Despite elevated interest rates in 2024 that dampened market activity and contributed to low inventory, Mel Foster Co. Residential Real Estate announced its agents and the company achieved exceptional results last year.
The Davenport-based real estate firm celebrated its year-end achievements on Tuesday, Feb. 4, with its annual awards breakfast. At the event, held at the Mississippi River Distilling Co. Celebration Center in LeClaire, company leaders recognized 78 Mel Foster agents for their commitment to collaboration, innovation, and excellence in 2024.
The company’s top sales awards went to: Geri Doyle, Davenport office, who won Top Residential Iowa Sales and Top Agent in the Company; and Dee Shepherd, Savanna/Clinton office, who won Top Residential Illinois Sales. Other Top in Office Awards included: Jennifer Evans, Galesburg; Becky Blackert, Geneseo, Illinois; Debbie Wright, Kewanee, Illinois; and Paula Nabb, Moline/Aledo, Illinois.
The Rookie of the Year awards went to Kevin Kilstrom, Davenport office, and Sarah Pinon, Kewanee office.
For a complete list of Mel Foster Co. award winners, visit here.
The year saw six of the company’s agents earn spots on the prestigious Real Trends Verified Premier List. It recognizes the top 1.5% of real estate professionals nationwide. They are: Geri Doyle, Dee Shepherd, Debbie Wright, Jill Sorrell, Candy Reaves, and Lucky Lang II.
In outlining the company’s 2024 performance, leaders said even against the market’s challenging conditions that 41% of Mel Foster Co. agents increased their sales volume by 20% or more in 2024.
“This year demonstrated the resilience and dedication of our agents,” Lynsey Engels, president, Mel Foster Co. Real Estate Brokerage, said in a news release. “Despite the challenges posed by the market, our team continued to deliver exceptional results, prioritizing the needs of their clients and setting new standards of excellence in the industry.”
Sales prices rise
The company’s average sales price rose 3.28% from 2023 to $232,195. On average, Mel Foster Co.’s agents closed 11 transactions (buy or sell) in 2024, outpacing the national average, according to the National Association of REALTORS.
The company said a commitment to diversification has been central to its long-term strategy. Mel Foster also is a leading land developer in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas.
In 2024, the company sold 27 residential lots across three of its company-owned subdivisions: Century Heights in Bettendorf; Townsend Farms in Eldridge; and Maple Leaf Heights in Geneseo, Illinois. The residential agents sold 65 new construction homes or condos in 2024 with an average sales price of $507,547, up from $478,468 in 2023.
In 2024, the company strengthened its commitment to agent success by hiring a dedicated talent acquisition and agent development director.
It also launched the Mel Foster Co. School of Real Estate. The new program equips aspiring real estate professionals with comprehensive education and essential skills needed to build successful careers. The school also serves current realtors by offering continuing education courses required for license renewal.
Last year, Mel Foster Co. delivered 26 in-person training sessions, hundreds of recorded webinars, 200+ live webinar opportunities, and 21 companywide events.
Founded in 1921, Mel Foster Co. is a recognized brand in real estate and insurance.
The real estate division specializes in residential and commercial sales and offers services for a broader spectrum of property transactions. They include farm and land, land development and management, relocation, and new construction.
Headquartered in Davenport, its offices are located in Clinton and Davenport, Iowa, as well as Aledo, Galesburg, Geneseo, Kewanee, and Savanna, Illinois.
Think.Buy.Be.Local
Throughout its 100-year history, Mel Foster Co. has maintained a commitment to community service. In 2024, the company continued its Think.Buy.Be.Local campaign and actively supported more than 150 local businesses during Small Business Week.
Its charitable efforts included participating in the River Bend Foodbank Community Hunger Drive, supporting families in need during the holidays, delivering care baskets to seniors, partnering with WQAD for a school supply drive, organizing a blood drive with ImpactLife, and collecting donations for Toys for Tots.
The company also was involved in Project Jack. That initiative of The REALTOR Foundation of Iowa has funded more than 140 middle school student projects – all focused on paying it forward.
Mel Foster Co. also supported signature community events. They included the John Deere Classic, Bix7, Quad Cities Marathon, Quad Cities Arts’ Festival of Trees, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley’s annual plant sale.
“It’s an honor to collaborate with our incredible agents and staff and have the opportunity to give back to the communities we serve,” Ms. Engels said.
“Supporting local businesses and community initiatives is at the heart of who we are, and we’re proud to contribute to the growth and vitality of the places we call home.”
That commitment to community service also earned Mel Foster Co. recognition as one of the Most Giving Companies in Iowa by The Grateful Giving Foundation, Des Moines
“As we reflect on 2024, I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together as a company,” she added. “Looking ahead to 2025, I believe our company will continue to build on this momentum, exceed expectations, and strengthen our commitment to the clients and communities we serve.”
