Category: News

Mel Foster Co. Color the Quads Ready for Saturday

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The first annual Color the Quads is Saturday, June 1, starting with the Kid’s race at 9am and the 5K at 4pm in Cumberland Square at 2300 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa.  All 5K race participants are invited to attend the colorful Tri-City Electric after-party where the fun continues after the race.
Packet pickup is Thursday, May 30 at 5pm-8pm, Friday, May 31 from Noon-5pm and Saturday, June 1 at 11am-1pm at the Color the Quads Headquarters located in Cumberland Square at 2304 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa.
The 5K race course starts on 18th Street in Bettendorf and follows this path:  head north towards Bettendorf High School, turn east on Tanglefoot Lane to Devils Glen Road, turn south on Devils Glen Road to Maplecrest Road, turn west on Maplecrest Road to Victoria, turn south on Victoria to Tech Drive, turn west on Tech Drive to 18th Street, turn south on 18th Street to the finish line!  Spectators are welcome along the race course to cheer on the participants as they get blasted with bursts of color powder on the course.

Mel Foster Co. Names New President of Brokerage Division

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Mel Foster Co. is pleased to announce Lynsey Engels has been named the President of the Real Estate Brokerage Division effective May 1, 2013.
As president, Engels will oversee the company’s ten real estate offices and the relocation division.  She will also be involved in mergers and acquisitions, training, and agent recruiting and retention.
During the last six months, Engels has transitioned from her position as an agent to assume general manager responsibilities.  As an agent, her efforts led to numerous multi-million dollar producer status recognitions in Mel Foster Co.’s Executive Club and Chairman’s Club.  Engels spent 10 years in residential real estate with eight of those working as a team with her sister, Kristi McFate.  A licensed broker in Iowa and Illinois, Engels specialized in new construction and relocation services and was adept at working with first-time home buyers.
Engels is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, the Iowa Association of REALTORS®, the Illinois Association of REALTORS®, and the Quad City Area REALTOR® Association, where she currently serves on the organization’s board of directors.  She is a member of the Quad City Chamber of Commerce and has served in various leaderhship roles for Junior League of the Quad Cities.  She has been a volunteer for Make a Wish, Junior Achievement, and high school-aged volleyball teams and was named a Leader Under 40 in 2007.  Engels graduated from Purdue University where she was an academic All Big Ten athlete and captain of the tennis team.
Rob Fick, Chairman and CEO of Mel Foster Co., Inc., proudly announced, ‘I am confident Lynsey’s expertise and enthusiasm will enhance our strategic vision to provide more valuable leadership experience to our managers, agents and staff.  Her attention to detail and passion for success will continue to raise the standard of excellence and leadership in our company.”
Engels and her husband, Marc, reside in Bettendorf and have three daughters.

Mel Foster Co. Receives Relocation Recognition

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Lynsey Engels, General Manager, Real Estate Division at Mel Foster Co. Inc. is pleased to announce that their Relocation Division, led by Deb Boland, has been recognized as a recipient for the 2012 Global Alliance Club by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® is a global network of over 500 premier real estate firms with 4,600 offices and 140,000 sales associates in 30 countries around the world.  Our members dominate the US list of top 500 real estate firms.  Leading RE is comprised of select independent real estate companies who set the standard of quality service, while generating a highest volume of referral, relocation, and real estate business opportunities for its members.

Mel Foster Co.’s Relocation Department is one of 43 real estate companies to receive this honor.  In order to be a part of this prestigious club, at least one referral must be sent and closed across country borders.  The referral was to Canada, therefore Mel Foster Co. can make it happen anywhere.

