Is Farming In Your Future? - 04/29/07 06:23 PM
                     
If you have ever considered starting a farm territory for your real estate business, here are some things to consider:
Choose an area that you want to work in.  You will be investing countless hours of time in the area so make it one that you enjoy and hopefully one that is close to your home or work. 
Don't pick a neighborhood that is such a great neighborhood that nobody moves.  You will starve while waiting for your next paycheck.  
Walk the area door to door.  Tell them you are considering starting a newsletter of happenings for their area and ask if they would … (6 comments)

Davenport, Iowa 2007 Market Statistics - 04/26/07 04:55 AM
 
                                                                           For more information please contact Lucky Lang at:
                                                                                                       qcfsbr.com
… (3 comments)

Eldridge, Iowa and the North Scott County Area 2007 Market Statistics - 04/26/07 04:45 AM
 
                                                                           For more information please contact Lucky Lang at:
                                                                                                       qcfsbr.com
… (2 comments)

115 1ST AVE E, MILAN, ILLINOIS 61264 - Off The Market! - 04/21/07 09:31 PM
 
                                   This property is zoned commercial and is priced at $109,999.
PROPERTY BEING SOLD "AS IS WHERE IS". VALUE IS FOR COMMERICAL REAL ESTATE GROUND. NEW OWNER MUST CREATE OWN NEW ACCESS ROAD. BASEMENT WITH OUTSIDE ACCESS ONLY. PROPERTY HAS PREVIOUSLY RENTED FOR $570./MO. ACCORDING TO SELLER. 
THIS RIVER VIEW IS FROM THE TOP OF THE DIKE BEHIND THIS PROPERTY FROM THE BIKE TRAIL.
                                            THIS PROPERTY IS NOW OFF THE MARKET!!!
                        FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER REAL ESTATE CONTACT:
                              LUCKY LANG, QUAD-CITIES FAVORITE REALTOR®, AT:
                                         Lucky Lang, Realtor ®             Licensed in Iowa & Illinois
                    Mel Foster Co., Inc., 3211 E. 35th Street Ct., Davenport, IA  52807-2585
Cell: … (6 comments)

Spring has Sprung in Iowa!!! - 04/19/07 06:43 PM
    
Baseball season has begun at John O'Donnell Stadium in Davenport, Iowa!  A few snow flakes flew as
    
           my quartet sang the National Anthem for the opening game.  From left to right are:
                            Dr. Greg Garvin     Lucky Lang     Stan Brown    Amos Glanz
    
            It's a beautiful setting to enjoy a ball game down on the Mississippi River!
             Tickets are now on sale at Swing Baseball or you can call (563) 324-3000.
                                                   So Let's Play Ball!!!
Lucky Lang
qcfsbr.com
… (14 comments)

Iowa Goes Hog Wild Over Exotic Pets!!! - 04/18/07 06:21 AM
 
The Iowa House voted Tuesday to banning exotic animals as pets.  Lions, tigers, and bears......oh my!  Can you imagine that one Iowan actually has a pet alligator?  Yes, this is Iowa.....not Florida.  One Sioux City home actually had 30 exotic animals, including this alligator!
The Animal Rescue League has been pushing this through claiming in the past three years there have been 14 cases where wild and exotic animals (including monkeys, cougars, and yes.....lions, and tigers, and bears....oh my!) have been kept.
Personally, I've seen some pit bulls that were more dangerous than these because they're allowed to run free!
So for now, we … (18 comments)

Eastern Iowa Market Report - 04/18/07 04:38 AM
Below are the statistics for all residential real estate activity in the Iowa Quad City market for this year.
The market is picking up and values are stabilizing.
Lucky Lang
qcfsbr.com
… (3 comments)

Ethical Dilema #4321 - 04/17/07 06:40 PM
I got a call from an appraiser yesterday to set up an appointment to do an appraisal one of my listings that just pended!
He said, "What would you do if you were called to appraise a property that had been on the market for over 6 months for $100,000, with no offers, and the purchase price of the offer is $110,000 with $10,000 going back to the buyer at closing?"
                                                             
Before I tell you how I responded, think about the ramifications of this situation:
1) As an appraiser that relies on income from referrals from lenders, real estate agents, etc., do you try … (22 comments)

Davenport, Iowa ranked 25th in the Nation! - 04/17/07 05:34 PM

A new Forbes magazine report ranks Davenport, Iowa 25th in the nation for its low cost of doing business. The report - "Best Places For Business and Careers - also ranks Davenport 90th overall among 200 large metro areas.
Forbes bases those rankings on economic research firm Economy.com, owned by Moody's. Its business cost index factors in labor, tax, energy and office space costs. For living costs, Economy.com weighs housing, transportation, food and other household expenditures. It also supplied five-year historical figures on job and income growth, as well as migration trends.
Other data used in the rankings came courtesy of Portland, Ore., … (2 comments)

