2020 Legislative Preview - 17 Member Benefits - Maryland REALTORS
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VOLUME LIV NUMBER 1 / DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020
2020
Legislative
Preview
mdrealtor.org / marylandhomeownership.com
4 2020 Legislative Preview
8 Annual Economic Update
17 Member Benefits
MARYLAND REALTORS ® The Voice For Real Estate ® In Maryland
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES
BIG CHANGES AND
CHALLENGES FOR
2020 MARYLAND
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 4
THE ECONOMY IS GOOD
RIGHT NOW 8
MARYLAND REALTORS®
GLOBAL BUSINESS
COMMITTEE 16
MARYLAND REALTORS®
MEMBER BENEFITS 17
MEET THE STAFF 21
FAREWELL TO DON MARTIN 26
SELL MORE
WITH MARYLAND! 28
8
THE ECONOMY IS GOOD RIGHT NOW DEPARTMENTS
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE 3
CEO CORNER 29
RESIDENTIAL SALES 30
REALTORS
®
FROM THE HOTLINE 33
MEMBER BENEFITS
BRIGHT MLS 36
MARYLAND
17 SELL MORE
28 FROM THE
33
REALTORS® WITH MARYLAND! HOTLINE
MEMBER BENEFITS
www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 1
2019 Maryland REALTORS®
Leadership Team
REALTORS®
Maryland REALTORS®
200 Harry S Truman Parkway | Suite 200
Annapolis, MD 21401-7348
800.638.6425 | www.mdrealtor.org
Leadership Team
John A. Harrison Dee Dee Miller John A. Harrison | President
President President-Elect Dee Dee Miller | President-Elect
RE/MAX Executive Long & Foster Real Estate Dale Ross | Treasurer
8432 Veterans Hwy., Suite A 568 A-Ritchie Hwy. Craig Wolf | Secretary
Millersville, MD 21108 Severna Park, MD 21146 Merry Tobin | Immediate Past President
443.274.1900 410.544.4000 Chuck Kasky, RCE | Chief Executive Officer
johnh@remax.net deedee@lnf.com
Editor
Laurie Benner | laurie.benner@mdrealtor.org
Advisory Committee
Elisabeth Yeager | Chair
Advertising
Arlene Braithwaite | 410.772.0820
Publication Design
HBP, Inc., 952 Frederick Street, Hagerstown, MD 21741
800.638.3508 | www.hbp.com
Craig Wolf Dale Ross Mission Statement
Secretary Treasurer Maryland REALTORS ® exists to support all segments of its
American Home Shield Pioneer Realty, Inc. membership and their specialties. Maryland REALTORS®, through
907 Autumn View Ct. 7917 Declaration Lane collective efforts with local boards/associations and the National
Bel Air, MD 21014 Potomac, MD 20854 Association of REALTORS®:
443.643.6742 301.466.1067 ■ Develops and delivers programs, services and related products
cwolf@ahslink.com daleross1067@gmail.com that maintain and elevate the high standards of the real estate
business and the professional conduct of its practitioners;
■ Assists members in ethically and professionally serving the public;
■ Promotes and preserves the right to own, transfer and use real
property; and
■ Protects the right of members to conduct business within a
framework of fair and reasonable laws and government
regulations.
In principle and in practice, Maryland REALTORS® values and seeks
diversity and inclusive participation within the field of real estate and
recognizes each member as a unique individual.
Maryland REALTOR® (USPS 0016-017) is published bimonthly by Maryland REALTORS®, Suite 200,
200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401-7348. Periodical postage paid at Annapolis
Merry Tobin Chuck Kasky, RCE and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to: Maryland REALTOR®, Suite 200,
200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401-7348.
Immediate Past President Chief Executive Officer Member subscriptions of $3.81 are paid with annual dues.
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject
RE/MAX Executive Maryland REALTORS® matter covered. It is offered with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering
professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent
1919 Main Street 200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Suite 200 professional should be sought. Articles that appear in Maryland REALTOR® are an informational
service to members. Their contents are the opinions of the authors alone and do not necessarily
Chester, MD 21619 Annapolis, MD 21401 represent those of Maryland REALTORS®.
443.716.3540 800.638.6425 Permission to reprint articles appearing in Maryland REALTOR® magazine must be requested in
writing. Also include purpose for request.
merry@merrytobin.com chuck.kasky@mdrealtor.org While this magazine makes a reasonable effort to establish the integrity of
its advertisers, it does not endorse advertised products or services unless
specifically stated. ©2019 Maryland REALTORS®, Inc.
