Celebrate your freedom and choose to enjoy QC events offered in July.

Experience a new festivity or repeat a Quad-City favorite this month.

Holiday Fireworks and Events Schedule By City

Bettendorf 

July 4

12:00pm – Parade on Grant and State

2:00-9:30pm – City Festival at Cumberland Square

9:30pm (Dusk) – Fireworks at Veterans Memorial Park

Buffalo

July 3 at 9:30pm (Dusk) – Fireworks at City Park

July 4 at 2:00pm – Parade

Davenport

July 3 at 9:30pm (Dusk) – Red, White and Boom Fireworks with Patriotic Pops by the

Quad City Symphony Orchestra on the Davenport Riverfront

DeWitt

July 3 at 6:00pm – Parade

Durant

July 4 at 9:30pm (Dusk) – Fireworks

East Moline

July 3 at 9:30 – Fireworks at Beacon Harbor Parkway

July 4 at 1:00pm – 52nd Annual AMVETS Parade

Galesburg

July 4 at 9:30pm (Dusk) – Big Bang Boom Fireworks at Lake Storey Park

Geneseo

July 3 at 9:30pm (Dusk) – Thrill on the Hill Fireworks at Richmond Hill Park

Kewanee

July 4 at 9:00pm – Fireworks at Northeast Park

Rock Island

July 3 at 9:30pm (Dusk) – Red, White and Boom Fireworks at Rock Island Riverfront

Other Community Activities

36th Annual Genesis Firecracker Run in Downtown East Moline

July 4 at 7:30am

Mississippi Valley Blues Festival

July 6-7 at LeClaire Park in Davenport

John Deere Classic

July 9-15 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis

Walcott Truckers Jamboree

July 12-14 at I-80 Truckstop in Walcott

Brady Street Sprints in Downtown Davenport

July 26 at 7:00pm

Arconic’s Jr. Bix in Downtown Davenport

July 27 at 6:00pm

Downtown Street Fest at 2nd Street in Downtown Davenport

July 27-28

Ragbrai Ride from Iowa City finishing in Downtown Davenport

July 28

Quad City Times Bix 7 in Downtown Davenport

July 28 at 8:00am

Mississippi Valley Fair at the Fairgrounds in Davenport

July 31-August 5

How Credit Score Information is Calculated

Calculating your credit

Your credit score affects your ability to borrow money and influences the interest you’ll pay on that loan. Most people don’t know how these scores are calculated. Here’s what you need to know.

All Credit Scores are Not the Same

People often assume their credit score is a single three-digit number. In truth each of the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, score you differently since they don’t have the exact same data. Be clear where your ratings come from when sharing your scores. 

Closing Accounts Won’t Always Boost Scores

Closing old or inactive accounts may inadvertently lower your credit score because your credit history appears shorter. If you want to simplify, close newer credit accounts first.

Paying Off a Debt Doesn’t Remove it from Your History 

Once a debt goes to collection, or you’ve established a history of late payments, your credit score is impacted even if you pay off what you owe. While your score will get a boost if you pay off an old debt, it may not be by as much as you think. The best way to increase your credit score is to make payments on time every month.

Co-signing a Loan Impacts Your Scores

When you co-sign for someone else’s loan, you are ultimately responsible for the debt. If the person you’re co-signed with does not pay, your credit score will be impacted. Determine ahead of time if the person you’re co-signing with can afford the loan and if it’s worth the risk to your own credit score.

Not sure who to trust when making decisions that could affect your credit score? Refer to a Mel Foster Co. agent for guidance.

Farmers’ Markets in the Area

Enjoy fresh produce, scrumptious food and hand made crafts at our local Farmer’s Markets near you.

Davenport Farmers’ Market at Northpark Mall

Wednesdays & Saturdays May through October

8 am to Noon

Bettendorf Farmers’ Market at 2117 State St next to Alter Building

Thursdays May through October

2 pm to 6 pm

Freight House Farmers’ Market downtown Davenport

Saturdays May through October (outdoor season)

8 am to 1 pm

The Growers Market at Trinity Hospital Parking lot in Moline

Saturdays

8 am to Noon

The Growers Market at Skate City parking lot in East Moline

Wednesdays & Saturdays

8 am to Noon

Geneseo Farmers Market on Pearl Street in Geneseo

Saturdays June through October

8 am to Noon

Galesburg Farmers’ Market on E Simmons St in Galesburg

Saturdays June through October

8 am to Noon

Dubuque Farmers’ Market at 1300 Iowa St in Dubuque (Iowa’s Oldest)

Saturdays May through October

7 am to Noon

Galena Marketplace at 123 Commerce St in Galena

Saturdays May through October

7 am to Noon

Lyons Farmers Market at Lyons Four Square Park in Clinton

Wednesdays 4 pm to 6 pm & Saturdays 8 am to 11 am May through October

Kewanee Farmers’ Market at the corner of Third & Tremont in Kewanee

Wednesdays & Saturdays May through October

7:30 am – 11 am

 

Preparing to Buy in the Competitive Summer Housing Market

Home Buying Tips

This summer will be a competitive season in the housing market where demand will be higher than supply. If you’re planning on buying a home, here are some tips to help you prepare.

