Mel Foster – Page 5 – Mel Foster Co Blog

Celebrate Mother’s Day throughout the month of May!

Posted on April 28, 2018

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

Posted on April 18, 2018

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

2018 Spring Parade of Homes

Posted on April 13, 2018

See the latest trends in new home construction at the Spring 2018 Quad Cities Parade of Homes. Admission is free! The Parade of Homes schedule is as follows:

Saturday, April 14 & Sunday, April 15 from 1 pm – 5 pm

Wednesday, April 18 from 5 pm – 7pm

Saturday, April 21 & Sunday, April 22 from 1 pm – 5 pm

To see all the homes in the parade and to learn more about the Parade of Homes, visit http://qcbr.org/events/spring-preview-parade-homes/

4617 Cottage Lane Bettendorf
4 BR; 3 BA

Existing Trees
2 Stocked Ponds
Community Pool, coming soon!

6834 Grover Station, Bettendorf
5 BR; 5 BA

Covered Porch
2 Story Great Room
Walk-in Pantry
Walkout Lower Level

4661 Mason Run, Bettendorf
4 BR; 4.5 BA

Distinctive Architecture
Huge 2nd Story Vestibule
Daylight Basement Windows
9′ Ceilings All levels

4476 Slate Creek Drive, Bettendorf
3 BR; 3.5 BA

Townhome
Quartz Countertops
Wood Flooring
9′ Ceilings
Walk-outs Available

7043 St. Ann Drive, Bettendorf
5 BR; 5 BA

Finished Lower Level
Large Landscaped Lot
Gorgeous Kitchen
Large Master Suite

5052 Woody Creek Lane, Bettendorf
5 BR; 4.5 BA

14″ Ceilings – Great Room
Walk-in Pantry
Main Level Master Suite
Viking Appliance Package

1006 W. Pinehurst Drive, Eldridge
4 BR; 3.5 BA

3,500 Finished Sq. Ft.
Walk-out Lower Level
Rustic Fireplace
Wet Bar, Rec Room

401 Torrey Pines Drive, Eldridge
3 BR; 2.5 BA

Open Great Room/Kitchen
9′ Ceilings all levels
Oversized 3 car garage
2nd Floor Laundry

32 Blackstone Way, LeClaire
4 BR; 2.5 BA

Open concept main floor with Great Room
Granite Countertops & White Kitchen
Hand Scrapped Hardwood Floors

101 Cobblestone Lane, LeClaire
4 BR; 4.5 BA

Finished Lower Level
Granite Countertops
Cathedral Ceilings in Great Room
Hardwood Floors Main Floor

Spring offers a chance to refresh and try something new.

Posted on April 10, 2018

Consider local events when planning your April community involvement and activities.

Dress for Success’ Recycle the Runway at River Center in Davenport

April 12

5:30-9:00pm

Wine Festival Preview Dinner in Rogalski Center at St. Ambrose in Davenport

April 14

6:00-10:00pm

Muscatine Symphony Orchestra at Central Middle School in Muscatine

April 14

7:30pm-11:00pm

Midwest Corvettes Spring Rally at Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf

April 15

8:00am-12:00pm

Women’s Health & Lifestyle Fair at River Center in Davenport

April 21

8:00am-4:00pm

Quad-City Audubon Field Trip at Crow Creek Park in Bettendorf

April 21

7:30am-11:00am

Earth Day Volunteer Landscape Work Day at Hauberg Civic Center in Rock Island

April 22

10:00am-3:00pm

Celebrate Arbor Day at Moline Garden Center in Moline

April 27

3:00-4:00pm

Fresh Spring Cleaning Tips

Posted on April 4, 2018

Spring is finally here and that means it’s once again time to do a deep clean throughout your house. Here are some ways to freshen up your home in time for summer.

Declutter Every Room

Take an empty laundry basket from room to room and gather items that are out of place and return them to their correct location. If there’s anything you no longer need, this is a great opportunity to get rid of it.

Put a Recycle Basket Near the Front Door

Having a place you can immediately get rid of unwanted mail, fliers or packaging will prevent this clutter from entering your home. If you’re able to keep the bin by a frequently used side entrance to your home, it’s even better because guests won’t see it.

