Impact of IPOs in the east bay

[Neha Shah]

Hi All -

New to the BiggerPockets forum. We have a condo in SF but are looking to move to the Lamorinda area of the east bay anywhere from now to in the next couple years as we start a family. We would rent out our condo when we move. Our condo is exempt from rent control rules and is higher-end. We also have another rental unit in the south bay. We won't be selling either of these condos anytime soon. 

With 5 IPOs in SF this year and a projected 10m new millionaires in SF, we're wondering if it makes sense to buy a house now since the market is potentially "cool."  I know it'll definitely impact the city itself, but not sure what the impact will be like in the Lamorinda area. Anyone familiar with the east bay that may have insight? Wondering if the bay area will be largely protected from any normal recession cycle because of these IPOs. Should we buy now? Wait?  Totally understand that Lamorinda isn't a high-growth area in terms of a good investment, this is more about quality of life and where want to raise our kids. Just trying to time it right with the current market dynamics.

Thank you!

[Frank Wong]

Hi Neha,

I know the Lamorinda area and I don't think it will have much of an impact based on the IPOS.  It is an amazing area if you are looking for great schools and larger home for that $1m+ price range.

If there is an impact on the East Bay.  I think it will be Piedmont, Upper Rockridge, and Lower Rockridge.  Those would be my top picks if there is any type of surge bc of the IPOS.  But I never speculate.  What happens will happen.