An updated kitchen can help you get top dollar from a buyer. This list tells you where to spend your remodel dollars to get the attention of buyers and your best return on investment.
Professional grade stove
Look for options like a flat griddle or a cooktop for a searing pan or wok. Even if buyers don’t cook, nothing says quality in the kitchen like a beautiful, high-end stove.
Premium countertops
Granite still reigns supreme, but quartz is becoming popular as well. With a quartz product, like Caesarstone, you get the appearance of granite without the upkeep.
Hardwood floors
Hardwood and tile are popular in the kitchen. If you are considering a flooring change, stay away from linoleum and concrete. These products are least popular.
Stainless appliances
Stainless is still the finish of choice. Investing in stainless appliances that will stay with the home when you sell is a better choice than buying less expensive white or colored appliances.
Mel Foster Co. has been awarded the Website Quality Certification (WQC) from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, a global network of 500+ real estate firms which presents the certification to member companies that demonstrate best practices in website design and Internet communications.
Mel Foster Co.’s website, www.melfosterco.com , earned the certification after achieving high marks on a range of criteria, including usability and performance, design and content, interactivity, customer service and Internet lead management, search engine optimization and mobile.
Created by LeadingRE in 2009 to recognize member websites that combine high standards for design, technology and service, the criteria for the WQC are updated annually to reflect the latest in internet marketing strategies. The WQC is an optional program available only to firms affiliated with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and requires re-certification every two years.
“We are pleased to present the WQC to 124 members this year and commend these firms for creating websites that effectively engage today’s home buyers and sellers by providing relevant information in a compelling way, with the perspective only a local firm can offer,” said Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® President/CEO Pam O’Connor.
“We have received this certification since its inception and it just confirms that we continue to be a real estate leader in using “best practices” in website design and internet communications. Our new site was rolled out in the fall. Our website users are experiencing superior results and an excellent customer service experience on our site,” said Mel Foster Co. Lynsey Engels, President Mel Foster Co. Brokerage.
For more information about Mel Foster Co., please visit www.melfosterco.com.
Fick Family announcing their biggest year in company history
Mel Foster Co. held its annual awards reception last night at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf, Iowa. Lynsey Engels, President Real Estate Brokerage and Marc Engels, President of Mel Foster Insurance presented awards to 122 agents that were recognized for achieving membership in the company’s different sales club levels including Chairman, Executive, President and Honor. Top honors were awarded to:
Thad DenHartog – Commercial Top Sales
Diana Franks – Residential Illinois Top Sales
Geri Doyle – Residential Iowa Top Sales
Joe Ertel – Insurance Top Personal Lines
Mike Smith – Insurance Commercial Top Producer
Mike Kessel – Insurance Top Employee Benefits
Combining all three divisions of Mel Foster Co. Inc., the total sales volume increased by 9.21 percent from 2012, surpassing the total sales of 2005, when the market was at its peak, and making it the biggest year in the history of the 93 year old company. Rob Fick attributed Mel Foster Co.’s success to dedicated staff and agents, who continue to build and maintain relationships within their teams and outside of the company. Fick also attributed the increase as a reflection of a strengthening economy and higher consumer confidence in 2013. “I am very proud of what the company accomplished this year. I know Mel Foster Jr. would be equally proud to see us continuing his vision of forward progress and leadership in this community. We’re starting 2014 with great optimism and a stronger economy than in years past, and I anticipate 2014 to be another year of growth for Mel Foster Co. We were fortunate in 2013 to welcome 39 new agents and staff, and 28 individuals are currently enrolled in our pre-license classes,” commented Fick.
Mel Foster Co.’s residential real estate sales increased by nearly 8 percent from 2012. The average sale price for Mel Foster Co. residential real estate was $148,278, a 1.18 percent increase from last year.
New construction sales are predicted to be strong in 2014. Lynsey Engels said, “We are expecting the real estate market as a whole to continue moving forward, with new home construction heavily influencing home sales volume. We are positioned to meet demand for new construction in our area and are pleased to announce that we will be launching four new subdivisions in 2014 coupled with the four that were launched in 2013. We closed 85 new residential lots last year and will have another 146 lots available in 2014.”
Mel Foster Commercial relocated to the Elmore Office Park in the spring of 2013. Engels reported that agents in the commercial division closed an average of over six million dollars per agent. After having their best year last year since 2005, Mel Foster Commercial still had a one percent increase in sales from the previous year.
Mel Foster Insurance had the biggest year in the history of the company. Marc Engels commented, “We have introduced a lot of new processes throughout the division and our agents and staff have done a great job adapting to the ever-changing insurance markets. Much of our growth can be attributed to our strong carrier representation which has allowed us to secure new business relationships in the Quad City market.” Direct written premiums were up 44.8 percent since 2009 and the insurance division has been able to more than double its employee benefits department. Engels added, “To continue to build each year is a testament to our team’s ability to meet the expectations of our Quad Cities and surrounding area clients.” In 2013, the personal insurance lines department’s sales grew 8.1 percent and the commercial department was up 15.4 percent. Engels also said, “I think individuals and business owners in this market appreciate the consistency, integrity, and professional competence our team brings to the insurance experience.”
