Selling in 2026: Here’s Why Smart Sellers Start Now

If you’re considering selling in 2026, there’s real value in connecting with a realtor well before you list. In real estate, timing is everything — and preparation is key. Early strategy means stronger results, fewer surprises, and a clear competitive edge.

Market Insight Matters

A skilled agent can help you track current trends, pricing patterns, and seasonal shifts in your neighborhood. By building a plan now, you’ll know exactly when and how to bring your home to market for the best possible return.

Data-Driven Home Improvements

Your realtor can identify which updates deliver the strongest ROI — whether that’s curb appeal upgrades, kitchen enhancements, or simple cosmetic improvements. Strategic preparation today ensures your home stands out to buyers later.

Position Your Home for Maximum Impact

From professional staging to marketing execution, effective listings take time to craft. Early planning enables your agent to assemble the ideal team of vendors, photographers, and pricing strategies, ensuring your home launches flawlessly when the time is right.

Selling in 2026:The Bottom Line

If you are selling in 2026, a successful sale doesn’t happen by chance. They’re the result of data, timing, and preparation.

Reach out now to start shaping your 2026 strategy — and give yourself the advantage of foresight, expert guidance, and market readiness.

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2100 Ranch Bluff Way

Huge $50,000 Price Reduction – A Rare Opportunity to Create Your Dream Home in Four Seasons!

Welcome to 2100 Ranch Bluff Way, a spacious Sausalito model in the sought-after Four Seasons 55+ community of El Dorado Hills. With a generous $50,000 price reduction, this home is now an unbeatable opportunity for those looking to personalize their forever home.

Ready for Your Personal Touch

This well-laid-out two-bedroom, two-bath home offers the perfect canvas for your vision. Whether you’re dreaming of a fresh modern update or timeless elegance, the current pricing allows for the flexibility to make it truly your own. The open-concept floorplan connects the kitchen and family room, making it ideal for entertaining friends or enjoying quiet evenings by the cozy gas fireplace.

Relaxing Primary Suite and Tranquil Outdoor Space

The primary suite includes a spacious walk-in closet and en suite bathroom, while the second bedroom is perfect for guests, hobbies, or an office. Step outside to your own backyard oasis, featuring a peaceful pond and water feature that create a soothing, serene retreat.

Unmatched Community Amenities

Living in Four Seasons means more than just a home—it’s a lifestyle. Just steps from your front door is a scenic trail that leads to the Lodge Club House, the heart of the community. Residents enjoy access to:

• A sparkling swimming pool
• Tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball courts
• A community garden
• A calendar of events, clubs, and gatherings

Ideal Location in El Dorado Hills

Located just minutes from the Town Center, you’ll love being close to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. For outdoor lovers, Folsom Lake is just a short drive away. And when it’s time for a weekend getaway, Napa Valley wine country and Lake Tahoe are both within easy reach.

No Mello Roos—Just More to Love

With no Mello Roos taxes, this home is not only a smart lifestyle choice but a smart financial one as well. Don’t miss your chance to design your perfect space and enjoy all the benefits of one of El Dorado Hills’ premier active adult communities.

Schedule a Tour Today

Contact us today to experience the charm and potential of 2100 Ranch Bluff Way. This rare opportunity won’t last long!

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How Folsom Beats the Heat: Summer Fun

Temperatures are rising, but Folsom beats the heat! The Sacramento area may be known for its sizzling summers, but locals know how to keep things cool. In Folsom, you’ll find even more ways to enjoy the sunshine without the sweat.

1. Make a Splash at Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake is a summer essential. Whether you’re boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just floating with friends, it’s a refreshing way to embrace the heat. Hit the beach at Granite Bay or Beals Point for a laid-back lakeside day.

2. Ride (or Stroll) the American River Bike Trail
With its shaded stretches and scenic views, the American River Bike Trail is a favorite for early risers looking to get outside before peak heat. It begins at Discovery Park in downtown Sacramento and extends to Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake. The trail offers scenic views of the river and is used for biking, walking, running, and other recreational activitiesBonus: It’s great for spotting local wildlife and soaking up that foothill charm.

