Mel Foster Co. – Page 23 – Mel Foster Co Blog

Jon Yocum Installed as President of the Iowa Association of REALTORS®

Posted on September 24, 2014

Mel Foster Co. is pleased to announce that Jon Yocum of their Bettendorf office was installed as President of the Iowa Association of REALTORS® during the Iowa Association of REALTORS® (IAR) annual convention held in Cedar Rapids last week.

Yocum has been a licensed REALTOR^® in Iowa for more than 26 years, and has worked at Mel Foster Co. in Davenport since 1996. He has been an active member of the IAR since 1988, serving on numerous committees, including regional vice-president from 2007-2012, member of the education, consumer affairs, legislative, technology and member services committees. He served as IAR president-elect in 2014, treasurer in 2013 and Chairman of the Professional Standards committee in 2012. Yocum also received honorable mention for the 2005 Good Neighbor Award and in 2010 received the Good Neighbor Award for his volunteer work with the Student Built Home Program, where he has served as chairman for 16 years.

Yocum has also served in various leadership roles on his local board, the Quad Cities Area REALTORS^® Association, including 2008 secretary/treasurer, 2009 chairman, a director for seven years, and as a member of several committees. He received REALTOR^® of the Year Award in 2004 and 2009 and the Bert Frahm Award for Outstanding Dedication and Service to the Real Estate Industry and to the Community in 1999. He was a member and a three year director of the Greater Davenport Board of REALTORS® and received the Distinguished Service Award in 1997.

Yocum is very active in his community. He is also a member of the Quad City Home Builders, where Yocum, for the last 16 years has served as the chairperson for Student Built Home Project and received the 2005 Associate of the Year Award.

About Mel Foster Co. Real Estate

Founded in 1921, Mel Foster Co. is a real estate leader in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois serving Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island and the surrounding Quad City area. It is one of Iowa’s largest independently owned real estate companies. Mel Foster Co. Real Estate specializes in residential and commercial sales and offers services for a broader spectrum of property transactions including farm and land, land development and management, relocation and new construction. Visit www.melfosterco.com for more information.

Staging Secrets To Get Top Dollar Offers.

Posted on September 22, 2014

Most sellers have tunnel vision when it comes to getting their home ready for sale. It’s important to view your home as a potential buyer would. That paint chip you hardly notice or that collection of family photos running all the way up your staircase will jump out as negatives to buyers. To get top dollar, focus on making your home appealing to potential buyers, instead of appealing to yourself.

Start by removing any clutter around the house. This will help buyers envision themselves living in your home. Although less is more, it is still important to leave the essentials in your rooms. This will give a frame of reference for how much space really is in the room and how furniture can be placed. If the room is completely empty, it may appear to be smaller than it really is. Also, remove anything that is personal in the house such as family photos, religious symbols and everything on the refrigerator.

Next you should focus on all of the things you may have ignored for the past few months. Does your front door have some paint chips? How about that leaky faucet? Quick fixes can get you higher offers.

If you have walls that are painted bright colors, or may come off as taste-specific, consider getting a fresh can of a neutral color and diffuse the bold walls. Although your child may love her fuchsia walls, someone who is just moving in would most likely appreciate a more neutral color. Taking the time to paint the room is an important step when trying to stage the home because it lets someone else see a blank canvas that they can paint their dreams on.

Mel Foster Co. has several agents who are certified in the staging of your property to attract potential buyers. Accredited Staging Professionals^® (ASP) are highly skilled and certified in creating just the right atmosphere that will appeal to all five senses of every buyer.

How To Find A Family-Friendly Neighborhood.

Posted on September 10, 2014

It’s time to find a neighborhood full of families, to give your kids opportunities to build friendships and memories. Your best resource for locating these family-friendly neighborhoods is your agent.

If you’ve located a possible neighborhood, and wonder if there are lots of kids, take a look around. Look for swing sets, bicycles, basketball hoops or chalk drawings on the driveways or sidewalks. These are signs of a family-friendly neighborhood.

Also check the surrounding area for parks, playgrounds or pools. These amenities are an indication that families are most likely close by. These locations may also boost your sense of community if you frequent them with other families from your neighborhood.

