blog posts

When the holiday season rolls around, nothing completes a festive feast like a delicious, handmade pie. Sacramento is home to some of the best bakeries that craft pies using fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re after a classic apple pie or something more unique, these bakeries have you covered. 

For veterans in California, purchasing a home comes with unique advantages, thanks to specialized loan programs that offer competitive terms. Two of the most popular options are VA loans and the California-specific CalVet loan program. Both offer distinct benefits to veterans, making homeownership more accessible and affordable. Here's an in-depth look at these loan programs and what they mean for veterans in California. 

Harvest Fest 2024 was definitely one for the books! We had almost 350 clients show up to brave the 100+ temps and celebrate fall in style! In addition to our talented vendors of caricature artists, wandering magician, face painters and professional photographers to capture all of the special moments, we added Amazing Animal World and their “animals from around the world”. Special thanks to our amazing vendors that were so generous with all of the donations to our raffle prizes. A special shout-out and thank you to our event Co-Sponsor, Kelly Cort and her incredible team from Home Cort Advantage of Guild Mortgage

As we head deeper into the fall season and inch closer to the 2024 presidential election, many people feel apprehensive about jumping into the Sacramento real estate market. Whether you’re buying or selling, the experience can sometimes feel spooky and overwhelming this time of year. But don’t let that fear hold you back! With the right guidance from the right team (aka The Sherri Patterson Team), you can confidently navigate the market and uncover the opportunities that await. Here’s why you shouldn’t be afraid and how to make the most of your fall real estate journey.

Fire Prevention Week kicks off this year from October 6-12 with the theme "Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You." It's the perfect time for Sacramento residents to review essential fire safety practices. Whether you're looking to protect your home from wildfires or reduce fire risks indoors, having a solid prevention plan in place can make all the difference. From tips on creating defensible space around your property to developing an effective family evacuation plan, local resources and experts can help. In this article, we’ll cover key fire safety measures for both inside and outside the home, what to do if a fire occurs, and where you can find vital resources right here in the Sacramento area.

Fall is a magical time in Northern California, especially near Sacramento, where the crisp air and vibrant foliage signal the start of a season filled with harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and, of course, apple picking.  If you're looking for the perfect family-friendly outing this autumn, visiting a local orchard should be at the top of your list. Here are some of the best orchards to visit near Sacramento, with a special focus on the treasures of Apple Hill.

Thinking about retirement? It might be time to rethink your space. Downsizing isn't just about moving into a smaller home; it's about upgrading your lifestyle. Imagine trading in unused rooms and endless upkeep for freedom, flexibility, and a simpler life. If you're ready to start this next chapter, let's explore the benefits of downsizing and how to make it happen smoothly. Benefits of Downsizing Before Retirement Now that the kids are grown and you no longer need as much space, downsizing can be a smart move to boost your retirement fund and create a more comfortable living situation—often referred to as rightsizing for seniors. By rightsizing, you eliminate unnecessary space and free up both your budget and time, allowing you to enjoy your dream retirement. Downsizing Your Home = Downsizing the Bills That Come With It. By moving into a smaller home, you can save on mortgage payments, property taxes, and homeowners insurance. Utility bills, like heating and cooling, are often lower in a smaller space, and maintenance costs decrease with less square footage and fewer rooms to upkeep. Realtor.com puts it this way , "A smaller home typically means lower bills and less upkeep. Then there’s the potential windfall that comes from selling your larger home and buying something smaller." These savings can free up funds to enhance your retirement lifestyle, whether through travel, hobbies, or simply enjoying a more relaxed financial cushion. You Get The "Windfall" of Home Equity. If you’ve been in your home for a while, you’ve likely built up substantial equity. This equity can be a valuable asset to help you purchase a home that better suits your current needs. Your home equity can be a significant source of wealth for retirees, often representing a large portion of their net worth. When you’re ready to tap into that equity for your next move, your real estate agent will guide you through every step—from pricing your current home accurately to finding a new home that fits your evolving needs and budget in today’s market. You Can Future-Proof Your Downsized Home to Suit Your Needs. Downsizing allows you to choose a home that better suits your current and future needs, such as single-story living, a more convenient location, or proximity to family and healthcare. Downsizing Can Offer a More Flexible Lifestyle. A smaller, more manageable home can offer greater freedom to travel, pursue hobbies, or simply relax without the burden of maintaining a larger property. Less Space Means Less Upkeep. With less space to manage, you’ll spend less time and effort on cleaning, repairs, and upkeep, allowing you to focus on enjoying your retirement .

When it comes to finding the perfect home, several key factors influence the decision: price, location, amenities, safety, and, for many families—including those we've assisted in relocating from across the country—the quality of the school district. Homebuyers with children or those who intend to grow their families in the future often prioritize good schools which drives up demand and property values in those areas. In fact, 30% of buyers between the ages of 33-42 say the school district is a top factor when choosing their neighborhood ( NAR ). In this article, we'll explore how school districts influence real estate prices and what it means for you. MORE HOMEBUYERS WITH CHILDREN ARE ENTERING THE MARKET More than 50% of millennials are now homeowners (US Census), meaning there has been a significant increase in families entering the market. As more young families move into a specific area, the demand for homes in good school districts rises. This increased demand often leads to higher home prices. It’s a simple case of supply and demand. homebuyers look at school ratings Ever heard of Niche.com or GreatSchools.org? Sites like these are used by millions of homebuyers each year when on the hunt for a new home. This is because these sites display school ratings, SAT scores, teacher to student ratios, graduation rates and other district-related data that play a crucial role in their decision-making process. These ratings have a significant impact on buyer behavior as families are drawn to districts with high ratings, believing they offer superior education and safer environments for their children. Great schools mean great home values. According to a recent article by Realtor.com , homes located in top-performing districts tend to sell up to 8 days faster. Families want the best education for their kids, so homes in top-notch school districts are in high demand—ultimately driving up property values. It’s all about ensuring kids get the best start in life! Additionally, properties in these areas are often seen as solid long-term investments. The value of homes in top-rated school districts typically appreciates steadily, offering financial security. Moreover, well-rated schools enhance the overall reputation of a community, further boosting demand. the convenience of proximity  Living close to a school is a huge plus for busy families, as balancing personal needs and investment potential go hand in hand. Easy access to schools means less time commuting and more time together. This convenience makes neighborhoods with nearby schools more desirable, which bumps up home values.

In his recent Mid-Year Bold Predictions, Brian Buffini , the chairman and founder of Buffini & Company met with National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)’s Chief Legal Officer Katie Johnson to offer insights on what the future holds for the real estate market. Below is a recap, which includes how he addressed negative headlines, research, and what’s in store for the rest of 2024. The Good, The Bad, & The Promising  Buffini cut through some of the negative media headlines and shared fact-based research and analysis regarding what is really happening in real estate. Despite that the current real estate market hasn’t been this slow since the mid-90s, he predicted that 40% of sales will happen in the fall of 2024. This is due to a rising inventory as more sellers will be putting their homes on the market and more new home construction is happening in nearly every major market. Furthermore, sales volumes have picked up over the last few months, with 36.7% more homes on the market as compared to last year, giving a more promising market sentiment.