blog posts

Mother’s Day is a time that invites us to slow down and show some love to the women who make life feel a little fuller and a lot more meaningful. Here at The Sherri Patterson Team, we feel lucky to be part of a Sacramento community filled with strong, inspiring women. May is the perfect excuse to celebrate them—whether that means a full day of outings or just a few thoughtful stops around town. If you’re looking for ideas, here’s a locally inspired guide to making her day extra special. 

 At The Sherri Patterson Team, we’ve had the privilege of helping many Sacramento-area families step into their next chapter—whether that means moving closer to grandkids, simplifying daily life, or finally trading in extra square footage for something that just feels easier . And if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s this: downsizing isn’t just about moving into a smaller home, it’s about sorting through a lifetime of memories. From homes filled with holiday traditions to garages that tell the story of hobbies and milestones, letting go can feel like opening a time capsule. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to choose between honoring your past and embracing what’s next. With the right approach (and the right support), downsizing can feel empowering. Tackle the Emotion of Downsizing Downsizing often brings up unexpected emotions, and parting with items may feel like parting with moments, people, or entire chapters of life. It is completely normal to feel sentimental, conflicted, or even a little stuck. Acknowledging these feelings instead of pushing past them is the first step toward a healthier decluttering experience. We’ve found that keeping a few meaningful pieces can be far more powerful than holding onto everything out of obligation. Giving yourself permission to let go slowly, and with intention, helps transform downsizing from a stressful task into a reflective process.

Here at The Sherri Patterson Team , we’re constantly reminded of how lucky we are to live in Northern California. Sacramento sits in a pretty special spot on the map. Within just a few hours, you can go from rolling farmland to towering mountains, ancient forests, dramatic coastlines, and some of the most famous national parks in the country. That means weekend adventures are never far away. Whether you’re planning a family road trip, a quiet day on the trails, or simply want to see some of California’s most breathtaking landscapes, spring is the perfect time to explore.

As the first signs of spring start showing up around Sacramento—from blooming trees in East Sac to bike rides along the American River Parkway—the housing market is beginning to shift as well. Over the past couple of years, many buyers and sellers have been stuck in a “wait and see” mindset as interest rates climbed and affordability tightened. But early data from Q1 2026 suggests we may be entering a new chapter. At The Sherri Patterson Team , we’ve been closely watching both national trends and what’s happening right here in the Sacramento region. While every local market has its own rhythm, the early data from this year highlights several shifts that could shape the rest of 2026.  Here are six trends worth paying attention to as we head into Sacramento’s spring market. 1. Navigating the New Rate Landscape At the start of 2026, the cost of owning a home was trending down slightly year over year. Mortgage rates settled into the low 6 percent range, with some weeks dipping close to 6.0 percent.

Spring has a way of making us look around the house and think, “You know what this place needs?” Maybe it’s a kitchen refresh, a bathroom upgrade, or finally finishing that garage. But before you grab a sledgehammer or start binge-watching DIY videos, there’s one important question to answer first: Do you need a permit? Short answer? Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. And knowing the difference can save you time, money, and a major headache later. DIY or Call in a Pro? If you’re confident, handy, and your project is minor, you might be able to tackle it yourself. But if the project feels even a little out of your comfort zone, it’s worth calling in help. The good news? The Sherri Patterson Team is connected with trusted contractors, handymen, plumbers, electricians, and more. If you need a recommendation, just ask. We’ve got you covered. Projects in Sacramento That *DO* Require a Permit In Sacramento, permits are generally required when a project affects your home’s structure, safety, or major systems. Here are some common examples: Structural changes Removing or adding walls, changing the layout, or anything that impacts load-bearing elements will require a permit. Room additions or conversions Adding square footage, converting a garage, or turning an attic into living space almost always needs city approval. Electrical work Installing new wiring, adding circuits, upgrading your electrical panel, or major lighting changes typically require a permit. Plumbing work Moving plumbing lines, installing new water heaters, or making significant changes to bathrooms or kitchens usually requires one. HVAC installation or replacement New heating or cooling systems, or major modifications to existing ones, need permits to ensure safety and efficiency  Roof replacement A full roof replacement (not just small repairs) generally requires a permit in Sacramento.

Moving is consistently ranked as one of life’s most stressful events, and for families, that stress multiplies. In fact, roughly one-third of all moves in the U.S. involve households with children. That means millions of parents are trying to manage logistics, emotions, schedules, and school transitions all at once.  When kids are part of the equation, moving isn’t just about packing boxes. It’s about helping your family feel secure, heard, and supported through change. The good news is that with the right approach, moving can become something your kids feel part of, not something that happens to them. That’s why The Sherri Patterson Team is breaking down simple, thoughtful ways to help your kids feel involved, supported, and grounded before, during, and after a move.

Sacramento is full of amazing date night options, especially if you know where to look. Whether you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s evening, a special anniversary dinner, or just want to switch things up from your usual go-to restaurant, there are plenty of memorable spots and experiences right here in the area. From standout restaurants to fun after-dinner activities, The Sherri Patterson Team is here to share some of our favorite ways to enjoy a romantic night out in Sacramento. Our Top Romantic Restaurants 

 Here in Sacramento, family tends to stay close. Whether it’s grandparents moving closer to the grandkids or adult children returning home, multigenerational living is becoming a thoughtful and practical choice for many local families. From spacious homes in Elk Grove and Folsom to properties with ADU potential in East Sac, Sacramento offers a wide range of options that can truly support multiple generations under one roof.

If you’ve thought about selling your home this spring, there’s one thing you need to know: in today’s market, you can’t afford to skip repairs. With more homes for sale now than we’ve seen in years, buyers have options—lots of them. That means your home needs to look its absolute best to stand out, make an impression, and get the attention (and offers) it deserves. But here’s the good news: if you start prepping now, you can spread out your to-do list over the coming months. More time. Less stress. No racing the clock. And when spring rolls around, you’ll be perfectly positioned to hit the market with confidence.