Dawn Castell's (dawncastell) Blog

A pool should feel like an intentional extension of the home, not an afterthought placed in the yard. When a pool mirrors the lines, shapes, and proportions of the house, the entire space becomes more cohesive and elegant. Visual symmetry brings harmony, making the property feel balanced from the...

The Best Time to Add a Pool if You’re Planning to SellAdding a swimming pool is often seen as the ultimate home upgrade, especially for families or homeowners living in warmer climates. But if you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, you might be wondering if it makes sense to instal...

For many military families, home isn’t just a place—it’s a foundation of stability after years of moving, deployments, and uncertainty. Once settled, turning a house into a dream home often includes adding special touches like a swimming pool. A pool can provide much-needed relaxation, a place fo...

Maryland offers a unique lifestyle shaped by its diverse geography, rich history, and cultural variety. Positioned in the Mid-Atlantic region, the state provides a blend of urban excitement, coastal charm, and scenic countryside. Whether you’re drawn to bustling city life, the tranquility of the ...

In a competitive housing market, property value is shaped by more than location and square footage—it’s increasingly influenced by the quality of design, condition of amenities, and functional upgrades that align with modern buyer expectations. For homebuilders, real estate professionals, and ren...

There’s a lot of excitement that comes with planning a new build. Maybe it’s your dream home, a backyard guest suite, or the launch of a new commercial space. Whatever the vision, every building project starts the same way: with a plan. And near the top of that planning list—though often overlook...

A City Built on Discovery and ChangeSt. Louis, Missouri, sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, a position that has shaped its story for centuries. Before European settlers arrived, the area was home to Indigenous peoples, notably the Mississippian culture, known for build...

Running a small business—especially in real estate—means juggling a dozen tasks at once. You’re nurturing leads, managing listings, coordinating with inspectors, reviewing contracts, chasing down signatures, and still trying to find time to breathe. The idea of adding more technology might sound ...

Charleston, South Carolina, has a way of drawing people in—and keeping them. With its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored homes, coastal breezes, and undeniable charm, this Southern city offers far more than picturesque postcards. It has become one of the most desirable places to live, work, and ...

When thinking about updating their homes, many homeowners wonder what updates are worth the cost and headache of renovations. Let's explore some of the more worthwhile choices.Kitchens That Sell ThemselvesThere’s a reason the kitchen is often called the heart of the home—buyers notice it first, a...