April 2024 Real Estate Guide

Real Estate

THE COASTAL REAL ESTATE RESOURCE Coastal Association of Realtors - OC Today-Dispatch

Published by OC Today-Dispatch for the Coastal Association of Realtors. Advertising in this publication is limited to members and affiliated members of the Association.

The COASTAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (CAR) is a trade organization for real estate professionals in Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset Counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Its membership consists of more than 1,000 REALTORs® and affiliate members serving the home-buying and homeselling needs of the public since 1957.

The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark, which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.

The COASTAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS is located at 314 Franklin Avenue, Suite 106 • Berlin, MD 21811. Phone: 410-641-4409. On the Web: www.coastalrealtor.org

OC TODAY-DISPATCH is the leading newspaper publisher on the Maryland coast, with OC Today-Dispatch publishing weekly on Friday, Bayside Gazette and Ocean City Digest publishing on Thursdays and Real Estate, the Coastal Real Estate Resource publishing key weekends throughout the year.

On the Web: www.oceancitytoday.com

Editor......................................................................... Stewart Dobson

Executive Editor................................................................ Steve Green

Account Managers....................... Mary Cooper, Renée Kelly, Terri French

Classifieds/Legals ........................................................... Taylor Sloan

Art Director....................................................................... Cole Gibson

Senior Page Designer....................................................... Susan Parks

Senior Ad Designer............................................................ Kelly Brown

Publisher..................................................................... Christine Brown

Administrative Asistant.......................................................... Gini Tufts

Coastal releases statement on NAR settlement proposal

Maryland already followed many aspects of agreement

The following statement was released by the Coastal Association of Realtors (CAR):

Coastal Association of Realtors received the announcement that National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the plaintiffs had reached a proposed settlement agreement Friday March 15th, from NAR interim CEO Nykia Wright.

This settlement would end litigation of the claims brought on behalf of home sellers related to broker commissions,” reported CAR CEO Bernie Flax.

Wright gave this comment, “NAR has worked hard for years to resolve this litigation in a manner that benefits our members and American consumers. It has always been our goal to preserve consumer choice and protect our members to the greatest extent possible. This settlement achieves both of those goals.”

There are strong grounds for the court to approve this settlement, but we can expect the court review process to take several months or more. In large class action settlements, objections and opt outs are

common, and the plaintiffs and NAR will handle them as they come.

Chris Jett, CAR member and Maryland Realtors state treasurer said, “It’s important to note that the settlement is still subject to final court approval, so no immediate changes are being implemented in the state or within our industry. Realtors will continue to clearly educate and document in writing to both Buyers and Sellers what our services are and the value we bring to the table.”

One of the main terms in the proposed settlement is that all buyer’s agents will utilize written buyer agency agreements. The good news for Maryland Realtors is that Maryland law has required the use of written buyer brokerage agreements since Oct. 1, 2016. Maryland is one of only seventeen states that currently have this agreement in place with their consumers.

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Furnished & turnkey. Inviting & comfortable atmosphere. Live the dream in this 2 BR, 2 BA condo. Fully updated unit has views of bay with lots of natural light. Updated kitchen has granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances & lots of cabinetry. BAs now have safety improvements. Primary suite with private BA. 2nd bedroom for guests or home office. Private balcony with panoramic bay views. Bonus - condo comes with home warranty protecting your investment. Boat slips are free for owners to use with up to a 25-foot boat. Extra Bonus - Condo offers an exclusive opportunity to store

Chris Jett

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“Maryland law required licensees to change from the previous industry practice of Presumed Buyer Agency to requiring written Buyer Agency Agreements years ago. Our membership is well prepared for this settlement term because we already provide this high level of transparency and professionalism to buyer clients in Maryland,” said Lauren Bunting, CAR 2024 President Elect.

The settlement makes clear that NAR continues to deny any wrongdoing in connection with the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) cooperative compensation model rule (MLS Model Rule).

NAR has long maintained that cooperative compensation and NAR’s current policies are good things that benefit buyers and sellers. They promote access to property ownership, particularly for lower- and middle-income buyers who can have a difficultenough time saving for a down payment.

