What's New in Folsom & El Dorado Hills: Fall 2026 Events and Housing Market Update

October 2026 | Life in Greater Sacramento

Welcome to the October edition of Life in Greater Sacramento! This month, I'm sharing what's new around Folsom and El Dorado Hills, including restaurants and businesses coming to town, community events worth checking out this November, and the latest Greater Sacramento housing market trends.

A little about me

I'm Alan Schiller, a local real estate agent with Redfin, and I was born and raised in Folsom. This area isn't just where I work, it's home! In six years with Redfin, I've helped clients buy and sell more than 120 homes, totaling over $85 million in sales.

Outside of work, you'll probably find me on a golf course somewhere around Sacramento. And the biggest news of all: my first baby is due next month! I couldn't be more excited for this next chapter.

Coming soon to Folsom

A few new spots I'm excited to see open around town:

Estelle Bakery & Pâtisserie, Folsom (400 Iron Point Road): the Sacramento French bakery's fourth location, with cakes, pastries, breakfast and lunch. They're planning for an October opening, and the exact date is still pending

Journey to the Dumpling, Folsom (Palladio, 360 Palladio Parkway): soup dumplings and a full bar in the former Red Robin space, expected late 2026. Their Elk Grove and Midtown Sacramento locations are local favorites, so this one should be a hit

Bliss Marketplace, Folsom (Folsom Premium Outlets): a 22,000-square-foot marketplace for vintage finds and handmade goods from local makers, opening soon

Things to do this November

Here are a few fun things coming up around Folsom and El Dorado Hills this next month:

Historic Folsom Ice Rink, Folsom (Historic District): opens Saturday, November 7 and runs through January 18, with tickets on sale now online (reserved fireside seating too). This one's my pick for the month! The rink is a great seasonal tradition, and it gets busy because it's such a fun experience. Even if you're not skating, the shops and holiday decorations in Historic Folsom make it worth the trip

HART of Folsom Community Faire, Folsom: Saturday, November 7, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma St. Artisan crafts and local vendors, a good early start on holiday shopping, and it supports HART's work to reduce homelessness in Folsom

ELF The Musical, Folsom (Harris Center, 10 College Parkway): November 4 to 8. A holiday musical that's fun for all ages. Showtimes and tickets are on the Harris Center site or at 916-608-6888

Veterans Day Parade, Folsom: Wednesday, November 11, 9 a.m. The route starts on East Bidwell Street in front of the Target/HomeGoods center and ends at the Folsom Community Center, so expect traffic around East Bidwell that morning

Breakfast with Santa, El Dorado Hills (El Dorado Hills CSD): one to plan ahead for. The CSD's 18th annual breakfast includes a visit with Santa and a holiday craft. There are two breakfast times to choose from and space is limited, so sign up early. Registration opens November 2

The housing market at a glance

The takeaway: The regional median sale price has been relatively steady, but higher rates have slowed sales. At the U.S. average of 7.40% for a 30-year fixed loan, principal and interest on an $800,000, 30-year mortgage is roughly $600 a month more than at last year's 6.27%. Local appraiser Ryan Lundquist (Sacramento Appraisal Blog) found that about 40% of homes going under contract in early October needed a price cut first.

Alan's take: Buyer's market or seller's market?

For the first time in a while, I'd call this a buyer's market, but that doesn't mean prices are dropping sharply. Inventory is still low, and when sellers don't get their price, many pull their home off the market instead of cutting deeply. What's really down is the number of sales.

If you're buying: you have more time and more room to negotiate on price, repairs or credits than you've had in years

If you're selling: pricing right from day one and presenting your home well matter more than ever. Well-priced homes are still selling

Let's stay in touch

Curious what your home might sell for, or how today's rates would affect a search? I'm happy to talk it through. Whether you're actively planning a move or just keeping an eye on the Folsom, El Dorado Hills, or Greater Sacramento real estate market, feel free to contact me.

Alan Schiller

Real Estate Agent, Redfin

916-233-9494

Alan.Schiller@Redfin.com

AlanSchiller.com

DRE #02131732

Equal Housing Opportunity. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Market figures describe the periods shown and are not a valuation of any specific home.