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Why Is It Time to Buy an East Bay Home?

If you’re wondering, “Why is it time to buy an East Bay home?”—here’s the answer: Home prices are at their lowest since before 2022, buyer competition is low, and inventory is at a multi-year high. Whether you're buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or investing, the East Bay market in 2025 is offering rare opportunities for smart homebuyers.





As a seasoned East Bay realtor, I can confidently say we’re seeing a perfect storm of buyer-friendly conditions. Prices have dropped, inventory has increased, and buyer competition remains low due to fewer overall sales. For those who have been on the fence, this could be the best time in years to jump into the market.



The number of homes sold in the East Bay has been on a sharp decline since 2022:

  • 2022: Home sales dropped 13%

  • 2023: Sales fell another 37%

  • 2024–2025: Sales have remained flat and have yet to recover


Why does this matter? Fewer sales mean less competition for available homes. If you're a buyer, you're not facing bidding wars or rushed decisions. You have time to shop, negotiate, and choose a home that truly fits your needs. This slowdown in activity was largely driven by rising mortgage interest rates, but rates are beginning to ease, giving buyers even more power.



Let’s talk about prices—because that’s what buyers care about most.

As of May 2025, average home prices in central Contra Costa County (including Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez) have fallen below the levels seen in 2024, 2023, and even 2022.



This price dip marks the lowest we’ve seen since the pandemic boom, and it presents a unique window of opportunity. Buyers who purchase now are likely buying near the bottom of the market, locking in long-term value before prices begin to climb again during the next cycle.




Inventory is the other key part of this equation, and in 2025, it’s soaring.

  • East Bay-wide: Home listings are up by 20%

  • Central Contra Costa: Listings have increased by 13%





More listings mean more choices, less pressure, and better pricing for buyers. You're no longer fighting over one or two properties. Today, you have real negotiating power—a major shift from the red-hot seller’s market we saw just a couple of years ago.





We often think of first-time buyers or investors when we talk about a buyer’s market. But in 2025, this market is also ideal for those who are:

  • Upsizing into a larger home

  • Downsizing into a more manageable property

  • Relocating for work or lifestyle reasons

  • Selling and buying at the same time


If you own a home and are considering selling to buy another, here's the good news: Yes, your current home may sell for less than it could have in 2022, but you'll also pay less for your next home. Not only that, but you’ll face less competition and fewer buyer contingencies when shopping for your next place.


In a hot market, sellers benefit—but they also become desperate buyers. In a soft market like today’s, you may sell for less, but you gain a better purchase price, more leverage, and a smoother transaction overall.



One of the biggest myths in real estate is the idea of “waiting for the perfect time.” But here’s the truth: The best time to buy a home is when prices are low, inventory is high, and competition is minimal. That’s exactly where we are today in the San Francisco East Bay real estate market.


If you wait for prices to rise or for the market to “stabilize,” you’ll be competing with more buyers, paying more for less, and potentially locking in a higher mortgage rate. Buying now lets you enter the market strategically—before the crowd returns.



Final Thoughts: Why 2025 Is the Year to Make Your Move

Whether you’re buying your first home or your next one, 2025 offers the kind of buyer conditions we haven’t seen in years:


Lowest home prices since pre-2022. More homes for sale than any time since 2021. Minimal buyer competition. Easier negotiations and fewer bidding wars, A chance to trade up or down with confidence







Ready to Explore the East Bay Real Estate Market?


If you're thinking about selling an East Bay home and buying your next one—or just getting started on your homeownership journey, let’s talk. As a local expert serving Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez, I can guide you through this unique market and help you take advantage of the opportunities it presents.


Call me today or start your home search here: https://ronmelvin.kw.com


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