Folsom, Calif. – (June 4, 2026) – Popular real estate blogger and Sacramento area appraiser Ryan Lundquist on a recent episode of SAFE Credit Union’s Perfect Cents Podcast explained the competition to buy or sell a home has “tightened,” since last year, but that the Sacramento region remains better on pricing compared to other California real estate markets.
“In laymen’s terms I’d say the (housing) market went from ‘mom jeans’ to ‘skinny jeans,’” Lundquist quipped with Perfect Cents Podcast Host Alex Becerra. “So it was really loose last year and then it’s sort of gotten a little bit more competitive this year – so far over the last six months. It’s kind of an interesting dynamic.”
Lundquist, known for his zingers when describing the housing market on his Sacramento Appraisal Blog and in-person market updates, appeared on the podcast marking its 96th episode just ahead of its 100th that is expected to post on SAFE’s YouTube channel early this summer.
Lundquist attributes strong regional economic growth to places with average home prices below $1 million, like Sacramento vs. the pricier Bay Area. “It’s interesting while some other locations are contracting in California, we’re not…The number one growing segment of the market (here) is between $400,000 and $500,000.”
He also offered buyers and sellers a range of advice including how not to make uninformed decisions based on misconceptions pertaining to the market and instead recommended they “look locally” for pricing and market cues.
“Real estate is a long-term marathon asset,” said Lundquist, a certified appraiser for 20 years. “And people tend to win over time, but they may not win every single year. And I think that’s the sort of market we are in right now. And so where prices have softened a little bit from last year – we don’t have this really quick change going on either.”
In April, the Perfect Cents Podcast re-launched its new video format on SAFE’s YouTube channel. The show boasts more than 15,600 downloads since first launching in its audio format in October 2021
“Re-launching the Perfect Cents Podcast on YouTube allows SAFE Credit Union to reach new audience members,” says SAFE Credit Union Financial Wellness Manager Hector Madueno. “The podcast fits our credit union mission perfectly to provide financial wellness strategies and education to our members and the communities we serve.”
Earlier this week the podcast also dropped the episode “Navigating Financial Stress,” featuring SAFE Credit Union Loan Servicing Manager Amber Mitchell who discusses how viewers and listeners can partner with their financial institutions when experiencing financial hardships or challenges, especially during today’s high cost of living.
On the show, she advises they reach out to their financial institutions, like SAFE, to see if they can find options to assist with loan payments during unforeseen events.
For SAFE members, Mitchell says, “If you’re having a financial problem reach out to us let’s discuss. Let’s see what options that we have for you. Most of the time there’s something we can offer.”
For more information email [email protected]
SAFE Credit Union Perfect Cents Podcast host Alex Becerra asks popular Sacramento area
real estate blogger Ryan Lundquist about today's market.
###
About SAFE
SAFE Credit Union has made members an integral part of its vision since 1940. Over the years the credit union has kept the focus on what really matters, putting members first, a formula that has seen SAFE grow into a leading financial
institution in Northern California with $4.3 billion in assets and about 244,000 members. SAFE crafts every cutting-edge product and sterling service with members’ needs foremost in mind. In addition to banking services conveniently
available through online, chat, mobile, or phone options, SAFE offers in-person services for members and small businesses at service centers across the Greater Sacramento region. SAFE is a not-for-profit, state-chartered credit union
with membership open to businesses and individuals living or working in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Solano, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Yuba, Amador, and Alameda counties. Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.
Insured by NCUA. www.safecu.org
About the Perfect Cents Podcast
The purpose of the Perfect Cents podcast is to educate and inform on topics surrounding financial wellbeing. The podcast does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice and may not apply to individuals situations. Viewers and listeners should consult with their own financial, tax or legal adviser for specific information pertaining to their individual situation. The views and opinions expressed on the Perfect Cents podcast are those of the participants expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFE Credit Union or any of its officials.