Cleaning Ceiling Fans

One of the easiest and fastest ways to clean a ceiling fan is with an old pillowcase. You place the pillowcase over the blade and slide it off. The dust will collect inside the pillowcase and you can empty it outside.

Open the Windows

One of the biggest perks of spring is the warm fresh air! Don’t forget to open your windows while doing all your cleaning to get some fresh air flowing through your house. It’ll keep you energized and make your home smell great.

Spring is also the season when homes are listed for sale. If you’re ready to list, or find an agent to sell your home, now’s the time to find a Mel Foster Co. agent.

EGGciting Hunts to Check Out.

Posted on March 16, 2018

Underwater Egg Hunt at the Rock Island Fitness & Activity Center

March 18, 1 pm – 3:30 pm

Spring Celebration and Eco-Egg Hunt at Nahant Marsh

March 24, 9 am – 12 pm

Spring Egg Hunt at Lincoln Park in Rock Island

March 24, 9:30 am

City of Moline Easter Egg Hunt at Riverside Park

March 24, 9:45 am

Kewanee Park District Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Windmont Park

March 24, 10 am

Bettendorf Easter Egg Hunt at Bettendorf High School

March 24, Noon

City of Moline Flashlight Egg Hunt at Riverside Park

March 24, 8 pm

Geneseo Park District Egg Hunt at the Athletic Field

March 25, 1:30 pm

Easter Egg Hunt at Hope Creek Care Center in East Moline

March 30, 2 pm

LeClaire Park and Rec Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Hollyhock Park

March 31, 11 am

Egg Hunt at the Sawmill Museum in Clinton

March 31, 10:30 am

30^th Annual Ranch Rider Motorcycle Brotherhood Easter Egg Hunt at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds

March 31, 1 pm

Doggie Easter Egg Hunt with the Humane Society of Scott County at Fejervary Park

March 31, 1 pm

Family Fun Day & Easter Egg Hunt at Camp Abe Lincoln in Blue Grass

March 31, 2 pm – 5 pm

Egg Hunt at the Discovery Depot in Galesburg

March 31, 5:30 pm

Three Ways to Make your Home Appeal to Millennials

Posted on March 13, 2018

It can be difficult to appeal to millennial homebuyers’ tastes, but recent polling has provided some insight into what they’re searching for in their first home.

Leave Room for Improvement

Many millennials are looking for a fixer-upper for their first home due to their limited budgets. HGTV has made remodeling more accessible than ever, and millennials want to renovate their houses into their own dream homes. In 2017 first-time homebuyers spent an average of $33,800 on home renovations.

Have a Separate Laundry Room

Millennials are willing to sacrifice comfort for extra square footage dedicated to a laundry room. Every year surveys taken on millennials’ buying choices point toward this trend. It’s a small change that can make your home significantly more attractive to this group of buyers.

Be Environmentally Friendly

Offer a house that includes green features. Millennials look for LED lighting, double paned windows or even solar panels. You don’t have to make a major investment, but even updated, energy-efficient appliances will attract buyers. It’s not only trendy and good for the planet, but will also save money in the long run.

Want more expert advice on how to market your home to the most buyers? Ask a Mel Foster Co. agent.

March straight into excitement in the QCA this month!

Posted on February 27, 2018

Gather your friends and family for these fun events.

Explorers/Explorers Jr: Under Construction: Bridges at Putnam Museum in Davenport

Saturday, March 3; 9am – 11am

Geneseo Kiwanis Pancakes Day at Moose Lodge

Sunday, March 4 ; 7 am – 1 pm

Wine with Einstein at the German Heritage Center in Davenport

Saturday, March 10; 6pm – 7:30pm

St. Patrick’s Day Party at the Mississippi Valley Fair Grounds

March 16

Tinsley Ellis at the Redstone Room in Davenport

Friday, March 16; 8pm

St. Patrick Society Grand Parade starting in Rock Island and ending in Davenport

Saturday, March 17; 11:30am

Saturday Storytime: Let’s Fly a Kite at the Fairmount Library in Davenport

Saturday, March 24; 10am

2018 Polar Plunge at Wick’s Lake in Rock Island

Sunday, March 25; 2pm

Mel Foster Co. Website Recognized for Excellence

Posted on February 20, 2018

Mel Foster Co. has been awarded the Website Quality Certification (WQC) from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®, a global community of more than 565 high quality independent real estate firms in 65 countries. The certification was presented in recognition of excellence in website design, content and functionality.

