March 2018 – Mel Foster Co Blog

When is the Right Time to Sell?

Posted on March 30, 2018

Some homeowners feel their current house isn’t their forever home. Here are a few signs it may be time to start your search for something new.

Your Home Doesn’t Fit Your Needs

If your family is growing, or you’ve recently become an empty nester, it’s probably time to start searching for a new home. Consider location, size, and layout when finding your next home.

It’s a Seller’s Market

You can always count on the real estate market to provide shifting trends. Fortunately right now it’s a seller’s market and most homes are selling quickly. There is currently more demand for homes than the market can meet. If you’re on the fence it might be time to strike while the irons are hot.

Your Interest Rate is High

Currently interest rates on mortgage loans are historically low. If you’re paying a mortgage with a high interest rate, it’s time to start searching for new opportunities. You can consider refinancing or maybe this is the push you need to find a different home. You’ll want to act quickly, as interest rates are expected to increase throughout 2018.

Your Mortgage is Completely Paid

If your mortgage is completely paid off when you sell your home, you can reap the financial rewards of making years of payments. If you’re looking to downsize significantly, consider a smaller home that requires less upkeep. It’ll save you time and money if the home doesn’t require constant care.

Follow these tips to start preparing to sell.

EGGciting Hunts to Check Out.

Posted on March 16, 2018

Underwater Egg Hunt at the Rock Island Fitness & Activity Center

March 18, 1 pm – 3:30 pm

Spring Celebration and Eco-Egg Hunt at Nahant Marsh

March 24, 9 am – 12 pm

Spring Egg Hunt at Lincoln Park in Rock Island

March 24, 9:30 am

City of Moline Easter Egg Hunt at Riverside Park

March 24, 9:45 am

Kewanee Park District Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Windmont Park

March 24, 10 am

Bettendorf Easter Egg Hunt at Bettendorf High School

March 24, Noon

City of Moline Flashlight Egg Hunt at Riverside Park

March 24, 8 pm

Geneseo Park District Egg Hunt at the Athletic Field

March 25, 1:30 pm

Easter Egg Hunt at Hope Creek Care Center in East Moline

March 30, 2 pm

LeClaire Park and Rec Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Hollyhock Park

March 31, 11 am

Egg Hunt at the Sawmill Museum in Clinton

March 31, 10:30 am

30^th Annual Ranch Rider Motorcycle Brotherhood Easter Egg Hunt at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds

March 31, 1 pm

Doggie Easter Egg Hunt with the Humane Society of Scott County at Fejervary Park

March 31, 1 pm

Family Fun Day & Easter Egg Hunt at Camp Abe Lincoln in Blue Grass

March 31, 2 pm – 5 pm

Egg Hunt at the Discovery Depot in Galesburg

March 31, 5:30 pm

Three Ways to Make your Home Appeal to Millennials

Posted on March 13, 2018

It can be difficult to appeal to millennial homebuyers’ tastes, but recent polling has provided some insight into what they’re searching for in their first home.

Leave Room for Improvement

Many millennials are looking for a fixer-upper for their first home due to their limited budgets. HGTV has made remodeling more accessible than ever, and millennials want to renovate their houses into their own dream homes. In 2017 first-time homebuyers spent an average of $33,800 on home renovations.

Have a Separate Laundry Room

Millennials are willing to sacrifice comfort for extra square footage dedicated to a laundry room. Every year surveys taken on millennials’ buying choices point toward this trend. It’s a small change that can make your home significantly more attractive to this group of buyers.

Be Environmentally Friendly

Offer a house that includes green features. Millennials look for LED lighting, double paned windows or even solar panels. You don’t have to make a major investment, but even updated, energy-efficient appliances will attract buyers. It’s not only trendy and good for the planet, but will also save money in the long run.

Want more expert advice on how to market your home to the most buyers? Ask a Mel Foster Co. agent.

Finding Your Perfect First Home

Posted on March 1, 2018

It can seem daunting when searching for a new home, especially as a first time buyer. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for finding your new home.

Determine a Budget

Creating a budget before looking should be your top priority. Focus on both the down payment you have saved and earmarked to buy your home and the monthly mortgage and insurance payment first. It’s best to estimate on the higher end and then try to keep expenses as low as possible.

Determine Needs and Wants

When buying a starter home, carefully choose the features you need and not just those you’d like to have. Do you want more space or to be closer to work? Create a list and try to check off as many as you can when viewing a home. But don’t confuse wants with needs.

Consider All Properties

View as many homes as possible. You’ll learn what you like, what you don’t like and may even come away with a few interesting ideas for your final choice. Be sure to keep a journal or list so you’re able to reference the data later. It can get very overwhelming to keep home attributes straight after a few weeks of searching.

Work with a Professional

Avoid the hassle of tracking new listings and scheduling showings and consider working with a Mel Foster Co. agent instead. There is no cost for the buyer, and you’ll have someone in your corner with industry knowledge and experience. Contact an agent today.