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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.
June/28/2010
IMPORTANT NEWS! Charles County Neighborhood Conservation Initiative
We just received information from Lemuel Carpenter regarding the Charles County Neighborhood Conservation Initiative Down Payment Assistance Loan Program. Today, an NCI Down Payment Assistance Loan was canceled when a home buyer canceled the purchase contract and settlement.
June/16/2010
419 SCAM ALERT!
The popular online marketplace Craigslist and similar sites continue to be the targets of increasingly sophisticated scams involving real estate. Most of these scams originate from overseas and target not only REALTORS®, but their clients as well.
March/18/2010
Extreme Makeover Home Edition coming to Maryland
Do you know a family whose home deserves an Extreme Makeover? If so, the producers of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition want to hear from you. Ty Pennington and his crew have been all across the map and now they want to drive that famous bus to Maryland!
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.
April/26/2010
Fundamentals of Commercial Real Estate
Fundamentals of Commercial Real Estate
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
9 am - 5 pm
Cost: $150
MD CE Approved!
6 clock hours
Topic F) Professional enhancement for practicing licensees
April/8/2010
Education On the Go! 2010 classes for Calvert County
Calvert County - July 14th
Location: Century 21 New Millennium, 2960 Penwick Ln, Ste C, Dunkirk, MD 20754
Pre-Registration Deadline: Monday, July 12, 2010
MAR Contract--The Devil is in the Details
Fair Housing, ADA & Predatory Lending
April/8/2010
Education On the Go! 2010 classes for Charles County
Charles County -June 24, 2010
Location: Coldwell Banker Jay Lilly Real Estate, 3825 Leonardtown Rd, Ste 1, Waldorf, MD 20601
Pre-Registration Deadline: Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Legal & Legislative Update
MD Code of Ethics
March/30/2010
At Home With Diversity
At Home with Diversity® Certification -
Are you ready for your next prospect?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Take advantage of this special rate for Fair Housing Month!!
Cost: $65
Pre-registration is required. Register by April 2nd!
March/30/2010
FREE E-Pro Workshop
FREE e-PRO Workshop at SMAR!
e-PRO® is the only technology certification course recognized nationwide and offered by NAR. This cutting-edge Internet marketing resource provides insights into today's Social Media and Web 2.0 technology tools.
June/30/2010
Status of the Homebuyer Assistance Act of 2010 Extension
The United States House of Representatives has just passed HR 5623, the Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act of 2010, by a vote of 409-5. This bill extends the deadline for closing tax credit eligible transactions from June 30 to September, 30, 2010.
June/30/2010
Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended Through 9/30/10
Congress has passed an extension of the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline!!!!!
The extension applies only to transactions that have ratified contracts in place as of 4/30/10 that have not yet closed.
The new closing deadline for eligible transactions is now September 30, 2010.
April/12/2010
Give Yourself a Hand Charles County
The Charles County Housing Division announced today that thanks to YOUR support, ALL funding for the Neighborhood Conservation Initiative's Downpayment Assistance Program has been committed.*
April/6/2010
Regulators Issue Guidance to Allow Loan Closings During NFIP Lapse
Six of the nation's largest lending authorities (FEMA, Fannie Mae, FHA, Freddie Mac, Office of Thrift Supervision and the Federal Reserve) have issued guidance to administer the federal flood insurance regulations during the current National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) lapse in authority.
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/20/2010
Bobby Rucci Announces Candidacy for 4th District Commissioner
Bobby Rucci, a longtime county resident, filed for the office of Charles County Commissioner from District 4 on Friday July 2, 2010. Rucci, a small business owner and REALTOR® said, "I am not a political insider, but as the owner of three small businesses in this county I see every day that its time
July/20/2010
Bud Humbert runs for Delegate Seat
I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates, District 28, Charles County. With your support, I hope to fill the seat of retiring Delegate, Murray Levy. Like so many of you, I am proud to call Charles County home and the place where I raised my family.
May/19/2010
REALTORS! Protect Your Business From Misguided Taxes
Congress is considering changes to the tax code in order to pay for a number of tax provisions expiring in 2010. Two of these provisions would impact real estate.
These new tax burdens will further delay the real estate market recovery. These proposals are ill-advised...
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.
July/16/2010
Charles and St Mary's Sign Ordinance Updates
The Board of Commissioners for St. Mary's County approved a one-year extension of the provision to permit one (1) off-site directional real estate sign for the sale of residential property.
The Board of Commissioners for Charles County approved a comprehensive revision...
July/16/2010
Wayne Cooper Resigns
We have just received confirmation that today at 4:30 p.m. Commissioner President Wayne Cooper will resign from office.
