Thinking About Selling in the East Bay? Here's What the Numbers Are Telling Us Right Now

California just hit a record median home price in April. $914,810 statewide. That's the headline. But what does it actually mean if you own a home in Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Danville, San Ramon, Hercules, or Pinole?

Let's talk through it.

Contra Costa Is Holding Up

Contra Costa County came in at a $875,000 median in April, with sales up over 7 percent from March and nearly 2 percent from last year. Buyers are still out there. They're just being more selective, and they're watching rates closely.

Here's the catch: rates have gone up since April closed. Mortgages are more expensive now than they were when these numbers were recorded. That matters, and I'll get to it.

What's Happening in Your City

Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill attract buyers who've been pushed out of pricier Bay Area markets. BART access, good schools, more space. These buyers tend to need financing, so when rates climb, their purchasing power shrinks. If you're selling here, being priced right from day one is not optional.

Concord is interesting right now. As rates push buyers out of higher price ranges, more of them land in Concord's territory. That can actually create more competition for well-priced homes, especially anything clean and move-in ready under $800,000.

Danville and San Ramon are a different story. The high end of the market had a strong April nationally, with million-dollar-plus sales outperforming other segments. Buyers at this level often have equity or cash and are less rattled by rate changes. If you're sitting on a premium property in a strong school district, the demand is real.

Hercules and Pinole serve buyers who are stretching to get into homeownership. That group is the most sensitive to rate increases. Inventory in these cities stays tight though, which keeps prices from sliding. Smart pricing and a clean presentation still get deals done.

About Those Rates

The April average for a 30-year fixed was 6.33 percent. Since then, it's gone higher. That's not a small thing. A buyer who qualified for a $900,000 home a few months ago may now be shopping closer to $850,000. The pool of qualified buyers is getting smaller.

That's not a reason to panic. It is a reason to be honest about your pricing strategy and not leave it to chance.

The Bottom Line

Prices are near record highs. Inventory is still limited in most East Bay cities. Buyers are still buying. But the market is less forgiving than it was a year ago, and that gap will widen if rates stay elevated.

If you've been thinking about selling, the conditions right now are better than what may be coming. Reach out and let's talk through what your specific home is worth in today's market.