Howard County Association of REALTORS®
Online Newsletter
April 2007
April 4, 2007
NO NEW SERVICE TAX!
HCAR members joined more than 500 Maryland REALTORS®, at the State House on March 14th, for a Lobby Day event to voice our concerns and opposition to HB 448. HCAR members had the opportunity to meet with state legislators and share with them the negative impact that such a bill would have on REALTORS® and other commissioned-based industries. HCAR members also took the opportunity to discuss other critical political issues with their state delegation, including the need for affordable housing in Howard County. Stay tuned to hear more about HB 448 - the word from legislative aides and legislators is that the bill will not pass. Thanks to everyone who came out to take a stand!!
Spring Market Is Here!
Spring is here and REALTORS® are busy showing properties. Last month's sales statistics for Howard County (from MRIS) indicated that the local properties are holding their value, with an average sold price of $433,814 this year compared to $440,833 last year. The number of units sold this year is 268 compared to 244 last year. Below are other statistics that are worth reviewing:
| |
2007 |
2006 |
Change |
| Total Sold Dollar Volume: |
$116,262,153 |
$107,563,237 |
8.09% |
| Average Sold Price: |
$433,814 |
$440,833 |
-1.59% |
| Median Sold Price: |
$370,000 |
$385,625 |
-4.05% |
| Total Units Sold: |
268 |
244 |
9.84% |
| Average Days on Market: |
94 |
57 |
64.91% |
| Average List Price for Solds: |
$456,903 |
$454,719 |
0.48% |
Avg Sale Price as a percentage
of Avg List Price: |
94.95% |
96.95% |
-2.07% |
HCAR Launches Affiliate Sponsorship Program
Affiliate Committee Chair Mary Calder announced the new program at the Affiliates Appreciation Breakfast in March, noting that incentives have been developed to increase participation by affiliate members in the association's education program and various activities planned during the membership year. Please contact her with any questions at Lakeview Title Company at (410) 992-4447 or email her at mary@lakeviewtitle.com.
Let's Show The World How Much We C.A.R.E.
Each year, MAR gives a cash prize of $10,000 to the charity of the winning association's choice to recognize their achievements of community service and charitable actions. The award is designed to raise the profile of REALTORS® and the REALTOR® association by focusing on boards that have demonstrated an extraordinary record through direct local Association community service involvement to include endeavors by its REALTOR® Members and offices.
We know that Howard County REALTORS® are active in their communities and we want to show the world that we give back all the time. YOU CAN HELP by providing information about the many things you and your company do within the community! Please let Suzi Padgett, President-elect, know that you want to share your information about these community activities by emailing her at spadgett@cbmove.com.
NAR NEWS: Wal-Mart Withdraws Bank Application
 
Pat Vredevoogd Combs, president of the National Association of REALTORS®, released the following statement to its members on Wal-Mart's decision to withdraw its application to open an industrial loan company (ILC):
"As FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair stated earlier today, 'Wal-Mart made a wise choice' in withdrawing its application to the FDIC to open an ILC. This is a major victory for our country and our financial security."
"As NAR has written, testified and continued to discuss, mixing banking and commerce puts our national economy at risk. When commercial firms are allowed to engage in banking, the bank functions under an inherent conflict of interest. This conflict imposes unnecessary risks to the financial system of the bank, the parent corporation, and the national economy."
"We thank House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Rep. Paul Gillmor (R-Ohio) for their relentless pursuit of this important issue. We also acknowledge the decision made by FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair and the FDIC Board to extend the current moratorium on ILC applications from commercial firms giving Congress the time to examine the ILC issue. NAR believes it is time to close the ILC loophole by enacting H.R. 698, the Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007. We look forward to working with all interested parties in ensuring that banking and commerce remain separate and that the ILC loophole is permanently closed."
NAR Seeks Volunteers for National Committees
NAR is seeking volunteers for next year's National Committees. If you would like to serve and want to request an NAR Committee appointment for 2008, you MUST do so directly on-line. Requests no longer go through the local Board or MAR. Committee descriptions are also available for your review on-line. All requests must be submitted no later than May 25. To access the website, please follow these steps:
- Log onto REALTOR.org
- Click on NAR Governance (located on the left sidebar)
- Under 'Submit Your Committee Recommendations for 2008', Click "Read More"
Be sure your expertise profile is up to date. You will find it at the same on-line location. NAR leadership uses this information when choosing members for committees, advisory groups and other specialized assignments. (NOTE: Members need to have a REALTOR.org login and password to access this database. Contact Information Central at (800) 874-6500; InfoCentral@realtors.org for login and password assistance.)
NAR Mid-Year Meetings and Trade Expo in D.C. May 14-19
HCAR invites our members to attend these legislative meetings and the Midyear Trade Expo which brings over 200 major suppliers of the real estate industry to Washington, D.C. You'll find a complete showroom of valuable products from PDAs and sales tools to MLS providers, time management software, and more! From May 16-18, you will have the opportunity to meet with industry experts, ask questions, and make product comparisons. Plus find the newest tools that are revolutionizing the real estate industry at the New Product Showcase. Don't miss your opportunity to test-drive the latest mobile, home and office technology. REALTORS® can attend the Trade Expo FREE of charge on any of three convenient days. To register online now, Click Here!
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