3. Shop and Chill at the Palladio
Beat the heat indoors at the Palladio with boutique shopping, delicious eats, and a cool, modern movie theater, and a Farmer’s Market. Grab a smoothie or iced coffee and treat yourself to some retail therapy.

4. Folsom Beats the Heat at Snooks
This historic sweet spot in Folsom’s Historic District serves handmade candies and old-fashioned treats that never go out of style. Founded in 1966, Snooks is a Folsom tradition.

5. Cool Culture
Want a break from the sun? Visit the Harris Center for the Arts or the Folsom History Museum for an inspiring, air-conditioned afternoon. Educational, entertaining, and refreshingly cool.

Let us know your favorite ways to beat the summer heat in your city in the comments below. We’d love to know your secrets.

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Folsom: Not a Secret Anymore!

Thinking about investing in California real estate? Folsom is a suburb that should be on your radar. Located in the Sacramento area, this dynamic community has recently been recognized by GoBankingRates. It’s one of the top four California suburbs primed for property investment in the next five years. If you’re searching for a smart investment with growth potential, Folsom stands out for all the right reasons.

Why Folsom?

What makes Folsom special? According to real estate experts, the suburb’s excellent schools, abundant green spaces, and safe neighborhoods make it a magnet for families and professionals alike. With a crime rate lower than the national average and a lower cost of living compared to major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, it offers an appealing balance of affordability and quality of life.

GoBankingRates highlights another key factor: Folsom’s cost of living is lower than 308 out of 449 cities in California. This affordability, combined with the stability of home prices in the Sacramento area, creates a prime opportunity for those looking to make a long-term real estate investment.

While Southern California suburbs like Irvine, Temecula, and Poway also made the list, Folsom shines in Northern California as a suburb on the rise. For those who value a great community atmosphere, outdoor recreation, and long-term growth potential, it’s a top contender.

Ready to Act?

If you’re considering buying in Folsom or the greater Sacramento region, now is the perfect time to explore your options. With promising home appreciation rates and an unmatched lifestyle, Folsom is more than just a great place to live—it’s a smart investment in your future.

Reach out to Margaret Melville, your trusted real estate expert, to learn more about current opportunities and start planning your next move. The Melville Group has the experience you need for all of your real estate needs.

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How Do You Accurately Price a Home?

I get asked regularly about how to price a home. My clients ask questions, such as, Why are homes in the same neighborhood priced so differently? Sometimes pricing differences are due to user error. A seller may take bad advice to price high and “see what happens.”

As a local neighborhood expert, I can tell you that pricing a home in the Sacramento area is like putting together a puzzle. Once the pieces are in place, everything comes together to reveal a home that’s priced appropriately for both buyers and sellers. Here’s the process for determining the price of a home:

Step 1: Research Comparable Homes

The first step in pricing a home is to research comparable homes, also known as “comps.” This involves looking at recent sales of similar properties in the same neighborhood or area. Key factors to consider include:

• Location: Proximity to schools, parks, shopping centers, and other amenities.
• Size: Square footage of the living space and the lot.
• Condition: The age and overall condition of the property, including any recent renovations or upgrades.
• Features: Number of bedrooms and bathrooms, presence of a garage or pool, and other notable features.

By examining these factors, you can identify a range of prices that similar homes have sold for, providing a baseline for your pricing strategy.

Step 2: Factor in Market Conditions

Market conditions play a crucial role in determining the price of a home. These conditions include:

• Supply and Demand: The number of homes available for sale versus the number of buyers looking to purchase.
• Interest Rates: Higher interest rates can reduce buyer affordability, potentially lowering home prices.
• Economic Indicators: Local employment rates, income levels, and economic growth can impact the housing market.
• Seasonality: Certain times of the year, like spring and summer, may see more active real estate markets, affecting prices.