Riverboat Gambling in Iowa! - 04/17/07 06:28 AM

Back in 1989, Iowa legislators passed a law permitting Riverboat Gamblingwith certain restrictions for the first time in this country in decades.  Iowa was first but over the next several years Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri followed course.  Most of the casinos are located on the Des Plaines, Illinois, Mississippi, and Ohio Rivers.  With several changes in the laws over the years, Iowa now allows 24-hour, no-limit, dockside gambling. 
Davenport, Iowa has a new Sky Bridge that leads pedestrians from a downtown parking garage across Highway 61 to the Mississippi Riverfront and the entrance to the Rhythm City Riverboat Casino.
Bettendorf, Iowa boasts the colorful … (7 comments)

Shootings in Virginia - 04/16/07 12:21 PM
What a horrible thing to have happen again in our country!
Virginia Tech is the scene of the crime!
26,000 students attend this school!
20 people have been killed with many others injured (28 at the time of this writing)!
Check out the news!
Please pray for all the families affected by this tragedy!
Lucky :(
Sad Update: Now over 31 people killed.  How terrible.  How sad.
… (6 comments)

8037 119th Street, Blue Grass, Iowa 52726 - SOLD! - 04/16/07 11:08 AM
 
                                     This Roomy Ranch can be yours for just $165,000!!!  Too late, it's Sold!
Here's the technical stuff: Over 2100 square feet finished with 4 bedrooms and 2 baths.  New concrete driveway leading to a huge 2 car garage that anyone would love to have!  This home was built in 1971 and the central air was new in 1998.  Basement has a wall anchor system that comes with a transferable warranty. There is a natural gas line to the house if you would like to convert from propane.  There is a TMI home warranty protecting you for one year from the date of closing!
Convenient … (13 comments)

1713 Piccadilly Place, Davenport, Iowa 52807 - SOLD! - 04/14/07 06:18 PM
 
                 This beautiful home can be yours for only $225,000!!!  Sorry, too late, it's SOLD!
THIS TERRIFIC TUDOR TWO STORY HOME FEATURES A FABULOUS FOYER ENTRY CONVENIENTLY LEADING YOU TO FOUR DIFFERENT LIVING AREAS!  THERE IS OVER 2700 SQUARE FEET FINISHED INCLUDING: 
THE CONVENIENT KITCHEN WITH PEOPLE PLEASING PANTRY & THE FINE FORMAL DINING ROOM WHERE MANY MEMORIES OF YOUR FAMILY WILL BE SHARED
 THE LARGE FORMAL LIVING ROOM WITH BUMP-OUT AND FIREPLACE IS PERFECT FOR RECEIVING YOUR GUESTS
THE COZY FAMILY ROOM WITH A SECOND WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACE FEATURES A WONDERFUL BUILT-IN WET BAR WITH REFRIGERATOR THAT STAYS & THE GRAND STAIRCASE LEADING TO FOUR FANTASTIC BEDROOMS, … (23 comments)

3026 SOMERSET DRIVE, BETTENDORF, IOWA 52722 - SOLD! - 04/13/07 12:20 PM
         
                                                      SUPER SHARP HOME IS ONLY $140,000!!!
THIS RAMBLING RANCH FEATURES FOUR BEDROOMS, 1365 SQUARE FEET FINISHED ON MAIN FLOOR AND ANOTHER 475 FINISHED IN THE BASEMENT, LOTS OF CLOSETS, LOTS OF BASEMENT STORAGE CABINETS, AND A TWO-CAR TANDEM GARAGE! NEW ROOF ON HOUSE AND GARAGE, NEW VINYL IN KITCHEN AND BATH, NEW WOOD FLOOR IN LIVING ROOM AND HALL, NEW FRONT DOOR, MOST NEW WINDOWS, AND WELL INSULATED ATTIC.
         
SIT OUT BACK IN THE SCREENED-IN PORCH OR OUT ON THE DECK AND ENJOY NATURE IN THE PICTURESQUE SETTING! ONE YEAR TMI HOME WARRANTY.
         
                For more information about BETTENDORF, IOWA REAL ESTATE contact:  … (2 comments)

Improved Severe Weather Warning System in Iowa! - 04/13/07 11:47 AM
               
According to a Quad-City Times story, the National Weather Service has improved it's severe weather warning system by "fine-tuning" the warning area.  Previously, the entire county has been put on warning when it really wasn't necessary for everyone in the county to head to the basement in the case of a tornado or severe storm that may be miles and miles from where they are.
                                 
