While a national survey reports that 45% of Americans will buy candy specifically for Trick-or-Treaters, does it count if I buy it for myself? Do I have to knock on my own door to get my favorite? I want a Scotchmallow (from See’s Candies) for Halloween. Dark or Milk Chocolate? I don’t care. It’s my favorite.
I could risk going to a Trunk-or-Treat but I don’t know if I’d get my favorite candy.
I know. If I wear a Shohei Ohtani costume, I’ll fit right in. We’re like twins. Except he’s 6’4” and well, I’m not. He’s over 200 pounds, and well, I’m not. And he looks like he’s 30, and well, I don’t. And he has jet black hair and well, I have shades of gray. He speaks Japanese, and well, I don’t. But if I wear that #17 jersey, I’ll be unmistakable. And I’ll get a Scotchmallow. You can bet on it.
It’s a losing bet. Because it’s likely that if I knocked on enough doors, chances are I’m getting a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. It is the Most Popular Candy by State in 42 states. M&Ms plain and peanut dominate the top spot in the other states. Snickers, Twix, Kit Kat, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Milky Way, Sour Patch Kids and Skittles round out the top 10. Apparently chocolate is king as it’s in the top eight spots. Another study shows Candy Corn to be in the top spot. And yet another study shows M&M as the top dog in the Halloween candy world with Starburst, Hot Tamales, and Butterfinger cracking through into the top spots.
Anyone wonder what are the least popular candies? Circus Peanuts, Necco Wafers, Smarties and yes, the controversial Candy Corn. I would have to tend to agree with this list. No Scotchmallow? Those other top 10 candies are just fine with me. Interestingly, many of these were named as the least healthy.
How ‘bout the healthiest candies? While we should consider healthy, do you really? Me, I just abstain if I don’t want unhealthy. Again, various reports name different candies. The list includes Peanut M&Ms, Jolly Ranchers, Salt Water Taffy. Another list includes Snickers and Reese’s and Blow Pops.
I’ll have to take those trivial tid-bits into consideration when we along with 45% of the population go buy candy to give out to trick-or-treaters. But in the end, it’s a lot of sugar and it tastes really good. I’ll still take my Scotchmallow.
Is October real estate a trick or a treat? Through the first three quarters of 2024 compared to 2023, while the trends in the numbers in El Dorado Hills (EDH) and Folsom are usually quite similar, year-to-date, there are some key differences. While both areas are up in average sold price – EDH is close to $1.1 million while Folsom is around $825,000 – the trends differ on other key measures. In Folsom, there have been more homes sold through the first three quarter of 2024 than in the same period in 2023. Homes are selling faster on average and Sales Price to List Price ratio is just over 100%.
The reverse is true in EDH as the number of homes sold is lower, homes are selling slower and the ratio is just under 100%. Meanwhile, buyer and seller activity as a whole, seems to be a more even market. Buyers may find homes that sell quickly, get multiple offers and go for well over list price, yet they may also find homeowners that are willing to take offers that are under list as they may be motivated by less buyer activity and more time on the market. As interest rates dropped, they’ve recently been on the rise, but rates are better than they were at this time last year. So there’s definitely a bag of treats to be found, but look out for those tricks.
Have you been thinking about moving? Is it time for a treat for buyers or sellers? I talk with sellers and buyers about these topics and more all the time. With proper planning and a good Realtor (Luckily, I know a really good one….), you can smoothly get to your next stage in life. For more tips on how to successfully navigate the real estate purchase or sale, or suggestions on specific topics, please contact me at Coldwell Banker, 916.812.4341, pquan@cbnorcal.com, www.PatQuan.com.
The above commentary was authored by local resident Pat Quan who regularly submits to Folsom Times. The views and opinions expressed in community commentary submissions are that of the authors and do not reflect the views and opinions of Folsom Times, its management, staff, stakeholders or advertisers.
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