2 MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 www.mdrealtor.org
President’s Perspective JOHN A. HARRISON Happy Holidays! I hope this finds you well and enjoying the holiday Keep your eyes open for the dates when we host our season with your loved ones. Also, I hope you take Regional Roundtables throughout the state. It has been some time to recharge and get ready for the new year. a consistent initiative of mine to increase the level of We are gearing up for the 2020 Legislative Session in communication and outreach with our local associations. Annapolis that begins on January 8th. The article on the These roundtables will give you an opportunity to speak bills that we expect to be supporting begins on page 4. with Maryland REALTORS® leadership directly, to hear Please make sure that your local board/association has about our programs and services, and to engage with us your most current email address so that you can take on issues of concern. We are looking forward to seeing part in any Calls For Action that are likely to come out of you in the New Year! this legislative session as the legislature debates how to I encourage you to take a moment to read the “Meet fund public education enhancements proposed by the the Staff” article on page 21. The professional staff at Kirwan Commission. Maryland REALTORS® is second to none. They provide We will be pursuing legislation to incorporate into us with outstanding customer service, deliver the our mandatory continuing education a component of products and services we rely on, and can answer any professionalism. This can be accomplished without real estate related question you might have. increasing the overall number of hours, and we hope this The Maryland leadership team and I have spent the last change will enhance the level of professionalism in the three months traveling around the state participating in real estate industry. the installations of our local boards and associations. In this issue we have the annual review of the state of It has been our privilege to be present when the new the Maryland economy with economist, Anirban Basu. leaders take office. Dee Dee, Craig, Dale, Merry, and I Our economy is strong and healthy, but it remains to be are looking forward to working with each incoming local seen whether that will continue in 2020. Turn to page 8 leadership team to move our associations forward. to learn more. Have a happy and safe holiday season! www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 3
«« f o r
Big C h a n g e s a n d Big C h all e nges
4 MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 www.mdrealtor.org
G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y «
l a n d «
a r y
20 M
0
r 2 E
ach year, the start of the General Assembly session elicits
excitement, anticipation, and sometimes angst among
Marylanders. Those feelings will be amplified this year as the
General Assembly begins the year with new leadership in both the
House and Senate, and significant education reform bills.
The leadership changes are huge. The Maryland General Assembly has
had the same Senate President, Mike Miller, since 1987 and the same
Speaker of the House, Mike Busch, since 2003. But in 2020, President
Miller will be replaced by Senator Bill Ferguson from Baltimore City and
Speaker Mike Busch was succeeded by Speaker Adrienne Jones from
Baltimore County who was elected in May 2019. Both Senator Ferguson
and Speaker Jones will preside over their respective bodies in their new
positions for the first time this coming year.
Senator Ferguson was elected to the Senate in 2010 (nearly 23 years into
Senator Miller’s Presidency) and is one of the youngest Senators at age 36.
The change in Speaker may not be as dramatic a generational change as in
the Senate, but Speaker Adrienne Jones is the first African American and
first woman Speaker in Maryland’s history. In addition to the two presiding
officers, there were other leadership changes in the House and it is
rumored there will be additional leadership changes in the Senate as well.
The 2020 Maryland General Assembly faces a significant policy
challenge enacting education reform for pre-K through grade 12
education in Maryland. That reform effort has been underway since
2016 and its recommendations were finalized in the Fall of 2019. While
few would argue with education reform in the abstract, there is concern
over the cost of the effort which is estimated at over $4 billion over
the next 10 years. Because real estate taxes fund most of the school
budgets, as it considers how to fund education reform, the Maryland
REALTORS ® will be working to make sure the Legislature understands
the importance of housing affordability. According to the 2018 Profile
of Homebuyers and Sellers compiled by the National Association of
www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 5
REALTORS®, the number of first-time buyers remain at a nearly 30-year
low across the country. Good schools and housing opportunities are
important for all Marylanders, and Maryland REALTORS® will continue to
be strong advocates for both.
While housing opportunity will be an important policy goal for the
Maryland REALTORS® in the 2020 session, the Association is also
focused on several other priorities. First, the Association will lobby to
have a professionalism component incorporated into our mandatory
continuing education. This proposal will not increase the number of
C.E. hours required for license renewal. A higher level of professionalism
among real estate agents will ensure sellers’ and buyers’ interests are
protected and promoted throughout the real estate transaction.
The Association will also seek to pass legislation to eliminate a seller’s
need to escrow money for ground rent if the ground rent owner never
registered it. Under current law, sellers must escrow up to 3 years’ worth
of ground rents. The legislation would permit the owner of the ground
rent to collect back rent only from the current owner of the property
and not the prior owner. Not only will this save money for sellers, it
will eliminate an administrative headache for title companies who are
required to return the escrow money back to the seller after three years if
the ground rent owner still has not registered it.
The Association is also considering other potential legislation as well,
including: mandating real estate licensing for all auctioneers selling
real estate; expanding legislation providing a notice of easement
and covenant in the land records to all such restrictions and not just
environmental restrictions; and requiring registration of HOA and condo
managers with the state.
Finally, all Maryland REALTORS® are invited to participate in Lobby Day
which will be held on January 14th, 2020. In the past, 200-300 Realtor
REALTORS® from across the state have come to Annapolis to meet with
legislators and their staff to emphasize the importance of real estate to
Maryland and highlight our legislative priorities. This is a free event
requiring only your time and some gas money (we will even pay for your
parking!). With the big policy challenges facing the legislature and new
leadership, it will be more important than ever for Maryland REALTORS®
to be a strong voice for real estate.
