November 2012

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VOLUME XLV Number 6

The Maryland Association of REaltors速

NOVEMBER 2012

www.mdrealtor.org

The Voice for Real Estate in Maryland 速

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Consumer Website: www.marylandhomeownership.com


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MARYLAND REALTOR® November 2012

th s I w No

e Time to R

ide the Wave

President’s Perspective C A R LT O N J . B O U J A I , J R .

RAISING THE BAR for REALTOR® Professionalism As REALTORS®, we are sworn to abide by the NAR Code of Ethics. Beyond ethics, however, is acting professionally with all parties through a transaction. Good business practices are not only essential to a smooth process. They build good relationships with clients and with fellow REALTORS®, which can lead to more efficient future transactions and even future referrals, as well as more public respect for our profession. In short, professional behavior enhances your personal reputation and your business.

RAISING the

BAR

for REALTOR® Professionalism

This month, MAR is launching an initiative to encourage all Maryland REALTORS® to become more conscious of their professional behavior and that of their colleagues. The program emphasizes basic good practice, common sense guidelines, and other resources to help new and veteran REALTORS® in their dealings with each other and the public.

We’re introducing the program through a new ‘online’ section that can be accessed from the banner on the homepage of mdrealtor.org. It will feature videos, case studies, and a contest to test your “professional best practices.” An interactive Q & A of actual events and “how tos” is in the planning stages.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP Check out the center spread in this issue. It’s devoted to all the benefits of your MAR membership—including an array of affinity partners from national companies. ANNUAL CONFERENCE/INDUSTRY AWARDS Congratulations to all our industry award individual and local board recipients. Please take a moment to read profiles for JoAnne Poole and Iona Harrison, awardees of the 2012 Life Achievement award. They join the prestigious group of previous winners, who have devoted their outstanding careers to serving our profession and our public. Did you attend our Annual Conference? Take a look at the photo spread beginning on page 6. And don’t forget to save the date for the 2013 Annual Conference and EXPO, September 9-11.

We hope these efforts will raise the bar of professionalism for all of us. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please send them to me at info@mdrealtor.org.

www.mdrealtor.org

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JoAnne POOLE & IONA HARRISON: 2012 Life Achievement Awards

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MARYLAND REALTOR®

4 November 2012

2013 Maryland Association of REALTORS® Leadership Team

Maryland Association of REALTORS® 200 Harry S Truman Parkway | Suite 200 Annapolis, MD 21401-7348 800.638.6425 | www.mdrealtor.org

Executive Leadership Team Carlton J. Boujai Jr.

J. Russell Boyce

President EXIT Realty Prosperity Group 5300 Westview Drive Suite 105 Frederick, MD 21703-8339 301.698.8700 carltonboujai@mris.com

President Elect RE/MAX 100 10665 Stanhaven Place White Plains MD 20695-3062 301.843.5100 russboyce@remax.net

Carlton J. Boujai Jr. | President J. Russell Boyce | President Elect Janice R. Kirkner | Secretary Carole A. Maclure | Treasurer Patricia A. Terrill | Immediate Past President Mary C. Antoun | Chief Executive Officer

Editor Deborah L. Hager | debbie.hager@mdrealtor.org

Advisory Committee Yolanda R. Muckle | Chair Thomas P. Levin | Vice Chair

Advertising & Publication Design Ellipse Design 2818 Fallfax Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042 703.289.9100 | http://ellipse.balmar.com

Carole A. Maclure

Treasurer Greater Capital Area Assn RE/MAX Advantage Realty 17304 Evangeline Lane Olney, MD 20832-2928 240.295.6000 Email: maclure7@aol.com

Janice R. Kirkner Secretary Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 1208 Nottingham Drive Westminister, MD 21157-8334 410.795.9600 Janice.kirkner@longandfoster.com

Patricia A. Terrill

Mary C. Antoun

Immediate Past President Prudential PenFed Realty 7501 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842-2937 410.524.7000 Fax 410.524.5695 pat.terrill@gmail.com

Chief Executive Officer Maryland Association of REALTORS® 200 Harry S Truman Parkway Suite 200 Annapolis, MD 21401-7348 800.638.6425 mary.antoun@mdrealtor.org

www.mdrealtor.org

Mission Statement The Maryland Association of REALTORS® exists to support all segments of its membership and their specialties. The Maryland Association of REALTORS®, through collective efforts with local boards/associations and the National Association of REALTORS®: ■ Develops and delivers programs, services and related products that maintain and elevate the high standards of the real estate business and the professional conduct of its practitioners; ■ Assists members in ethically and professionally serving the public; ■ Promotes and preserves the right to own, transfer and use real property; and ■ Protects the right of members to conduct business within a framework of fair and reasonable laws and government regulations. In principle and in practice, the Maryland Association of REALTORS® values and seeks diversity and inclusive participation within the field of real estate and recognizes each member as a unique individual. Maryland REALTOR® (USPS 0016-017) is published bimonthly by the Maryland Association of REALTORS®, Suite 200, 200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401-7348. Periodical postage paid at Annapolis and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to: Maryland REALTOR®, Suite 200, 200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401-7348. Member subscriptions of $3.81 are paid with annual dues. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is offered with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Articles that appear in Maryland REALTOR® are an informational service to members. Their contents are the opinions of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent those of the Maryland Association of REALTORS®. Permission to reprint articles appearing in Maryland REALTOR® magazine must be requested in writing. Also include purpose for request. While this magazine makes a reasonable effort to establish the integrity of its advertisers, it does not endorse advertised products or services unless specifically stated. ©2010 Maryland Association of REALTORS®, Inc.


Oilheat . Know more, sell more.

MARYLAND REALTOR® November 2012

open the door to more year-end closings

save the sale, consult an expert

Local oilheat experts from PRO$ are speaking at office sales meetings throughout Maryland. They know your market area intimately and recognize the challenges you face. The PRO$ program is non-profit, which makes it purely educational, and it is scaled to fit into your meeting agenda. To request a PRO$ presentation visit md.oilheatpros.com or contact Susan Janett on Facebook.

why oilheat is cleaner and more efficient Comparing today’s oilheat with what your grandparents had is like comparing a laptop computer to a typewriter. Because of advances in technology, it’s “apples to oranges.”

The Consumer Energy Council of America concluded that changing fuel sources does not make economic sense…

• Today’s average oil-heated home burns

— Homeowner’s Guide to Heating Oil, page 10.

• The particulate emissions from an oil

5

30% less fuel than the average number of gallons used in the 1970s.

• New indoor tanks can be installed in hard-to-fit

places; underground tanks are now cathodically protected to prevent rust and corrosion.

When you need medical or legal advice, you turn to a doctor or lawyer. Along the same lines, if you need advice about resolving an obstacle with an oil-heated property transaction, contact a local oilheat dealer. In many cases, this could be your solution to saving the sale.

Local oilheat dealers have always been a great resource for REALTORS, offering innovative solutions that may not have occurred to most agents. Dealers can provide information about heating equipment and local regulations (especially on tank issues), make recommendations for underground tanks, analyze a home heating system and its service history, document the amount of oil in the storage tank… and much more. Plan ahead, reach out to your local oilheat dealer today.

heating system are as minute as those from a similar-size natural gas burner.

• The oilheat industry continues to focus on combining clean-burning

technologies with greener fuels — those with an ultra-low sulfur content.

Refer your clients to the Homeowner’s Guide to Heating Oil so they can make smart decisions about their property. They’re FREE at md.oilheatpros.com or contact Susan Janett on Facebook.

Want the facts? y 2011: April/Ma bout

alk a Straight tosts c g heatin

Want to connect?

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Dec. 2011/Jan

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2012 Annual

Conference & Awards

www.mdrealtor.org


MARYLAND REALTOR® November 2012

7

Ride the Wave Maryland Association of REALTORS® Annual Conference and EXPO There was fun, friends, and food for over 1200 REALTORS® and Exhibitors attending the Annual Conference and EXPO in Ocean City featuring extensive and cutting-edge continuing education, valuable networking, exciting speakers and a full array of products and services expressly geared for our members in a packed Exhibit Hall.

REALTOR® OF THE YEAR

2012 REALTOR® of the Year David McIlvaine accepts the award from 2010 ROTY Marla Johnson.

LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD JoAnne Poole and Iona Harrison receive the MAR Life Achievement Award from 2011 awardee Al Ingraham.

OMEGA TAU RHO

2011 President Cathy Werner and 2011 REALTOR® of the Year, Anita Davis received the medal from 2012 NAR Treasurer Bill Armstrong. www.mdrealtor.org


MARYLAND REALTOR®

8 November 2012

COMMUNITY ACTION AND REALTOR® EXCELLENCE (CARE) AWARDS

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

This award recognizes outstanding achievements in Community Service by Local Association members.

Simon Nwaigwe is the 2012 Community Service Award recipient and accepts the award from 2012 MAR President Pat Terrill.

The Seven local Association 2012 Nominees are: Cecil County, Coastal, Frederick, Greater Capital Area, Mid-Shore, Prince Georges and Southern MD. Frederick County Association of REALTORS® President Gloria Castle accepts Special Projects Award for their rehab work to a local family home. The association will receive $1000 to be given to a charity of their choosing.

SHINING STAR

Award

AR G ST SHININ

Jennifer Klarman accepts the MAR Shining Star Award. This award was presented to Jennifer to recognize her as an outstanding new volunteer to the MAR Communications/PR Committee.

