Have you signed up yet for Hill VIsits?  The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) sets aside time during the 2019 NAR May Legislative Meetings so that REALTOR® members may discuss key REALTOR® priorities (available soon by NAR) with their Members of Congress.

The Legislature ended for the year on a sad note with the passing of Speaker Mike Busch -- a great friend of our industry and tremendous leader in Maryland.  Click the following link for a brief Sine Die Report 2019 or for a more detailed Legislative Summary, further below. Four of Maryland REALTORS® top five priorities passed this year, including: escrow agreement legislation; permanent extension of mortgage debt forgiveness tax deduction; clarification of agent's confidentiality duties; and authorization of remote notarization in Maryland.

Did you know that 42% of REALTORS^® are NOT prepared for a financial emergency and 43% are NOT saving for retirement? That’s why the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (NAR) created the Center for REALTOR^® Financial Wellness. This new program will help you be financially solvent and independent, both in your career and at retirement. The Center for REALTOR^® Financial Wellness is a comprehensive online resource that has something to offer all NAR members no matter your level of professional expertise or stage of financial planning.

The 2018 leaders of the PAC, volunteering for the 2020 committee year, the latest residential sales information and a special message from CEO, Chuck Kasky are all featured in this edition.

Residential home prices remained stable in February compared to the same period in 2018, according to housing statistics released by Maryland REALTORS^®. Average home prices rose by 2.9 percent while median prices rose by 3.3 percent as compared to the same time in 2018.

Maryland REALTORS^® Commercial Alliance Committee is pleased to announce that the 2019 Commercial Symposium - Maryland: The State of Opportunity will be held on May 2 at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, MD.