6 MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 www.mdrealtor.org
The Economy is Good Right Now
Rate Cuts are Good recessions receive great credit when looking forward to 2019,
A
for their acumen and insight, that number nearly doubled, with
t the beginning of 2019, the
positioning themselves to receive a quarter of economists indicating
Wall Street Journal asked
more attention going forward. that a downturn would occur. That
a group of economists
What was surprising, however, represented the highest percentage
what they expected for the coming
was just how many economists since October 2018.
year. Not surprisingly, a certain
percentage expected the economy made that prediction. When they As 2019 enters its final days,
to enter a recession at some point had asked economists the same it becomes clear that
over 12-month period to come. question the year prior, only 13 recession is not in
That’s virtually always the case. percent of respondents said they the cards.
Economists who manage to predict expected a recession in 2018. But As of this
Exhibit 1. 15-Year & 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates, October 1995–October 2019*
10%
9%
15-yr
8%
30-yr
7%
6%
5% 3.67%
4%
3%
2% 3.13%
1%
0%
Oct-95
Oct-96
Oct-97
Oct-98
Oct-99
Oct-00
Oct-01
Oct-02
Oct-03
Oct-04
Oct-05
Oct-06
Oct-07
Oct-08
Oct-09
Oct-10
Oct-11
Oct-12
Oct-13
Oct-14
Oct-15
Oct-16
Oct-17
Oct-18
Oct-19
Apr-96
Apr-97
Apr-98
Apr-99
Apr-00
Apr-01
Apr-02
Apr-03
Apr-04
Apr-05
Apr-06
Apr-07
Apr-08
Apr-09
Apr-10
Apr-11
Apr-12
Apr-13
Apr-14
Apr-15
Apr-16
Apr-17
Apr-18
Apr-19
Source: Freddie Mac *Week ending 10/24/2019
Exhibit 2. National Monthly Job Growth (SA), September 2003–September 2019
600
400
Net Change (000's)
200
0
-200
-400
-600
-800
-1000
Sep-03
Mar-04
Sep-04
Mar-05
Sep-05
Mar-06
Sep-06
Mar-07
Sep-07
Mar-08
Sep-08
Mar-09
Sep-09
Mar-10
Sep-10
Mar-11
Sep-11
Mar-12
Sep-12
Mar-13
Sep-13
Mar-14
Sep-14
Mar-15
Sep-15
Mar-16
Sep-16
Mar-17
Sep-17
Mar-18
Sep-18
Mar-19
Sep-19
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note: SA-Seasonally Adjusted.
8 MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 www.mdrealtor.orgwww.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 9
writing, equity markets have just One of the most important job openings for each unemployed
surged to record highs, with the indicators is the number of American.
Dow Jones Industrial Average available job openings, which not Not surprisingly, wage growth has
sitting above 27,300, the NASDAQ only characterizes the level of been solid, albeit unspectacular.
screaming toward 8,400, and strength in the U.S. labor market, Between October 2018 and
the S&P 500 sitting at a record but serves as a helpful predictor October 2019, average hourly
3,066.91. of future job growth. According earnings were up 3 percent
The nation has added jobs for to the most recent data from the nationally, strong enough to
109 consecutive months, adding Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job keep America’s potent consumer
nearly 22 million net new jobs Openings and Labor Turnover spending cycle in place. As
over that period. Unemployment Survey (JOLTS), there were nearly indicated by the Wall Street
has been at a 50-year low, and 7.1 million available, unfilled jobs Journal, a worker with a 40-hour-
compensation has been expanding in America as of August 2019. The a-week job earning the average
at its fastest pace in roughly a number of unemployed Americans hourly wage in August 2017 would
decade, helping to spur ongoing is in the range of 5.9 million, which have been earning $44,000 per
growth household outlays. means that there are roughly 1.2 annum. Today, that same worker,
10 MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 www.mdrealtor.orgif earning the average hourly wage, sales were up nearly 4 percent Rate Cuts are Bad
would be making $47,000. on a year-over-year basis as some
While financial markets and
As if this were not enough, the buyers were motivated to transact
prospective buyers have cheered
Federal Reserve has reduced in part by the reemergence of ultra-
rate cuts and lower borrowing costs,
short-term rates thrice over low mortgage rates. Sales would
the same phenomenon creates
the course of the year. Coming have been even more robust but
cause for concern. The U.S. is
into 2019, many expected rate for a dearth of inventory in many
slowing, with a manufacturing sector
increases during the current year. markets, especially the most job-
that is already in recession at the
Instead, faced with surprisingly rich. Single-family housing starts
vanguard of the slowdown. The
low inflation in the context of a have remained weak throughout
Institute for Supply Management’s
weakening global economy and the duration of the current
factory index fell to 47.8 in
a still sturdy U.S. dollar, the economic expansion, with much
September, the lowest level since
Federal Reserve has seen fit to of the investment capital
June 2009 when the U.S. was still
put downward pressure on supporting multifamily rental
mired in economy-wide recession.
borrowing costs. development instead.
