May Market Update

May Market Update
The Spring Market Is Active, But Strategy Still Matters

As we move deeper into the spring market, motivated buyers are still active, even with interest rates hovering higher than many had hoped. Across Lamorinda and the Diablo Valley, well-prepared homes continue to attract strong attention, particularly when they’re priced thoughtfully and aligned with what today’s buyers are looking for.

That said, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all market. Inventory remains relatively limited in many neighborhoods, which continues to support home values, but buyers are also more selective and intentional than in the ultra-competitive markets of years past. Homes that feel turnkey, well-presented, and strategically introduced to the market are seeing the strongest response.

For buyers, the good news is that while competition still exists, there are often more opportunities to make thoughtful decisions than we saw during the frenzied pace of previous spring seasons. Preparation remains key, whether that means understanding financing options, defining priorities, or being ready to act quickly when the right home appears.

For sellers, timing can still be highly advantageous, but success today depends less on simply listing and more on having a clear strategy from the start; pricing, presentation, positioning, and exposure all matter.

As always, real estate is hyper-local, and what’s happening in one neighborhood can look very different just a few miles away. Whether you’re actively planning a move or simply staying informed, I’m always happy to be a resource.

If you’d like to read the full Compass market report prepared by Mike Simonsen, Chief Economist of Compass International Holdings, click on the links below:

View The Full May 2026 Lamorinda Real Estate Report
View The National Factors & Indicators Pertinent to Report
View The East Bay Median Home Price Map

Sellers Corner: Spring Cleaning Tips

Preparing your home for the spring market doesn’t always require major updates. Thoughtful cleaning, decluttering, and small refreshes can significantly impact how a home shows and how buyers respond. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s creating a sense of space, light, and care that resonates from the moment someone walks in. A well-prepared home stands out, especially in a competitive market.

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Buyer’s Corner: The Advantage of Private Exclusives

In a competitive market, access matters. Compass Private Exclusives allow buyers to preview homes before they reach the public market. This can reduce competition, provide early insight into pricing, and create opportunities for thoughtful negotiation. For buyers who want strategic access, not just alerts, this can be a meaningful advantage.

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Community Highlights

One of the things I love most about living in the Bay Area is having amazing cultural events, fantastic restaurants, and beautiful outdoor adventures right outside our door.

Here are a few upcoming events worth exploring.

Events At The Presidio!

Located in the heart of the Bay Area, the Presidio is a National Historic Landmark and one of America’s most visited national park sites.

Today’s Presidio is a city within a city – and an oasis for rare wildlife. It’s a global visitor destination – and a bus ride away for millions of people. It’s a public park – and a place where people live and businesses thrive. And unlike other national parks, it’s operated with funds earned here, with every dollar spent going right back into park preservation.

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Matisse's Femme au chapeau: A Modern Scandal

Explore a restaging of Femme au chapeau’s public debut in 1905, bringing together the greatest number of works from that historic display in over a century. See why paintings by Matisse, André Derain, Albert Marquet, Maurice de Vlaminck, and others sparked such heated debate and admiration during their time. As the exclusive venue for this landmark exhibition, SFMOMA is the only place where you can experience the full story and radical spirit of Femme au chapeau.

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Events At The Greek Theatre

Enjoy Berkeley’s warmest months at The Greek Theatre! Popular music artists that have performed at the venue include Bob Dylan, The Talking Heads, The Grateful Dead, Phish, Elvis Costello, John Legend, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Genesis, R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Joan Baez, Placido Domingo, Radiohead, Mumford & Sons, James Taylor, Adele and Dave Matthews Band. The Greek Theatre is an extraordinary venue that transforms any event or concert into a truly remarkable experience for both the artist and the audience.

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A New Brewery In Lafayette!

The Western Flyer Project was born out of a desire to use craft beer as a community rallying point. Their broader team (called the Flyer Crew) of backers, builders, advisors, and fans are Lafayette through and through.

The Western Flyer is located at 3660 Mt. Diablo Blvd, diagonally across from Trader Joe's.

They brew world class beer on site, and will have a full kitchen serving casual coastal tacos and lite bites.

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Getting ready to buy or sell?

Discover how I can assist you in making your next move smooth and successful.