Southern Maryland Association President Paul Fenton accepts the 1st Honorable mention from CARE Committee Chair, Michael Cerrito (left) and 2012 MAR President Pat Terrill. The $5000 cash award will be donated to the charities of their choosing.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD Mid-Shore Board President Valerie Brown (2nd from left) and Shelby Roney, Community Service Committee chair, accepted top honors from CARE Committee Chair Michael Cerrito (left) and 2012 MAR President Pat Terrill. Their $10,000 prize will be contributed to up to five charities of their choosing.

President Pat Terrill presents the award to MAR Vice President and Chief Lobbyist Bill Castelli, Director of Government Affairs Susan Mitchell, and Director of Regulator Affairs Mark Feinroth for their outstanding efforts to the successful Mortgage Interest Deduction Campaign and other critical legislative issues.


2012 Annual

MARYLAND REALTOR® November 2012

Conference & Awards REALTOR® of the Year Nominees

Pam Harrison Anne Arundel County Assn.

Sandy Fouche Frederick County Assn.

Frederick Winston Archer Harford County Assn.

Alease Bowles Prince George’s County Assn.

David Dauses Bay Area Assn.

Betsy Holcomb Garrett County Assn.

Donald Carter Historic Highlands Assn.

Paul Fenton Southern Maryland Assn.

Marie Shantz Carroll County Assn.

David McIlvaine Greater Baltimore Board

Jim Hyatt Howard County Assn.

Sharon Curtiss Coastal Assn.

Patrick Weed Greater Capital Area Assn.

Ivan Holt Mid-Shore Board

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MARYLAND REALTOR®

10 November 2012

2012

Annual Conference The Maryland Association of REALTORS® especially thanks and recognizes its Sponsors. It is their generous support that makes the MAR Annual Conference so successful.

Main Conference Sponsors MRIS Pentagon Federal Credit Union

Overall Conference Sponsors 203K Services Bay Area Association Carroll County Association of REALTORS® Cecil County Board of REALTORS® Deustche Bank Garrett County Board of REALTORS® Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® Harford County Association of REALTORS® Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development MHREIA MidShore Board of REALTORS® Pearl Insurance Southern MD Association of REALTORS® Steve Meszaros, 2010 MAR President Women’s Council of REALTORS®

REALTOR® Business Center 2012 President Pat Terrill recognizes the Annual Conference & EXPO Main Sponsors with a framed logo. (L) Kevin Wiles, President, Prudential PenFed Realty accepts on behalf of Pentagon Federal Credit Union. (R) David Charron, President & CEO, MRIS

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Lanyards

Platinum Sponsor

Embrace Home Loans

Century 21 Real Estate, Inc.

NAR Directors Breakfast Anne Arundel County Association of REALTORS® Coastal Association of REALTORS® Howard County Association of REALTORS®

Monday & Tuesday Continental Breakfasts Long & Foster Real Estate www.mdrealtor.org


MARYLAND REALTOR® November 2012

and EXPO Sponsors Wednesday Refreshment Break Long & Foster Real Estate Prince George’s County Association of REALTORS®

Conference Survey UPS

Installation Banquet EXIT Realty Frederick County Association of REALTORS® EXIT Realty Prosperity Group Al Ingraham, 2006 MAR President Billie Landbeck, 1978 MAR President Bill Neary, 2002 MAR President Harold Huggins, 1999 MAR President Ilene Kessler, 2007 MAR President Iona Harrison, 2009 MAR President JoAnne Poole, 2005 MAR President Judith DiFilippo, 1995 MAR President

Tees Martha Lessner, REALTOR® TD Bank, Paul Malstrom First Home Mortgage, Brett Reichart Janice Kirkner, REALTOR® Pen-MAR Association of REALTORS® Eastern Moving & Storage Lakeside Title Homesale Settlement Services Advantage Title Company

Greens Homesale Settlement Services, Ed Brynes Janice Kirkner, REALTOR® Capital Bank, NA 203 K Services My Marketing Matters Chris McKenna – In Memoriam CK Capital Management American Home Sheild WCR GBBR Chapter Pen-MAR Regional Association of REALTORS®

Golf Tournament Golf Putting Green – Bill Neary, 2002 MAR President Golf Carts – Frederick County Association of REALTORS®

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MARYLAND REALTOR®

12 November 2012

2012

Life Achievement Awards

JoAnne Poole: Seizing Opportunities

J

oAnne Poole could have coasted a bit as a volunteer after her successful tenure as President of the Maryland Association of REALTORS® (MAR) in 2005. The real estate market was sizzling; there was unprecedented growth in membership and in home values and sales.

But that’s not Poole. She worried during her term that the housing expansion was unsustainable, and that skyrocketing prices kept many potential buyers out of the market altogether. Having spent many of her volunteer hours locally and at the state expanding ways to make homeownership opportunities available to all who can afford to buy, she was concerned about the possible long term effects of a market that cooled rapidly. As one of MAR’s first instructors in credit literacy, and a strong proponent of its Workforce Housing Certification program, she knew firsthand the problems many new and aspiring homeowners faced in managing their finances, even in a stable market. So when the world changed soon after, her dedication as a real estate leader deepened. Poole rolled up her sleeves even further and dug in for the next wave of business challenges that have confounded politicians, economists, and executives in recent years. She not only stayed involved in MAR in many areas, she led a group that explored ways to teach Maryland REALTORS® how to be more effective leaders in the state and nationally. She continued her service with the National Association of REALTORS®, which had already included service across a broad spectrum of policy development, including chairing a group reviewing credit policy issues. Over the next seven years, she served on half a dozen committees and other groups focusing on housing policy, public policy and related business issues. In November

www.mdrealtor.org

she will complete a one-year term as chair of the Housing Opportunity Committee. “We’ve been able to give many grants for good works being done all over the country,” says Poole, including home buying counseling, affordability initiatives and aid for the homeless. Poole’s 25-year real estate career in Anne Arundel County began in 1987 when she joined Coldwell Banker as a salesperson, following a 17-year stint with the Social Security Administration. What prompted Poole to pursue her real estate license was, in fact, her own experience as a first-time home buyer with her husband John. “It was disheartening. The agent couldn’t have cared less about us. He didn’t even know who we were at the settlement,” she remembers. “I thought, no one needs to be treated like this.” Others had long advised Poole that she had the right personality and drive to excel in real estate, so she decided to get her license. Ten years later, she was elected president of the Anne Arundel County Association of REALTORS®. “It’s been one of my better decisions. It’s never felt like a job,” she said. While Poole is proud to have been the first African-American woman to serve as president of both the state and local association, she is dedicated to finding ways to expand opportunities for others, whether its consumers interested in buying their first home or colleagues interested in making an impact in their professional community. And through it all, she’s also forged ahead with her own real estate business. Since February Poole has been branch manager with Prudential Homesale YWGC Realty, the company formed through a merger with Yerman Witman Gaines & Conklin Realty, where she also served as manager. From 2006 to 2011 she was the broker owner of Poole Realty. She attributes much of her success, whether in her day to day business or in her volunteer work, to her people skills. “I am Continued


MARYLAND REALTOR® November 2012

very comfortable developing relationships with people, whether it’s in one-on-one situations or with a group.” Poole says she developed the tenacity required to succeed professionally early on. She happily recalls her sixth-place finish at an elementary school track meet in Baltimore. “The year before I had come in seventh,” she explained. “The point is I kept trying and I improved.” She credits her parents with teaching her about the

importance working through things no matter how hard they seem. “My parents were very positive people. They taught me you can win without necessarily being first.” But having made it to the top ranks of her profession, she certainly doesn’t mind the view. “I am honored to think that my peers consider me qualified to reach this level.”

Iona C. Harrison: A Commitment to Giving

F

ew people are as plugged into real estate issues in Maryland as Iona Harrison. For almost two decades, she has lent her ideas and energy to 37 committees, forums and other groups dedicated to protecting real property rights and the interests of association members working through an array of industry challenges at the local, state and national levels. “I especially enjoy public policy and engaging in debates,” explains Harrison. Her colleagues observe that she has two essential traits for a leader: she can think on her feet and she knows how to lead a meeting.

Those skills were put to the test when she became President of the Maryland Association of REALTORS® in 2009. The housing market and the wider economy were plunging into the darkest period in decades. “I thought: this is the worst time to be president. But the truth is I wish 2009 was the worst,” she says. “We just weren’t expecting such a long, long downturn.” Harrison cited her commitment to fiscal responsibility during her time at the helm that enabled MAR to cut costs without affecting the high quality of services offered to members during a period when dues revenue was falling sharply. “We had a strong leadership team and supportive culture. I never felt I was alone.” Licensed since 1976, Harrison has worked at a variety of large and small brokerages, and has loved the flexibility that her career has offered as her family grew. Her real estate advocacy has included testifying three times before Congress about such critical matters as GSE and FHA reform. “I am a cheap date for NAR since it’s an easy drive for me to Capitol Hill,” quips

the long-time resident of Prince George’s County. The reality, of course, is that Harrison is a valued and expert resource on a broad range of issues affecting housing and mortgage financing. Harrison is gearing up for her newest NAR post as the association’s major investor liaison, charged with reporting on fundraising efforts to the leadership team. “It’s a challenge to raise money during this economic climate, when many people would rather run the other way. But I’m up for it. Every job I take on has a new facet that I enjoy,” said Harrison, an RPAC Golden R member for the past 10 years. Fundraising is a strength of hers that goes beyond the real estate industry. She has led her church’s efforts to raise money for needed repairs since the 2011 Washington-Metro area earthquake. The church is well on the way to reaching its $200,000 goal. And she’s still putting in full-time hours as a sales and property manager at Pioneer Realty in Upper Marlboro where her husband John, also a former MAR president, is senior vice president. Married for 45 years, they have five grown children, three of whom are involved in the real estate business, and five grandchildren. “John is the one who encouraged me to get into real estate and I have done many of the same things he does, but a few years after him. My industry activities, however, are more broad-based than his.” Their professional partnership augments their personal relationship. “He’s very supportive and we work well together,” Harrison notes. “And I can kick him under the table when necessary.”

www.mdrealtor.org

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MARYLAND REALTOR®

14 November 2012

Regulation News MARK FEINROTH, ESQUIRE

Commission Takes a Property Manager’s License The Real Estate Commission has posted to its website the list of disciplinary actions taken against licensees during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012. A total of 159 cases were fully adjudicated during the year.

