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CAPITAL AREA REALTOR
®
The official newsletter of the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS®
September-October 2013
USPS: 017-467
Volume 19, Number 4
www.gcaar.com
2013 GCAAR REALTOR® of the Year – Bonnie Casper GCAAR is pleased to name Bonnie Casper as its REALTOR® of the Year for 2013. Bonnie is currently an agent with Long & Foster REALTORS® in Bethesda, MD. Bonnie serves as GCAAR’s Immediate Past President and has held a number of positions on GCAAR’s Board of Directors, including: President (2012), President-Elect (2011), Secretary (2010), and Board member (2008–2009). She has been a member of and has also chaired several GCAAR committees, among them: Budget Committee, Nominating Committee (Chair), Legislative Committee (Montgomery County & DC), Green REALTOR® Task Force, and the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (Chair). Bonnie also served as the Chair of the Building Task Force that was responsible for identifying and securing the purchase of GCAAR’s new headquarters earlier this year. At the state and national levels, Bonnie is an active member of the Maryland Association of REALTORS® (MAR) where she has served as its District Vice President, Director, and on several committees, including the Finance, Grassroots, Executive, Nominating, Housing Opportunity, Legislative, and Nominating Committees. She was recently elected 2014 MAR Secretary (see page 3). At the national level, Bonnie has been a National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Director, served on NAR’s State and Local and Land Use Committees, and was the Federal Political Coordinator to Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen. Among her many civic activities, Bonnie is a member of the Metro Bethesda Rotary Chapter, Montgomery County Family Services Agency
Board of Directors, Junior League of Washington, Democratic Party Precinct Chair, Leadership Montgomery Class of 1993, to mention a few. “Bonnie Casper has given tirelessly to our association. I know first-hand how hard she worked to protect our livelihoods and home ownership rights. Bonnie’s selfless dedication put our Association on the map and in front of local and state politicians like no other person has done before her. I am fortunate to consider her a friend and mentor and congratulate Bonnie on being chosen by her peers for this award,” said Michael McGreevy, 2013 GCAAR President. “Bonnie Casper’s commercial acumen helped GCAAR purchase a new building and saved us from perpetual leasing. Her political instincts keep us well connected in DC, Rockville, and Annapolis so we’re not blindsided by anti-housing legislation. Her hard work on our behalf made her an easy choice as a REALTOR® leader,” said Dennis Melby, 2008 GCAAR President.
Michael Fowler Captures the Top Rookie Spot GCAAR is pleased to announce Michael Fowler as its 2013 Rookie of the Year. Michael is an agent with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in Washington, DC. Michael has been a REALTOR® since 2011.
Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® 8757 Georgia Avenue, Suite 600 Silver Spring, MD 20910
Michael is very active both professionally and in the community. He is a member of the District of Columbia’s Association of REALTORS®’ (DCAR) Communications Committee and chairs the Social Media sub-committee. His civic activities include: Board member of the DC Center for the LGBT Community, the Lupus Foundation of America Walk Committee, Shaw Main Street Association Promotion Committee, 2012 Brainfood Grill-Off, and Georgetown Jingle volunteer.
79129-CAR sept oct.indd 1
Michael Fowler TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Washington, DC
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Association News............................................................page 3 GCAAR in the News................................................page 3 Ask the President....................................................page 4 Board Briefs............................................................page 4 Meet Your GCAAR Staff & Committees ����������������page 5 NAR Director’s Report.............................................page 6 MRIS.......................................................................page 7
“One of Michael’s best characteristics is his involvement in the community and specifically the neighborhood he lives, in - Shaw. I foresee Michael having a very long career in real estate and even holding future leadership positions within the industry. His commitment and drive are just that strong,” says fellow colleague and 2011 GCAAR Rookie of the Year, Pamela Wye.
Green Resources........................................................page 8 Technology/Tool Box...............................................page 9 NAR Conference.....................................................page 9 MC & DC Market Report.......................................page 10 RPAC......................................................................page 13 White Flint Expansion...........................................page 15 REALTOR® Fest Recap.........................................page 15 Public Policy..........................................................page 16
2014 GCAAR Annual Dues....................................page 18 Getting the Appointment......................................page 18 YPN.......................................................................page 19 GCAAR Headquarters Update...............................page 19 Legal Hotline.........................................................page 20 Education Schedule..............................................page 21 Quiz.......................................................................page 22 GCAAR Cares........................................................page 22
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