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May 2024
Do Not Miss This ONCE a YEAR Opportunity
Happening NOW in Washington, DC!
REAL ESTATE TRADE EXPO
Monday, May 6 - Tuesday, May 7
10 am - 5 pm // Washington Convention Center
Political, Technology, Broker, Marketing & other Real Estate Forums ♦ Tours ♦ Networking ♦ Education
Saturday, May 4 - Thursday, May 9
Register in Advance. It's FREE >
Then Make Your Schedule >
Options to get there by Metro:
- Take the Green line directly to the Mt Vernon Square metro located at the Washington Convention Center, or
- Take the Orange or Blue line, then transfer to the Green/Yellow line (towards Greenbelt) at L'Enfant Plaza Station. Mt Vernon Square is the 3rd station after transferring.
Register. VOTE.
Help Get Out the Vote!
REALTOR® friendly candidates have done extremely well in recent elections; however, it is important for us to remain involved -- and to VOTE -- in large numbers.
4 Steps to REALTOR® Success at the Polls:
- Are you registered? Are you sure? Don't find out too late. Check here >
- If not registered, register at the polls >
- Know where to vote >
- VOTE!
- Ballot Drop Boxes: Now thru 8 pm, May 14
- Primary Early Voting: 7 am - 8 pm every day
Thursday, May 2 - Thursday, May 9
- Primary Election Day: 7 am - 8 pm, Tuesday, May 14
- Check your voter registration >
- Register or update your registration here >
- Know where to vote >
- VOTE!
- Mail Ballot Drop Box:
Friday, May 10 - Tuesday, June 4
- Early Vote Center: 8:30 am - 7 pm
Sunday, May 26 - Sunday, June 2 except Memorial Day
- Primary Election Day: 7 am - 8 pm, Tuesday, June 4
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6 MD Elective CE. Also an approved course towards ABR® and CRB designations
Gain methods, tools and techniques to provide the support and services sellers want and need!
The SRS course provides a comprehensive foundation of skill development, training and resources to help you represent the interests of sellers in today's marketplace.
Learn how to:
- Increase listings and grow your business
- Demonstrate and communicate your value package to seller clients
- Understand and apply the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
- Understand and comply with state license laws when representing sellers
Please mark your calendar and take time from your busy schedule to participate in this important exchange of information and ideas.
Hear from our expert speakers County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, Maryland REALTORS® CEO Chuck Kasky, Maryland REALTORS® Director of Advocacy and Public Policy Lisa May, and Maryland REALTORS® Associate Counsel.
Also enjoy lunch and the Affiliate Expo.
For Members Only! FREE to Members!
Register at PGCAR.com/Membership-Meeting Today >
Thank you for your support! RPAC contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. The amounts indicated are merely guidelines and you may contribute more or less than the suggested amounts. The National Association of REALTORS® and its state and local associations will not favor or disadvantage any member because of the amount contributed or a decision not to contribute. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. 70% of each contribution is used by your state PAC to support state and local political candidates; 30% is sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 52 U.S.C. 30116.
This year's Top Producer Panel Discussion presented by PGCAR's Young Professional Network on April 16 was an absolute success! From insightful Q&A sessions to engaging discussions, it was an evening filled with knowledge and networking. Huge thanks to our attendees, volunteer organizers, and our sponsors, Brennan Title and United Bank for making this event a success!
With over 30 years of real estate experience and a commitment to community service, Kayren is poised to lead with integrity and compassion. Her dedication to enhancing her brokerage has made impactful contributions such as redesigning libraries for elementary schools; enhancing housing facilities for homeless mothers and children; and working with seniors in assisted living centers. Kayren continues to make a positive impact in Maryland and beyond!
Congratulations Kayren!
The Revenue Authority serves as a real estate development and development finance agency, and a manager and operator of programs and facilities in partnership with other County agencies. The Revenue Authority, a quasi-governmental entity generates trade, industry, and economic growth for the public good through the acquisition, development, and financing of real estate projects and the operation and management of facilities that stimulate employment for County residents and revenue for the County and its businesses.
Congratulations Shameeka!
