Why You Should Invest in Rental Properties in These 5 Cities

October 11, 2024

Location is key in real estate investment. From novice to veteran, as an investor the right city is everything. There are also a handful of spots in the state that could produce good returns, consistent appreciation, and create renter demand. Today, I will be going into five such cities: Roseville, Elk Grove, East Sacramento, Natomas and Folsom and what makes them special. But, why are these the best 5 cities to invest in a rental property?

1. Roseville: A Family-Friendly Suburban Haven


Roseville has experienced tremendous growth through the years and for very good reason. This suburban splendor located a mere 30 minutes from Sacramento has an extremely high quality of life, home to the best schools in town as well as bountiful shopping and dining opportunities accompanied by outdoor activities galore. Roseville has a strong economy, based on a good mix of industries, such as healthcare and retail and technology companies alike ensure that the job market in Roseville is stable, attracting families with kids as well as young professionals to the city.


Why it’s great for rentals:

  • Family appeal: Because of top-notch schools and safe neighborhoods, families are always looking for long-term rentals in Roseville.
  • Low vacancy rates: This is because it is simply such a nice place to live that rental properties tend to go pretty quickly here.
  • More people: With the population steadily rising there is still a high demand for housing so it makes good sense to invest now.

2. Elk Grove: The Up-and-Coming Suburban Star


Coming in second is another suburban area, Elk Grove. Elk Grove, CA: As the locals in Elk Grove will tell you, it's not all that far from Sacramento AND double dipping as an affordable place to live. Young families, and city professionals alike have come to love the lifestyle River Edge has to offer. Competitive real estate prices in relation to neighboring areas: this is an attractive investment area for investors who are looking at good deals.


Why it’s great for rentals:

  • Strong Job Market: Elk Grove has a diverse and growing employment base, particularly in healthcare, education, and the public sector.
  • Diverse tenant pool: The rental market attracts a very wide variety of tenants from families, professionals and even students.
  • Steady appreciation: the residents of Elk Grove have witnessed property values increase, and this bodes well for investors in search of long-term opportunities.

3. East Sacramento: Trendy and Timeless


Whether you’re looking for an urban, walkable lifestyle in desirable East Sacramento (just minutes from downtown), or prefer a more typical suburban community nestled into the foothills like Fair Oaks, Crosswoods is the perfect. Over the years, East Sac has retained its charm with tree-lined streets and historical homes and access to shopping, dining and parks. Its appeal to young professionals, medical students (with its proximity to UC Davis Medical Center), and empty-nesters seeking an urban experience with some serenity.


Why it’s great for rentals:

  • High rental demand: The proximity to downtown Sacramento and major medical centers means there’s always a demand for rentals.
  • Premium rents: East Sacramento is known for its high-end properties, which can command premium rental rates.
  • Charming appeal: People are willing to pay more for the unique, historic charm that East Sacramento offers.

4. Natomas: A Hidden Gem with Huge Potential


Natomas is a rapidly developing neighborhood located just north of downtown Sacramento. With easy access to major highways, Sacramento International Airport, and the city center, Natomas is becoming a hotspot for renters who want to be close to the action but still enjoy suburban comforts. This area is undergoing significant growth, with new businesses, schools, and residential developments cropping up regularly.


Why it’s great for rentals:

  • Development boom: With plenty of new construction, Natomas is one of the few areas near Sacramento that offers affordable newer homes—a big draw for renters.
  • Attractive to a variety of renters: From young professionals commuting to Sacramento to families seeking affordable suburban living, Natomas appeals to a broad range of renters.
  • High potential for appreciation: As more people discover Natomas, property values are expected to rise, making it a great time to invest.

5. Folsom: Nature, Luxury, and Growth


Folsom is known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor lifestyle, and growing job market, making it one of the most attractive cities for renters in the greater Sacramento area. Located near Folsom Lake, it’s a perfect spot for those who love nature, while its luxury developments and high-end shopping appeal to those with more refined tastes. Folsom’s rapid population growth and proximity to tech companies also make it a prime rental market.


Why it’s great for rentals:

  • High-income renters: Folsom’s luxury homes and proximity to high-paying tech jobs attract affluent renters.
  • Low vacancy rates: With a desirable lifestyle and limited supply, rentals in Folsom tend to get snatched up quickly.
  • Long-term growth: Folsom continues to expand with new developments, meaning increased housing demand in the coming years.


Whether you’re looking for steady appreciation, a strong renter pool, or a mix of urban and suburban appeal, Roseville, Elk Grove, East Sacramento, Natomas, and Folsom offer something for every type of investor. Each of these cities has its own unique advantages, from excellent schools to booming job markets to luxury living, making them some of the best areas to buy rental properties in California.

Is Late May the New Best Time to List?

