Key Takeaways as of February 2026:

 Interest rates steady in the low-6% range: 30-year fixed rates between 6.11% and 6.28%, with slightly lower FHA and VA options helping buyers in cities across the East Bay.

 Average days on market reached 36 days in January: East Bay buyers are taking more time to make thoughtful decisions and have more choices with over 100 more homes no the market compared to inventory last year.

 880 Corridor activity split: Home sales increased in Fremont, Hayward, and Newark, while Oakland neighborhoods saw slower sales to start the year.

 West Contra Costa momentum: Inventory increased in Hercules, Pinole, and San Pablo, prices rose in El Cerrito and El Sobrante, and Richmond home sales jumped 16%.

 Central Contra Costa offers more choice: Inventory rose in Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek, prices increased in Clayton, and remained steady in Walnut Creek.

 Lamorinda seeing strong movement: Inventory increased in Lafayette and Moraga, prices were up across Lamorinda, and Orinda home sales more than doubled.

 Tri-Valley off to a slower start: Inventory, prices, and sales lagged early in the year compared to other East Bay regions.

Sources: Moira Roberts at CrossCountry, Mortgage News Daily, BayEast