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MEL FOSTER CO. CELEBRATES TEAM SUCCESS AND OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2024

At Mel Foster Co. Residential Real Estate, they believe success is a team effort.  On February 4, 2025, they celebrated 78 outstanding agents who exemplify their commitment to collaboration, innovation, and excellence in 2024.  Here’s to another year of success — together!

Despite elevated interest rates in 2024 that dampened market activity and contributed to low inventory, Mel Foster Co. achieved exceptional results. The company’s excellence was highlighted by six agents earning spots on the prestigious Real Trends Verified Premier List, which recognizes the top 1.5 percent of real estate professionals nationwide. Demonstrating remarkable resilience in challenging conditions, 41 percent of Mel Foster Co. agents increased their sales volume by 20 percent or more in 2024.

“This year demonstrated the resilience and dedication of our agents,” said Lynsey Engels, President, Real Estate Brokerage. “Despite the challenges posed by the market, our team continued to deliver exceptional results, prioritizing the needs of their clients and setting new standards of excellence in the industry.”

The average sales price for the company was up 3.28% from 2023 at $232,195.  On average, Mel Foster Co.’s agents closed 11 transactions (buy or sell) in 2024, which is higher than the national average according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

A commitment to diversification has been central to Mel Foster Co.’s long-term strategy. The company is also a leading land developer in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas.  In 2024, the company sold 27 residential lots across three of its company-owned subdivisions: Century Heights in Bettendorf, Iowa; Townsend Farms in Eldridge, Iowa; and Maple Leaf Heights in Geneseo, Illinois.  Their residential agents sold 65 new construction homes or condos in 2024 with an average sales price of $507,547, up from $478,468 last year.

Mel Foster Co. reinforces its industry leadership by providing agents with exceptional professional development opportunities. In 2024, the company strengthened its commitment to agent success by hiring a dedicated Talent Acquisition and Agent Development Director and launching the Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate. This innovative program equips aspiring real estate professionals with comprehensive education and essential skills needed to build successful careers in today’s competitive market. The school also serves current REALTORS® by offering continuing education courses required for license renewal. Throughout the year, Mel Foster Co. demonstrated its dedication to agent growth by delivering 26 in-person training sessions, hundreds of recorded webinars, over 200 live webinar opportunities, and 21 company-wide events.

Throughout its 100-year history, Mel Foster Co. has maintained an unwavering commitment to community service. In 2024, the company continued its impactful Think.Buy.Be.Local campaign, demonstrating this dedication by supporting local businesses. The company’s charitable efforts included participating in the River Bend Foodbank Community Hunger Drive, supporting families in need during the holidays, delivering care baskets to seniors, partnering with WQAD for a school supply drive, organizing a blood drive with ImpactLife, and collecting donations for Toys for Tots. Additionally, Mel Foster Co. agents and staff actively supported over 150 local businesses during Small Business Week.

The company’s community involvement extended to Project Jack, an initiative of The REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa, which funded more than 140 middle school student projects focused on paying it forward. Mel Foster Co. also maintained its presence at signature community events, including the John Deere Classic, Bix7, Quad Cities Marathon, Festival of Trees, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters Plant Sale.

“It’s an honor to collaborate with our incredible agents and staff and have the opportunity to give back to the communities we serve,” said Ms. Engels. “Supporting local businesses and community initiatives is at the heart of who we are, and we’re proud to contribute to the growth and vitality of the places we call home.”

This commitment to community service earned Mel Foster Co. recognition as one of the Most Giving Companies in Iowa by The Grateful Giving Foundation of Des Moines, Iowa.

“As we reflect on 2024, I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together as a company,” said Ms. Engels. “Our success is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and dedication of our agents, staff, and leadership team.  Looking ahead to 2025, I believe our company will continue to build on this momentum, exceed expectations, and strengthen our commitment to the clients and communities we serve.”

For a complete list of award winners, visit https://www.melfostercoblog.com/2024-awards

Good House Hunting Habits

Good House Hunting Habits

Wonder where to start when thinking about house hunting? A variety of factors go into making a focused checklist as you prepare to buy.

Down Payment

Saving for your down payment should be your top priority. Depending on the type of loan you acquire, you’ll receive a few different down payment percentage options. A Mortgage Reports article states that some lenders require as little as 3.5% of the home’s value, or less, as a down payment to get your loan approved. Meet with a loan officer to establish some numbers so you know how much down payment you’ll need to get the most favorable loan terms.

Know What You Want

Take time to establish key features you prefer in a home. Do you prefer a ranch? What about a two-car garage? How important are green features, both inside and out? Creating a list of must-have items will allow you to target homes you’ll want to visit and spend less time visiting homes that may not make you happy in the long run.

Get Pre-Approved

Sellers often choose buyers with a bank pre-approval over those without one. This gives you an advantage over other prospects and shows the seller that you are a solid buyer. This pre-approval also helps you narrow your search to your budget, so you don’t get too distracted with a house that you won’t be able to afford. This step will really help you save time in the long run.

Earnest Money

Did you know that earnest money is not the same as the down payment? Earnest money is a fee  usually between 1-2% of the total home price and is used to show good faith during the home offer process. Buyers treat it like a small credit which eventually comes back to you as the house sale ultimately closes.

Closing Costs

Alas, final fees can add up at the end of your home-hunting journey as you approach closing. These payments are made to the various parties like attorneys and real estate agents and range from 2-5% of the loan amount and include fees for appraisals and title insurance.

Get connected with your Mel Foster Co. agent today to begin your search. There is less competition in the winter months, making now a good time to start your search.

