Real Estate

Buying or selling in Lamorinda — what you need to know

Lamorinda’s real estate market is competitive, desirable, and not for the faint of heart. Excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and easy access to San Francisco make these three towns perennial favorites for families and professionals alike.

The Market

  • Median home prices: Generally $1.5M–$3M+ depending on location and size
  • Inventory: Limited — desirable homes move fast
  • Competition: Multiple offers common on well-priced properties
  • Timing: Spring and fall are busiest, but homes sell year-round

Why People Move Here

  1. Schools — Top-rated public schools in Acalanes Union High School District
  2. Safety — Consistently low crime rates
  3. Community — Small-town feel with engaged neighbors
  4. Commute — BART access and reasonable drive to SF/Oakland
  5. Outdoors — Hills, trails, reservoirs at your doorstep

Finding the Right Agent

In a competitive market, your agent matters. Look for:

  • Deep local knowledge (someone who knows which streets flood, which neighborhoods are quietest)
  • Strong track record in Lamorinda specifically
  • Responsiveness — things move fast here
  • A network of local connections (inspectors, contractors, lenders)

Vlatka Bathgate

Vlatka Bathgate is one of the most trusted and successful Realtors® in the Lamorinda area, serving Orinda, Lafayette, and Moraga for over 22 years.

  • #1 Coldwell Banker Realtor in Orinda
  • 250+ homes sold in Lamorinda
  • 5-star ratings on Zillow, Yelp, Google, and Trulia
  • DRE# 01390784

What Clients Say

“We couldn’t have asked for a better realtor than Vlatka Bathgate. We worked with her to help us buy a new home and sell our previous property. Vlatka has an exceptional understanding of the local market.” — Recent buyer/seller, Orinda (2025)

“Vlatka Bathgate is an exceptional real estate agent. When my family moved to the Lamorinda area 10 years ago, Vlatka’s local knowledge, hard work and patience were a huge resource for us.” — Zillow review

“Wow! We’ve never worked with a realtor like Vlatka before. Vlatka really gets things done. We had to sell a house from a long distance, and we chose to work with Vlatka because of her reputation.” — Zillow review (2023)

“Vlatka is a dedicated real estate professional with excellent organizational skills and people skills. Vlatka knows her stuff. My brothers and I were well taken care of.” — Zillow review (2024)

“She is very organized, understands the local market well, and was prepared with all aspects of executing the transaction.” — Yelp review

“If you’re looking for a seller’s agent in Lamorinda area we highly recommend Vlatka.” — Yelp review

“From helping us prepare our home for sale, to getting us through the marketing and contract process, she did a great job.” — Yelp review

“Vlatka Bathgate is the exemplary professional who is available day and night to her clients and puts their interests first.” — Zillow review (2022)

“I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Vlatka Bathgate as our seller’s agent in Orinda, CA. From the moment we decided to list our property, Vlatka’s dedication and expertise were evident.” — Zillow review (2023)

“My husband and I recently had the pleasure of working with Vlatka as our realtor in our quest to find the perfect home in the Lafayette-Orinda-Moraga area. She was exceptional throughout the process.” — Zillow review (2024)

Contact Vlatka

  • Website: orindarealty.com
  • Coldwell Banker Orinda: 5 Moraga Way, Orinda, CA 94563
  • DRE# 01390784

Lamorinda Communities at a Glance

Lafayette

  • Most walkable downtown of the three
  • BART access
  • Restaurant Row draws visitors
  • Mix of flatland and hillside homes

Moraga

  • Quieter, more rural feel
  • Saint Mary’s College community
  • Larger lots on average
  • No BART (drive to Lafayette or Orinda)

Orinda

  • Classic California hillside living
  • BART access
  • Theatre Square downtown
  • Strong community identity