Seasons of Change: Reflection, Gratitude, and AI Impact

November 11, 2025

I don’t know if you are like me, but I find that the quiet of November, before the hustle and bustle of holiday parties and winter travel, is when I am able to truly reflect on the year and remind myself of what went well, what I am grateful for and what I want to come next.

This year, I’ve had the honor of walking alongside my clients during big life transitions—new chapters, new schools and new beginnings. I’ve watched homes that held decades of memories be prepared to welcome their next story, and I’ve watched first-time buyers step into a dream home they didn’t think would be in reach. While I love the preparation, analysis and negotiation that goes into each successful transaction, these moments remind me that real estate is never just about property. It’s about people, and life unfolding in both critical and intimate ways.

I am very grateful to the clients who put their trust in me this year to help them make a change or reach a goal – and, it is my privilege to continue serving as an advisor and resource long after keys are exchanged.

In the new year, I look forward to more opportunities to work with clients, both past and future, to continue their stories. If you're thinking about a move in the coming year, let’s start the conversation so you can step into your next chapter with clarity and confidence.

AI Wealth Is Moving East

As we look on the horizon, I see strong signals that this is going to be a very interesting year ahead.

Over the past few months, several major AI companies (like OpenAI and Anthropic) have released real, spendable equity to employees. This is not just stock value or speculation—it’s real cash landing in bank accounts.

San Francisco condos and apartments are the first wave of real estate impacted by this influx of money in the market, but the next step is clear—and appears to have already started:

More buyers are beginning to look in the East Bay.

Buyers want yards, good schools, community and close commutes and these assets are available in the places we live and love. Berkeley, Oakland, Orinda, Piedmont, Lafayette, Moraga, Walnut Creek, Danville, Alamo, San Ramon and the neighboring “next ring” communities like Pleasant Hill, Concord, Clayton, and Martinez are all now on the radar. Now—imagine if the home you're living in right now is in one of these cities and it checks those boxes: Your home has become even more valuable to this next wave of buyers.

So, what does this mean to you now?

Sellers: If you’re in a strong school district, have a yard, a functional layout, and proximity to commute corridors or BART—you may be entering a uniquely advantageous market window over the next 6–18 months. This doesn’t mean “rush to sell.” It means prepare thoughtfully and strategically.

Here’s how I guide my sellers right now:

We look at timing based on your life—not just the market.
We focus on smart, light preparation (paint, lighting, garden refresh—not full renovations).
We price to create competition.
We showcase the lifestyle of your home, not just its square footage.

Buyers

Yes—competition will likely increase in these neighborhoods. But don’t let that discourage you.

You don’t need to outspend the next buyer. You just need to be better prepared than them.

Here’s what I advise my buyers right now:

We get full underwritten pre-approval so your offer reads as near-cash.
We narrow down your non-negotiables so decisions become easier and faster.
We identify neighborhoods where value is still strong before the shift is fully priced in.

Finding the right home—and knowing you’re positioned to win it. That’s our mutual goal.

So... Whether you’re:

Thinking about selling in a year,
Considering buying in six months,
Or simply wondering what opportunities your home’s equity might currently afford you…

Let’s talk about your plan. I’m here when you’re ready.

Market Analysis

As we move through the final quarter of 2025, real estate activity across the East Bay continues to show distinct yet interconnected trends in each community. While inventory levels remain tight overall, buyer demand and pricing dynamics vary between Montclair, Orinda, and Lafayette. For clients looking to buy, sell, or coordinate both, understanding these local shifts is key to making confident and strategic decisions. Here’s a quick look at how each market was performing this last month.

In Orinda the real estate market reflected a balanced environment with a 2.23-month supply of homes—neither strongly favoring buyers nor sellers. Inventory dipped 11% from last month, while homes are moving quickly, with pending listings spending a median of just 20 days on the market. The median sold price is $1.57M, down 18% month-over-month, yet homes continue selling near or slightly above asking, with a sold-to-list ratio of 100.12%. With steady demand and limited supply, both buyers and sellers in Orinda benefit from strategic timing, realistic pricing, and swift decision-making in this competitive, well-balanced market.

Lafayette’s real estate market remained highly competitive, with inventory down 27% from September and only 1.55 months of supply available. Homes are moving quickly—median 12 days on market—and often selling above asking, with a sold-to-list ratio of 103.45%. The median sold price has risen 8% to $2.03M, underscoring strong demand and limited supply. With tight inventory and rising prices, both buyers and sellers must plan carefully and act swiftly to succeed in Lafayette’s fast-paced market.

In October 2025, Montclair’s real estate market remained highly competitive, with inventory down 70% year-over-year and only 1.17 months of supply available. Homes are selling quickly—averaging 14 days on market—and often above asking, with a sold-to-list ratio of 126.54%. With median home prices around $1.56M and limited new listings, both buyers and sellers must navigate a fast-moving market where timing and preparation are key to achieving the best results.

These are just a quick snapshot of three of the markets I serve. If you would like to know how real estate is performing in your micro-market, I would be happy to update you.

Community Spotlight: Supporting Winter Nights

As we enter the season of giving, I’m proud to highlight one of our community’s most meaningful traditions — Winter Nights.

Winter Nights provides shelter, meals, and support for local families experiencing homelessness, offering not just a safe place to stay but a sense of warmth, dignity, and community. Volunteers from across Lamorinda have come together to cook, serve, and spend time with families, making this program a true reflection of compassion in action.

If you’d like to contribute, donations of funds are greatly appreciated and directly support families in need during the colder months. Whether you’re able to volunteer a few hours or make a small contribution, every effort helps make a difference this season. Click here to learn more or donate.

And as we head deeper into the season, the Bay Area is alive with community spirit — from local fall festivals and school events to holiday gatherings that bring neighbors together. It’s a wonderful time to enjoy everything our area has to offer!

Here are some events to know about:

Joybound People & Pets: Free Pet Vaccine and Microchip Clinic

Nov 8 at 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Richmond Civic Center Plaza

Gather, Gobble, Cheers!

Nov 13 at 7:00PM - 9:00PM

McGrail Vineyards and Winery

Canyon Club Danville Pretzel Making Class

November 17 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Canyon Club Danville

California Symphony: Beethoven’s Eroica

Nov 15 at 7:30PM - 9:30PM