O

ne licensee’s name appears on the list multiple times. Ms. Sue Willison was involved in more than a third of the FY 2012 cases. To her credit, Ms. Willison entered into a settlement agreement with the Real Estate Commission in which she agreed to surrender her license and promised not to dispute guaranty fund claims filed by her former clients. The Commission also took disciplinary action against Ms. Willison’s broker. Ms. Willison was a licensed salesperson affiliated with West Patrick Property Solutions of Frederick, Maryland. She received rent payments on behalf of property owner clients and then failed to provide those funds to her clients or use the funds to maintain the properties under management. She was charged in 73 cases with failure “to account for or remit promptly any money that comes into the possession of the licensee but belongs to another person” under Section 17-322 (b) (22) of the Maryland Real Estate Brokers Act. Fifty-nine of the cases were fully resolved this past fiscal year; the 24 remaining cases await the administrative hearing process to establish the amount of the Guaranty Fund reimbursements for the property owners who filed those claims. Ms. Willison’s broker also entered into a settlement agreement with the Real Estate Commission, but that case has not yet been released. The terms of the broker’s agreement were made available to us on the condition that she is not identified until her case is fully concluded. The broker was charged with failing to “exercise reasonable and adequate supervision over the provision of real estate brokerage services” under Section 17320 (c). The broker agreed to relinquish her broker license and to pay a $2500 civil penalty. After she pays her penalty, the broker will be permitted to apply for a salesperson license.

www.mdrealtor.org

There are a two points worth making about the West Patrick Property Solutions cases. First, the cases point out the significant advantage for consumers who do business with licensed real estate agents as property managers. Current law does not require property managers to be licensed real estate agents. A consumer who elects to do business with an unlicensed property manager is not entitled to file a claim against the real estate guaranty fund. Commissioner Marla Johnson, the Commission’s legislative committee chair, has been one of the Commission’s advocates for mandatory licensing of property managers. Ms. Johnson is herself a licensed broker who provides property management service. She argues that, “the primary mission of the Real Estate Commission is to protect consumers. We simply cannot justify a regulatory system that provides protection for some, but not others, based on whether the consumer hires a real estate licensee as a property manager.” The Commission will not be ready to offer a legislative proposal for property manager licensing in the upcoming 2013 legislative session, but plans to do so in 2014. Second, any real estate agent or broker who fails to account for client funds is likely to face a career ending disciplinary action from the Real Estate Commission. In such cases, there is also the possibility of a criminal prosecution. Mark Feinroth, Esquire, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs Maryland Association of REALTORS® The full list of disciplinary cases along with Commission’s final order can be found on their website at http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mrec/. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the West Patrick Property Solutions cases or the Real Estate Commission’s interest in mandatory licensing for property managers. I can be reached at mark.feinroth@mdrealtor.org.


MARYLAND REALTOR® November 2012

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

Dr. King’s message of equality must continue to enlighten future generations, and the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial will see that it does.

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is proud to be a major sponsor of this important memorial.

To learn more visit www.mlkmemorial.org

Proud Supporter of the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc

www.mdrealtor.org

15


MARYLAND REALTOR®

16 November 2012

Maryland Update C ol E T T E M A S S E N G A L E , E S Q U I R E

Notice of New and Revised MAR Forms for 2012 New forms available by request:

n Unimproved Land Contract of Sale

n General Residential Dwelling Lease Template

Changes – In Paragraph 39, $25,000 was deleted and $50,000 was added.

n Exclusive Right to Lease Residential Brokerage Agreement Revised forms available by request: n Exclusive Right to Sell Residential Brokerage Agreement

n The Notice Pursuant to Condition of Property and Possession Paragraph of MAR Residential Contract of Sale and Notice Pursuant to MAR Inspections Addendum replaces the Notice Pursuant to Property Inspections Addendum to Contract of Sale.

Changes – Paragraph 8 (provision regarding property data) and Paragraph 11 (provision regarding repairs) were added. Paragraph 15B (provision relating to lead-based paint renovation rule) was revised. The word “lead-based” was removed.

Changes – Section I was added. Paragraph 3C was modified. Specifically, “will not” was removed and “will” was added. A minor modification was made to Paragraph 4A.

n Exclusive Right to Sell Unimproved Land Brokerage Agreement

Changes – The first paragraph was modified to make clear that the buyer has the ability to conduct a walkthrough.

Changes – Paragraph 8 (provision regarding property data) was added. n Exclusive Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement Changes – Revisions were made so that the agreement may be used in lease and purchase transactions. Paragraph 11 regarding repairs was also added.

Revised forms available generally: n Residential Contract of Sale Changes – In Paragraph 16B (provision relating to lead-based paint renovation rule), the word “lead-based” was removed. In Paragraph 39, $25,000 was deleted and $50,000 was added.

www.mdrealtor.org

n As Is Addendum

n Maryland Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Disclosure Changes – In response to a Maryland court case striking down the qualified immunity provisions of the Maryland Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing law, the last sentence of Paragraph 2 was modified. n Onsite Sewage Disposal Inspection Changes – A technical change was made to the last sentence of the addendum. Continued


7

The following forms were modified to include language requiring that a broker holding the earnest money must comply with Section 17-505 of the Brokers Act: 1 Maryland Homeowners Association Act/Notice to Buyer/Initial Sale/Buyer Will Not Occupy or Rent for Residential Purposes 2 Maryland Homeowners Association Act/Notice to Buyer/Initial Sale/More than 12 Lots/Buyer will Occupy or Rent for Residential Purposes 3 Maryland Homeowners Association Act/Notice to Buyer/Resale of a Lot of Any Size/Initial Sale of Lot 12 or Fewer Lots/Buyer Will Occupy or Rent for Residential Purposes 4 Maryland Homeowners Association Act/Notice of Changes in Mandatory Fees and Disclosure of Substantial and Material Amendments

FORTNA AUCTIONEERS & MARKETING GROUP,

an award-winning national east coast auction company with offices in PA and FL, is looking for a high-energy and aggressive real estate company and fellow realtors to cooperate with in the aide of selling residential, commercial, industrial and government real estate in your area. Please forward contact info and resume to:

5 Condominium Resale Notice

auctions@fortnaauctioneers.com Questions? Call 1.855.831.4242 or visit www.fortnaauctioneers.com

6 Resale of Condominium Unit Acknowledgment 7 Condominium Resale Disclosure and Transmittal of Documents from Seller as Unit Owner Colette Massengale, Esquire, Staff Attorney of Legal Affairs Maryland Association of REALTORS® For additional information regarding MAR Statewide Forms, you may contact Colette Massengale, Esq. at Colette.massengale@mdrealtor.org or call 800.638.6425.

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120307


MARYLAND REALTOR®

8 November 2012 1

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www.mdrealtor.org


Member Benefits ALL MEMBER WEBINARS

RE MO UNTED CO ITS DIS ENEF B

www.mdrealtor.org

REA TOO LTOR® LKIT

ION T A I MED RVICES SE

SHIP R E D LEA ADEMY AC

H INSUEALTH RAN CE

Your

Future

is our Business MAR MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

MAR Members Benefit with Direct Savings! The Maryland Association of REALTORS® (MAR) offers a networking center for professional contacts and member discounts on products and services you use everyday. Over 500 volunteers and staff work to provide these programs and services offered by MAR. MAR is your professional organization working to make business more profitable, productive, and satisfying. Whether you have been a REALTOR® for 10 minutes or 10 years, this booklet will acquaint you with the variety of available programs. MAR is the largest trade association in Maryland and the central information resource for Maryland’s real estate news, issues and trends. We keep you informed using traditional and technology-based channels to fit your schedule and preferences.

This handbook introduces you to some of the most valuable member benefits, including: n FREE Legal Hotline n FORMS n Statewide Contract of Sale and revised addenda n Downloadable Statewide Forms n Additional Forms from participating local boards/associations n Mediation Services n Professional Development & Educational Opportunities n FREE Webinars for all members n B enefits of Membership Roadmap—all the important links to mdrealtor.org n FREE REALTOR® Marketing Toolkits, emailed monthly AND MANY MORE. . .

Visit www.mdrealtor.org to view updated member discounts & benefits


Member Benefits LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES The rewards of the real estate profession — unlimited opportunity, independence, and flexibility — are abundant. MAR provides many resources to help you manage your business professionally and productively. Legal Hotline

Dispute Resolution

Free, authoritative legal advice is available by calling the MAR Legal Hotline at 1.800.888.1272. Questions on all aspects of real estate law are answered. Sales agents may call the Hotline up to four times per year; designated REALTORS® have unlimited calls.

