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The Most Popular Landscaping Trends for 2021

April 28, 2021 by cdiez Leave a Comment

The COVID-19 pandemic kept many people home for the majority of 2020. And while things are definitely looking up, many are still spending more time at home in 2021, which is driving an uptick in home renovations—including landscaping.

So, the question is—what are the trends homeowners are embracing to spruce up their outdoor space?

A recent video from realtor.com outlined the most popular landscaping trends of 2021, including:

Vegetable gardens. The pandemic saw many people start their own vegetable gardens, both as a way to stay busy and a way to avoid any unnecessary trips to the supermarket. With spring planting season around the corner, vegetable gardening is, once again, poised to be one of the year’s biggest landscaping trends.

Views from the inside. Obviously, you want your landscaping to look great while you’re outside. But as people have been forced to spend more time at home, it’s become increasingly important for your landscaping to also look great from the inside. As the pandemic stretches on, this trend of landscaping with interior views in mind is expected to stretch right along with it.

Backyard playgrounds. Many parents have been uncomfortable bringing their children to play in public parks. As a result, creating play spaces in the backyard has been a big landscaping trend since the pandemic hit—and with summer coming up, that trend will just continue to gain popularity.

Filed Under: Home Improvement Tagged With: carmichael ca real estate, carmichael ca real estate agent, carmichael ca realtor, carmichael real estate agent, carmichael realtor

Six Must-Haves Every Homeowner Needs For A Safe Home

September 9, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

When it comes to your home, you want to make sure you have everything on hand you need to create a safe environment for you and your family. But what exactly do you need to make your home safe? Here are six must-haves you need to ensure your home is safe for your family and yourself:

1. Smoke and carbon monoxide detector

A smoke and carbon monoxide detector is a must to keep you and your family safe. You can either buy each detector separately or purchase a model that detects both. Either way, you need to make sure that you have a detector monitoring the air in your home for both smoke and carbon monoxide at all time.

You should have at least one smoke and carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home (so, for example, one in the basement, one in the ground floor, one upstairs, and one in the attic). Test them regularly and replace the batteries at least twice a year to ensure they’re working properly.

2. Fire extinguisher

House fires are more common than you’d imagine. In 2015, there were over 365,000 house fires in the United States. And while you hope that a fire will never happen to you, you still need to have an extinguisher on hand just in case.

Keep your fire extinguisher in or easily accessible from the kitchen; most home fires start in the kitchen, so you want to have your extinguisher close should a fire occur. If you have a multi-level home, you should also keep a fire extinguisher in your bedroom should a fire break out while you’re asleep.

3. An exit plan

When all else fails and your home becomes unsafe, you want to make sure you and your family all know how to get out of the home quickly and safely.

Develop an exit plan that allows you and your family to safely exit the home from all areas of the house in case of an emergency; you should have an exit route from all levels of the home so that no matter where you are when an emergency occurs, your family knows where and how to get out.

Meet with your family at least once a year to review the exit plan and make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

4. First aid kit

Minor accidents are inevitable in your home; your children might fall and scrape their knee, you may burn yourself while making dinner. These things happen. But to keep minor injuries from escalating, you want to make sure to have a first-aid kit on hand.

First aid kits should include:

  • Bandages
  • Gauze
  • Antibiotic Ointment
  • Pain reliever
  • Alcohol Cleansing Pads
  • First Aid Tape
  • Ice Pack
  • Gloves
  • Finger Splint

Depending on your family’s needs, you might need additional items, like an Epi-Pen for allergic reactions. You can pick up a first-aid kit to suit your needs just about anywhere, including First Aid Store and Amazon.

5. Contact sheet

In case an emergency happens when you’re not home, you want to have a contact sheet full of important contacts and information so whoever is home with your family or children will know who to call and how to get in touch with them.

Include your own contact information, the contact information of friends and family that live close to your home, your family doctor, and all emergency numbers, like the police station and fire station. You’ll also want to leave insurance information in case it’s needed.

6. Disaster kit

In case of a major emergency, like an earthquake, that would cause you to hunker down in your home (or leave in a hurry), having a disaster kit on hand can be a lifesaver.

Your disaster kit should contain the following:

  • At least 3 days worth of water and non-perishable food items
  • Cash
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • A battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
  • Copies of birth certificates, passports, insurance cards, and other important documents
  • Can opener
  • Disposable utensils
  • Pet food (if you have an animal)
  • A backup cell phone battery and/or a solar charger

In an ideal world, you won’t have to use any of these safety items. But these six must-haves are essential in keeping your family safe in case of an emergency.

