🚫 My “No Thanks” List: 5 Sacramento Homes I’d Avoid at All Costs

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Hey guys, Jake here. I’ve been a broker in the Sacramento area for over 23 years and a resident for 48, and in that time I’ve helped hundreds of families buy and sell homes. Along the way, I’ve learned there are certain types of properties I always caution buyers about.

So today, I’m breaking down the five types of homes I personally wouldn’t buy in the Sacramento area—and why you might want to avoid them too.

1️⃣ Homes Near Noisy Nuisances

I’m talking about houses that back up to freeways, busy commercial centers, flight paths, or major roads. Sure, some people don’t mind the noise, but:

• You’ll deal with constant sound while living there.

• When it’s time to sell, your buyer pool is much smaller.

• Homes in these locations almost always sell for less than comparable ones in quieter areas.
  
  

2️⃣ Poorly Flipped or Renovated Homes

Not all flips are created equal. Some are beautifully redone, but many are rushed with poor workmanship—what I call “lipstick on a pig.”

🚩 Red flags include:

• Uneven tiles or sloppy grout

• Gaps in baseboards or crown molding

• Cheap paint jobs
  
  

If corners were cut on the easy stuff, chances are bigger issues are hiding under the surface.

3️⃣ Overbuilt Homes

Location is king. A huge, heavily upgraded house surrounded by smaller, modest homes might sound like a dream—but when you go to sell, you’ll never get back what you put in.

It’s always better to buy the smallest home in the best neighborhood than the biggest home in a neighborhood where it sticks out like a sore thumb.

4️⃣ Very Old Homes (Without Upgrades)

I love historic charm, but older homes can come with expensive surprises:

• Lead pipes that need full replacement 🚰

• Outdated knob-and-tube wiring ⚡

• City restrictions on renovations in historic zones
  
  

Unless you’re handy or the upgrades are already done, these homes can be a money pit.

5️⃣ Homes Near High-Voltage Power Lines

Some studies say they’re safe, others say they’re not. But here’s the reality:

• Buyers tend to avoid them.

• Homes near large power lines often sell for significantly less.

• Even if you’re comfortable with it, resale will almost always be harder.
  
  

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It’s packed with helpful info and will save you hours of research. Just click here to download it or check the pinned comment in the video.

Whether you’re moving next week or next year, my team and I are here to answer questions about neighborhoods, schools, and everyday life in Sacramento. Reach out anytime—I’d love to help you find the right home.

Cheers,

Jake