MAR is a resource for members and the public who need assistance with disputes and can provide guidance on available options to assist in resolving issues. Visit the Dispute Resolution tab, under the Legal tab, at www.mdrealtor.org for various available options, including a link to O.M. Services (800.291.9542), MAR’s partner, offering mediation services to your clients and customers who may have contractual disputes.

A written response is sent to all callers and their brokers or managers. Hours of operation: M-W-F 10am - Noon and 2pm - 4pm. Members may also ask legal questions using the online form, available at the Legal Hotline tab on www.mdrealtor.org. Simply fill out the form and click “Submit.” An attorney from the MAR Legal Department will respond, either by reply email or by phone, within 48 hours. MAR Statewide Forms - For MAR Members only! MAR creates numerous contracts and addenda that comply with Maryland laws. For copies of the contracts and various addenda with up-to-date revisions, as well as various local forms provided by our local associations, visit www.mdrealtor.org and click on the “Statewide Forms” link in the “Top Destinations” section. INFORMATIVE SALES MEETINGS

Professional Standards & Conduct All REALTORS® are required to take Ethics training and are bound by the National Association of REALTORS® strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice to assure the highest level of professionalism between REALTORS® and with clients and customers. MAR conducts annual programs locally for Grievance and Professional Standards Committees as well as local Board of Directors. MAR is a primary resource for its local Associations and members on the processes of filing professional standards and ethics complaints. Free online ethics training and the complete Professional Standards Procedures are available under the Code of Ethics/ Professionalism tab (under a new Dispute Resolution tabbed section) at www.mdrealtor.org.

MAR staff is available to speak at your sales meetings on the current legislative session, risk reduction, agency, and statewide sales contract. Visits are being scheduled now. (No CE credit) Email Chuck Kasky, Colette Massengale or Don Martin or call 800.638.6425.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Designations & Educational Opportunities

Leadership Academy

Additional professional training opportunities are available through numerous professional enhancement sessions and higher level designation/certification programs that, in many instances, meet state licensing renewal requirements. Classroom sessions as well as online training are available. MAR administers the Maryland REALTOR® Institute and awards the national GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) designation — the nation’s largest real estate designation — to members who complete the 90 hour curriculum. Completion of all four GRI courses (120 hours) meets the educational requirement for the Maryland Associate Broker or Broker license enabling one to own his/her firm. For course schedules, check your Maryland REALTOR® magazine or visit the Education tab at www.mdrealtor.org. Additionally, MAR periodically conducts training for instructors to enhance their presentation abilities.

The MAR Leadership Academy extends a special opportunity to members interested in developing and strengthening their leadership skills to prepare them to assume leadership roles within the industry and community. If you want to make a difference, take the challenge and call MAR for further details at 1.800.638.6425. General information and application are available under the Education tab, Leadership Academy at www.mdrealtor.org.

Annual Conference & EXPO Registration opens Spring 2013 Stay up-to-date with your license requirements and have fun! We offer a fast online registration that features an instant confirmation to your email address. Visit the EXPO tradeshow — one of the largest anywhere! The Conference, one of our most popular member services, will be held on September 9-11, 2013.

Workforce Housing Certified (WHC) REALTOR® This certification program offers training to members who want to learn more about mortgage financing options for first-time homebuyers, critical workforce employees (such as police, firefighters, teachers, emergency medical technicians), special populations (including disabled persons and aging citizens), as well as down payment and closing assistance for buyers.


www.mdrealtor.org

Free Communication Resources MAR keeps you informed about what is happening in Maryland real estate, national markets, the REALTOR® organization, and professional development using a wide variety of technology. MAR communications program and tools are a valuable REALTOR® resource and a marketing service to the public, the media, regulators, and legislators. MAR Website: www.mdrealtor.org As a REALTOR®, you can access a special member section and stay current with information on regulations, laws, cutting edge research, education opportunities and MAR member services. You can also e-mail info@mdrealtor.org to ask questions, give comments, and request additional information.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP ROADMAP One-stop shop for links to all benefits and areas of our website that will help you in your profession.

Maryland REALTOR® Magazine Every issue focuses on Maryland’s real estate business, providing information on economic statistics and forecasting, political, legislative and legal topics as well as feature articles of interest to members. Published six times annually. Hot Sheet This timely e-mailed alert provides new laws or pending bills, recently proposed or implemented regulations, forms, legal decisions, and other up-to-the-minute information for REALTORS®. Contact info@mdrealtor.org to be included in this e-mail service.

REALTOR® Toolkit The REALTOR® Toolkit is delivered directly to you by electronic mail twice per month. The REALTOR® Toolkit focuses on productivity solutions dealing with communication tools, web-based technology, effective marketing techniques, MLS issues, success stories and more. Consumer website: www.marylandhomeownership.com This tool for REALTORS® and consumers combines web-based homeownership education with options for financing programs in all counties in Maryland. Find out what’s available to help your buyer.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES As a professional association, the strength of MAR lies in its members who volunteer their expertise and time to set policy and develop programmatic direction. You can make MAR a better organization, benefiting you and your profession. We need member volunteers to participate in focus groups, surveys, task forces and

committees. Your participation will bring you into contact with the most successful REALTORS® in Maryland. Look for the annually posted volunteer form at www.mdrealtor.org or express your interest to info@mdrealtor.org.

Statewide Education Calendar

Events Calendar for local Association activities (Including YPN events)


Member Benefits

www.mdrealtor.org

MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNERS REALTORS® Federal Credit Union REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, a division of Northwest Federal Credit Union offers state of the art online banking with the ability to remotely scan checks for deposit, transfer funds between financial institutions, and free bill pay. Also, you may access thousands of Shared Branch locations and surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. The Credit Union has competitive financing for personal mortgage, business and commercial real estate loans (including investment properties). Your funds are federally insured to $250,000. REALTORS® and their families, REALTOR® owned businesses, and State or Local Associations and their employees are eligible for membership. For more information and to join, visit the RFCU Web site at www.REALTORSfcu.org. Health Insurance for You and Your Family Benefits By Choice, Inc. assists Maryland REALTORS® Association Members by providing professional consultation and access to the insurance benefits they need. Our service provides comparison quotes from multiple insurance providers. Shop and find some of the most affordable Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance coverage available. Call Stuart Jackson directly 888.424.4842 ext. 101; after hour calls will be returned the next business day. All MAR members and their families will receive a complimentary Prescription Discount Card; just go to: www.benefitsbychoice.com Click: Get your complimentary card now! Click: ScripSave Your MAR LOG IN CODE is 937 ERRORS & OMMISSIONS INSURANCE AND MORE. . . Did you know that Pearl Insurance is your Total Solutions Provider for ALL lines of insurance coverage? Just visit www.pearlinsurance.com/maryland, scan this QR code into your smart phone, or call 800.289.8170 for details on the variety of solutions Pearl Insurance offers for real estate professionals. ECO INK Save 30%-70% off on Ink, Toner and Printer Supplies PLUS FREE SHIPPING on all orders $39 or more from Eco ink Benefits. Visit http//mar.inkbenefits.com/ for the complete list of products. Sam’s Club MAR and Sam’s Club have teamed up offering a $10 gift card when you join or renew your membership. Download the certificate by visiting the member benefits section of mdrealtor.org and present it to any Sam’s Club in Maryland for this offer.

www.mdrealtor.org

Allied Van Lines The MyHomeBenefits program, offered exclusively to Maryland Association of Realtors®, gives you access to moving services and to preferred savings on move related services for you, your family members and clients and customers. For more information, call 800.579.2970, or visit http://mar.myhomebenefits.com DISCOUNTED BWI AIRPORT FAST PARK Join the Relax for Rewards Program FREE. Log into http://www.thefastpark.com/ marketing/baltimore/sh26edlr.html and complete the application. You will automatically be issued an Airport Fast Park card. Then simply park with us and begin earning points toward FREE parking (accumulate 1 point per day). Note: If you currently have an Airport Fast Park card, you do not have to re-enroll. • FREE newspaper in the AM, FREE water bottle on their return. • Don’t forget to mention our low rate of $6.90 per day+ tax (blue lot) • Express checkout lanes make payment easier and faster. • Easy computer access to receipts when needed. • During certain holiday periods restrictions apply. No card No park! Cards take 10-14 days to arrive. UPS Looking for bottom line savings? Save up to 30% percent on express air & international shipping through UPS (NYSE: UPS). The enhanced MAR program now offers member’s savings on UPS ground services! Members enrolled in the original UPS program (prior to August 2010) must re-enroll to take advantage of this new exclusive offer re-enroll by logging onto www.savewithups.com/mar or by calling 800.325.7000. When calling, simply let the UPS Associate know you are a member of Maryland Association of Realtors®.

Office Depot provides our members access to new and more products and services. With the partnership, MAR members will quality for an instant savings on office supplies, copy and printing services, and promotional products. Additional promotions will be run throughout the year to provide additional savings. To register, go to www.mdrealtor.org and scroll the left sidebar to the Member Benefits. FOR ASSISTANCE OR QUESTIONS CONTACT: Jill A. Johnson; jill.johnson@officedepot.com; 443.643.6832. Office Depot Business Solutions Division, http://business.officedepot.com – contact Jill for online ordering setup under the account.