Once you’ve settled on a neighborhood, you’ll need to know what homes are for sale in the area. Search by address or define an area on an interactive map on the Mel Foster Co. website. Another great search tool is the Mel Foster Co. app. It’s free and you simply launch the app in the neighborhood you desire and all homes for sale pop up on your screen with the Foster Finder. The app shows all homes for sale, not just Mel Foster Co. listings.

Looking for a family friendly neighborhood?

After The Storm: What To Do When Your Home Is Damaged.

Posted on August 29, 2014

The first thing you need to do is assess the damage to your property. Always be sure that you aren’t in danger and that the storm is completely finished. Start by checking the outside of the home for any damage to the roof, siding and windows. You should also make sure that there are no downed trees or power lines in the area.

Step Two: Call Your Insurance Agent

After you have assessed the damages, your next step is to call your insurance agent to report any damage. Be ready to describe the situation and all of the damage that occurred. Make sure you also have your policy and account numbers ready when you call to speed up the process. Click here to find your Mel Foster Co. Insurance agent.

Step Three: Document The Damage

Before you begin making repairs, make sure you document the damages with photographs. This will prove that the damage actually occurred and will help your insurance agency help you. Once you have documented the damage, make your home safe and ensure no further damage is caused. Keep receipts for any work or materials that you are purchasing to repair your home. It’s important to note that if you must leave your home you should also keep receipts for hotel rooms and restaurants. Depending on your insurance policy, these expenses may also be covered.

Color the Quads Announces 2015 Charity Recipients

Posted on August 28, 2014

2015 Charity Recipients Announced

Mel Foster Co. Color the Quads is pleased to announce the charity recipients for the third annual Color the Quads race to be held on Saturday, May 30, 2015. Color the Quads donated proceeds to three local charities this year, and in 2015, three local charities will again benefit from the race proceeds. The 2015 charities are Bethany for Children & Families, Gigi’s Playhouse and Hand-in-Hand.

Bill Steinhauser, Bethany for Children & Families President/CEO said, “Bethany for Children & Families is deeply honored to be chosen by Mel Foster Co. as one of the charities to benefit from the 2015 Color the Quads race event. The funds raised by Color the Quads will support the agency’s mission to keep children safe, strengthen families, and build healthy communities.”

“GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities is honored to partner with Mel Foster Co.’s Color the Quads in 2015. GiGi’s Playhouse is all about family, community, and positive energy and the same can be said for this one-of-a-kind Quad Cities event. We look forward to a wonderful year with the Color the Quads Team,” said Michelle Hornbuckle Hughes, Site Manager of Gigi’s Playhouse – Quad Cities.

“Hand In Hand’s hours of service for school age children and young adults with disabilities grew by 25% last year. Being selected by Mel Foster’s Color of the Quads means we can respond to the needs of these Quad City families”, added Mark Smith, CEO of Hand-in-Hand.

Lynsey Engels, President of Mel Foster Co. Brokerage Division and Color the Quads Committee Chair, said, “We are thrilled to partner again with three wonderful charities on this super event. We look forward to some new exciting twists for 2015 as planning is already under way!”

The 2015 Color the Quads 5K will take place on Saturday, May 30 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. Visit www.melfosterco.com for more information.

GiGi’s Playhouse – Quad Cities

GiGi’s Playhouse is an established series of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. Serving children and adults of all ages, each Playhouse provides educational and therapeutic programs at no charge to families; and in a format that individuals with Down syndrome learn best. All programs aim to maximize self-confidence and empower individuals to achieve their greatest potential! GiGi’s Playhouse programs motivate our participants to give their “Best of All” and each Playhouse makes a lifetime commitment to their families. For more information about the Gigi’s Playhouse, visit www.gigisplayhouse.org/quadcities.

About Bethany for Children & Families

Bethany for Children & Families is a non-profit child welfare and social services agency that meets the critical needs of children, families, and individuals. Services include adoption, foster care, child welfare, counseling and therapy, education, transitional housing for homeless youth and families, and dental care for children. The agency has served children in the Quad City community since 1899. For more information about Bethany for Children & Families, visit www.bethany-qc.org.

About Hand-in-Hand

Hand In Hand serves children and young adults, including those with disabilities. We provide programs such as childcare, summer camps, teen programs, a bowling league and even an adapted Girl Scout Troop. As Hand In Hand offers activities for individuals with disabilities, we also provide critical support for their families so they can be successful at work and at home. Hand In Hand also has a growing number of volunteer opportunities, especially for young adults in our community. These young adults not only assist our Hand In Hand participants, but they also create an inclusive experience where typical students and individuals with disabilities interact in a positive way. Visit www.handinhandqc.org for more information about Hand In Hand.

