Category: News

Mel Foster Co. Earns Website Quality Certification

Posted on

MF LOGO WITH LRE LOGOMel Foster Co. has been awarded the Website Quality Certification (WQC) from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® , a global community of more than 500 high quality independent real estate firms. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) presents the certification in recognition of excellence in website design and function.

Mel Foster Co.’s website, www.melfosterco.com, earned the certification after receiving high marks in a number of critical areas relating to website performance, including usability, design and content, interactivity, customer service and mobile responsiveness. The evaluation was conducted by Virtual Results, LLC, a real estate internet and social marketing firm selected by LeadingRE to review the websites of participating members.

Available only to firms affiliated with LeadingRE, the WQC is awarded based on specific measurements that are updated each year based on the latest in internet marketing strategies and evolving consuming preferences. To maintain the certification, companies must be re-certified every two years.

“We created the WQC to raise the bar in online marketing and recognize the companies that are demonstrating best practices with their websites,” said Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® President/CEO Pam O’Connor. “The 136 companies that earned the WQC this year have not only mastered the technical components, but they have also shown superiority in providing highly local content, up-to-the-minute information on homes, and responsive customer service.”

“We understand most home searches start online and one of our goals is to provide a wide range of functional tools homebuyers can use in their initial search. We go beyond listings and provide the resources to give prospective homebuyers the information they need to determine how much house they can afford and how to prepare for loan qualification. Customized information for seniors, first time buyers, investors or those building a home provides a more complete online experience. And once somebody is ready to buy, sell or build, it’s easy to find an agent using our website and connect with one of our offices in Iowa and Illinois, ” said Lynsey Engels, President Real Estate Brokerage of Mel Foster Co.

For more information about Mel Foster Co., please visit www.melfosterco.com

DenHartog Selected for Hall of Fame

Posted on

Thad DenHartogLynsey Engels, President Real Estate Brokerage of Mel Foster Co. is pleased to announce that Thad DenHartog, SIOR®, mangaging director of Mel Foster Commercial Real Estate Services L.L.C. has been selected as a member of the Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame 2015.  He joins a select group of real estate professionals who have made a true difference in their industry and communities.

The award honors the Midwest’s most prestigious real estate professionals – those who have the vision and leadership to attain significant achievements in the industry and reshape their respective communities.  “We are thrilled to congratulate Thad for this outstanding achievement,” said Lynsey Engels, President of Mel Foster Co. Real Estate Brokerage. “He is passionate about what he does and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated leader on our team. Thad truly exemplifies how hard work can lead to success and a fulfilling career in commercial real estate.”

DenHartog has been in the industry and with Mel Foster Commercial Real Estate Services for 17 years and is a licensed managing broker in Iowa and Illinois.  He has been recognized as the company’s Top Commercial Producer for the last 14 years, and brought in $71 million in completed real estate transactions last year.  For 16 consecutive years, DenHartog has achieved the Chairman’s Club level.

As one of the most prominent commercial Brokers in the Quad Cities, DenHartog holds an extensive knowledge of a vast number of properties, their history and values. Combined with his knowledge of market and economic trends, environmental needs and community expectations, he provides clients with confident trustworthy assessments, evaluations, and negotiations. Thad gives an expert level of service clients expect for a successful real estate investment, earning him many long-term loyal clients for substantial repeat business.

His expertise lies in Sale and Lease Agreements for Retail, Office or Industrial/Warehouse Buildings.  Thad was instrumental in the development and marketing of a 210-acre project, with an economic impact of $250 million. Forty acres of the property are being developed into a casino and hotel complex in Davenport, Iowa.

He received the Blackhawk College Foundation Leaders Under 40 Award, is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, Illinois Association of REALTORS®, Iowa Association of REALTORS®, Quad City Area REALTOR® Association, SIOR (The Society of Industrial & Office REALTORS®), and ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers).  DenHartog gives back to the community through serving professionally on various boards of directors including Humility of Mary Housing Inc. and Western Illinois University Advisory Board.  When he is not working, he is an active supporter of the area’s youth programs by coaching his children’s sporting team.

He lives in Bettendorf, Iowa with his wife, Jennifer and their two children, Cooper and Kamryn.

Mel Foster Co. Supports A Hungry Challenge

Posted on

Mel Foster Co. logoMel Foster Co. is proud to participate again in the QC Community Hunger Drive Corporate Challenge.  The competition kicks off today and runs through February 28.

Each Mel Foster Co. office is conducting an internal food drive and collecting donations of money and/or canned food items for the Student Hunger Drive.  In last year’s corporate challenge, Mel Foster Co. collected 25 pounds of food per person in the company and was honored with a first place award in its division category.  Its insurance division won the Mel Foster Co. internal competition for a second year in a row.

