Steve Rath Nick Sotheby’s International

Steve Rath Nick Sotheby’s International Executive Realtor, Wine Consultant and Steel Broker - Jack of All Trades! I am proficient in Res.Net , Equator and is trained in Fannie Mae procedures.

Real Estate Experience
We presently service Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Yuba, Sutter, and Yolo counties. We are the largest and most productive Real Estate office in the Central Valley from Fresno to the Oregon border. We at REMAX/GOLD are proud to be at the forefront of REO servicing and always provide our corporate/institutional clients and our investors with the best service the industry has to offer. I have been a Realtor in good standing with the California BRE since 1991 and am specialized in REO/Short Sales and new home sales since 1991. I actually was handling Short Sales when he first got started in real estate in 1991 when we had our last major real estate downturn. I have experience working with Chase, Wells Fargo, Premier Asset, WAMU, GMAC Mortgage, Saxon Mortgage, Bank of America, Equator, GE Capital Mortgage, Compass Bank. My main goal is to provide you the customer the best service possible. I will guarantee this in writing!!!!! Sales Awards In Real Estate
I have been a consistent member of the Top Achiever Club of El Dorado County since moving here in 1994. I have averaged over $10 million dollars in sales in 9 of the last 10 years. I have taken and passed numerous classes and received designations including the Luxury Home Marketing, Resort & Second Home courses offered by NAR. I have also have passed and received the following designations in CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert), Five Star REO & Short Sale, CIAS (Certified Investor Agent Services). I also have been a member of Brian Buffini Sales Training programs for 5 years, Mike Ferry sales training for 3 years and Craig Proctor sales training programs for 3 years. Counties Serviced
Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa Nevada, Yuba , San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Solano, Yolo, Napa.

09/22/2026

Have payments on newly purchased homes in the U.S. dropped?
The national median mortgage payment for new homebuyers has dipped to $2,175. While that’s a positive shift, it remains 2.2% higher than just a year ago—with average mortgage rates at 6.66%. For those considering a move, affordability varies widely across the country: Idaho and Nevada rank as the least affordable, while Louisiana and North Dakota are the most accessible for new buyers. Drawing on my 35 years in real estate, I’ve seen how these fluctuations impact both first-time buyers and seasoned investors. Whether you’re navigating luxury markets or considering relocation, understanding these trends is key to making informed decisions in today’s landscape.

It is easy to look at two homes with similar size and assume they should be evaluated the same way. Real estate rarely w...
09/22/2026

It is easy to look at two homes with similar size and assume they should be evaluated the same way. Real estate rarely works that neatly.

Condition, lot placement, updates, street position, natural light, parking, layout and even how the home has been maintained can create meaningful differences between properties that look similar on paper.

That is why I do not like relying on one detail in isolation when helping a buyer or seller think through the market. The better question is how the whole property compares.

A useful comparison should explain the differences, not hide them.

Whether you are preparing an offer or getting ready to list, context helps turn a group of similar homes into a more realistic picture of where your property fits.

Rising conforming and FHA loan limits are quietly changing the price range sweet spot for buyers this year. 🏠With new, h...
09/21/2026

Rising conforming and FHA loan limits are quietly changing the price range sweet spot for buyers this year. 🏠

With new, higher loan thresholds in El Dorado and Placer Counties, buyers can now target more properties using standard or low-down-payment financing, without stepping into stricter jumbo territory. This opens up more choice, but lenders still watch for solid qualification, so aiming for realistic price points and clear proof of funds matters more than ever. For those leaning on first-time buyer or CalHFA programs, it’s key to stay within the specific program limits, since higher-priced listings or upscale neighbourhoods may fall just outside the qualifying bands.

In today’s market, balanced conditions in El Dorado and strong competition in Placer mean you want to keep core contingencies but present them with precise timelines and serious deposits. 💡 Making your offer stand out often comes down to clear, credible financing and a game plan that works for both you and the seller.

How would these shifts in loan options affect your approach if you were starting your search this fall? Let’s compare strategies, share your thoughts below! 👇

09/21/2026

Discover this property for $895,900—a great opportunity that truly stands out.

Lighting can change the way a room feels without changing the room itself. A space that looks flat or harsh under one ov...
09/21/2026

Lighting can change the way a room feels without changing the room itself. A space that looks flat or harsh under one overhead fixture can feel completely different when the lighting is layered.

I like to think about three levels:

• General light for the whole room
• Task light where you read, cook or work
• Accent light that adds warmth and depth

For sellers, balanced lighting can help rooms photograph and show more naturally. For buyers, it is worth noticing whether a dark room truly lacks light or simply needs a better lighting plan.

