the voice for real estate in southern maryland smar members...

INSIDENew Members ...................... 2

Certification/Designation Recipients ............................. 3

Cert/Designation Courses at SMAR ............................... 3

Education Calendar .............. 4

Re-Commit to a REALTOR® Party Resolution ................... 6

Installation of Officers & Directors ............................... 7

By: David M. Jenkins, C.E.O.

The voice for real estate in Southern Maryland© Volume 13 Issue 1 Winter 2016

TIMES

From the C.E.O.As the real estate industry changes, SMAR continues its com-mitment to your success, consistent with the following:Mission Statement: We advocate for private property rights and serve with competency, integrity and professionalism.Strategic Plan:1. Develop and promote a compelling message of value2. Establish and implement a consistent and effective communications process3. Deliver a skills based program for immediate member useImplementation Actions:Message of Value: At the October 1st Annual Membership Meeting, our mes-sage of value was released which is: SMAR is your Source to support your Real Estate Business.

SMAR Members Give Back in 2015Looking back this year, SMAR members did an awe-

some job giving back to their communities where they live, work, and play. Two SMAR Committees, Community Relations and YPN (Young Professionals Network), took time out to organize and participate in numerous commu-nity activities but this article highlights a few.

Two activities the Community Relations Cmte poured their heart and soul into is the Bras & Drawers fundraiser benefiting A Message of Hope Cancer Fund and the Secret Santa which provides gifts to those in need in senior living facilities. This year over $10,800 was raised a the Bras & Drawers Fundraiser - that is a 42% ($3,200) increase from last year! In addition, over 200 were sponsored by a Secret Santa. Gifts were sorted on December 14th and dropped off at facilities that same day!

In addition, an exciting announcement came at the MAR Installation of Officers & Directors on Tuesday, October 20th in Annapolis. SMAR’s President, Steve Paul, was on hand to accept the CARE (Community Action & REALTOR® Excel-lence) Award for the 8th time! The award submission by the Community Relations Cmte included a recap of the 2014 Bras & Drawers for the Cause Fundraiser.

The prize included $9,000 in prize money to be distributed to local charities. The Community Relations Cmte recom-mend to the Board of Directors the follow charities receive the funds: Pajama Connection, Charlotte Hall Veteran’s Home, Calvert Animal Welfare League, Last Chance Animal Rescue, Second Hope Animal Rescue, Meals on Wheels, Project Linus, and the Cancer Support Group of Southern Maryland. All charities selected serve all 3 coun-ties in Southern Maryland.

The YPN Cmte organized it’s first Christmas in April (CIA) REALTOR® Volunteer Day on April 25th. This is a charitable organization that helps those in need of house maintenance and repairs. In addition to volunteering, $1000 was donated to CIA Charles County from the proceeds of their January Mastermind Event. This committee is also looking forward to two REALTOR® Volunteer Days in 2016 - one for CIA and one for Habitat for Humanity - so keep an eye out!

Of course their efforts would be futile if it wasn’t for the support of our membership! Be sure to check out the complete list of SMAR sponsored community events on under “Giving Back” at www.somdrealtors.com Here’s to an even better 2016!

continued on page 5

www.southernmarylandrealtors.org

Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS® Newsletter

2 • Winter 2016

Welcome New Members!REALTORS®

Baldus Real Estate, Inc.Teresa Bridger, La PlataPaulette Clark, La PlataKeith Hawkins, La PlataBerkshire Hathaway Home ServicesJennifer Goelling, WaldorfErin Keyes, WaldorfSusan Taylor, WaldorfCentury 21 New MillenniumAva Bowden, La PlataAmy Boyd, WaldorfSophie Newbury, CaliforniaSanthi Omagandam, Prnc FrederckSimone Plush, WaldorfJohn Redding, La PlataSevasti Savinas Nagel, Prnc FrederckJames Steel, La PlataCherryl Watson, Prnc FrederckColdwell Banker Jay Lilly REJewela Daniels, WaldorfWarren Hammonds, WaldorfFrank McCullough, WaldorfColonial Homes Real EstateKaren DeCesaris, La PlataColonial RealtyLeah Freeburger, WaldorfCurtis Real Estate CompanyJessica Oestringer, AnnapolisDeHanas Real Estate ServicesAndrew Budd, WaldorfBradley Putzier, WaldorfDNS Realty GroupCharisma Hodge, WaldorfExit 1 Stop RealtyDiane Wineke, DunkirkExit By The Bay Realty IncAnna Stahl, Prnc FrederckExit Landmark RealtyJenelle Alexander, White PlainsSalomey Asare Ampong, White PlainsAngela Gillum Bowman, White Plains