“Mel Foster Co. agents and staff look forward each year to this competition to help fight hunger in our community,” says Lynsey Engels, President of Brokerage Division of Mel Foster Co.  She added, “We are proud to be one of the thirty participating companies partnering with the River Bend Foodbank to elevate community awareness while contributing to fighting hunger in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.”

 

MEL FOSTER CO. CELEBRATES 2015 RESULTS

Posted on

MF Logo 90x30Mel Foster Co. held its annual awards reception last night at the Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf, Iowa. Rob Fick, President & CEO, Lynsey Engels, President Real Estate Brokerage and Marc Engels, President of Mel Foster Insurance, presented awards to 114 agents who were recognized for achieving membership in the company’s different sales club levels including Chairman, Executive, President and Honor. Top honors were awarded to:

Thad DenHartog – Commercial Top Sales

Diana Franks – Residential Illinois Top Sales

Brad Boeye – Residential Iowa Top Sales

Mike Smith – Insurance Top Producer

The year 2015 in residential real estate was marked by steady growth with increases in both existing home sales and prices. The average 2015 sales price for Mel Foster Co. residential real estate was $161,303, an increase of 5.5 percent from last year. Mel Foster Co. closed transactions per agent was up 6.6 percent from 2014 and overall volume increased by 5.9 percent from 2014. New construction continued to be solid in the Quad Cities market in 2015. Mel Foster Co. residential real estate has a strong presence in the new construction market, offering multiple subdivisions to meet the demands of new construction buyers. Lynsey Engels said, “The local new construction market will continue to see significant gains in 2016, based on the level of new construction starts in 2015 and expected availability of new lots this year. We will open 50-100 lots in Bettendorf and Eldridge in 2016.” Mel Foster Co.’s average new construction sale price remained about the same in 2015 at $387,077.

Several noteworthy achievements were celebrated by the residential division in 2015. Mel Foster Co.’s Geneseo office became the second location to receive a boutique style remodel. The renovated space embraces technology and is configured to meet the changing needs of agents and the clients they serve. The Galesburg office was remodeled in 2014 and was featured as the office of the week in Real Trends, a national real estate publication, in November 2015. The office will undergo an expansion this year to accommodate its recent growth.  To the north, Mel Foster Co. welcomed former Mills Realty as they added a new location in Savanna, Illinois.

The brokers for Mel Foster Commercial Real Estate Services closed 267 transaction sides, averaging $313,192 in sales volume per transaction. Totaling $97 million in commercial sales volume in 2015, four of the brokers finished in the top 15 of the CMLS. Lynsey Engels praised the commercial division saying, “We are thrilled with our continued growth in the commercial market.  2014 and 2015 have been our largest years since 2005.”

Mel Foster Insurance continued to grow it’s footprint in the Quad Cities as a trusted Independent Insurance Agency. Marc Engels commented, “Our value proposition to the region continues to be a hands on customized insurance experience based on each client’s unique needs. Our employees work hard each day to deliver on that promise and our clients reward us with over 95% retention.” In 2015, results remained strong as direct written premium grew 5.1 percent, policy count was up 4.3 percent, and the division added 713 new clients. With a range of product offerings from Personal and Commercial Property/Casualty to Employee benefits, Mel Foster Insurance saw positive contributions from all departments this past year. Marc Engels stated, “Guided by the industry’s Best Practices we will continue to invest in innovative technology to improve the client experience. We realize we still have a lot of opportunity in the Quad Cities and that is exciting.”

As a whole, in 2015, Mel Foster Co. welcomed 29 new agents and staff. Eager to see what success lies ahead for Mel Foster Co., Rob Fick said, “We will continue investing resources into technology, placing emphasis on recruiting and training of new and existing agents, and offering exceptional education programs and tools. Sales of new and existing homes are expected to accelerate in 2016 and our agents are off to a productive start already in the new year.”

Mel Foster Co. App Makes Home Searching Easier

Posted on
Find homes with the Foster Finder
Mel Foster App

Mel Foster Co. and HomeSpotter are pleased to announce an exciting new app update with enhancements to make home searching easier.

The Mel Foster Co. App – powered by HomeSpotter – is a home search app available for iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets. This app features full MLS listing details, high-resolution photos, an interactive mortgage calculator, a GPS locator and an augmented reality feature to view nearby homes in real time.

The updated app features INRIX Drive TimeTM. This allows users to find homes by their preferred commute time to any address, taking the guesswork out of purchasing a new home. Can’t remember the exact address or MLS number you’re looking for? After typing the first few numbers, new auto-complete features makes smart suggestions. Interested in a particular city or zip code? The new bounded-search places outlines on the map and shows you only listings within the particular area.

