The Fresno County Economic Development Corporation hosted its 2026 Real Estate Forecast, discussing homes, offices, retail, industrial, ag, and investment properties. Experts noted that while the world is dealing with war, high interest rates, and an ongoing insurance crisis, the real estate world has adapted to these conditions. Real estate transactions increased by 52% in 2025, with several large deals. In 2025, Fresno County had 79 major real estate transactions totaling more than $400 million in sales volume. John Kourafas, commercial investment advisor with the Visintainer Group, attributed this interest to lenders wanting to invest in real estate. Retail rents are at the highest they've ever been, driven up by insurance costs, inflation and labor costs. However, the California insurance market is driving up these costs.