The first thing you need to do is assess the damage to your property. Always be sure that you aren’t in danger and that the storm is completely finished. Start by checking the outside of the home for any damage to the roof, siding and windows. You should also make sure that there are no downed trees or power lines in the area.
Step Two: Call Your Insurance Agent
After you have assessed the damages, your next step is to call your insurance agent to report any damage. Be ready to describe the situation and all of the damage that occurred. Make sure you also have your policy and account numbers ready when you call to speed up the process. Click here to find your Mel Foster Co. Insurance agent.
Step Three: Document The Damage
Before you begin making repairs, make sure you document the damages with photographs. This will prove that the damage actually occurred and will help your insurance agency help you. Once you have documented the damage, make your home safe and ensure no further damage is caused. Keep receipts for any work or materials that you are purchasing to repair your home. It’s important to note that if you must leave your home you should also keep receipts for hotel rooms and restaurants. Depending on your insurance policy, these expenses may also be covered.
Mel Foster Co. Color the Quads is pleased to announce the charity recipients for the third annual Color the Quads race to be held on Saturday, May 30, 2015. Color the Quads donated proceeds to three local charities this year, and in 2015, three local charities will again benefit from the race proceeds. The 2015 charities are Bethany for Children & Families, Gigi’s Playhouse and Hand-in-Hand.
Bill Steinhauser, Bethany for Children & Families President/CEO said, “Bethany for Children & Families is deeply honored to be chosen by Mel Foster Co. as one of the charities to benefit from the 2015 Color the Quads race event. The funds raised by Color the Quads will support the agency’s mission to keep children safe, strengthen families, and build healthy communities.”
“GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities is honored to partner with Mel Foster Co.’s Color the Quads in 2015. GiGi’s Playhouse is all about family, community, and positive energy and the same can be said for this one-of-a-kind Quad Cities event. We look forward to a wonderful year with the Color the Quads Team,” said Michelle Hornbuckle Hughes, Site Manager of Gigi’s Playhouse – Quad Cities.
“Hand In Hand’s hours of service for school age children and young adults with disabilities grew by 25% last year. Being selected by Mel Foster’s Color of the Quads means we can respond to the needs of these Quad City families”, added Mark Smith, CEO of Hand-in-Hand.
Lynsey Engels, President of Mel Foster Co. Brokerage Division and Color the Quads Committee Chair, said, “We are thrilled to partner again with three wonderful charities on this super event. We look forward to some new exciting twists for 2015 as planning is already under way!”
The 2015 Color the Quads 5K will take place on Saturday, May 30 near Cumberland Square at 2300 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa. Registration fees and sign up date will be announced before the end of this year. Stay tuned at www.colorthequads.com for more information.
About Mel Foster Co. Inc.
Mel Foster Co. is a recognized leader for real estate and insurance. Mel Foster Co. Real Estate specializes in residential sales and offers services for a broader spectrum of property transactions including commercial, farm and land, land development and management, relocation and new construction. Founded in 1921, it is one of Iowa’s largest independently owned real estate companies. Mel Foster Insurance was founded in 1932 and represents over 25 insurance carriers and offers coverage for residential and commercial clients. Visit www.melfosterco.com for more information.
GiGi’s Playhouse – Quad Cities
GiGi’s Playhouse is an established series of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. Serving children and adults of all ages, each Playhouse provides educational and therapeutic programs at no charge to families; and in a format that individuals with Down syndrome learn best. All programs aim to maximize self-confidence and empower individuals to achieve their greatest potential! GiGi’s Playhouse programs motivate our participants to give their “Best of All” and each Playhouse makes a lifetime commitment to their families. For more information about the Gigi’s Playhouse, visit www.gigisplayhouse.org/quadcities.
About Bethany for Children & Families
Bethany for Children & Families is a non-profit child welfare and social services agency that meets the critical needs of children, families, and individuals. Services include adoption, foster care, child welfare, counseling and therapy, education, transitional housing for homeless youth and families, and dental care for children. The agency has served children in the Quad City community since 1899. For more information about Bethany for Children & Families, visit www.bethany-qc.org.
About Hand-in-Hand
Hand In Hand serves children and young adults, including those with disabilities. We provide programs such as childcare, summer camps, teen programs, a bowling league and even an adapted Girl Scout Troop. As Hand In Hand offers activities for individuals with disabilities, we also provide critical support for their families so they can be successful at work and at home. Hand In Hand also has a growing number of volunteer opportunities, especially for young adults in our community. These young adults not only assist our Hand In Hand participants, but they also create an inclusive experience where typical students and individuals with disabilities interact in a positive way. Visit www.handinhandqc.org for more information about Hand In Hand.
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home? It is important that you consider working with a licensed Real Estate Professional in order to save yourself time, money, and hassle. There can be a lot of confusion and guesswork when you are out there navigating the market on your own. Here are a few reasons why it’s in your best interest to work with a Real Estate Professional.
Negotiations
From the appraiser, to the home inspector, to the buyer, there are nearly a dozen people that you will have to answer to while selling your home. Let an agent do this busywork for you. Negotiating effectively can mean thousands more saved or earned.
Paperwork
Let an agent with experience navigate and prepare the documents needed when closing on a transaction. Missing something here or there can cost you time and money. Also, each state has different regulations surrounding the purchase or sale of a home. A Real Estate Professional has the experience needed to guide you through.
What Is Your Home Worth?
Pricing your home correctly will attract the right buyer and make sure it isn’t on the market for too long. However, you need the eyes of someone not emotionally attached to your home, to ensure the true value is assessed. The National Association of REALTORS found that, “the typical FSBO home sold for $184,000 compared to $230,000 among agent-assisted home sales.”
One thing that you want to avoid before purchasing a new home is making any other large purchases. You don’t want anything to negatively impact your credit score before buying a home. This includes opening new credit cards, or taking on new debt. Lenders want to feel confident in your ability to be financially responsible, especially when they’re considering you for a loan. In short, don’t take any risks with your credit score if you’re planning on investing in a new home.
Tip #2: Bigger Isn’t Always Better.
When you’re buying a house, you may gravitate towards the biggest home on the block. It’s important to consider what your potential resale value will look like. If you have the most expensive home on the block, it will only go up in value as much as the homes surrounding it. The largest house only appeals to a few people. If you’re planning on reselling, you want to have the largest number of potential buyers possible. Instead of searching for the best house on the block, you should search for the house that best fits your needs.
Tip #3: Survey the Neighborhood.
People often fall in love with their homes, but they often fail to consider the neighborhood. If you’re planning on having children, you need to determine what school district the home is in. Even if you aren’t planning on children, you still should research what schools are nearby because it may impact the resale value of the home. It’s also not a bad idea to try your morning commute from the house, to determine if that would impact your decision. Don’t be afraid to drive through the neighborhood during different times of the day to really get a lay of the land.
