new construction in blue grass – Page 6

Mel Foster Co. Earns Website Quality Certification

Posted on February 12, 2016

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 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 February 5, 2016

Lynsey 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.

Light My Fire.

Posted on February 4, 2016

If you’re considering installing a fireplace in your home, it’s hard to decide between a gas fireplace and a traditional wood fireplace. Here’s a break down of the differences so you make the right choice for your home.

Gas

Gas fireplaces are appealing, flip a switch and have a fire. You don’t have to fuss with firewood, ashes or cleanup. The exhaust can often be fit to existing chimneys so no additional construction is required beyond the installation of the fireplace itself. The warm air will stay inside your home, providing you with a consistent source of heat. It usually isn’t cost effective to heat your entire house with the gas fireplace, but heating a room or a large open space is a viable option.

Wood

Traditional fireplaces are typically cheaper than gas fireplaces. The install is cheaper, and so is wood when compared to propane. They require far more upkeep than gas fireplaces including cleaning up ashes, sweeping the chimney and personally working to keep the fire going. The upside most people appreciate is having an actual fire, with an appealing aroma, snaps and pops. If you enjoy creating your own fire and having a realistic experience, you definitely want to install a traditional fireplace.

Mel Foster Co. Supports A Hungry Challenge

Posted on February 1, 2016

Mel 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 January 29, 2016

Mel 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.”

Winter Home Improvements Lead to Lower Utility Costs.

Posted on January 24, 2016

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.

Cut Your Taxes.

Posted on January 24, 2016

Tax time will be here before you know it. When filing your taxes, don’t forget about any home-related deductions you can take. Talk to a tax expert if you have questions.

Mortgage Interest Deduction

To obtain the mortgage interest deduction, your mortgage must be secured by your home. Interest you pay on a mortgage of up to $1 million, or $500,000 if you’re married filing separately, is deductible when you use the loan to buy, build, or improve your home in any way.

Prepaid Interest Deduction

Any interest you paid during the time of signing your mortgage is almost 100% deductible in the year you paid it, along with any other mortgage interest paid. If you refinance for a 10-year mortgage, paying $6,000 in interest, you can then deduct $600 per year.

Property Tax Deduction

When you pay your real estate property taxes, you can usually deduct these from your tax return. If you bought a house this year, check your HUD-1 settlement statement to see if you paid any property taxes when you closed on your home.

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

Posted on January 15, 2016

Reverse mortgages are a great way for senior homeowners to generate a steady flow of income, or receive an immediate lump sum for expenses, if you qualify and determine this is the right option for you.

A reverse mortgage works exactly how it sounds. The bank pays you an upfront lump sum, monthly distributions, a credit line or a combination of all three. The upside is you don’t have to pay back the interest accumulated on the loan during your lifetime, unless you move out of the house.

To qualify, you must be at least 62 years old and own, or nearly own, a house. You also have to make sure your house is in good condition and have no other outstanding loans. If you meet these criteria, a reverse mortgage might work for you.

Be sure to consider the entirety of costs involved in getting into the agreement. Interest is accumulated over the course of the agreement, and when you move or pass away, interest is owed to the bank. The interest is deducted from your estate.

If you’re planning on leaving a substantial amount of money from your estate to friends or relatives, consider how much is going to be deducted due to the reverse mortgage interest payment.

Ask a preferred mortgage lender at University of Iowa Community Credit Union (UICCU) about a reverse mortgage, or contact the trusted lender of your choice.

Sell your Home Now or in the Spring?

Posted on January 10, 2016

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.

Tips For Refinancing Your Mortgage.

Posted on December 29, 2015

Refinancing your mortgage creates a great opportunity to lower your interest rate, but don’t forget these other tips when refinancing.

Change your mortgage length

If you’ve recently come into a different financial situation, consider switching the length of your mortgage. If you started with a 30-year mortgage and have a stable financial situation, a 15-year mortgage will save you more money in the long run. You won’t be paying as much in interest, and you’ll build equity faster.

Switch to a Fixed Rate

Adjustable rates are tempting due to their lower introductory rates, but changing to a fixed rate may be better in the long term. Fixed rates offer stability, allowing you to manage your budget more accurately.

Consider a Cash-Out Refinance

Want a potentially lower interest rates plus extra cash? A cash-out mortgage refinance might be right for you. If you owe $80,000 on your $150,000 home, you can refinance the loan for $100,000 and receive a check for $20,000. Use this money for wise investments like home improvements, education, healthcare or investing. Otherwise, you might end up just taking on more debt.

Consolidate Two Mortgages

When refinancing mortgages, find out if it’s possible to consolidate any previous mortgages you have. When interest rates are low, it’s often possible to pay less under one mortgage than you were before. One mortgage rate is easier to manage than two, and you’ll be saving yourself money.

Talk to a lender at University of Iowa Community Credit Union (UICCU) or a qualified lender of your choice to review your refinancing options.