Buying a home may seem like an overwhelming task, but relying on the expertise of a real estate agent can make the process a breeze. Here are the top three benefits of using an agent:
Buying a home may seem like an overwhelming task, but relying on the expertise of a real estate agent can make the process a breeze. Here are the top three benefits of using an agent:
1. Agents can help you manage all the paperwork.
Each state has different required contracts for a sale, which are constantly changing. A real estate agent is able to help guide you through the paperwork and make sure everything is done correctly.
2. Agents have experience negotiating with sellers.
If you’re buying a home, you want to pay the lowest price. Your agent can help you determine your monthly mortgage and insurance cost and help you write an offer that’s within your budget. Having a real estate agent negotiating with sellers on your behalf removes some of the stress of this part of the transaction.
3. Agents know what is happening in the housing market.
Real estate agents pay close attention to the housing market. They’ll be able to tell you about recent trends in the market, provide information about comparable home prices and give you referrals to resources like lenders, movers and home warranty providers. This is incredibly valuable information to have when looking for a home. The more information you have, the more confident you’ll be making decisions that affect you and your family.
You wouldn’t replace the engine in your car without a mechanic, why would you buy a home without a real estate agent?
The question of should I rent or buy a home has been around forever. With rent prices rising, now is the perfect time to reconsider your housing options and figure out if owning is cheaper than renting.
The first thing you need to decide is how long you’re planning on living somewhere. If you only intend to stay for a year, renting is usually the better option. Renting has upfront costs that are lower than a down payment to buy a house and you often receive this money back when you’re finished renting. Buying a home requires a down payment, which is a certain percentage of the sale price or home’s value.
Also be sure to consider the benefit of stable monthly costs with a mortgage vs renting. Keep in mind with a mortgage, you can have the monthly cost fixed and it will be consistent until you have paid off the amount due. Often landlords will raise rents at the beginning of each year. This may be a small percentage raise, to hundreds of dollars added to what you initially thought you were going to pay.
If you are still wondering whether you should rent or buy, check out Mel Foster Co.’s rent vs. buy calculator. You can enter the price of the home with your expected interest rate and find out what your monthly payment will be. You can compare this to your monthly rent payment, and determine if buying a home would be a better solution for you.
The Mel Foster Co. Color the Quads committee is pleased to announce the charity recipients for the fourth and final Color the Quads race to be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016. The 2016 charities are Jordan’s Joy, NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Greater Mississippi Valley, and YMCA for Camp Abe Lincoln and Youth Solutions Programs. In 2015, the Color the Quads event raised over $73,000 that was distributed to local charities, 3 main charities and 13 other charities, and a similar goal is in place for fundraising in 2016.
Michelle McMullen with Jordan’s Joy said, “Jordan’s Joy is extremely honored to have been selected as a 2016 Color the Quads charity recipient. Jordan’s Joy supports families battling life-threatening illness or facing life-altering events by filling funding gaps for comfort items, meals, gas cards, or medical bills that are not traditionally covered by other charitable sources. We are thrilled to be involved in one of the area’s premier events and look forward to our partnership in 2016!”
“We are grateful that Mel Foster agents and employees continue to support NAMI outreach efforts. Funds raised through Color the Quads will be used to bring even more education to Quad Cities families to effectively support a loved one living with a serious mental health condition,” said Michael Freda, board president, NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley.
“Our community and our YMCA is made healthier and stronger by the volunteers who bring together great people with events like Color The Quads,” said YMCA CEO Brad Martell. “Color The Quads helps more kids, families, adults and seniors have access to healthy programs at the Y.”
Lynsey Engels, president of Mel Foster Co. Brokerage Division and Color the Quads committee chair, said, “We are thrilled to partner with three amazing charities on this colorful community event. We look forward to giving the participants another fun filled day with an exciting race course for 2016!”
The 2016 Color the Quads 5K will take place on Saturday, May 21 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.
About Mel Foster Co. Inc.
Mel Foster Co. is a recognized leader for real estate and insurance. Mel Foster Co. Real Estate specializes in residential sales and offers services for a broader spectrum of property transactions including commercial, farm and land, land development and management, relocation and new construction. Founded in 1921, it is one of Iowa’s largest independently owned real estate companies. Mel Foster Insurance was founded in 1932 and represents over 25 insurance carriers and offers coverage for residential and commercial clients.
