Traditionally, the sales season for housing in the East Bay area peaks about this time of year. August usually witnesses a sharp decline in activity.

What this means to sellers: You need to be in escrow by the end of July. If your property is still on the market in August, you will most likely be caught in a situation of too many competing homes for too few buyers.

Now is the time to reduce the price to make it happen.

Home owners in Contra Costa County are receiving notices from the tax assessor that reflect a drop in home valuation. How often does this happen? Not very often!

This is another reflection of the real estate market correction. If you are thinking of selling to move up to a bigger or newer home – do not fall into the trap of thinking you need to squeeze every dollar possible out of your existing property.

The bigger financial impact will be getting the best deal possible on your new purchase. In this value conscious market – you can’t have both.

If your home has been on the market for 30 days with no offers – the market is rejecting your price point. All of the marketing exposure in the world is not going to turn the situation around.

The first 15 days a home is on the market is the best window of opportunity for selling a home. If there is no interest in the first 15 days – something needs correction.

If your home is just sitting there with no action and you need to sell it to get on with life – now is the time to take action.