“We are thrilled to offer our clients and app users an update to make home searching more convenient and a better user experience.” said Kris Ratigan, Director of Corporate Marketing at Mel Foster Co.  The app still integrates with their website, www.melfosterco.com. Saved properties from the smartphone app, tablet app and website are automatically synced so users always have access to their most recently saved properties.

The Mel Foster Co. app continues to offer a feature they call “Foster Finder.” Foster Finder shows results for Mel Foster and all listing companies. Foster Finder uses a technology called augmented reality that is coupled with a smartphone or tablet’s GPS and compass to overlay property information on a device’s live camera feed. Simply use your smartphone or tablet to find all homes for sale on the street where you are standing. With a quick tap, a view of the entire street and all homes for sale pop up. There is also a radar display that shows the direction and proximity of nearby properties for sale.

“We are always looking for ways to improve our search experience,” Aaron Kardell, CEO of HomeSpotter, said. “We are pleased to offer these enhancements for the Mel Foster Co. app.”

The app is free and available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Market.

 

Hosting Blood Drive

Posted on

Mel Foster Co. is proud to host a Community Blood Drive on Thursday, November 19th at their Elmore Office Park location at 3211 East 35th Street Court, Davenport, inside the MVRBC Donor Bus.  The blood drive will be held 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

To donate, please contact Amy at 563.823.2265 or visit www.bloodcenterimpact.org and use code 3063 to locate the drive and schedule an appointment.

Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. or MVRBC Donor Card is required to donate.  For questions about eligibility, please call the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center at 800.747.5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before 9/24/15 are eligible to give at this drive.

About Blood Donation: Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour.  Individuals with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as eligible donors.

Color the Quads Announces 2016 Charity Recipients

Posted on

 

Color the Quads Announces 2016 Charity Recipients
Color the Quads Announces 2016 Charity Recipients

The Mel Foster Co. Color the Quads committee is pleased to announce the charity recipients for the fourth and final Color the Quads race to be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016. The 2016 charities are Jordan’s Joy, NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Greater Mississippi Valley, and YMCA for Camp Abe Lincoln and Youth Solutions Programs. In 2015, the Color the Quads event raised over $73,000 that was distributed to local charities, 3 main charities and 13 other charities, and a similar goal is in place for fundraising in 2016.

Michelle McMullen with Jordan’s Joy said, “Jordan’s Joy is extremely honored to have been selected as a 2016 Color the Quads charity recipient. Jordan’s Joy supports families battling life-threatening illness or facing life-altering events by filling funding gaps for comfort items, meals, gas cards, or medical bills that are not traditionally covered by other charitable sources. We are thrilled to be involved in one of the area’s premier events and look forward to our partnership in 2016!”
“We are grateful that Mel Foster agents and employees continue to support NAMI outreach efforts. Funds raised through Color the Quads will be used to bring even more education to Quad Cities families to effectively support a loved one living with a serious mental health condition,” said Michael Freda, board president, NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley.

“Our community and our YMCA is made healthier and stronger by the volunteers who bring together great people with events like Color The Quads,” said YMCA CEO Brad Martell. “Color The Quads helps more kids, families, adults and seniors have access to healthy programs at the Y.”

Lynsey Engels, president of Mel Foster Co. Brokerage Division and Color the Quads committee chair, said, “We are thrilled to partner with three amazing charities on this colorful community event.  We look forward to giving the participants another fun filled day with an exciting race course for 2016!”

The 2016 Color the Quads 5K will take place on Saturday, May 21 near Cumberland Square at 2300 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa. Registration fees and sign up date will be announced before the end of this year. Stay tuned at www.colorthequads.com for more information.

About Mel Foster Co. Inc.

Mel Foster Co. is a recognized leader for real estate and insurance. Mel Foster Co. Real Estate specializes in residential sales and offers services for a broader spectrum of property transactions including commercial, farm and land, land development and management, relocation and new construction. Founded in 1921, it is one of Iowa’s largest independently owned real estate companies. Mel Foster Insurance was founded in 1932 and represents over 25 insurance carriers and offers coverage for residential and commercial clients.

About Jordan’s Joy

Jordan’s Joy was established in memory of Jordan Schmidt.  Jordan was a true hero that passed away at the age of 15 from a rare and aggressive form of cancer.  Though he faced tough battles, his spirit and positive attitude never wavered, and he was an inspiration to all that knew him. The purpose of Jordan’s Joy is to fill the void that a Quad City family may have while battling life-threatening illnesses that cannot be met by other charitable organizations. 100% of the funds raised by Jordan’s Joy stay in the Quad Cities and go to local families, as all operating expenses are donated by a local business.

About NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley

One in 10 children and one in four adults experience a serious mental health condition in any given year. This grassroots organization is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, providing support, education and advocacy to individuals and families living with mental illness. It serves residents in Muscatine, Clinton, Scott Counties in Iowa and Mercer, Henry, Rock Island Counties in Illinois.

About the Scott County Family Y

The Scott County Family Y has been serving Eastern Iowa since 1858. We build a stronger community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Today, we serve 1 out of 3 people in Scott County.

 

Mel Foster Co. Marple elected for NAR officer

Posted on
Don Marple, REALTOR®
Don Marple, REALTOR®

Lynsey Engels, President, Real Estate Brokerage at Mel Foster Co. Inc. is pleased to announce that Don Marple of their Davenport Kimberly Road office is on the list of 2017 Eligible Candidates as Regional Vice-President for Region 8 for NAR elected office per the Credentials and Campaign Rules Committee. The eligible candidates will be elected for office at the May 2016 NAR Board of Directors meeting in Washington, D.C.

Don has been a licensed Realtor® in Iowa for more than 38 years, and has worked at Mel Foster Co. in Davenport since 1995. He has been an active member of the IAR since 1980, serving on numerous committees, including past chair of the annual convention, and member of the education, consumers affairs, technology and member services committees. He served as IAR president in 2013, president-elect in 2011 and treasurer in 2010. He received the IAR President’s Special Recognition Award in 1995 and 2014 Iowa Realtor of the Year.  He has also been a member of the Realtor® Foundation of Iowa Board of Directors.

Marple is presently serving on the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) – Public Housing and MLS Policy Committees. Marple also served as a commissioner on the State of Iowa Real Estate Commission from 2004-2007.

Marple has also served in various leadership roles on his local board, the Quad Cities Area Realtors® Association, including 2002 president, secretary/treasurer, and as a member of several committees. He received Realtor® of the Year Award in 1998 and the Bert Frahm Award for Outstanding Dedication and Service to the Real Estate Industry and to the Community in 1995. He has earned several of real estate’s highest designations, including Graduate, Realtor® Institute (GRI), and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS).

Marple is very active in his community. He is currently a commissioner on the Scott County Condemnation Board. He has also served as past president for the Donahue Sportsman Club and was a founding member of the North Scott Soccer Club. He has been a Junior Achievement volunteer in the North Scott School District for the past 19 years, as well as a long-time volunteer with the Cub Scouts and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Eilers Nominated

Posted on
Marty Eilers, REALTOR®
Marty Eilers, REALTOR®

MEL FOSTER CO. EILERS NOMINATED

Lynsey Engels, President, Real Estate Brokerage at Mel Foster Co. Inc. is pleased to announce that Marty Eilers of their Bettendorf office has been nominated for The Good Neighbor Award, which is sponsored by the REALTORS® Foundation of Iowa.  The Good Neighbor Award recognizes Realtor® members in Iowa that are making positive changes in their communities by helping others.  The award winners will be announced on Thursday, September 24th at the Awards Breakfast held at the IAR Annual Convention in Altoona, Iowa.

Marty is a member of the Quad City Area Association of REALTORS®, Iowa Association of REALTORS®, Illinois Association of REALTORS®, National Association of REALTORS®, and the Quad City Builders and Remodelers Association.  He was nominated for his involvement in the Building & Trades Project, Inc. which is a project giving high school students experience and exposure to the home building process from start to finish.

Mel Foster Co. Gets a Make Over

Posted on
Mel Foster Co. Geneseo & Chamber of Geneseo Celebrate
Mel Foster Co. Geneseo & Chamber of Geneseo Celebrate

Mel Foster Co. Real Estate Brokerage in Geneseo had a re-opening of its downtown office on Wednesday, April 8. The interior spaces of the office were completely remodeled to accommodate technology upgrades and improved communication tools.

Fred Dasso, managing broker of the Geneseo office said, “With this office concept and remodel project, we are happy to provide a ’boutique-like’ experience for our clients and Realtors®.”

The newly designed boutique-style space, in the heart of downtown Geneseo on State Street, features a spacious seating and conversation area with a large flat-screen display where guests can explore real estate options with an agent.

Lynsey Engels, Mel Foster Co. president, Real Estate Brokerage, said, “Mel Foster Co. is continuing to stay current with industry trends to help agents work more efficiently and comfortably in an office setting. Our Galesburg office was converted into a boutique-style space last year and the feedback we received from agents and visitors made us eager to duplicate that success in Geneseo. Our agents can take advantage of rapidly changing technology within the office and meet with guests in a location that enhances communication to create a better experience for those looking to buy or sell a property.”


,
Office:




© 2024