new construction in Bettendorf – Page 3

Moving to a New City

Posted on March 10, 2017

If you’re moving to a new city and considering buying, follow these tips from Mel Foster Co. to find the perfect home for you.

Do Your Research

It may seem obvious, but doing research ahead of time is crucial to finding a place to meet your needs. A few months before you move, begin physically visiting properties in your new city. It might be time consuming, but you’ll have a much better idea of the size and budget of your potential housing if you look in person rather than just online.

Think Long-Term

You might be tempted to select the most inexpensive option when you first arrive in your new town, but you should consider your long-term options, too. Perks such as being close to entertainment venues may seem important now, but in a few years, your situation may change, and you may be thinking about starting a family. How many bedrooms will you need, what school district are you in, and are you still close to your work? These are all long term questions you should think about before committing to short-term housing.

Hire a Realtor^®

All the preparation in the world isn’t a substitute for professional help in your home search, especially in an unfamiliar area. Sellers pay the commission fee, so you have nothing to lose by seeking professional help. If you’re interested in specific neighborhoods, be sure to mention this as some Realtors^® are more specialized in certain locations.

Get help finding a home in your new city by working with Mel Foster Co.’s relocation specialists. They can help you connect with an agent in any city around the world and there is no cost to use relocation services. Contact relocation today.

How to Create Your Perfect Home Office

Posted on February 27, 2017

Whether you’re working at home fulltime or doing some afterhours tasks, having an in-home office is crucial to being productive. If you want to construct a space where you can get work done be sure to follow these tips.

Make the Most of Your Space

One of the biggest constraints for home offices is the amount of space available. Some people turn spare closets into their office and while you may have more space than a closet, you shouldn’t ignore their techniques. You want to maximize the amount of space you do have. Make sure cable management is efficient, utilize nooks and crannies and be sure to plan accordingly. Don’t go overboard and buy massive amounts of storage, just leave a little extra room for growth.

Fill Your Office with Comfortable Furniture

At the office you may not have control over the type of chair and desk you use, but at home you have complete control. Make sure you find a desk large enough to accommodate everything you’ll be using it for. If you’re spending a lot of time in your home office, don’t try to go cheap when it comes to a nice chair. You want a comfortable chair with plenty of support so you don’t end up with any health problems.

Make Your Space Personal and Fun

Your home office should be a reflection of you. Include family photos, hobbies and any interests you have. This space is entirely yours, and whatever you need to be productive or happy should be included. Even something as simple as a rotating wallpaper or screensaver on your computer can keep your office interesting.

Mel Foster Co. Nominated for Performance Award

Posted on February 25, 2017

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 the 2016 Award of Excellence, Incoming Referral Conversation Rate. This nomination is determined by the number of incoming closings with the number of incoming referrals. Mel Foster Co. is one of five real estate companies nominated for these awards in their size category.

The award will be presented during the Annual Performance Awards Dinner and Ceremony in Miami later this month. For the past 22 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. Website Recognized for Excellence

Posted on February 12, 2017

Mel Foster Co. has been awarded the Website Quality Certification (WQC) from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®, a global community of more than 550 high quality independent real estate firms in over 60 countries. The certification was presented in recognition of excellence in website design, content and functionality.

Mel Foster Co.’s website, http://www.melfosterco.com , received high marks in a variety of critical areas relating to website performance, including usability, design, 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 Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® to review the websites of participating members.

The specific measurements for the WQC are updated each year to reflect the most current online marketing strategies, as well as evolving consumer preferences. Companies must be re-certified every two years to maintain the certification.

“The 140 companies that earned the WQC this year have created websites that engage consumers with thoughtful design, rich local content and up-to-date information on homes in the local market and around the world. We are pleased to recognize them for giving consumers a superior online experience and supporting that with exceptional customer support,” said Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® President/CEO Pam O’Connor.

“We are honored to receive the WQC award again this year and we strive to keep to the highest standards for our website users. We are always working to enhance our home buyers’ and sellers’ experiences,” said Lynsey Engels, President, Real Estate Brokerage of Mel Foster Co.

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

Sell your Home Now or in the Spring?

Posted on February 9, 2017

Many homeowners feel it’s a good idea to wait until the spring to sell their home. But once the busy holidays are over, it might be time to get your house ready to sell before competition heats up in the spring. Here are four appealing reasons you should consider listing soon.

Serious Buyers are Available

Homes are sold 365 days a year. People move into the area, expand their families or decide to downsize at all times of the year. There are always homebuyers looking for their dream home. And it might just be your listing.

Less Competition

There are typically more listings in the spring, so list your home in the winter to stand out in the crowd. By avoiding the tougher competition in the spring, your home is more likely to be visited by prospective buyers during showings, giving you more exposure than you’d receive in the spring.

Mortgage Rates are Still Low

If you’re interested in buying and selling property, you probably keep a close eye on mortgage rates. And noticed the recent uptick. Even with the recent increase, mortgage rates are still very low.

A Faster Transaction

Finally, the time required to close on a home will most likely be shorter in the winter. Inspectors have fewer appointments, attorneys have less work to do and mortgage lenders have fewer loans to process. You’ll most likely be able to have meetings on your schedule instead of theirs and get to closing faster. One of the most frustrating things as a seller is not getting answers or having to extend closing another 15 or 30 days. Winter gives you more control over the closing date and may save you from making an additional mortgage payment.

Looking for an agent to list your home this winter? Click here to find an agent or office near you.

Be Organized this Year.

Posted on January 24, 2017

If your resolution this year is to get organized, avoid these common mistakes. You’ll be more efficient and less stressed by maintaining order in your home.

