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Below is a status report of issues followed by PGCAR and MAR during the 2017 Maryland General Assembly Session and 2017 Prince George's County Council. Representatives of PGCAR frequently traveled to Annapolis and Upper Marlboro to lobby legislators and testify on a number of these issues. This year, we are happy to report, that we ended the Annapolis Session with several "wins" for REALTORS^®. Our efforts before the County Council are on-going, as their session runs through December.



CB-11-2017 - Transfer and Recordation Taxes for Foreclosed Properties
STATUS: PRESENTED AND REFERRED TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND FISCAL MANAGEMENT (PSFM) COMMITTEE
This bill would require banks to promptly record ownership and pay transfer and recordation taxes upon finalizing foreclosure purchases.

PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR SUPPORTS the concept and worked with the sponsor to clarify language in the bill to address the ratification process. Foreclosures remain elevated in the County, and addressing and reducing the inventory remains a priority.


CB-12-2017 - Foreclosed Property Registry Enforcement
STATUS: PRESENTED AND REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND THE ENVIRONMENT (THE) COMMITTEE
Previous legislation created the Statewide Foreclosure Registry. This bill would establish civil penalties for the failure to register with the State's Foreclosed Property Registry.

PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR SUPPORTS the improvement of vacant abandoned properties, which often are in disrepair because of poor maintenance, and ultimately create blight in communities and diminish property values.


PG 409-17 - Video Lottery Terminal Proceeds - Use of Local Impact Grants - Community and Homeowners Assoc.
STATUS: WITHDRAWN

PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR SUPPORTED the bill authorizing 10% of local impact grants be provided annually for grants to registered community and homeowners associations located within 5 miles of a Video Lottery Facility in the County. The grants would have assisted with community improvement projects.


HB 1257 - Prince George's County - Abandoned Property - Special Property Tax Rate
(PG 425-17)
STATUS: NOT PASSED
This bill would have required Prince George's County to set a special property tax rate for certain unimproved lots and certain improved real property that are deemed to be neglected. The special tax rate would be 15% higher than that imposed on other property in Prince George's County.

PGCAR ACTION - PGCAR OPPOSED the bill with the understanding and appreciation of the concerns relative to abandoned and neglected properties. These neglected and vacant foreclosure properties have had a drastic effect on our overall property values. However, the precedent of establishing a "special tax class" that is specific to a certain property classification is a concern which could disproportionately burden certain property owners.

At a sold out event on March 29, 2017, the Prince George's County Association of REALTORS^® recognized area REALTORS^® for their 2016 sales production.

The REALTOR^® Awards Celebration, held at Martins Crosswinds in Greenbelt, is the Association's premiere recognition of outstanding agent performance for the calendar year 2016. REALTORS^® must have attained a minimum of $2.5 million of sales activity to qualify.

Over 126 County REALTORS^® received awards recognizing their "personal best" in sales production. The awards were presented by PGCAR President Patricia Dowtin. In all, over 325 sales agents, mortgage lenders, settlement company representatives, family, friends and colleagues were in attendance to honor the winners.

Taking home the top prize of the evening, First Place Platinum Individual General Brokerage, was John Lesniewski of RE/MAX United Real Estate, with $37 million in sales activity. Placing first in the Platinum Team Competition was The Bill Franklin Group of Long and Foster Real Estate, with over $36 million in production.

Everyone enjoyed mingling during the social hour and dancing into the evening. PGCAR reinstituted the Awards Dinner last year in celebration of our improving marketplace. Our many sponsors helped to make the evening a great success.

Top Winners Included:

Individual General Brokerage - Platinum Winners (Over $10.5 million):
Team General Brokerage - Platinum (Over $10.5 million):

PGCAR members raised money for RPAC through the Fourth Annual PGCAR RPAC Bowling Tournament on Saturday, March 25.

This year's tournament winner was Keller Williams Preferred Properties. Congratulations!!! Thank you to all who came out to support RPAC and have a great time!

Pathway to Purchase offers first-time home buyers in Prince George's County up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. As of March 1, the maximum eligible home sales price is $307,000. Eligible residential properties can be located anywhere in Prince George's County and include: new construction, resale, short sales and foreclosures.

Additionally, the eligible income levels per household size may change in April. Read more >

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