THE COASTAL REAL ESTATE RESOURCE Coastal Association of Realtors/OC Today-Dispatch
Real Estate
THE COASTAL REAL ESTATE RESOURCE Coastal Association of Realtors - OC Today-Dispatch
Published by OC Today-Dispatch for the Coastal Association of Realtors. Advertising in this publication is limited to members and affiliated members of the Association.
The COASTAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (CAR) is a trade organization for real estate professionals in Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset Counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Its membership consists of more than 1,000 REALTORs® and affiliate members serving the home-buying and homeselling needs of the public since 1957.
The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark, which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.
The COASTAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS is located at 314 Franklin Avenue, Suite 106 • Berlin, MD 21811. Phone: 410-641-4409. On the Web: www.coastalrealtor.org
OC TODAY-DISPATCH is the leading newspaper publisher on the Maryland coast, with OC Today-Dispatch publishing weekly on Friday, Bayside Gazette and Ocean City Digest publishing on Thursdays and Real Estate, the Coastal Real Estate Resource publishing key weekends throughout the year. On the Web: www.octodaydispatch.com
Editor......................................................................... Stewart Dobson
Executive Editor................................................................ Steve Green
Account Managers....................... Mary Cooper, Renée Kelly, Terri French
Classifieds/Legals ........................................................ Pamela Green
Art Director....................................................................... Cole Gibson
Senior Page Designer....................................................... Susan Parks
Senior Ad Designer............................................................ Kelly Brown
Publisher..................................................................... Christine Brown
Administrative Asistant.......................................................... Gini Tufts
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
CAR responds to OC rental license moratorium in R-1
The Coastal Association of Realtors is dedicated to protecting property rights and ensuring that all R-1 and MH property owners in Ocean City have access to clear, transparent information about the proposed rental regulations.
Over the past few weeks, our 2025 President, Lauren Bunting; our Governmental Affairs Director, Hunter Isaac; and Bernie Flax, CEO have engaged in extensive conversations with our members and R-1 & MH property owners as well as the Mayor, City Manager, and several council members re-
garding the evolving regulatory landscape.
Bunting in a Feb 4. statement said it’s the job of the Coastal Association of Realtors to communicate what the Ocean City Mayor and Council are proposing so members and homeowners in affected districts get the opportunity to come to these meetings and speak.
“There was a lot of communication effort. And I want to be clear to say that we recognize that we have differing opinions within our own membership within our 1,000-plus membership
Continued on Page 4
The council chambers at City Hall were packed when the Town Council took public comment about proposed rental restrictions for residential single-family homes in Ocean City. (Brian Shane photo)
BERLIN- BACK ON THE MARKET Freshly painted 4 Bedroom, 3 full Bath low maintenance townhouse with attached 1-car garage. 1st floor BR w/bath could be a home office, den or formal dining room. Fenced in private yard ideal for pets. Community condo fee includes outdoor pool, clubhouse, fitness center & more. Close to historic downtown Berlin & short drive to Ocean City & Assateague beaches. Move in ready! Seller offering 4% of sale price towards buyers' closing costs & pre-paids. Back on the market as previous buyer's financing fell through. Sonia Zaffiris
443-235-5982 Debbie@HilemanRealEstate.com
from Page 3
and I respect everyone’s opinion on this topic. It’s important to point out that the heart of our mission is to provide advocacy.”
Curb-Appealing 3 BR Home
Large, elevated lot with convenient location. Featuring vaulted ceilings, hardwood flooring, skylights, eat-in kitchen, breakfast bar and recessed lighting. Grab a good book and retreat to the sunroom or the rear deck. The sizable primary suite contains multiple closets, LVP flooring, and a newer shower. A separate laundry room has cabinets, utility sink, & deck access. Pull-down attic storage and large shed w/electric. A freshly painted interior and 5-yearold heat pump make this adorable home a great buy at $352,000.
include 9' Ceilings, Brushed Nickel fixtures, Granite Countertops, Recessed Lighting, 42" Maple Cabinets, and a large kitchen island. In the Owner's Suite, you will find double walk-in closets, a Venetian Bath and a tile Surround in the shower. Also a Mud Room, Laminate Wood Plank & Ceramic Tile Flooring.
Bunting also said she was pleased that the City Council president did allow public comment on the ordinances being presented and proposed.
