Lamorinda’s Turn: Why the East Bay Is Poised for Growth

Lamorinda’s Turn: Why the East Bay Is Poised for Growth

Compass CEO Robert Reffkin was on CNBC and got asked where he’d buy a home right now if he had to pick one place. His answer: the East Bay. That includes us here in Orinda, Lafayette, and Moraga.

His take is that money hasn’t moved here from SF and Silicon Valley the way it has into Marin, and he thinks we’re next in line for it. He’s calling for the biggest price gains in the region over the next year.

Now everyone knows our secret! Reffkin just spilled it on national television, but we’ve known it for years. More house for your money, great schools, and a commute that still works.

What does this mean for you? If you’re selling, the timing is on your side right now in Orinda, Lafayette, or Moraga. If you’re buying, every year you wait is a year that price gap gets wider.

If you’ve been thinking about a move in Lamorinda, let’s talk.

Lamorinda’s Summer Market: More Choice for Buyers, Still Strong for Sellers

More listings hit the market in July, up almost 50% from last year. That’s a big shift. Buyers finally have real options instead of fighting over three houses.

Prices came down slightly, about 2%, landing around $1.73 million median. Homes are still moving fast though, 29 days on average, even faster than last year.

Fewer deals closed overall, 19 compared to last year’s numbers, but that’s not a red flag. It just means buyers are being more selective, and the homes that are priced right and shown well are still finding buyers quickly.

Bottom line: more choice for buyers, and sellers who prep and price correctly are still doing well.

A Little Personal Note

I used to load up the car and drive to Tahoe with my kids all the time when they were little. We had a place up there for years, and some of my favorite memories are from those trips, ski days in the winter, lazy afternoons on the lake in the summer. We eventually sold the house, but I just went back up recently with a group of girlfriends and it reminded me why I love it so much.

It also reminded me why I love living in Orinda. We’re close enough to Tahoe that a weekend trip is easy, no big production. Honestly, I’ve never understood why people move to the South Bay chasing the same lifestyle.

Proximity to Tahoe doesn’t usually make anyone’s list of reasons to live here, but it should. Skiing all winter, the lake all summer, and home in about 3 1/2 hours. That’s Orinda.

Lamorinda Buzz

Wayside Social is moving into the old La Finestra space in Moraga, bringing burgers, shakes, and an arcade. Have you heard?

Word is Morucci’s, the legendary Walnut Creek deli, may be eyeing a spot in Orinda. Fingers crossed!

My Buyer Needs

I am working with several motivated buyers right now. If you know anyone thinking about selling, I would love an introduction.

🏠Special home in Orinda or Lafayette | Up to $6,500,000

🏠Glorietta family on a long search for their perfect home | Up to $4,000,000

🏠Empty nesters looking for a change | Up to $3,500,000

🏠SF couple ready to move to the suburbs, Orinda only | Up to $2,800,000

🏠Couple moving from Oakland, looking in Orinda | Up to $2,000,000

🏠Orinda couple open to Orinda, Moraga, or Lafayette | Up to $1,700,000

🏠Three-bedroom home anywhere in Lamorinda | Up to $1,500,000

🏠Buyer looking in Lafayette | Up to $1,200,000

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!