MARYLAND REALTORÂŽ November 2012

Maryland Real Estate Commission News K atherine C onnelly

By the Numbers—The Commisions FY 2012 Results The Real Estate Commission provides an annual report to the General Assembly at the conclusion of each fiscal year, which I summarized for the MAR Board of Directors in September. The data we track includes original and renewal licensing, license examinations, the guaranty fund, consumer complaints and continuing education audits. Here are some of the statistics for the twelve months ending June 30, 2012 Total Number of Licensees on June 30, 2012

Licensing Examinations Administered

39,058

Broker

488

(2,391 lower than June 30, 2011)

Salesperson

Original Licenses Issued 2,000

5,366

1,868

1,500

1,000

Total

Consumer Complaints Received........................................ 549 Complaints Investigated............... 196 Investigations Pending..................... 13 Completed.................................... 620

2,391

500

267

Recip. Sales

31 Salesperson

Broker

Reciprocal Brokers Associate Brokers Recip. Assoc Brokers

0

205 205 16

Disciplinary Fines Assessed

$

142,300

Renewal Licenses Issued Broker............................................................................................ 2,075 Reciprocal Brokers..................................................................................... 0 Assoc Broker................................................................................... 1,350 Recip. Assoc Brokers.................................................................................. 0 Salesperson................................................................................. 13,727 Recip. Sales............................................................................................... 1 Total.......................................................................................... 17,152 Guaranty Fund Balance..................................................................... $1,880,485.47 (as of June 30, 2012) FY 2012 payouts.............................................................$295,661.23 Continuing Education Audits Audited licesees who did not produce proof of CE compliance................ 46 Status of Audit Cases 18 accepted settlement agreements that included fines and remedial CE 2 sent back their real estate licenses 4 in process of accepting settlement agreements 4 accepted settlements but have not yet paid fines 2 disciplinary charges in process 1 audited licensee requested a hearing 6 have not yet responded to audit request for CE certificates 9 under review by MREC staff

The Real Estate Commission strives to provide the best possible service to licensees and consumers. If you have questions about the data we reported to the General Assembly or if you have suggestions as to how we can improve our performance, please contact me at kconnelly@dllr.state.md.us. Katherine Connelly is the Executive Director of the Maryland Real Estate Commission. For more information, visit http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mrec

www.mdrealtor.org

23


MARYLAND REALTOR®

24 November 2012

Commercial Connection E D S TA N F I E L D

Thinking About Trying Commercial Real Estate? Look Before You Leap. There you are: You have six years in residential sales, sitting duty desk. A call comes in from a person looking for ground to put up a building for an assisted care facility. He needs about six acres for about $2 million. Two million? The strobe lights start to flash. Maybe, just maybe, you can represent him. Then the questions start to come from the potential buyer:

OR

Is there land available? What zoning do I need in that area? How much are water & sewer tap fees? What’s the traffic count? Is storm water management in place? If I had to change zoning, how long would it take and what are the odds that it will be approved? Have environmental Phase One, Two, or Three checks been done on the ground? Do you have a good commercial real estate attorney that you work with? How long for site plan approval? What commercial lenders do you work with? What floor area ratios does the county require? How many parking spaces per 1,000 square feet are required? Can I do a 1030 tax deferred exchange within the IRS time limits?

n Find somebody who knows what he/she is doing and work hand in hand with that person for a share of the commission. It will help educate you and help you decide whether commercial real estate sales are for you.

You say, “Can I get back to you?” You run to your broker, “Commission on two million sounds great; I’m just not sure what he’s talking about.” Your broker looks at you with her forehead somewhat creased, which could be recognized as a frown. She says, “I’m not sure what he’s talking about either. To keep our tails out of trouble, here are our options.” n Don’t return the call. n Get yourself educated (but we don’t have time for that). nR efer him to somebody who does know what he’s doing. That way you won’t lose him and will still get the referral fee.

www.mdrealtor.org

According to Article 11 of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Code of Ethics: The services which REALTORS® provide to their clients and customers shall conform to the standards of practice and competence which are reasonably expected in the specific real estate disciplines in which they engage; specifically, residential real estate brokerage, real property management, commercial and industrial real estate brokerage, land brokerage, real estate appraisal, real estate counseling, real estate syndication, real estate auction, and international real estate. (emphasis supplied) REALTORS® shall not undertake to provide specialized professional services concerning a type of property or service that is outside their field of competence unless they engage the assistance of one who is competent on such types of property or service, or unless the facts are fully disclosed to the client. Any Continued


MARYLAND REALTOR® November 2012

persons engaged to provide such assistance shall be so identified to the client and their contribution to the assignment should be set forth. Compliance with Article 11 is an essential risk management tool. Attempting to represent a client in a transaction of a nature with which you are unfamiliar exposes you to potential liability if problems arise. There are significant differences between residential and commercial transactions. For example, the Maryland statute governing agency, especially concerning dual agency and disclosure, does not apply to the commercial transaction. Also, fair housing law is inapplicable. Finally, there is no “standard” or form contract. Each transaction’s documents are unique and typically created by attorneys for the parties. There are other significant differences of which you would need to be aware.

Anyone considering a career in commercial real estate should consider the two NAR certifications: the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) and the Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS (SIOR). These are very select certifications, with only 9,000 CCIM and 3,000 SIOR designees out of over one million REALTORS® in the country. These certifications require intensive course work and a lot of study, capped by tough tests. In addition, sales production benchmarks must be met. As you become more knowledgeable in commercial real estate, your fellow residential REALTORS® (and your spouse) still won‘t know what you‘re talking about. That’s all right. They never knew what you were talking about anyhow. Ed Stanfield CCIM, CRS, ABR, GRI, GREEN, REALTOR® EMERITUS, has been in real estate for 43 years and is licensed in Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. He’s an Associate Broker with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

first Your clients are more sophisticated than ever, requiring you to perform at a higher level of professionalism. By earning the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute Designation (GRI), you will lead the pack with real-world knowledge about new technologies, laws and marketing techniques that positively affect your bottom line. Stay one step ahead of the competition. Earn your GRI.

Learn more at: www.mdrealtor.org

MAR GRI Series 100 - January 29, February 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2013

www.mdrealtor.org

25


MARYLAND REALTOR®

26 November 2012

SNIPPETS

Dropbox Makes Life Easier A ‘cloud’ file storage option that allows you to store your personal files out there on the web. This allows you to synchronize and access your files on multiple computers, share documents with others and always have your hard drive at your fingertips. n Easy Hard Drive Transfers n Instant File Sharing—You can generate a web address for every file or folder in your Dropbox, and your recipient doesn’t have to install Dropbox to see it. n Collaboration Super Station—Simply create and share a Dropbox folder with colleagues you’re working with—and voila the files will show up instantly on their desktop. This works beautifully when sending multiple files.

It’s time to truly take charge of your password and internet security issues. LastPass is a FREE, cloud-based tool that allows you to create one master password to gain access to all your sites. As soon as you install it, it scrapes all the sites in your browser history to show you just how many you have and how insecure you really are. LastPass is accessible in any browser. Go to https://lastpass.com/

have made their site even better. Originally an amazing tool for Microsoft Outlook, now Xobni organizes your contacts and more on your smartphones and in Gmail. Not only can you use Xobni with Outlook, but you can also use Xobni with your iPhone, Android or BlackBerry. Smartr Contacts by Xobni enables you to access all your contacts from any Xobni or Smartr App, when you’re on the go! Visit www.xobni.com

www.mdrealtor.org

Subject: Homestead Tax Credit deadline Homestead tax credit application due December 31, 2012 All homeowners must submit a one-time application to continue their homestead tax credit eligibility. Even homeowners who in the past have received the credit must file the form if they have not already done so. The credit may not be claimed for vacation homes or rental properties, and the application process is designed to ensure that taxpayers receive only one homestead tax credit. The homestead tax credit protects homeowners from the impact of real estate market fluctuations in annual property taxes. When home values increase dramatically, the homestead tax credit operates as a cap on the homeowner’s property tax bill and allows for the appreciation in value to phase in over time. For complete directions and a link to request the form, visit http://dat.state.md.us/prhomestead.pdf

If you have a ‘ridiculously useful website’ to share with fellow REALTORS®, email: debbie.hager@mdrealtor.org

The sites are presented for information only. MAR is not responsible for the content of external websites and does not endorse them or their functionality. Although we make every effort to ensure these links are accurate, up to date and relevant, MAR cannot take responsibility for pages maintained by external providers. Views expressed by individuals and organizations on their own websites are not necessarily those of the Maryland Association of REALTORS®.


MARYLAND REALTOR® November 2012

NO MORE TEXTING AND DRIVING www.dial2do.com Maryland law prohibits “texting while driving.” You won’t miss a beat with Dial2Do. You’ll have to pay $5.99 a month for that, but if you go “Pro” you can also send, listen and reply to email, send and listen to tweets, and record notes to Evernote. Plus, it also integrates with Google Calendar, Xpenser, Remember the Milk, ToodleDo, Tumblr, and WordPress. SMARTPHONE APPS: Android and Blackberry.

TURN PRINT INTO MULTIMEDIA www.layar.com A tool that can turn the printed page into a multimedia experience with help from a mobile app. Basic access is FREE.

Find My Phone

BLASTS FROM THE PAST www.phonevite.com Remember when your mom was a member of the school “phone tree?” Now many of us rely on text messages or emails to disseminate messages to several people quickly, but sometimes a voice mail blast works best. Sign up for a free account at Phonevite. You can send a voice message to 25 calls at once. Great for updating meeting times, getting a message out on the go. For bigger networks, the premium level costs just a nickel per completed call. Basic service is FREE.

