🧱 Today’s Home Trivia
What percentage of home remodels in the U.S. go over budget? 💸 (Hint: it’s high enough to make you double-check your contractor’s quote.)
💡 Answer at the bottom of the newsletter
🛠️ The “How Hard Could a Remodel Be?” Moment
We’ve all had it — standing in the kitchen, staring at a dated backsplash, thinking, “Give me one weekend and a YouTube video.” Then reality shows up with permits, timelines, bids, lead times… and that’s before the dust.
The good news: remodels don’t have to be chaos. With clear goals, a real budget, and the right pros, you can upgrade your space without losing your sanity (or your Saturdays). The difference between a dream project and a money pit is planning — not luck.
This week’s guide breaks it down step by step — from scoping and permits to schedules, punch lists, and that final walkthrough. If you’re thinking about doing “just one wall,” start here first.
Suneet Agarwal
CEO & Founder, Best Sac Homes Group
Husband. Dad. Realtor.
🌟 Featured Listing
A Beauty In Fabulous Forties!
📍 1418 47th Street Sacramento, CA 95819
Located in the coveted Fabulous Forties, this rare East Sacramento 1-story Brick Tudor blends timeless architecture with refined sophistication and includes a detached guest cottage.
Rich mahogany woodwork, leaded glass windows, and inlaid hardwood floors showcase exceptional craftsmanship throughout.
🏡✨ The Reason Your Neighbor’s Home Sold in 3 Days
Most agents still think a sign in the yard and a few pics on the MLS counts as “marketing.”
It doesn’t. Not in 2026.
Buyers scroll fast and if your home doesn’t stand out online, they won’t even click.
That’s where smart marketing comes in.
Staging. Pro photos. Drone video. Social media ads. The works.
It’s what gets homes seen, shown, and sold for more.
Curious what your home could sell for with real marketing behind it? Then know how to sell fast and high and exactly what your home is really worth — for FREE.
🛠️ How to Plan & Execute a Successful Home Remodel
🎯 • 📅 • 🧰
Thinking kitchen refresh or full-home upgrade? This guide breaks your remodel into clear, doable steps — from defining goals and budget, to choosing the right pros and building a realistic timeline that won’t wreck your sanity.
You’ll get smart tips on permits, materials, and how to prep for the inevitable mess — plus what to watch during the build and how to wrap with a punch list and final walkthrough that protects your investment.
💰 Quick Mortgage Rate Check-In
National averages as of Jan 21, 2026 (source: Zillow)
| Loan Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| 30-Year Fixed | 5.990% |
| 15-Year Fixed | 5.375% |
🏠 Your Real Estate Hub
💼 Ever Thought of Becoming a Realtor?
Thinking about a career that’s never boring? Real estate is about hustle, heart, and helping people through one of life’s biggest decisions.
(And yes, it’s way more than open houses and fancy lockboxes 😉)
🎉 What’s Happening In Sacramento This Weekend!
Chocolate Salon
Discover, taste and savor the finest in artisan, gourmet and premium chocolates & confections for the Seasons, at the Sacramento Chocolate Salon.
📍 The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection 926 J Street Sacramento, CA 95814
🗓️ Jan 25 from 11am to 4pm PST
New Year Creators Faire
Step forth into a wondrous evening of creation, commerce, and enchantment.
📍 Lucid Winery, 1015 R St, Sacramento, CA
🗓️ Jan 24 from 4pm to 10pm PST
💡 Answer to Home Trivia
Around 75% of home remodels go over budget! Most homeowners underestimate costs for materials, delays, and design changes — which is why adding a 10–15% buffer can save your future self a lot of stress (and arguments).
Remodeling isn’t just about changing walls — it’s about changing how you live in them. Whether you’re tackling one room or a full overhaul, start smart, plan ahead, and enjoy the process (dust and all).
🛠️ Here’s to building something better — one project at a time.