Before replacing finishes or furniture, look at the bulbs, fixtures and placement of light sources. Sometimes the fastest design improvement is the one you switch on.

09/21/2026

US Home Prices Face Real Value Erosion
As someone who’s witnessed the Sacramento real estate market evolve for over 35 years, I’ve seen how numbers tell a deeper story. Recently, while US home prices continued their upward march in Q2 2026, the picture changes when we account for inflation. A national index showed home values appreciating by about 1.5% year-over-year in late Q2—an improvement from 1% mid-quarter, but still trailing the inflation rate of 3.5% by a notable margin. In real terms, this means home values have actually slipped for the 13th consecutive month, even as lower inflation and stronger nominal gains have slowed that decline. Yet, even with these pressures, one federal index has recorded positive annual appreciation every quarter since early 2012, underscoring the long-term resilience of the market.

For buyers, especially first-timers, affordability remains a pressing concern. Quarterly increases in typical monthly payments for single-family homes continue to challenge many, particularly here in the greater Sacramento region. Having guided clients through cycles of both growth and correction, I know that understanding the real value behind the numbers is key to making confident decisions—whether you’re searching for a new home, investment property, or planning a relocation.

09/21/2026

A beautifully remodelled home can transform your daily living in ways you might not expect.✨

8260 E Granite Dr in Granite Bay offers a fresh take on single-level comfort, with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1,984 sq ft of thoughtfully updated space. Set on a desirable corner lot in an established neighbourhood, this home has been fully revitalised, featuring stylish panel flooring and a sun-filled open layout that feels both modern and inviting.

The kitchen stands out with quartz waterfall countertops and brand-new appliances, perfect for both casual meals and entertaining friends. Both bathrooms feature elegant quartz showers and upgraded finishes, adding just the right touch of luxury to your routine. All of this comes together at $895,900, a value anchored by quality craftsmanship and true move-in readiness. 🏡

Looking for an investment or new place to call home in Northern California? What stands out to you most about this Granite Bay renovation, location, the upgrades, or the ease of single-level living? Let me know below!

Why investors in vacation rentals are dedicating more time to market research before purchasingAs someone who’s worked w...
09/21/2026

Why investors in vacation rentals are dedicating more time to market research before purchasing
As someone who’s worked with countless investors throughout the Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado Counties, I’ve seen firsthand how the landscape for vacation rental investments has shifted. With average ROI projected to fall to 10.3% in 2025 and new licensing and tax laws increasing costs, successful buyers are dedicating more time than ever to detailed market research and careful revenue modeling. These steps aren’t just best practices—they’re essential for avoiding unanticipated losses or financing headaches. My decades of experience have taught me the value of solid groundwork, especially when navigating stricter regulations in investment real estate.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/steve-rath-1/1914695-Why-investors-in-vacation-rentals-are-dedicating-more-time-t

Early fall in El Dorado County quietly rewards move-up buyers ready for a change 🍂As summer ends, the local market shift...
09/20/2026

Early fall in El Dorado County quietly rewards move-up buyers ready for a change 🍂

As summer ends, the local market shifts into a unique window, serious buyers return, but the hectic spring pace has cooled. Sellers become more open to negotiation, and inventory remains meaningful from the spring and summer surge, giving you a strong selection before the winter slowdown arrives.

For families seeking more space or the next level of lifestyle in Shingle Springs or El Dorado Hills, this season’s balance stands out. The weather stays pleasant for viewing homes and making a smooth move, while fewer competing buyers means greater leverage and often better terms, especially compared to the crowded spring rush.

With the holidays and wetter months just ahead, acting now means you’re well-positioned to secure a larger home and settle in before the year winds down.

Are you considering a move-up this fall? What features would be at the top of your wish list? 👀🍁 Tell me what matters most below!

A polished showing can make it easy to focus on finishes first. I would still slow down long enough to understand the hi...
09/20/2026

A polished showing can make it easy to focus on finishes first. I would still slow down long enough to understand the history and condition of the home.

The seller disclosure can provide useful context about known repairs, water issues, structural concerns or other property conditions, depending on the rules in that state. It is information to review carefully, not a replacement for an independent inspection.

If something in the paperwork feels vague, I would ask questions early and request supporting information when it is available. Repair receipts, permits, warranties and specialist reports can help build a clearer picture.

The goal is not to find a perfect house. It is to understand the house you are actually buying before making a major decision.

Address

El Dorado Hills, CA
95762

Telephone

+19168177016

Website

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