WELCOME TO THE HOMES BY DIXON BLOG

The Homes by Dixon blog is an original collection of stories showcasing the beautiful neighborhoods, historic properties and diverse people who make the NYC area the most exciting place in the world to call home. Unlike other blogs that focus on the numbers, we peek behind the sales reports to offer a look at the humans who make this city what it is. From Harlem to Hoboken, Jersey City to Brooklyn, we visit the houses, workshops and neighborhoods that breathe true life into NYC real estate and make this city a home.

THE RENOVATION: A COBBLE HILL CORNER STORE ON KANE STREET

A Brooklyn street corner with a storied past as a butcher shop and an antiques store is converted into two unique, modern industrial townhomes in the heart of the Cobble Hill Historic District.

5 GREAT BROOKLYN NEIGHBORHOODS

If you’re thinking of relocating to Brooklyn, or just want to pay a visit to this storied and diverse borough, consider checking out these five neighborhoods.

YOUR PROPERTY MANAGER AND YOU – BREAKING YOUR LEASE

Life can change at a moment’s notice. Jobs relocate, families grow, and marriages begin or end. Despite the good intentions you had when signing that two-year lease a few months ago, life had other plans for you.

AVOID THE CHILLS WITHOUT INCREASING YOUR BILLS

As big believers of “just in case,” we felt like this would be a good time to share a few energy saving tips to make winter more wallet-friendly and to help you heat your home without burning up your bank account.

RENTER’S INSURANCE: WHY YOU NEED IT AND HOW TO GET IT

As a renter, there are many household expenses you simply don’t have to worry about — maintenance, property taxes and so on. However, while it might be tempting to avoid yet another bill, insuring your belongings is just as important for renters as it is for homeowners.

A REFRESHER COURSE ON STAYING WARM IN NEW YORK CITY

Chilly winter weather may have taken her sweet time reaching New York this year, but now that cooler temps have arrived, it’s time to reacquaint ourselves with the business of keeping warm.

YOUR PROPERTY MANAGER AND YOU – MAINTENANCE REQUESTS

When you think of the most important relationships in life, the one you have with your property manager may not immediately come to mind. But when you consider that two major quality of life factors — a big chunk of your monthly earnings and enjoyment of your home — depend on the relationship, you may come to realize how important fostering rapport can be.

AT HOME WITH: MEG AND SIMON IN COBBLE HILL

A nomadic family throws caution to the wind to start a new business and a new life in the U.S.—and puts down roots in a tree-lined Brooklyn enclave.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD: BEDFORD-STUYVESANT

Spanning seven avenues, the vibrant neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant is a showcase for old New York’s most famous architects and home to a diverse group of people who all care deeply about keeping this developing neighborhood’s cultural history intact.

THE RENOVATION: ST. MARKS AVENUE

A dilapidated two-family brownstone in historic Crown Heights is restored to its former glory as a luxurious single-family residence with abundant original detail and beautiful outdoor spaces.

A HANDY GUIDE TO HOLIDAY SAFETY

Be mindful of these four holiday mishaps to keep you and yours safe and happy through the season.

DECK THE HALLS WITHOUT WRECKING YOUR WALLS

Whether you’re feeling “do-it-yourself,” or would prefer to offload the heavy lifting to an outside firm, nothing brightens up winter like a home filled with holiday décor. Even in a rental property, with a little know-how and planning, your home will be holiday-ready in no time.

THE ULTIMATE NEW YORK CITY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

It’s that time of year again. That time when you struggle to find the perfect gifts for the more demanding and discerning people on your holiday gift list.

YOUR HELPFUL HOLIDAY PLANNING GUIDE FOR 2015

Before you know it, the next few weeks will be a whirl of office parties, cocktail gatherings and gift exchanges. Make sure to take a moment to attend these magical moments around the city to make this the best holiday season ever.

NYC PARKING SURVIVAL GUIDE – 4 TIPS TO FIND A PERFECT SPOT

Whether it’s your car or a friend who came to visit, you’re gonna have to park that ride somewhere. And, in New York City, that somewhere is never easy to find. But, don’t give up just yet; there is a parking spot out there for everyone. The key is knowing where to find it.

BARKING DOG? 6 STEPS TO KEEP YOUR CANINE & NEIGHBORS HAPPY

Often, dogs who are peaceful angels when you’re home can let loose with a barrage of barking once you’re out the door. What’s more, fixing a problem that only seems to occur when you’re not around can be challenging, to say the least. Challenging, but certainly not impossible.

5 SUREFIRE WAYS TO AVOID RENTAL SCAMS

There’s no doubt that rental scams can occur anywhere, but obviously the greater New York area — one of the largest rental markets in the world — is ripe for rip-offs. Luckily, scams are easy to avoid if you adhere to a few simple rules and recommendations.

YOUR PROPERTY MANAGER AND YOU - WHEN NOISE IS A PROBLEM

When you think of the most important relationships in life, the one you have with your property manager may not immediately come to mind. But when you consider that a big chunk of your monthly earnings and the enjoyment of your home depend on the relationship, you may come to realize how important fostering rapport can be.

FALL INTO JERSEY CITY - AN AUTUMN ADVENTURE GUIDE

The kids are back in school; the temperature is dipping lower; and was that a changing leaf you just saw? The signs are clear — summer is slowly turning to fall, and soon we’ll be surrounded by sweaters, boots, and pumpkin-spice everything.

