Is 2025 a Good Year to Sell Your Home in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, or Martinez?

Ron Melvin
Sep 16
4 min read

The Question on Every Homeowner’s Mind

If you own a home in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, or Martinez, you may be wondering: Is 2025 a good year to sell my home?

It’s a fair question. After all, the real estate market has shifted dramatically. Prices that once soared are now slipping, inventory has surged, and buyers suddenly have more negotiating power. As a local Realtor serving Contra Costa County, I want to break down the numbers, explain what they mean for homeowners, and help you decide whether 2025 is the right time to sell—or if it makes sense to wait.

The Current Market: Prices Have Fallen Below 2021 Levels

Homeowners were hopeful that 2025 would bring price growth, but the reality looks much different.

In September 2025, average home prices in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez dropped below September 2021 levels.
Compared to 2024, prices are down across the board, creating a softer market.
Inventory is at its highest point in more than 5 years, giving buyers plenty of options and reducing competition for each individual listing.

When you combine lower prices with higher inventory, the market is tilted toward buyers—not sellers. That’s why, in most cases, 2025 may not be the best year to sell your home.

For a deeper breakdown of timing and market cycles, check out my video here: When Is the Best Time to Sell a Home?

Why Higher Inventory Matters

When inventory levels rise, buyers gain leverage. They can take their time, compare multiple homes, and negotiate harder. Sellers, on the other hand, are pressured to lower their price or make their home more attractive to stand out.

This is exactly what we’re seeing in Contra Costa County right now. With the market saturated, sellers who list in 2025 without a strong plan risk seeing their homes linger on the market and sell for less than expected.

Related reading: How Much Is My House Worth in Concord, CA?

But Sometimes, You Can’t Wait to Sell

Life doesn’t always wait for the “perfect market.” Maybe you’re upsizing into a bigger home, downsizing after the kids have moved out, or relocating for work. In those cases, you may need to sell your home in 2025, even if conditions aren’t ideal.

The good news? You can still win by creating demand for your home.

Think of it this way: if there are 10 homes on the market and 10 buyers looking, but you can attract 5 of those buyers to your home, you instantly command 50% of the demand. That buyer competition can drive your price higher and get your home sold quickly.

Watch this video for strategies on creating demand: How to Sell Your Home Fast in Any Market

How to Create Demand for Your Home

Creating demand doesn’t always mean spending thousands of dollars. It’s about smart, strategic preparation that makes buyers fall in love with your home. Here are the most effective steps with the highest return on investment:

1. Declutter and Clean Thoroughly

Remove excess items, personal belongings, and anything that makes rooms feel smaller. Hire a professional cleaner, wash your windows, and brighten every space.

2. Focus on Light and Freshness

Light sells homes. Replace dim bulbs, open blinds, and consider a fresh coat of neutral paint if your walls are dated.

3. Stage Your Home

If you do one thing, invest in staging. Staged homes consistently sell faster and for more money. It highlights your home’s best features and helps buyers imagine themselves living there.

Learn more about prepping your home for maximum value here: Getting Ready to Sell – The Smart Way

4. Price to Create Competition

Overpricing is the fastest way to sit on the market. Instead, price your home strategically to attract interest. When multiple buyers compete, your final sale price can end up higher than if you started high.

Should You Wait or Sell Now?

So, is 2025 a good year to sell? The answer depends on your situation:

If you can wait: You may benefit from holding off until inventory normalizes and buyer demand strengthens.
If you must sell now: With the right preparation and pricing, you can still create demand and achieve a strong sale.

Either way, you don’t have to navigate these decisions alone. As a local expert in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez, I can help you analyze your options, prepare your home, and market it for the best results.

Conclusion

The 2025 real estate market in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez is not an easy one for sellers. With prices down, inventory high, and competition low, it may not be the ideal year to sell. However, with the right preparation and guidance, you can still create strong demand for your home and achieve excellent results.

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, let’s talk about your best strategy. I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Work With a Local Expert

Choosing the right Realtor is the difference between a home that sits and a home that sells. I’ve built my business on deep local expertise, proven marketing strategies, and client trust.

Don’t just take my word for it—see what my clients are saying here: Read My Google Reviews