On Monday, February 3, at the conclusion of a four-hour meeting, the Ocean City Mayor and Town Council passed an Emergency Rental Ordinance/Moratorium. The key details of this ordinance are as follows:
Effective Immediately: The moratorium is retroactive to January 27, 2025, and will remain in effect until December 31, 2025.
Scope: During this period, no new R-1 (Residential) or MH (Mobile Home) rental licenses will be issued.
Existing Licenses: Current 2024 R-1 and MH rental license holders will be permitted to renew their licenses for the 2025 rental year.
In addition to the rental moratorium, the following ordinances passed at the February 3 meeting:
Ordinance 2025-01: Passed Second Reading – This amendment to various articles of Chapter 14, Business; Occupancy, introduces a “Three Strikes” rule for a designated local person.
Ordinance 2025-02: Passed Second Reading – This ordinance addresses the redefinition of family in the context of rental agreements.
The following ordinance passed it first reading and is expected to have a second reading at the next council meeting:
Ordinance 2025-04: Passed First Reading – This measure establishes a minimum length-of-stay requirement of five nights in R-1 and MH zones. Importantly, bookings made prior to 3:30 PM on January 28, 2024, will be honored under the previous guidelines regardless of the new minimum stay requirement.
“No matter your stance on these issues, the commitment of Coastal Association remains the same,” said Lauren Bunting, the CAR President for 2025.
“We stand for your rights as a homeowner and taxpayer. We are here to provide the resources you need to understand these proposed changes and to ensure that your voice is heard regarding your property.”
When the final reading of Ordinance 2025-04 occurs, and all ordinances are in effect Coastal Association will publish a Consumer Notice Ocean City R1/MH disclosure form on the above items and distribute form to all Maryland Realtors for brokers and agents to present to their consumers.
“In the meantime, we will continue to educate our membership and the public through our website Follow The Facts QR Code,” said Bernie Flax, CEO.
PINES
•
•
•
•
stereo
• Large balcony scenic views, gas fireplace & plenty of parking.
• Minutes to the beach.
• Year-round living or vacation retreat.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own in desirable Caine Keys II neighborhood!
$1,499,000
• Ocean front remodeled
Secured lobby & indoor swimming pool.
• Close to restaurants, bars & shopping.
• Unit updated to smart home w/lights & fans operable by app.
$1,390,000
103 WINTER HARBOR DRIVE CAINE
6301 ATLANTIC AVENUE UNIT 403 CARLY E OCEAN CITY
NAR ‘Good Neighbor’ awards spotlight community service
The National Association of Realtors announced the opening of applications for its 2025 Good Neighbor Awards.
The program honors real estate agents who demonstrate exceptional dedication to volunteer service and have lasting impacts on their communities.
“The Good Neighbor Awards represent the best of who we are as Realtors,” said NAR President Kevin Sears, broker-associate of Sears Real Estate/Lamacchia Realty in Springfield, Massachusetts.
“Every year, we’re inspired by the stories of members who go above and beyond to create enduring, positive change. This program is our way of celebrating their extraordinary commitment to service,” he said.
Five winners will each receive a $10,000 grant for their nonprofit organization and be honored in November at NAR NXT, The Realtor Experience, in Houston, Texas. Additionally, five honorable mentions will each receive a $2,500 grant.
Since its launch in 2000, the Good Neighbor Awards have recognized more than 250 Realtors for their volunteer efforts, contributing more than $1.5 million to Realtor-led nonprofit organizations.
Past winners have impacted commu-
nities across 43 states and Puerto Rico, as well as 17 countries worldwide. According to the 2024 NAR Member Profile, 70% of Realtors volunteer in their communities – three times the rate of the typical American.
“Realtors nationwide continue to step up to support their communities when and where help is needed most,” said Realtor.com Chief Marketing Officer Mickey Neuberger. “These heroes inspire all of us to give back, and that is why we are proud, once again, to be the primary sponsor of the Good Neighbor Awards.”
In addition to sponsoring the Good Neighbor Awards, Realtor.com recently donated $50,000 to the Realtors Relief Foundation and helped raise additional funds to support those affected by the Southern California wildfires.
Applications for the 2025 Good Neighbor Awards must be submitted by April 18, 2025. To be eligible, nominees must be an NAR member in good standing and should have made a significant impact as a volunteer for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Nominees are chosen for the award based on their community impact through volunteer work.
For additional details, judging criteria and to apply, visit nar.realtor/gna.
What is a quiet room and why should you create one?