Brigit Taylor, our 2024 CAR President remarked, “In real estate, there will always be two sides to each transaction. CAR, NAR, and Maryland Re-

altors stand behind the need for both the Seller and the Buyer to be represented by a professional who knows their market, the communities, how to get a home ready for sale, and how to prepare each party on the process of a home sale or purchase.”

With this settlement, the fact is that compensation to either Buyer or Seller brokerage in Maryland has not changed, compensation has always been and continues to be negotiable through discussion based on services provided between the parties. Coastal Association of Realtors is confident our Realtor members and the buyers and sellers they serve will continue to reach the common goal of achieving the American dream of homeownership for everyone.

Brigit Taylor Lauren Bunting

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• Updated HVAC with UV Light air purifying system.

•145 feet water frontage with direct bay views & southern exposure.

•6 decks off the home for privacy & water views.

•Elegant foyer marble flooring, beautiful Bayfront views & swimming pool in courtyard.

•1st level kitchen with access to pool area and seating.

•1st floor Bay front office or playroom for the kids.

•Home elevator or spiral stairs to 2nd level.

•2nd level chef’s

•Kitchen

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10002 COASTAL HWY #211 MARIGOT BEACH OCEAN CITY

733

Coastal welcomes new members

The Coastal Association of Realtors welcomed eight new members during new member Orientation on Thursday, Feb.15.

New member orientation is a requirement for all members of the Coastal Association of Realtors.

Attendees are introduced to services provided by the association. The class is held quarterly.

“We're thrilled to welcome the

newest additions to our Realtor association,” said association President Brigit Taylor.

“As we expand our network, we're excited to bring onboard dedicated professionals who embody our values of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. Together, we'll continue to elevate standards in the industry and foster success for all members.”

New members of the Coastal Association Realtors are (top row from left) Stephana Riha with Century 21 Harbor Realty, Richard Berman with Rutherford Realty, Jessica Stroble with Sheppard Realty Inc., Mason Sullivan with Long & Foster Real Estate, Salisbury (Bottom from left) Tim Howard with Laird & Associates, Miracle Creighton with Long & Foster Real Estate, Salisbury, Cristin Corbin with Redfin, Stephanie Radtke with Long and Foster.

Tim Meadowcroft

The Coastal Association of Realtors has announced its award of $8,500 in grants to local charities via its Coastal Realtors Foundation during its latest round of funding.

Since 2019, the foundation has given almost $86,000 to local charities in Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties.

The following 13 organizations received grants in the latest round of funding:

• Community Players of Salisbury

• Epoch Dream Center

• Habitat for Humanity of

Worcester County

• Hands & Hearts Ending Homelessness

•Humane Society of Wicomico County

• Ocean City Museum Society

• Rackliffe House

• Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services

• Smith Island United

• United Needs and Abilities

• United Way, Lower Eastern Shore

• Worcester County Humane Society

•Worcester Youth and Family Counseling

The Coastal Realtors Foundation is a charitable fund held by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

The association raises money for the fund through an annual charity golf tournament as well as other efforts throughout the year.

The fund is accessible to members of CAR through an application process administered by the association and reviewed by a members committee.

Grant recipients must be 501(c)3 organizations and must be located in Somerset, Wicomico, or Worcester counties.

"Coastal Realtor members, with their deep-rooted commitment to community, are not just selling homes, said Coastal President Brigit Taylor “they're building foundations of support for our neighbors by granting hope and resources to local charities they champion."

Grants are awarded three times a year, and the next deadline is June 15.

Terri Bradford

Associate Broker, GRI 410-430-6875

Licensed in MD, DE • PO2Team.com • Powerof2@PO2Team.com

2nd level. Laundry Room, 2 walk-in closets and overflow guest parking area. $324,900

3BR 2BA IN WATERFRONT COMMUNITY

Enjoy this waterfront community in Rehoboth Bay MHP with many community amenities. Doublewide home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, with many new updates. Enjoy the nice lot with plenty of room outside. Large spacious deck to enjoy the wonderful outside setting, large side yard and U shaped driveway. This end lot has many possibilities to enjoy the outdoors. Amenities for community include community pool, boat ramp, marina, tennis, playground. Buyers must submit a park application and be approved for residency. Plenty of outside storage space for all your beach chairs. Buyers should do their own due diligence to measure property and confirm all information to their satisfaction including but not limited to schools, sizes, tax information. $190,990

