Moving to Sacramento
I like being a tour guide of Sacramento. If you’re coming from the Bay Area, or from much farther, I’ll help you find the neighborhood before you find the house.
The listing photos leave out what it’s like to live there.
Sacramento is a city of very different neighborhoods, from Midtown’s grid and Second Saturday to Land Park’s storybook streets, the Pocket’s Greenbelt and Carmichael’s big lots.
I’ve lived in several of them myself since 2002, and I can tell you what the commute is like and where the shade is in August.
Even if you can’t be here in person, I have guided many clients through the process from other cities, states, and even countries.
What people tell me they’re looking for
- 01
More house for the money
Most of my Bay Area clients move for affordability: more space, a yard, a single story.
- 02
A quieter pace
Tree-lined streets, bigger yards and relaxation.
- 03
A city that’s still a city
Restaurants, the arts, the rivers, and Tahoe and the Bay both a drive away.
The listing that wasn’t for sale
I met Nicole and Victor at an open house I was listing in the Pocket. We hit it off immediately and I learned they lived in the Bay and were looking to relocate to Sacramento for the affordability, space, and schools. Being in a low-inventory market, it was difficult to find exactly what they were looking for: they wanted 4 bedrooms, single story, in a quiet area, for what they could afford. Seeing there were few options available, I recalled touring a property that had been on the market but didn’t sell. Even though the sellers had cancelled the listing, I decided to reach out to the listing agent to arrange a tour. Despite it being an off-market listing, we submitted an offer and got the ball rolling. Using my connections with my colleagues helped a lot, and so did understanding what both the buyers and sellers needed in order to make the deal work.
Thinking outside the box is what led to a successful transaction where everyone walked away happy.
What are the best Sacramento neighborhoods for Bay Area transplants?
It depends on what you’re looking for. People who want to be close to restaurants and the city center often like Midtown, East Sacramento or Curtis Park. People looking for more space often look at the Pocket, Carmichael or Arden-Arcade. I’ll give you a short list based on your commute and budget.
Can I buy a home in Sacramento without being there?
Yes. I’ve helped a client buy from another country, completely sight unseen. I tour homes for you, report what the photos leave out, and coordinate inspections and signing remotely.
Do I need to sell my Bay Area home first?
Not always. We can buy with a contingent offer, sell first with a rent-back, or buy first if your lender qualifies you. See my next-home buyers page for how that works.
Is Sacramento a good place to live?
I’ve lived here since 2002, so I’m biased. What my clients tell me they like: the rivers and the American River Parkway, Tahoe and the Bay both a drive away, and a real restaurant and arts scene. Tell me what you want more of and I’ll tell you honestly whether Sacramento has it.
How does the cost of living in Sacramento compare to the Bay Area?
Most of my Bay Area clients move here for what the same budget buys. I won’t quote you a percentage, because it depends on your situation, but I can send you recent sales so you can compare them directly against what you’re looking at now.
“Joseph made the entire process smooth and reassuring from start to finish.”
“Joe is incredibly responsive, and we never had to wait long for a reply to any question or concern we had.”
“He is energetic and enthusiastic, but also so very organized it really reduced my stress level to have him handling this large and life changing transaction!”
Keep reading
I explain every step before it happens. You’ll always know where we are in the process.
Read more Next-home buyersSelling and buying at the same time is two transactions that have to land together. I’ve done it for several clients this year alone.
Read more First-time buyersFirst-time buyers are my favorite clients. You’re excited, you have a hundred questions, and I have the time to answer every one.
Read more Luxury homesSierra Oaks estates, the Fab 40s, Land Park’s storybook streets. At any price point, you work with me at every step.
Read moreLet me show you around
Tell me what you’re leaving and what you want more of. I’ll send you three neighborhoods to start.
“The best part of this job is helping people on a human level.”Joseph Olson
- Call / text(916) 835-2968
- Emailjosephao@gmail.com
- OfficeColdwell Banker – Sierra Oaks
2277 Fair Oaks Blvd, Ste 440
Sacramento, CA 95825