Suzanne Volkman Broker Associate DRE #00702179

09/24/2026

Google can give you answers. A REALTOR® can help you read between the lines. In today’s market, buyers have more information at their fingertips than ever before. You can search a home’s price, history, photos, estimated value and even nearby sales in seconds. But information isn’t the same as insight. Is the home really priced well? What are comparable homes actually selling for? Which inspection findings are routine, and which ones deserve a closer look? Is that “great deal” going to become an expensive problem? And when does walking away make more sense than stretching to make a deal work? Those are the questions where experience matters. I’ve been helping buyers and sellers navigate real estate since 1979, and one of the most valuable things I bring to the table is knowing what to look for beyond what you see on a screen. Because buying a home isn’t just about finding a property. It’s about making a wellinformed decision about one of the largest financial investments you’ll make. If you’re considering a move in Granite Bay, Roseville, Loomis, Placer County, or the Greater Sacramento area, I’d be glad to put my experience to work for you. 🏡 OpenAI Advertise in ChatGPT Launch your first campaign today.

Google can give you answers. A REALTOR® can help you read between the lines. 🔍🏡 From spotting costly mistakes to knowing when to walk away, experience can make all the difference in your next move.

09/23/2026

**Mortgage rates are something you can’t control. But that doesn’t mean you have no options.**

If you’re thinking about buying a home right now, you may be watching mortgage rates closely and wondering whether it makes sense to wait.

The truth is, there are several things you *can* control that may affect the rate you qualify for and the payment you ultimately make.

In my newest blog post, I’m sharing **3 things you can actually control about your mortgage rate right now:**

🏡 Your credit score
🏡 The type and terms of your loan
🏡 The type of home you choose, including opportunities on new construction

You may not be able to control the direction of the market, but understanding where you *do* have choices can make a difference when you're planning your next move.

**Read the full article here:**
https://suzannevolkman.com/2026/09/23/3-things-you-can-actually-control-about-your-mortgage-rate-right-now

If you’re wondering how today’s rates could affect your own home-buying plans, I’m always happy to help you look at the numbers and your options.

If you’re trying to buy a home, affordability is probably what keeps you up at night. And as you watch mortgage rates tick up again lately, it’s fair to wonder if you should just hit pause and wait for them to go down. For now, though, they’re headed the other way. Mortgage News Daily data …

09/09/2026

🏡 Thinking About Using Your 401(k) to Buy a Home? Read This First.

With home affordability still a challenge, tapping into retirement savings for a down payment may sound like an attractive option.

But before you make that move, there are important risks to consider, including potential penalties, taxes, and the long-term impact on your retirement savings.

The good news? Your 401(k) isn’t your only option. Low- and no-down-payment loans and down payment assistance programs may provide alternatives worth exploring.

My newest blog takes a closer look at the pros, the risks, and what you should consider before making a decision.

👉 Read the full article: Thinking About Tapping into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Read This First.: https://suzannevolkman.com/2026/09/09/thinking-about-tapping-into-your-401k-to-buy-a-home-read-this-first

As always, consult with your financial advisor or tax professional regarding your individual situation.

Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home. Maybe you’ve caught the buzz and wondered whether that money could get you into a home faster, especially with affordability as tough as it is. Here’s what you need to remember. ...

09/03/2026

What’s happening in the Placer County housing market as we head into fall? 🏡

The latest numbers show a market that’s holding relatively steady, with a slight advantage for sellers, but there are still opportunities for buyers.

As of September 2026:
• Median list price: $749,000
• Median days on market: 56 days
• Current inventory: 1,211 homes
• 44% of listings have had a price reduction
• Market Action Index: 41 – Slight Seller’s Advantage

I broke down what these numbers mean for buyers and sellers in my latest Placer County Real Estate Market Update.

Read the full market update here: https://suzannevolkman.com/2026/09/03/placer-county-real-estate-market-update-september-2026

Thinking about buying or selling in Roseville, Granite Bay, Rocklin or elsewhere in Placer County? Let’s talk about what’s happening in your specific neighborhood and price range.

The Placer County housing market is heading into fall with stable home prices, declining inventory and a slight advantage for sellers. As of September 3, 2026, the median list price for a single-family home in Placer County is $749,000. There are 1,211 homes on the market, and the Market Action Inde...

08/26/2026

**One number could change everything about your next move. 🏡**

Do you know how much equity you’ve built in your home?

If it’s been years since you’ve had a professional look at your home’s current value, you may be surprised by the number. Your equity could give you more options than you realize, whether you’re thinking about moving, downsizing, buying your next home, or improving the one you already own.