Get Your Finances in Order Ahead of Time

Before you begin looking for houses, make sure you’re financially prepared to be a homeowner. This includes doing a credit check, gathering your employment and salary history, getting a current bank statement that shows savings and checking balances, making a list of your debts and anything else that could contribute to your net worth.

Be Prepared for High Prices

If you see a house you love, chances are someone else loves it too. Many sellers are receiving multiple offers and will often receive offers close to their asking price. Be prepared for firm prices and difficult negotiations. Determine your needs vs. wants when it comes to selecting a home and be willing to compromise so you can act and make an offer quickly.

Work with a Professional Real Estate Agent

Having a real estate agent on your team can make a big difference. An experienced agent can recognize what might make or break a deal. Your agent will offer the sellers your whole package and not just an offer number, making your offer more appealing to the seller. Your agent’s ability to negotiate on your behalf gives you peace of mind that you’re getting the most out of the deal.

To contact a Mel Foster Co. agent today visit our website.

Area Promotion June 2018

A Father’s Day Tradition

Take time to indulge in the many Quad City area events in June.

Spend quality time with dad at one of the many events scheduled this month.

Kickin’ It Classic Rock with Say Days Ago at Bent River Brewery in Rock Island

June 8, 7am-10pm

Stock Car Races at Mississippi Fairgrounds in Davenport

June 8, 15, 22, 29; 6:30-10:30pm

Pickers Paradise Street Sale in East Moline

June 9; 7:30am-2:30pm

Quad Cities Triathalon at West Lake Park in Davenport

June 16′ 7am

Ride the River Father’s Day Bike Event starting in Bettendorf

June 17; 7am-3:30pm

Tour de CHC Cycling Event starting in Moline

June 30; 7am-10am

River Bandits Home Baseball Games in Davenport

June 12-17, 21-27

See schedule for specific dates and times

Microbrew Mile Race and Festival in Moline

June 16; 2pm

Planet Funk Con – Comicon Convention at Tax Slayer in Moline

June 22 at 9:00pm

June 23 at 6:30pm

What to Expect When it Comes to Personal Property and Buying

What is included in your purchase?

Don’t assume everything is included in your home purchase. It’s important to get everything in writing so you’re not left feeling cheated. Here are some common house features buyers think are included in the deal, but aren’t necessarily automatically included.

  1. Appliances

It’s not always the norm when buying a home that all appliances are included in the sale. Things like refrigerators, washers and dryers, dishwashers and microwaves may be going with the seller. If you want a specific appliance left behind, make sure to clarify in writing that it’s a condition of the sale.

  1. Window Coverings.

Sometimes there are shades or drapes in the home during showings. The shades may be fully fitted for the window and attached, but the seller may be planning on taking them once they sell the home. If you don’t see it written anywhere, get the inclusion of window coverings in writing. Specify you want the existing window coverings either included or removed if you don’t like them.

  1. Mounting Materials

It’s common for homes to have TV’s mounted on the wall with a bracket supporting it. Be sure to ask. It may not actually be included with the sale of the home.

  1. Lawn Care Equipment

If the lawn at the home you are buying is large, you may want to negotiate with the sellers for any lawn care equipment you need. If the lawn requires a riding lawnmower the previous owners may be willing to include it in the sale.

Find more tips for buying in the Mel Foster Co. blog.

Should You Raise the Asking Price of Your Home?

Pricing strategies

There are several strategies homeowners can follow when setting their initial asking price. Often sellers try to undercut their competition, but there are times when it actually makes sense to list your home for a higher price.

You should feel comfortable listing your home for a higher price when your residence offers more than other listings in your area. Maybe your kitchen was recently renovated or you have more storage that sets your home apart from all the others. These features may justify an asking price that’s a bit higher than other homes in your area.

Finally, frequently check market conditions to see if they have changed since you initially listed your home. If you notice more buyers are entering the market and homes are selling quickly, raising your own asking price might be a good move.

Setting the right asking price is a challenge you’ll face when listing your home. That’s why it’s so important to work with a real estate agent who knows your market. Find a Mel Foster Co. agent who specializes in listings in your area.

Mulching Tips to Make Your Yard Look Great

Mulching Tips

If you want your yard to look its best, mulch is a great way to highlight various parts of your landscaping. These basics will help you get started.

  1. When to Mulch

When the weather starts to warm up it’s tempting to get started right away on landscaping. But don’t put mulch down too early in the spring. Give the soil a chance to warm up. Mulching too early will slow down the warming process and may cover up perennials that have not popped up from the ground. Normally, mid to late spring is the best time to put down mulch.

  1. How Much Mulch

The exact amount of mulch to place depends on the type you’re using, but generally you want about one or two inches of mulch. The main reason to apply mulch is to prevent weed growth, but too much mulch may stunt your plant growth. If you’re trying to keep a particular area free from any plant life, you can use as much mulch as you like.