Filed Under: Sacramento Lifestyle Tagged With: carmichael ca real estate agent, carmichael ca realtor, carmichael real estate agent, carmichael realtor, homeowner must haves, living in carmichael ca

How to Choose the Right Home for You and Your Dog

August 4, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

After 28 moves, our last six have been with dogs. For the most part, they are pretty flexible as long as they are close to the family. Three airplane trips were a little rough because it was tougher to get to outdoor,dog, restroom facilities. Right now, the dogs are two feet away and happy as usual.

Jaymi Naciri gives some updated data on home purchasers that are looking for the right environment for their dogs.

Data over the last several years shows that millennials are largely driven in their real estate purchase not necessarily by proximity to work or readiness for marriage and kids, but, instead, by their desire to provide a nice environment for their dogs.

Sometimes, people are awesome.

If you’re one of those people that are looking to move in order to create a welcoming home environment for your dog, or a dog you plan to bring in, here are a few things to look for.

A workable floorplan

Do you have an older dog? Getting up and down the stairs might not be so easy. Perhaps a ranch-style home is a better bet at this stage of your life.

A safe yard

When you’re looking at houses, you’re going to want to pay close attention to the outdoor space. Is there enough room for your pooch to run? Is the yard fenced? Is the fence in decent shape?

Other doggie friends

While you may not be keen to meet up with other humans and their pets during this time of social distancing, this too shall pass…right? And, when it does, you may want to make sure you’re positioned in an area that’s dog friendly.

Barking dogs

Then again, the neighbors’ dogs might be nightmares. Having mega-barkers around you is never fun, but it can be especially painful if that barking also gets your dog(s) going.

A park nearby

Even if you don’t have acres for your dog to explore, having a park nearby can be a great substitute.

The wildlife situation

Are you looking at areas where there are coyotes or other predators? You not only have to think about the danger factor but also what life will be like if you can’t put in as doggie door and have to leave your dog alone while you’re gone for large stretches of time.

Is it a busy street?

Dogs get out. It happens. Being in a high-traffic area could increase the possibility that your dog will be injured or worse by a car. Said Homes.com: “You may always have your dog on a leash, but what about those times they escape out the front door when you’re distracted or when a child or visitor or serviceman leaves the door open? Will they rush into a quiet cul-de-sac or a busy street?”

Nooks and crannies

If you do buy a two-story home, that unused space under the stairs would make a great dog hangout area!

Community rules

If you have or are considering a breed like a pit bull or German shepherd, you’ll want to make sure there are no restrictions in the communities you’re considering. Some condo and townhome communities may also have size restrictions, and they’re also may be limitations on how many pets you can have.

“Even if you own a piece of property, it’s not guaranteed that your pets will be welcome there,” said the American Kennel Club (AKC). “Depending on the number and the breed, there can be restrictions within a Homeowners Association (HOA), condo development, or even the city or state, at large.

Click here for the full article

Filed Under: Real Estate News Tagged With: carmichael ca real estate agent, carmichael ca realtor, carmichael first time home buyer, carmichael real estate agent, carmichael realtor, living in carmichael ca

Dad Builds a Backyard Coffee Shop That’ll Make You Want To Build Your Own

July 30, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Backyard pubs have been popping up left and right, but not everyone is into drinking alcohol. Some people prefer their coffee…

One man’s love for coffee compelled him to build a coffee shop right in his own backyard. His proud daughter, Julianna, shared his amazing project on social media. The charming coffeehouse has been garnering rave reviews and it’s no wonder why. You can practically smell the coffee brewing through cyberspace. Makes you want to order up a latte and relax.

Take a look!

It’s hard to believe when you see it like this, but this project was completed in just three months—fueled by caffeine no doubt!

It probably helps that the guy who’s now the head barista of this coffee house is also a contractor. Something tells us Ed the Builder, as he refers to himself on Instagram, is about to be in high demand!

That window is going to allow for plenty of natural light and possibly even walk-up customers.

Welcome to La Vida Cafe. Love the built-in mini-fridge and the chalkboard announcing the daily specials.

Whether you want to watch the morning news, or grab a magazine off the rack and read, this coffee shop has it all.


Indoor and outdoor seating makes this an all-weather hang-out.

Imagine stopping in for a little after-dinner espresso or cappuccino at dusk under these lights? We’ll drink to that!