Mel Foster Co. invested in multiple technology enhancements in 2013 to help buyers and sellers search for homes more easily. The new website was launched in fall 2013 and a new app was recently rolled out. Internally, agents benefitted from IT upgrades, a more robust intranet site, paperless transactions and enhanced consumer reports with greater details for homebuyers and sellers. Lynsey Engels stated, “We want to make sure that our agents have every tool they need to successfully meet their clients’ needs. We continually invest in technology upgrades and stay current on new features that we can integrate into our systems. With over 90% of people searching for a home online, it’s crucial for our agents to have top of the line technology.”
Mel Foster Co. launched a new, enhanced property search app for iPad, iPhone®, and Android smartphones. The app is free and available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Market.
The new app offers a premium user experience with best-in-class mapping and augmented reality. See large photos, detailed property information on the map and search faster with auto refresh when you select a new location. Users can share properties via text message and email.
The Mel Foster Co. app is the first in the area to feature a homespotter function that Mel Foster Co. calls “Foster Finder.” Foster Finder shows results for Mel Foster and all listing companies.
Foster Finder uses a technology called augmented reality that is coupled with a smartphone or tablet’s GPS and compass to overlay property information on a device’s live camera feed. Simply use your smartphone or tablet to find all homes for sale on the street where you are standing. With a quick tap, a view of the entire street and all homes for sale pop up. There is also a radar display that shows the direction and proximity of nearby properties for sale.
The new app is integrated with the recently redesigned www.melfosterco.com. Saved properties from the smartphone app, tablet app and website are automatically synced so users always have access to their most recently saved properties.
Mel Foster Co. partnered with Mobile Realty Apps, a Minneapolis based company that specializes in real estate applications.
About Mel Foster Co.
Founded in 1921, Mel Foster Co. is a Real Estate Leader of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois serving Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island and the surrounding Quad City area, and it is one of Iowa’s largest independently owned real estate companies. The company specializes in residential and commercial sales and offers services in insurance, farm and land sales, land development, relocation, career development, and new construction. Visit their website at www.melfosterco.com for more information.
About Mobile Realty Apps
Founded in 2009 and based in Minneapolis, Mobile Realty Apps specializes in custom mobile apps for the nation’s top real estate brokers and MLSs, featuring apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberry, QR codes, text and voice response solutions. Mobile Realty Apps is perhaps best known for its industry-leading HomeSpotter, an augmented reality technology that is a feature of its white-labeled smartphone and tablet apps.
Mel Foster Co.’s relocation specialists have helped thousands of families relocate to the Quad Cities. Our award-winning staff offers a variety of relocation and real estate services. There is so much to think about and do when planning a move and we can help!
Once you’ve found a home in your new community and set a closing date, contact a mover. Your Mel Foster relocation specialist can help you find moving companies. It’s never too soon to start sorting through your closets and storage areas and determining what you need to keep, donate or throw away.
As you pack up your photos, take a look at your furniture and decide if you need to sell pieces or purchase additional items for your new home. Measure your furniture and consider if it will fit into the floor plan at your new home.
Start a moving paperwork file and find new providers in your community or transfer your records. Be sure to find a new bank, doctor, dentist and vet. Research clubs or civic organizations in your new town and contact the local church to let them know you’re relocating.
About a month prior to your move, check these items off your list:
Change your address with the post office and IRS.
Forward magazines and newspapers to your new address.
Contact utility companies in both your old and new location.
Make travel arrangements.
Contact your insurance agent in both your old and new location.
With a little planning and help from Mel Foster Co.’s relocation specialists, your next move can be an exciting adventure!
You’ve decided to build for the freedom to select the amenities and finishes that match your lifestyle and tastes. Here’s a list of five trends to discuss with your builder.
1. Smart House
Automating systems like heating, AC, security and lights can save you money. You can even control systems when you aren’t home by using your iphone.
2. Media Madness
Media rooms that only serve one function are becoming a thing of the past as home sizes shrink. Media still plays a huge role for many when deciding on a home layout, but the media rooms now have more comfortable seating, tables and good lighting. They are intended for more frequent usage than movie theater style rooms of the past.
3. Bye Bye Bulk
Smaller new homes call for smaller furniture pieces, including built ins. Consider swapping out a heavy wall of cabinets for floating shelves. Less bulky furniture also allows more natural light in.
4. Go Low
Check out more energy efficient toilets, faucets and appliances. It’s better for your utility bill and the environment.
5. Reclaim It
Go on the hunt for reclaimed materials that can be integrated into your home’s design. Look for rustic wood, light fixtures or cabinet pulls that will give your home a one of a kind feel.
