A New Obsession (Some Things Never Change)
Some of you may not know this, but I spent about 10 years playing racquetball pretty competitively. I even had a highlight along the way, winning a State Championship back in 1987. Fast forward, and I seem to have found a new version of that same competitive outlet… pickleball.
Earlier this month, I played in the Golden Gate Pickleball “Dinkin’ In The Fog” tournament at Willow Pass Park. It was a great event with a strong field of players and a lot of local energy.
I competed in both Men’s Singles and Doubles. Singles didn’t quite go my way, but in doubles, my partner Kurt Brunk and I managed to work our way onto the podium with a 3rd place finish. Not bad for a couple of guys who still like to think they’ve got a few good shots left.
More than anything, it was just a fun reminder of how important it is to stay active, stay competitive (in a good way), and stay connected to the community. If you play, I’d love to hear where, or maybe even get a game in sometime.
March 2026 Market Update - Spring Demand Holds Strong Despite Uncertainty
As we move deeper into the spring market, one thing is becoming clear: buyer demand continues to strengthen, even in the face of broader economic uncertainty.
Over the past few months, there has been no shortage of headlines, from rising interest rates and volatile financial markets to higher energy costs and renewed concerns about inflation tied to the Iran conflict. Historically, events like these can shift market momentum quickly. But so far, the impact on Bay Area real estate has been relatively limited.
Where we have seen some effect, it has tended to show up more in lower-priced markets that are more sensitive to interest rate changes. In contrast, more affluent areas, like Lamorinda, have remained active and competitive. It’s also possible that some sellers paused their plans in March while waiting for more clarity around economic conditions.
Unlike last year’s tariff shock, which caused a noticeable slowdown, the market has shown resilience. And as of early April, with a ceasefire announced and several economic indicators trending in a more positive direction, overall sentiment appears to be stabilizing.
From a local market perspective, the spring pattern is firmly in place. The number of homes going into contract increased significantly month over month, which is typical for this time of year. However, the number of available listings remains lower than what we saw last March. That imbalance between strong buyer demand and limited inventory is driving the market.
We’re seeing:
* Rising median home prices in Q1
* Increased competition and overbidding
* Fewer price reductions
* Faster time on market
As has been the case over the past couple of years, higher-end markets continue to outperform, and single-family homes remain in stronger demand than condos.
Looking ahead, the fundamentals supporting this market; limited supply, steady demand, and active participation from affluent buyers are still very much in place. As always, preparation, timing, and strategy will play a key role in achieving the best outcomes.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling this spring, I’m happy to help you navigate the current conditions and put a thoughtful plan in place.
View The Full April 2026 Lamorinda Real Estate Report
View The Lamorinda - Diablo Valley City Statistics
View The Macroeconomic Factors & Indicators Pertinent To Reports
