efficient homes and xeriscaping. Point out any smart irrigation systems, solar panels or water‑wise gardensbhg.com.

3. Stage with warmth: Use fall color palettes, layered textures and vintage pieces to create inviting spaces. Avoid stark white rooms and instead mix browns, jewel tones and verdigris accessoriesvogue.comvogue.com.

4. Leverage market conditions: With inventory still tight and prices edging up, serious buyers should be pre‑approved and ready to negotiate. Investors should explore smaller multifamily deals or build‑to‑rent projects as demand for rentals remains strongnorthmarq.comnorthmarq.com.

5. Attend local events: REALTORS® and consumers can network at MLS tours, WCR events, Alliance Fresno dinners or training sessions. These events offer insights into market trends and foster community tiesfresnorealtors.comfresnorealtors.com.

Why Work With a CENTURY 21® Agent?

CENTURY 21 agents specialize in the Central Valley and stay on top of market changes, zoning policies and local events. Whether you’re buying a first home, selling an investment property or exploring build‑to‑rent opportunities, our expertise and global brand recognition can help you achieve your real estate goals. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can turn your real estate dreams into reality.