Predictably, many would attribute
Among the principal beneficiaries Similar dynamics have been the softening of factory activity to
are those tied to residential real apparent in Maryland. Despite soft the ongoing trade disputes with
estate. In very-late 2019, 30-year job growth for much of the year, by China, the European Union, India
fixed mortgage rates averaged a July, year-over-year home sales had and other nations. But there are
bit less than 4 percent in America. resurfaced into positive territory. other factors at work, including
One year earlier, they stood July 2019 ended a losing streak secular stagnation of the global auto
above 5 percent. The run-up stretching 10 months of negative sector as vehicles become more
to 5 percent mortgage rates in year-over-year sales. expensive and alternatives like ride
2018 helped to chill the housing By stimulating demand, low sharing become available.
market. By January 2019, existing mortgage rates placed additional There are also indications of
home sales dipped to a seasonally pressure on Maryland’s relatively slowing commercial construction:
adjusted annual rate of 4.94 million low level of unsold inventory. architects aren’t as busy as
units, the lowest level observed Accordingly, sales prices have they once were, and business
since November 2015. Between been on the rise recently, with investment is faltering. For
December 2015 and December average home sales price up 4.7 example, according to the
2018, the Federal Reserve percent in July on a year-ago Commerce Department’s initial
increased short-term rates no basis and median price up a solid estimate of Q3:2019 gross
fewer than nine times. 6.8 percent. Months of inventory domestic product, investment in
Since that time, the Federal statewide had been dragged structures declined by more than
Reserve has changed course as further lower by July, from 3.6 15 percent on an annualized basis,
the U.S. economy has faced months to 3.2. Median and with slowing construction in lodging
growing headwinds from trade average home sales prices were and retail among the primary
wars, stagnant business and also up in August, with months of explanatory factors.
consumer confidence, and statewide inventory slipping further
All things being equal, weaker
economic weakness apparent from to 3.0 months.
economic growth translates into
England and Germany to China less inflation, and that is precisely
and South Korea. Accordingly, by what has been observed. The Core
September 2019, existing home Personal Consumption Expenditures
www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 11Index suggests that inflation was up Year, the nation was in the midst of Many of these jobs have been
just 1.7 percent in September on a the lengthiest federal government added in the Baltimore metropolitan
year-over-year basis. That is below shutdown in the nation’s history; area, where development and other
the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent one that lasted 35 days. Even after forms of economic activity remains
inflation target, and apparently has the shutdown ended in January, robust in downtown Columbia,
been enough to justify the three rate Maryland struggled to add jobs, downtown Towson, around BWI
cuts that have taken place since July. perhaps in part due to legislation Airport, and in several of Baltimore
passed by the state’s General City’s waterfront neighborhoods.
Assembly that was not especially There is also evidence of ongoing
Maryland’s Economy pro-business. economic growth in Carroll and
Regains Momentum But by the third quarter, Maryland’s Harford counties.
It should come as little surprise economy began to reemerge. In total, the Baltimore Metropolitan
that 2019 got off to a slow start By September, year-over-year Area added 21,400 jobs in
economically in Maryland. After all, job growth had risen to 26,000, September on a year-ago basis.
as the calendar turned to the New which while unspectacular, meant This translates into an increase of
that Maryland was no longer a 1.5 percent, ranking the region
near-cellar dweller nationally. The 17th among the nation’s 25 largest
26,000 jobs translate into 0.9 metro areas. It also ranked first
percent job growth over the 12 among major metropolitan areas
months ending with September, in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast,
ranking Maryland a respectable ahead of Boston (1.3%, 18th),
36th among the 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. (1.2%, t-19th),
the District of Columbia in terms of New York (1.1%, t-21th), and
percentage job growth. Philadelphia (1.1%, t-21th). The
Baltimore region’s unemployment
rate of 3.4 percent ranks it
15th among the same group of
metropolitan areas.
However, closer to Washington,
D.C., economic growth has not
12 MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 www.mdrealtor.orgbeen apparent. During a recent of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and The lack of available people to
12-month period, the metropolitan other parts of Maryland. hire translates into softer job growth,
division comprised of Montgomery As of September, none of which in turn limits the pace of the
and Frederick counties actually Maryland’s 24 major jurisdictions state’s economic expansion and
lost jobs, likely due to ongoing was associated with an also helps to limit expansion in the
economic malaise in Montgomery unemployment rate of 5.5 percent number of people newly available to
County, Maryland’s most populous or higher. Remarkably, seven rent apartments or purchase homes.
jurisdiction. The county’s jurisdictions were able to boast There is some correlation between
unemployment rate remains low, an unemployment rate below 3 low unemployment and low
however, despite stagnant job growth percent. While this is impressive,
in part because there are many it represents the labor market’s
newly available jobs in the District Exhibit 5. Maryland Unemployment Rates
analogue to low housing inventory.