Mel Foster Co. Color the Quads is pleased to announce the charity recipients for the second annual Color the Quads race to be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014. In its inaugural year, Color the Quads donated proceeds to two local charities, and in 2014, three local charities will benefit from the race proceeds.
“The March of Dimes of the Mississippi Valley is thrilled to be selected as one of the charity’s of choice for the 2014 Color the Quads event. The proceeds will help advance our mission to ensure that all babies are born healthy in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas,” said Deena Bradford – Quad City Division Director.
Rondi Doyle, Director of Constituent Relations at The Child Abuse Council said, “We are delighted to be one of the charities selected to receive proceeds from the 2014 Color the Quads 5K Race. Race participants will know when registering that they are helping local children be raised in safe and nurturing homes.”
“We are deeply grateful to Mel Foster Co. and the Color the Quads for selecting us to be a part of this awesome new event. As a charity-partner, we are humbled by the support and exposure that will greatly benefit the grieving and traumatized children and families we are privileged to serve,” mentioned Emily Gordon, Program Director, Rick’s House of Hope.
Lynsey Engels, President of Mel Foster Co. Brokerage Division and Color the Quads Committee XXX, said, “We have a goal of raising $25,000 for each of the three charities in 2014.” Last year’s inaugural event benefited two local organizations, the YMCA Youth Solutions and Camp Abe Lincoln and the Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities. The event raised $25,500 for each charity.
The 2014 Color the Quads 5K will take place on Saturday, May 31 near Cumberland Square at 2300 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa. Registration fees and sign up date will be announced before the end of this year. Stay tuned at www.colorthequads.com for more information.
Would you like to be a part of a dedicated, vibrant and growing real estate family that has ten offices in two states with more than 220 agents strong? A career in real estate provides flexibility and freedom to set your own pace and control your own income.
A career with Mel Foster Co. offers you the chance to be in business for yourself but not by yourself. You will work with a team of professionals dedicated to helping you achieve your dreams. Mel Foster Co. will provide you with all the skills and tools you need to enjoy a successful career.
Mel Foster Co. is offering a FREE Career Seminar on Tuesday, August 6thfrom 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at our Moline office, located at 2500 41st Street.
Join us and discover the Mel Foster difference! For reservations or further information contact Margaret Beetz at 563.823.2237 or mbeetz@melfosterco.com. Come and discover how you really can have a financially rewarding career that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.
Summer is the season for moving and your kids probably don’t want to leave their friends at the height of their summer vacation. But settling into your new home before the school year begins will help your kids make a smoother transition.
Follow these five tips to make moving easier on your kids and you:
1. Communicate. Let kids know what is happening now and what will happen next. Stay positive and repeat often the advantages of moving.
2. Introduce your child to their new community online and show them as much as you can about their new neighborhood, school, parks and home. If your new city is close, make an event of driving there and spending time exploring as a family.
3. Keep to a normal routine as much as possible. This will help the kids feel secure and safe.
4. Keep children occupied by letting them pack a box or two of their special things. Give them input on a new paint color and décor for their new bedroom.
5. Most kids will want to take part in busy moving day activities, and you should allow them to do so. Your preparedness will go a long way in reassuring your children that their needs are being considered, even while big changes are happening around them.
Need more help making the move smooth for your family? Mel Foster Co. Relocation has children in mind with special customized kits for your children whatever their age. Request your free kit at relocation@melfosterco.com.
Mel Foster Co.’s Color the Quads raised over $50,000 for local charities during its first annual colorful run on June 1 in Bettendorf, Iowa. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the first Color the Quads event went to the YMCA Youth Solutions/Camp Abe Lincoln and the Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities. Each organization received $25,500, thanks to the generosity of over 3,300 participants, 300 children racers and sponsors.
“Thank you to all the sponsors, volunteers and participants whose hard work made the Color the Quads such a great success,” said Scott County Family Y CEO Brad Martell. “The funds we receive will go directly to support at-risk students and children through Camp Abe Lincoln and our Solutions outreach program. Having good, healthy fun while strengthening the community is what the Y is all about.”
“This event was well organized and The Children’s Therapy Center was honored to be involved. The funds are important because more and more families are under insured or uninsured. This fiscal year, 62% of the services we have provided have not been reimbursed,” said Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities’ W.K. Junker.
The event’s Color Party, Color Explosion and Color Burst sponsors include: Mel Foster Co., Tri-City Electric, Orthopaedic Specialists, Gomez May LLP, Vollertsen, Britt & Gorsline P.C., Valley Bank, Pear Advertising, Terrostar Interactive Media, Radon Solutions, Hawkeye Paving, Active Endeavors, Quad-City Times, Build to Suit, XPAC, TMI, and Hy-Vee.
“We are thrilled with the way our company, the sponsors and the entire community got behind this event. We are very fortunate to live in an area where giving back is such a high priority,” said Lynsey Engels, President of Mel Foster Co.
An updated kitchen can help you get top dollar from a buyer. This list tells you where to spend your remodel dollars to get the attention of buyers and your best return on investment.
