A Calm Finish, A Promising Start

As January gets underway, there’s a sense of movement returning after the holidays. It’s still early, but the market is starting to wake up, and I’m already seeing signs of momentum.

December Market Snapshot

December is typically a quieter month in Lamorinda, and this year followed that pattern. Inventory slowed across Orinda, Lafayette, and Moraga, which helped support home values as the year wrapped up.

Prices held steady overall, with Orinda and Moraga seeing modest gains and Lafayette experiencing a small, seasonal dip. Homes generally took a bit longer to sell during the holidays, but motivated buyers were still active.

One encouraging sign was the number of homes that closed in December across all three communities, showing that serious buyers were ready to move when the right opportunity came along. For homeowners, this kind of steady activity is a positive way to close out the year.

The takeaway

Even with fewer listings and holiday distractions, the market remained steady. As we move into the new year, limited inventory and active buyers are creating a solid foundation for the months ahead.

Interest Rates and What I’m Seeing

We’re only a week into January and just coming out of the holidays, but January hasn’t felt slow. New listings are starting to come on the market, and we’ve already seen at least one home go pending quickly.

Interest rates have come down, and it’s a major topic of conversation. I don’t believe in trying to time the market, but lower rates do change the dynamic. Buyers are paying attention, and sellers are gaining more confidence. Early activity like this often sets the tone for the months ahead.

On A Personal Note

As we’ve done the last few years, we spent the holidays in Los Barriles with the whole family, dogs included. It was a great chance to slow down, spend time together, and enjoy a change of pace. The sunrises there are spectacular and always feel like a true reset before jumping back into the new year. We also played a lot of pickleball, which may be a hobby I’ll try to keep up with now that I’m home.

Thinking About Selling in 2026?

If selling in 2026 is something you’ve been thinking about, this is a great time to start planning. Early conversations allow for more flexibility around timing, preparation, and strategy, without any pressure to move before you’re ready. And whether a move is on your radar or not, I’m always happy to be a resource and answer questions.

I’d always love to hear from you!