Find more buying tips for homeowners.

Advantages of listing your home in the Fall.

Advantages of Selling Your Home In The Fall

Selling your home in the fall has its perks. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the only time of year to sell a house is in May, June and July. Consider why putting your home on the market with Mel Foster Co. now is a great idea.

Buyers Are Motivated

While it’s true that real estate transactions typically slow as summer wanes, it’s also true that buyers still in the market in the fall are motivated. There tend to be fewer personal and professional distractions, allowing buyers to focus on the home search as a top priority. And in the Midwest, the looming winter weather prompts buyers to find a home and close quickly, allowing homeowners more opportunity to sell on their terms.

More Agent Attention

In the fall, sellers often enjoy heightened attention from real estate agents, appraisers, and loan officers, as these professionals typically have more availability. This allows for an elevated, more personalized level of service, making the transaction process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Plus, with fewer transactions during this season, lenders can often facilitate faster closings, helping sellers achieve their goals more quickly.

Fall Curb Appeal At A Peak

Autumn’s vibrant colors and variety of seasonal décor options allow sellers to really pump up the curb appeal. Pumpkins, mums, a seasonal doormat, and throw pillows on your porch furniture can create a welcoming, cozy first impression of your property. And since homes with good curb appeal can sell for 7% more on average than homes with less-welcoming exteriors, maximizing this time of year to sell is simply a smart decision.

End-Of-Year Tax Benefits

Closing before the end of the year has great benefits for sellers.

  • Selling costs like legal, escrow, advertising, agent commissions and home staging fees are tax-deductible if they make your home more marketable so you can ask for a higher sales price. Other tax-deductible costs include painting the house, repairing the roof or replacing the water heater as long as those upgrades are made within 90 days of the closing.
  • Capital gains are profits from selling your home. While these profits are taxed as income, you can exclude up to $250,000 if single and $500,000 if married from these gains as long as you lived in your home for at least two of the past five years.
  • You can deduct the amount you paid in property taxes last year up to $10,000 once you’ve sold your home.

Find more selling tips for homeowners.

Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate November Pre-License Courses

Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate Offers Pre-License Courses

Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate is offering essential Iowa pre-license real estate courses in November for those looking to start or enhance their career in real estate and for existing Mel Foster Co. sales associates needing continuing education. These three courses are required coursework for obtaining an Iowa Real Estate License along with the 60-hours of course work for obtaining an Iowa Salesperson license. These local, in-person classes provide future sales associates with a timely opportunity to get started in real estate before the end of this year.

The in-person courses, which run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Mel Foster Co.’s office located at 3249 E. 35th St. Ct., include:

  • Listing Practices: November 13 & 14
  • Buying Practices: November 15 & 18
  • Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices: November 19 & 20

The courses are free to pre-affiliated Mel Foster Co. sales associates or those who are looking to start a career with Mel Foster Co. To become a real estate sales associate in Iowa, you must be at least 18 years old, undergo a background check, have a high school diploma, and pass both the Iowa and National real estate exams. New sales associates are required to sign a pre-affiliation agreement in order to attend the Iowa pre-license courses for free.

The deadline to register is November 10th and spaces are limited so register today or email schoolofrealestate@melfosterco.com with questions.

Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate

Mel Foster Co. Launches School of Real Estate to Cultivate Next Generation of Industry Leaders

Mel Foster Co., a leader in real estate services for over 100 years, is proud to announce the launch of the Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate. This new venture provides aspiring real estate professionals with the education and skills to launch careers and excel in today’s competitive market.

The Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate offers a comprehensive curriculum covering essential topics such as property law, market analysis, negotiation strategies, professionalism and ethical practices, and cutting-edge real estate technology. Classes will be led by seasoned industry professionals, offering students invaluable insights and mentorship from those with years of hands-on experience.

“We are thrilled to open the Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate,” said Talent Acquisition and Agent Development Director, Carie Nesbitt of Mel Foster Co. “As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, the need for well-trained, knowledgeable agents is greater than ever. Our goal is to equip students with the tools they need to succeed and positively impact their communities.”

Students who enroll in the Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate will benefit from flexible class schedules, both in-person and online learning options, and ongoing support from the Mel Foster Co. network of real estate professionals. Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue licensure and begin their careers with a strong foundation in real estate.

Mel Foster Co. is committed to nurturing local talent and fostering growth within the communities it serves. With the launch of this school, the company further solidifies its role as a leader in real estate services and education and professional development.

For more information, visit https://www.melfosterco.com/schoolofrealestate or email joinus@melfosterco.com.

Quad Cities Builders and Remodelers 2024 Fall Parade of Homes

2024 Fall Parade of Homes

Explore the latest trends in new home construction at the 2024 Quad Cities Fall Parade of Homes, presented by the Quad Cities Builders and Remodelers Association. With free admission, this event is your opportunity to tour a variety of new homes and discover innovative design ideas, building techniques, and remodeling inspiration. Join us for the Fall Parade of Homes and see why Mel Foster Co. is your go-to source for new construction homes.

SCHEDULE:
Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 from 1 PM – 4 PM
Wednesday, October 23 from 5 PM – 7 PM
Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 from 1 PM – 4 PM

  • 2 Bedroom, 2 Baths
  • Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
  • Quartz Countertops
  • 4 Season Room
  • ASPEN HOMES
  • 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath
  • Ranch Style Villa
  • 9′ Ceilings
  • 4 Season Room
  • ASPEN HOMES

To view all the homes in the parade and learn more about the Quad Cities Builders and Remodelers Fall Parade of Homes, click here.


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