The Down Low on Relo
Boland Wins Top Individual Honor at Global Real Estate Conference
Deb Boland, Director of Relocation of Mel Foster Co., is the recipient of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® President’s Award, a top individual award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, an invitation-only global community of more than 565 independent real estate firms.
The award was presented during the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Annual Conference, which took place February 20-22 at Wynn Las Vegas. The conference was part of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) Conference Week, a series of educational and networking events focused on leadership, innovation and delivering superior consumer experiences in real estate.
The President’s Award is part of the service recognition program, which formally acknowledges contributions such as committee involvement, presentations at network conferences, and service on various advisory councils and boards. The program offers three prestigious levels of awards based on cumulative points earned through service activities.
Lynsey Engels, Mel Foster Co. President, Real Estate Brokerage, said, “Deb is very deserving of this award. She continues to engage herself in Leading RE and build relationships with her peers.”
“It’s a true pleasure to recognize the individuals who have contributed to the success of LeadingRE through an extraordinary level of commitment and years of service to our global community,” LeadingRE President/CEO Paul Boomsma said. “These individuals have shared their time, expertise and talent to support the success of their fellow members and our network as a whole, and we thank them for their service.”
Mel Foster Co. is a Quad Cities representative of LeadingRE (www.LeadingRE.com). A global real estate community that spans six continents, LeadingRE connects marketing-leading firms with more than 130,000 sales associates who produce over 1.1 million real estate transactions annually. As a member of LeadingRE, Mel Foster Co. provides a quality real estate experience, global marketing reach and access to top real estate professionals in virtually any market worldwide.
For more information about Mel Foster Co., please visit www.melfosterco.com.
Mel Foster Co.’s Boland Speaks at Global Real Estate Event
Deb Boland, Director of Relocation with Mel Foster Co., was a speaker at the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Annual Conference, held January 31-February 2 at Wynn Las Vegas. The conference was part of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) Conference Week, a series of educational and networking events that attracted an elite audience of nearly 3,000 real estate professionals from 24 countries.
The conference was open only to brokers, managers and relocation professionals affiliated with LeadingRE, an invitation-only network of the highest quality independent real estate companies. Attendees explored how to leverage the trends driving the real estate market, including the economic landscape, home technology and design, and consumer preferences.
Boland presented information on Leading RE’s Military on the Move®, sharing insights on how active duty and retired military personnel, wounded warriors, or active career policy and firefighters can earn a rebate when buying or selling a home. She also provided how Mel Foster Co. Relocation has implemented the program to provide the agents the information needed to be successful with the program.
“To be able to share thoughts and processes with our colleagues who have the same goals is important as it helps us grow and enhance our relocation systems for our clients,” said Boland. Being with some of the best relocation leaders in the industry helps create an engaging atmosphere.”
Boland was among a notable line-up of speakers, which included keynote speakers such as two-time World Series Champion, former Chicago Cubs player and first runner-up on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars David Ross; award-winning journalist and noted host of On Second Thought for Georgia Public Broadcasting Celeste Headlee; renowned real estate speaker and author Darryl Davis and LeadingRE Chief Economist Dr. Marci Rossell. Additional thought leaders from across the industry were on hand to address a variety of timely topics, with a focus on ways to best meet the needs of today’s home buyers and sellers.
One of the things that sets our conference apart is the generous spirit of collaboration among our members,” said Pam O’Connor, president/CEO of LeadingRE. “The speakers who share their professional strategies and insights to support the success of fellow members help ensure our sessions are timely and impactful, as we respond to market trends and strive to offer the very best service to consumers around the world.”
Mel Foster Co. is a multi-generational, family owned business and specializes in residential and commercial real estate sales and offers a wide range of services including new construction, relocations, farm and land sales, land development, senior services, career development and insurance.
Mel Foster Co. is the Quad Cities and surrounding area representative of LeadingRE (www.LeadingRE.com). With a global membership that spans six continents, LeadingRE connects more than 565 firms and 130,000 sales associates who produce over 1.1 million real estate transactions each year. As a member of LeadingRE, Mel Foster Co. provides a quality real estate experience, global marketing reach and access to top real estate professionals in virtually any market worldwide.