Hopefully, as we enter the severe storm season, this narrowing focus will help remove some of the complacency involving frequent and inaccurate warnings. 
One thing's for sure, when one of these big boys comes roaring your … (12 comments)

We Woke Up To A Surprise Today! - 04/12/07 07:20 AM
 
A nice little reminder of Iowa Winters!  Last week the weather was in the 70's and people were doing yard-work!
Today, we wake up to snow.  It's not a lot of snow.  In fact it isn't even a nuisance snow (that's when you just shoveled yesterday and you get just even snow the next day that you have to shovel again or it will pack down and become ice on your drive.....and you don't want ICE).
It's actually quite beautiful against the landscaping.  The contrast makes a great picture.
But it's April, you say?  It's after Easter!  It's not suppose to snow this late?
Well, … (12 comments)

The Real Estate Market in Moline, Illinois. - 04/11/07 08:15 AM
Location Characteristics: Moline is a beautiful river town that is rich in heritage, culture, and quality of life! It is located approximately halfway between Chicago and Des Moines on I-80 at the Mississippi River and is part of Quad Cities USA. Terrain varies from flat corn fields to heavily wooded ravines and views from beautiful rolling hills to scenic river bluffs that are one of a kind! Schools are always high in national ranking as we pride ourselves in educating our children. Cost of living is relatively low primarily because of the great values in our real estate! Come visit us and … (3 comments)

The Real Estate Market in Bettendorf, Iowa! - 04/11/07 08:04 AM
Location Characteristics: Bettendorf is a beautiful river town that is rich in heritage, culture, and quality of life! It is located approximately halfway between Chicago and Des Moines on I-80 at the Mississippi River and is part of Quad Cities USA. Terrain varies from flat corn fields to heavily wooded ravines and views from beautiful rolling hills to scenic river bluffs that are one of a kind! Schools are always high in national ranking as we pride ourselves in educating our children. Cost of living is relatively low primarily because of the great values in our real estate! Come visit us and … (1 comments)

Does Your Real Estate Agent C.A.R.E.??? - 04/10/07 08:01 AM
                           
Is your real estate agent COURTEOUS enough to call you with enough notice when showing your property?  Does your agent call you with follow-ups on showings of your property?  How often do you want to be called?  Are you getting the attention you want and deserve regardless of the price range of your property?
                                          
Is your real estate agent AVAILABLE to show you properties in a timely manner?  Have you ever lost out on a property because your agent didn't get around to telling you about, or setting up an appointment in time?  Finding an agent who is available, or has … (6 comments)

410 S. Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, Florida 34145 - 04/09/07 04:17 AM
                            
                                                                        Eagle's Nest on Marco Beach
          This Thanksgiving, you could be sitting on the 5th floor balcony of a luxury condo on the beach for only $1750!
                       
  Your vacation starts with check-in on Friday, November 16, 2007 and ends with check-out on Friday, November 23, 2007.
                                                  You could be enjoying seven super sunsets like this in a few months!
Amenities include:
Air Conditioning Appliances: Refrigerator, Oven/Stove, Built-in Dishwasher, Microwave, Washer, and Dryer  Beautiful Sand Beach                                         Boating AvailableComputer RoomElevatorExercise Equipment RoomFishingGame RoomGolf NearbyGrocery StoreHousekeepingHot Tub/WhirlpoolKitchen with Center IslandRacquetball CourtRestaurants NearbySaunaShopping NearbySnack BarSwimming Pool - HeatedTelephone in RoomTennis Court - LightedWireless Connection in Lounge … (12 comments)

4505 Main Street, Davenport, Iowa 52806 - SOLD! - 04/07/07 10:33 PM
 
                 This 1600 square foot 3 bedroom two-story home has 1 & 3/4 baths, two-car garage,
                a beautiful informal dining room off an updated kitchen, a relaxing screened-in porch,
                               and a fabulous family room with wood-burning fireplace.
                      All of this for the wonderful price of $134,900!!!  Sorry too late, it's SOLD!
                      FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT REAL ESTATE CONTACT LUCKY LANG AT:
Lucky Lang, Realtor ®             Licensed in Iowa & Illinois
Mel Foster Co., Inc., 3211 E. 35th Street Ct., Davenport, IA  52807-2585
Cell: 563-676-9031      Office: 563-359-4663 Ext. 325  Fax: 563-459-6720 Toll Free: 800-791-8132 Ext. 325
Website:  http://www.qcfsbr.com/
… (5 comments)

County Assessor's Records are often incorrect! - 04/07/07 11:34 AM
Mary Pope-Handy gave me the idea for this post when she wrote about Tip for the Day to Make Your Clients Money.
                                  