May 11, 2026
If you missed the “best week to list” headlines back in April, don’t worry—the window of opportunity is still wide open. While different reports point to different weeks, the general consensus among experts is that we are entering one of the most profitable stretches of the year for sellers. The "Late May" Advantage According to recent data from Zillow, the last two weeks of May are often the sweet spot for achieving a higher sales price. Why? It’s the perfect intersection of high buyer demand and the summer transition. Families are typically eager to find a home and close before the new school year starts, which often leads to increased competition and stronger offers. By the Numbers Research from ATTOM Data, which analyzed over 50 million home sales, confirms that May historically delivers some of the highest returns for sellers. In a market where every bit of leverage counts, timing your entry to hit this peak buyer activity can mean netting thousands more on your final sale. The Strategy for Right Now  If you’re considering a move, the focus should be on "smart" preparation rather than "more" preparation. In a fast-moving window like this, you want to prioritize the quick repairs and aesthetic updates that offer the highest return on investment without delaying your launch. Curious about how these national trends are playing out in our specific neighborhood? Let’s chat about your home’s value and how we can position it to stand out during this prime listing season.

2026 Housing Market Alert: Best Week to Sell in Sacramento

April 2, 2026
Hey Friend! If you have been balancing the decision of when to move, the data for the 2026 housing market has officially identified the "Goldilocks" week for sellers. According to the latest research from Realtor.com, listing your home during the week of April 12–18 offers a rare intersection of high buyer demand and low inventory competition. In a shifting landscape, timing isn't just about convenience—it's a financial strategy. Here is why this specific mid-April window is the sweet spot for El Dorado Hills and Folsom homeowners: 1. The "Price Peak" Advantage  Homes listed during this optimal week historically command prices 1.3% higher than the average week throughout the year. For the median seller, this translates to roughly $5,300 in additional profit . In our local market, where home values sit above the national median, that percentage can represent an even more significant gain. 2. Velocity and Competition Faster Sales: Properties hitting the market in mid-April tend to sell 10 days faster than the yearly average. Inventory Scarcity: You will be competing with approximately 12% fewer sellers than during the typical spring peak later in May or June. Fewer Price Cuts: High early-season demand leads to 19% fewer price reductions , meaning you are more likely to get your asking price (or more) right out of the gate. 3. The 2026 Economic Shift We are seeing a notable "thaw" in the market as mortgage rates settle into the 6% range . This shift is reclaiming purchasing power for buyers who were sidelined last year. While inventory is slowly recovering, it remains 17% below pre-pandemic levels , keeping the advantage firmly in the seller’s camp—especially in the West. The Bottom Line The best week to sell is less than a month away. To capitalize on this window, your home needs to be "photo-ready" and strategically positioned now.

Spring 2026 Seller Advantages: More Buyers, Faster Sales & Better Offers

April 2, 2026
Spring is finally here—flowers blooming, longer days, and that itch many homeowners get to refresh their space or make a change. If you've been thinking about selling, you're not alone. Neighbors are starting to wonder: "Is now the time?" As your local real estate expert with years of helping families just like yours in our area, I've seen spring consistently deliver real advantages for sellers. Let's break down why Spring 2026 is shaping up to give you the momentum you want. 1. More Buyers Are Out Looking Right Now Spring has always been prime home-shopping season—and the data backs it up year after year. Buyer activity historically peaks as families aim to move before summer vacations and school starts. In our local market, we're already seeing that uptick. Recent trends show buyer interest climbing as people shake off winter and get serious about their next home. Adding fuel? Mortgage rates for a 30-year fixed are hovering around 6.2% (per Freddie Mac's latest as of mid-March 2026)—near multi-year better levels compared to last year. This improves affordability for many buyers who sat on the sidelines. More eyes on listings means more opportunity for your home to stand out. Want to see how this surge could impact your specific neighborhood? I've got fresh local insights ready. 2. You Could See More (and Better) Offers With more active buyers comes a natural lift in competition. Historical patterns from sources like the National Association of Realtors show spring listings often attract multiple offers—helping sellers net stronger results. We won't see the wild bidding wars of a few years back, but seasonality still tips the scales. In our area, well-prepared homes are drawing extra attention early this season. More views, more showings, more serious interest—it's the kind of momentum that strengthens your negotiating position. Imagine multiple offers rolling in... that's the spring advantage working for you. 3. Homes Typically Sell Faster—Much Faster One of the biggest wins? Speed. Data consistently shows homes move about 20 days quicker in spring versus winter—nearly three weeks shaved off the timeline. In today's market where some properties linger longer, listing now positions you to close sooner and move on to your next chapter. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, relocating for work, or just ready for change, faster sales mean less stress and more certainty. In our local scene, the active spring window helps motivated sellers stand out and wrap up quicker. Bottom line: Spring doesn't promise a sale on its own—smart pricing, great presentation, and expert strategy still matter most. But this season hands you built-in momentum: more buyers, more activity, more opportunity. Why not lean into the odds when they're tilted in your favor? If you're even casually thinking about selling this spring, reply to this email —I'd love to send you a quick, no-obligation market snapshot tailored to your home. No pressure, just real local numbers to help you decide.

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