Mistake #1 Confusing Neat with Organized

Having piles neatly lined up on the counter unfortunately doesn’t mean you are organized. If your flat surfaces seem to constantly be filling with clutter, designate a spot in your home for each item. Soon you’ll start to notice the piles will appear less frequently.

Mistake #2 Using the Fridge as a Message Center

It may seem like the central hub of your house, but everyone goes to the fridge for food not information. Homes need a place where everyone goes for messages. Instead of cluttering your fridge with notes, messages and reminders, create a bulletin board where everyone knows they can find any updates they need.

Mistake #3 Too Many Storage Bins

Having too much storage is actually an issue, especially if you aren’t using it efficiently. You may be replacing your clutter with larger and boxier clutter by adding so much storage. Instead, consider reorganizing the storage you currently have. If you can take the storage bins you have and organize them in a closet or cabinet, you’ll be able to utilize all of your storage effectively.

MARPLE INSTALLED AS VICE-PRESIDENT

Posted on January 22, 2017

Lynsey Engels, President, Real Estate Brokerage at Mel Foster Co. Inc. is pleased to announce that Don Marple of their Davenport Kimberly Road office was installed as the Region 8 Vice-President for the National Association of REALTORS® for 2017. His duties include representing Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska for NAR. Don plans to continue working as a REALTOR® and serving his clients in the Quad City Area.

Don has been a licensed Realtor^® in Iowa for 40 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.

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

Don 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).

Don 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 20 years, as well as a long-time volunteer with the Cub Scouts and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Don is the husband to Laurie and father to two sons, Dustin Marple & GySgt. Nathan Marple and has two grandsons.

Winter Home Improvements Lead to Lower Utility Costs.

Posted on January 12, 2017

Save money on your utilities by tackling these smaller improvements this winter.

Appliances

January is a great month to buy appliances. Retailers are trying to move last year’s inventory before new models are introduced. For every energy-efficient appliance you add to your home, you’ll save anywhere from $50-$100 annually. Time your purchases right for deep discounts and save money on your utility bill. In addition to the cost savings, you’ll have reliable appliances you can depend on for many years.

Insulation

Make sure your insulation is in top shape, especially in the basement, attic and garage. Studies have found insulation purchases have over 100 percent price recuperation if you decide to sell your home. Not only will it add value to your home in the long run, your energy bills will be lowered almost immediately.

Landscaping

Winter months are the perfect time to start planning your outdoor designs. According to the Chicago Botanic Garden, in winter there is less chance of transmitting diseases from one plant to another or attracting insects to fresh pruning wounds. By planning your spring planting now, you’ll get a jump on your spring chores. By the summer, your pruned trees or new plantings will be shading your yard and padding your pocket in the form of lower utility costs.

Prepare for Dangerous Winter Road Conditions.

Posted on December 28, 2016

Prepare for Winter Weather — Are you prepared for winter weather?

Traveling during the winter can be dangerous, especially during severe storms. Sometimes travel is unavoidable, so follow these tips to make sure you stay safe on the roads this holiday season.

Prepare Before a Storm Hits

Preparation is essential to having a reliable and safe car during the winter months. Have a mechanic check your battery, brakes, fluid levels and heating systems. Be certain your car is in the best possible shape. If you are stranded, make sure to only run the heat for about 10 minutes at a time as snow can sometimes block exhaust systems.

If you are going to travel, notify someone of your estimated travel time and route. This will provide you with a safety net if you end up stuck in a storm. Someone will know you’re not at your intended destination, and will be able to contact authorities for help if you can’t.

Create an Emergency Kit

It’s a great idea to have an emergency kit in your car at all times. Blankets, food, water, first aid kits, road flares, shovels, towrope, booster cables and sand for additional traction are all extremely useful, especially during longer trips. Make sure you don’t eat snow, as it will lower your body temperature. If it’s your only source of water, try to melt it first.

If you’re planning on a cross-country drive, make sure you have the required items to charge your cell phone. If you’re stuck somewhere the best thing you can do is to call 911, and remain in your vehicle while you wait for help to arrive.

Get The Right Insurance Coverage

Consider including towing or car rental to get back on the road faster after an accident or mechanical issue. Finding the right plan is easy, especially since Mel Foster Insurance offers a free auto quote. Visit our website to find an insurance agent today!

Establishing a Rental Property.

Posted on December 12, 2016

Make your rental property stand out and maximize your profits with the help of Mel Foster Co. and its relocation specialists. Buy a condo in downtown Chicago, a beachfront bungalow in Florida or a home on the golf course in Arizona for your enjoyment, and to generate additional income for you. These tips can help you successfully rent out your property.

Partner with Local Businesses.

To get the most out of your rental property, partner up with local attractions and businesses. If your rental comes with a 10% off coupon at a nearby ski resort, restaurant or theatre, it makes your listing stand out above the others. Local businesses will appreciate the advertising and business, and you’ll enjoy the increased interest in your rental.

Reduce the Minimum Stay Requirement.

Renters will often be looking for a weekend getaway, especially during the off-season. During the busiest parts of the year, having a seven-day minimum isn’t an issue for potential renters, but you’ll notice a significant drop in interest during less busy parts of the year when week long rentals are more rare. Having someone renting for a brief period of time is much better than not renting at all.

Keep the Listing Updated.

If you want to entice potential renters, update your listing about once a month. You should list upcoming shows or events that are easily accessible from your property. If someone is coming to town specifically for an event, they’ll immediately know your rental is the best option.

Work with a Local Real Estate Agent.

It’s much easier to work with an agent in your current area before investing in a property in an unfamiliar area. Mel Foster’s relocation specialists can help you determine cost of living expenses, state tax rates and connect you with an agent in the area you’re interested in.

Click here for more information on how to get started finding the perfect rental property.