🌻 Homes & Hounds: Summer Fun for You & Your Pup
June 2026 | Contra Costa County

By Gabrielle Walker, Coldwell Banker Realty
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Welcome to Homes & Hounds, a monthly newsletter featuring local real estate insights, East Bay living, community highlights, and the dogs that make our neighborhoods feel like home.
Wishing all the dad's and dog dad's a very Happy Father's Day.

Dog Dad (noun)
The person who insisted on not getting a dog, who now secretly feeds the dog under the table, invites the dog to bed, buys matching motorcycle helmets, and wants a tattoo of the dog's name on his arm.

The Leash-Long Market Snapshot
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Here is a snapshot of the Walnut Creek real estate market based on last month's activity.
Avg. Sales Price  $1.34M
Avg. List Price  $1.43M
New Listings 625
Closed Sales 688
Days on Market24
May 2026 Real Estate Market Report. Source: CCAR Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®.

Leash-Long Market Takeaway
Inventory across Contra Costa County continues to improve, giving buyers more choices than we've seen in recent years. While the pace varies by city and price point, well-presented and competitively priced homes are still attracting strong interest. Sellers who prepare their homes thoughtfully and price strategically continue to see the best results, while buyers benefit from increased opportunities and greater flexibility throughout the process.

Paws & Crafts
A Gift from Man's Best Friend
Looking for a meaningful Father's Day gift?
Create a one-of-a-kind paw print keepsake Dad will treasure for years to come. Simple to make, fun for the whole family, and a heartfelt reminder of the bond between a man and his best friend.
Simple | Sentimental | Keepsake Worthy
What You’ll Need

• Non-toxic ink pad or pet-safe paint
• Cardstock or watercolor paper
• Picture frame
• Baby wipes or damp towel
• Pen or marker
• Treats for encouragement
How to Make It
  1. Press your dog's paw onto a pet-safe ink pad or paint.
  2. Gently stamp the paw onto cardstock or watercolor paper.
  3. Wipe paws clean and let the print dry.
  4. Add your dog's name, a short note, and the year.
  5. Frame and gift to Dad for Father's Day.

Summer Paw-ty List
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Bone Appetite - DIY Dog Recipe
Red, White & Blue Frozen Pup Pops
Cool, festive, and perfect for helping your pup beat the summer heat.
Frozen | Festive | Pup Approved
Ingredients
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup strawberries, chopped
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • Silicone molds or small paper cups
Directions
  1. Blend half the yogurt with strawberries and fill the bottom third of each mold. Freeze 1 hour.
  2. Add a layer of plain yogurt. Freeze 1 hour.
  3. Top with blueberries and remaining yogurt. Freeze until solid.
  4. Serve on a warm summer day.
Pup Parent Tip: Add a small dog biscuit as a "handle" before freezing.

5 Summer Curb Appeal Upgrades
1 Paint Your Front Door
2 Refresh Mulch in Garden Beds
3 Add Color with Seasonal Flowers
4 Update Outdoor Lighting
5 Create a Welcoming Front Porch

Paws & Petals
What to Plant This Month
Sunflowers
• Zinnias
• Cosmos
• Lavender
• Basil
• Cucumbers
• Bush Beans
Gabrielle's Pick:
Mammoth Sunflowers. Easy to grow, pollinator friendly, and can reach impressive heights. Plus, they're a fun project for kids and grandkids to watch throughout the summer.

Gabrielle Walker
Realtor®
Coldwell Banker Realty
DRE #02234317
GabrielleWalkerHomes.com
(925) 953-3679

Disclosures
"All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. This is not intended as a solicitation if your property is currently listed with another broker. Pricing, property details, and availability are subject to change without notice. The broker and agent assume no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein."
PROPERTY MATERIALS, including CBGL (must include agent’s individual license number) The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2026 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. CalRE #01908304 (Include company license number only on materials that mention agents in general.)
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