Real Estate
FEBRUARY 2018
THE COASTAL REAL ESTATE RESOURCE Coastal Association of Realtors/Ocean City Today
Networking event gets Realtors into frame of things
The Coastal Association of Realtors held its first Bowling for Business Cards networking event and competition on Jan. 26 at SouthBound Alley in Salisbury. Team “Coldwell Banker Bowlers” took first place. Pictured, from left, are Steve Parsons, Greg Erdie, Brad Rayfield and CAR President Joel Maher.
Salisbury, Md. — The Coastal Association of Realtors held its first Bowling for Business Cards networking event and competition on Friday, Jan. 26, at SouthBound Alley in Salisbury. Nine teams of CAR members and guests competed to earn the top three scores. Winners received trophies and gift cards. First place went to the Coldwell Banker team of Greg Erdie, CAR President Joel Maher, Steve Parsons and Brad Rayfield. Second place went to The Strikers — Kayla Bandy, Neda Cox, Mitch Marriner and Andy McBride. Third place went to the Wells Fargo Team of Brandon Johnson, Ken Lee, Gary Nock, Eric Weeg and Eli Williamson. Prizes were also awarded for first “turkey,” highest score, lowest score, and most gutter balls. The event was sponsored by CAR affiliates Prime Lending and Sage Title Group. In addition to bowling, the event featured networking, refreshments, and prize drawings. “It was great to see our members interact and partake in some friendly competition,” Maher said. “We look forward to continued networking and fun opportunities at future association events.”
January’s chill didn’t put freeze on market Lower Eastern Shore, Md. – Despite January’s frigid temperatures, local real estate activity remained steady, according to the latest numbers from the Coastal Association of Realtors (CAR). The first month of 2018 saw an overall 12.9 percent jump in single family home and condominium contracts compared to the same time last year in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. Individually, single family home contracts increased by 35.4 percent in Wicomico County, but decreased by 1.6 percent in Worcester and by 6.7 percent in Somerset. Condominium contracts increased by 7.4 percent in Worcester County and by 200 percent in Somerset County, but decreased by 33.3 percent in Wicomico. Settlements were up overall by 0.5 percent in the Tri-County area. Individually, single-family home settlements increased by 88.9 percent in Somerset, but decreased by five percent in Worcester and by 11.9 percent in Wicomico. Condominium settlements were up by 66.7 percent in Wicomico and by 200 percent in Somerset, but were down by 5.8 percent in Worcester. Inventory saw a slight dip in Jan-
uary, with the entire area seeing an overall 2.7 percent decrease in listings. Individually, single family home listings were up by 11.7 percent in Wicomico, remained the same in Somerset, and decreased by 14.3 percent in Worcester. Condominium listings were up by 66.7 percent in Wicomico and by 100 percent in Somerset, but were down by 9.5 percent in Worcester. Days on market was up overall by 22.8 percent. Listing prices were up by 8.6 percent and sale prices were up by 10 percent. “It’s good to see that January’s frigid temperatures and wintry conditions didn’t impact the market too much,” said CAR President Joel Maher. “We’re definitely seeing more of a demand on the Lower Eastern Shore. Hopefully our inventory numbers will begin to pick up again so local buyers are able to find the home that meets their wants and needs.” CAR’s monthly local housing statistics are pulled from the association’s Multiple Listing Service, which represents the activity of over 1,000 local Realtors in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. Visit www.coastalrealtors.org for more information.