Why You Need A Real Estate Guru.

Posted on August 18, 2014

Are you in the market to buy or sell a home? It is important that you consider working with a licensed Real Estate Professional in order to save yourself time, money, and hassle. There can be a lot of confusion and guesswork when you are out there navigating the market on your own. Here are a few reasons why it’s in your best interest to work with a Real Estate Professional.

Negotiations

From the appraiser, to the home inspector, to the buyer, there are nearly a dozen people that you will have to answer to while selling your home. Let an agent do this busywork for you. Negotiating effectively can mean thousands more saved or earned.

Paperwork

Let an agent with experience navigate and prepare the documents needed when closing on a transaction. Missing something here or there can cost you time and money. Also, each state has different regulations surrounding the purchase or sale of a home. A Real Estate Professional has the experience needed to guide you through.

What Is Your Home Worth?

Pricing your home correctly will attract the right buyer and make sure it isn’t on the market for too long. However, you need the eyes of someone not emotionally attached to your home, to ensure the true value is assessed. The National Association of REALTORS found that, “the typical FSBO home sold for $184,000 compared to $230,000 among agent-assisted home sales.”

3 Tips To Consider When Buying A Home.

Posted on August 1, 2014

Tip #1: Keep Your Money Where It Is.

One thing that you want to avoid before purchasing a new home is making any other large purchases. You don’t want anything to negatively impact your credit score before buying a home. This includes opening new credit cards, or taking on new debt. Lenders want to feel confident in your ability to be financially responsible, especially when they’re considering you for a loan. In short, don’t take any risks with your credit score if you’re planning on investing in a new home.

Tip #2: Bigger Isn’t Always Better.

When you’re buying a house, you may gravitate towards the biggest home on the block. It’s important to consider what your potential resale value will look like. If you have the most expensive home on the block, it will only go up in value as much as the homes surrounding it. The largest house only appeals to a few people. If you’re planning on reselling, you want to have the largest number of potential buyers possible. Instead of searching for the best house on the block, you should search for the house that best fits your needs.

Tip #3: Survey the Neighborhood.

People often fall in love with their homes, but they often fail to consider the neighborhood. If you’re planning on having children, you need to determine what school district the home is in. Even if you aren’t planning on children, you still should research what schools are nearby because it may impact the resale value of the home. It’s also not a bad idea to try your morning commute from the house, to determine if that would impact your decision. Don’t be afraid to drive through the neighborhood during different times of the day to really get a lay of the land.

Exterior Home Shot — 3 Tips When Buying a House

Space Saving Ideas For Your Home.

Posted on July 9, 2014

Making your home interior more efficient and attractive on a day-to-day basis doesn’t need to be an expensive or time-consuming endeavor. With the summer months upon us, keeping things orderly, yet functional, will help you and your busy family stay on top of things this season. Consider these space saving ideas and how they might just make your life a little easier this summer.

Pull Out Drawers And Cabinets

Installing a set of pull out bins under a stairwell in the entryway, or a pull out cabinet in the short hallway between rooms, can mean tons of extra storage space for your family. Consider getting pool toys out of sight and out of mind with a pull out closet in the garage.

Hidden Outlets

Are hairdryers and curling irons monopolizing all of your bathroom counter space? Consider installing outlets in the drawers those appliances are meant to be stored in. Never having to remove them from their hiding spot means more space for other things.

Turn Bunk Beds Into Murphy Beds

Need more floor space, or wishing you had a playroom for the kids? Installing Murphy Beds (the beds that pull down from a recess in the wall) could be just what you need. Suddenly there are feet and feet of extra floor space. So much more room for activities!

You Can’t Go Wrong With An Extra Cabinet

Something as simple as a small extra cabinet in the kitchen to store cleaning supplies can make your life a whole lot easier. Suddenly there is free space under the sink and a small extra storage space. Also, a small cabinet with a high shelf means keeping dangerous cleaning products out of kids’ reach.

Why You Can’t Afford NOT To Use A REALTOR®

Posted on June 25, 2014

Why us a REALTOR®? — When a REALTOR® to important.