I have a listing right now at 6855 Little Cabin Road in Bettendorf Iowa that the court house records had listed at .74 acre.  The previous listing (when it was new) had it at .84 acre.  I took the dimensions, did some simple geometry, and came up with an exact amount of .822 acre. 
When I called the Scott County Assessor's office to ask how they arrived at their figure, they said that they do not include "non-buildable" portions of … (11 comments)

Homes of Distinction!!! - 04/07/07 10:35 AM

Isn't it amazing the character that was put into the properties that were built a century ago?
The inviting look of an oak-encased window seat with swinging shutter-styled inner windows with sheers.
The articulate craftsmanship of the custom-made oak in-laid flooring.
The pain-staking precision of hand-cut and fitted lead-glass windows.
And the beautiful inviting solid-oak door with unbelievable lead-glass artistry to welcome you home!
It is a pleasure representing properties like this in the Davenport, Iowa area.  It has been my honor to sell this beauty in Walcott, Iowa twice in my career.
What homes of distinction do you have listed now or have had the pleasure of representing … (6 comments)

Eggstravaganza! - 04/05/07 06:43 AM
It's all about the egg at Eggstravaganza!  
                                                   WHO: Children of all ages will love this family-friendly event! WHAT: EggstravaganzaWHEN: 1-4pm, Friday, April 6, 2007WHERE: Putnam Museum and IMAX® Theatre in Davenport, Iowa COST: $5/per child, with free Exhibit Halls admission. Adults get into the event for free with Exhibit Halls admission.DAVENPORT -- Can you make an egg bounce? Find out how at Eggstravaganza at the Putnam! It's an afternoon all about the incredible egg on Friday, April 6 from 1-4pm, when the Museum's Palmer Lecture Hall doubles as an "Egg Laboratory!" For $5, (adults get in free with Exhibit Halls admission), children … (2 comments)

Clinton County Dog Show! - 04/03/07 06:48 AM
 
If you've never been to a dog show, you're in for a treat!  It's a great way to see many different breeds of dogs of all kinds of colors, sizes, coats, dispositions, and attitudes (kind-of like real estate)! 
The indoor arenas work better for in-climate weather but the motion is better outdoors.  There are both at the Clinton County Dog Show.
To watch these animals glide smoothly in the ring is really cool!  You get to cheer-on your favorites and witness them receiving their respective ribbons and trophies.
After the dog show, some get to have play time.
Others just want to rest in … (13 comments)

The Davenport Iowa Public Library's New West Branch! - 04/02/07 10:05 PM

This fantastic facility just opened up this year and it already averages about 1,000 check-outs per day!
There is FREE check-out of all material formats including: books, electronic books, audio books, magazines, CD's, videos, DVD's, and computer software!
The reference department will provide answers to almost any question and is available at this link.
The architecture alone in this magnificent masterpiece is worth the visit!
Go see what you've been missing at the new Davenport Public Library West Branch!
Who knows, you might just find time to relax by the fireplace and get lost in a good book! 
Lucky :)
… (0 comments)

2644 WILKES AVENUE, DAVENPORT, IOWA 52804 - SOLD! - 04/01/07 07:03 PM
 
                    It only takes $95,000 to make this your new home!  Too late, it's SOLD!
There is 854 square feet on the main level including 2 good sized bedrooms, full bath, kitchen, and living room.
      The basement has a rec room with 360 square feet finished and and unfinished utility room.
                   Refrigerator, oven/range, washer, dryer, and all window coverings stay!
This little charmer is neat as a pin with many features such as: HI-EFFICIENCY FURNACE 1997, AIR CONDITIONING 1997, SHOWER/SINK IN BASEMENT; PULL DOWN ATTIC STAIRS; BLUE PRINTS IN CLOSET; ALL NEW VINYL THERMOPANE WINDOWS INCLUDING THE PICTURE WINDOW IN LIVING ROOM; SOME AWNINGS FOR ADDITIONAL … (2 comments)

Palm Sunday! - 04/01/07 06:55 AM

As the sun rises this morning to brighten your day, may His glory fill your life on this wonderful Palm Sunday! 
Please take time today to go to your church or synagogue.  If not, take time to thank Him for all your blessings!
See what positive difference you can make in someones life today!
To all my friends in Active Rain, have a Blessed Day!
Lucky :)
… (5 comments)