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News
January/24/2010
REALTORS Can Help Haiti
You can pool your donation with other REALTORS® through the REALTORS® Relief Foundation.
The money you donate will go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and also help fellow REALTOR® and 2007 Good Neighbor Award winner Patrick Moore's "The Harvest of Haiti" outreach program.
November/14/2008
NAR's 4-Point Housing Plan
With Congress considering a return to Washington this month for another economic stimulus effort, NAR has put forth a Four-Point Plan that must be included in any stimulus effort in order to boost the economy and calm jittery real estate markets.
March/1/2010
SHERIFF'S ALERT: HEATING OIL THEFT
The Charles County Sheriff's Office is issuing an alert to citizens to be extra observant of activity near heating oil tanks after officers responded to calls in which heating oil was stolen from businesses and homes.
February/17/2010
Indy/Mac One West Video and FDIC Response
You may have received a video that was circulating recently on the internet alleging that FDIC's loss sharing agreement with OneWest, the successor to IndyMac Bank, disadvantages short sales. Below is the response from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to this allegation, which is false.
December/11/2009
Bilingual? SMAR Wants to Know!
The National Association of REALTORS®' International Division is encouraging local associations to start tracking members who can speak another language other than English.
December/10/2009
Secret Santa for Seniors--Santa Needs Your Help!
SMAR's Community Relations and CARE Award Committee is working with local retirement and nursing homes to bring some holiday cheer to residents who have slim prospects of visits by family or friends this holiday season.
December/2/2009
SANTA NEEDS HELPERS!
Sponsor a person in an area nursing home who receives few visitors. Each sponsorship leads to a light, ornament or enhancement of the Christmas Tree for that county.
April/27/2009
Urgent Need for Food
There is an incredible shortage at the Southern Maryland Food Bank of non-perishable foods. The Food Bank serves all three Southern Maryland counties, and provides food for many, many families who otherwise would not have anything to eat.
April/20/2009
Community Relations Charity Yard Sale Update
We look forward to your participation in the yard sale to benefit Red Cross.
Date: April 25 7am -2pm
Rain Date: May 2
Location: Rte 301 at 10665 Stanhaven Place (next to RE/MAX) White Plains, MD
February/17/2009
Md Independent Mistakes
The Maryland Independent made several serious mistakes reporting the recent highly successful Legislative Luncheon at SMAR.
January/21/2009
SMAR Food Drive Now Under Way
SMAR Food Drive under way to benefit local food banks in dire need of help. Bring items to designated drop off locations now through February 16, 2009.
January/12/2009
SMAR Winter Coat Drive 2009
SMAR Winter Coat Drive ends January 30, 2009. Coats are donated to shelters for local men, women and children. Donate hats, gloves, scarves and coats in clean, good condition at the locations mentioned in the article.
December/10/2008
Secret Santas needed for local shut-ins & elderly
Secret Santas needed! Help brighten the Holidays for local elderly and shuts ins who have few prospects of family visitors. Look inside for ways to sponsor folks in all three counties!
August/25/2008
NAR Supports Housing Bill
NAR Supports housing bill under consideration and desires to clarify the down payment assistance provisions of the bill.
March/4/2009
2009 FHA Loan Limits
Changes to the FHA Loan limits due to the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
January/13/2009
St Mary's Sign Ordinance Follow-up
SMAR's proposal to change the way St. Mary's County regulates off-site advertising signs for REALTORS® was introduced before the Board of County Commissioners this morning. WE WON THE RIGHT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR PROPOSAL!!!
November/14/2008
Short Sales
Raising NAR's understanding of REALTOR experiences with Short Sales.
July/1/2009
NAR Legislative Analysis
The overwhelming number of comments and questions generated by the House of Representatives passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act requires additional information to address the issue with members.
June/1/2009
Tax Credit Guidance for FHA Loans
Government entities and instrumentalities of government may provide a second mortgage. The 3.5 percent down payment may also be a gift from a family member, employer or nonprofit, charitable organization.
May/22/2009
Handling Short Sales? Read This!
Last week, the Obama Administration announced updates to its Making Home Affordable program that include a more uniform process for handling short sales. It is another step in helping more people stay out of the foreclosure nightmare.
