How To Pay Off Your Mortgage Early
Home Buyers Change Their Wish Lists
The ability to work from home has motivated buyers to reevaluate the function and location of their home. The result is buyers are willing to search for properties outside their current neighborhood and even outside metropolitan areas to find homes offering items new to their wish list.
Working From A Home Office
Buyers are seeking additional space for a dedicated office. Working from home has become a common corporate policy and this trend may continue indefinitely. Workers who temporarily used a makeshift workspace at the dining room table now prefer their own area separate from the busy part of the house. If they don’t have the extra bedroom to convert, they are likely shopping the market for a new home with an office.
Families Want Room To Gather
When it’s time to celebrate an event or just unwind after a long week, many families are choosing to gather safely at home. They also desire a kitchen and recreation room with open concept so guests can congregate in one unified space. A home that used to feel big enough can suddenly feel small when everybody is together.
No Commuting Opens New Location Options
Not having a commute to work allows buyers to consider homes further from their corporate office. This opens up new search areas for buyers, and homes typically become more affordable outside of metropolitan areas.
Expand your search into Mel Foster Co.’s subdivisions to see how your budget can stretch to meet your new space demands. Some of the most popular neighborhoods include:
Bettendorf, IA – Century Heights
Davenport, IA – Georgetown Square
Eldridge, IA – Townsend Farms
Park View, IA – Dexter Acres
Geneseo, IL – Maple Leaf
Find a Mel Foster Co. agent if you’re ready to begin your search.
Parade of Homes Fall 2020
See the latest trends in new home construction at the Fall 2020 Quad Cities Parade of Homes. Admission is free! QCBR recommends practicing social distancing and encourages wearing a mask. The Parade of Homes schedule is as follows:
Saturday, October 3 & Sunday October 4 from 1pm-5pm
Wednesday, October 7 from 5pm – 7pm
Saturday, October 10 & Sunday, October 11 from 1pm-5pm
4820 Lakeside Drive, Bettendorf, IA |
5653 Creekside Lane, Bettendorf, IA |
194325 251st Avenue, Bettendorf, IA |
 6205 Lillie Avenue, Davenport, IA3 BR, 2.5 BA Massive Center Kitchen Island Trible Sliding Glass Dinette Door HUGE Master Bedroom Suite |
To see all the homes in the parade and learn more about the Parade of Homes, visit Quad Cities Builders & Remodelers Association.
Moving Tips When You Have A Pet
Great Photography Sells Home Faster
Use high quality photographs to sell your home faster. How much faster will it sell? Studies done by a real estate photography company claim that your home will sell 32% faster when you provide magazine-quality images as opposed to those taken with your cell phone. Work with your Mel Foster Co. agent to get lined up with a professional photographer who does it right. You can help the photographer get great photos of your home by being ready on picture day.
Declutter and clean
Start by taking everything in the kitchen off the counters like your toaster, blender and utensils. Place them in the pantry or cupboards to present a well-kept space. Deep clean every surface including your stovetop and floors. You’ll want the whole room to sparkle. If you have windows that provide natural light, be sure to open curtains and let the sunshine in.
Get creative with storage
It’s ok to box up your extra but necessary items and store them neatly in the garage or shed during open houses. Take your time when boxing things and label the boxes so you know where to find your special spices or blender. Leave the boxes in a spot that is easily accessible for when you need to use them. Some stacked storage is normal and looks best when it’s organized and tidy.
Stage it
The time to rearrange the seating in your family room is before you shoot the photos. Create inviting furniture groupings meant for conversation and comfort. Contact your interior designer friend or consider hiring a professional stager to ensure your photos will look as welcoming as possible. It is important to remove your personal family photos so potential buyers can visualize themselves living in the space.
Tell a story
You have to win buyers over with compelling photos online. A majority of buyers, 95% of them, start their dream home search on the internet, so you’ll only secure a viewing in person if they like what they see online. Place the photos in the following order when sharing online: the exterior, then the entryway, kitchen, dining room, living room, master bedroom, and then any additional bedrooms.
Find more selling tips, like what kitchen trends buyers want to see.
Natural Ways To Keep Bugs Away
Best Looking Yard in the Neighborhood
Patio Perfection
Turn your plain patio into a space you look forward to using. These trends help you create patio perfection.
Choose Square, Modular Furniture
Select the right style of furniture to create an oasis in your patio space. Choosing a square, modular look provides that feeling of a contemporary hotel that you don’t have to leave home to enjoy. You can pick from a variety of styles, like those with a rattan or wicker base and comfy cushions. When adding cushions, try the popular navy blue, burnt orange and red colors, and purchase cushions that are moisture-proof. Place the furniture in pods best suited for conversation.
Cover It Up
Have a pergola and ceiling fan installed over your lounge area to add shade and air circulation for a more comfortable entertaining environment. Or maybe you need full cover with a tented section for extra hot days and inclement weather. Think about which direction your patio faces and what kind of weather would affect your enjoyment of the space.
Be Selective With Potted Plants
Keep your potted plant selection limited so the space feels open and welcoming. Create a theme and then select pots with character that tie into that theme. Have fun with it and use pops of coordinating colors for dynamic impact. Consider using tall grasses in corner pots. Small herb pots like lavender or lemon balm add a natural, pleasant scent to your space and can help keep the bugs away.
Light With Edison Bulbs
Edison bulbs are hip and look great for patios. These bulbs provide more diffused light than the older, fairy lights version, and the soothing light helps create a relaxed environment. Most Edison bulbs are usable outdoors, but check before purchasing. Go the safe route and have an electrician properly wire your new space so everything is up to code for years of worry-free enjoyment.
Gas Fire Pits Are In
If you want to stick with trends, think gas fire pit over the wood-burning option. Gas fire pits are cleaner, easier to use and appeal to buyers if you decide to sell your home. Adding a built-in model is great for maximizing space and offers a sleek, modern look to your space. Don’t worry, you can still roast marshmallows over the gas fire pit for the perfect s’mores snack.
Find more easy tips to enjoy your home this summer.
Moving And Forwarding Your Mail With USPS
Moving and aren’t sure how to get your mail to your new home without a lot of hassle? Start by changing your mailing address with the US Postal Service in person or online and keep these tips in mind.
Select the Right USPS Form
There are three forms on the USPS website; individuals, families and businesses. Be sure to fill out the right form. The service is free if you sign up at the post office, and is $1 when you fill out the forms online.
Plan Ahead
Forwarding service takes seven to 10 days. Count the days to be sure you’re living at the new address when the mail starts arriving. If you fail to fill out the forms with enough time for the postal service to set up the forwarding, they will collect and store your mail for up to 10 days. After this time, they’ll try to return it to the sender.
Know the Expiration Date
USPS address change forwarding generally lasts one year. For magazines and newspapers, the service only lasts for two months. Include magazines and newspapers in your initial list of who to notify of the change of address.
Who to Notify
Include your bank, the IRS, your doctors, credit card companies, insurance providers, DMV and of course your family and friends.
Find more tips including moving with a pet and how to prepare to sell your home on our blog.
