06/19/2026
Is the $1 Million 'Starter Home' the new reality in California? (What a new report means for your budget)
The entry-level bar has officially been raised. 📈
According to a massive new report released TODAY, a record 242 cities in the U.S. now have "starter homes" (defined as the lowest third of property values) priced at $1 Million or more. 🛑
The kicker? California holds 105 of those cities. 🌴
In Southern California, a seven-figure entry point has become the baseline. But while the headlines sound discouraging, it doesn't mean your homeownership goals are over—it just means the traditional playbook is officially dead.
In tomorrow’s new podcast episode, Rick and I break down the exact strategies local buyers are using to conquer the million-dollar threshold this summer:
👉 Leveraging rate buy-downs instead of chasing price drops.
👉 Using the condo and townhome market as a high-equity stepping stone.
👉 Capitalizing on June’s new inventory surge to negotiate serious seller credits.
Stop stressing over national headlines and start using local, boots-on-the-ground math. 💯
Meghan Shigo, Realtor
Century 21 Affiliated
DRE 01243803