June/1/2010
FHA Mortgages Will Soon Allow Fewer Seller Concessions
One of the key attractions of FHA home mortgage financing is going, going - but not quite gone. Sellers and buyers who move fast can still make the most of it. Sometime this summer, the Federal Housing Administration plans to slash maximum "seller concessions" from 6 % of the home price to 3%...
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.
April/15/2010
Special Offer for St Mary's Agents
On April 1, 2010 Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS® launched a Public Awareness Campaign in The County Times Newspaper. With our members' help as ad sponsors, we will be able to run a public service type ad once or twice a month--possibly more.
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.
April/6/2010
First Issue of SMAR E-Newsletter
SMAR's E-Newsletter kicks off its first issue with an interactive, link filled PDF. For best results, use Adobe Reader to view the newsletter and navigate the links.
July/20/2010
REALTOR Emeritus
In 1981, the National Association of REALTORS® established the REALTOR® Emeritus program to recognize those who have held membership in the National Association of REALTORS® for a cumulative period of 40 years.
June/4/2010
2010 CARE Award Applications
The C.A.R.E. Award is given annually by the Maryland Association of REALTORS® to Local Boards/Associations to recognize achievements in community service and charitable actions.
May/12/2010
REALTOR FAIR & TRADE SHOW MAY 19!
The Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS® invites you to the
2010 REALTOR® Fair & Trade Show
May 19, 2010
Check-in: 7:30 am
Lunch: 11:30 am - 2 pm
Cocktail Hour: 5 - 6 pm
April/13/2010
SMAR REALTOR Fair & Trade Show
SMAR REALTOR Fair & Trade Show
May 19, 2010
Check-in: 7:30 am
Lunch: 11:30 am - 2 pm
Cocktail Hour: 5 - 6 pm
Location
Southern Maryland Higher Education Center
44219 Airport Road, California, MD 20619
March/31/2010
REALTOR National Open House Weekend
The first ever REALTOR® Nationwide Open House Weekend will be held April 10-11. The goal: 1) to give sellers an opportunity to showcase their home while the federal buyer tax credit is still available. 2) To offer buyers the convenience of touring dozens of homes for sale in one weekend.
March/17/2010
Hurry! NAR's GReen Designation Course Begins 3/19/10
NAR's GREEN Designation is not part of a current fad. Two-thirds of consumers* are in tune to green homes and buildings, and understand that there is a link between green properties, cost savings, and healthy living.
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.
July/19/2010
In Memory of Tom Gannon
We extend sympathy to the family and friends of Thomas (Tom) Gannon who passed away Friday, July 16, 2010 after a long illness. Tom was affiliated with Coldwell Banker Jay Lilly Real Estate, Waldorf, Maryland.
June/23/2010
In Memory of Doris Rider
We extend sympathy to the family and friends of Doris Rider who passed away June 13, 2010. Doris was a former member of SMAR.
June/21/2010
In memory of Cary Meilert
We extend sympathy to Alice Newcomb and family at the death of her son Cary Meilert who passed away Thursday, June 17, 2010.
June/8/2010
In Memory of Norman Ebach
We extend sympathy to Beth Gilliland and Family at the recent passing of her father, Norman Ebach. Beth is SMAR's President-Elect and affiliated with RE/MAX 100 in White Plains, Maryland.
May/13/2010
In Memory of Shirrel Young
We extend sympathy to the family and friends of Susan Young at the recent passing of her husband Shirrel Young. Susan is a SMAR member affiliated with RE/MAX 100, White Plains, Maryland.
March/20/2010
In Memory of Ellen Carroll
We extend sympathy to the family of Ellen Carroll, who passed away on March 18, 2010. Ellen was a REALTOR® in Maryland for over 30 years and spent the last 9 years as an agent with Residential Plus Real Estate (formerly Jobin Realty).
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.
June/9/2010
SMAR Weekly Update for the Week of June 8, 2010
SMAR Weekly Update for the Week of June 8, 2010
2010 C.A.R.E. AWARD APPLICATION
REPA (Real Estate Professional Assistant Course) at SMAR!
Education on the Go!
Upcoming Continuing Education Classes
March/16/2010
SMAR Weekly Update for the Week of March 16, 2010
SMAR Weekly Update for the Week of March 16, 2010
Free e-PRO Workshop Reminder
Food Drive
MRIS Computer Training Lab
NAR's GREEN Designation
How to Print SMAR Dues Invoices
Upcoming Continuing Education Classes
Sentrilock Training
Continuing Education
GRI
Pre-Licensing and more