Webinar: Getting to Know Bright's Financial Tools
Let's explore the financial tab and tools available in Bright MLS that provide helpful financial details to you and your clients.
Webinar: Working with Buyers in Bright MLS
Work effectively with your buyers through Bright MLS. We will review setting up Contacts, Searching, various ways of sharing your results and how to track your client's activity
Register for both at brightmls.com/pgcar >
Members have access to a technically advanced suite of products that can dramatically increase productivity and reduce the paperwork process. Forms can be personalized with your contact information and logos. Members also have complimentary access to electronic signature services Authentisign.
Questions about Transactions (zipForm)? Please contact zipForm support
at 1.866.279.9653 or by email at zipsupport@lwolf.com.
Thank You, PGCAR REALTOR® and Affiliate Members!
There are several PGCAR Members on NAR Committees!
Would you like to join them?
CONSUMER'S CORNER
Great reasons to stay in touch! Share these with your customers.
You know you earn every penny you get when you help sell or buy a home! In last month's REALTOR® Connection, we shared 179 Ways REALTORS® are Worth It, largely focused on the ways REALTORS® serve home sellers.
REALTORS® work hard, specifically serving Buyers in these and other critical ways:
- Counseling Session Activities
- Learning & Understanding a Buyer's Wants and Needs
- Building & Earning a Trusted Relationship
- Educating the Buyer
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- Preparing the Buyer
- Showing Properties
- Negotiating Offers
- Advocating for the Buyer
- Facilitating the Close
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Keep and share these lists to help you show your customers exactly what you do to help them buy or sell their home.
SmartBuy 3.0 Provides Maryland Homebuyers
Up to 15% of their Home Purchase Price to
Eliminate up to $20,000 in Student Loan Debt!
- SmartBuy homebuyers with income at or below 50% of the average median income can also receive a 6% down payment and closing cost assistance loan.
- ALL SmartBuy homebuyers can receive a $6,000 or a 4% down payment and closing cost assistance loan.
SmartBuy 3.0 Website >
SmartBuy 3.0 Fact Sheet >
Also spread the word to homebuyers and all of your contacts. They and family members with student loans should apply to the Federal SAVE program. Loan forgiveness benefits are frequently expanded, and often times include additional eligibility dependent upon career path (e.g. medical and teaching).
Mortgage Rate Increases Arrived with the Spring Market; Homebuyer Demand Displaying Resilience
30-year mortgage rates rose through April, from 6.8% around which rates had hovered for much of the year to above 7%. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage looks much more attractive for those who can afford a shorter term, at just below 6.5%.
"The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased for the fifth consecutive week as we enter the heart of Spring Homebuying Season," said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's Chief Economist. "On average, more than one-third of home sales for the entire year occur between March and June. With two months left of this historically busy period, potential homebuyers will likely not see relief from rising rates anytime soon. However, many seem to have acclimated to these higher rates, as demonstrated by the recently released pending home sales data coming in at the highest level in a year."
Freddie Mac reports the following averages as of May 2
and their change from last month (April 4) and last year:
- The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.22%
Up from 6.82% last month ~ Up from 6.39% last year
- The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.47%
Up from 6.06% last month ~ Up from 5.76% last year
Also see:
The Top 3 Things
Your Association offers you a lot, and it's important to us that we deliver what best supports you, your business and life in all circumstances.
- Keep Up with NAR Settlement Resources >
- Keep an eye on pgcar.com and pgcar.com/calendar, so you and your agents won't miss CE, training, networking and so much more:
- FREE or low-cost events such as the annual NAR Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. Members are already engaging in events and meetings this weekend. THE EXPO OPENS MONDAY AT 10 AM. Do.Not.Miss.
- VOTING. All of the important dates and info, including voter registration deadlines are there for every primary and general election.
- Deadlines, special awards and leadership opportunities and more. Yup, these and more are all at pgcar.com/calendar, typically months in advance for easier planning.
- Save the Dates for PGCAR Member Appreciation Week, June 10 - 14!
- - - NEWS AND TRENDS - - -
Reminders, trends and other news you should know.
National News & Market / Industry Surveys
Tips & Trends
Regional News
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