LOS ANGELES – According to the California Association of Realtors, only 18% of California households could afford to purchase a median-priced home during the first quarter of 2005, down from 21% in the first quarter of 2004. During the first quarter, a minimum household income of $113,920 was needed in California to purchase a median-priced home at $488,600. Incomes in California fell short of that mark. In fact, median household incomes were less than half of that amount, only $53,540. This affordability gap contrasts sharply with national first quarter figures, which improved from first quarter 2004. In fact, Americans nationwide had more than enough to qualify for a median priced home. Nationwide, the first quarter median home price was $193,600, which required a minimum household income of $43,680. This compared favorably with first quarter median incomes of $56,521. The California Association of Realtors acknowledged the disparity. "These numbers are particularly troubling for would-be first-time homebuyers, who often are locked out of homeownership because of the lack of affordable homes for sale," said C.A.R. President Jim Hamilton. "While home sales statewide continue to surge, the California real estate market is being dominated by repeat homebuyers, who account for three out of four home purchases in the state."