There's no shortage of contradictory headlines about real estate these days. The numbers tell us that to return to pre-Covid affordability levels, we'd need wages to jump 56%, mortgage rates to drop 2.65%, or home prices to fall 35% (according to econ70.com). 

Yet here in Lamorinda, we're witnessing something entirely different. 

The reality on the ground: Every single one of our 2026 listings has received multiple offers quickly. Open house traffic is the highest we've seen in years. We're back to recommending offer dates for well-located, quality homes, something that felt like a distant memory just months ago. 

The consistent pattern since Covid: Two distinct buyer groups continue to compete for the same properties: 

• Young families seeking excellent schools and more space for their growing children
• Young empty nesters relocating to be near their grandchildren 

Both want the same thing: to be close to the people they love most. And both are looking for single-story homes on pancake flat lots. If market conditions continue heading in the right direction, this competition could intensify. 

Why now? Interest rates finally feel stable, giving buyers confidence that it's not a bad time to make their move. Add to that our flat prices over the last three years, and suddenly the equation looks different than those national headlines suggest. 

If you've been considering a move, now is the time to have a conversation. Whether you're thinking of selling into this increasingly active market or wondering if it's finally your moment to buy, the landscape has shifted dramatically from even three months ago. 

The national headlines may say one thing, but Lamorinda is writing its own story. And right now, that story involves motivated buyers, competitive offers, and families choosing community over affordability metrics. 

Let's talk about what this means for you.