Open Houses, Open Hearts & Our Very Local Wine Country
May 18, 2026
May 18, 2026
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Spring moved at a breathtaking pace this year, and if this newsletter is arriving a little later than usual, life gave me a meaningful reason. My father — who thankfully celebrated his 81st birthday yesterday — underwent open heart surgery this spring and needed my support. It was a season that reminded me what truly matters: family, resilience, and showing up for the people we love.
What surprised me most was that even while traveling back and forth to be with him (and collecting more American Airlines mileage points than I care to admit), my business never slowed down. In fact, this became one of the busiest and most rewarding spring markets I’ve experienced in years.
It also reinforced something I deeply believe: exceptional real estate is never a solo act. Behind every successful transaction is a trusted team of professionals making sure every detail is handled with care. My Marketing Director, Ady Carlos, kept our listing launches and messaging moving seamlessly. Gerry Pfoor, my Project Manager and a licensed agent with decades of experience, ensured every deadline was met and every listing presentation exceeded expectations. And our transaction coordinators carefully managed compliance and documentation to help protect our clients every step of the way.
This spring also brought the opportunity to represent some truly remarkable homes. 62 Farragut Avenue, a Julia Morgan masterpiece spanning a full block in Piedmont, was one of the most iconic properties I’ve ever had the privilege to sell, and 5430 Proctor, Oakland closed nearly 54% over the list price after a pricing strategy that initially felt bold to the sellers. A lovely Lafayette condo sold in under three weeks, which is far under the average days on market for condominiums. I also had the great honor of representing a number of buyers who have moved into new stages of their lives. For a list of all recent sales, you can scroll below…
Markets move quickly, but trust, preparation, and the right team never go out of style.
The East Bay market entered the year with steady momentum. Limited inventory, engaged buyers, and thoughtful pricing strategies continued to shape the landscape. While interest rates remain part of the conversation, demand has proven resilient. Particularly for well-prepared homes in highly sought-after neighborhoods, there are still many overbids, with some properties selling far beyond sellers' expectations.
Low Inventory, Continued Demand
Inventory remained tight throughout Q1, creating competitive conditions across many East Bay communities. When the right home comes to market, buyers are still acting decisively.
Competitive Offer Activity
Well-positioned homes (those that are properly priced and thoughtfully presented) are continuing to attract multiple offers, often achieving strong results, especially in areas like Rockridge, Moraga, and surrounding neighborhoods.
A More Intentional Buyer
Today’s buyers are more strategic and selective. They’re focused on long-term value and lifestyle fit, yet remain ready to compete when the right opportunity presents itself.
Preparation continues to make all the difference. Sellers who take a strategic approach to pricing, presentation, and timing are seeing meaningful results in today’s market.
While competition is still present, opportunities absolutely exist. Buyers who are well-prepared and guided by a clear, thoughtful strategy are successfully securing homes, even in competitive scenarios.
As we move into the spring and summer months, we expect:
● A gradual increase in inventory
● Continued buyer activity
● Strong performance for well-positioned properties
Overall, the market remains balanced yet competitive creating opportunity on both sides when approached with the right strategy.
Whether buying or selling, success in today’s East Bay market comes down to preparation, timing, and having the right guidance every step of the way.
Lamorinda AVA: I heard it through the grapevine…
Many people are surprised to learn that Lamorinda is officially recognized as its own wine region. Established in 2016, the Lamorinda AVA (American Viticultural Area) spans approximately 30,000 acres across Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda — quietly making our community one of the Bay Area’s most unique hidden gems.
Unlike larger wine regions, Lamorinda’s vineyards are often tucked into scenic residential hillsides, where small-batch growers produce thoughtfully crafted wines in a deeply community-oriented setting. The area’s warmer microclimate, protected by the Berkeley Hills from heavy coastal fog, creates ideal growing conditions for varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
One of the things that makes Lamorinda so special is its intimate scale. These are not sprawling commercial wineries, but boutique vineyards woven naturally into the landscape and lifestyle of the community itself.
For those interested in exploring local wines, Local Vines in downtown Lafayette offers a collaborative tasting room featuring Lamorinda winemakers just steps from BART. And excitingly for our local community, my wonderful neighbors, Dan and Gennie Gorback, recently purchased Wine Thieves in Lafayette — a longtime favorite destination for wine lovers. It’s always inspiring to see local families continuing to invest in and shape the character of our community.
The Lamorinda Wine Growers Association also hosts seasonal events, vineyard tours, and educational experiences throughout the year.
It’s just another reminder that living in Lamorinda offers not only beautiful homes and top-rated schools, but a lifestyle rich with character, connection, and hidden discoveries.
Spring Sales and Current Listings:
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Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
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