Mel Foster Co. Website Recognized for Excellence
Mel Foster Co. has been awarded the Website Quality Certification (WQC) from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, a global community of 550 high quality independent real estate firms in over 70 countries. The certification was presented in recognition of excellence in website design, content, and functionality.
Mel Foster Co.’s website, 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.
“We are pleased to recognize the 107 companies that earned the WQC this year. The restrictions of this past year have heightened the importance of having a strong web presence and giving home buyers and sellers easy ways to explore homes and communities online. Our WQC companies provide consumers with valuable resources through well-designed websites that offer relevant local content and up-to-the-minute housing information,” said Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® President/CEO Paul Boomsma.
“We are excited to be recognized again for delivering a superior online experience to our consumers, who have choices when searching for real estate. We want to continue to offer the best online tools in the market to be the top resource for buyers and sellers and to help our agents stay competitive,” said Lynsey Engels, President Real Estate Brokerage of Mel Foster Co.
Mel Foster Co. is the Quad Cities and surrounding areas representative of LeadingRE (www.LeadingRE.com). With a global membership that spans six continents, LeadingRE connects more than 550 firms and 135,000 sales associates who produce over 1.1 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., please visit www.melfosterco.com.
Design Trends 2021
You’re ready to update your space while you’re spending more time at home. Consider these 2021 design trends as you conceptualize the ideal theme for your living space.
Color Is Key
Many homeowners are planning on painting this spring when windows can be opened for better ventilation. Leading design influencers have determined a few noteworthy color trends for this year.
- Earthy, grounded shades and human skin tones are seeing a comeback. Owners seeking harmony at home can find a variety of options for a soothing, relaxing retreat.
- Pantone’s colors of the year are Ultimate Gray and Illuminating Yellow, conveying a message of endurance and hope when choosing to design with the two contrasting colors.
- Add a vibrant, striking color like teal or bold, wallpaper patterns like palm leaves or elephants on accent walls to create the feel of a tropical getaway to distant shores.
Plenty Of Plants
Plants are refreshing, helping filter the air for us, and add lively yet natural color to the home. And you don’t need a green thumb to embrace the idea of plants in your space. Try easy to care for plants like succulents, ferns, spider plants or ivy to add green to your space. Begonia or lavender can offer a slight pop of color to the mix of greenery. Plants are contemporary and practical, and current design trends like macrame plant holders are readily available for purchase to easily showcase your plant collection.
Old Wood Is Good
There is a common debate among homeowners when choosing wood finishes for their space. Trends indicate that you don’t need to buy new to have design flair.
- Shabby chic is in. So refurbishing and painting the vintage sideboard you discovered at the resale shop with your favorite color is on point.
- Cottagecore is a trending design influence that promotes reclaimed wood with contrasting grain and texture for floors, ceilings, or focal pieces like islands in the kitchen.
- Elegant vintage ties classic wood pieces like a buffet with stained glass windows in with modern finishes like brushed gold fixtures to create an old and new blended feel.
Find more homeowners tips.
How Remodeling Affects Home Insurance
Ready to dive into a home remodel project? Aside from creating a realistic budget, schedule a meeting with your Mel Foster Insurance agent before selecting a contractor to determine how the upgrades will affect your homeowner’s insurance coverage. Consider a few questions to be sure you’re ready to proceed.
Who Should Do The Work?
Feel confident in your choice of contractor and team. Reliable, professional contractors often have reviews and references available through the Better Business Bureau. The contractors should provide you with proof of workers’ compensation and liability insurance before the work begins. Hiring a subcontractor or paying a friend to complete the job makes you an employer, which means you should purchase the worker’s compensation insurance yourself to cover liability in case of injury. Know who is doing the work and how this affects your insurance responsibility.
Will I Be Covered During Renovation?
Your home insurance company will typically insure the building materials you’ll need for renovation. But how much is covered? You may need to raise your coverage limits before beginning your project, and your Mel Foster agent can help settle this with you. Determine if your policy provides sufficient allowances for the unexpected, like if a fire struck and destroyed both your home and the building materials. Some insurance policies also have limitations on whether dwellings under construction or vacant for more than a set number of days are covered. Discuss all options to find the best insurance coverage so you’re protected
Does The Remodel Affect My Coverage Limit?
Most home insurance policies require you to insure your home for a minimum of 80 percent of its replacement value, while a Mel Foster home insurance policy covers 100 percent of your home replacement costs.
According to the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, one in four remodeling projects increases the home’s value by more than 25 percent. It’s essential that your insurance coverage reflects your remodel’s impact on the value of the house. Your agent can determine if your policy limits are adequate to cover potential rebuild costs, including the remodel, if damages were to occur.
Find more insurance tips for homeowners.
