Sell Now

It’s a seller’s market right now. There are fewer homes for sale which means more competition for buyers. Let’s look at a few of the reasons not to wait to place your house on the market.

Before School’s Out For Summer

Sell now at the start of the spring real estate season before people prepare to move in the summer when their kids are off school. Be sure to include both indoor and outdoor spring-cleaning projects to get your house ready to show. Moving families will want to settle into a new neighborhood, so school registration for fall is finalized, and new routines are established.

Homes Are Selling Quickly

According to Realtor.com, the median U.S. home listing price is up 15.6%, and homes are spending less time on the market than last year at this time. On average, homes stay on the market for about 54 days, which is nearly a week shorter than a year ago. And the Quad City market is seeing home sales finalized in less than seven days. Fewer homes for purchase allow those available to turn over quickly, which means you’ll have fewer open houses. If you’ve been debating on selling at a time when profit looks promising, now’s the time.

Multiple Offers Mean More Options

Fewer homes available for sale means that, as the seller, you could experience bidding wars and multiple offers. And receiving multiple offers may give you more flexibility on closing dates and fewer inspections to pass. Bidding wars produce more offers to consider and even possible cash offers from buyers.

Money In Your Pocket

Interest rates remain low, and the possibility that they will begin to rise again has incented some buyers to take the leap and act quickly now. As demand for available homes increases, so does the money in your pocket if you’re ready to sell.

Find more selling tips for homeowners at melfostercoblog.com

Spring Maintenance For Your Car

Your car needs spring maintenance just like your house does. As we ease out of a tough Midwest winter season, your vehicle could use some tender love and care. Consider maintenance steps to ensure your wheels are ready to roll this spring.

Check Alignment and Rotate Tires

Most of us drove through a pothole or two this winter, and the car’s alignment and suspension are likely imbalanced because of it. Schedule an appointment with your favorite car service company and have the tires rotated and alignment evaluated to confirm the car is safe and secure.

Do A Deep Clean

According to the homeowners’ information website, Angie’s List, leftover salt can be your car’s most damaging remnant of the winter season. Undercarriages, where the metal can rust, endure the biggest hit when they don’t get a deep clean. Take the vehicle to a professional car wash to eliminate salt, so your car has a clean slate this spring. And don’t forget the inside of the car. A quality interior detailing will extend the life of your carpet and mats and will rid your vehicle of those dropped French fries that you just can’t reach between the seat and the console.

Car Part and Safety Upkeep

The emergency kit in the trunk may need some items swapped out after the long winter. Verify that your flashlight batteries are good, replace the flares used, and make sure you still have your jumper cables. Change windshield wipers that don’t quite keep the windows clear and fill your washer fluid.

Test The Battery

Brutal winters with low temps can take a toll on your car battery. Many places like AutoZone offer free battery testing and charging so you know how much battery life is left. Prepare now for the upcoming road trip, so you aren’t stuck on the side of the road this spring or summer.

Find more tips for homeowners at melfostercoblog.com

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.

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