Plenty of dads are known to putter around the backyard tackling interesting projects, but few take it to this extreme.

Even if you’ve downloaded your favorite coffee spot’s app and choose curbside pickup, you still can’t beat the convenience of a coffee shop waiting just outside your door.

Filed Under: Home Improvement Tagged With: backyard coffee shop, carmichael ca real estate agent, carmichael ca realtor, carmichael real estate agent, carmichael realtor, living in carmichael ca

Easy Home Office Design Ideas To Boost Your Productivity

July 19, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Since the Covid-19 shelter-at-home started, a lot of us have to not only make a home office but share with other people. It seemed like the internet speed went from 50 MBS to 3 MBS with so many people at home during the day. My home office is productive but not the most comfortable. Anita Clark has some good ideas in designing a home office that is right for you.

Everyone needs a home office, whether you work from home or not. Even students or regular employees have to inevitably take some projects home, then work in a space that’s nowhere near conducive. We often see people working from their bedrooms, dining areas, and their kitchens… places that weren’t designed to invoke creativity or productivity at all.

As a Realtor, I spend a lot of my time working from home. Though I do take clients around, most of the “magic” happens over the internet. This is where I build relationships with both potential and existing clients. This is where I find opportunities… and over the years, I’ve learned to design my home office according to my needs. Here are some really simple and easy design ideas that will help you stay focused and out of trouble:

Declutter Your Desk

Your work desk is where all the work happens and let’s be honest, it’s always in a mess. With our busy schedules, we normally don’t have time to declutter. We tend to pile more stuff onto it, that the moment we need something specific to get a task done… we can no longer recall where we placed it.

Now, the problem with decluttering is we don’t even know where to start. There’s just too much on your work desk that you might as well throw the entire thing out. I know how tempting that is, but don’t. Start by throwing pens that aren’t working anymore, files or papers that you no longer need, as well as any fixture or electronic device that’s already broken. The trick here is to simply get the momentum going. Once you’ve already started, you’d be surprised at how much trash you’ve already taken out.

Improve Your Lighting

Several studies have shown, time and again, that certain lighting conditions have a profound effect on our level of productivity. Apparently, it’s in our DNA to work better when under a cooler light. However, warmer lighting also has positive benefits on our physical and mental well-being, especially on workers who remain cooped inside an office the entire day. Here’s another surprising fact too… natural light emitted both during the day and night can actually reduce depression, and improve mood, energy, alertness and productivity.

Besides adjusting the temperature of your lighting fixture from a warmer to a cooler shade, move your desk near a window where you can enjoy some sunshine! Don’t be afraid to rearrange your furniture, but be careful. Some electronic devices may be sensitive to heat, so you may want to keep them away from sunlight.

Add A Natural Touch

This age-old tip never fails. You see, in order to be productive, you must  feel “free” and unconfined in your workspace… and since you cannot bring your home office outdoors, why not bring a little touch of nature into your home? Well, the common way to go about this is to bring in a potted plant that you can easily place on your desk. But there are so many other natural elements that you can introduce into your workspace. Instead of using furniture made of artificial materials, why don’t you use ones that are made of wood? They’re easy on the eyes and are much durable too. You may also opt for neutral tones when choosing various design elements, and then try to use the least amount of technology when working.

Click here for full article

Filed Under: Home Improvement Tagged With: carmichael ca real estate, carmichael ca real estate agent, carmichael ca realtor, carmichael real estate, carmichael real estate agent, carmichael realtor

Brighter Days Are Ahead! Your July Newsletter is Here

July 16, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

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Positivity. It’s something we learn at a young age yet we are constantly tested in life to maintain a positive outlook when facing different obstacles and hurdles. It’s also something that many of us are struggling with today as we continue to social distance and adapt to the ever-evolving mandates and changes within our communities.

But now more than ever, it’s important to appreciate the things that we do have and take inventory of all of the good things in our lives. This month’s newsletter is dedicated to doing just that—from outdoor activities that are social distance approved, to al fresco dining, to an insider’s look at the current real estate market, we’ve got you covered! Read on for the full scoop.

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Supporting local businesses and restaurants through these tough times is a great way to stay connected and help our community stay afloat. While indoor restaurant venues are closed for the time being, we are still able to enjoy outdoor dining at some fantastic restaurants in the greater Sacramento area. Check out a few of our favorite outdoor venues on the river where you can enjoy a nice cocktail and delicious meal with a side of views.

