The speed at which homes are selling in the East Bay has changed dramatically compared to previous years, and understanding these velocity shifts helps both buyers and sellers make better decisions. If you're wondering whether to list now or wait, or whether you need to act quickly on a home you're considering, the data on how fast properties are moving tells an important story.
The short answer is that homes are selling slower in 2025 than they did in 2021 and 2022, but faster than they did in the pre-pandemic market of 2018 and 2019. The real insight comes from understanding the variations across different cities, price ranges, and seasons.
Days on Market Across East Bay Cities
The speed at which homes sell varies significantly across East Bay communities, and these differences matter for your strategy.
In Lafayette, the current average days on market runs approximately 21 to 28 days for well-priced, well-presented homes. Properties that aren't priced correctly or need work are sitting 45 to 60 days or longer. Compare this to 2021 when most Lafayette homes were going into contract within 5 to 10 days, and you can see how dramatically the pace has slowed.
Orinda shows similar patterns with well-positioned homes averaging 18 to 25 days on market, while properties with issues are extending to 50 to 70 days. The top school boundary areas tend to move faster than other parts of Orinda, sometimes selling in 14 to 21 days when everything aligns properly.
Moraga typically runs slightly longer at 24 to 32 days for quality homes, partly because the buyer pool is smaller and more specific. Families choosing Moraga are often prioritizing space and community feel over quick commutes, which means they take their time finding exactly what they want.
Walnut Creek presents interesting contrasts. The downtown adjacent areas with walkability appeal are moving relatively quickly at 18 to 25 days for well-priced condos and townhomes. Single family homes in suburban Walnut Creek neighborhoods are averaging 25 to 35 days. The condo market here is particularly sensitive to pricing, with overpriced units sitting 60 to 90 days.
Pleasant Hill shows the longest average days on market in our area at 30 to 40 days for well-priced homes, reflecting its position as a more affordable option where buyers are particularly price sensitive and willing to wait for the right deal.
Danville's luxury market is experiencing extended days on market, with many higher end properties taking 40 to 60 days or more to sell. The more affordable Danville neighborhoods are moving faster at 25 to 35 days when priced appropriately.
What's Behind These Numbers
Understanding why homes are taking longer to sell helps you develop better strategy whether you're buying or selling.
Increased inventory across most East Bay communities means buyers have options they didn't have in 2021 and 2022. When buyers can choose from multiple properties in their target area and price range, they naturally take more time to evaluate and compare.
Higher interest rates have made buyers more cautious and deliberate in their decisions. They're doing extensive research, running detailed financial calculations, and ensuring they're comfortable with payments at current rates before committing.
Buyer pickiness has increased substantially. Properties need to show beautifully and be priced fairly to generate quick offers. Homes with deferred maintenance, dated finishes, or inflated pricing are sitting while buyers look at better options.
Economic uncertainty is causing some buyers to move more slowly than they would in more stable times. Job security concerns, stock market volatility, and general caution about major financial commitments all contribute to extended decision timelines.
Seasonal Patterns in 2025
Traditional seasonal patterns are still influencing market velocity, though perhaps less dramatically than in previous years.
Spring remains the strongest selling season in the East Bay. March through May typically sees the shortest days on market as families want to move before the school year ends. Well-priced homes in this period might sell 20% to 30% faster than the annual average.
Summer shows moderate activity with slightly longer days on market as some buyers are traveling or managing summer activities with kids. However, serious buyers who aren't constrained by school calendars continue shopping, so quality properties still move reasonably well.
Fall brings renewed activity after Labor Day through mid-November. Families who didn't find homes in spring often restart their searches, and some new inventory comes on market from sellers who waited out summer. Days on market in fall are typically close to annual averages.
Winter traditionally slows down with the longest days on market of the year. However, the buyers who are active in December through February are often highly motivated, which can work in sellers' favor despite lower overall activity. Winter 2024-2025 showed homes taking about 30% longer to sell than spring listings.
The key insight for 2025 is that seasonal variations are less extreme than they were in balanced markets. In a buyer's market like we have now, the difference between strong and weak seasons is narrower because buyers have leverage year round.
Tips for Sellers to Stand Out
If you're selling in a market where homes are taking longer to move, standing out becomes critical.
Price strategically from day one based on very recent comparable sales, not on what you hope to get. Homes priced at or slightly below market value generate showings immediately and often receive offers within two to three weeks. Overpriced homes sit for months and eventually sell for less than they would have with correct initial pricing.
Invest in presentation to compete with the best available inventory. Professional staging, excellent photography, fresh paint, updated finishes, and immaculate cleanliness all contribute to faster sales. In a market where buyers have options, the sharp properties are the ones that move quickly.
Make showing easy with flexible access. Don't restrict showing times unnecessarily or make agents jump through hoops to schedule. Every barrier you create is a reason for buyers to look at more convenient options instead.
Launch with strong marketing including professional photography, virtual tours, detailed property information, and aggressive promotion across all relevant platforms. First impressions happen online, and you need to capture buyer attention immediately.
Be responsive throughout the process. Quick responses to showing requests, offer presentations, and questions signal that you're serious about selling, which often translates to faster transactions.
Tips for Buyers to Move Quickly
If you're buying and you find a property you love, understanding how to move efficiently without being reckless matters.
Get fully pre-approved before you start seriously shopping. Pre-qualification isn't enough. You need full underwriting approval so you can make offers with confidence and close quickly when needed.
Understand the market in your target area so you can recognize good value when you see it. Know what comparable homes have sold for recently and what's currently available. This knowledge lets you make fast decisions without second guessing.
Have your inspection team ready. Know which inspectors you'll use so you can schedule quickly once you're in contract. Fast inspections keep the transaction moving and reduce the time seller's property is tied up.
Be flexible on terms when possible. If you can accommodate a seller's preferred closing timeline or other terms that matter to them, you become a more attractive buyer even in a buyer's market.
Don't overthink it when you find the right property. Yes, you have more time and leverage than buyers did in 2021, but great homes still generate competition. If everything aligns, trust your research and move forward.
Looking at the Trend
Days on market will likely remain elevated compared to the 2020-2022 period for the foreseeable future as long as current interest rates and inventory levels persist. However, this doesn't mean homes aren't selling or that you can't achieve your goals as a buyer or seller.
The key is adjusting your expectations and strategy to match current market velocity rather than wishing for conditions that don't exist. Properties are moving, just at a more measured pace that requires patience, proper positioning, and realistic pricing.
If you're navigating the East Bay market and want specific data on days on market in your target neighborhood and price range, let's talk. Understanding velocity trends for your specific situation helps you make better decisions about timing, pricing, and strategy whether you're buying or selling.
-Kelly
