Every single column that I write, I include the phrase, “I love where I live”. It couldn’t be more true than in the summer season. I love the sunshine, long days and all the different activities available. When clients come to this area to look for their dream home, it’s the community that has a strong influence on their decision to move here. Sure, there are nice homes here. But there’s nice homes in lots of places. This area has so much to offer and keeps offering more. 

I’m from the Bay Area. I relocated here with my soon-to-be wife way back in the mid-90s. We were attracted to so many features of the area, not to mention home prices. It was very different back then, yet still the same as it is now. Great neighborhoods, quieter and slower pace, friendly people, fun outdoor activities, top schools and shopping nearby. Since then, it’s only gotten better and better. 

Summer activities abound. When we arrived, our favorite summer activity was white water rafting. And the location where we get out of the water was just 10 minutes from our home. Wow! Where am I? White water rafting is such a thrilling and fun day. The Folsom Rodeo was and still is the spirit of Folsom in the summer. The 4th of July fireworks are amazing. El Dorado Hills’ Town Center is packed for the 4th of July celebration. Thousands of people come from miles around to gather, enjoy the fun at Town Center, the Freedom Concert at the Amphitheater and a spectacular display of fireworks. Throughout the summer, free music is everywhere! It’s so much fun. Between the Town Center on Thursday nights and Folsom’s Palladio on Friday nights, there’s plenty of music in plenty of genres. And it’s free! Grab dinner or an ice cream and enjoy everything from Country to Top 40 to Classic Rock. 

Interested in a little quieter summer activity; an activity to improve your posture & breathing, increase your flexibility and help manage your stress? Free Yoga on Saturday mornings at the Palladio. A great way to improve your health and get involved in the community. 

There are unlimited summer activities to do on your own, with your bestie or in a group. How ‘bout a really nice hike in El Dorado Hills? Right through the middle of EDH! You’d never know it was there if you didn’t know it was there. A simple but relaxing 1.5 mile hike on the New York Nature Trail. It’s amazing. On one end is Art Weisberg Park and on the other end is right near the Community Service District Park. It’s a great example of feeling like you get away from it all, but you’re still right in the middle of it all. It’s ideal for a lunch break from work or a quick getaway before it’s time to pick up the kids. For a different experience, check out the Saratoga Recreation Trail. There are so many areas to hike and bike in this area. Far too many to mention.

So many other summer activities can keep you busy and entertained. Golf and frisbee golf are a couple of my favorites. I really like that on a hot summer weekend day, I can finish my open house and easily within an hour, I can be paddling my kayak on Folsom Lake or Lake Natoma for a nice refreshing way to cool off. 

There are far too many summer activities to mention. What’s your favorite summertime activity? 

So before I put on my sunscreen and head out to the lake, let’s review the current state of local real estate. In El Dorado Hills (EDH) and Folsom, through May 2024, the numbers are UP when compared to the same period in 2023. The average price of a Sold home is UP. The number of listings is UP and the number of homes SOLD is UP. With all of the news of interest rates and changing rules regarding real estate transactions, the numbers tell a different story. In EDH, the average price of a sold home is slightly up to over $1.080,000 while Folsom has a significant increase to $855,000 when compared to same period in 2023. The number of listings is up over 20% in EDH and Folsom, while the number of homes sold through May 2024 is up over 5% in both areas. More interesting is that in EDH, just over 50% of the recent homes sold (since 3/1/24) received multiple offers, with 75% of those homes receiving either two or three offers. Interestingly, 52% of those homes sold recently sold for less than their original price while 36% sold for over original price. Those that sold for over original price were twice as likely to receive multiple offers. Apparently, receiving multiple offers doesn’t assure that home sells for over list, but safe to assume that multiple offers can improve the overall terms of the buyers’ offer. In summary, the local real estate market is alive and can be a great time for buyer and for sellers. 

I love where I live. I’m excited to continue to help more families in 2024 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, 916.812.4341, pquan@cbnorcal.comwww.PatQuan.com. CA DRE #01918240

Author: Pat Quan