Clinton McIntyre, White PlainsAlyshia Michael, White PlainsWilliam Purnell, ClintonDeborah Shirley, White PlainsFaye Stinehart, White PlainsMuhammad Younas, White PlainsExit Realty Capital PropertiesMichelle Smith, WaldorfFathom Realty MarylandKevin Felle, OdentonHome Towne Real EstateSamantha Dishong, SolomonsPaula Paddock, SolomonsChristie Reeves, SolomonsJacqueline Schauer Long, SolomonsBrooke Steuart, SolomonsKirsten Trenton, SolomonsHutchins Property ManagementTimothy Dexter, HuntingtownTonya Dottellis, HuntingtownLuAnn Faulkner, HuntingtownRyan Hutchins, HuntingtownKeller Williams Select Realtor®

Ellen Alonso, AnnapolisTamera Graves, AnnapolisShad Montague, AnnapolisDeirdre Parker, AnnapolisLong & Foster Real Estate, IncShalitia Hall, WaldorfCary Howerton, Prnc FrederckWayne Millen, CaliforniaKaren Reisdorf, Ft WashingtonO’Brien RealtyJason Agamaite, CaliforniaKristen Kort, CaliforniaJames LePore, CaliforniaDhyana Smith, CaliforniaBobbie Streams, SolomonsRE/MAX 100Tanya Becraft, DunkirkBelinda Church, DunkirkKenneth Crowley , DunkirkTerry Croson, White Plains

Michael Fitzgerald, CaliforniaConnie Lord, MechanicsvlleScott McInerney, DunkirkFrank McKnew, White PlainsWilliana Parker, White PlainsChristopher Perry, White PlainsMiranda Potter, MechanicsvlleRE/MAX OneJohn Arban, Prnc FrederckKarri Severin, Prnc FrederckRedfin CorporationSamantha Brown, RockvilleResidential Plus RE ServicesNancy Brys, White PlainsAshley Dole, HollywoodJacquelyn Thomas, HollywoodResource NetworkBrooke Jubb, HuntingtownThe Michael Companies, Inc.Jay Kern, Lanham

AFFILIATESAlpha Control Radon TestingG. Scott Parry, Primary Affiliate19300 Frenchton PlMontgomery Village, MD 20886(301) [email protected] Inspection LLCChaofu Lee, Primary Affiliate11416 Applegrath WayGermantown, MD 20876(240) [email protected], Inc.Po Box 2210Ashburn, VA 20146(540) 498-6829Dale Cannon, Associate [email protected] Newman, Associate [email protected] Poulson, Associate [email protected]

*Data pulled 11/30/15

Online Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course Now Available!Check out http://smar.theceshop.com/MD-Salesperson-Pre-Licensing

www.southernmarylandrealtors.org Winter 2016 • 3


New Designation/Certification RecipientsDesignation &Certification courses are a great way to increase your knowledge in various real estate topics! Congratula-tions to those who have furthered their education by satisfying requirements to obtain certifications and designations:

Danielle SloanRE/MAX 100

Jennifer L DalyKeller Williams Select REALTOR®

Sandi DennyCentury 21 New Millennium

Graduate,Realtor®Institute

Paulette G. ClarkBaldus Real Estate

Joan B HarrisO’Brien Realty

Nancy Alice JonesExit by the Bay Realty

Dawn F RileyRE/MAX Leading Edge

Denise M ThomasHome Towne Real Estate

Lisa Van TasselHome Towne Real Estate

Tamaam VitaleExit by the Bay Realty

To get more information on the various courses, please visit http://bit.ly/smaredcert

Upcoming Certification & Designation CoursesPayment plans are available for classes over $200. Call Tanya Jones at 301-274-4406 for details!

ABR® Designation Course - April 21 & 22, 2016 (9 am - 5 pm both days)Cost: $250 • MD CE Approved: 6 clock hours*Students learn to:• Build a buyer-representation business• Increase confidence to work toward a signed buyer

representation agreement

• Value the services you perform on behalf of buyer-clients• Gain methods, tools, and techniques to provide the sup-

port and services that buyers want

Skills You Will Acquire:• Winning the Buyer as a Client• Forming a Buyer Relationship• Putting Buyer Representation into Action

• Offers, Counter Offers, and Negotiations• Bringing the Transaction to a Successful Close• Winning Repeat Business and Referrals

*Topic F) Professional enhancement for practicing licensees. Obtaining the Continuing Education Certificate is contin-gent on successfully passing the course final exam with at least an 80%. Course ID #395-2611.

