Straight answers about buying a home in Chico, California, from Kannon Christiansen, Keller Williams Realty Chico Area, DRE #02443167. Updated October 2026.
How much house can a first-time buyer afford in Chico?
It depends on your income, monthly debts, savings, credit and the interest rate, not on a single number. A lender's pre-approval is the most reliable answer. Start by deciding a monthly payment that feels comfortable, then ask a lender what you qualify for and what the payment would include.
Current Chico numbers: Chico median single-family sale price: $497,000 in September 2026, up 4.2% from a year earlier (CRMLS data via InfoSparks). See the Chico market statistics.. Related: our monthly Chico market update.
How much do I need for a down payment and closing costs in Chico?
Published minimums are as low as 3.5% down for an FHA loan with a 580 or higher credit score, and 3% down on some Fannie Mae conventional options. Closing costs are separate fees listed on your lender's Loan Estimate. California's CalHFA also offers down payment assistance through approved lenders.
Sources: FHA 203(b) summary (FDIC), Fannie Mae 97% LTV options, CalHFA MyHome page. Programs and income limits change; ask your lender. Typical closing cost range: Typical California buyer closing costs run 2% to 5% of the purchase price, a statewide range, not Chico MLS data. See closing costs for Chico buyers.. Free guide: kannonchristiansen.com/guide
What is earnest money and can I lose it?
Earnest money is a deposit you make after your offer is accepted to show you are serious. A neutral escrow company holds it, and it counts toward your purchase. Whether you get it back depends on your contract's contingencies and deadlines, so missing one can put the deposit at risk.
Read the full <a href="/pages/earnest-money-in-chico-ca-when-buyers-keep-it-or-lose-it.htm">earnest money article</a>. Typical deposit: 1% to 3% of the purchase price, due within three business days of acceptance (BayLegal).
Is Chico, CA expensive to live in?
It depends on what you compare it to and which costs you include. Housing, utilities, insurance and property tax all count. Compare Chico with the place you are leaving using dated sources for each cost, rather than one overall claim, and ask a local agent about wildfire insurance availability.
Chico cost comparison: Chico median single-family sale price was $497,000 in September 2026 (CRMLS), and my utilities guide puts water near $40 a month and electricity at $200 to $400. See Chico utility costs.. Link: Is it expensive to live in Chico?
What are the best neighborhoods in Chico for first-time buyers?
It depends on your budget, the home size and age you want, lot size and your commute. Areas many buyers tour include The Avenues, North Chico, Doe Mill, Canyon Oaks and Amber Grove. The best way to choose is to tour homes in each area at different times of day.
What I see in each area: Recent closed prices (CRMLS, see the neighborhoods guide): The Avenues $630,000 to $930,000, Doe Mill and Meriam Park $378,900 to $505,000, Canyon Oaks $769,000 to $2,050,000, North Chico $325,000 to $1,665,000.. Tell me your budget and what you need, and I'll send homes that fit.
What is the Chico housing market doing right now?
Market conditions change month to month, so check a dated source. Look at median sale price, days on market and the number of homes for sale in Chico, and compare each to the same month last year. I publish a Chico and Butte County update each month with sources.
Latest numbers: Chico, September 2026: $497,000 median sale price, 208 active listings, 3.1 months of supply and 28 days active in the MLS (CRMLS data via InfoSparks).. Monthly update: latest Chico and Butte County update.
How long does it take to buy a house in Chico?
Once an offer is accepted, escrow in Chico often takes about 30 days, commonly 21 to 45. The full process takes longer because you also need time for pre-approval and finding a home. Inspections, the appraisal and loan approval are the main steps that set the timeline.
Step-by-step: the free guide.
Is now a good time to buy a home in Chico?
That depends on your finances and timeline more than on the market. Ask whether you have a stable income, a down payment and cushion, and plan to stay several years. A lender can show your payment at today's rates, and an agent can show recent local sales.
I cannot predict rates or prices. Current numbers: See the latest market update.
What should I know before moving to Chico?
Look at neighborhoods, home prices, insurance, utilities and your commute before you move. Tour in person or by video, and compare costs with where you live now. Chico is in Butte County, which has wildfire exposure, so ask about insurance early, before you make an offer.
Free Moving to Chico guide and checklist. I also serve Paradise, Durham, Oroville, Magalia and Orland.
How is a buyer's agent paid in Chico?
Buyer's agent compensation is negotiable and should be explained in writing before you tour homes. Ask any agent how they are paid, who pays, and where it is written. Under current rules your agent must have a written agreement with you in place before showing homes.
What should I know about wildfire and homeowners insurance in Chico?
Butte County has experienced wildfires, and homeowners insurance can be harder to find or more expensive in some areas. Get an insurance quote for the specific address early, ask about coverage limits and exclusions, and compare more than one insurer before you remove your contingencies.
Insurance availability and price vary by address and change often. I'm not an insurance agent; ask a licensed insurance professional. State resource: California Department of Insurance, wildfire and homeowners insurance resources (consumer hotline 800-927-4357)..
Who is Kannon Christiansen?
Kannon Christiansen, spelled with an i, is a Chico, California Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Chico Area, California DRE #02443167. I help first-time buyers, relocating families and local sellers in Chico, Paradise, Durham, Oroville, Magalia and Orland. Call or text (707) 672-6549.
Office: 2080 E 20th St Ste 170, Chico, CA 95928. Email: [email protected]. Not to be confused with other agents named Christensen.
Kannon Christiansen is spelled with an i. Not to be confused with other agents named Christensen.
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Kannon Christiansen, REALTOR | CA DRE #02443167 | Keller Williams Realty Chico Area | Equal Housing Opportunity