It’s critical to set up your phone for remote tracking, locking or wiping — just in case it’s lost or stolen. The good news is the apps that let you do this are free, but the bad news is you need to do it ahead of time (read: before it’s too late). A few options include Find My iPhone (for iPhone), Mobile Defense (Android), BlackBerry Protect (BlackBerry) and Find My Phone (Windows Phone). These apps work in a similar way: you can see where the Smartphone is on a map (usually on a computer) and if you like, remotely lock it with a PIN or wipe the data clean just to be on the safe side. You can also have the Smartphone ‘ring’ loudly in case you think it’s stuck under a cushion somewhere. Basic access is FREE.

www.mdrealtor.org

27


MARYLAND REALTOR®

28 November 2012

M etropolitan R egional I nformation S ystems , I nc .

MRIS Homes™ Mobile App: Impress Your Clients With Real Time Answers Today’s real estate consumers are expecting immediate replies and real time data in minutes, not hours. According to a recent REAL Trends report*… n 45% of consumers upon initial contact to an agent expect a response within 15 minutes. n 56% of consumers expect a response from their agent within 30 minutes. n 89% of consumers said that response time was very important when choosing their agent.

Say “Hello” to Your New Mobile Office! Responding to customers in real time is now easier than ever. MRIS Homes™ is the patented, GPS-enabled dual-purpose mobile app designed to give you direct access to the listing information you need whenever and wherever you are. No more phone calls to your assistant at the office or waiting until you are logged into your computer in a few hours. If you haven’t downloaded the FREE app yet, now is the time. With MRIS Homes™, you can find nearby homes while out with a client, answer a question about a status onthe-fly, or even send listings right from your phone.

Search MRIS Anytime, Anywhere. Quickly and easily view agent-only information by logging in with your MRIS ID and password (no PIN required) from your phone or tablet. Once you login, you can see the property history, distressed property information, days on market, compensation, agent remarks, showing instructions and much more. Plus, you can search all property statuses by MLS#, address, city/state or zip code, all while on-the-go. Now that’s Real Estate in Real Time™!

Connect with Consumers Faster. Deliver stellar customer service by being able to deliver property information right to a potential homebuyer’s mobile *REAL Trends 2012 Online Performance Study

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phone or tablet. Through the GPS search technology, you and your clients can view homes, rentals and open houses in a list, by exterior property photo or placed on the map. From the app, you can access your contacts through a direct link to Matrix Mobile, post properties on Facebook and Twitter or text and email listings to share with clients. Want more? MRIS Homes™ refreshes every 10 minutes directly from the MRIS database which means you and potential homebuyers are searching the same, most accurate information.

3 Easy Ways to Download MRIS Homes™ Today. n F ind it in the Apple, Android or BlackBerry app stores (also available for the iPad). n T ext the word MRIS to the phone number 87778 to receive a download link right to your phone. n Type http://app.mrishomes.com into your mobile device or tablet’s browser for a direct download link. There are also Agent Branded and Broker Branded App options available for an additional fee. Visit MRIS.com/Mobile for more information. Stay tuned to MRISblog.com for future enhancements planned to MRIS Homes™ including the ability to view full listing information and edit listings right from your phone. Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. MRIS.com/Mobile


MARYLAND REALTOR® November 2012

nce Upon a Time...

There was a house

A colonist.

A revolutionary.

on Elm Street. And in this house lived:

A reformer.

An immigrant.

A GI’s mom.

Discover their stories and the importance of home at the Within These Walls exhibition. And, see the newly-preserved Star-Spangled Banner that inspired our national anthem.

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is the proud sponsor of these two exhibitions at the SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY. • 14th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington D.C. • 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily • admission is free • www.americanhistory.si.edu/house

Smithsonian National Museum of American History Kenneth E. Behring Center

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29


MARYLAND REALTOR®

What if...

30 November 2012

Prudential PenFed Realty is Growing! We added two new Tennessee offices giving our agents more potential leads in the future! Grow your business! Join the Revolution Today!

your company offered you access to millions of followers generated from our websites, ads in major newspapers in our regions, our social media presence and our affiliations with the Brookfield (formerly Prudential) Real Estate network? Prudential PenFed Realty and our agents and services are continuously advertised to millions of people by our consistent ads in papers like the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun and other papers across the US as well as our ads on radio stations like WTOP in the DC/Baltimore areas and WOAI in San Antonio to name two. We are also highly visible on a wide variety of Social Media as well as via our websites! Contact us to find out how many more closings to expect if your company was Prudential PenFed Realty! For details and to arrange an office visit please contact any of our offices listed below or visit PenFedRealty.com.

Let’s revolutionize real estate together!

M A RY L A N D Annapolis Bethesda Canton Crofton Elkton Federal Hill Ft. Meade Gaithersburg Harford County Howard County Ocean City

OFFICES 410-266-0600 301-961-6000 443-769-1700 410-721-3711 410-398-2401 410-547-5700 410-519-4221 301-948-4811 410-515-5300 443-325-7890 410-524-7000

Ocean City West Ocean Pines Olney Pikesville Potomac Village Roland Park Salisbury Severna Park Silver Spring Towson Waldorf

410-520-2600 410-208-3500 301-260-7700 410-484-8322 301-765-7653 410-464-5500 410-912-4700 410-647-8000 301-879-2600 410-828-4700 301-870-7653

NORTH CAROLINA OFFICES Fayetteville-Ft. Bragg 910-868-7196 Fayetteville-Ravenhill 910-401-3330 TENNESSEE OFFICES Ft. Campell 931-647-8342 St. Bethleham 931-503-8000 T E X A S O F F I C E S San Antonio-Huebner 210-493-1733 San Antonio-Waterford 210-545-7653 VIRGINIA O F F ICES Alexandria 703-836-1464 Fairfax/Oakton 703-691-7653 Hamilton 540-338-4171

© 2012 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates, Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered www.mdrealtor.org in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Kingstowne 703-550-7653 Lake Ridge 703-497-7788 Leesburg 703-777-1250 Manassas/Gainesville 703-396-6000 Mark Center 703-379-0548 Reston 703-716-2900 Vienna 703-281-8500 Winchester 540-722-9300 Woodbridge 703-897-4663 WASHINGTON D.C. OFFICES Capitol Hill 202-393-1111 Uptown 202-243-4200

Prudential PenFed Realty is and independently owned and operated member of BRER Affiliates, Inc. PenFed membership is not required to conduct business with Prudential PenFed Realty.


Taylor Properties Ad TK


MARYLAND REALTOR®

32 November 2012

Top 10 Benefits

as a Maryland Association of REALTORS® Member 1. Lobbying/Advocacy—actively and effectively in the halls of Annapolis as the Voice for Real Estate in Maryland™ 2. Legal Hotline—answers for questions on real estate legal matters 3. Up-to-Date Downloadable Statewide Forms 4. Education—GRI and Workforce Housing Certified (WHC) Professional Enhancement, industry specific Webinars, CE Classes from staff experts, Annual Conference and Tradeshow with nationally recognized instructors 5. Roadmap to Benefits of MAR Membership—a comprehensive online directory to the valuable benefits found at mdrealtor.org 6. Maryland REALTOR® Magazine—in depth housing research with county by county analysis of housing statistics, up-to-theminute Real Estate Commission information and legal Q&A’s on hot issues affecting Maryland REALTORS® 7. Websites for Industry and Consumer Information— mdrealtor.org and marylandhomeownership.com 8. Leadership Academy—developing and strengthening leadership skills for business and association leadership 9. Mediation Services and Professional Standards Assistance 10. Discounts and Benefits from MAR Partners

More at

mdrealtor.org

www.mdrealtor.org

Find us on Facebook


MARYLAND REALTOR® November 2012

Realtors Property Resource® (RPR®) to Launch November 1, 2012 Beginning on November 1, 2012, RPR’s exclusive technology, which allows not public or consumer access will be available to all REALTORS®. That means over 147 million properties nationwide will be at your fingertips! RPR allows you to remain at the center of the transaction, and to keep ahead of your technology empowered consumers. Imagine being able to access the following in one location: n T ax assessment / public records on 147 million parcels of property in the U.S. n Mortgage and lien information n Nationwide school data, test scores and parent reviews n D ynamic mapping: School Zones, Neighborhoods, Zip Codes, Cities, FEMA etc. n G eo-spatial data including aerial photography, street level and bird’s eye view n Census, demographic and lifestyle data n Neighborhood information

See how other REALTORS® across the country are successfully using RPR with their clients and customers at www.myrpr.com. Visit RPR’s Blog at blog.narrpr.com for more information, or sign up for a training class. And mark your calendars for November 1st!

WAITING For Your Commission?

If you are a member of MRIS, an RPR partner, your MLS data will be within the system, and you also will have access to: n Your Listings, photos and virtual tours n L argest national database by county of foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, REO and default n M LS active, sold, pending, expired, withdrawn and canceled statuses n Historic listing comparison tool n Realtor Valuation Model® (RVM®) n R efine property facts, comparables and RVM® for custom valuation report n Charts and Graphs will include trends calculated from MLS data Starting on November 1st, these features will be available to you at no additional cost. We want to encourage you to take advantage of RPR, and all it has to offer. Go to http://blog.narrpr.com/rpr-partners/ and see the vast network of RPR partners.

