Dogs: The Benefits and Drawbacks

Dogs can be a wonderful addition to any family! Between the many different breeds and mixes there are, there is surely a brilliant companion out there for you. According to Julien Martinez, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, "Staten Island has the highest estimated percentage of the population owning one or more dogs - 32 percent." So, in New York City's least populate borough, there are actually more dogs. Officials believe this could be due to the type of housing on Staten Island, which provides more yard space for pets.

While this abundance of dogs can be a positive thing, there are also downsides to having a dog such as the possibility of the dog becoming violent as well as the insurance aspect of being a pet owner. In a…

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Carpet Or Hardwood Floors, Which is Better For You?

Floors are a very important decision when it comes to your living space. Based on your budget and preferences it may be hard to choose which flooring is the best for you and your family. Here are some positives and negatives of both carpet and hardwood flooring to help you make a decision.

Carpet

Pros:  The number one pro of installing carpet is the price. Carpet is the most cost-effective.  Along with it being the cheapest alternative, it can also save you money on your heating bill because carpet is a great insulator. If you have children in the house you might want to opt for carpet because it is soft enough to have your child roll around and play on the carpet and also is a great buffer when someone falls. Carpet can also act as a noise…

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3 Things to Consider Before Renting to Students

Whether you have a second property that you're going to move into or you're planning on being away from your home for a while, you may be considering renting your home in order to boost your financial outlook. While students may not be your first choice, they comprise a large demographic of active renters. Here are some pros and cons you may to consider before deciding on a younger renter.

Will Your Home Be Rented Consistently?

Cons: Many students will require a place to rent out since most of them don't have the money savings or stable income to purchase a home, but if you're doing this to make ends meet on your properties, renting to student may not be the best way. While some students may plan on hanging out over the summer, there are those who…

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A Seller's Guide to Showing Their Home

When it comes to a seller showing their home, there are a few make or break aspects that can give your home its best appeal. Some examples of this are what you could do while your house is being shown as well as creating a clear and well maintained driveway that will give your home good curb appeal.

When it comes down to showing your home while still living there, the best thing to do would be to leave it up to the agent handling the home to do all the talking. Since they are professionals, they know all the right things to say to portray homes in the best light. To avoid any interference while the agent is showing your home you could simply take a walk around your neighborhood and get some fresh air, or even hang out in the yard for the duration of…

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Curb Appeal

What is curb appeal and why is it necessary?

It's exactly what it sounds like - curb appeal is how appealing or aesthetic the exterior of your property looks from the curb of the street. It's a very important aspect of buying and selling a property, considering the outside of the home is what first catches a prospective buyer's attention.  If the exterior is unpleasant looking or foul then the chances of a possible buyer decreases immensely. 

Ways to improve your curb appeal:

There are several easy and affordable ways to improve your curb appeal.

1. Add some finishing touches: painting the door, or even adding something small like a welcome mat, can boost your home's curb appeal.
2. Planting a garden: planting a garden or just adding potted…

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Everything You Should Know about the HOA

What is the HOA?

The Homeowners' Association (HOA), is an organization that is common among many developments such as gated communities, or housing subdivisions. The association is generally comprised of homeowners who have volunteered to serve as members of the HOA board. Therefore, they are responsible for providing regulations for the maintenance of the community, that residents within the community adhere to. With these regulations also come HOA fees, which pay for the upkeep of common areas around the neighborhood. According to the Community Associations Institute, about 20% of Americans live in a community that is regulated by a homeowners, condo associations, or co-op board.

What Exactly Do HOA Fees Cover?

The HOA fees can range from about…

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The Importance of Community Organizations

Why Are Community Organizations Important?

Organizations are important for your community because they focus each community's needs specifically. These organizations are the gateway to voice your opinion to government organizations. Community based organizations make improvements at a family level according to your environment. More transportation, housing, environmental protection, emergency response and petitions are issues each community addresses. Attending community board meetings will help you create relationships with others in your neighborhood and create a tight knit community, and a tight knit community  can benefit everyone in the neighborhood and can keep small businesses going, as well as preserving historical significance, safety, and…

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Fall Curb Appeal

What Is Curb Appeal?

Its exactly what it sounds like, curb appeal is how appealing or aesthetic the exterior of your property looks from the curb of the street.

Why Is It Important?

Even though you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, everyone does. Curb appeal is very important when it comes down to selling your property or home or even your appearance in the neighborhood. If the exterior is unpleasant looking or foul then the chances of a possible buyer decreases immensely and your neighbors might think you are as well. 

Fall Curb Appeal VS. Summer Curb Appeal

Well one thing is that your front lawn might be starting to go brown. The weather is changing and your curb appeal should too. Changing your dying summer flowers to mums will help…

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Dream Renovations: Upgrading Your Bathroom from 'Regular' to 'In-home Spa'

There are times you might long for the relaxed leisure of the spa experience, but with the cost of a manicure it's not always a service one can afford. If your current bathroom set-up isn't the optimal place for rest and relaxation, here are some cues for how you can turn it from a bit of a problem to a consummate pleasure.

Install A Vintage Vanity

The look of slick steel and porcelain can certainly be classy, but if you're looking for an upscale room you'll love to spend time in, consider a vintage dresser that you can turn into your very own unique vanity. While you'll need to develop some plumbing and woodworking know-how to make this dream a reality, it will easily fancy up your bathroom and lend for an elegant, everyday experience.

Spring…

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Why Taking Photos Now Can Help You Sell Your Home in the Fall or Winter

Are you considering selling your home in fall or winter? Here are some tips to ensure your chances:

1. Advertise Snow and Leaf-Free Photos

If you are looking to sell you home in the fall or winter, the ideal time to take photos is now, while the summer weather is still here. During the winter there can be snow, ice, leaves and many other things that cover the beautiful features of the home such as the garden/landscaping. So, by taking them when these factors are non-existent, you are showing what the home really has to offer.

2. Amplify Curb Appeal

Next thing you always want is "curb appeal"—the attractiveness of the exterior of a home that is apparent as viewed from the street. Since potential home buyers will obviously be seeing the exterior…

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