by County (NSA), September 2019
Rank County UR (%)
Exhibit 3. Maryland & National Unemployment Rate (SA),
1 Howard County 2.6
September 2007 to September 2019
2 Carroll County 2.7
12.0%
U.S. Maryland 3 Montgomery County 2.8
10.0%
4 Anne Arundel County 2.9
8.0% 4 Calvert County 2.9
6.0%
4 Queen Anne's County 2.9
4 Talbot County 2.9
4.0%
8 Caroline County 3.1
2.0%
8 Frederick County 3.1
0.0% 8 Harford County 3.1
Sep-07
Jan-08
May-08
Sep-08
Jan-09
May-09
Sep-09
Jan-10
May-10
Sep-10
Jan-11
May-11
Sep-11
Jan-12
May-12
Sep-12
Jan-13
May-13
Sep-13
Jan-14
May-14
Sep-14
Jan-15
May-15
Sep-15
Jan-16
May-16
Sep-16
Jan-17
May-17
Sep-17
Jan-18
May-18
Sep-18
Jan-19
May-19
Sep-19
8 St. Mary's County 3.1
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note: SA-Seasonally Adjusted. 12 Washington County 3.4
13 Baltimore County 3.5
Exhibit 4. Maryland Nonfarm Employment by Industry Sector Groups (SA), 13 Charles County 3.5
Sept. 2018 v. Sept. 2019
13 Kent County 3.5
Education and Health Services 15,800 16 Cecil County 3.6
Government 7,700
Prince George's
Professional and Business Services 4,400 16 3.6
County
Other Services 2,100
18 Garrett County 3.9
Leisure and Hospitality 2,100
Information 1,000
19 Wicomico County 4.1
Mining, Logging, and Construction 500 20 Dorchester County 4.2
Manufacturing -700
21 Worcester County 4.7
Financial Activities -2,900
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities -4,000
22 Baltimore City 4.8
-6,000 -1,000 4,000 9,000 14,000 23 Allegany County 5.0
12-Month Net Change
24 Somerset County 5.4
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note: NSA-Not Seasonally Adjusted. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note: NSA-Not Seasonally Adjusted.
www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 13inventory. That makes sense since Exhibit 6. Months of Inventory by Maryland County, September 2019
places associated with tighter labor
markets would also tend to be 10.0
8.7
9.0
associated with higher demand for 8.0
housing. The tightest labor markets 7.0
6.0
also happen to be in places where:
5.0
1) it is difficult to acquire permission 4.0
3.0
to build new housing and/or 2) there 3.0
1.9
2.0
is a dearth of available, developable, 1.0
residentially zoned land. Accordingly, 0.0
Howard, Carroll, and Montgomery
tg 's
H ry
A H d
lti A ord
Co el
ty
Ca s
ed l
k
YL t
Ca D
or rt
Ba ic ter
or o
ty
Ca cil
Qu Som ne
An t
Al 's
rc ny
hi r
St ton
y's
Ga nt
tt
Fr rrol
AR bo
n rse
as te
le
ic
m ic
ar
on rge
AN
W lve
ne
rre
e
or nd
un
Ci
Ke
Do ega
Ce
li
ar
W s
W hes
ar
om
er
lti om
ow
Ba nne arf
M Tal
ng
ce
ro
ee e
m ru
.M
e
o
Ch
Ge
l
counties are home to the three
e
ce
M
in
Pr
lowest unemployment rates in
Maryland, and are also associated Source: Maryland Association of Realtors (MAR)
with among the eight lowest
When the current administration between Donald Trump and Kamala
inventories of housing measured in
in Washington, D.C. entered the Harris. Indeed, there is a big
months of housing supply among
fray, uncertainty facing many difference between Donald Trump
Maryland’s 24 major jurisdictions.
businesses declined, regulations and any conceivable Democratic
were withdrawn, corporate earnings nominee. For business, this means
Looking Ahead surged, markets rose, employment an uncertain future regarding health
Economists have been predicting growth accelerated, and consumer insurance, defense contracting,
the next economic recession for spending took off. trade relations with China and
years now. The current period is Today, the situation is far different, other partners, taxes, and of
especially difficult to forecast given with Americans struggling course, regulation. For prospective
the enormous influence of uncertain to understand the impact of homebuyers, this translates into
policymaking. Tariffs announced trade disputes, circumstances greater uncertainty regarding future
one month can be postponed the pertaining to Iran and Syria, and marginal income tax rates, the
next. While much of the focus has the consequences of their own impact of the alternative minimum
been on Sino-U.S. trade disputes expanding indebtedness. For tax, and prospects for industries
recently, there are also conflicts instance, corporate debt has never ranging from healthcare and energy
involving America and the EU as been higher in America. The to manufacturing and construction.
well as India. Brexit also becomes same can be said for the federal Ultimately, the heightened level of
increasingly perilous, with British government, with annual deficits uncertainty could induce many
governments continuously on the approaching $1 trillion. What is economic actors to adopt a wait-
precipice of being undone. well understood is that there will be and-see attitude, further reducing
Though the Federal Reserve have elections in the U.S. next year, and economic activity in the context of
cut rates three times in the span of that will further expand the level of an already rapidly softening global
four months, that won’t address all uncertainty facing economic actors, economic environment. An inverted
of the economy’s vulnerabilities. The including would-be homebuyers. yield curve and other indications
problem in the U.S. is not excessively From a policymaking perspective, have been flashing yellow/red for
elevated borrowing costs. The there is a big difference between months. Conclusion: 2019 will be
problem in America is a dramatic Donald Trump and Elizabeth fondly remembered by many
increase in the levels of uncertainty Warren. There is a big difference economic actors, but 2020 may
facing households and businesses. not be.
