Hot, Higher, or Hesitating? Lamorinda’s March Market Tells All

Duke Tribute and Dog-friendly Spots in Lamorinda

This one is a little personal. I had to put my dog Duke down last week, just before his 12th birthday. He was a white lab and the kind of dog who loved you with everything he had, no conditions, no bad days, just pure devotion. He traveled to Mexico with us, he knew every trail in these hills, and for twelve years he was the most loyal presence in my life. Nobody loved me like Duke did. It felt right to spend a little of this newsletter honoring him, and pointing fellow dog lovers toward the spots around Lamorinda that made his tail wag the most.

Orinda Oaks Park has a brand new off-leash dog park that just opened this month, with a water fountain for dogs and people, picnic tables under the oaks, and nearby parking. Duke would have loved this one.

Mulholland Ridge sits on the Orinda and Moraga border near Rheem Valley. Dogs are permitted off-leash on the paved portion of the trail, and the panoramic views of the valley and Mount Diablo are some of the best in the area.

The Lafayette Reservoir is the classic. It's nearly impossible to walk the 2.7-mile Lakeside Nature Trail without encountering neighbors and friends and their furry companions.

The Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail runs 7.65 miles along St. Mary's Road through Lafayette and Moraga, built on the old Sacramento Northern Railroad corridor. Wide, paved, and easy for dogs of any age.

Hot, Higher, or Hesitating?

Lamorinda’s March Market Tells All

March confirmed what many of us were already feeling: Orinda and Lafayette are moving fast and pricing strong. Orinda's median price jumped 12.3% year over year, with homes averaging just 11 days on market. Lafayette was even more competitive, with median prices up 21.9% and homes selling in an average of 9 days. In both cities, well-prepared homes are attracting serious buyers quickly.

Moraga tells a more nuanced story this month. Inventory rose significantly, up nearly 39%, and more homes closed than last year. The median price looks like a sharp drop on paper, but that number reflects the mix of homes that sold rather than a true shift in value. If you own in Moraga, there is no cause for alarm.

What I am seeing on the ground matches the data. Buyers are engaged and spring has brought real energy back to the market. If you have been thinking about making a move, this is a good moment to have a conversation.

Featured Listing

102 Fiesta Circle, Orinda

A rare corner-lot gem in Orinda’s beloved Ivy Drive neighborhood, everyone’s favorite dog-walking, stroller-pushing, neighbor-waving community. Offered for the very first time, this cherished 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath ranch-style home sits on a sun-drenched .23-acre lot with vaulted wood-beam ceilings, hardwood floors, and a private patio made for long summer evenings. Walk to Del Rey, Orinda Intermediate, and Miramonte. A home this loved does not come along often.

117 Ascot Court, Moraga - New Price

New price. Same great home. 117 Ascot Court Unit A offers 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, interior laundry, a 2-car garage, and pool access in a well-maintained Moraga community. Updated, light-filled, and priced to move at $649,000. If you have been on the fence, now is the time.

My Buyer Needs

I am working with several motivated buyers right now and would love your help. If you know anyone thinking about selling, please reach out.

• Southside Orinda up to $4M

• Views in Lafayette or Orinda up to $4M

• Views in Lafayette, Orinda, or Alamo up to $6M

• Family of 4 coming through the tunnel, turn-key home up to $3M

• Ivy Drive neighborhood or Moraga for a young family up to $1.6M

• Walk to downtown Lafayette up to $2.5M

CreekHaus is Coming to Orinda

CreekHaus is a new community gathering spot opening this summer at 31 Orinda Way, right in the heart of town. It’s a place to meet up, relax, and enjoy everyday moments with friends and neighbors.

Spring is here and the market is moving. If you have been thinking about making a move, I would love to be part of that conversation. If you just want to catch up over coffee, I am always up for that too.

With love, Shannon

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? LET’S TALK!

If you have any real estate questions or just want to catch up, I’d love to hear from you! Whether buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market, I’m here to help.

I’d always love to hear from you!