The first step is knowing what your home is really worth today.

I offer a complimentary, personalized **Home Equity Assessment** to help you understand your current market value, estimated equity, and what those numbers could mean for your next move.

Read the full article here:
https://suzannevolkman.com/2026/08/25/one-number-could-change-everything-about-your-next-move

Courtesy of **Keeping Current Matters**

08/25/2026

🌲 Mountain living with space, flexibility and natural beauty.

Welcome to 5115 Red Rock Drive in Foresthill, a distinctive three-level home nestled among the trees in the foothill community of Todd's Valley.

With 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 2,567 sq. ft. on approximately one acre, this home offers a thoughtful layout with room for family, guests, hobbies and outdoor enjoyment.

✨ Two primary suites on the upper level
🔥 Freestanding propane stoves for cozy mountain character
🌿 Multiple spacious decks surrounded by trees
🏡 Approximately 626 sq. ft. of additional semi-developed ground-level space, offering flexibility for a home office, studio, recreation, workshop, fitness or storage
🚗 Deep attached one-car garage
🌲 Wooded setting with a secluded lower portion of the property
🔥 Foresthill Fire Protection District clearance following completion of defensible-space requirements

Enjoy the peacefulness of foothill living with easy access to the outdoor recreation and natural beauty of the Foresthill area.

📍 5115 Red Rock Drive, Foresthill
🛏 3 Bedrooms | 🛁 4 Bathrooms | 📐 2,567 Sq. Ft. | 🌲 Approx. 1 Acre

Offered at $435,000

Message me for details or to arrange a private showing.

08/14/2026

Are you putting your home search on hold hoping mortgage rates drop back below 5%? Read this first. 📉🏠

A recent survey showed that 42% of prospective buyers believe mortgage rates will drop below 5% this year. But industry forecasts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and Wells Fargo tell a different story: experts project rates will remain relatively steady in the low-to-mid 6% range through 2027.

Waiting on the sidelines for a dramatic rate drop could mean waiting a lot longer than you think—while home prices and your life plans keep moving forward.

💡 Here’s the good news: You don’t have to wait for rates to plunge to make a move. In my latest blog post, I break down:
✔️ Why mortgage rates are projected to hold steady
✔️ What factors (like inflation) are keeping them there
✔️ Smart strategies to buy comfortably in today's market

👉 Read the full breakdown here: https://suzannevolkman.com/2026/08/13/thinking-about-waiting-for-lower-mortgage-rates-read-this-first

Have questions about what your buying power looks like right now? Send me a message or drop a comment below! 💬

08/05/2026

For years, many homeowners have believed that getting their home on Zillow as quickly as possible was the best way to maximize exposure and achieve the highest sale price.

But what if that assumption isn't always true?

This article explores new research that suggests a more strategic approach to marketing a home may lead to better results. Whether you're thinking about selling soon or simply want to stay informed about today's real estate landscape, it's worth the read.

Knowledge is one of the most valuable tools a seller can have.

Read more here: https://suzannevolkman.com/2026/08/05/the-zillow-tax-why-homes-on-zillow-sold-for-1-3-less

07/28/2026

Roseville & Granite Bay Market Update | July 2026

Wondering what's happening in the local housing market?

The latest numbers show both Roseville and Granite Bay continue to perform well, but each market is telling a different story.

• Granite Bay average sales price reached $1.49M, with fewer than 3 months of inventory.
• Roseville homes sold for an average of 99.8% of list price, while inventory continues to slowly grow, giving buyers more options.

Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on your home's value, understanding your local market can help you make informed decisions.

Read the full market update on my blog:
https://suzannevolkman.com/2026/07/28/roseville-granite-bay-real-estate-market-update-july-2026

Have questions about your neighborhood or what your home may be worth? I'd be happy to help.

07/21/2026

Feeling stuck by the housing market's slow start to the year? You aren't alone. Between elevated mortgage rates and global economic shifts, the first half of 2026 tested everyone’s patience.

The good news? There are clear, encouraging signs pointing toward a stronger second half. In my latest blog post, breaking down insights shared by Keeping Current Matters, I explore:

🏠 Why mortgage rates could be nearing a turning point

👨‍💻 What experts are projecting for home price growth through the rest of the year

📈 Why inventory and sales momentum are expected to pick up pace

Read the full breakdown and see what these shifts mean for your real estate plans: https://suzannevolkman.com/2026/07/21/what-to-expect-from-the-housing-market-in-the-second-half-of-2026