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.
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.
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 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…