For more information about Mel Foster Co., please visit www.melfosterco.com
Mel Foster Co. Agents Earn Premium Club Status
Lynsey Engels, President, Real Estate Brokerage at Mel Foster Co. Inc. is pleased to announce ten of their agents have received recognition in the 2014 Premier Club by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. The following agents received Premier Club status, based upon closed referrals between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014:
- Zina Akre, Geneseo
- Jodi Faulkner, Bettendorf
- Lucky Lang, Davenport I-74
- Don Marple, Davenport Kimberly Road
- Norm Marcov, Davenport I-74
- Tim Odey, Bettendorf
- Judy Schmidt, Moline
- Steve Sullivan, Moline
- Jackie Turner, Galesburg
- Pete Voss, Davenport Kimberly Road
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® is a global network of over 500 premier real estate firms. Leading RE is comprised of select independent real estate companies who set the standard of quality service, while generating a highest volume of referral, relocation, and real estate business opportunities for its members.
Mel Foster Co. Relocation division is lead by Deb Boland, and her team assists with moving in or out of the area, providing community tours, finding second homes and senior living. Contact our relocation specialist for more information at www.melfosterco.com
Mel Foster Co. Nominated for Performance Awards
Lynsey Engels, President, Real Estate Brokerage at Mel Foster Co. Inc. is pleased to announce that their Relocation Division, lead by Deb Boland, has been nominated by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® for three Awards for production in 2014. Mel Foster Co. is one of five real estate companies nominated for these awards in their size category. The three Awards of Excellence nominations include:
- Sales Production – determined by the number of outgoing closed referrals
- Referral Production – determined by the number of outgoing sent referrals
- Incoming Conversion Rate – determined by the number of incoming closings with the number of incoming referrals
The awards will be presented during the Annual Performance Awards Dinner and Ceremony in Las Vegas later this month. For the past 20 years, Mel Foster Co.’s Relocation Division has been nominated for an award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®.
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® is a global network of over 500 premier real estate firms. Leading RE is comprised of select independent real estate companies who set the standard of quality service, while generating a highest volume of referral, relocation, and real estate business opportunities for its members. Mel Foster Co. has been with the prestigious affiliation for over 20 years.
Start A New Winter Tradition.
Are you a snowbird? Do you “fly south” for the winter? Why continue to rent, especially if you find yourself returning to the same place year after year. Try using Mel Foster Co.’s free relocation services to help you find and purchase a second home in your favorite winter destination. Our vast network of contacts will help you find an agent wherever you spend your winter.
Here are just a few things that we offer:
- Help you find an agent in another state
- Provide cost of living comparisons
- Help you find a mortgage company
While you’re basking in the sun in your winter get-away town, thoroughly survey your favorite neighborhoods. How’s the traffic when the population is at its winter peak? Are stores or restaurants more crowded at certain times of the day? This information will give you an idea of what to expect during winters to come.
Ask your agent about renting out your winter home in the months that you’re away to generate more disposable income. If you pick the right property, it may pay for itself.
Contact a relocation specialist and start making connections in your winter community.
Relocating To The Quad Cities.
You landed that new job in the Quad Cities, but now what do you do to find a home? Mel Foster Co. offers free relocation services that can help you explore neighborhoods, schools and cities that are a match for your criteria.
Your agent can help you pinpoint options that are near your new job or the amenities you most desire. Do you want riverfront? A large wooded property a few minutes from town? A renovated loft style condo without any yard work? The Quad Cities is such a diverse area, it’s easy to find a match, no matter how specific your needs seem.
Many of the area’s largest employers count on Mel Foster Co. relocation specialists to welcome new hires or transferees to the Quad Cities. Deere and Company, ALCOA and Thomson Prison employees have all used the free relocation services to get acquainted with their new town.
Getting started is easy. Click here for an overview of free relocation services or call 800-367-1134.
Five Smooth Moves
Summer is the season for moving and your kids probably don’t want to leave their friends at the height of their summer vacation. But settling into your new home before the school year begins will help your kids make a smoother transition.
Follow these five tips to make moving easier on your kids and you:
1. Communicate. Let kids know what is happening now and what will happen next. Stay positive and repeat often the advantages of moving.
2. Introduce your child to their new community online and show them as much as you can about their new neighborhood, school, parks and home. If your new city is close, make an event of driving there and spending time exploring as a family.
3. Keep to a normal routine as much as possible. This will help the kids feel secure and safe.
4. Keep children occupied by letting them pack a box or two of their special things. Give them input on a new paint color and décor for their new bedroom.
5. Most kids will want to take part in busy moving day activities, and you should allow them to do so. Your preparedness will go a long way in reassuring your children that their needs are being considered, even while big changes are happening around them.
Need more help making the move smooth for your family? Mel Foster Co. Relocation has children in mind with special customized kits for your children whatever their age. Request your free kit at relocation@melfosterco.com.