About Me
Since 2004, Brightwork Realty Advocates founder Ben Olsen has been helping people in the East Bay achieve their property dreams. A deeply compassionate and caring individual, Ben appreciates the opportunity to assist buyers and sellers as they make important changes in their lives. At Brightwork, he has assembled a team of like-minded real estate professionals who are driven to serve their clients and community. Ben’s 2021 sales totaled $150 million, and to date, more than 1,000 buyers and sellers have benefited from his focus on honesty and service as they navigated the real estate market. His accolades include Better Business Bureau, Home Light Elite, Best of Zillow, and Top Teams 2021.
Ben was born in Lafayette, raised in Orinda, and now lives in Moraga, so he has a deep understanding of Contra Costa County. His mom, Sue, has been a real estate agent/broker in the area since 1977. With her mentoring and his experience, he has the expertise to help clients find the perfect place to fit their needs. Ben and the team value education and insight, and they continue to develop their skills with additional certifications. His expert knowledge in areas such as green building and distressed properties provides an extra layer of depth to his advice, which helps his clients make smarter real estate decisions.
Ben’s strong work ethic saw him enter the workforce at age 14. A job in construction introduced him to property at a young age, and he brings that experience to his clients. He studied business and economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara before joining the tech industry. His years in tech give him an understanding of internet development and marketing that he now uses to promote clients’ homes.
Ben’s commitment to the community has spurred him to support local groups such as Boys Team Charity and the Moraga Education Foundation. He and his wife stay busy raising their three children, and in his free time, Ben keeps fit by playing tennis, golfing, and playing on an adult league softball team. He’s also amassing a portfolio of rental properties, which he believes is one of the keys to building long-term wealth.
About Orinda, California 94563
California’s Contra Costa County includes the little town of Orinda, which has the Zip Code 94563. About 11 miles east of Oakland, it is located in the East Bay hills. Before Spanish missionaries arrived in the late 1700s, the Ohlone Native Americans were the only people living in the zip code 94563. Jose Joaquin Moraga was the first to settle in the area and gave it the name “golden hills” in Spanish. The town started to expand in the late 1800s when a train station and a post office were built. Since its incorporation in 1985, the municipality has experienced consistent growth. Most residents of zip code 94563 live in affluent communities with excellent living standards. In addition to having outstanding schools, parks, and open areas, zip code 94563 is conveniently located near the San Francisco Bay Area. The city also provides various cultural and recreational options, such as a farmers’ market, a community theatre, and hiking and bike trails. A Mediterranean climate characterises zip code 94563, with moderate, rainy winters and dry, pleasant summers.
Real Estate Market of Orinda, California 94563
Due to high demand and low inventory, the real estate market in zip code 94563 is highly competitive. The median home price is around $2 million, which is greater than the state of California’s median home price. Homes in zip code 94563 typically sell rapidly, frequently within a few weeks of being listed, and at or above the asking price. Most houses are single-family dwellings with a mix of modern and older architecture. The city is well-known for its large, expensive mansions, as well as its stunning vistas and natural beauty.
The Population of Orinda, California 94563
According to 2010 US Census data, zip code 94563 has a population of around 17,672. The city is primarily White in terms of ethnicity. Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and African Americans are the other ethnic groupings in zip code 94563. The area’s median age is roughly 48 years old. Zip code 94563 is home to a large number of families and a small number of single persons.
Employment Level in Orinda, California 94563
Zip code 94563 has fewer job prospects than larger cities because it is a tiny residential town. Many residents commute to nearby cities for work, such as Oakland or San Francisco. The leading employers in zip code 94563 are typically in education and healthcare, with the Orinda Union School District and the Contra Costa Medical Career College among the city’s top employers. The downtown area also has a variety of small enterprises and retail stores because of the city’s affluent population and closeness to work centres in the San Francisco Bay Area. The unemployment rate in zip code 94563 is generally low, and many inhabitants enjoy a high level of life.
Schools in Orinda, California 94563
The Orinda Union School District has one middle school and four primary schools and serves zip code 94563. Miramonte High School, a component of the Acalanes Union High School District, is also included in the district. Several private institutions, including Orinda Academy and the Orinda Community Church Preschool, are also in the community.
Neighbourhoods Near Orinda, California 94563
Several minor communities surround zip code 94563, including Lafayette, Moraga, Walnut Creek, and Berkeley. Canyon, which is slight to the north, is the nearest neighbourhood. Montclair, Wilder, and Tassajara Valley are also close communities that provide a variety of housing alternatives and services.