The Market is Blooming 🌻

ALEXIS THOMPSON February 28, 2025

Hello!

Here we are at the tail-end of February and seem to be in the midst of, what I refer to as, “fake spring.” While the warm(ish) weather has brought out the daffodils and pink and white plum blossoms, with some rain and colder temps forecasted in the days ahead, I’m not putting away my winter coats and boots just yet. The East Bay “Spring Market”, however, appears to be actually blooming! Here are some stats:

NEW LISTINGS in February (Includes single-family, multi-family, condos & land)

Walnut Creek: 86

Berkeley: 50

Orinda: 25

Lafayette: 25

Moraga: 13

Montclair, Oakland: 9

Though our cities, neighborhoods and precise locations each have their own important statistics, in Contra Costa and Alameda County, the Months Supply of Inventory ranges from 1.06 to 1.87, showing a still limited number of homes for sale, creating a competitive environment for both buyers and sellers.

Both counties have seen an increase in inventory which may start to shift the market a little bit further in balance by offering buyers more selection. However, with average days on the market ranging from 17 in Alameda County, and 26 in Contra Costa, buyers would be wise to act quickly and put their best foot forward when they find a home they like because it won’t be around for long! The bottom line is a positive one for spring, with both sellers and buyers needing to remain focused so they can achieve their goals.

Here is a recent article from the Mercury News further reporting on our current market

For sellers who want to get the best price, in the shortest amount of time for the least hassle, that’s where we come in to help. And there is plenty to do:

Decide on the best time to market, with consideration of specific market conditions in each neighborhood
Make repairs in order to reduce or eliminate buyer concerns over maintenance and condition
Through possible staging, painting and cleaning, create a fresh and widely appealing interior where the most buyers in that price range can envision their lives
Improve curb appeal with landscaping and garden clean up
Price the home competitively based on recent sales data
Work with an experienced agent to market your property effectively

For buyers, there are many things you can do to be proactive to purchase a home in this competitive market:

Get pre-approved early to strengthen your offer.
Consider areas with growing demand and potential appreciation.
Consider pre-inspecting in order to complete advanced due diligence and reduce or eliminate contingencies
Stay flexible with closing timelines to enhance negotiations

Of course, an experienced, local agent will be your best resource whether buying or selling. It would be my pleasure to meet with you or be in touch with any one you know who is thinking about buying or selling real estate.

We are so fortunate to have a wide variety of interests, activities and organizations available to us in the Bay Area and here are some upcoming local events I plan to attend. Would love to know if you might be interested too!

Here are some notable events taking place in East Bay in March 2025:

First Fridays Return to Oakland

A popular arts and community festival resuming on March 7, 2025, celebrating International Women’s Month with the theme “Herstory in the Making.” Located on Telegraph Avenue, the festival features local artists, musicians, and vendors. These events offer excellent opportunities for networking, professional development, and community engagement within the East Bay real estate sector.

Rotary Club of Orinda's 22nd Annual Crab & Pasta Feed

Date & Time: Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Casa Orinda, Orinda, CA
Details: This annual fundraiser offers a delectable feast featuring fresh Dungeness crab, pasta in a light cream sauce, vegetables, garlic bread, and dessert. Attendees have the option to dine in or opt for takeout. Dine-in guests can enjoy a no-host bar, while those bringing their own wine will have corkage fees waived.

AAUW-OML 9th Annual STEM Conference

Date & Time: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Location: Saint Mary's College, Moraga, CA
Details: Organized by the American Association of University Women Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette branch, this conference aims to inspire 6th to 8th-grade girls interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The event features interactive workshops led by female professionals, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities. A concurrent session for parents includes discussions on STEM education, high school challenges, and a campus tour.

Energy Yoga for Stress and Trauma Relief

Date & Time: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Location: Las Positas College
Details: Empowers you to release stress and trauma without years of therapy or escaping and numbing out with addictive behaviors. Better yet, this specialized yoga practice helps you to reclaim a sense of wellness, joy, and passion. This powerful gentle interactive movement class helps you to release your stored trauma and stress and empowers you to move toward living in a body and life you absolutely love.

Joybound People & Pets presents: Game Night!