Home sales drop, prices rise in latest report

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Feb. 3, 2023) Maryland Realtors issued a housing statistics report showing that Maryland home sales dropped 41.9 percent to 5,124 units in December 2022, against 2021’s figure of 8,818 units.

Home sales prices rose incrementally, with the average sales price rising 0.2 percent to $433,018 and the median sales price rising similarly, 0.3 percent to $370,250.

In addition to unit sales and prices, all other indicators point to a year-end market slowdown.

Pending sales— houses under contract—fell 27 percent to 4,218.

Active inventory— homes available for sale—slipped 9.7 percent to 8,172. Median days on market expanded to 16 days.

“This market hasn’t been easy for the consumer, and affordability issues aren’t helped when the 30-year fixed rate is more than double what it was last December,” said Yolanda Muckle, 2023 president, Maryland Realtors. “As an association, we are working hard to increase housing opportunity and we will be discussing a variety of solutions, such as Accessory Dwelling Units, with Maryland lawmakers in Annapolis.” Their report detailed 2022 yearend housing statistics. Highlights in the report showed that in 2022, Maryland’s home sales fell 21.2 percent to 84,658 units, versus 2021’s figure of 107,407, while the average sales price rose 6.3 percent to

453,759 and the median sales price rose 6.5 percent to $385,000.

For most of this year, Marylanders witnessed home sales falling as sales prices climbed less and less.

Other signs that point to a slowdown in 2022 include a drop in units pending—houses under contract—to 82,199, a 22.3 percent decline from 2021’s figure of 105,728. The number of new listings fell 16.7 percent to 101,860.

Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City.

January 26 - February 2

2 panel interior doors, 5-1/4" base trim, ceiling fans in all bedrooms and a 72" ceiling fan in living area, vaulted ceilings in living area, Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring throughout, matching Granite bathroom vanity tops, ceramic tile showers, and a full size Samsung W/D (white). Exterior of the home has 5" lap Monogram vinyl siding in Weathered Wood color, GAF Architectural shingles, white Viwinco windows w/grills, Trex maintenance free decking, white vinyl railings and white exterior lighting. Montego Bay community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, a community fishing/ crabbing area, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $360.00 a year! $570,000

Call Bill Rothstein

800-745-5988 • 443-280-2530 montegobayrealty@aol.com

(Feb. 3, 2023) Lower Shore Land Trust received national accreditation in 2017 from the Land Trust Commission and is now applying for accreditation renewal.

The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Lower Shore Land Trust is applying for renewal of accreditation and a public comment period is now open.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs.

“Although the board of directors was initially skeptical about the need

Joins TidalHealth

TidalHealth welcomes Samah Ramadan-Nassar, PA-C, to TidalHealth Gastroenterology in Ocean Pines.

Ramadan-Nassar earned her Physician Assistant degree from Towson University in 2014 and her master’s degree in chemical and life sciences from the University of Maryland College Park in 2008.

for accreditation, the process to become accredited made the organization stronger as a governing body,” said Kate Patton, Lower Shore Land Trust executive director.

Land trusts are required to renew their accreditation every five years.

Patton recognized that the process ensures that the policies and procedures are keeping up with the growing organization.

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications.

Comments must relate to how Lower Shore Land Trust complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust.

For the full list of standards, visit http://www.landtrustaccreditation.o rg/help-and-resources/indicatorpractices.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866.

Comments on Lower Shore Land Trust’s application will be most useful by March 31.

For more information about Lower Shore Land Trust or how to become involved, visit www.lowershorelandtrust.org or call 443-2345587.

She has experience as a physician assistant in gastroenterology, hospitalist, urgent care and emergency department settings.

Ramadan-Nassar is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Maryland Association of Physician Assistants. She is also a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and the American Gastroenterological Association.

When she is not treating patients, Ramadan-Nassar enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and three children. A physician referral is required. Those interested in scheduling an appointment should contact their primary care physician.

WALK TO THE BEACH!!

This vacation getaway, so close to the beach you can walk. You wont believe your luck when you see this stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bath, home. Relax and enjoy the wood-burning fireplace. Huge country eat- in kitchen in the front. Upgrades include new roof, sinks, vanity's, vinyl flooring, and wall coverings in both bathrooms. New gas stove in the kitchen, New paneling in the master bedroom and the kitchen. New heating and air conditioning system all in 2017. Don't let this one slip away.

Montego Bay

NEW LISTING!

126 CLAM SHELL ROAD

12905 Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD www.montegobayrealty.com

Located in the highly sought after community of Montego Bay in North OC, and only a few blocks to the beach, this 2BR/1BA home was completely renovated in 2021. Renovations include double hung insulated windows, drywall interior, crown molding throughout, shaker style kitchen cabinets, Formica counters, stainless steel appliances, laminate flooring throughout, light fixtures, & carpeting on enclosed/screened porch. Home also features an insulated metal replacement roof, a newer HVAC system, and a newer hot water heater. All furnishings convey...truly a move-in ready Home at the Beach! Community amenities include 2 tennis courts, a shuffleboard court, pickle ball courts, and a 9-hole minigolf course...all for a low HOA fee of $360.00 a year!!

$305,000

Call Bill Rothstein 800-745-5988 • 443-280-2530 montegobayrealty@aol.com

NEW LISTING!

13315

12905 Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD www.montegobayrealty.com