new construction in Muscatine – Page 2

Housing Buying Trends for 2017

Posted on April 10, 2017

The real estate market is constantly changing, and this is especially true after an election year. Here are a few experts’ predictions about the 2017 market.

More Millennials Will Become Home Owners

Over half of all homebuyers are under the age of 36. Adults born after 1980 are currently the largest adult generation and make up the largest percentage of the workforce.

Mortgage Rates will be Volatile

A new president means mortgage rates will fluctuate more than usual. Political uncertainty is now replaced by policy uncertainty. Since the election, rates have risen above 4% for the first time in two years. Although historically, rates are still very low, it might be time to lock in a mortgage before rates increase more in 2017.

Supply Will Improve, but it is Still Short

A defining feature of the 2016 housing market was the declining availability of houses. This caused price appreciation and homes to be sold very fast. Analysts expect the number of available homes to increase, but supply will still be limited. They suspect the market will be friendlier to sellers, as long as interest rates stay around 4%.

Sellers Will Maintain an Edge Over Buyers

In 2016 the average home was on the market for only 52 days. Homes haven’t sold this quickly since 2009. Experts expect 2017 will yield even faster cycles as more people are looking for homes. With the number of buyers growing, sellers should expect an increase in interest for their home.

Time to think about listing your home for sale? Click here to find an agent.

Turn Your Home into a Smart Home

Posted on March 27, 2017

Smart homes are becoming increasingly popular, for buyers and sellers. Being able to control numerous features of your home with a smart system isn’t only convenient, it also can also increase security. Here are some easy options to make your home smart.

Smart Electronics

Connect lights, power strips and televisions to your smart system. You can control lights and devices directly from your phone, at any location. If you left a device turned on, you can check on its status and turn it off from anywhere. It’s not only convenient, but also a great way to lower your energy bill.

Security Cameras

Cameras are a great way to monitor your home when you’re gone. You can set up notification systems for certain rooms or outdoor areas of your house. When the system detects motion, you’ll be able to immediately access the camera feed on your phone. You’ll have peace of mind, and more control over your home.

Control Connected Devices

This is a great way to add a futuristic feeling to your home. Many control devices like Amazon’s “Alexa” or Google’s “Home Controller” are activated through your phone and respond to voice commands. You can control the temperature, stereo systems, lighting and multiple other appliances just by giving the device a voice command. It’s a very user-friendly way to instantly give you more remote control of your home.

Mel Foster Co.’s Boland Addresses Global Real Estate Event

Posted on March 17, 2017

Deb Boland, Director of Relocation with Mel Foster Co., spoke at the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® Annual Conference, which took place March 1-3 at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The conference was part of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® (LeadingRE) Conference Week, a series of events that drew an impressive audience of 2,000 real estate professionals from 25 countries.

The prestigious event was open only to brokers, managers and relocation professionals affiliated with LeadingRE, a selective global community of the highest quality independent real estate companies. Attendees examined the dynamic factors impacting today’s real estate market and explored ways to best meet the needs of home buyers and sellers.

Boland presented information on Streamlining Relocation Operations for Optimal Results, sharing insights on creating and managing relocation processes. “To be able to share thoughts and processes with colleagues who have the same goals is important as it helps us grow and face the new relocation challenges of today,” said Boland. “We have been very successful creating and managing a relocation services department within Mel Foster Co. It was our privilege to share our best practices at the conference and learn from others who offer relocation services around the world.”

Boland was among a notable line-up of speakers, which included keynote speakers John Foley, former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels; Josh Linkner, New York Times bestselling author, successful five-time entrepreneur, venture capitalist and national columnist; LeadingRE Chief Economist Marci Rossell; and an impressive line-up of industry thought leaders, marketing strategists and technology innovators.

“We are so thankful for our member speakers who share their professional insights and success strategies with their fellow members,” said Pam O’Connor, president/CEO of LeadingRE. “This spirit of collaboration and generosity really sets our global community apart and ensures our event provides such timely and pertinent content for attendees.”

Lynsey Engels, President Real Estate Brokerage, Mel Foster Co. says, “Deb’s expertise is invaluable and we are honored that she has been selected by her peers at Leading RE to provide her knowledge and expertise at the conference.”

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 550 firms and 130,000 sales associates who produce over 1.2 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. Relocation, please visit www.melfosterco.com.

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.