Market Shifts, Camera Clicks, and Mexico City

Market Insights

When the Market Takes a Summer Break

July in Lamorinda felt like a ghost town. Buyers, sellers, and even realtors snuck away for summer. Prices dipped across the board, with Moraga taking the biggest hit. Inventory tightened in Orinda and Lafayette, but grew in Moraga, giving buyers there more to choose from. Homes sold faster in Orinda, slowed in Lafayette, and lingered in Moraga. But one slow summer month does not tell the whole story. Now that school is starting this week and everyone is back from vacation, we will get a clearer picture of where the market is headed.

Market Trends: July 2025

July’s data reveals a market in transition, prices trending downward, inventory shifting unevenly, and sales activity telling two very different stories depending on location. For buyers, certain areas are offering more choices and negotiating room; for sellers, strategic pricing and presentation remain key to standing out in a market where competition varies street by street.

New Listings: New listing activity shifted across Lamorinda in July, showing a mixed pace between the three cities. Orinda saw a notable 21.43% decline, with listings dropping from 28 in June to 22 in July. Lafayette also recorded a modest slowdown, easing 5.26% from 38 to 36 new listings. In contrast, Moraga moved in the opposite direction, posting a strong 29.41% increase, from 17 to 22 listings, suggesting more sellers entering the market there. This mix of trends may point to varied seller confidence and seasonal timing across neighborhoods, with Moraga potentially offering buyers more options while inventory in Orinda and Lafayette remains tighter.

Average Days on Market: Homes in Lamorinda showed varied selling speeds in July. Orinda’s average days on market edged down slightly by 3.33%, moving from 30 to 29 days, suggesting steady demand despite broader market shifts. Lafayette saw a 21.43% increase, with homes taking an average of 34 days to sell compared to 28 in June, possibly reflecting more cautious buyer decision-making. Moraga experienced the most dramatic change, with days on market soaring 80.77%, from 26 to 47 days, indicating slower absorption of available inventory. These shifts suggest that while some neighborhoods remain competitive, others are giving buyers more time to negotiate and evaluate options.

Median Sales Price: Median home prices in Lamorinda eased across all three cities in July, reflecting a cooling trend after the early-summer highs. Orinda’s median price slipped 2.95% from June, from $1,862,500 to $1,807,500, while Lafayette saw a 3.31% dip, moving from $2,262,500 to $2,187,500. Moraga experienced the most significant change, with a 24.92% drop from $1,865,000 to $1,400,000. This sharper decline in Moraga could be influenced by a shift in buyer demand, a greater share of lower-priced sales, or more competitive pricing strategies. Overall, the market remains active but is showing signs of increased negotiating room for buyers, particularly in areas with more pronounced price adjustments.

Properties Sold: Sales activity in July varied widely across Lamorinda. Orinda recorded a 21.43% drop in closed sales, moving from 28 in June to 22 in July, while Lafayette experienced a sharper 37.14% decline, with just 22 homes sold compared to 35 the previous month. In contrast, Moraga saw a surge in activity, with sales nearly doubling up 91.67%, from 12 to 23 properties sold. These shifts highlight differing market dynamics within the region, with Moraga benefiting from a strong burst of buyer demand, while Orinda and Lafayette experienced slower transaction volume, possibly due to limited inventory or more selective buyers.

Conclusion:

July’s Lamorinda market proves that every city tells its own story. Moraga was busy with more listings and sales, while Orinda and Lafayette stayed slower with tighter inventory. With the market in transition, the wins will go to those who price right, time it well, and market to the buyers who are ready now.

Coming Soon!

89 Donald Drive: Where Architectural Beauty Meets Endless Views

Your next Orinda dream home is about to hit the market. Stay tuned!

Behind the Scenes-Smile, It’s Been a While

At my May open house, a buyer picked up my brochure, looked at the photo, and asked, “Is this you?” I had to laugh and admit it was time for an update.

I called Hana, my photographer from seven years ago, and borrowed a gorgeous listing from my clients at 15 Cascade Lane as the backdrop.

Now I have a brand-new set of photos and I am wondering why I waited so long

On a Personal Note: 30 Years, Two Cities, Countless Memories

Two new cities, endless exploring, and the perfect toast to 30 years.

Jon and I snuck away to Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende for our 30th anniversary. It was our first time in both places, and we loved every minute, exploring historic streets, visiting museums, and enjoying incredible meals from street tacos to rooftop dining. It was the perfect mix of adventure and downtime, and such a special way to toast to three decades together.

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.

Reach out anytime—I’d love to hear from you!