Pumpkin spice and property prices

Fall is finally here. At least that's what the calendar says. The thermometer may still be stuck in "late summer mode," but I've already spotted the first pumpkin spice latte in the wild, so it must be fall. Around here, fall means apple runs to Apple Hill (OK, maybe it's closer to a crawl when in Highway 50 Placerville traffic – pro tip: go on a weekday!), cooler evenings on the patio, and a real estate market that's every bit as colorful as the changing leaves – on the handful of trees that actually change color in our area. And right now, buyers and sellers in our area are asking the age-old question: Folsom or El Dorado Hills? It's a little like deciding between pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake. Both delicious, both seasonal, but one comes with just a little more decadence. Folsom offers trails, history and yes – Costco! This town offers small-town charm, fun times at Folsom Lake and an ever-expanding list of new communities – all within shouting distance of the region's best Costco. Yes, I said it. Homebuyers may ask about schools, parks, restaurants, but they also get a little sparkle in their eye when they hear, "Costco's right down the road." Folsom has long been attractive to families that want excellent schools, safe neighborhoods and more bike trails than they'll ever actually ride. The Historic District keeps its Gold Rush character, while new developments like Folsom Ranch keep expanding the map southward faster than you can say "master-planned community." Folsom is a great place to live. Now, cross the county line and you'll find El Dorado Hills, where the vibe changes just a little. When you venture up the hill into El Dorado Hills, you'll notice larger homes on larger lots, gated neighborhoods like Serrano and a Town Center that somehow makes dinner, concerts and a Target run all possible in one trip. Where else you can you get a box of Airheads and Sea Salt Caramel popcorn on the way to the movies? EDH has a reputation for resort-style living, and frankly, it earns it. If Folsom is the pumpkin pie of real estate, El Dorado Hills is pumpkin cheesecake: richer, creamier and definitely pricier. The median price is higher here, especially in Serrano and the custom neighborhoods tucked into the rolling hills. Buyers are often moving up – from Sacramento, the Bay Area or even from Folsom itself. It's the next step when you want more elbow room and maybe a wine fridge in the kitchen. It's an amazing community I've called home for 30 years! Looking at the year-to-date numbers through August 2025, Folsom and El Dorado Hills are once again proving they're like siblings – different personalities but somehow always keeping pace with each other. In El Dorado Hills, the average sold price ticked up about 3 percent, crossing the $1.1 million mark. Folsom, on the other hand, saw a small dip of around 3 percent, landing just above $800,000. But here's where they agree: Both towns sold more homes this year. Sales in El Dorado Hills climbed about 7 percent, while Folsom edged up by 2 percent. Inventory told an even more interesting story. In EDH, the number of homes for sale jumped roughly 20 percent, with new listings up 15 percent. Folsom outdid them on the "for sale" side with a 33 percent increase, though new listings rose by a gentler 12 percent. Translation? Buyers in both markets are seeing more options, but sellers still need to price smartly if they want to stand out. Think of it like the pumpkin display at the grocery store: When there are only a few, they all look good. When there's a mountain of them, buyers get picky – and suddenly everyone's looking for the "perfect" pumpkin. So as you sip your pumpkin spice latte and ponder where you might plant roots, remember this: Folsom and El Dorado Hills both have something special. Whether it's Folsom Lake and miles of trails or hillside views, historic charm or gated luxury, you can't really go wrong. I love where I live. I'm excited to continue to help more families in 2025 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, contact me at Coldwell Banker Realty, 916-812-4341, pquan@cbnorcal.com, www.PatQuan.com. CA DRE #01918240