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How Much Do Sellers Usually Come Down on a House? | East Bay Real Estate Insights

Thinking about buying or selling a home in the East Bay? Understanding how much sellers usually reduce their asking price can help you make smart, strategic decisions. In this blog, we break down real-world 2025 data, pricing strategies that work, and how buyers and sellers can take advantage of current East Bay market trends.



In 2025, sellers across the East Bay—including Alameda and Contra Costa Counties—are adjusting their list prices more than you might think. We’ve seen price reductions range from just a few hundred dollars all the way up to $599,000.


In Central Contra Costa County (which includes Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez), homes that sold below asking price dropped an average of 3.53%. East Bay-wide, that average was even higher at 3.98%.


What does that mean for you?

  • Sellers: You need to price your home right from the start—or be ready to adjust quickly if you don’t generate demand.

  • Buyers: There are opportunities out there. Homes sitting on the market are often ripe for negotiation.



The #1 factor driving home prices in the East Bay isn’t location or condition—it’s demand.


Demand = the number of serious, qualified buyers actively interested in your home.


If your home isn’t getting attention—think: low showing counts, few open house visitors, or no offers—your price may be too high for the current market.

In 2025, the average East Bay listing sits on the market for 46 days. But the homes that actually sell? They average just 25 days on the market. That 25-day mark is a key threshold. If your home has passed it, buyers may start to sense weakness and look for a deal.



How you price your home can make or break your sale. Here are the three main approaches we see in the East Bay:


1. Overpricing Above Market Value

Some sellers list above recent comparable sales, hoping for “just one” high offer. Unfortunately, this often backfires.

  • Why it doesn’t work: Your home ends up compared to nicer, upgraded homes in a higher tier. Buyers skip it.

  • Buyers miss your listing: Most buyers search based on max budget. If you're listed at $905,000, buyers searching up to $900,000 will never even see your home.


2. Pricing at Comparable Sales

This approach sets your list price based on recent similar home sales in your area.

  • The downside? When multiple homes are similarly priced, buyers shop for deals. Your home may attract lower offers and more negotiation.


3. Pricing to Create Demand

This is the most powerful strategy. List just below market value to stand out, attract more buyers, and generate multiple offers.

  • The result? You create competition—and competition drives price.

  • With the right prep and presentation, these homes can sell above recent comparable sales.



Learn more: Selling Your Home



If you start too high and need to drop your price, do it strategically. A weak reduction—like from $895,000 to $889,000—won’t move the needle.


Buyers tend to search in round-number brackets, like:

  • Up to $900,000

  • Up to $875,000


So a drop to $874,000 opens up your listing to a larger pool of buyers than a drop to $895,000. Make your reduction count.


On the flip side, some sellers overcorrect and drop too far—then accept the first offer before the market has time to react. This creates a huge opportunity for buyers who are watching closely and ready to move fast.



If you're a buyer in today’s market, here’s what to watch for:

  • Listings over 25 days old may be overpriced and ripe for negotiation.

  • Homes with price reductions indicate motivated sellers.

  • Aggressive price drops often create a short window to get a deal before others catch on.


Timing and preparation are key. If you're working with a knowledgeable East Bay realtor (I'm one of them), you can move fast when the right opportunity arises.



Final Thoughts: Strategy Wins in Today’s Market

Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding how sellers adjust their price—and why—is essential. In 2025, we’re seeing large swings in seller pricing behavior across the East Bay. Knowing how to interpret days on market, demand signals, and price reductions will give you a real edge.



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Want expert advice on your home purchase or sale?

Book a free strategy session with me now on Calendly or call/text me directly at 925-708-1178. I’ll help you make sense of the market and create a personalized plan to buy or sell with confidence.


Serving Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Martinez & the entire East Bay.

Know someone buying or selling a home in the East Bay? Share this blog with them—it could save them thousands and help them make the smartest move possible.


About the Author

Ron Melvin is one of the top-rated realtors in the East Bay, helping buyers and sellers navigate the market with clear guidance, powerful strategy, and local expertise. With deep knowledge of Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez real estate, Ron is a trusted advisor throughout the entire process.

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