Real-Time Real Estate: Navigating the 2026 Sales Momentum

The numbers are in, and 2026 is starting with the kind of momentum we haven’t seen in nearly three years. Nationwide, existing home sales jumped 5.1% in December, reaching an annual rate of 4.35 million. For those of us watching the Lamorinda micro-markets of Moraga, Lafayette, and Orinda, these broader trends confirm what we’re seeing on the ground: the "Smart Way" to real estate is getting a tailwind from falling mortgage costs and a 30-month streak of price increases.

The Data Behind the Shift

While national headlines talk about broad regions, I prefer to look at the "forensic" details of how these shifts impact our local neighborhoods. Here is the current landscape:

• Mortgage Rates are Easing: The average 30-year fixed rate hit 6.19% in December, a notable drop from 6.72% just a year ago.

• Inventory is Tightening: We saw an 18.1% decrease in unsold inventory recently, which puts even more pressure on the quality of your home’s presentation.

• Pricing Resilience: The national median price for existing homes rose to $405,400. In our specific communities, like the Moraga Country Club, we know these numbers behave differently based on specific floor plans and local demand.

What This Means for Your Strategy

At BrightWork, we don’t just "list" a home and hope the national momentum does the work. We diagnose, design, and execute a strategy based on where the market is right now.

For Sellers: With inventory levels remaining tight, your home needs to stand out immediately. Because modern buyers, especially those relocating from San Francisco, shop "online first," our minimum standard includes professional photography, 3D immersive tours, and Sky Tours. 

For Buyers: The market is finding its feet, which means competition for turnkey homes is increasing. We maintain a private, curated list of off-market "Quiet Inventory" to give our clients an advantage before properties ever hit the public portals.

A Long-Term Perspective

I’ve been in this business long enough to see many cycles since my mother founded it in 1977. While the December data suggests a strong start to the year, real estate isn't just about a single month's data point. It’s about your specific goals, whether you are planning a transition over the next 6, 12, or 24 months.

If you're curious about how this 3-year high in sales momentum affects the equity in your specific floor plan, let’s look at the numbers together. We can lay out a couple of paths that make sense for your next chapter.

Ready for a smarter approach? Give me a call at 925.255.9727 for a strategic audit of your property. We’ll skip the sales hype and focus on the data that actually moves the needle.