14 MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 www.mdrealtor.orgOilheat.
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sell more.
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Global Business Committee
BY DON BARRICK, FORMER GLOBAL COMMITTEE CHAIR
I
t was just four years ago that the Global Business
Committee had its first meeting, in part at the
prompting of the late Sylvia Rodriguez, one of the
pioneers in recognizing international and foreign-born
buyers and sellers in Maryland real estate. The
Committee’s first chairperson was Harold Huggins,
whose initial tasks included giving the committee a
sense of purpose and structure.
The next chairperson was Erica Solomon, who refined
the organization and gave it its first publicity, as well
as recognition by NAR and others. Among other
accomplishments, initiated production of our first
brochure, which was intended to introduce foreign-born
buyers and international investors to the Maryland
market. As an eloquent spokesperson, Erica built on
Harold’s foundation and forged the path for the
committee’s success. CIPS designation involves a full week of classes. The
most recent institute was held in partnership with the
My own tenure as chairperson ended in October 2019,
Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® and the
after completing two terms. Having been a member of
Women’s Council of REALTORS®, Maryland Network.
the committee throughout its entire, brief history, the
growth has been remarkable to witness: The most recent class graduated 64 participants,
doubling the number of CIPS designees within the state.
■■ We initiated two incredibly well received “lunch
and learn” events, with speakers that have The class was led by NAR-designated instructor, Azizali
included immigration attorneys, international Kanjee, a commercial real estate broker from Toronto.
Mr. Kanjee is an engaging and knowledgeable real
exchange representatives, an official from a bank
estate professional; his manner of instruction truly
that specializes in Islamic finance, and others.
complemented the comprehensive curriculum. Each
■■ We created the “Maryland: A Global Market”
one of the 64 REALTORS® in the room appeared to be
brochure.
eager and dedicated to their studies. If past institutes are
■■ We received three Global Business Council awards any indication, the attendees formed valuable business
from NAR, attesting to the Committee’s growth, relationships and sources of referrals.
educational contributions, and dedication to
serving international real estate in Maryland. The Global Business Committee will continue to grow
and add value to our members, with Jan Greene as its
■■ We were accepted by the Maryland Sister
next chairperson. Jan is a consummate professional
State program, and several subcommittees in
and has been involved with the Global Business
which Global Business Committee members are
Committee throughout its history, as well. Thank you,
actively engaged.
Jan, and good luck.
I believe that our crowning achievement has been the
Global Business Committee’s facilitation of four Certified
International Property Specialist (CIPS) Institutes. The
16 MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 www.mdrealtor.orgREALTORS® MEMBER BENEFITS
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REALTORS® https://bit.ly/2UpzYYwMeet
the C
hief Executive Officer Chuck
Kasky was elevated to CEO
year. She also oversees the prestigious
Life Achievement Award.
Staff
in October 2015, after having Brenda Royce joined Maryland
served as Maryland REALTORS® REALTORS® in 2018 and is the
top in-house legal officer for 10 Programs and Events Coordinator,
years. In addition to overseeing the serving both the Administration and
Association’s operations, he works Housing Programs Departments.
closely with volunteer leadership to Brenda was previously a membership
develop and implement policies and manager and event coordinator at the
initiatives to promote the real estate National Society of Histotechnology
industry and private property rights. and formerly a REALTOR®. Brenda
Chuck is continuing the Association’s assists with Maryland REALTORS®
primary focus on representing member meetings, events, volunteer
interests before the legislature and coordination, and programs such as
Chuck
advocating REALTOR® professionalism the Housing Opportunity Certification
Kasky
with members and the public. (HOC) program.
Prior to joining the Maryland Receptionist Rebecca Baker greets
REALTORS®, Chuck was engaged in and talks to more members as the
the private practice of law, served as first point of contact at the Association
Counsel to several Committees of the office, than any other staffer. She
Maryland General Assembly, and was answers hundreds of questions every
Tracy Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for week from members and the public,
Powelson Howard County, Maryland. referring them to the appropriate staff
Tracy Powelson is the Executive person or other resources. Rebecca
Assistant to the CEO. Tracy assists with meeting logistics, mailings,
joined Maryland REALTORS® in and other tasks requested by other
September 2015 and is responsible departments.
for the administrative functions of
the Association. Tracy staffs the Government Affairs
Governance committees—Executive, The Government Affairs Lobbying
Brenda Nominating, and Strategic Planning. Team includes Senior Vice President,
Royce She also supports the Board of Bill Castelli and Director of
Directors and General Membership Government Affairs, Susan Mitchell.