Understanding the current market conditions helps you gauge whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market and adjust your pricing strategy accordingly.

Step 3: Adjust for Unique Features

Every home has unique features that can either add to or detract from its value. Consider the following:

• Upgrades and Renovations: Modern kitchens, updated bathrooms, and new flooring can increase a home’s value.
• Energy Efficiency: Solar panels, energy-efficient windows, and other green features can be attractive to buyers.
• Curb Appeal: Landscaping, exterior condition, and overall appearance of the home.
• View and Privacy: Homes with scenic views, larger lots, or more privacy may command higher prices.

Adjust the price based on how these unique features compare to the comps. Positive adjustments increase the price, while negative adjustments decrease it.

Step 4: Put it All Together

Finally, compile all the information from the previous steps to determine a competitive and attractive price for the home:

• Analyze Data: Combine the comps, market conditions, and unique features to form a comprehensive view of the home’s value.
• Set a Price Range: Establish a price range rather than a single number to give flexibility in negotiations.
• Review and Revise: Continuously monitor the market and be prepared to adjust the price if necessary. Regularly review feedback from showings and open houses.

By systematically following these steps, you can ensure that the home is priced accurately and competitively. This approach is appealing to both buyers and sellers.

The Takeaway

Remember, pricing a home isn’t an exact science. There are many variables to consider, and it can be tricky to get it just right. That’s why working with an experienced agent is crucial to price your home correctly.

Curious about your home’s worth or how much you can afford on a new one? I’d love to chat with you. DM me or comment below, and I’ll be in touch!

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Considering property rental investments? It’s essential to understand rental investments and the difference between short-term and long-term rentals. Each option offers distinct benefits and challenges, aligning differently with your investment goals and lifestyle. Here’s a guide to help you get started.

Initial Steps for Future Investors

Financial Assessment: Assess your financial status, including assets, liabilities, and cash flow. Ensure you have a financial buffer for initial costs and unexpected expenses.

Market Research: Study market trends and local specifics to understand demand, rental rates, and occupancy trends.

Legal and Tax Implications: Understand the legal and tax aspects of rental properties. Consider consulting a real estate attorney or tax advisor.

Rental Investment Goals and Risk Tolerance: Define your goals—quick returns or long-term income? Assess your risk tolerance and management dedication.

Short-Term Rentals: Active Management and Potentially Profitable Returns

Short-term rentals, via platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, cater to travelers. This option is appealing if you’re interested in active management and higher returns.

Pros of Short-Term Rentals

Higher Income Potential: Higher returns, especially during peak seasons or events.

Market Adaptability: Ability to adjust prices with demand fluctuations.

Cons of Short-Term Rentals

Intensive Management: Requires more hands-on involvement.

Regulatory Considerations: Stay updated on local regulations.

Key Considerations of Short-Term Rentals

Location: Properties in tourist-friendly areas or near attractions have higher occupancy.

Stay Informed: Follow local laws and guidelines.

Create an Experience: A unique guest experience boosts reviews and bookings.

Long-Term Rentals: Consistent and Less Demanding

Long-term rentals, with leases of six months or more, offer a hands-off approach and consistent income.

Pros of Long-Term Rentals

Predictable Income: Regular rent payments aid financial planning.

Reduced Turnover: Less frequent tenant changes and associated costs.

Cons of Long-Term Rentals

Limited Rent Flexibility: Rent adjustments are limited by lease terms.

Long-Term Tenant Relations: Requires careful tenant selection and communication skills.

Key Considerations

Tenant Screening: Thorough screening ensures reliable tenants.

Understand the Market: Know local rental rates and tenant laws.

Property Maintenance: Plan for ongoing maintenance and occasional repairs.

The Takeaway

Balance your goals, time commitment, and market conditions to choose the right investment path. Successful real estate investing requires strategy, market understanding, and goal alignment. Contact me if you want to learn more about your options.

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