Mel Foster Co. Nominated for Performance Awards

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Lynsey Engels, General Manager, Real Estate Division at Mel Foster Co. Inc., is pleased to announce that their Relocation Division, led by Deb Boland, has been nominated by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® for two 2012 Awards.  Mel Foster Co. is one of five real estate companies nominated for these awards in their size category.  The two nominations include:

  • Award of Excellence – Referral Production – determined by the number of outgoing referrals
  • Award of Excellence – Sales Production – determined by the number of outgoing closings

The awards will be presented during the Annual Performance Awards Dinner and Ceremony in Las Vegas later this month.  For the past 18 years, Mel Foster Co.’s Relocation Division has been nominated for an award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® is a global network of over 500 premier real estate firms.  Leading RE is comprised of select independent real estate companies who set the standard of quality service, while generating a highest volume of referral, relocation, and real estate business opportunities for its members.  Mel Foster Co. has been with the prestigious affiliation for 20 years.

Mel Foster Co. Color the Quads Sold Out

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Only six weeks after opening registration for the Color the Quads race, the 5K and Kids’ Color Dash are sold out.  Three thousand participants have registered for the 5K and 250 are expected for the Kids’ Color Dash.  Mel Foster Co. is the presenting sponsor for the events, unique races that allow runners and walkers to get blasted with bursts of color powder on the course.

The Color the Quads 5K will take place Saturday, June 1 at 4:00 p.m., Cumberland Square at 2300 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa.  Spectators are welcome to watch the races and show their support for two local charities.
The 2013 Color the Quads benefits two local organizations, the YMCA Youth Solutions and Camp Abe Lincoln and the Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities.  The event brings colorful happiness to our community AND helps out local charities.
The event’s Color Explosion and Color Burst sponsors include:  Mel Foster Co., Orthopaedic Specialists, Pear Advertising, Terrostar, Vollertsen, Britt & Gorsline P.C., Valley Bank, Gomez May LLP, Radon Solutions, Hawkeye Paving, Quad City Times, TMI – Total Maintenance Inc., Build to Suit, and Russell Construction.  The after party sponsor is Tri-City Electric Co.
Become a volunteer or a sponsor at www.colorthequads.com.

Mel Foster Co. Iowa Finance Announce New Program

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The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) today joined American Bank &Trust in Davenport and area lenders and REALTORS® to urge participation in the Home in Paradise Contest, a statewide social media contest, and to announce a new Take Credit! mortgage credit certificate program.  Both initiatives share the goal of continuing the upward trend in Quad City area home sales, which are currently 7.5 percent above this time last year, according to the Quad City Area REALTOR® Association.

“We’re excited to be offering this fun winter contest as a way to increase awareness as to the benefits of home ownership,” said Iowa Finance Authority Executive Director Dave Jamison.  “With a new Take Credit! mortgage credit certificates program offered at local lender locations throughout the state, many more Iowans may be assisted in meeting their goals of home ownership, while having a little fun.”
Take Credit! is a new mortgage credit certificate program that may assist eligible home buyers by reducing their household’s federal tax liability every year for the life of their mortgage.  Fifty percent of the homeowners’ mortgage interest becomes a tax credit that can be  deducted dollar-for-dollar from federal income tax liability, up to a maximum of $2,000 annually.  The program is offered through a network of participating lenders throughout the state.
The Home in Paradise social media contest asks Iowa mortgage lenders and REALTORS® to ask their clients for help by showing what “home in paradise”  means to them.  Participants will be photographed in their home in paradise for their chance to win an Iowa vacation getaway to Honey Creek Resort.  Iowans are encouraged to visit participating contest locations for their chance to win.
A full list of current contest locations i available at Foursquare.com/IowaFinance.  Contest entries will be voted on by the public in April at Facebook.com/IowaFinance.  The entry with the most votes will receive an Iowa vacation getaway package and the lender and REALTOR® with the most combined votes will each receive a $1,500 community betterment grant and four golf passes to Honey Creek Resort.  Any Iowa lender or REALTOR® may sign-up to participate, and is encouraged to do so by visiting IowaFinanceAuthority.gov/Contest.
“This contest is a wonderful opportunity for our clients, agents and the general public to show what a home in paradise means to them,” said Eugene Holst with Quad City Area REALTOR® Association.  “The contest is open to everyone, and we hope that people have fun with it.”  Chuck Sorensen of American Bank & Trust said, “The Iowa Finance Authority has been an integral partner in providing home ownership opportunities for Iowans, through programs like Take Credit!, and we look forward to working together to assist more Iowans and keep home sales up over the winter months through this innovative contest,”

