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How to Make a Winning Offer on a Home in the East Bay

Updated: Jul 18

Buying a home in today’s East Bay real estate market—whether in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, or Martinez—means more than just finding the perfect place. It’s about making a smart, strategic offer that gets accepted without overpaying or taking on unnecessary risk. That’s where having the right real estate expert on your side makes all the difference.


In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to make a winning offer on a home—from evaluating market trends to writing a strong, competitive proposal. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, this guide is packed with tips that can help you make confident, informed decisions.



Before making an offer, it’s essential to understand what homes are actually selling for in the area. We start by looking at comparable sales (or “comps”)—recent sales of homes that are similar in size, condition, location, and features to the one you’re considering.


But here's the key insight: comps may be outdated. In fast-moving markets like Walnut Creek or Concord, a home that sold 4–6 months ago may no longer reflect current values. That’s why I go a step further and analyze local real estate trends—whether prices are rising, inventory is increasing, and how long homes are sitting on the market.


For example, if you’re buying in Pleasant Hill, and prices have dropped 3% in the last 90 days, we might have room to negotiate. If you're in Martinez, and homes are selling quickly with multiple offers, we’ll need a sharper strategy.



Learn more: Real Estate Market



This is where an experienced local agent makes all the difference. Writing a great offer isn’t just about the price—it’s about creating a deal that’s attractive to the seller and still works for you.


A few things I do for my buyers in the East Bay:

  • Communicate with the listing agent to understand what the seller wants: Is it a fast close? Do they need a rent-back? Are they prioritizing cash offers?

  • Customize the offer to meet those goals while still protecting my clients’ interests.

  • Suggest creative terms that make your offer stand out, such as adjusting timelines, increasing earnest money, or limiting request-for-repair demands.


This approach turns your offer into a win-win—and increases the chances of it being accepted, even in a competitive market.





Contingencies are buyer protections that allow you to back out of the deal or renegotiate if something major comes up. They’re a critical part of any real estate contract, especially in today’s shifting market.


The most common contingencies:

  • Home Inspection Contingency: Allows you to investigate the condition of the property. If the inspection uncovers major repairs, you can ask for credits, request repairs, or walk away.

  • Appraisal Contingency: Protects you if the home appraises for less than your offer. You can renegotiate the price or cancel the contract.

  • Loan Contingency: Ensures you’re not obligated to buy the home if your financing falls through.

  • Home Sale Contingency: If you’re selling a home to buy this one, this clause gives you time to complete your sale before moving forward.


Removing some or all contingencies can make your offer more appealing to the seller, but it also exposes you to more risk. I’ll help you weigh the pros and cons so you can strike the right balance between competitiveness and protection.




The East Bay real estate market—including Martinez, Concord, Walnut Creek, and Pleasant Hill—is experiencing major shifts in 2025. Prices are softening, inventory is up, and sellers are adjusting their expectations. That means opportunity for smart buyers—but only if you’re guided by someone who knows the market inside and out.


When you work with me, I’ll:

  • Help you pinpoint the right neighborhoods and homes based on your budget and goals.

  • Set you up with customized property alerts so you don’t miss the perfect home.

  • Guide you through every step of the offer process, from analysis to negotiation to close.


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Ready to Make an Offer on Your Dream Home? Let’s Talk.

Whether you're thinking about buying now or planning ahead, I’d love to help you navigate the process with confidence.


Start your home search: https://ronmelvin.kw.com Get a free buyer consultation: Call or text me at 925-708-1178 Proudly serving Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez

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