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Is It Better to Sell Now or Wait? East Bay Homeowners, Here's What to Know


Targeted for Homeowners in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez

If you're a homeowner in Contra Costa County—especially in the cities of Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, or Martinez—you may be asking yourself, "Is now a good time to sell my home, or should I wait?" The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on your individual circumstances and goals.


The East Bay real estate market in 2025 is presenting a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. With prices softening, inventory rising, and buyer activity lower than in past years, it's important to evaluate whether selling now makes sense for your situation, or if waiting could yield a better return.



If you’re in a position where you don’t need to sell right now and can afford to wait, you may benefit from holding off. The real estate market works in cycles. While we’re currently in a softer market, history tells us that demand and prices will rebound.



  • You’ve already purchased your next home

  • You’re selling to fund retirement or long-term investments

  • You want to maximize your cash-out potential


Let’s say you're retiring soon and selling your East Bay home to fund your retirement or pay off another property. In this case, every extra dollar from the sale matters. Waiting for the market to shift back in favor of sellers could net you tens of thousands more. When buyer demand returns and interest rates fall, your property could attract more competition and higher offers.


In short, if you're not in a rush and maximizing your equity is your top goal, waiting may be your best bet.




On the flip side, if you’re looking to sell your current home to purchase another, the current market may actually work in your favor.



4 Reasons to Sell & Buy in Today’s Market:

1. You’ll Buy for Less

While your current home may sell for less than it would have in 2022 or 2024, the home you purchase will also be significantly cheaper. This offsets the lower sale price and could result in a net gain.

In a hot market, you buy high and sell high. In a soft market, you sell low—but you also buy low.


2. More Inventory = More Options

According to local market data, inventory is up 22% in 2025 compared to 2024. We're listing as many homes as we did in 2022, but buyer activity is down. In fact, we are selling 40% fewer homes in 2025 than we did in 2022. This means you’ll have more options to choose from and less stress when it comes to finding the perfect home.


3. Less Competition = Less Risk

With fewer buyers in the market, you’re less likely to encounter bidding wars or feel pressured to waive contingencies. Buyers today can keep inspection, appraisal, and loan contingencies in place, making the process safer and more transparent.


4. Lower Prices = Faster Equity Growth

Higher mortgage rates have pushed many buyers to the sidelines. But once interest rates fall—and they eventually will—buyers will re-enter the market, inventory will tighten, and prices will rise. If you buy now at a lower price, you’ll start building equity faster as the market rebounds.




Let’s take a look at the numbers. Below is a line chart tracking the average monthly home prices in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez from 2022 to 2025.



Average Home Price Comparison – May by Year:

  • May 2022: Higher than 2023

  • May 2023: Lower than 2024

  • May 2024: Higher than 2025

  • May 2025: Lowest of all four years





This drop in average prices confirms we are in a soft market. That’s good news for move-up buyers, as they can purchase their next home for less and begin accumulating equity faster when the market shifts.



Final Thoughts: Sell Now or Wait?

Sell Now If:

  • You’re selling your current home to buy another

  • You’re ready to take advantage of more inventory and less competition

  • You want to buy at a lower price point and start building equity sooner


Wait If:

  • You’re selling to cash out and don’t have to move right away

  • You want to maximize your net proceeds

  • You believe you can time the market for a stronger seller advantage


Regardless of which path you’re on, having a local expert on your side is key. As a trusted Realtor in Contra Costa County, I’ve helped homeowners in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez navigate all kinds of markets—and I’d be happy to help you decide what makes the most sense for your situation.







Let’s Talk Strategy

Still unsure about whether to sell or wait? Let’s schedule a free consultation. I’ll review your goals, analyze your neighborhood trends, and help you make the best move for your future.


Call/Text: 925-708-1178 Home Search & Resources: https://ronmelvin.kw.com Serving Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez


Dream big!  We are here to help!

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