blog posts

There are some places that truly make a neighborhood feel like home. A favorite coffee shop. A family-owned restaurant. And, if you ask us, a great independent bookstore. Sacramento is full of bookshops with personality. Whether you're looking for a new bestseller, a rare used find, or a cozy afternoon spent browsing—these local bookstores are well worth adding to your weekend plans. Here are a few of our favorites in the area! 

Imagine wiring your closing funds for your dream home in East Sacramento, only to discover the money never reached the title company. Or putting your Land Park home on the market and learning someone copied your listing photos to create a fake online advertisement designed to steal deposits from unsuspecting buyers. As alarming as those stories sound, they're becoming more common across the country. The good news? Most real estate scams have warning signs. Knowing what to watch for can help you avoid costly mistakes and move through your transaction with confidence. What Are Real Estate Scams? Real estate scams involve someone using deception to steal money, sensitive information, or even ownership of a property during a real estate transaction. These scams can happen through various channels: email, text messages, phone calls, fake websites, social media, and even fraudulent online listings. In many cases, the person behind the scam appears completely legitimate, such as impersonating a lender, title company, property owner, or even another real estate professional. Here’s the thing—because buying and selling a home often involves tight deadlines and significant financial decisions, scammers frequently create a false sense of urgency, hoping people will act before verifying the information. That's why a little awareness can go a long way toward protecting one of your largest financial investments.

If you've spent any time in Sacramento lately, you've probably noticed something: more and more people are making the move from the Bay Area to California's capital city. And as Sacramento real estate experts? We get it. Sacramento offers a unique blend of affordability, space, community, and opportunity that's becoming increasingly hard to find elsewhere in California. Whether you're grabbing coffee in Midtown, spending a Saturday at the Farmers Market, enjoying dinner in East Sacramento, or taking the kids to explore the American River Parkway, there's a sense of connection here that many people instantly fall in love with. That doesn't mean San Francisco has lost its appeal. The City by the Bay remains one of the most iconic places in the world, known for its incredible food scene, cultural diversity, historic neighborhoods, and stunning waterfront views. So, if you're weighing Sacramento versus San Francisco, here's a closer look at how the two cities compare.

After years of fast-moving headlines, bidding wars, and limited inventory, the 2026 housing market is starting to feel a little different, and for many buyers and sellers, that's a welcome change. Across communities like East Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom, and more, buyers are finding something they haven't had in quite some time: more choices, more opportunities to negotiate, and more time to make thoughtful decisions. That doesn't mean challenges have disappeared. Mortgage rates continue to influence affordability, and many buyers are still carefully weighing their options. But compared to the intense competition of the pandemic years, today's market feels more balanced and far less reactive. For many people, that's actually good news. A healthier market creates opportunities for both buyers and sellers. It allows families to make decisions based on their goals rather than feeling pressured by frantic bidding wars or impossible timelines. While the headlines may focus on uncertainty, there are plenty of positive signs beneath the surface. Let's take a closer look at what's happening!

 If you know Sherri, you know golf isn’t just a hobby, it’s her happy place. There’s something about an early tee time, a well-kept fairway, and a little friendly competition that never gets old. Living in the Sacramento area means having access to some truly incredible courses, and over the years, we’ve found a handful that stand out for their scenery, playability, and overall experience. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just along for the ride (and the cart snacks), this list is full of local favorites worth checking out. A Father’s Day Worth Swinging For Father’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re looking for something a little more memorable than the usual tie or BBQ set, a day on the course is hard to beat! It’s the kind of gift that turns into quality time, fresh air, and maybe even a new family tradition. These courses offer the perfect setting to celebrate Dad, whether that means a full round, a relaxed afternoon, or just soaking in the views together.

Summer break is one of the most popular times to make a big move, especially for families hoping to settle before the school year begins. While the timing makes sense, relocating out of state comes with extra planning, coordination, and a few moving parts that can feel overwhelming if you're not prepared. At The Sherri Patterson Team, we live and breathe Sacramento real estate—and we've helped hundreds of families make the transition to this region, many of them physicians and medical professionals relocating from across the country. Whether you're moving to Folsom, Elk Grove, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, or right into the heart of Sac, we're here to make your move as smooth as possible. Here are some helpful tips to guide you through an out-of-state relocation during the busiest moving season of the year. Relocation: Get Connected Before You Move One of the smartest things you can do when relocating out of state is to connect with a trusted real estate agent in your future destination before you arrive. A local expert can help you understand neighborhoods, school districts, commute times, and market conditions long before moving day. That insight can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes once you’re on the ground. The good news? You don’t have to find that agent on your own. Our team is part of a nationwide network of agents who work the same way we do. We can connect you with a trusted professional in your new location who will advocate for you, communicate clearly, and help you feel supported every step of the way. Think of it as having boots on the ground in your future destination. And if Sacramento is your destination, you've already found your people. Our team has 75+ years of combined area expertise across the Greater Sacramento region, and we know every neighborhood, school district, and commute route worth knowing.

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.