Reflect. Reset. Move Forward.

As the year comes to a close and I look over the last 12 months, it's a bit bittersweet.  I’m proud of the accomplishments, lessons learned and progress made in some areas, but discouraged by where I fell short.  My unmet goals in 2025: 

• My kitchen is still unremodeled.
• My backyard project stalled out. 
• A professional advancement course that I paid for and had every intention of completing expired.

Can you relate? 

Work gets busy. Families need attention. Energy ebbs and flows. Sometimes the fact that a project didn’t happen simply means something else mattered more in that season and that’s okay. Life has a way of shifting priorities. 

Instead of looking back with judgment, what if this retrospective could be a simple baseline?

A way to notice patterns.

For many, like me, this reflection often shows up around the home. Maybe you meant to make changes but didn’t. Maybe you thought about moving, renovating, or reimagining your space and then didn’t get it done.  Maybe you were waiting for a “better time in the market”, or you paused to attend to a different, more meaningful need, or had decision paralysis.  Well…

So, as we step into a new year, my hope for all of us is simple: give yourself grace, strive for progress (not perfection) and continually look at the bigger picture. And if part of your 2026 plan includes questions about your home, your equity, or what options you might want to explore (now or years from now), I’m always here as a resource to provide value.  I am happy to consult about the most impactful home improvements, connect you with trusted vendors and provide market information that can inform your next smart move. 

Here’s to entering the new year with compassion for ourselves and clear perspective for what’s ahead.

Orinda, California Housing Market Trends: November 2025

Single Family Residence

Single-family homes continue to show notable strength. Inventory remains very tight, with just 1.49 months of supply, down sharply month-over-month, reinforcing a competitive environment for well-priced homes. The median sold price jumped to $2.23M, reflecting both limited inventory and strong demand, while homes are selling at 100.61% of list price on average. Buyers are moving decisively, with median days on market dropping to just 20 days. With 14 homes pending against only 12 new listings, demand is clearly outpacing fresh supply—an important signal for sellers considering timing and for buyers needing to be prepared and strategic.

Lafayette, California Market Trends – November 2025
Single Family Residence

This segment of the market remains firmly seller-leaning despite minor pricing adjustments. Months of supply tightened further to 1.08 months, underscoring continued scarcity. While the median sold price eased to $1.85M month-over-month, homes are still trading essentially at asking price, with a 100.09% sold-to-list ratio. Properties are moving quickly, with a median of just 11 days on market, even as days ticked up slightly. With 18 homes pending versus 17 new listings, demand continues to closely track—if not outpace—new inventory, reinforcing the importance of sharp pricing and strong preparation.

In Oakland 94611, the single-family home market remains intensely competitive despite modest price softening. Inventory has tightened dramatically to just 1.03 months of supply, down sharply both month-over-month and year-over-year, reinforcing strong seller leverage. While the median sold price dipped slightly to $1.33M, competition remains fierce, with homes selling at an average of 113.76% of list price. The median days on market held steady at 14 days, signaling sustained buyer urgency. With 29 pending sales compared to only 13 new listings, demand continues to significantly outpace new inventory—particularly for well-positioned homes.

A Year-End Wrap Up: 2025 in Bay Area Real Estate

It was largely about resilience and recalibration.

What we saw in 2025:

• Buyers became more strategic and patient, focusing on value and long-term potential.
• Sellers who priced correctly (even if it was a price drop)  and prepared their homes well still saw strong interest.
• Inventory improved slightly compared to previous years, giving buyers more options.
• Neighborhood-specific performance mattered more than ever — location, condition, and pricing were key.

Overall, the market rewarded those who were well-informed and well-advised.

Bay Area Outlook: What to Expect in 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, the Bay Area is positioned for measured growth and renewed activity.

2026 Predictions:

• Continued steady demand, driven by tech, healthcare, and long-term Bay Area desirability
• More balanced negotiations between buyers and sellers
• Increased opportunities for buyers as inventory gradually normalizes
• Sellers will benefit most by focusing on preparation, pricing, and presentation

Helpful New-Year Prep Tips:

The end of the year is the perfect time to reset and plan ahead.

• Review your home equity and property goals
• Plan home improvements that add long-term value
• Organize important real estate and financial documents
• Set clear goals — whether it’s buying, selling, or investing

A little preparation now can make a big difference in the year ahead.

Giving Back: Ways to Volunteer Around the Bay Area

This season, the love we share with those around us can be about more than the presents we give and receive.  

🤝 Volunteer Hubs & Opportunity Lists

These resources make it easy to find volunteer roles near you:

• Bay Area Volunteer Information Center – Search a broad directory of Bay Area nonprofits and ongoing volunteer needs
• Project Helping – Join curated in-person volunteer experiences or sign up for updates on local events
• United Way Bay Area – Sign up to get alerts about upcoming volunteer opportunities in your community. 

❤️ Organizations That Always Need Volunteers

Here are trusted local groups where you can directly connect and contribute:

• HandsOn Bay Area – Offers community projects and youth volunteering opportunities. 
• Habitat for Humanity (East Bay/Silicon Valley), 
• Meals on Wheels Contra Costa County – Deliver meals and support seniors.
• Meals on Wheels Alameda County – Deliver meals and support seniors. 
• Rebuilding Together East Bay Network– Volunteer on home repair and community projects.
• Shanti Project – Support programs for people living with serious illness.
• Girls On the Run of the Bay Area – Mentor and coach youth in fun, confidence-building programs
• If you’d like help finding a volunteer opportunity near you, feel free to reach out — I’m happy to share local resources.

Finally, I’d like to express my gratitude again for all of the wonderful transactions that I had this year.  I truly do love what I do because I get to work with people on a very personal level and help support them through pivotal moments of change.  I am beyond grateful for my clients’ trust.  Happy Holidays to all.  May the rest of the year be filled with love for and from those around you, peace and love.