77 Jerome Ct, Walnut Creek — London Relocation Buyers Secure the Right Home in a Competitive 2023 Market

London relocation buyers secured a renovated Walnut Creek home below asking in a competitive 2023 market through careful disclosure review and negotiation.

The Situation

Simon and Kate were expats from London who had been renting in Walnut Creek for almost eight years while raising their two children. When their kids were settled in school, they decided it was time to buy a permanent home.

They were very clear about what they needed. Their children were already in Walnut Creek schools, with Las Lomas High School as the priority. They needed garage and driveway space for four cars, and after years of renting, they wanted a single-level home in good condition where they could move in without major work.

The Friction

Like many relocation buyers, their expectations were shaped by online listings. When 77 Jerome Ct first came on the market, it was listed higher than their budget, so they didn’t consider it seriously.

At the same time, the early-2023 market was still strong. Almost no homes were selling below asking, and buyers were used to competing aggressively. It was easy to assume that anything priced higher was out of reach.

But after reviewing disclosures and condition carefully, I saw something different. The home had been owned by a contractor and was in excellent shape. The layout worked well for their family, the location was close to school, and the single-level design they wanted was rare in Walnut Creek.

I encouraged them to look again.

The Strategy

Instead of rushing into a high offer, we studied recent sales together and compared condition, lot size, layout, and timing. I prepared detailed comps and explained clearly why a lower price could still be justified based on real data.

That explanation helped the sellers understand our reasoning, and we were able to negotiate a purchase price of $1,515,000, below the $1,599,999 list price — something that was uncommon in that 2023 market.

Why It Mattered

For Simon and Kate, this wasn’t just about getting a deal. It was about finding a home that matched their children’s schools, their daily routine, and their long-term life in Walnut Creek.

Relocation buyers often discover that Walnut Creek and Lamorinda homes vary widely in condition, layout, and value. The right home sometimes looks out of range at first, but careful review of disclosures and real comps can reveal opportunities others miss.

Today they are settled in a renovated single-level home near school, with space for their cars and a backyard their family enjoys.

Video Moment

This short clip captured their real reaction when they got the home. Moments like this remind buyers that behind every transaction is a family finding the right place to live.

Why This Case Matters for Walnut Creek Buyers

Many relocation families coming from London, San Francisco, or the South Bay want similar things: good schools, single-level living, parking space, and a move-in-ready home.

But in Walnut Creek and Lamorinda, each property is unique. Understanding condition, neighborhood differences, and pricing patterns is what makes the difference between missing a home and securing the right one.