It’s Spring and the inventory of houses for sale in the East Bay is increasing. This is a seasonal norm.

This year’s Spring selling season has a couple of twists over last year’s. In 2007, just as the Spring season was ramping up, the subprime loan meltdown was starting to show it’s face.

The high point of 2007’s selling season was Feb-Mar. The transactions actually closed in Apr-May, but the deals were signed a couple of months earlier.

This year will be different. Some sellers are delaying coming into the market hoping that some of the downward pressures on the market may ease up.

But – it’s Spring and houses for sale in the East Bay are popping up like daffodils. Reports from real estate agents in East Bay communities are positive except from the hardest hit communities like Antioch and Pittsgurgh.

In the 680 corridor, Concord remains a tough spot due to high inventory and an over-abundance of mediium to low priced homes. Danville, San Ramon and other 680 communities are holding their own and even showing some improvement.

The 580 corridor has a broader range of micro-markets. Berkeley continues to be one of the more competitive markets, while Oakland continues to see more downward pressures due to increased foreclosures.

For more focused information on specific communities, see our Detailed Market Reports.