A beautiful part of the Bay Area, according to local Realtors, Contra Costa County is showing more stability in prices lately.

"The Contra Costa County real estate market seems more well balanced than in quite some time," says Realtor Ken Jacobs. "Prices are relatively stable, and most accurately priced homes are selling within 30-45 days. With interest rates so low, this appears to be a terrific time for buyers to be able to enter the real estate market, without having to compete with other buyers through multiple offers for every home that becomes available."

Says Realtor Toni A. Lane, "The current real estate market is interesting at best. I'm seeing a lot of financial advisors investing in real estate as well as advising their clients to do so.

"With interest rates at a 37-year-low," she says, "a lot of people are taking advantage and purchasing their "dream home. Many first-time home buyers are now able to purchase a home with little or no down payment. The real estate market is strong in the East Bay, and prices for the most part are holding with the exception of those sellers who want a higher price than their home is worth. There are still some multiple offers going on, but, for the most part, homes are selling in about 30 to 60 days. That's a great strong housing market. Certainly unlike 1979 when a great interest rate was 17.5% and homes were selling in 6 to 9 months with sellers carrying back paper. For those of you who remember that market, may we never see it again. Real estate is still one of the best investments that you can have for your family."

"We are seeing a little slow down in sales which seems pretty typical of this time of year," says Realtor Dave Kelley. "Homes that are well-priced are selling quickly, some with multiple offers. Low interest rates and a good selection make purchasing now a good decision. If you are considering selling, these low rates make your home affordable to more buyers. Call me for a free consultation regarding buying or selling."

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Published: November 6, 2002

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