From our client’s perspective we dive into how to think about open houses and what clients should expect when going into an open house. In today’s episode we explore the benefits and drawbacks from both the buyer’s and seller’s perspective. Offering open houses can be an effective marketing tool and often makes it easier for sellers who continue to live in the home. We think open houses are valuable but not critical for sellers. From a buyer’s perspective, open houses can be a convenient tool to view homes to determine if it’s worth a second viewing with an agent. Listing agents at open houses must fiduciarily tell you the truth about the house but they don’t work for you! We love to tour open houses with our clients and listen to our buyers describe what they love or dislike about a home. To learn more about open houses and the do’s and don’ts listen to this episode.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, this episode is packed with practical advice and insider perspective on open houses.

Adam Hamalian and Sherry Hutchens are real estate brokers (REALTORS) working in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. Join us as we discuss the interesting and complicated world of real estate through engaging stories, humor, and expert insights. Over the past few months, Sherry & Adam have been producing a podcast that aims to both educate and entertain our clients and colleagues. Each episode explores some aspect of residential real estate or features interviews with seasoned professionals, where we uncover their unique experiences and valuable lessons. Whether you’re a curious homeowner or an experienced agent, there’s something for everyone.

Follow The Real Story with Adam Hamalian & Sherry Hutchens on

• Youtube: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Website: https://www.hutchenshamalian.com

• Instagram: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Facebook: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• LinkedIn: @HutchensHamalianProperties

Adam Hamalian: adam@hamalianproperties.com

Sherry Hutchens: sherry@sherryhutchens.com

For past episodes or to subscribe to this podcast, click here. Or find us on Apple or Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Dudum Real Estate Group

DRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902

#HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2026RealEstate #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason3 #Season3Premiere #MarketUpdate #OpenHouse #CCC #CaliforniaRealEstate #OpenHousePodcast

LEGAL: This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The hosts’ and guests’ views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the hosts/guests and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

©Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Normally, in California real estate typically appreciates by an average of 4% every year. We haven’t had a normal market since the pandemic though. In this episode of The Real Story with Adam and Sherry we rewind to the beginning, to provide an overview of real estate trends and specific market conditions in Contra Costa County. Where is the beginning? Did you guess 2020? During the pandemic home values went up into the double digits. However, in the last 3 years we’ve had a negative 3-5% in home values. 2026 Q1 700 homes went into contract in our 10 featured cities (Alamo, Moraga, Orinda, Lafayette, Danville, Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez) which is still below the 10-year average of 900. The median sales price is $1.65 million vs $1.19 million in 2019. This represents a slightly flat market, which we think will continue. What’s affecting the market? Interest rates. High rates, combined with the fact that many homeowners locked in 3% rates during the pandemic, have created a ‘locked-in’ effect where homeowners are hesitant to sell unless necessary. Listen as we outline our predictions for the rest of the year. If you live, invest, or are simply watching the market — this is the data you need to hear.

Adam Hamalian and Sherry Hutchens are real estate brokers (REALTORS) working in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. Join us as we discuss the interesting and complicated world of real estate through engaging stories, humor, and expert insights. Over the past few months, Sherry & Adam have been producing a podcast that aims to both educate and entertain our clients and colleagues. Each episode explores some aspect of residential real estate or features interviews with seasoned professionals, where we uncover their unique experiences and valuable lessons. Whether you’re a curious homeowner or an experienced agent, there’s something for everyone.

Follow The Real Story with Adam Hamalian & Sherry Hutchens on

• Youtube: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Website: https://www.hutchenshamalian.com

• Instagram: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Facebook: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• LinkedIn: @HutchensHamalianProperties Adam Hamalian: adam@hamalianproperties.com

Sherry Hutchens: sherry@sherryhutchens.com

For past episodes or to subscribe to this podcast, click here. Or find us on Apple or Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Dudum Real Estate Group

DRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902

#HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2026RealEstate #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason3 #Season3Premiere #Affordability #MarketUpdate #2026QuarterOne #RealEstateMarketUpdate #CCC #CaliforniaRealEstate #MarketUpdate2026

LEGAL: This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The hosts’ and guests’ views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the hosts/guests and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

©Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

In today’s episode of The Real Story with Adam & Sherry we have a conversation about the intersection of local real estate, civic planning, and community development. Our special guest is Brendan Moran, a planning commissioner for the city of Walnut Creek. He is a realtor® and broker associate in Contra Costa County who is planning to run for city council in the upcoming November election. As part of the planning commission he reviews development proposals both large and small around the city. How does the planning committee help to meet the regulations the state has mandated? And what does the 5,800 new homes incorporate: townhouses, single family homes, rentals, condos, apartments? Or is the focus on price? Listen to find out. He explains how the planning commission tries to balance providing more homes and our communities being overcrowded. In California, there’s a push and pull between our need for housing and also not have it erode our quality of life. If you care about housing, traffic, development, and the future of Walnut Creek — this episode is for you.

Adam Hamalian and Sherry Hutchens are real estate brokers (REALTORS®) working in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. Join us as we discuss the interesting and complicated world of real estate through engaging stories, humor, and expert insights. Over the past few months, Sherry & Adam have been producing a podcast that aims to both educate and entertain our clients and colleagues. Each episode explores some aspect of residential real estate or features interviews with seasoned professionals, where we uncover their unique experiences and valuable lessons. Whether you’re a curious homeowner or an experienced agent, there’s something for everyone.

Follow The Real Story with Adam Hamalian & Sherry Hutchens on

• Youtube: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Website: https://www.hutchenshamalian.com

• Instagram: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• Facebook: @HutchensHamalianProperties

• LinkedIn: @HutchensHamalianProperties

Adam Hamalian: adam@hamalianproperties.com

Sherry Hutchens: sherry@sherryhutchens.com

For past episodes or to subscribe to this podcast, click here. Or find us on Apple or Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Brendan Moran | Walnut Creek Planning Commissioner & Broker Owner at 5 Star Real Estate

• Website: the5starteam.com

• Email: brendan@the5starteam.com

• Phone: (925) 464-1025

• Facebook: @the5starteam

• Instagram: @the5starteam

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmY0XH3uXxBfQJmfiKKulw

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplybayarea/

Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group

Dudum Real Estate Group

DRE #01320608 | DRE #01917597 | DRE #01882902

Brendan Moran | DRE #01893322

#HutchensHamalian #EastBayRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #AccountabilityPartners #RealEstate #LoveWhereYouLive #ListingAgents #BuyersAgents #HomeSweetHome #RealEstateTeam #2026RealEstate #TheRealStoryPodcast #BecomingBetterAgents #PropertyTaxes #AdamandSherry #HomeownershipJourney #PodcastSeason3 #PropertyOwners #Season3Premiere #CommunityDevelopment #HousingMatters #LocalGovernment #RealEstatePodcast #CityPlanning

LEGAL: This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The hosts’ and guests’ views, thoughts, and opinions represent those of the hosts/guests and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

©Hutchens Hamalian Properties Group