Home for most people is a sanctuary that offers comfort, familiarity and a place to gather with family and friends. Although home can be a welcoming place, with so many people in the average household humming along from day to day, it may not always be the most serene setting.
From teenagers playing video games to video meetings in a home office to dogs barking at the postal worker doing daily rounds, there are plenty of potentially distracting sounds in and around a home. Lawn care workers with their mowers and blowers also may contribute to ambient noise. A dedicated quiet room can be beneficial for anyone, and most especially for people who experience sensory issues.
What is a quiet room?
A quiet room is a space where a person can enjoy peace and quiet in a distraction-free environment. According to designer Rachel Cannon, “a quiet room is a sanctuary from the stimulation and overwhelm that we encounter every day.”
A quiet room may go by various names, including a mindfulness room or cozy cove, but the common goal is to remove as many sensory distractions as possible so that an individual
can disconnect from the outside world and reap some calming benefits. According to School Specialty, LLC, an education resource provider, schools are now providing quiet rooms for over-stimulated students, and homeowners can take similar cues to create these relaxing retreats at home.
How to create a quiet room
The first step in establishing a quiet room is to identify a location that is far away from the main action of the household. A bedroom, basement, nook in the garage, or even an attic can be a good spot for a quiet room.
Soundproofing the space can make it even more inviting. Sounds will bounce off of walls and floors, but acoustic panels can help muffle noises. If acoustic panels are not in the design plan, thicker draperies, wallpaper, carpeting, and wall art can help counteract echoes and noise infiltration. Soft furniture also can absorb sound.
Small rooms work better as quiet spaces, as such areas can feel cozier. Less is needed to decorate the space if it is on the smaller side. Bring in
Continued on Page 13
Gen Z homebuyers saving more cash than Millennials
(Realtor.com) Born between 1998 and 2012, there are 68 million Gen Zers in America, and nearly half of them want to buy a home by 2029, according to a Realtor.com survey.
Until then, more than half of this generation still lives with family, which could account for how Generation Z has been able to save more money than any other generation, according to a new study.
But if they have an abundance of cash, how is it they’re still not homeowners?
According to Talker Research, about one-fifth of Generation Z sets aside between 1% and 10% of their income each month. Another quarter of the population save between 11% and 20%.
Additionally, 12% of Gen Zers manage to save around about a third of their monthly earnings. A small sliver of them, about 5%, report being able to save their entire paycheck.
Their savings outpaces how much the other generations save, including Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964), Gen X (1965 and 1980), and Millennials (1981 and 1996).
Among Millennials, a third set aside up to 10% of their paycheck, while quarter of them save between 11% and 20%. But a good chunk of millennials, about 26% of them, say they don’t save any-
thing each month, compared with 16% of Gen Z.
Meanwhile, 32% of Baby Boomers admit they save nothing. That lines up with a recent report from Charles Schwab revealing that 45% of Boomers said they wanted to “enjoy my money for myself while I’m still alive.”
Why isn’t Gen Z buying homes?
Gen Zers have the money. So why aren’t they spending it?
The share of Gen Z buyers and sellers aged 18 to 24 made up just 3% of buyers and 2% of sellers, according to the most recent National Association of Realtors Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report.
Gen Z is entering homeownership with the lowest household incomes, NAR reports, which aligns with Gen Z’s entry-level income status.
Gen Z’s average annual income is $45,000. Members of Gen Z are unlikely to be married and unlikely to have children under the age of 18 in their home.
Another key point from NAR’s findings is that Gen Z buyers tend to have a higher average homeownership cost relative to their income compared with the typical buyer. This underscores the financial challenges they face in securing a home.
Continued on
Gen Z buying in cheaper cities
For example, in the 200 largest metro areas, Gen Z buyers allocate 37% of their income toward their mortgage, while the average buyer spends only 26%. This means Gen Z buyers have to stretch their budgets further to afford homeownership.
Plus, the job market and economy are tough right now, making side hustles increasingly essential. By the end of last year, 5.3% of U.S. workers were juggling multiple jobs, the highest rate since 2019.
Where (and how) Gen Zers are buying?
According to CoreLogic, Gen Zers are
making up a larger share of homebuyers in more affordable Midwestern regions, while their presence is smaller in pricier coastal markets.
Akron, Ohio, is one of the Midwestern cities attracting Gen Z, according to real estate agent Ali Whitley, of Re/Max Crossroads.
