This past holiday season was fun —and if you spent any time in the Historic Folsom District, you probably agree. The lights were up, the streets were lively, restaurants were packed, and there was that unmistakable buzz of people enjoying being out and about. My wife and I had dinner there several times, wandered the shops, and even made a stop at the ice rink.
Well…shemade a stop at the ice rink. I did not actually skate. Somewhere along the way, I realized that broken wrists and a sore butt take much longer to heal than they used to. I never really learned to ice skate – at least not well — and I see no reason to start now. So I stayed safely on solid ground, admired those who could glide effortlessly across the ice, and enthusiastically cheered on those who were clearly learning as they went.
On one of those holiday evenings, while enjoying a great dinner at Bella Maci—my wife loves Italian food, and I love that she loves Italian food—my thoughts drifted from pasta and garlic bread to something far less exciting: planning and organizing. That seems to happen every year around this time. Once the holidays wind down and the calendar flips to January, my brain automatically shifts into planning mode. Ok, truth be known, I’m always planning.
I’ll admit it—I like to plan. I like being organized. Chaos might sound exciting in theory, but in real life I prefer knowing where I’m supposed to be and when. My iPhone calendar is my safety net. If something isn’t on my calendar, there’s a strong chance it doesn’t exist—or at least I won’t remember it. This system has saved me more than once.
That said, I’ve learned there’s no single right way to stay organized. Some people swear by digital calendars and alerts. Others rely on handwritten planners with color-coded tabs and pens that cost more than a nice dinner in Historic Folsom. Some keep meticulous to-do lists and others operate entirely on memory and good intentions. Somehow, everyone muddles through. I’m definitely a To-Do list guy.
January always brings a renewed push to “get organized.” New planners are purchased. Apps are downloaded. Desk drawers are cleaned out with great enthusiasm. We convince ourselves thatthisis the year everything will finally run perfectly.
And then life happens. Plans change. Schedules fill up. Things take longer than expected. Before long, that brand-new planner starts looking a little less pristine. But I’ve learned that organization isn’t about perfection—it’s about having a system that helps you navigate real life, not an imaginary one.
This way of thinking shows up a lot in my line of work. Buying or selling a home is a lot like planning your year: it works best when there’s a clear plan, realistic expectations, and flexibility when things don’t go exactly as intended. There are timelines, moving parts, and occasional surprises—some pleasant, some not. The goal isn’t to control every detail; it’s to be prepared enough to handle what comes your way.
I see it all the time. The transactions that go the smoothest aren’t necessarily the ones without bumps—they’re the ones where everyone had a plan. A plan for timing. A plan for pricing. A plan for what happens if Plan A turns into Plan B. Just like a calendar, a good real estate plan keeps things from colliding unexpectedly.
Which brings us to the local housing market.
As we head into the new year, bothFolsom and El Dorado Hillsshowed healthy—but different—patterns in 2025 compared to 2024. In both communities,more homes sold, confirming that buyers are still active. However, the markets responded differently to a noticeable increase in inventory.
InEl Dorado Hills, prices remained resilient. The average sold price increased to just over$1.11 million, even as homes took a bit longer to sell. New listings were up, giving buyers more options, but demand at higher price points stayed strong.
Folsom, on the other hand, saw a more dramatic shift. Inventory rose sharply, which gave buyers more leverage. As a result, prices softened to around $780,000, homes took longer to sell. It’s a market that feels more balanced—and more flexible—than it did a year ago.
The takeaway is simple:context matters. Two nearby communities can behave very differently, and that’s why understanding your specific neighborhood is more important than any headline.
So, whether you’re planning your year, organizing your calendar, or thinking about making a move, a little preparation goes a long way. And if your plans include buying or selling a home, having a clear plan—along with someone who knows the local market—can make the process far more enjoyable.
I love where I live. I’m excited to continue to help more families with their real estate needs. 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 Folsom topics, please contact me at Coldwell Banker Realty, 916.812.4341,pquan@cbnorcal.com,www.PatQuan.com. CA DRE #01918240
