blog posts

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. 

If there’s one thing we’ve learned as your Sacramento area real estate experts, it’s that people here are always curious about what comes next. Living in a city that’s constantly evolving—from new local businesses popping up to the steady growth around our suburban corridors—it makes sense that homeowners and soon-to-be buyers want to understand where the market is headed. Whether you’re imagining your first set of keys, thinking about finding a place with a little more space, or simply keeping tabs on your home’s value as Sacramento continues to grow and shift, the future plays a big role in today’s decisions. That’s why The Sherri Patterson Team is breaking down the latest 2026 housing forecast with a focus on what it actually means for us here in the Sacramento region. So let’s dive into what experts predict—and how those trends could shape your next steps right here at home. A Much-Needed Bounce-Back in Home Sales

This years Gratitude Gathering was a wonderful evening celebrating the clients, friends and community we are so grateful to serve. Guests enjoyed a beautiful grazing board with yummy treats and were sent home with a homemade pie from Apple Hill as a small thank-you to enjoy with their family on Thanksgiving. A heartfelt thank you to our co-sponsor, Cindi Taylor with Big Valley Mortgage for her continued support to our clients throughout their home-buying journey. We are also so grateful to The Shop for welcoming us into their beautiful store and offering our clients an exclusive holiday shopping event to kick off the season. We are truly grateful for our community and the partnerships that allow us to create moments like these.

There’s nothing quite like finding the perfect Christmas tree—the fresh scent, the excitement of decorating, and that instant wave of holiday cheer. Whether you’re searching for a classic fir, a family-friendly choose-and-cut experience, or the perfect holiday décor to go with your tree, Sacramento has plenty of festive spots to explore.  From beloved nurseries to local farms and charming holiday boutiques, The Sherri Patterson Team is sharing our top places to find your perfect Christmas tree this year.

If you’ve been exploring new homes around Sacramento—from Elk Grove to Roseville—you may have noticed more builder promotions popping up. The local housing market has cooled slightly, which means many builders are getting creative with incentives to attract buyers.  For anyone thinking about buying new construction in the Sacramento area, this shift could open the door to major savings and added perks. At The Sherri Patterson Team, we’re here to help you make sense of it all—why builders are offering these incentives, what’s motivating them, and how you can use these offers to your advantage. Let’s dive in!