meetings as well as the Presidents’ Bill, an attorney and former aide to
Council, made up of local board/ Rep. Steny Hoyer, develops and directs
association Presidents who meet the Association’s legislative strategy in
to exchange information, develop representing Maryland REALTORS® in
ideas and share experiences. Her the Statehouse. He is the staff liaison
department organizes the Maryland for the Public Policy and Legislative
Rebecca
Baker REALTORS® Former Presidents Committees working with members to
meeting and other events during the identify and define the association’s
policy goals.
www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 21In addition to Susan’s lobbying Legal Affairs
responsibilities, she also works with
Maryland REALTORS® Legal
local boards/associations to assist
Department, headed by Director
in providing Maryland REALTORS®
of Legal Affairs Kathleen Dartez,
and NAR expertise on local issues
includes Staff Attorneys Colette
such as land use and zoning. Susan
Massengale; Mark Feinroth,
oversees Maryland REALTORS® Local
Director of Political Advocacy;
Bill Government Affairs Director (GAD)
and Sandi Frazer, Professional
Castelli Program, supervising the local GADs
Standards Administrator and Legal
that Maryland REALTORS® provides
Affairs Assistant.
to all local boards/associations
who do not employ local lobbyists. Kathleen staffs the Global Business
This local program is designed to and Real Property Operations
strengthen REALTOR® voices in those Committees. Prior to joining the
local jurisdictions. Additionally, she Maryland REALTORS®, Kathleen
Susan also directs Maryland REALTORS® served as General Counsel for
Mitchell grassroots advocacy efforts, including a regional real estate brokerage
Calls for Action, and our advocacy where she performed the full array
outreach, customizing mobilization of in-house functions, including
efforts on key issues. legal analysis, form development,
professional standards representation,
Prior to joining Maryland REALTORS®,
human resources compliance and
Susan was the Government
continuing education teaching.
Affairs Manager/ Washington
Representative for Bristol-Myers Colette staffs the Statewide Forms
Squibb pharmaceutical company Committee. She also enjoys educating
in their Washington DC office, with members about their legal and ethical
responsibilities for both the federal obligations. Prior to joining Maryland
and state grassroots lobbying program REALTORS®, Colette worked at several
& PAC and served as the industry law firms and non-profit organizations
Kathleen Washington Representative to the in Washington, DC. She also clerked
Dartez pharmaceutical trade association. for Washington, D.C. Superior Court
Judge Rhonda Reid Winston where
Both lobbyists represent Maryland
she conducted research, drafted
REALTORS® on various industry and
orders, and prepared legal opinions
other coalition groups and coordinate
and memoranda in the areas of civil,
state efforts with NAR in representing
criminal, and family law.
REALTOR® interests before Maryland’s
Congressional delegation. The team Mark staffs the RPAC Trustees, Legal
Collette Action Fund Committee, Lockbox
also includes contract lobbyists and
Massengale
attorneys Joel Rozner and Frank Consortium and the Maryland
Boston. Government Affairs committees REALTORS® Political Fund. Mark
include Public Policy, Legislative, Issues served as an Assistant Secretary at
Mobilization, and Legal Action. the Maryland Department of Labor,
Licensing and Regulation where he
22 MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 www.mdrealtor.orgwas responsible for the Real Estate Professional Standards program, the
Commission and more than two dozen Department provides annual training
other licensing programs. He also has to local Grievance and Professional
worked on Capitol Hill for a Maryland Standards Committees. Kathleen and
Congressman and with a litigation law Colette are the primary resources
firm in Silver Spring. on Professional Standards issues
Sandi serves as the Legal Affairs and oversee local board/association
Mark
Feinroth Assistant and the Maryland compliance with NAR requirements
REALTORS® Professional Standards regarding governance and services.
Administrator. Through this program, Legal Affairs also has responsibility for
Maryland REALTORS® provides member services. Kathleen, Colette,
resources and support to local boards/ and Mark provide outreach to firms,
associations, members and the public speaking at brokerage and branch
regarding ethics cases, arbitration office meetings on hot topics from the
proceedings and alternative dispute legal hotline or on topics suggested by
resolution processes. Sandi manages the broker or branch office manager.
Sandy the Dispute Resolution area of the The Department develops videos,
Frazer
Maryland REALTORS® website, which webinars and articles for Maryland
addresses dispute resolution issues REALTOR® magazine based upon
and alternatives. trends on the legal hotline and issues
Kathleen, Colette, Mark, and Sandi identified by members.
staff the Maryland REALTORS® Legal
Hotline, the service REALTORS®
Education
routinely identify as one of the most Director Lisa Kinsman has been
valuable Maryland REALTORS® a Maryland REALTORS® staff
membership benefits. Members call member since 1981. She supervises
or submit questions via an online the activities and staffing for the
form, available on the Legal tab of REALTOR® Institute (GRI) and
the Maryland REALTORS® website. Leadership Academy committees and
Lisa
Department attorneys also provide programs. The department coordinates
Kinsman
in-house legal and compliance the education programs for the Annual
assistance to the other Departments Conference, provides administrative
within Maryland REALTORS®. services for various other departments;
and, oversees the recording of all
As a service to member boards/
continuing education credits earned for
associations, Maryland REALTORS®
all CE programs provided by Maryland
Legal Department teaches continuing
REALTORS® and contracted providers.
