The OC Register’s Best of Orange County was released this week, announcing everyone’s local favorites from services and products to restaurants and downtown hot spots. The poll is conducted by the OC Register and consists of 100,000 OC Register readers.

We are honored for the 4^th year in a row to be voted Best Real Estate Company in Orange County. Our Senior Vice President of Sales here at First Team says it best: “It is very gratifying to be honored for a fourth straight year by Orange County residents. It speaks volumes about our agents, managers, and entire company’s commitment to serving every buyer and seller individually.”

We are also excited to congratulate our partner, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, on their 1^st place win as Orange County’s Best Credit Union for the third year in a row. SchoolsFirst Members are entitled to an exclusive program with First Team, called the Home Advantage Program, which offers a 20% rebate on the commission of a participating First Team agent when you complete a home sale or purchase. Take a look at the complete Home Advantage Program benefits here.

Now here’s a quick and easy recap of all the other winners from the Home & Garden category. Whether you’re looking for a new home or ways to spruce up your own, here’s how to do it best in Orange County!

Best Blind and Shutter Store

The Home Depot: It’s no surprise that everyone’s favorite home improvement store chain has the best selection and prices when it comes to outfitting your home with new window treatments.
Lowe’s Home Improvement: The experts at Lowe’s will match each customer personally with the best fit and customizations.
Costco Wholesale: Window treatments from Costco are always custom made plus customers can get a free consultation!

Best City to Live In

Aliso Viejo: Not only is Aliso Viejo clean, safe and family friendly, it’s also one of the most affordable cities in the county with home prices 15% below the county average for the past 8 years.
Irvine: Irvine is home to one of the state’s best school districts and heralded as one of the safest cities in the country.
Huntington Beach: Surf City is loved by all for its family atmosphere and fun beach culture.

Best New Home Community

Sendero in Rancho Mission Viejo: Located along Ortega Highway just outside of San Juan Capistrano with a total of 941 homes.
Ladera Ranch: Comprised of 8,000 homes built on 5 square-miles of South County.
Blackstone in Brea: Single-family homes with views of the city lights in the rolling hills north of East Lambert Road.

Best Door and Window Company

APlus Interior Design and Remodeling: Family owned business in Anaheim offering a wide range of home services.
Win-Dor: Another Anaheim business featuring in-house custom windows and doors.
A New View Windows & Doors: One of the largest window and door replacement companies in all of Orange County boasting the most comprehensive show room.

Best Furniture Store

Living Spaces Furniture: The store’s 30-day price guarantee will match any competitor’s pricing by 10%.
Ikea: Affordable, fun and convenient shopping that all of Orange County loves – especially the funny Swedish product names.
Ashley Furniture Home Store: Global titan and local favorite, Ashley Furniture offers an immense variety of styles.

Best Garden Center and Nursery

Armstrong Garden Centers: With 125 years in the business, Armstrong has the experience to help every gardener from beginners to green thumb experts.
The Home Depot Garden Center: Stocked with the best plants and flowers to succeed specifically in our Southern California climate.
Green Thumb International: This family business grew from a mom-and-pop-shop to a green global leader.

Best Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Specialist

APlus Interior Design and Remodeling: Everyone’s favorite local remodeling center makes its second appearance in Best of OC!
Reborn Cabinets: One of the largest and oldest cabinet companies in Orange County.
Cabinet Care: This company boasts a 96% referral rate among its customers and completes 30 to 50 jobs a month!

Register Picks: Best Home Decor Store

Environment: Eco-friendly décor and furniture located in Costa Mesa’s SOCO shopping center.
Affaire de Coeur: Old Towne Orange consignment store with the antique finds.
Whim Home: South County’s coolest place to find great unique designs.

Best Place to Buy Carpet and Flooring

Colonial Carpet Co: Family owned and operated with several local partnerships throughout the county.
The Home Depot: The home improvement titan makes its second appearance on the Best of OC!
Belmont Carpets & Wood Flooring: According to the Anaheim Company, this is where great floors begin.

Best Mattress Store

Custom Comfort Mattress Co: Cutting out the middleman in mattress sales to give you the best deal possible.
Sit N Sleep: According to the company president, you’d have to stop at 4 different competitors to see everything they have under one roof.
Orange County Mattress: Furniture store turned all-mattress operation including an exclusive custom line of mattresses.

To view all the Best of OC winners check out the complete breakdown of favorites at OCRegister.com.