Mel Foster Co. Celebrates 2012 Sales Growth

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The year 2012 ended on a high note for Mel Foster Co.  The residential real estate division achieved a sales increase of 12.69% from last year and the number of sides increased 9.72%.  Insurance division was up 16% in direct, written premiums, while Commercial real estate was up 83% from last year.  Rob Fick, Chairman, President and CEO of Mel Foster Co., Inc., is quick to point out that the hard work of the sales associates and staff had a significant impact on our sales growth.

Fick congratulated his sales associates and staff on an incredible year during Mel Foster Co.’s annual awards reception Thursday at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf, Iowa.  Mel Foster Co. agents and staff gathered to celebrate their 2012 accomplishment.  “Market conditions can only help a company achieve a certain degree of sales growth.  What really drove our success in 2012 was the hard work done by our agents and staff.  Company-wide, our associates place a high value on building and nurturing relationships and giving clients unparalleled service.  Loyalty to clients and to company lead to remarkable results,” said Fick.

Fick, along with Marc Engels, President of the Insurance Division and Lynsey Engels, General Manger of the Real Estate Division, presented the 2012 awards.  A total of 114 agents were recognized for achieving membership in the company’s different sales club levels including Chairman, Executive, President and Honor.  Top honors were awarded to:

  • Diana Franks – Residential Top Illinois Sales
  • Brad Boeye – Residential Top Iowa Sales
  • Thad DenHartog – Commercial Top Sales
  • Leigh Butler – Insurance Top Personal Lines
  • Mike Smith – Insurance Top Producer
  • Mike Kessel – Insurance Top Employee Benefits

Mel Foster Co. residential real estate has four offices in the Quad Cities; two in Davenport, one each in Bettendorf, Iowa and Moline, Illinois.  There are also offices in Clinton and Eldridge, Iowa and Galesburg, Geneseo, and Kewanee, Illinois.  In 2012, Mel Foster Co. welcomed 25 agents and staff into the company.

While external factors including warmer than usual winter temperatures, a slightly improving economy, low interest rates and decreasing unemployment played a role in the company’ success.  The average sale price of homes continued to show sign of strength in 2012.  The average sale price for Mel Foster Co. Residential Real Estate was $146,553, an increase of nearly 3% from last year.  Equally good news was the days on the market for Mel Foster markets, residential and condo, saw ten days less from 80 days on the market in 2011 to 70 days on the market (Iowa & Illinois combined) in 2012.

Mel Foster Co.’s Commercial Real Estate boasted an 83% increase from 2011, its highest sales volume since 2005.  Ten commercial agents located in the Bettendorf office ended 2012 as the number one commercial real estate company for volume in the CMLS (Commercial Multiple Listing Service).

Mel Foster Insurance, headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, saw continued growth in all areas of expertise including personal, business, employee benefits and group retirement planning.  As one of the largest Independent Agencies representing over 25 regional and national carriers, 2013 will continue to focus on bringing added value to the insurance experience.

With all three divisions of Mel Foster Co. Inc. seeing an increase, the total sales volume increased by 19.37% from 2011.  Looking forward to 2013, Mel Foster Co. Inc. will focus on continuing to build relationships within it team as well as outside the company.  The market continues heading in the right direction.

Mel Foster Co. Color the Quads 5K to Cap Race

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Early registration activity for Color the Quads 5K Run has resulted in the need to cap the participant field.  In just one month since the race was announced, over 1,500 participants have signed up for this unique charity run to be held June 1.  Runners and walkers are encouraged to register today to ensure participation in the event.