Lynette

Bridges-Catha

CRS, PMN, GREEN, SRES

Licensed in MD, DE 443-497-3128 Cell

Smilin4shore@comcast.net

cell 443-614-7167

Beach Block Top Floor Condo

13700 COASTAL HIGHWAY • SEASIDE RETREAT #402 NORTH OCEAN CITY • $789,000

Stunning 3 BR 3 BA top floor unit in desirable Seaside Retreat Condominium building. Open floor plan seamlessly connects to Beautifully decorated Living, Dining & Kitchen areas. You will enjoy sitting on expansive 50 ft balcony (the largest balcony in the building) to enjoy awesome Ocean Views. Secure building & amenities include roof top pool with panoramic ocean views, exercise room & private storage locker for your beach essentials. This unit is lovingly cared for & enjoyed by family & friends, it has never been in a rental program, however the building does allow rentals. HVAC units replaced in 2021 & Water Heater in 2020. This will be sold furnished with a few exemptions. Start your family memories in this prime location. Steps to the beach & dining, shopping & all Ocean City has to offer.

SCHEDULE YOUR SHOWING TODAY!!!

2 80TH STREET #202

DIAMOND HEAD OCEAN CITY $309,000

Diamond Head the perfect Mid Town Beach getaway! This extremely well-maintained unit features updated kitchen with newer appliances, tiled backsplash, vinyl flooring, new electric base board heating updated baths, new furnishings. The building has undergone improvements which includes new windows, sliders, vinyl railings, walkways and decks recoated, & building repainted. Steps to the beach, wonderful Ocean Front pool, walking distance to great restaurants & shops.

427

14TH STREET #401 M HARBOUR ISLAND OCEAN CITY $799,000

Rarely available from the original owner - top floor unit of M building! Large condo with panoramic bay views from multiple balconies. Recent upgrades include full renovations of BRs. This could be your year-round residence or excellent rental income potential. Rented for 1st time beginning August 2023. There are rentals booked in 2024 that a buyer must honor. Rentals booked for the 2024 season are available in listing documents. The seller makes no warranty or representation as to the condition of the fireplace chimney, it is offered as is. The HVAC system was replaced in 2017 and the water heater in 2021.

DIRECT OCEAN FRONT CONDO

11700

COASTAL HWY #812 THE CAROUSEL OCEAN CITY $829,000

This is your opportunity to own in the famous Carousel building! This direct oceanfront condo offers stunning ocean views while the building provides unmatched amenities. The Carousel is a great place to vacation year-round with activities for all seasons. Relax by the outdoor or indoor pools, unwind in the game room or take a cruise around the famous indoor ice-skating rink. Enjoy a meal in the exclusive restaurant inside the Carousel after a day at the beach. There is excellent rental potential! The refrigerator was replaced in 2023, the water heater and washer/dryer were replaced in 2022.

CELL:

Buyers Will Love This!

JUST LISTED 3BR, 2BA RANCHER ON 4.09 ACRES

33152 MOUNT HERMON ROAD PARSONSBURG, MD

Perfect for a family with a desire for acreage. This Rancher-style home has a new roof & new composite deck. Detached oversized 1-car garage with lots of additional storage, in addition to a storage shed. Driveway can accommodate many more parking spaces. Picture your family get-togethers celebrated on this amazing property with room for plenty of outdoor activities: cornhole, badminton, horseshoes, picnics & crab feasts. Plus, plenty of room if you wanted to add a pool or a barn for horses. Endless possibilities! Don't miss this one-of-a-kind property. It won't last long!

$325,900

JUST LISTED MOVE-IN READY TOP

12301

Stunning top floor unit with amazing views of wide canal & bay. Deeded boat slip #D106 is directly below unit. Open deck with retractable awning & storage shed. Fully updated condo with new kitchen & bath. Stainless-steel appliances & tiered granite counters with breakfast bar. New engineered hardwood flooring, plantation shutters & brand-new designer furniture, including living room queen-sized sofa bed & 2 double beds in BR make it a turnkey move in. Full-sized stacked washer & dryer. Perfect location - walk to beach, shopping, restaurants & community pool is just steps away. Brand-new top-of-the-line sliding glass door to balcony was recently installed. New deck just completed by condo association. Looks beautiful!

$349,000