Mel Foster Co.’s’s website, www.melfosterco.com, received high marks in a variety of critical areas relating to website performance, including usability, design, content, interactivity, customer service and mobile responsiveness. The evaluation was conducted by Virtual Results, LLC, a real estate internet and social marketing firm selected by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® to review the websites of participating members.

The specific measurements for the WQC are updated each year to reflect the most current online marketing strategies, as well as evolving consumer preferences. Companies must be re-certified every two years to maintain the certification.

“The 135 companies that earned the WQC this year offer consumers engaging websites with effective design, deep local content and the most current information on homes, not only in their local markets, but also around the world. We are delighted to recognize them for offering a superior online experience for consumers and supporting them further with exceptional customer support,” said Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® President/CEO Pam O’Connor.

“We know local consumers have a choice when searching for a buying or listing agent. We want to continue to offer the best tools in the market to be the top resource for buyers and sellers and to help our agents stay competitive. Mel Foster Co. feels it is essential to invest heavily in digital marketing platforms and we are pleased that our efforts have been recognized with this international award,” said Lynsey Engels, president real estate brokerage of Mel Foster Co.

Mel Foster Co. is the Quad Cities and surrounding area’s representative of LeadingRE (www.LeadingRE.com). With a global membership that spans six continents, LeadingRE connects more than 565 firms and 130,000 sales associates who produce over 1.1 million real estate transactions each year. As a member of LeadingRE, Mel Foster Co. provides a quality real estate experience, global marketing reach and access to top real estate professionals in virtually any market worldwide.

For more information about Mel Foster Co., please visit www.melfosterco.com.

Mel Foster Co.’s Boland Speaks at Global Real Estate Event

Posted on February 12, 2018

Deb Boland, Director of Relocation with Mel Foster Co., was a speaker at the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Annual Conference, held January 31-February 2 at Wynn Las Vegas. The conference was part of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® (LeadingRE) Conference Week, a series of educational and networking events that attracted an elite audience of nearly 3,000 real estate professionals from 24 countries.

The conference was open only to brokers, managers and relocation professionals affiliated with LeadingRE, an invitation-only network of the highest quality independent real estate companies. Attendees explored how to leverage the trends driving the real estate market, including the economic landscape, home technology and design, and consumer preferences.

Boland presented information on Leading RE’s Military on the Move®, sharing insights on how active duty and retired military personnel, wounded warriors, or active career policy and firefighters can earn a rebate when buying or selling a home. She also provided how Mel Foster Co. Relocation has implemented the program to provide the agents the information needed to be successful with the program.

“To be able to share thoughts and processes with our colleagues who have the same goals is important as it helps us grow and enhance our relocation systems for our clients,” said Boland. Being with some of the best relocation leaders in the industry helps create an engaging atmosphere.”

Boland was among a notable line-up of speakers, which included keynote speakers such as two-time World Series Champion, former Chicago Cubs player and first runner-up on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars David Ross; award-winning journalist and noted host of On Second Thought for Georgia Public Broadcasting Celeste Headlee; renowned real estate speaker and author Darryl Davis and LeadingRE Chief Economist Dr. Marci Rossell. Additional thought leaders from across the industry were on hand to address a variety of timely topics, with a focus on ways to best meet the needs of today’s home buyers and sellers.

One of the things that sets our conference apart is the generous spirit of collaboration among our members,” said Pam O’Connor, president/CEO of LeadingRE. “The speakers who share their professional strategies and insights to support the success of fellow members help ensure our sessions are timely and impactful, as we respond to market trends and strive to offer the very best service to consumers around the world.”

Mel Foster Co. is a multi-generational, family owned business and specializes in residential and commercial real estate sales and offers a wide range of services including new construction, relocations, farm and land sales, land development, senior services, career development and insurance.

Mel Foster Co. is the Quad Cities and surrounding area representative of LeadingRE (www.LeadingRE.com). With a global membership that spans six continents, LeadingRE connects more than 565 firms and 130,000 sales associates who produce over 1.1 million real estate transactions each year. As a member of LeadingRE, Mel Foster Co. provides a quality real estate experience, global marketing reach and access to top real estate professionals in virtually any market worldwide.

For more information about Mel Foster Co., please visit www.melfosterco.com