APRIL 2015
Realtors pitch in for Habitat’s next home CAR members join effort to build organization’s 61st project in Wicomico County Local Realtors are banding together to help a local family realize the dream of homeownership through the Wicomico County chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The groundbreaking ceremony for this year’s Habitat Realtor build was held Monday, March 16 at 200 Naylor Street, where the Zickafoose family, now of Crisfield, will soon own a home. Susan Megargee, owner and broker of RE/MAX Crossroads and immediate past president of the Coastal Association of Realtors (CAR), is a major sponsor of this project. “Homeownership is the dream of most people in the United States and is coming true for the Zickafoose family,” Megargee said. “Each year, Habitat for Humanity builds homes with help from the community and this is the year of the Realtor Build. Teams from each local real estate company will pitch in to help the Zickafoose family achieve their American Dream.” Other CAR Realtor members who are major sponsors of this project are: ERA Martin & Associates and Ginnie Malone.
Construction of the one-story, three-bedroom, and one-and-a-halfbathroom Salisbury home is expected to last about six months. Wayne and Susie Zickafoose first applied for a Habitat home in 2007. Since then, the couple has managed to save more than $1,800 to cover their closing costs and have logged more than 350 hours of sweat equity toward getting their new home. “We are proud to be part of the solution and proud of Wayne and Susie Zickafoose for working so hard to meet our rigid qualifying criteria, despite their physical challenges and caring for their grandson,” said Molly Hilligoss, executive director of Wicomico Habitat. “It took time, patience and sacrifice.” This will be Habitat’s 61st home built in Wicomico County and is the 14th home built in Salisbury’s Church Street neighborhood. Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization that is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes. It does that by advocating fair and just housing policies and by providing training and resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, visit www.wicomicohabitat.org.
Susan Megargee, owner and broker of RE/MAX Crossroads and immediate past president of the Coastal Association of REALTORS® breaks ground at 200 Naylor Street in Salisbury on Monday, March 16.
CAR hires ed., communications specialist
The Coastal Association of Realtors (CAR) has announced that Marie McFarland Beckey has joined its staff as the new education and communications specialist to bring professional development and continuing education courses to the association membership. A former Realtor with Coldwell Banker Real Estate in Salisbury, Beckey brings to CAR a wealth of knowledge regarding the local industry. Beckey also has a strong business background, having taught business courses at both Salisbury University and Wor-Wic Community College, and working formerly as a business consultant in various capacities. Beckey also has a media and public relations background, as she worked for WBOC-TV in Salisbury as an assignment editor and videographer, and as a promotions and public relations manager for Perdue Farms. “I am excited and ready for this new challenge and opportunity to work with the CAR team,” Beckey said. “It’s continuing education that keeps our Realtor
members informed and up-to-date so they can provide top notch service to the consumer. I’m eager to work with our membership to make them the best and most professional partners for buyers and sellers and in the local market.” Vicki Harmon, president of the CAR board of directors, said Beckey’s background in real estate, business, and education will be an invaluable resource for CAR’s membership. Additionally, Beckey’s background in media and public relations will be key to maintain a solid line of communication between the association and its membership via newsletters, social media sites, and other forms of communication. “We welcome Marie and feel privileged to add someone with her experience and background to our team,” Harmon said. “Our association is dedicated to providing local Realtors with the tools needed to fulfill their very important jobs as facilitators for those who strive to realize the dream of homeownership.” Visit www.coastalrealtors.org for more information about CAR.
Marie McFarland Beckey joins CAR staff.