Be Organized this Year.

Are you Organized?
Are you Organized?

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

Don Marple, REALTOR®
Don Marple, REALTOR®

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.

Ideas to lower your utility costs.
Ideas to lower your utility costs.

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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Fun in the Snow.

Fun in the Snow!

Bundle up and make the most of the snow by racing down some of the area’s best sledding hills.

Bettendorf

Veterans Memorial Park

 

Davenport

Lindsay Park

Fejervary Park

Duck Creek Park

Garfield Park

Truman Elementary

 

 

Clinton

Eagle Point

 

Rock Island

Lincoln Park

 

Moline

Prospect Park

 

Milan

Camden Park

 

Silvis

Schadt Park

 

Hampton

Illiniwek Forest Preserve

 

Geneseo

Richmond Hills

 

Kewanee

Baker Park

Rather ski or snowboard? Head to Snowstar in Andalusia where you can also go tubing.

 

 

 

 

 


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