Convert your earned but unsettled commissions to CASH! Local Service Easy Online Application 30 Day Grace Period Rapid Response

443-302-9595 commissionexpress.com/chesapeake

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33


MARYLAND REALTOR®

34 November 2012

From the Hotline C H A R L E S A . K A S K Y, E S Q U I R E

Q. A.

I represent a seller in a short sale transaction. Where can I find guidance about the lender’s procedure for handling offers that come in after the property is under contract? Also, I’ve heard a real estate licensee who fails to notify the lender of all offers can be investigated for fraud. Is this true?

for instructions according to its policy. If the lender requests the seller to forward offers after the property is under contract, and the seller requests you to do so, you must follow those lawful instructions and submit offers to the lender notwithstanding the property is under contract. Note that not all lenders will require this, so it’s important to ask and to place in the listing agreement exactly what those instructions are.

Let’s assume the seller and lender have agreed that a short sale is the best alternative. You have listed the property and received an offer that the seller accepts. Once the property is under contract, you change the status in the MLS to Under Contract/Contingent because it’s subject to third party (lender) approval. Because buyers’ agents know it’s a potential short sale, they may advise buyers to pursue the property knowing that contracts are often not approved by the lender. As a consequence, many listing agents receive offers on short sales even after the property is under contract. There are best practices to follow under these circumstances.

This raises some concerns, especially given recent developments in other states. The FBI is investigating brokers who handled short sale transactions to determine whether fraud on the lender was committed. According to certain sources, it is the FBI’s position that a broker who does not submit all offers to the lender could be charged with fraud. This applies even if the property is under contract.

Under Section 17-532(c)(1) of the Maryland Real Estate Brokers Act, a licensee shall, unless otherwise specified in the brokerage agreement, present in a timely manner all written offers or counteroffers to and from the client, even if the real estate is subject to an existing contract of sale or lease. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics contains a similar provision. Given this requirement, the best practice is to ask the seller/ client for instructions. In turn, the seller should ask the lender

I have several concerns about this. Certainly there is a potential problem. Although I am not personally aware of any wrongdoing here in Maryland, I have read accounts from other states where the process was manipulated to the benefit of the agents and brokers involved and to the detriment of sellers and lenders. If in fact legitimate offers are not presented in a timely manner and given full consideration by sellers, it’s clear that violations of Maryland law and the Code of Ethics have occurred, and that potential fraud on the lender has occurred if the offer would have increased the seller’s net, thereby decreasing the lender’s loss on the short sale. However, one could argue that if the brokerage agreement specifies that the seller, after communicating with the lender, Continued

FREE Legal 1-800-888-1272 • Monday and Wednesday • 10am – Noon and 2pm – 4pm Hotline www.mdrealtor.org • Complete an Online Form available in the Legal Hotline tab www.mdrealtor.org


MARYLAND REALTOR® November 2012

directed the listing agent not to submit offers after the property was under contract, following that instruction cannot be considered fraud. However, given what apparently the FBI is investigating, it makes sense to take appropriate steps to minimize risk. Regardless of what’s in the listing agreement, I recommend that all brokers discuss this matter with their attorneys and to document (perhaps by certified mail) that the broker has forwarded to the lender all offers received on the property. If the lender is only accepting contract information online and the system does not accept offers after a contract has been accepted, the letter should make a reference to this fact and state that the broker is forwarding all subsequent offers received as part of the broker’s duties, for whatever action the lender deems appropriate. The goal here is to create a paper trail so there cannot be even an allegation that the broker failed to disclose information that could have resulted in a reduction in the amount of loss experienced by the lender or that would have affected the lender’s decision concerning the contract under consideration. Charles A. Kasky, Esquire , Vice President of Legal Affairs Maryland Association of REALTORS®

35

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Visit us at rosedalefederal.com or call 410-668-4400.

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What Makes Coldwell Banker The Place toBe? Just ask our team… MARYLAND REALTOR®

36 November 2012

®

“I came to Coldwell Banker because of all of the great tools for agents to use. I stay here because of the constant advancement in technology, but also because of the integrity of the management within Coldwell Banker. I worked with three other companies before finding my home!”

“We were looking for a company that would allow us the opportunity to grow our business. The support here is outstanding; the programs, tech support, education and the outstanding staff have proven our decision correct.”

Tricia Roe

Lore Peterson & Wil Tolbert

Sales Associate Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Sales Associates Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Why Coldwell Banker?

Marketing

Technology

#1 Training *

Our team of professional sales associates is dedicated to creating exceptional real estate experiences for our customers by offering truly remarkable service and global resources with a network of 3,100 offices, spanning more than 50 countries.

We will ensure your effective use of our breakthrough marketing systems and your success as a Coldwell Banker associate by offering unparalleled marketing programs. We offer prospecting to closing marketing systems that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Coldwell Banker recognizes the need for a true Internet marketing strategy that’s going to help you sell homes with ease and efficiency. We give you the technology to find and talk to buyers online. From an easy email system to featuring you on more than 550 websites, we have you covered.

Coldwell Banker provides continuing education, giving our associates a competitive edge and helping them build, maintain and grow their business.

Trusted Agents with the Right Tools for Smarter Decisions

CareersCB.com www.mdrealtor.org *Coldwell Banker University is ranked #1 among all real estate company training programs nationwide and #9 among companies from all industries in Training Magazine’s 2012 Top 125 Training Organizations. ©2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned And Operated By NRT LLC. 6129BALT-9/12


MARYLAND REALTOR® November 2012

Residential Sales ANIRBAN BASU

Housing Market Slowly Reviving Home Sales Prices on the Rise in Maryland A recent survey indicates that America’s optimism regarding the housing market’s recovery has improved significantly. According to Fannie Mae’s September 2012 National Housing Survey, a monthly poll of 1,000 homeowners and renters, more respondents expect home prices to rise in the next year (37 percent), and while the percentage of those anticipating declining home prices is down to 11 percent.

I

t is worth noting that such attitudes tend to become selffulfilling prophecies. People are generally willing to pay more for an asset that they expect to appreciate in value. Importantly, 19 percent of those surveyed say now is a good time to sell, the highest level since the survey began in June 2010. More buyers and sellers translates into a more active market, and that’s good for REALTORS®, title companies and of course, the buyers and sellers themselves.

Maryland’s housing market is also improving. According to data supplied by MRIS and the Coastal Association of REALTORS®, home sales rose 3.5 percent in July on a year-over-year basis, 9.6 percent in August and 6.1 percent in September. In September, 16 jurisdictions experienced year-overyear increases in existing homes sales: Queen Anne’s County (39.0%), St. Mary’s County (30.9%), Wicomico County (28.3%), Howard County (23.1%), Worcester County (19.0%), Baltimore City (17.4%), Montgomery County (10.7%), Harford County (9.8%), Anne Arundel County (9.7%), Caroline County (9.1%), Talbot County (7.7%), Cecil County (4.7%), Baltimore County (3.7%), and Garrett County (2.9%). Dorchester (107.7%) and Kent (100.0%) counties experienced the largest sales gains in percentage terms, but of course this performance is based on a low volume of sales. Unit sales in Dorchester County expanded from 13 to 27 on a year-over-year basis in September, while sales in Kent County expanded from 11 to 22. Continued

“ Price dynamics continued to improve in recent months. Average and median prices have expanded in Maryland for seven consecutive months through September.”

Already, that renewed confidence, working in conjunction with record low or near-record low mortgage rates, is having an impact. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, national existing home sales rose 7.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.82 million in August, up from 4.47 million in July. The number of existing home sales is now 9.3 percent higher than year-ago levels. The national median existing home price for all housing types was $187,400 in August, up 9.5 percent from one year ago.

www.mdrealtor.org

37


MARYLAND REALTOR®

38 November 2012

“ In August, average statewide sales price was up 2.7 percent compared to August 2011, and median price increased 5.9 percent. Eighteen jurisdictions had increases in average sales price in August, and 16 recorded an increase in median sales price.” Among the jurisdictions experiencing sales decreases in September were Somerset County (-50.0%), Washington County (-25.5%), Charles County (-17.7%), Calvert County (-8.4%), Carroll County (-7.9%), Prince George’s County (-6.3%), Allegany County (-5.7%), and Frederick County (-2.1%). Interestingly, a number of these jurisdictions are closely tied to the Washington metropolitan area and to the federal government. It may be the case that uncertainty regarding scheduled automatic federal spending cuts and other budgetary issues are suppressing confidence in these areas, translating into reduced sales volume. Price dynamics continued to improve in recent months. Average and median prices have expanded in Maryland for seven consecutive months through September. In July, average statewide sales price was up 3.8 percent on a year-over-year basis, while median price rose 7.8 percent. Of Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions, 14 experienced year-over-year increases in average sales price in July, while 18 recorded an increase in median sales price. The largest year-over-year increases were in Kent County (average sales price rose 40 percent and median sales price increased 18.2 percent) and Baltimore City (average sales price was up 19.6 percent and median sales price rose 40.6 percent.) In August, average statewide sales price was up 2.7 percent compared to August 2011, and median price increased 5.9 percent. Eighteen jurisdictions had increases in average sales price in August, and 16 recorded an increase in median sales price. Dorchester County had the largest increase in average sales price in August, where average price rose from $163,984 to $232,817, an increase of 42 percent. Kent County average price rose 36 percent, from $214,250 in August 2011 to $291,389 one year later. Though these are relatively small jurisdictions in terms of population, the magnitude of improvement supports the

www.mdrealtor.org

proposition that the housing market’s pace of recovery has accelerated. Price dynamics were even better in September. Statewide, average sales prices were up 6.1 percent, while median prices increased 6.8 percent.