“Gen Z are becoming first-time homebuyers here,” she says. “It’s a great time to buy in a great area for an affordable price.”
In 2024, 13% of home purchase applications in the U.S. came from Gen Z, marking a 3-point rise from the previ-
Continued on Page 14
Quiet rooms quell distractions
Continued from Page 8
warm, soft lighting and soft decor.
A sound machine playing favorite ocean or natural sounds also can mask outside noises even more. Establish rules that govern how the quiet space is to be used. When someone is inside the area, they should not be disturbed. If possible, use the quiet room during naturally quiet times of the day. Keep the room stocked with books, journals, crafting items, or whatever it is you need to unwind and relax.
Creating a quiet room offers a unique opportunity to rejuvenate
both the mind and body. By incorporating thoughtful design elements, such as soundproofing, soft decor, and personal touches, you can craft a sanctuary that fosters relaxation and mindfulness. With the increasing distractions of modern life, having a designated space to retreat to is invaluable for maintaining mental well-being.
Whether you use the quiet room for meditation, reading, or simply enjoying moments of solitude, it can provide the perfect balance to the hustle and bustle of everyday living. A peaceful escape is just a room away.
Enjoy awesome bay views & sunsets from this great location! Lovingly maintained condo for years by current owners. Walk to beach, restaurants & shopping. Luxury vinyl plank flooring in kitchen, hallway & bath. Newer carpet in living room & bedroom. Kitchen upgrades in progress & will be bonus for new owner. Photos and layout are uploaded. Outside balcony has been totally redone with new underlayment, plywood & tile. Building has new sliders, windows, railings, walkways, & stairs. All exterior maintenance has been completed & is up to code.
31756 MILL RUN DRIVE OCEAN VIEW, DE
Don't miss out on this nicely upgraded home with huge family room. New paint, carpet, new luxury waterproof flooring, brand new HVAC, new kitchen, remodeled baths, new front & side garage doors, new shutters, exterior power washed. 2 sheds & extra-large concrete patio. House is just ready for your personal touches. Close to Bethany Beach, shopping, restaurants & all the areas great amenities!! Home has been virtually staged to show its endless possibilities!!
Awesome condo with great views of ocean from the front deck space. Spacious condo has been well-loved, enjoyed & maintained by current owners. Upgrades include new carpet, washer/dryer, king sized bed, queen memory foam Murphy bed, toilets, bathroom ceilings, wall HVAC unit in bedroom & fresh paint. Self-managed with low condo fees of only $150/month. Reserve study completed, building has many recent improvements including roof, painting & decks sealed. Make this your condo yours!
Roommates key to Gen Z savings
ous year.
Although many Gen Z homebuyers are purchasing solo, around 45% of the applications included co-applicants, such as friends in shared living situations or parents offering their support. How much is needed for a down payment in 2025?
Generally, it is believed that conventional loans warrant 20% down – but that’s not always the case.
“Lately, I am seeing down payments be closer to five percent to ten percent and sometimes even lower for first-time homebuyers,” says Denise Supplee, a real estate agent and co-founder of SparkRental in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
According to data from the NAR, the average down payment for first-time home buyers is just 9%.
The national median list price in January was $400,500, according to Realtor.com research.
Using the Realtor.com mortgage calculator, a 9% down payment would come to $36,045.
Freddie Mac’s Jan. 30 report put the weekly 30-year fixed mortgage rate average at 6.95%.
Purchasing a $400,500 home with a 30-year fixed mortgage at a 6.95% interest rate and an 8% down payment
would result in a monthly payment of $2,413, excluding taxes and insurance.
Meanwhile, the national median asking rent in December 2024 was $718 less than that, clocking in at $1,695 per month—which is why most young people are renting rather than owning.
Will Gen Z be forced to rent forever?
Gen Z is now the only generation
that’s currently adding renter households, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.
Gen Z is also entering the real estate market at a particularly challenging time, when interest rates are high, housing inventory is low, and home prices are rising.
In a recent Insurify poll, 13% of Gen Zers who want to own a home believe they will never be able to afford it.
Coastal Association Affiliate Members
Nearly half of Gen Z rank housing as their most stressful expense, and 23% of Gen Zers said they feel unable to plan their future because they’re not sure what their finances will look like.
However, many Gen Zers are getting creative and exploring alternatives like co-owning homes with friends, house hacking, and relocating to more affordable cities to turn their homeownership dreams into reality