Mel Foster Co., the presenting sponsor for Color the Quads 5K and Kid’s Color Dash, along with SPJ Consulting led by Sarah Johnson, are thrilled with the response so far.  “We have received a tremendous amount of support from the community for this first-time event, and feel it’s necessary to cap the race,” says Lynsey Engels, General Manager Real Estate Division at Mel Foster Co.  She added, “We want the participants to have a positive experience in every aspect of the race from registration to the post-race Tri-City Electric Co. After-Party.  We have a great crew of volunteers ready for the event and made the decision to cap the number of racers to be sure we are able to put on a well-organized and executed community charity event.”

The Color the Quads 5K will take place Saturday, June 1 at 4:00 p.m., Cumberland Square at 2300 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa.  The 5K registration fee is $35 until April 1 and $40 until May 27.  The fee includes race entry, t-shirt and swag bag.  The majority of early registrants are from Iowa, Illinois and surrounding states, but runners from as far away as Tennessee and Arizona have registered.

The Kids Color Dash cost is $15 until April 1 and $20 until May 27.  Kids Color Dash starts at 8:00 a.m. on June 1.  During the 5K and Kids Color Dash, runners and walkers will get blasted with bursts of safe color powder on the course.  All race participants are invited to attend the colorful Tri-City Electric Co. After-Party.

The 2013 Color the Quads event benefits two local organizations, the YMCA Youth Solutions and Camp Abe Lincoln and the Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities.  The event brings colorful happiness to our community AND helps out local charities.

The event’s After-Party sponsor is Tri-City Electric, Color Explosion and Color Burst sponsors include Mel Foster Co., Gomez – May LLP, Orthopaedic Specialists, Pear Advertising, Terrostar, Valley Bank, Vollertsen, Britt & Gorsline P.C., Radon Solutions, Hawkeye Paving, Quad City Times, TMI – Total Maintenance Inc. and Build to Suit.

For more information, to sign up, to volunteer, or to become a sponsor, visit www.colorthequads.com

Mel Foster Co. Congratulates K. Condon on QC Homebuilders Assoc. Council Award

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Mel Foster Co. congratulates REALTOR®/Builder Kerry Condon as recipient of a prominent award from the Quad Cities Home Builders Association and Remodelers Council.  Mr. Condon received the Allen V. Seitz Builder of the Year Award for the second consecutive year.

Mr. Condon is a REALTOR®/Builder at Mel Foster Co.’s Bettendorf office and was recognized for his dedication and passion to the Association and again received the highest honor the QCHBA bestows upon a member.

“Kerry exemplifies the traits of what you’d expect from a Builder of the Year,” says Kris Ratigan, Director of Corporate Marketing of Mel Foster Co.  “He is passionate about real estate and the home building community and they recognize his efforts,” added Ratigan.

Kerry owns Vintage Homes Inc and is licensed in Iowa.  He is the incoming President for the Quad Cities Home Builders Association and Remodelers Council Board of Directors.  He is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, the Iowa Association of REALTORS®, and the Quad City Area REALTOR® Association.  He serves on many committees with the Quad Cities Home Builders Association and Remodelers Council.

Mel Foster Co. Announces Condon Leads QC Builders & Remodelers Assoc. in 2013

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Mel Foster Co. congratulates REALTOR®/Builder Pat Condon as the incoming President of the Quad Cities Home Builders and Remodelers Association for 2013.

Mr. Condon is a REALTOR®/Builder at Mel Foster Co.’s Bettendorf office and will assume the duties this month.  He owns J.P. Condon Inc. and is licensed in Iowa.  Pat has been a REALTOR® with Mel Foster Co. for 41 years, building homes for 26 years and developing land for 22 years.  He is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, the Iowa Association of REALTORS®, the Quad City Area REALTOR® Association, and the Quad Cities Home Builders and Remodelers Association,


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