October 2025 Market Recap: Tulare & Kings Counties
October 2025 Market Recap: Tulare & Kings Counties
Bringing you the latest trends in the Central Valley so you’re ready whether buying or selling.
Tulare County – Steady + Slow-Building Growth
In Tulare County, the market continues to show modest upward movement. According to recent data:
The median home value is approximately $355,852, up about +1.2% year-over-year.
The median sold price for September was around $383,390, up about +3.2% year-over-year.
Inventory was showing around 1,256 active listings as of September.
Homes are selling in roughly the same range as list price on average and the median days on market is creeping higher (indicating slightly less urgency than peak periods).
What this means:
For sellers: You’re in a market where values are rising modestly—so you likely won’t see rapid double-digit jumps, but you are still gaining equity.
For buyers: It’s not a rush-to-buy scenario like the pandemic frenzy, but neither is it a deep buyer’s market. You have more time than a year ago to make decisions and negotiate.
For both: Pay attention to inventory levels. With slightly higher inventory and somewhat longer days on market, strategic pricing, strong staging/marketing, and being ready to act matter more than before.
Kings County – A Mixed Picture, Leaning Toward Balance
In Kings County, the data is a bit more mixed and leans toward a balanced market:
The average home value is about $356,004, with a year-over-year increase of +1.9%.
The median listing home price in September was approximately $374,900, up about +2.7% year-over-year. The median sold price was around $362,500.
On the flip side, one dataset shows the median sold price in September at ~$363 K and a year-over-year decline of –4.5%.
Days on market appear longer compared to tighter markets, and the number of sales remains modest.
What this means:
The Kings County market is less overheated and shows signs of leveling off. Values are stable but not skyrocketing.
For sellers: You should price smartly—and be prepared for a market where buyers may have more leverage.
For buyers: There may be more opportunity here to negotiate or find value than in hotter markets, but low rates and good credit will still be important.
For investors or those looking for Texas-sized gains: The high upside rush might be over; this is more about steady long-term value.
Key Takeaways & Strategic Tips
Inventory is creeping up: More listings mean more choice for buyers and more competition for sellers. That slightly shifts the power toward buyers compared to peak seller markets.
Price growth is modest: Rather than the double-digit booms of prior years, both counties are seeing low-single-digit growth.
Time to sell is longer: Homes aren’t flying off the market quite as fast. Staging, pricing, and marketing matter even more.
Financing & rates still matter big time: With interest rates higher than the ultra-low era, affordability remains a key limiter for many buyers.
Local expertise is crucial: Micro-markets (by city, neighborhood, lot size) will vary more than they used to; one size doesn’t fit all.
What to Do If You’re Thinking of Selling in October / Q4 2025
Get a current competitive market analysis (CMA) from a local pro so you know exactly where your home sits versus recent comps.
Consider pre-listing inspection/repair plan so you can show your home is move-in ready (this helps in a slightly slower market).
Price with room to negotiate—but don’t overprice expecting “the boom.”
Time your listing to take advantage of fall traffic but avoid the slowdown post-holiday.
What to Do If You’re Thinking of Buying
Get pre-approved so you’re ready to act without surprises.
Know that while you may have more breathing room, other buyers are still active; good homes still sell.
Don’t assume deep discounts—though there may be more flexibility, the popular homes still command premium.
Factor in higher interest rate scenarios into your budget (i.e., what happens if rates rise a point or more).
Looking Ahead: What to Watch for in Q4 2025
Will inventory continue to rise, or will it tighten up again?
Will interest rates meaningfully decline and unlock more buyers?
Will any external shocks (economy, policy, lending changes) shift momentum quickly?
How will local job markets/industries in the Central Valley influence demand (agriculture, logistics, remote work trends)?
Final Word
For the Central Valley markets of Tulare and Kings Counties in October 2025: the boom-phase of hyper-growth is behind us; we’re in a more mature phase of the cycle—moderate growth, more balanced supply/demand, and smart strategy will win. As your local expert, I’m here to guide you whether you’re buying, selling, or simply watching for opportunity.
NOTE* Article written with the help of AI. Sources from Redfin, Zillow, Realtor.com, FRED Economic Data
