Taking Stock and Setting Our Sights for 2025

Let’s face it, 2024 was a year of uncertainty that caused possibilities for some and disappointment for others. Whether you’re deeply seasoned, a novice or somewhere in between, we continue to make the dream of real property ownership—whether it’s a home or commercial space— come to fruition for homebuyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and business owners.

We made some big strides in 2024 under the leadership of our Immediate Former President Chris Hill, our officers, CEO Chuck Kasky, and Maryland REALTORS® staff. Some of our successes include:

• Getting the term “middle housing” codified into law

• We pivoted to create new forms and training for our 30,000 members to prepare them for the new realities that stemmed from the NAR settlement agreement

• Supporting financial literacy initiatives to encourage high school students to plan for homeownership

• Speaking directly to consumers, demystifying the homebuying and selling process, while also discussing the value of a REALTOR®

Imagine the possibilities for 2025! Already, your leadership team and the Association are hard at work for this coming year:

• Continued advocacy engagement—check out Lisa May’s Legislative Preview, starting on page 8

• Focused messaging about how REALTORS® contribute to the social good

• Affordable housing initiatives and partnerships

• Sustainability in real estate

• Member resources, tools, and preparedness

• Project REALTOR® NxtGen

What’s going to be different in your world? Will it be the same old thing with the same results? Or will this be the year that changes the trajectory of your business?

2025 is right around the corner. As you prepare for the upcoming year make sure to:

• Invest in your mental and physical well-being

• Develop and/or review your strategic business and financial plan

• Develop and/or tweak your business systems

• Delegate tasks and take time to create a work-life balance

• Level up and obtain a designation or specialty

• Celebrate your wins and learn from your mistakes!

There’s a lot to read about in this issue of the magazine. In addition to our Legislative Preview, we take a deep dive into the Federal Reserve and interest rates, and we review our Affinity Partnerships, businesses that provide our members exclusive discounts on services they need, from UPS and Avis, to RentSpree and Pearl Insurance.

On behalf of Maryland REALTORS®, we wish you and your families a lovely holiday season and an awe-inspiring 2025!

Cheryl Abrams Davis Is Maryland REALTORS®’ 2025 President.