blog posts

Sacramento is a dream for outdoor lovers. With its rivers, trails, lakes, and parks, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing float down the river, an exhilarating bike ride, or a peaceful fishing spot, the Greater Sacramento Area has it all this summer. The best part? You don’t have to travel far to find these outdoor escapes! The Sherri Patterson Team is here to dive into some of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors in and around Sacramento—complete with location recommendations and handy tips to make the most of your experience.

If you’ve been in your Sacramento Area home for a while—whether it’s in East Sac, Land Park, or the surrounding suburbs—you might have built up more equity than you realize. But are you making the most of it? Home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on your mortgage, and it’s a powerful financial tool. Whether you're thinking about a home renovation, consolidating debt, or even funding a big life event, your home’s value can work for you in ways you might not have considered. At The Sherri Patterson Team , we believe your home is more than just a place to live—it’s a valuable asset that can help you achieve financial freedom. That’s why we’re breaking down smart ways to use your home equity, from refinancing to eliminating PMI, so you can make the best choice for your future. 

Sacramento is a plant lover’s paradise. Fun fact: Did you know our nickname is, “The City of Trees”? Our local area is filled with amazing nurseries and plant shops that make it easy to bring more greenery into our homes and gardens. The Sherri Patterson Team has explored some of the best spots in town, and we’re excited to share our favorites. Whether you have a green thumb or are just starting your plant parenting journey, these nurseries are perfect for finding inspiration, discovering new plants, and connecting with Sacramento’s vibrant gardening community!

Real estate isn’t just about finding a place to live—it’s one of the most powerful tools for your family to build long-term wealth. Whether you're a homeowner looking to maximize your equity, an investor seeking opportunities, or planning your estate for future generations—smart financial planning is the key to success. With the Sherri Patterson Team on your side, we’re here to provide expert guidance on how to grow your net worth through real estate in the Greater Sacramento Area. From leveraging home equity to strategic investing, let’s explore how you can make the most of your real estate assets. 

Spring break is almost here! While some may be packing their bags for a beach getaway, you don’t have to leave town to have an amazing time. Sacramento is full of fun, family-friendly activities that will get you out of the house and into the sunshine. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a delicious meal—there’s something for everyone. The Sherri Patterson Team knows Sacramento inside and out, and we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to enjoy spring break right here in town. Let’s get started!

Whether you're hunting for your first home in the Greater Sacramento Area or want to upgrade to a new neighborhood, chances are your search will include properties within a homeowners association (HOA). At The Sherri Patterson Team, we know finding the perfect home is about more than just square footage—it’s about choosing a place that aligns with your lifestyle. That includes weighing the impact of living in a community with an HOA. We’re here to help you navigate both the benefits and the challenges of HOA living, so you can make the best choice for your family. A Brief History of HOAs HOAs date back to the mid-20th century, emerging as a way to manage and maintain shared resources in residential communities. Their popularity soared during the post-WWII housing boom, as suburban developments sprang up across the country. HOAs were designed to protect property values by ensuring uniformity and upkeep, creating cohesive neighborhoods that appealed to growing families and retirees alike. Today, HOAs are prevalent in communities nationwide, managing everything from landscaping to parking regulations. Pros of Living in an HOA Community Immaculate Neighborhoods One of the biggest perks of living in an HOA community is the consistent maintenance of common areas and overall curb appeal. HOAs ensure that parks, pools, and landscaping are well-kept, giving your neighborhood that polished look. Exclusive Amenities HOA communities often come with perks like swimming pools, fitness centers, clubhouses, and even golf courses. These shared amenities are maintained using HOA fees, providing residents with convenient access to luxurious features without the hefty individual expense. Enforced Community Standards HOAs uphold a set of rules and guidelines to maintain order and uniformity. While this might sound restrictive, it’s great for preventing eyesores like dead lawns or homes painted neon green—things that could detract from your neighborhood’s appeal. Conflict Resolution Disputes between neighbors can get messy, but an HOA provides a structured process for addressing issues. From noise complaints to property boundary disagreements, the HOA acts as a mediator, helping to keep the peace. Property Value Protection By ensuring high standards of maintenance and appearance, HOAs play a key role in preserving or even boosting property values. When all the homes on your street look good, it’s a win-win for the entire community. Cons of Living in an HOA Community Monthly or Annual Fees While those amenities and maintenance services are great, they come at a cost. HOA fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars annually, depending on the community. These fees are mandatory, so they’re something to factor into your budget. Strict Rules and Regulations Want to paint your house a bold new color or park your RV in the driveway? Not so fast. HOAs enforce rules that can sometimes feel limiting, covering everything from landscaping choices to holiday decorations. Potential for Power Struggles Not all HOA boards are created equal. Occasionally, board members may overstep their authority, leading to conflicts or decisions that don’t reflect the community’s best interests. This can be frustrating for homeowners. Fines and Penalties If you break an HOA rule—intentionally or accidentally—you could face fines or other penalties. This can add unexpected stress and financial strain, especially if the rules are complicated or not clearly communicated. Lack of Individual Autonomy Living in an HOA community means sacrificing some personal freedoms for the greater good of the neighborhood. Decisions about your property—from landscaping to exterior renovations—are subject to approval, which might not align with your vision. 