  1. Choosing the Right Mulch

Choosing the right mulch material is your choice. Mulch’s purpose is to prevent weed growth, retain water, keep temperatures consistent and beautify the landscape. The color of the mulch is usually personal preference, but recycled mulch will break down more quickly and add nutrients to the soil. Rubber mulch is more expensive initially, but does not decompose.

Want more tips for caring for the outside of your home? The Mel Foster Co. blog has hundreds of articles for homeowners.

 

Celebrate Mother’s Day throughout the month of May!

May Celebrations

Spend extra time with your mom or that special person this month doing something they’ll really enjoy.

Augsburg Choir at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport

May 1; 7:00-8:30pm

 

Like Mother Like Daughter Wine Night at the Grape Life in Davenport

May 1;  6 pm

BLOOM 2018 An event for new/expecting Mothers at The Group in Davenport

May 3; 7 pm

 

The Church Basement Ladies in Rise Up, O Men at Circa ’21 in Rock Island

May 1-12;   A variety of dates and times

Beer & Wine Walk in downtown Clinton

May 3; 5pm

Sip and Shop at Tycoga Vineyard & Winery in DeWitt

May 3;   6 pm

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley Annual Plant Sale

   Northwest Bank and Trust Tower in Davenport & UnityPoint Health-Trinity     in Moline

May 4-6;   8:00am-7:00pm

Augustana Jazz Ensemble in Centennial Hall at Augustana College in Rock Island

May 4;  7:30-11:00pm

The Drowsy Chaperone at Brunner Theatre Center at Augustana in Rock Island

May 4-6;   7:30-11:00pm

Family Date Night: May the Force Be with You at the Family Museum in Bettendorf

May 4;   5:30 pm

 Kentucky Oaks Ladies Social at Me & Billy in Davenport

May 4;  6 pm – 8 pm

Freight House Farmer’s Market Season Opening

May 5;   8:00am-1:00pm

Celebration of Moms with Fit4mom Quad Cities at Veterans Memorial Park in Bettendorf

May 7;   9:30 am

The Ultimate Spring Women’s Expo at Wild Rose Casino & Resort in Clinton

May 8;   5:30 pm

Mother’s Day Brunch at CASI in Davenport

May 10;   11 am

It’s a Girl Thing at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island

May 10;  6 pm

Mother’s Day Signs at Crafted QC in Davenport

May 10;   6 pm

Mother’s Day Workout for Mom and kids at Geneseo Jazzercise

May 11;   5:45 pm

Teach Me to Murder interactive comedy at Skellington Manor in Rock Island

May 11;   6:30-9:30pm

“Bingo! The Winning Musical” at Playcrafters Barn Theatre in Moline

May 11;   7:30-11:00pm

Opening Weekend! ET at the Blue Moonlight Drive-In Theatre in Galesburg

May 11;   7:30 pm

Mother’s Day Weekend Patio Bash at Armored Gardens in Davenport

May 12;   11 am – 4 pm

Mother’s Day Wine Tasting Dinner at Hauberg Civic Center in Rock Island

May 12;   7 pm

Mother’s Day Bruch Buffet at Thunder Bay Grille in Davenport

May 13;   9am-3pm

Mother’s Day Bruch Buffet at Tuggers in Port Byron

May 13;  10am-2pm

Mother’s Day Brunch at Palmer Grill in Bettendorf

May 13;   10 am

Beaux Arts Fair at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport

May 13;   10:am-4pm

Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch Buffet at Arsenal Island Golf Clubhouse

May 13;   10:30 am

Mother’s Day Tour of Homes in Broadway at Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Rock Island

May 13;  1 pm

Mother’s Day Candle Pouring at Art Defined in Galesburg

May 16;   6 pm

Run the Rock 5K and 10K at Memorial Park at Rock Island Arsenal

May 19;   8:00am

Quad Cities River Bandits vs. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Modern Woodmen in Davenport

May 21;   6:35pm

The Bridges of Madison County at Circa ’21 Playhouse in Rock Island

May 23;   6:00-11:00pm

Read This Before Remodeling your Kitchen

Thinking of kitchen remodel?

Small details can make or break your kitchen renovation. Avoid stress by going through this list before you start making purchases.

  1. Measure Everything

This extra step will save time, money and headaches in the long run. The last thing you want is the refrigerator or dishwasher not opening all the way because the island ended up being too close.

  1. Choose a Timeless Backsplash

It may be tempting to choose a trendy tile layout, but you may quickly become bored with your decision. You’ll also have difficulty selling later on if your kitchen looks outdated due to a very specific design choice. Stick to classic white coloring. White is always on trend.

  1. Decide if a Splurge is Worth it

Sometimes spending a little more now will save you in the long run. If an energy efficient appliance is a little more expensive, it might be worth it to upgrade so you have lower energy bills every month. It’s important to prioritize needs over wants, but sometimes a want is worth the happiness or convenience it will provide.

  1. Consider Open Shelving

A few rows of open shelving can help break up the “boxy” feel of some kitchens. Even an addition of a few shelves can help the kitchen feel more open and also offer you the opportunity to show off some photos or nice dining ware.

Not sure how much upgrading to make to your home before you become the most expensive house in the neighborhood? Ask a Mel Foster Co. agent for comparables in your neighborhood.


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