Have you ever wondered, “is hiring a Realtor really necessary?” The answer to this important question is absolutely YES! In today’s strictly regulated market, there are several ways an experienced Realtor can be invaluable to you during the home buying or selling process.

Market Conditions

There is so much information out there when it comes to housing and market conditions can change quickly. A Realtor can help you weed out what is truth and fiction, and help you understand current market conditions including data on inventory and comparable sales prices.

Negotiations

Negotiating the purchase of a property can be stressful. A licensed Realtor will act as your middleman, managing expectations of the parties on either side of the deal, ensuring a smoother transaction for you.

Pricing

A Realtor understands the value of real estate in different markets, conditions, and types. The improper pricing of your property can leave your listing dead in the water, costing you much more in the long run.

Paperwork

There is a mountain of paperwork for real estate transactions. Missing a disclosure or piece of necessary paperwork could spell disaster if you are navigating a buy or sale without a Realtor. A Realtor is experienced and aware of all of the various regulations you may face, and can ensure nothing is overlooked when it comes time to close the sale.

Color The Quads Raises $60,000 For Local Charities

Posted on June 20, 2014

Mel Foster Co.’s Color the Quads raised $60,000 for local charities during its second annual colorful run on May 31 in Bettendorf, Iowa. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the second Color the Quads event went to Child Abuse Council, March of Dimes of the Mississippi Valley and Rick’s House of Hope. Each organization will receive $20,000, thanks to the generosity of over 2,000 participants, 300 children racers and sponsors.

“With one in nine babies born premature in the Quad City area, The March of Dimes of Mississippi Valley wants to thank Mel Foster Co. employees for choosing us a charity of Choice for this year’s Color Run. The money raised will help us get closer to the day when all babies are born healthy,” stated Deena Bradford, Mississippi Valley Division Director of March of Dimes

“The Child Abuse Council was proud to be a charity partner for the Mel Foster Color the Quads. It was a fun and exciting experience for us. It gave our board members, staff and volunteers an unique and energetic way to be engaged in an event; and we valued the increased awareness it brought to child abuse prevention,” mentioned Rondi Doyle, Director of Communications/Special Events.

“Rick’s House of Hope is honored to be part of a fun, colorful event and grateful to be named as a charity recipient. We thank Mel Foster, Co., the sponsors, runners and volunteers, who make this race great. The funds received make our mission possible, to ensure the needs of grieving and traumatized children are not overlooked,” said Emily Gordon, Executive Director of Rick’s House of Hope

The event’s Color Extraordinaire, Color Party, Kid’s Color Dash, Color Explosion and Color Burst sponsors include; Mel Foster Co., XPAC, Tri-City Electric, Eye Surgeons Associates, Orthopaedic Specialists, Gomez May LLP, Vollertsen, Britt & Gorsline P.C., Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, Active Endeavors, Build To Suit, Enviromark, Hawkeye Paving Corp., Hy-Vee, KISS-FM, KWQC, Mickle Communications, Pear Advertising, Pella Windows & Doors, Quad-City Times, Radon Solutions, Russell, TMI – Total Maintenance Inc., Tyson Fresh Meats Inc., and Victorystore.com.

“We were thrilled once again at the support of our sponsors and this community. The only way to pull an event like this off is because of a collaborative effort by local businesses and individual race participants who see the value in giving back to the community we live and work in,” said Lynsey Engels, President, Real Estate Brokerage for Mel Foster Co.

Mel Foster Co. plans to hold Color the Quads again in 2015 on May 30. For future event updates, go to www.colorthequads.com or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ColorTheQuads.

About Mel Foster Co. Inc.

About Child Abuse Council

The Child Abuse Council is a regional, non-profit agency with over 36 years experience providing child abuse prevention, education and treatment programs for children and families in the bi-state metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Our goals for every child served are (1) a safe and nurturing home; (2) a secure parent-child relationship; and (3) an environment supporting successful growth and development. For more information about the Child Abuse Council, visit www.childabuseqc.org.

About March of Dimes – Mississippi Valley Division

Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. March of Dimes of the Mississippi Valley is the local division of March of Dimes which is a voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.

About Rick’s House of Hope
Rick’s House of Hope serves children and their families in the Quad Cities who are coping with trauma or loss from the death of a loved one, divorce or other changes in the family. Children participate in age appropriate and developmentally appropriate groups with other children in similar situations combining recreation, play and art as they work through difficult issues. They served over 500 children last year.