Looking Ahead Many economists believe that the housing market bottomed toward the end of 2011. This year has been one of improvement, as low mortgage rates, ongoing job creation and growing confidence have ushered in welcome market dynamics. Unit sales and price are up and forward looking indicators are also promising. Pending sales in Maryland were up on a year-over-year basis in both August and September. Statewide, pending units were up 12 percent, from 4,986 in September 2011 to 5,609 in September 2012. In Baltimore City, pending unit sales totaled 424 in September 2011. One year later, that figure stood at 552, an improvement slightly in excess of 30 percent. In Carroll County, pending units rose from 119 to 164 during the past year and in Baltimore County, pending units are up from 585 to 644. They may also have fewer choices from which to select. The active inventory of unsold homes in Maryland continues to decline. In September 2011, months of inventory stood at 8.5 months. One year later, inventory has dropped to 6 months, which means that market equilibrium has been achieved at last. Seven Maryland jurisdictions have even less, including Montgomery (3.2 months), Prince George’s (3.5 months), Howard (3.8 months), Frederick (4.4 months), Baltimore (5.2 months), Anne Arundel (5.5 months) and St. Mary’s (5.8 months) counties. Based on pending sales, inventory is likely to continue to fall, increasing prospects for additional home price appreciation.

“ The active inventory of unsold homes in Maryland continues to decline. In September 2011, months of inventory stood at 8.5 months.” Increasingly, REALTORS® can credibly claim that the best time to buy is now, and that if prospective buyers wait too long, they may miss out on highly advantageous mortgage rates and will end up paying more for the dream. Anirban Basu, Sage Policy Group, Inc.


Oil-Heated Homes? Know the answers, Sell more listings!

July 2012 vs. 2011 Units Average Price County Allegany

2012

2011

Change

2012

2011

Change

39 48 -18.8% $106,478

$124,693

-14.6%

Anne Arundel 538 447 20.4% $369,434

$374,916

-1.5%

Baltimore City 448 467 -4.1% $172,663

$144,388

19.6%

Baltimore County 642 616 4.2% $261,723

$247,553

5.7%

Calvert 107 96 11.5% $313,652

$328,491

-4.5%

25 25 0.0% $129,816

$120,172

8.0%

Carroll 133 128 3.9% $303,998

$305,840

-0.6%

79 72 9.7% $235,513

$226,378

4.0%

Charles 122 149 -18.1% $237,534

$229,627

3.4%

16 21 -23.8% $184,522

$159,819

15.5%

Frederick 216 221 -2.3% $265,876

$261,019

1.9%

20 25 -20.0% $263,810

$395,040

-33.2%

Harford 245 242 1.2% $252,597

$253,102

-0.2%

Howard 316 276 14.5% $439,347

$430,834

2.0%

18 17 5.9% $285,456

$203,940

40.0%

Montgomery 972 907 7.2% $499,413

$492,617

1.4%

Prince George’s 712 739 -3.7% $190,299

$181,825

4.7%

Caroline

Cecil

Dorchester

Garrett

Kent

Queen Anne’s

42 43 -2.3% $361,740

$355,943

1.6%

Somerset

8 13 -38.5% $93,188

$97,879

-4.8%

St. Mary’s

77 87 -11.5% $279,087

$272,694

2.3%

Talbot

37 22 68.2% $289,432

$530,220

-45.4%

Washington

98 100 -2.0% $159,680

$145,787

9.5%

71 60 18.3%

$157,774

$167,013

-5.5%

Worcester 141 128 10.2% $240,267

$273,706

-12.2%

$296,022

3.8%

Wicomico

Total 5,122 4,949

3.5%

$307,383

Make sure your agents are prepared to handle the tough questions about oilheat. PRO$ Presentations are FREE and can be scaled to fit into your scheduled sales meetings. Non-profit education for Maryland REALTORS.

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Figures reflect resales and new properties. Residential resales are reported by MRIS ® and local boards MLS systems.

www.mdrealtor.org MAPDA_Oct12_3rdPgAd-12679.indd 1

9/19/12 4:28 PM


MARYLAND REALTOR®

38 November 2012

Sept. 2012 vs. 2011

Aug. 2012 vs. 2011

Units Average Price

Units Average Price County

2011

Change

2012

2011

Change

2012

2011

Change

$84,352

18.1%

2012

26 39 -33.3%

$95,196

$99,619

-4.4%

Anne Arundel

545 445 22.5%

$367,710

$349,735

5.1%

Anne Arundel 473 431 9.7% $371,460 $344,894 7.7%

Baltimore City

471 408 15.4%

$161,766

$140,420

15.2%

Baltimore City 426 363 17.4% $155,270 $121,147 28.2%

Baltimore County

682 599 13.9%

$247,842

$251,376

-1.4%

Baltimore County 564 544 3.7% $255,090 $265,902 -4.1%

2011

County

Change

Allegany

2012

Allegany

33 35 -5.7% $99,578

Calvert

81 100 -19.0% $307,248

$327,010

-6.0%

Calvert

76 83 -8.4% $344,878 $307,616 12.1%

Caroline

21 18 16.7% $166,504

$137,648

21.0%

Caroline

24 22 9.1% $149,496 $180,118 -17.0%

154 138 11.6% $302,747

$276,113

9.6%

70 72 -2.8% $231,631

$284,304

-18.5%

156 138 13.0% $236,914

$227,687

4.1%

15 20 -25.0% $232,817

$163,984

42.0%

259 227 14.1% $291,091

$266,784

9.1%

Carroll Cecil Charles Dorchester Frederick

Carroll 129 140 -7.9% $256,262 $274,540 -6.7% Cecil

67 64 4.7% $223,603 $211,231 5.9%

Charles 107 130 -17.7% $226,865 $236,790 -4.2% Dorchester

27 13 107.7% $169,059 $111,363 51.8%

Frederick 191 195 -2.1% $274,931 $253,302 8.5%

Garrett

32 31 3.2% $320,684

$292,561

9.6%

Garrett

Harford

229 186 23.1% $263,386

$251,520

4.7%

Harford 191 174 9.8% $262,608 $259,630 1.1%

Howard

324 270 20.0% $407,079

$421,201

-3.4%

Howard 272 221 23.1% $409,935 $416,841 -1.7%

18 8 125.0% $291,389

$214,250

36.0%

Montgomery

934 847 10.3% $472,006

$498,944

-5.4%

Montgomery 745 673 10.7% $460,654 $436,709 5.5%

Prince George’s

702 719 -2.4% $192,613

$179,654

7.2%

Prince George’s 594 634 -6.3% $189,907 $177,909 6.7%

Kent

Kent

36 35 2.9% $284,528 $351,468 -19.0%

22 11 100.0% $235,654 $315,175 -25.2%

Queen Anne’s

47 38 23.7% $383,864

$347,200

10.6%

Queen Anne’s

57 41 39.0% $355,099 $309,641 14.7%

Somerset

10 14 -28.6% $117,140

$103,661

13.0%

Somerset

5 10 -50.0% $95,700 $122,175 -21.7%

St. Mary’s

94 89 5.6% $299,676

$299,438

0.1%

Talbot

39 44 -11.4% $484,597

$398,780

21.5%

Talbot

42 39 7.7% $601,277 $545,382 10.2%

107 126 -15.1% $186,591

$144,747

28.9%

Washington

79 106 -25.5% $142,559 $157,606 -9.5%

Washington

St. Mary’s 106 81 30.9% $315,434 $274,212 15.0%

Wicomico

69 68 1.5% $171,935

$143,552

19.8%

Wicomico 68 53 28.3% $152,892 $150,135 1.8%

Worcester

145 128 13.3% $249,357

$247,879

0.6%

Worcester 144 121 19.0% $281,442 $247,501 13.7%

$292,966

2.7%

Total

5,230 4,772

9.6%

$300,805

Figures reflect resales and new properties. Residential resales are reported by MRIS ® and local boards MLS systems.

www.mdrealtor.org

Total

4,478 4,219

6.1% $295,415

$278,520

Figures reflect resales and new properties. Residential resales are reported by MRIS ® and local boards MLS systems.

6.1%


MARYLAND REALTOR® November 2012

41

When Considering a Real Estate Partner...

The Choice is Obvious Credibility & Integrity...

Our Top Priority...

When you partner with Long & Foster, you have the strength of a powerful and well-recognized brand behind you. As the #1 independent real estate company in the nation, the stability and integrity of the Long & Foster name will open doors for you.

At Long & Foster, our agents are our top priority. We’ve built our reputation and success on ensuring that our agents have the training, tools and support to allow them to focus on what they do best — bringing buyers and sellers together.

1

#

independent real estate company in the nation in the Mid-Atlantic in the Washington Metro Area seller of luxury homes in the Mid-Atlantic largest independent exclusive Christie’s affiliation in agent support home of top producers

in integrity

A Winning Combination! Join the company that puts their agents first. Call us today!

800-635-2913 | careers@LongandFoster.com

® Source: Information included in this report is based on data supplied by MRIS and its member Association(s) of REALTORS, who are not responsible for its accuracy. Does not reflect all activity in the marketplace. January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2011. Information contained in this report is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, should be independently verified, and does not constitute an opinion of MRIS or Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. ©2012 All Rights Reserved. Exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in select areas.

EOE www.mdrealtor.org



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