Love, laughter and lots of pizza! We had a great time celebrating with our wonderful clients at our Valentine Pizza Party, sharing laughs, good conversation and sending them home with a yummy heart shaped pizza! Events like this remind us how lucky we are to be surrounded by such a fantastic community!

Selling your home is a major step, and in Sacramento’s dynamic market, timing can be everything. Whether you’re in the heart of downtown, the tree-lined streets of East Sacramento, or the family-friendly neighborhoods of Elk Grove, knowing when to list can make all the difference. At The Sherri Patterson Team, we understand the local market and are here to help you navigate every detail. Let’s explore how the right timing, paired with expert guidance, can help you achieve your home-selling goals this year. Best Season of the Year for Top Dollar & Why When selling your home in Sacramento, the sweet spot tends to be in the spring and early summer. Why? The combination of perfect weather and the end of the school year brings more buyers into the market, creating a competitive environment that can drive up offers. If you want to make the most of your sale, we recommend listing during this peak time. However, waiting too long into fall can mean fewer buyers and possibly lower offers. Timing your sale right can make a big difference in how much you get for your home. Best Day of the Week to Get It Listed It’s not just about the season—the day of the week matters, too! Studies show that Thursday is the sweet spot. Listing your home on a Thursday helps it gain traction just in time for the weekend when most buyers have the time to house hunt. Homes listed on Thursday tend to sell faster and for a bit more, giving you an edge in the market. Make Time for Necessary Repairs Little details can make a big difference. Before putting your home on the market, take some time to handle those small repairs you’ve been putting off. Leaky faucets, chipped paint, or even a loose doorknob can catch a buyer’s eye in the wrong way. According to Coldwell Banker , roughly 7 in 10 millennials (70%) and Gen Xers (71%) say they would be willing to sacrifice home size for a move-in ready home. Investing a little time now can pay off big later. How to Know if It’s the Best Time for YOU to Sell At the end of the day, the best time to sell is when it feels right for you. Are you moving for a new job, ready to downsize, or looking for more space? It’s important to think about your personal goals and financial situation. That’s where The Sherri Patterson Team comes in—we’re here to help you navigate the market and figure out what makes sense for your unique situation.  Pre-Listing Checklist Have you decided that you’re ready to get your home on the market? We’ve put together a checklist to prepare your home for a quick sale.

Each year, we help dozens of families move to the Sacramento area. Because we work with so many relocating medical professionals, we created a FREE annual guide that helps our clients find the best neighborhoods and receive information on local demographics, schools, and the region's hot spots for fun and entertainment.