David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Nothing is more frustrating to gardeners than having their hard work and investment ruined by deer, rabbits and other creatures. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help prevent or minimize damage from animals, without resorting to harsh and environmentally damaging chemicals. Consider the following strategies to start prepping your garden this fall.  Identify the culprit.  To prevent damage from critters, you must first know who you’re dealing with. Neatly clipped stems and twigs are usually a sign of rabbits, but if you’re seeing ragged and torn leaves, that’s most likely deer. If you have security cameras installed on your property or a Ring doorbell system, you might be able to catch the intruder in the act. Plant strategically.  Get to know the plants native to your area that are resistant to animals. Your landscaper or local plant and garden store can help you select the right ones for your yard. Plant ...

  A picturesque swimming pool is a favorite feature for today’s luxury homeowners. If you want to create a true backyard oasis, however, chances are the pool is just one part of the equation. For those who are looking to upgrade their backyard swimming here, here are several ideas that can take it to new heights. Add a Cabana For a truly resort-like experience, nothing beats having a cabana where you can lounge in the shade while hanging out by the pool. You’ll have the perfect spot to spend long summer days, whether reading a good book or drinking your morning coffee, while giving your pool area an exciting addition that transforms the whole aesthetic. Bring in the Fire Pit Anyone who enjoys sitting outside on a warm summer evening can appreciate a fire pit, but this feature has extra visual appeal when positioned nearby your swimming pool. Just imagine the enchanting ambience as you watch the flames reflect off the water after the sun goes down each night. Pool House If you’re lo...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com I n a world dominated by technology, kids are consumed by their phones, tablets and televisions. Designating limited screen time is becoming tougher and enjoying old school, outdoor playtime has been put on the back burner. So, why not spruce up your own backyard and inspire your children to get outside and away from their screens? With these backyard upgrades, you can help your kids appreciate the great outdoors. Here are some ideas that will help everyone get outside, enjoy the sunshine and connect with nature.  Treehouse For kids, there’s almost nothing more fun, or classic, than climbing a tree. And having a hangout in the treetops makes it that much better! Let your kids decorate to their liking, making this their own nature-filled sanctuary space. You can find instructions, materials and tools to make this a DIY project at your local hardware store, or hire a pro for a more luxurious look.  Swingset A staple in almost ever...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com With historically low interest rates in place for the foreseeable future and a continued shortage of available housing inventory, if you’ve been thinking about putting your home on the market, there may be no time like the present. While your home’s value is largely determined by square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and comparable sales in your neighborhood, there are certain steps you can take to help nudge the selling price up a bit. And there’s no better place to start than outside in order to elevate that all important curb appeal. Here are five yard and garden improvements, recommended by Consumer Reports, that can boost your home’s resale value: Improve your landscaping.  A yard that’s overgrown with unruly hedges, crowded trees and rampant weeds and grasses can be an instant turn-off to would-be buyers. Take the time to spruce up your yard by trimming back shrubs and cutting off dying tree branches, paying par...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com The yard is something that you and your neighbors see every day. A well-maintained yard can add curb appeal to your home and can even increase your property's value. If you've been neglecting your yard, summer is an excellent time to tackle some projects you have been postponing. Many of them can be completed in a weekend, leaving you with a clean and vibrant-looking yard that is perfect for summer barbecues. Clean Up Overgrown grass and unruly shrubs can detract from the appearance of an otherwise beautiful property. Take some time to mow the lawn and collect the clippings. If your bushes need a trim, you can do that yourself, provided you have the right tools and skills. If you don’t, ask a neighbor to loan you tools and give you some pointers. If you have a garden, pull up any weeds you see. If you don't have a garden, you can plant some flowers to line the walkway to the house or place flowers in planters to cr...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Home improvement projects aren't limited to indoors. In fact, not only can upgrades to areas outside the house expand your livable space, they can also increase your home's value. Outdoor living projects account for almost one-third of renovation projects, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The findings echo trends reported by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, which found 43% of respondents said they designed outdoor kitchens in the past year and 41% expected an increase in outdoor projects in the coming year. "Our clients are asking for entertaining areas, which can be anything from a fully engineered cabana or a new paver patio with a pergola," said Dave Garcia, owner of DPG Pavers and Design. "We love being creative with materials in our designs and installations. One of my personal favorites is an outdoor kitchen we wrapped in hardwood wit...