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
