To summarize the Fullerton market in October in one line: home prices and rents have risen slightly, but the real factor shaking up the market has been interest rates.

Let's look at the numbers in order. The reference point is data released in early November, and since different sources have different methods of aggregation, I've noted them separately.

First, regarding home prices. According to Zillow's Home Value Index (ZHVI), the median home value in Fullerton at the end of September was $1,037,545.

If you're unfamiliar with ZHVI, think of it this way: it's not just looking at homes that were actually sold that month, but rather the estimated value of all homes in the neighborhood, ranked to find the middle value.

A year ago, in September 2025, it was $1,007,503. This means it has increased by 2.98% over the year.

The trend is also noteworthy. From January to September 2026, this index has risen slightly every month without fail.

You might wonder why there are no figures for October. Zillow typically releases the previous month's figures around mid-month, so the latest confirmed value at this point is for September.

The California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) has not yet released its county statistics for October either. Therefore, it's more accurate to interpret the October sales market through the lens of interest rate trends rather than numbers.

Next, let's discuss rents. According to RentCafe data, the average rent in Fullerton as of October 31 was $2,600, which is a 2.82% increase from $2,528 a year ago.

By unit size, the rents are as follows: studio $1,740, 1-bedroom $2,300, 2-bedroom $2,952, and 3-bedroom $3,678.

Zillow's Rent Index (ZORI) shows slightly higher numbers. As of September, it was $2,888, up from $2,794 a year ago.

The reason these two numbers differ by nearly $300 is due to the different subjects of aggregation. Simply put, RentCafe focuses mainly on apartment complexes, while Zillow includes single-family homes and condos as well.

So, if you're looking for an apartment, it's more realistic to use the RentCafe figures, while those looking for house rentals should refer to Zillow's numbers.

Comparing with surrounding cities provides better context. According to the same RentCafe data, Brea is at $2,715, and Placentia is at $2,641.

Conversely, Buena Park is at $2,381, and La Habra is at $2,490, both lower than Fullerton. Irvine is significantly higher at $3,311.

Fullerton can be seen as right in the middle of northern Orange County. This is also why many Korean families compare school districts and commuting options.

Now, let's talk about the real star of October: interest rates. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac started at 7.28% on October 1, rising to 7.40% on October 8 and 15.

After that, it gradually decreased to 7.24% on October 29 and 7.18% on November 5.

Compared to a year ago, the difference is stark. On October 30, 2025, it was 6.17%, meaning it has risen over 1 percentage point in a year.

Until summer, it was in the mid-6% range, but it sharply increased from mid-September, entering the 7% range on September 24 at 7.03%. I was surprised by this speed.

If you're unsure why a 1 percentage point increase in interest rates is significant, consider this: even if you buy the same house, your monthly principal and interest payments increase noticeably, which lowers the price range of homes you can afford.

Despite this, the home price index remains stable because there aren't many sellers. Homeowners who previously secured loans at lower rates are reluctant to sell, leading to a shortage of listings, which supports prices.

There's also a regulation that tenants should be aware of. Fullerton does not have its own rent control ordinance, so state law AB 1482 applies.

For increases effective after August 1, 2026, the annual cap is 8.7%, which is the sum of 5% and the LA area consumer price increase of 3.7%. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices rose by 3.7% in April 2026 compared to a year earlier.

However, buildings less than 15 years old or certain qualified single-family homes may be exempt. It's safest to check whether your home qualifies through the lease agreement's notice clause or by consulting with city hall or legal advice.

In summary, October in Fullerton saw home prices and rents rise around 3%, while interest rates surged significantly.

In my opinion, if you're considering buying now, you might have a few weeks to see if rates drop further from the low 7% range, as the market isn't experiencing rapid price increases.

If you're approaching a rent renewal, check whether the increase notice is within the 8.7% limit. Once the official October statistics are released in mid-November, I'll revisit the numbers.