WHERE TO FIND NYC’S 5 ICONIC TYPES OF ARCHITECTURE

While New York City is renowned for its towering skyscrapers, the character of the city is defined by the style of its buildings.

7 WAYS TO FIRE UP YOUR FIREPLACE

You CAN turn a non-functioning fireplace into something unique and spectacular. We’ll show you how.

THE RENOVATION: BARROW STREET—HISTORY REMADE

Renovation of a 160-year-old brownstone in the Historic Downtown district of Jersey City strikes the perfect balance between restoration and modernization.

WELCOME TO EAST WILLIAMSBURG: A NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

For renters looking to move to this up-and-coming northern Brooklyn nabe, we’ve collected a short list of our favorite longtime local haunts and trendy new spots, a diverse mix that make it one of the most exciting places in all of NYC.

THE FIVE MUST-CHECK APARTMENT SITES FOR RENTERS

You shouldn’t have to suffer through unhappy apartment hunting with a treasure trove of resources out there to help you find the perfect rental home. We sort through the best sites so you know where to look.

HOW TO REPLACE AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET

Every year, thousands of house fires are caused by poor electrical wiring. Sometimes the culprit is actually a bad or broken outlet, which is why it’s so important to check yours. Determining if an outlet needs replacing is easy.

THE WORKSHOP: MADERA TRADE—FROM FOREST TO FLOOR

A trio of enterprising childhood friends reunites in Brooklyn, where they team up to bring the business of sustainable flooring to a whole new level. (And several of our favorite Dixon properties!)

THE BEST PATIOS AROUND JERSEY CITY

Is there anything that makes summer more worthwhile than cold drinks and good conversation on a patio? Thankfully, Jersey City offers many opportunities for patio seating, often with the best skyline views anywhere around.

WEEHAWKEN: 5 REASONS TO LOVE THIS TINY TOWNSHIP

Gorgeous outdoor spaces, family-friendly amenities, rich history and easy transportation all come together in wonderful Weehawken.

THE “ULTIMATE” GUIDE TO YOUR NEW NEIGHBORHOOD

Finding your nook is half the fun of moving, especially when there are more online resources than ever before to make your transition seamless. To save you some trouble, we’ve collected everything you’ll need in one place.

AT HOME WITH: ADAM, SARAH & 2 HAPPY DOGS IN JERSEY CITY

A year ago, it seemed like Adam would have to make a choice between the city and the country, but today he’s found a luxury rental home in Jersey City that has it all.

ASK AN ARCHITECT - IS IT LOAD BEARING?

One of the questions we’re most frequently asked by people renovating their own homes is, “How do I know which walls are load bearing?” One of our architects provides the answer…

HIDDEN HOBOKEN - AN INSIDER GUIDE

Discover “hidden Hoboken” with an insider’s look at some of the best destinations the Mile Square City has to offer.

AT HOME WITH: ANDY AND AKIKO IN BED-STUY

In need of temporary digs while renovating their new home—and enough space for a toddler to run around—a Brooklyn couple finds the perfect in-between solution.

THE TRADE: MASTERS OF WOOD

From Italy to Brooklyn, a one-of-a-kind woodworker builds off of a lifetime of experience to painstakingly bring brownstones back to life.

7 QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING YOUR NEXT APARTMENT TOUR

If you’ve ever looked for a rental in New York City, you know the process can be competitive. Whether you’re relocating to the city for the first time or shopping for a rental upgrade, here’s our quick guide to what you should ask before signing on the dotted line.

THE RENOVATION: JEFFERSON AVENUE

This grand turn-of-the-century property in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn had fallen into disrepair, but a carefully crafted gut renovation gave its array of period details a new lease on life.

JERSEY CITY SERVES UP FARM TO TABLE FRESHNESS

Whether your tastes tend toward sticky desserts, handmade candles, or New Jersey’s best empanadas, the Grove Street Farmer’s Market is always worth a visit.

AT HOME WITH: MATTHEW AND KATIE IN CROWN HEIGHTS

A creative couple’s latest project: turning a historic Brooklyn rowhouse into the living space of their dreams.

THE RENOVATION: 6TH STREET, DOWNTOWN, JERSEY CITY

Along a century-old railway track in Downtown Jersey City, history and modernity collide to create a stunning family home..

THE NEIGHBORHOOD: DOWNTOWN JERSEY CITY

Beautiful tree-lined blocks lined with historic nineteenth-century brownstones… A burgeoning food scene that is rivaling some of the trendiest spots in New York City… Sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline…

AT HOME WITH: SARAH & CLAUDE IN HOBOKEN

With outdoor space and a friendly neighborhood high on their wish list—and time very much of the essence—a transplant couple finds a home that seems custom-built for them.

THE RENOVATION: POLHEMUS PLACE, PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN

On one of Park Slope’s most beautiful blocks, a century-old townhouse gets a fully modern makeover—and a return to its original grandeur.

THE WORKSHOP: A VISIT WITH MICHELLE JAMES

A crafty Brooklynite taps into an undiscovered talent while renovating her historic home, and just a few years later she’s lighting up rooms from Manhattan to Melbourne.