Are Bidding Wars Still Happening in the East Bay Housing Market?

If you’re buying or selling a home in the East Bay, you’ve probably asked:
“Are bidding wars still happening?”

A few years ago, bidding wars felt unavoidable. Homes were selling in days, often far above asking price. Today, the picture is more nuanced — especially in Contra Costa County.

The short answer is:
Yes, bidding wars still happen — but not everywhere, and not for every home.

This article breaks down:

Where bidding wars are still common
What types of homes attract multiple offers
What this means for buyers
What sellers need to know in 2026

Table of Contents

Why Bidding Wars Haven’t Completely Disappeared

Bidding wars don’t happen because of hype — they happen because of supply and demand.

In many parts of Contra Costa County:

Inventory is still limited
Desirable neighborhoods remain in high demand
Buyers compete when value is clear

When multiple buyers want the same home, competition follows — regardless of headlines.

Where Bidding Wars Are Still Happening

Bidding wars are most common in homes that check these boxes:

Located in strong school districts
Priced correctly (or slightly under market value)
Move-in ready
Well-marketed with professional photos and staging

In cities like Danville, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, and parts of Pleasant Hill, well-prepared homes can still attract multiple offers.

Where Bidding Wars Are Less Common

Bidding wars are far less likely when homes are:

Overpriced
Dated or poorly maintained
In less competitive neighborhoods
Priced based on last year’s market instead of today’s

In areas like Concord, Antioch, Pittsburg, or Martinez, competition depends heavily on price, condition, and location within the city.

What This Means for Buyers in the East Bay

Buyers today have more leverage than during peak frenzy years, but they still need to be prepared.

Smart Buyer Strategies

Get fully pre-approved, not just pre-qualified
Understand neighborhood-level pricing
Be decisive when a home checks all your boxes
Avoid emotional overbidding

Many buyers are surprised to learn that:

Not every home has multiple offers
Some sellers are open to negotiation
Timing and preparation matter more than aggressiveness

What This Means for Sellers

Sellers should not assume bidding wars will happen automatically.

Homes that generate competition usually:

Are priced strategically
Are well-presented
Are marketed aggressively from day one

Homes that miss these steps often sit — even in strong markets.

The Role of Pricing in Bidding Wars

One of the most common mistakes sellers make is pricing too high “to leave room.”

In reality:

Strategic pricing creates urgency
Overpricing kills momentum
Early interest is critical

Bidding wars are usually created intentionally, not accidentally.

Are Bidding Wars a Good Thing?

Not always.

While competition can drive price, it can also:

Push buyers beyond comfort levels
Increase appraisal risk
Create emotional decisions

A controlled, well-managed multiple-offer situation is far better than chaos.

Common Myths About Bidding Wars

“Every home still sells over asking” — false
“You must waive all contingencies” — not always
“Buyers have no power” — outdated

The East Bay market is more balanced and strategic today.

FAQs

Do bidding wars still happen in Contra Costa County?
Yes, but only for well-priced, well-prepared homes.

Should buyers expect competition on every home?
No. Many homes sell with one or two offers — or none.

Can sellers still get over asking price?
Yes, when pricing and demand align.

Next Steps

Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding where competition actually exists is critical to making smart decisions.

The Mashore Group
Krista Mashore & Jaynlin Slone
44 Sycamore Ave, Brentwood, CA 94513
925-325-4663
TheMashoreGroup.com