July 2026 | Contra Costa County
By Gabrielle Walker, Coldwell Banker Realty
Welcome to Homes & Hounds , a monthly newsletter featuring Contra Costa County real estate insights, national housing news, East Bay living, community highlights, and the dogs that make our neighborhoods feel like home.
"Only a dog could go to a party, speak to no one, steal food, fall asleep and still be the most popular guest."
The Leash-Long Market Snapshot
Here is a snapshot of the Contra Costa County real estate market based on last month's activity.
Avg. Sales Price $1.28M $1.41M
New Listings 551 684 24
June 2026 Real Estate Market Report. Source: CCAR Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®.
National Housing Outlook Remains Steady
According to the July 1, 2026 edition of The Kiplinger Letter
Existing home sales rose 3.2% in May , and pending home sales exceeded expectations, signaling continued buyer demand. At the same time, the number of homes for sale increased by 3.3%, giving buyers more options than they had a year ago.
Even with improving inventory, housing supply remains below long-term demand across much of the country. That imbalance continues to support home values in many markets, although conditions vary significantly by region.
Kiplinger also expects the U.S. economy to continue growing steadily while inflation gradually eases. Mortgage rates are projected to remain above the historic lows of recent years , reinforcing the importance of pricing, preparation, and local market knowledge when buying or selling a home.
Source: The Kiplinger Letter, July 1, 2026.
Finn is a laid-back pup with a chill personality and a hilarious collection of quirks. When he's not happily chasing squirrels, you'll likely find him stretched out on the kitchen table for a nap. He's also a bit of a connoisseur—preferring chilled, filtered water—and has somehow decided that ceiling fans, balloons, and even Santa Claus are not to be trusted.
-Pleasant Hill
Bone Appetite - DIY Dog Recipe
Beat the heat with this cool, creamy frozen treat your pup will love.
Frozen | Refreshing | Pup Approved
Ingredients
1 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 ripe bananas ½ cup peanut butter Directions
Add the bananas, peanut butter, and Greek yogurt to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Spoon the mixture into silicone molds, ice cube trays, or small paper cups. Freeze for 3–4 hours, or until firm. Serve as a refreshing treat on a warm day. Store leftovers in the freezer for up to 2 months.
A Big Change for Home Buyers
At 12:00 a.m. (ET) on July 11, 2026 , a new federal housing law officially took effect. One of its biggest changes limits large institutional investors—companies that own or control 350 or more single-family homes—from buying additional existing single-family homes.
This new law doesn't require these companies to sell the homes they already own, but it is designed to reduce future competition from large corporations and give individual buyers a better chance at home ownership.
While this alone won't solve today's housing affordability challenges, I see it as a positive step in the right direction. Inventory, mortgage rates, and new home construction will continue to have the biggest impact on our market, but reducing competition from large corporate investors could help create a more level playing field for families.
I'll be keeping a close eye on how this affects the housing market and will continue sharing updates that matter to you.
Gabrielle Walker
Realtor®
Coldwell Banker Realty
DRE #02234317
GabrielleWalkerHomes.com
(925) 953-3679
"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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