Walnut Creek – Suburban Tranquility Meets Urban Energy

Walnut Creek offers the best of both worlds — suburban tranquility and vibrant urban energy. Its location, close to Oakland and San Francisco, in the heart of the Bay Area makes it a commuter’s dream while offering residents incredible schools, walkable neighborhoods, and top-tier amenities.

You don’t have to travel far to find what you love here: delicious restaurants, local breweries, and classic steakhouses; high-end breakfast spots and quality vegan options; Broadway Plaza and other bustling shopping centers; movie theaters; Heather Farm Park; organic farmers’ markets; medical centers; art festivals; the Lesher Center for the Arts; the Ruth Bancroft Garden; BART access; the Lindsay Wildlife Experience; and plenty of parks, walking trails, and open space — all in the scenic shadow of Mount Diablo.

How’s the Walnut Creek Real Estate Market?

We often hear the question: Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? Here’s what that means:

• Buyer’s Market: More than 6 months of inventory based on closed sales.
• Seller’s Market: Less than 3 months of inventory.
• Neutral Market: Between 3 and 6 months of inventory.

As of October, Walnut Creek remains a seller’s market, with just over two months of available inventory.

So, is it a good time for buyers? In many ways, yes. Inventory levels have been tighter in past seasons — sometimes dipping below 30 days’ worth of homes — so today’s conditions may offer a bit more breathing room.

The pending homes tell the real story of the current market. With 51 homes pending, that’s an 88.9% increase from last month. This surge may be tied to the recent dip in interest rates, motivating some buyers to take the leap and write offers.

For Sale: 57 homes, down 24% from last month — signaling that sellers are serious about closing before year’s end.
Closed Sales: 27 homes in October, about 29% fewer than last month, reflecting the typical fourth-quarter slowdown.

So why is it still a seller’s market? While overall sales volume has slowed, limited inventory continues to favor sellers. That said, buyers may find more negotiation opportunities and even a bit of time to make thoughtful decisions — something we haven’t seen much of in recent years.

Contingent sales (offers based on the sale of your existing home) have also become more common, giving both sides flexibility. Of course, every negotiation is unique, depending on the property and circumstances.

A Great Time to Explore Walnut Creek

If you’re considering a move, Walnut Creek is a wonderful city to explore — whether you’re looking for top-rated schools, community amenities, or proximity to neighboring towns like Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, Concord, and Martinez.

Consider Contra Costa County for your next home — you’ll find all this and more.