It is back to school next week! You have the children prepared to go back with new clothes, backpacks, and supplies. That is all that needs to be done, right? That may be  all they need to return back to the new school year, but you will want to keep yourself organized for what is in store. Here are some décor tips that will allow you to be back to school ready as well!

  • Create a school station: This station should include hooks for backpacks and jackets, and space for shoes. You can have this in the garage, laundry room, or front hallway.
  • Create a storage area: Whether you dedicate a closet or cabinet, this space should have all the school supplies you child needs. Keep it organized and easy to get to so your child does not need to waste time…

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If you have plans to renovate your home, or if you are looking to buy a new house that needs the handy man's touch, you should consider these remodeling ideas. We always love making every inch and corner in a house both functional and aesthetically pleasing. That is why we gathered these projects for you to try in your home!

  • Storage Stairs: We understand how frustrating it can be when your stray belongings do not have a place. Your staircase can be the best way to do this. You can add shelves alongside your staircase to keep your books and trinkets. Another good idea using your staircase is adding pull out draws to keep odds and ends. Finally, you can also consider turning the space under the stairs into a room for you pet.
  • Backyard Shed: If your…

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The wedding is complete and the honeymoon is over. It is time to start your life together in your new home. You will probably be getting an earful from relatives and friends on what you should be doing and how to do it. While their advice may be helpful, you need to remember it is YOUR home. Here are some essentials you must know to make yourself feel settled.

  • Getting curtains and/or blinds can really give a room the proper interior welcome. It is also a great way to start creating the color scheme for the room. This year’s popular colors in interior design have been emerald green, blues, and radiant orchid. 
  • The bedroom should be a place you both find inviting and relaxing. Make the colors of this room gender-neutral. Settle on a comforter, bed…

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While this is not a common occurrence, some people do run into this situation: a situation where two or more buyers are so interested in a house that they make higher offers of the price they are willing to pay to try to become the new owner. If you are stuck in this pickle, here are the steps for winning!

REMEMBER: To compete in a bidding war, you will need to be prepared financially for the home purchase. You may also think that offering the most money might be the best way to win the bidding war. This is not an auction; no going once, going twice, SOLD! Sellers are more prompt to picking people who will meet their conditions.

  • Have everything financial done! This step should have been completed before you even started looking for a house. We…

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When people enter into your home, they should be able to tell your story just by how it is designed and decorated. These are tips you should follow whether you are a new homeowner, moving into your new home, or just redecorating. Express yourself while staying up to date with the latest interior design trends!

  • Your home is your brand. Design it to tell your story. If you love a particular color, pattern, or typography, let it seep into the decoration of your house. The rooms of your home should be a place where you feel relaxed and inspired, as well as reflect you.
  • Furnishing and decorating does not need to be expensive. You can find great pieces at Ikea. Vintage shopping for home décor is another inexpensive possibility. If you are a crafty…

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When you are showing your house, the potential buyers are going to look through everything- and we mean EVERYTHING! You are going to want every bit and corner of your house to be clean, even your closets. Here is some closet organizing tips for you to try whether you are moving or not.

  • First things first: Go through all clothes. If you do not like something, if it is out of style, or you have not worn it in over six months, get rid of it; DONATE! You'll have less stuff to pack and unpack for the upcoming move.
  • If you have a lot of bags and purses: Install a shower curtain rod in your closet, or use the rod already in there and hang the purses on shower hooks.
  • Shoes: If you have boots and no boxes to store them in, cut up pool noodles and  try…

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This Saturday July 12th from 1-3 PM. 127 Livingston Ave., Staten Island 10314

This three bedroom, semi-detached home is a commuters delight. This younger, well maintained home gives its next homeowner a clean start to homeownership. The home features convinces like a private bath for the master bedroom, a basement with separate entrance, high ceilings and bathroom as well. On the exterior, a brand new deck and additional storage and that's just a start. Minutes from the bridge and express bus stop, this home puts you ahead of the line when it comes to the morning rush. It's a worthwhile visit this weekend. 

Maryann Dimagistris, the homes listing agent will be present for the open house. 

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On Staten Island’s North Shore, you can find the neighborhood of Sunset Hill.  This is a nice area that doesn’t have too much of the hustle and bustle of the city life.  In this neighborhood, aside from the nice parks you can find, there are a few New York City Landmarks.  One of these landmarks is the Dorothy Valentine Smith House.

The Dorothy Valentine Smith House is located at 1213 Clove Road, on a nice plot of land that actually holds two landmarks—the other one being the John King Vanderbilt House.  The Dorothy Valentine Smith House wasn’t built until sometime between 1893 and 1895 by John Frederick Smith, the father of Dorothy Valentine Smith.

Prior to the home’s existence, this area had been used as farmland during the eighteenth century, much…

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You have come to the conclusion that you're tired of being a renter. You're ready to own a home of your own home. Only thing is you do not know where to start. Well, luckily, you have come to the right place for advice and help! Here are tips on what you need to know when transitioning from renter to buyer.

  • First, make sure buying is right for you. Are you financially stable? Map your finances and consider your future plans. Be sure you are ready for this commitment! Is this a home you can see yourself living in for years?
  • Once you are 100% sure you’re ready for this step, get your finances in order. If you have no already, begin saving for a down payment. You will also need to gather a copy of your credit score and other finical bills so you can…

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When making your plans for your vacation getaway, do not forget to include your home in these plans. There are things you are going to want to make sure get taken care of as well as things you want to make sure never happen! 

  • Ask a family member or friend to look after your house, or even a neighbor you trust. They can stop by your house to feed and walk your pet, bring in the newspaper and mail, and water your plants. Double score if you can get a relative or friend to live in your house for that time frame. If not, there are services that will come and care for your house when you are away.
  • You can even call the post office and ask them to hold your mail for the days you are away. This is a free feature thanks to the services of the United…

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