About Jordan’s Joy
Jordan’s Joy was established in memory of Jordan Schmidt. Jordan was a true hero that passed away at the age of 15 from a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Though he faced tough battles, his spirit and positive attitude never wavered, and he was an inspiration to all that knew him. The purpose of Jordan’s Joy is to fill the void that a Quad City family may have while battling life-threatening illnesses that cannot be met by other charitable organizations. 100% of the funds raised by Jordan’s Joy stay in the Quad Cities and go to local families, as all operating expenses are donated by a local business.
About NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley
One in 10 children and one in four adults experience a serious mental health condition in any given year. This grassroots organization is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, providing support, education and advocacy to individuals and families living with mental illness. It serves residents in Muscatine, Clinton, Scott Counties in Iowa and Mercer, Henry, Rock Island Counties in Illinois.
About the Scott County Family Y
The Scott County Family Y has been serving Eastern Iowa since 1858. We build a stronger community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Today, we serve 1 out of 3 people in Scott County.
You’ve decided to sell your house, but how do you make sure potential buyers see it at its best? Follow these golden rules to properly stage your house and get the top dollar when you sell.
1. Remove personal items from your home.
When someone is looking at your home, you want them to be able to see themselves living there. If you have pictures of your family and friends, it seems less like a blank canvas for someone to paint their own story on and more like a stranger’s home. You want potential buyers feeling all of the possibilities that come with buying your house.
2. Maximize the space in your home.
You want your home to appear as large as possible. You want to present a clutter free home that looks taken care of, and capable of holding someone else’s possessions. You want buyers to imagine their things in the home, which is difficult to do if it looks cramped. A major mistake people make is trying to hide everything in closets, which makes it appear as though the home has no closet space. Consider renting a storage unit for nonessential items while your home is on the market.
3. Make sure your home is clean and sanitized.
This may seem like a no brainer, but you want to be sure your house is sparkling clean. Clear off and wipe down counter tops, and make sure bathroom floors are cleaned. A simple trick to make your home seem more open and clean is to hang up small white bath and hand towels to create a spa like feeling to your home. You want your home to look spotless so potential buyers know it has been taken care of.
4. Modernize your home furnishings.
You want your house to look up to date so there is less work for a buyer to do after purchase. Update your older cabinets with a fresh coat of paint and new silver or stainless steel handles. It’s a quick, affordable switch that can make your home look more modern. Don’t neglect your floor either. Something as simple as adding a new rug may really tie the room together.
5. Use neutral colors in your home.
You may love your daughter’s bright pink room, but it may alienate potential buyers. It may clash with their furniture and be seen as an additional project that might deter them from buying your home. Try to stick to more neutral colors such as grey or white so anyone can be pleased by the color scheme. You can also use this strategy for setting a table or kitchen island, so it creates a nice calming feeling when you enter the room.
You may have been thinking about it for a while, but it’s hard to decide when to put your home on the market. Mel Foster Co. offers this quick checklist to make the decision a little easier for you.
1. Do you have enough space in your home?
If you have physically outgrown your space, it might be time to start looking for a new home. If your special someone has moved in or you’re starting a family, it might be time to sell. Even buying new furniture that you love, and feeling a little cramped once you move it in, might mean you’re needing a larger space.
2. Are homes selling quickly in your neighborhood?
If you’re driving around the neighborhood and notice many for sale signs going up and homes selling fast, it could mean your area is popular and potentially selling above market value. This is a great time to call your real estate agent and find out more about selling your home. It might be worth more than you think.
3. Is caring for your home becoming too much of a burden?
If you’re no longer enjoying home improvement projects or renovations you might want to find a new home that is less labor intensive. If you’re planning on selling in the future, be aware lack of maintenance may decrease your home’s value. Be sure to act fast before you lose a valuable opportunity to show your home at its best.
Lynsey Engels, President, Real Estate Brokerage at Mel Foster Co. Inc. is pleased to announce that Don Marple of their Davenport Kimberly Road office is on the list of 2017 Eligible Candidates as Regional Vice-President for Region 8 for NAR elected office per the Credentials and Campaign Rules Committee. The eligible candidates will be elected for office at the May 2016 NAR Board of Directors meeting in Washington, D.C.
Don has been a licensed Realtor® in Iowa for more than 38 years, and has worked at Mel Foster Co. in Davenport since 1995. He has been an active member of the IAR since 1980, serving on numerous committees, including past chair of the annual convention, and member of the education, consumers affairs, technology and member services committees. He served as IAR president in 2013, president-elect in 2011 and treasurer in 2010. He received the IAR President’s Special Recognition Award in 1995 and 2014 Iowa Realtor of the Year. He has also been a member of the Realtor® Foundation of Iowa Board of Directors.