First up on the list is Crawdads On The River. Since 1986, Crawdads has been one of Sacramento’s most popular dining spots on the river. Guests can come by car or boat to enjoy a casual, laid-back atmosphere with fresh seafood, delicious drinks, and mesmerizing views. Not sure what to order? For starters try their “Crispy Calamari Strips” served with lemon and their house-made roasted cocktail sauce. If you prefer something lighter, try their fresh “Shrimp Cocktail” appetizer. For a main, dive into their “Blackened Fish Tacos” or their simple yet mouth-watering “Crab Grilled Cheese”. Chill out with one of their frozen drinks like their refreshing “Frozen Vodka Lemonade.” Check out their full menu here and be sure to call ahead of time to make a reservation out on the patio at 916-929-2268.

Next, we’re taking you to another equally popular outdoor dining spot, Scott’s Seafood on the River. This upscale eatery impresses with its focus on fresh seafood, fabulous handcrafted cocktails, and front row river views. Guests can wine and dine on the expansive patio overlooking the river. Begin your meal with their “Dungeness Crab Cakes” or their “Wild Prawn Cocktail”. For the main course, you can’t go wrong with any dish, but their “Filet Mignon & Jumbo Scallops” dish is a great combo option. They also have an impressive cocktail menu with favorites including their classic Margarita. You can make a reservation ahead of time by calling 916-379-5959 or by using OpenTable.

Finally, our quest for al fresco dining ends at Rio City Café, which is situated in beautiful historic Old Sacramento with a spacious outdoor patio and spectacular views. This riverfront restaurant features a delicious menu that celebrates fresh, house-made ingredients. Hungry for an appetizer? Try their famous “Sourdough Cheese Loaf” (pictured above) filled with an indulging three cheese blend on top of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and crushed chili flakes. Signature entrees include their pan-seared “Halibut” served with creamy parmesan risotto and grilled asparagus and their “Red Crab & Shrimp Louie” salad. Check out their full menu here. To reserve an outdoor table, call 916-442-8226 or use OpenTable.

Some of us might be feeling frustrated about the recent re-closure of gyms in Sacramento—but lucky for us, Sacramento is home to countless recreational activities with plenty of hiking, biking, and walking paths for us to explore. The city also sits at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers where you can raft, kayak, and even launch a boat in some areas. Click on the below links for some fun outdoor activities and inspiration.

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  1. Plan Your Next Rafting or Kayaking Trip on the American River: Summer is the perfect opportunity to cool off at the American River. So grab your quarantine crew and get out on the water for a fun-filled day of rafting or kayaking. If you need to rent a raft or kayak, check out American River Raft Rentals.
  2. Grab Your Paddleboard and Hit the Water: From Lake Natoma to the Sacramento River, there are plenty of places for you to hit the water and soak in the beautiful outdoors. Check out some of the top paddleboarding spots before planning your next outing here. Need a paddleboard? Snag one at American River Raft Rentals.
  3. Hit the Trails: Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, or running, Sacramento is home to plenty of trails and paths for you to explore. Grab your running shoes and hit the trail at Ancil Hoffman Park or one of these popular Sacramento running trails. Also check out these local biking paths and gorgeous hiking paths.
  4. Soak in the Sun on Your Next Boating Excursion: Now is the perfect time to brush up your wakeboarding or skiing skills on the river or lake! Check out Folsom Lake, Camp Far West, or the Sacramento River for a fun boat outing.

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When COVID-19 first hit, many buyers put their home searches on hold—and that pause continued through the following months as much of the nation was under stay-at-home orders.

But now that the country has started to reopen, buyers are “unpausing” their searches and buying homes, which has translated to an unprecedented rebound in the market. Data released in June in the National Association of REALTORS® Pending Home Sales Index, which measures housing contract activity, showed a 44.3% jump in May—the highest month-over-month increase since the Index started collecting data in 2001.

“This has been a spectacular recovery for contract signings and goes to show the resiliency of American consumers and their evergreen desire for homeownership,” NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said in a recent press release. “This bounce-back also speaks to how the housing sector could lead the way for a broader economic recovery.”

So, what does this mean for you? If you’ve been holding off on listing your home, it looks like buyers are officially getting back into the market and ready to buy—which should make it easier to sell.

Filed Under: Real Estate News, Sacramento Lifestyle Tagged With: carmichael ca real estate agent, carmichael ca realtor, carmichael newsletter, carmichael real estate agent, carmichael realtor, sacramento lifestyle

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Craig Diez

Craig Diez

California REALTOR®
916-425-5884
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