April/8/2009
Oppose unamended Septic Bill HB176/SB 554
Call your Delegate TODAY at 1-800-492-7122, and voice your opposition. Contrary to the assumption that most waterfront and waterview homes are "McMansions" and can absorb the potential costs of over $12,000 for Nitrogen Reducing technology--this could be financially devastating!
January/24/2009
Legislatve Luncheon Monday February 9, 2009
Annual Legislative Luncheon 2/9/09. The Legislative Committee of SMAR annually sponsors the Legislative Luncheon to give members the opportunity to meet with their elected officials in Southern Maryland to discuss proposed legislation affecting the Real Estate Industry.
December/10/2008
St Mary's Housing NCI
The Housing Authority of St. Mary's County (HASMC) has applied to the Md. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for approximately $3 million dollars of Federal funding created under the Housing and Emergency Recovery Act of 2008.
May/27/2008
2008 Legislative Summary
The Governor held his final bill signing ceremony on Thursday May 22nd. Attached is the updated summary of many of the bills the Legislative Committee followed during the session.
October/26/2007
REALTOR Rally in Annapolis November 1!
REALTOR Rally in Annapolis to protest the proposed Maryland Tax increases harmful to the service industries, including those services related to real estate.
January/28/2010
Meet Your Legislators!
Come out and meet your legislators!
The Legislative Committee of the Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS® annually sponsors the Legislative Luncheon to give members the opportunity to meet with their State elected officials to discuss proposed legislation affecting the real estate.
November/24/2009
New Sign Regs in PG County
New sign regs in Prince Georges County affect both residential and commercial real estate.
August/28/2009
Short Sales & Foreclosures
Serve your buyers' interests by taking the Short Sales and Foreclosures: What Buyer's Representatives Need to Know Course.
May/26/2009
NAR Benefits- Get the Most Out of Your Membership!
The REALTOR Benefits® Program is your member benefits program.
NAR has partnered with industry leaders to provide you with value-added offers and significant savings on products and services you use on a daily basis.
July/12/2008
Update on Bob Hall
Update on the status of Bob Hall including information on where to send get well wishes.
February/27/2010
2010 Awards Recognition Reservation Deadline March 3
2010 SMAR Awards Recognition Ceremony
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Networking: 11 pm
Buffet Lunch: 11:45 am
Cost: $35 per person
Location:
Jaycee's Hall, 3090 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601
Registration Deadline: This Wednesday, March 3rd
February/24/2010
NAR Green Designation SALE!
NAR's Green Designation gives you the tools you need to guide clients through buying, selling or building in the sustainable marketplace. Earn your GREEN Designation in only 3 days!
$$$ Special - Register for BOTH Courses & SAVE $25!!!! $$$
February/20/2010
2010 Awards Recognition
The Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS® cordially invites you to 2010 SMAR Awards Recognition Ceremony Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Networking: 11 pm
Buffet Lunch: 11:45 am
Cost: $35 per person
January/25/2010
GEt MONEY SMART
Get Money Smart" is the name of a conference on Sat, Feb. 20, 2010 at the College of Southern Maryland Leonardtown Campus from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. No cost to attendees.
January/22/2010
SMAR Awards Applications
Awards Application Deadline: Friday, January 29, 2010 by 5 pm. All applications must be mailed or dropped off. No Fax Copies will be accepted.
September/17/2009
Green is the Future! Get your GREEN designation in 3 days!
NEW - NAR GREEN Designation Course
Green is not the future - it is NOW!
Take the Course! Get your GREEN Designation in only 3 Days!
NAR's Green Designation gives you the tools you need to guide clients through buying, selling or building in the sustainable marketplace.
September/4/2009
Funds available for St Mary's County home buyers
The Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary's County urges residents to use the Maryland Mortgage Program. Over $3 million was approved for use by St. Mary's County citizens to finance home purchases at the County Commissioners meeting on Sept. 1.
June/26/2009
Education Update
Information about important educational opportnities from SMAR
April/29/2009
2009 REALTOR FAIR AND TRADE SHOW
SMAR REALTOR Fair and Trade Show
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Southern Maryland Higher Education Center
44219 Airport Road, California, MD 20619
April/21/2009
RPAC IDOL: We're BAAAAAACK!
Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS® RPAC Idol and Issue Mobilization Fundraiser
Date: MONDAY, June 8, 2009
Time: 6:00 - 10:00 pm
Location: Martini's Lounge
Address: 10553 Theodore Green Blvd., White Plains, MD
April/20/2009
SMAR REALTOR Fair and Trade Show
REALTOR FAIR & TRADE SHOW
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Southern Maryland Higher Education Center
44219 Airport Road, California, MD 20619
Early Bird Registration Cost: $70
Early Bird Registration Deadline: Friday, May 1st
April/15/2009
E-Pro Workshop April 30, 2009 at SMAR Office
You are personally invited to attend the upcoming complimentary InternetCrusade® Technology Workshop featuring an exclusive preview of the e-PRO Certification course, the only technology course offered and endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS®.
March/30/2009
Yard Sale!
The SMAR Community Relations and CARE Award Committee is organizing a yard sale to be held April 25, 2009 from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. The proceeds will benefit the Southern MD Chapter of the American Red Cross.
January/23/2009
MAR Breakfast of Champions
The Maryland Association of REALTORS® will be cosponsoring, with MetLife Home Loans, a series of three educational/motivational events around the state.
October/8/2008
Changes made to SMAR Forms effective 10/1/2008
THe MAR Residential contract of sale has been modified. Members should discard the 2007 versions and begin using the new one as of October 1, 2008. A link to download the new form in PDF format is included.
October/7/2008
2008 SMAR Annual Meeting
Notice of SMAR annual meeting. Includes link to bios of candidates and more details on the nominating process.
September/19/2008
Sentrilock Affected by Hurricane Ike
Hurricane Ike's remnants combine with a Canadian frontal system to batter Sentrilock's HQ in Ohio with hurricane force winds.
September/1/2008
Sentrilock Renewal Period extended to 7 Days
After careful consideration of the request and review of the renewal periods of the other local REALTOR® Associations in Maryland that have converted to SentriLock, the SMAR Board of Directors agreed to extend the SentriLock SmartCard renewal period to every seven (7) days.
April/25/2008
2008 REALTOR Fair and Trade Show
SMAR 2008 REALTOR Fair and Trade show--find out about exhibitor opportunities and education classes available to SMAR members.
February/28/2010
In Memory of Milton Hein, II
In Memory of Milton Hein, II
We have received word that Milton Hein, II passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2010. Many of our long-time agents may remember that in the 1980s, Mr. Hein was the owner of Mil-Mar construction. The company is now run by his sons and specializes in custom home construc
January/21/2010
In Memoery of Harvey Gates
We extend sympathy to the family and friends of Harvey Gates, who passed away January 10, 2010 at his residence in Hawaii. Harvey was the SMAR President in 1988 as well as the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Country Properties (now RE/MAX 100) in Dunkirk.
January/20/2010
In Memory of Dick Coffey
We extend sympathy to the family and friends of Richard (Dick) Coffey who passed away January 14, 2010. Richard was a SMAR member with O'Brien Realty in Solomons, Maryland.
October/5/2009
In Memory of Steve Stewart
We extend sympathy to the family & friends of Steve Stewart, who passed away on October 1, 2009. Steve was an agent with Century 21 H.T. Brown in Waldorf. His mother is Joan Stewart, a SMAR member from the same office.
September/22/2009
In memory of Patricia Woodburn
We extend sympathy to the family & friends of Patricia Woodburn, who passed away on September 21, 2009. Patricia was an agent with Long & Foster Real Estate in Lexington Park.
September/9/2009
In memory of Betty Rayle
We extend sympathy to the family of Betty Rayle, who passed away on September 6, 2009.
May/27/2009
In Memory of John
We extend sympathy to Annie Dejong, at the death of their husband, Hank DeJong. Hank was an agent with Coldwell Banker Jay Lilly Real Estate in Lexington Park.
April/15/2009
In Memory of David M. Manney
We extend sympathy to Mary Anne Crewse and family at the death of her father, David M. Manney. Mary Ann is an agent with O'Brien Realty, California, Maryland.
April/15/2009
In Memory of Robert Kingsley
We extend sympathy to Susan Kingsley and family at the death of husband Robert "Bob" Kingsley on April 13. Susan was a former member of SMAR most recently with Century 21 Comstock Earnest.
April/12/2009
In Memory of Father Bill Finch
We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of Kelley Rollins of RE/MAX 100 in White Plains. Her brother, Father Bill Finch, died on April 9, 2009.
January/16/2009
In Memory of Bob Powell
Sympathy for the family of Judy Fulir for the passing of her father Bob Powell.