Marple is presently serving on the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) – Public Housing and MLS Policy Committees. Marple also served as a commissioner on the State of Iowa Real Estate Commission from 2004-2007.
Marple has also served in various leadership roles on his local board, the Quad Cities Area Realtors® Association, including 2002 president, secretary/treasurer, and as a member of several committees. He received Realtor® of the Year Award in 1998 and the Bert Frahm Award for Outstanding Dedication and Service to the Real Estate Industry and to the Community in 1995. He has earned several of real estate’s highest designations, including Graduate, Realtor® Institute (GRI), and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS).
Marple is very active in his community. He is currently a commissioner on the Scott County Condemnation Board. He has also served as past president for the Donahue Sportsman Club and was a founding member of the North Scott Soccer Club. He has been a Junior Achievement volunteer in the North Scott School District for the past 19 years, as well as a long-time volunteer with the Cub Scouts and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Lynsey Engels, President, Real Estate Brokerage at Mel Foster Co. Inc. is pleased to announce that Marty Eilers of their Bettendorf office has been nominated for The Good Neighbor Award, which is sponsored by the REALTORS® Foundation of Iowa. The Good Neighbor Award recognizes Realtor® members in Iowa that are making positive changes in their communities by helping others. The award winners will be announced on Thursday, September 24th at the Awards Breakfast held at the IAR Annual Convention in Altoona, Iowa.
Marty is a member of the Quad City Area Association of REALTORS®, Iowa Association of REALTORS®, Illinois Association of REALTORS®, National Association of REALTORS®, and the Quad City Builders and Remodelers Association. He was nominated for his involvement in the Building & Trades Project, Inc. which is a project giving high school students experience and exposure to the home building process from start to finish.
If it’s been a while since you’ve bought or sold a house, you’ll be surprised how little actual paperwork there is now. The trend is paperless transactions, meaning documents are viewed on your computer and you may not have any hard copies. It can be a little intimidating, but your Mel Foster Co. agent can help you navigate your digital options. Here are a few things to discuss with your agent:
1. How will you communicate with me: by phone, e-mail or text? Let your agent know what you are most comfortable with and you will be accommodated.
2. Can you walk me through opening documents on my computer and how to sign digitally?
3. Can I get paper copies of everything if I don’t use a computer?
Don’t be afraid to ask your agent for help and don’t feel pressured into storing documents electronically if you would prefer to have them physically. Mel Foster Co. has several Senior Real Estate Specialists® that might be a good fit with your technology comfort level.
Check out Mel Foster Co.’s senior services. This link lists services Mel Foster Co. offers to help make it easier to get back into the home buying game.
Now that summer is here, home improvement projects are in full swing. Take advantage of the warmer temperatures to improve your home’s energy efficiency throughout the year.
Keep the cool air inside your house this summer by making siding repairs, checking for gaps or cracks and adding or replacing insulation. Repairing any damage will help your home be more energy efficient. You’ll save on heating and cooling costs in the long run.
Another popular project with year round utility savings is roofing. Not only will installing new shingles help keep your home dry during storms, it will also insulate your home and once again help you save on heating and cooling over time.
Lastly, cleaning your HVAC system is easy to do when your hose is hooked up for summer watering. Make sure any part with visible buildup or dust on it is cleaned. This will help extend the life of your cooling system and ensure it is running properly. Taking some time to clean it every summer may save you hundreds in potential repair bills.
Children are becoming more and more involved in the search for real estate, especially as children wait longer to leave the nest and complete their education. Depending on the age of your children, they can use technology to find homes for sale or even be an integral part of determining how much house you can afford.
Mel Foster Co. lists all home for sale, from every listing company, at www.melfosterco.com. Your kids can help you filter by price, bedrooms and other options that are important to you.
The free Mel Foster Co. app can be downloaded to find all homes for sale around a particular location. Once you have the app downloaded to your phone or tablet, your tech-savvy child can launch the Foster Finder to activate your device’s camera and GPS to identify listings while you drive. It’s a fun way to get kids involved on the drive home from school or a friend’s house. And having a helper while you drive is the safe way to search on the go.
Children of all ages can benefit from the financial lessons that go along with buying a house. Searching within a budget is an easy lesson for younger children while budgeting for expenses like homeowners insurance, taxes, inspections and closing costs is a valuable exercise for older children who may soon be buying their first home.
Make your home search a family affair and involve your kids at an age appropriate level.
