Use recent closings and current asking levels to decide whether to pursue it.
If a listing catches your eye but the price feels stretched, I would not dismiss it or chase it blindly. I would test it. In Walnut, CA, buyers are still paying around asking on successful deals, so the key is knowing whether the asking price fits the part of the market where homes are actually closing.
Over the previous 30 days, Walnut, CA saw recent offers land at 100.7% of asking, with a typical closed price of $1,150,000. Active homes showed a typical asking price of $1,680,000, and a typical sale took 31 days. That gives me a clear reminder that asking price alone does not tell you whether a home is truly priced right. For a buyer, the implication is simple. Some homes deserve a strong offer because the price is supported by the market, and some do not. In Walnut, CA, I would compare the home's price and condition to recent closings and pending properties first, because paying attention to the evidence is how you avoid overpaying without losing the right home. Measure the listing against recent closings before you decide how serious to get. If the price is not supported, do not let urgency push you past your ceiling. If it is supported and the home checks your boxes, be ready to move quickly and cleanly.
About Ashley Kay
Ashley Kay is a licensed Real Estate Professional affiliated with Re/Max Champions, specializing in the Walnut market. With a focus on strategic marketing and deep local knowledge, Ashley Kay provides clients with expert guidance in navigating complex real estate transactions. View full profile →