David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com When it's hot outside, heat can seep into your home and make it unbearable. However, there are sustainable, eco-friendly solutions to maximize comfort and cooling when the thermometer creeps upward without racking up an outrageous electric bill or large carbon footprint. While some options for keeping your home cool involve an upfront investment, over time they'll save money, and the environment, for years to come. If you're looking for ways to cool your home during even the hottest days, consider these ideas from the experts at Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating. Adjust Ceiling Fans. Installing ceiling fans in your home can help keep temperatures moderate and cut down on your cooling bill. For best results, those ceiling fans should be adjusted seasonally. During warm weather months, fans should rotate counterclockwise at a higher speed to push air downward instead of up toward the ceiling, which can lead to a...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By John Voket So you're all fired up to make some changes around the house this season? Good! In the following rundown, you'll hear from a bunch of worthy experts pointing to some of the hottest design and decorating trends that everybody will be gabbing about. Gabrielle Savoie at MyDomaine.com says you'll have the coolest place on the block when you light up your guests with retro dome or mushroom lamps. Maybe match that with a hot new plinth table. Savoie says coupled with the recent hype over colored marble and other stone finishes, these low and heavy tables are expected to have a moment in 2019. The folks at DecorAid.com say 2019 is ushering in a return to "maximalism"—a natural evolution from the more minimalist design trends over the past few seasons. They say maximalism provides even experimental decorators much more freedom to follow their instinct. The key to getting maximalism right, Decor Aid sa...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By Meghan Belnap If you're selling your home, you're likely trying to make as much of a profit as possible. Unfortunately, most markets are crowded and it can be difficult to stand out. If you want to get a good price, you should consider following these steps: Work With an Appraiser Your first step should be to work with an appraiser. A good appraiser will help you not just to figure out how much your home is reasonably worth, but also help you to figure out which parts of your home are the most marketable. If you can put more of an emphasis on those features, you'll have a much better chance of selling your home for a great price. Do Your Homework Your next step is to start doing your research, and that typically means doing more than just typing "sell my house" into a search bar. You're going to want to work with local real estate professionals to figure out not just how much your home is worth, bu...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By Suzanne De Vita In an anticipated move, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate on Wednesday, decreased to the 2 percent to 2.25 percent range—a bid to preempt a possible recession. Why? At the conclusion of the Fed's June meeting, the agency had hinted at a rate reduction, citing indicators of a slowdown and the trade war. In December, the policymaker raised rates, but had yet to increase them this year, adopting a more "patient" stance. "Sagging business confidence, concern about trade disputes and tariffs, and slower economic growth and lower inflation overseas have all prompted the Fed to cut rates, despite otherwise outward signs of a strong U.S. economy," says Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. According to analysts, the Fed's rationale is simple: cut rates today, while the economy is expanding, instead of at the onset of a recession, when there is less margin to wo...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By John Voket There's nothing like a summer gathering with all kinds of food getting grilled. But is your barbecue zone as safe as it can be? Recently, Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) reached out to remind consumers that every year, way too many kids show up at the emergency room suffering grill-related injuries. They may look cool, but charcoal and gas grills can stay hot for hours after cooking, and it only takes a second to inflict a serious burn, according to the Bureau. Having a fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it is also important. Remember: Even small fires can spread quickly, so the biggest concern is always getting yourself and others to safety, then calling for help. Here's a few more safety pointers from FBFS: Your grill should be located on a flat surface and not be at risk for moving, sliding or toppling over. Use proper charcoal starter fluid, not gasoline or kerosene.  Keep starter f...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By John Voket Many of us plan to grow old in our homes, also known as "aging in place," and some of us have family members currently doing just that. So how can you make sure your home stays safe as you age? Let's look at one room that is home to a large majority of slips and falls: the bathroom. "Bathrooms can be very dangerous for people who have difficulties with mobility," says Ted Puzio, owner of Southern Trust Home Services. "Luckily, there are steps you can take as a homeowner to make them safer for your friends and family members." Puzio suggests the following adjustments for those wanting to increase the safety of their home restrooms: Consider installing a walk-in shower . By removing any hurdles your loved one might have to step over in order to bathe, you significantly reduce the risk of throwing them off balance. Equip showers and surrounding walls with sturdy grab bars. Giving...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Selling your home is a roller coaster ride like none other. Depending on your situation, you are most likely dealing with a range of emotions and pressures. Perhaps you have another home you’re ready to move into and are in a financial crunch until you sell your current home. Or maybe you’re relocating for a job and are under a strict deadline to be in a new state by a certain date. No matter what your situation, when your home is on the market for too long and not selling, it’s stressful. There’s usually a combination of factors contributing to your home not moving off the market, which you should discuss with your real estate agent. But here are some problems that you may be able to address in the meantime: It’s priced too high. While you may believe that your house is well worth the price you’ve listed it for - and it may be - current market conditions may not support this price point. Talk to your agent about the most current ...