California's Real Estate Flip: Who’s Winning in 2025 — Buyers or Sellers?

The winds of change are blowing through California’s real estate scene, and spoiler alert: it’s not the wild seller’s market we knew in 2021.

From coastal giants to inland gems, some cities are still seeing bidding wars, while others are quietly slipping into buyer-friendly territory. So, where does your city stand, and what does it mean for you?

Let’s break it down friendly, fast, and local 💬

🔥 Cities Still Hot: 2025 Seller’s Markets in California

If you’re in these cities, sellers still have the upper hand — but precision pricing and smart marketing are a must:

• Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim – Avg. home price: $978,226 📈

• San Diego-Carlsbad – Price growth +2.3%, still in demand ☀️

• Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura – Strong competition for well-kept homes 🏖️

• Riverside-San Bernardino – Affordable and popular with move-up buyers 🏠

• Bakersfield – Still booming, especially for entry-level sellers 🚜

Cooling Off: California Cities Turning Into Buyer’s Markets

If you’re buying in these cities, you’ve got leverage – think price reductions, seller credits, and time to decide:

• Sacramento – More homes sitting unsold = more room to negotiate 🏛️

• Fresno & Stockton – Increased supply, price dips, room for deals 🏡

• Vallejo – Bay Area escapees create choice-rich conditions 💸

• San Francisco & San Jose – Tech slowdown and high rates = mixed bag 📉

Spotlight: What’s Happening in Contra Costa County

📍 Location: East Bay, SF Bay Area
💥 Market Mood: Depends on the property type

Single-Family Homes = Seller’s Market

• Median Price: $825,000 (⬇️ 4.6% YoY)

• Homes sell FAST – median 16 days

• List-to-sale ratio: 102% (still competitive!)

• Inventory: 2.5 months (leaning seller-friendly)

✅ If you’re selling, you’ll do well, but buyers aren’t overpaying like before. Strategy is key.

Condos & Townhomes = Buyer’s Market

• Inventory: 3.9 months (almost balanced, slightly buyer-leaning)

• Days on Market: 26 (longer = more negotiation power)

• Prices: Down 12% YoY 😲

✅ If you’re buying a condo in Contra Costa, especially in Concord, Pittsburg, or Antioch, you’ve got options, bargaining room, and some breathing space.

🧭 So… Who Has the Edge in 2025?

📊 The truth? It’s a mixed market and hyper-local. Here's a cheat sheet:

Final Thoughts + A Friendly Nudge

This isn’t the chaotic market of 2021, but it’s definitely not boring either. If you’re planning to buy, sell, or just want to understand what’s happening in your zip code, now’s the time to be informed, not overwhelmed.

👉 Whether you're a first-time buyer eyeing Walnut Creek or a seller prepping your home in Brentwood, let’s chat strategy. A few smart moves now could make a HUGE difference.

📞 Ready to make your next move in Contra Costa or beyond?
Send a quick message or book a free consultation and let’s make it happen!