education classes on risk reduction,
brokerage relationships and Education Assistant Lisa Haynes
Lisa disclosures, real estate contracts, Code provides all Department administrative
Haynes support and is responsible for CE
of Ethics, fair housing, legislative and
legal updates and broker supervision. monitoring, CE recording at the
To assist in compliance with the NAR Maryland Real Estate Commission,
www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 23handling replacement certificate Twitter and YouTube and Flickr, as well
requests for any Maryland REALTORS® as the affinity partnerships program
program; and any other general to provide member benefits and
education question members may have. non-dues revenue.
She provides additional support services The Department staffs the Annual
to other departments as needed. Conference, Communications/ PR,
Maryland REALTORS® maintains Community Action and REALTOR®
an extensive educational database Excellence (CARE), and REALTOR® of
whereby attendee records (member the Year committees. It also publishes
and non-member) are updated for the bi-monthly Maryland REALTOR®
every CE or non-CE program Maryland magazine and HotSheet and develops
REALTORS® offers. This system verifies brochures and pamphlets.
attendance and confirms classes
Laurie taken to track designation courses, Housing Programs
Benner
mandatory state licensing renewal The Housing Programs Department,
courses and any association training headed by Director Laurie Benner,
required sessions. researches and identifies programs
benefiting first-time homebuyers and
Communications & low-to-moderate income buyers offered
Public Affairs by federal, state and local government
The Communications and Public agencies as well as community-based,
Affairs Department is the public voice nonprofit housing organizations. Laurie
of Maryland REALTORS® charged is the Maryland REALTORS® liaison with
with overseeing our communication NAR on its housing related public policy
with members and the public. We are programs, and with other statewide
in the process of filling a vacancy in and national housing coalitions. The
this department and look forward to Department administers Maryland
introducing you to a new staff member REALTORS® consumer website
once the role is filled. www.marylandhomeownership.com,
Patti manages consumer-focused
Schmitt The department’s activities include
communications, and oversees the
publications, all communications
Housing Opportunity Certification
with members and the public, and
(HOC) education program. It also
media relations; promoting Maryland
staffs the Housing Affordability and
REALTORS® and the real estate
Equal Opportunity committee, which
profession. The department also
develops efforts to encourage Maryland
produces the Maryland REALTORS®
REALTORS® to learn about financial
Kim Annual Conference held each fall.
literacy, housing finance programs,
Knopp The Department oversees the content
fair housing, homebuyer education,
and enhancements to the Maryland
foreclosure prevention, and housing
REALTORS® website www.mdrealtor.org
policy initiatives in their communities.
and manages the Maryland REALTORS®
social media, including Facebook,
24 MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 www.mdrealtor.orgLaurie has extensive experience in Kim joined Maryland REALTORS®
residential real estate and affordable in 2001, first in the Legislative
housing including legal work, Department and then moving to the
finance, housing redevelopment, Finance Department in 2005.
grant administration, and nonprofit Janelle Shannon in the Accounting
management. She holds a master’s Specialist. She administers Maryland
degree in Nonprofit and Association REALTORS® accounts receivable and
Management and recently completed assists with daily financial transactions.
an MBA program. She earned the Janelle also administers RPAC raffle
REALTOR® Certififed Executive (RCE) sales, requests for state candidate
designation from NAR in 2018. campaign contributions and maintains
major investor contributions.
Finance and
IT Director, Michael Cunningham
Technology worked with Maryland REALTORS® for
Janelle Patti Schmitt, Maryland REALTORS® almost ten years as a consultant before
Shannon Vice President of Finance has joining the staff in 2005. Michael
primary responsibility for developing provides IT support and management,
and tracking Maryland REALTORS® custom software development and
annual budget, managing Maryland programming and website design and
REALTORS® and affiliate organizations management for the Association, staff,
financial operations and working with and affiliate organizations.
its auditors and financial advisors.
Michael Membership Administrator Cindy
She provides economic and financial
Cunningham Sellers, a staff member since 1995,
information to the CEO, Board of
maintains member databases for
Directors and officers, Finance
Maryland REALTORS® and assists
Committee and staff. Patti also
in helping staff with computer
oversees the operations and staff
hardware and software systems.
of the Technology Department. Prior
Cindy is also responsible for
to joining Maryland REALTORS®
maintaining office supplies and other
Patti was Assistant Controller for
office equipment.
HRi, ASO & PEO Outsourcing, serving
Cindy more than 150 employers with over
Sellers 1,700 employees across 17 states.
Patti also successfully started and
operated a contracting business for
fourteen years before selling her
interest to her partner.
As Assistant Controller, Kim Knopp
administers Maryland REALTORS®
accounts payable and assists with
daily financial transactions. Kim also
maintains financial records for RPAC.
www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 25You can also read
