Our home is our sanctuary.

Home is where we come to relax after a long day of work, or where we host celebrations with friends and family. Since home is such a special place, it's important to have it reflect your vision.

If you aren't satisfied with the way your home looks, your sense of comfort and peace when you come home will be less than it could be.

If you're ready to create the space you've always dreamed of, keep reading for some home improvement ideas!

Home Improvement Ideas

If you're not quite satisfied with the space you're living in, consider starting some home improvement projects.

If you're not sure where to begin, we came up with five to get you started!

1. Wrap Books in Decorative Paper

How many of us have old

Does the sound of the word "asbestos" send chills down your spine? You're not alone. This icky stuff was banned in 1989 for being a severe health hazard.

Since asbestos has been banned for decades, do home inspections check for asbestos? Inquiring minds want to know.

Learn more about this much-talked-about material and if asbestos inspections are required for new homes.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a natural-occurring silicate mineral. Due to its fibrous texture, it can be woven into a fabric-like material. Since it was so durable and malleable, it's no surprise it was an insulation alternative.

Asbestos originated from the mines of South Africa. There are actually six different types of asbestos minerals. The most commonly used

Did you know that there are over 9 million US citizens are living as expatriates outside of the USA?

Although some are constant travelers, there is a growing number of people that are investing in property abroad. The recent strong US dollar has meant that people can buy property abroad that they could never afford at home. 

If you are thinking of joining this group what do you need to know? Where are the best countries to invest in real estate globally?

1. Singapore

If you have the support of an expert consultant, researching properties for sale can be very profitable. There are lots of great opportunities to be found in Singapore.

Singapore is not a country for those with low budgets, however, if you are looking for an investment

Winter is well upon us and if you're struggling to keep your house warm, it may be time for a new heating system. While you may not be able to do anything about it this year, you should start thinking about the most efficient home heating system for your home and your circumstances. 

A few things to consider are location, access to resources, and monthly costs. If you live in a rural area or off-grid, a gas line to power a furnace may not be an option for you.

Alternatively, it may not be cost-efficient to change the current heating structure of your home. Unless you're doing some major remodeling, it may be better to simply upgrade the system you have now.

However, keeping an open mind, let's take a look at the most popular heating systems out

Are you looking to give the exterior of your home an exciting make-over?

Installing new siding can completely change the appearance of your home.

Gone are the days when you had a limited selection of boring siding options. With so many available siding colors now though, how can you possibly choose? 

We'll take a look at some of the offerings that are trending for 2020 to help make your decision easier. 

Blues

Blue - in a variety of hues and shades - has become one of the most popular colors for siding over the past few years.

It could be the soothing effects of the color or the fact that it pairs well with so many other colors. Whatever the case, blue seems to suggest peace and serenity. 

Coastal Blue is a rich blue that evokes

Wall murals are a home decor trend that is here to stay. Murals are a creative way to claim your space, and add a personal touch to your home. 

Did you know that murals also add resale value to your property? All the more reason to get started on murals for your wall!

Even if you aren't amazing at art, you can design a beautiful mural wall. Keep reading for our list of 5 wall murals ideas for some inspiration.

1. Peel-and-Stick Murals

Are you hoping for a mural that's a bit more intricate? Peel-and-Stick murals are the perfect option for you.

Reusable murals easily adhere to your walls, and you can remove them without residue.

You can get designs ranging from realistic landscapes to reproductions of fine art. The options are

Becoming a new homeowner is an exciting time. For many people, it is their dream come true!

It's no surprise since homeownership has many perks. However, it also comes with a lot of new responsibilities, including paying for plumbing repairs.

Below are some of the common plumbing problems you'll likely encounter. 

1. Clogged Drains

The underlying problem causing a clogged drain can depend on how many drains are clogged up. If only one of your drains is clogged or draining slowly, it's likely the clog is located under the sink or shower that isn't draining properly. If all your drains are clogged up, you'll need to call a plumber to figure out why or have them clean out your sewer drain.

To attempt to clean out a clog at a sink or in

Each week the Staten Island Advance features a “Home of the Week”.  This past week Celia Iervasi, one of Casandra Properties, Inc. Associate Brokers, had one of her listings featured in the weekly article. 

The home located at 129 Coverly Ave on Staten Island sits on top of Todt Hill. It is a custom, all brick, 8,000 square foot home.  This two-story home has three bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a formal living room and dining room. Each floor features its own terrace giving the owner the prime location to sit and enjoy the priceless views! With countless custom features such as Brazilian cherry floors and coffered ceilings this home does not disappoint.  This one-of-a-kind home not only boasts its own elevator but also includes a two-car heated

Investing in a new home is an exciting process for anyone. You and your family are ready to move into the home of your dreams. To ensure the integrity of the home and its condition, you'll want to get a proper home inspection done. 

Perhaps you're not convinced of the importance of investing in a home inspection before buying a property. Well, the good news is that you've come to the right place by reading this article.

You and your family deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is safe and structurally sound.

Keep reading to see how home inspections could provide that. 

Purchasing Property to Flip and Sell It

One of the first reasons to consider investing in a certified home inspection is for the property value

Getting a concrete driveway built is not cheap. In fact, the national average cost of installing a concrete driveway is between $6,275 and $8,500. However, with proper driveway maintenance and a reputable installation company, your concrete driveway could last decades.

Here are our top tips for cleaning and maintaining a concrete driveway.

Apply Concrete Sealant Annually

While concrete is a solid and strong material, it is still possible that large cracks can occur. Invest in a sealant for your concrete driveway annually. This can protect against smaller or even stop bigger future cracks before they start.

Sealant can lengthen your driveway's lifespan and also improve its appearance. The color and glossiness of your driveway can easily be