Military Relocation Specialist - May 19, 2016 (9 am - 5 pm)Cost: $150 • MD CE Approved: 6 clock hours**When military staff and their families relocate, the services of a real estate professional who understands their needs and timetables makes the transfer easier, faster, and less stressful. This course teaches you about working with current and former military service members to find the housing solutions that best suit their needs and take full advantage of military benefits and support. Learn how to provide the real estate services—at any stage in the service member’s military ca-reer—that meet the needs of this niche market and win future referrals. **Topic F) Professional enhancement for practicing licensees. Obtaining Continuing Education Credit iscontingent on successfully passing the course final exam with at least an 80%. Course ID #447-2611.



4 • Winter 2016

*Cost: The price reflected above is the cost for REALTOR® members. The non-REAL-TOR® cost is an additional $10 per class. There is an additional $5 fee for walk-ins or same day registrations. To register, visit smar.REALTOR, call Tanya Jones at 301-274-4406 or mail payment to SMAR, 8440 Old Leonardtown Rd, Suite 211, Hughesville, MD 20637.

Jan 8 Working with Difficult People, CSM Partner Class None 9 am - 12 pm None $83

Jan 13 MD Code of Ethics, Don Martin D) #442-2611 9 am - 12 pm 3 $35

Jan 13 2015 Legal & Legislative Update, Don Martin A) #449-2611 1 - 4 pm 3 $35

Jan 14 DotLoop: Beginner Training, Tonia Parent None 9 - 11 am None Free

Jan 14 DotLoop: Intermediate Training, Tonia Parent None 12 - 2 pm None Free

Jan 20 MREC Required Supervision, Kathleen Dartz I) #448-2611 9 am - 12 pm 3 $35

Jan 20 MD Fair Housing, Kathleen Dartz C) #380-2611 1 - 2:30 pm 1.5 $17.50

Jan 20 Risk Management, Kathleen Dartz F) #423-2611 2:45 - 4:15 pm 1.5 $17.50

Jan 28/29 Property Management, CSM Partner Class None TBD None TBD

Feb 9 The True Art of Prospecting, CSM Partner Class None 8:30 am - 1:30 pm None TBD

Feb 10 Historic Homes, Kirsti Uunila F) #421-2611 9 am - 12 pm 3 $35

Feb 18 MREC Agency - Residential, Don Martin H) #427-2611 9 am - 12 pm 3 $35

Feb 18 Real Estate Contracts, Don Martin F) #431-2611 1 - 2:30 pm 1.5 $17.50

Feb 18 MD Fair Housing, Don Martin C) #380-2611 2:45 - 4:15 pm 1.5 $17.50

Mar 8 MAR Contract-The Devil is in the Details, Mark Davis F) #413-2611 9 am - 12 pm 3 $35

Mar 8 Real Property 101, Mark Davis F) 414-2611 1 - 4 pm 3 $35

Date Course/Speaker Approved Topic Time Clock

Hrs Cost*

• A) Federal, state or local legislative issues• C) Fair Housing Law• D) Real estate ethics or professional standards• F) Professional enhancement for practicing licensees• H) The principles of agency & agency disclosure• I) The requirements of supervision by brokers, branch office managers & team leaders

Continuing Education Approved Topic Legend

Please visit smar.REALTOR and select Upcoming Events for Location & Course Information.

Education Calendar

Free CE for 1 Year!

bit.ly/smaredpass



SMAR is…• Local and accessible – Tools, forms, and information to

help you be confident and professional• The source – Education, skills, and practical knowledge

to maintain a productive business• A force – Pursuing common legislative issues that sup-

port the best future for property ownershipSMAR – training, tools, and timely answers to support your success.Communications: Over the past year, our Communica-tions Director has integrated our message of value in all our communications, reorganized content on our website in hopes of making certain information easier to access, in-creased our social media presence, sent consistent emails to keep you informed on updates to services and what is going on in the association that will help you in your business and much more.Education • In July 2015, SMAR and the College of Southern Mary-

land (CSM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding and now offer a variety of knowledge based classes and courses using a variety of platforms – web based, class-room and videos. This includes both real estate focused subjects as well as practical business skills from the Small Business Development Center. Based on our Edu-cation Survey, additional courses are being developed.

• SMAR’s Education tab on our website has been en-hanced, providing ease of access, relevant links and other education and training resources: bit.ly/smareducation

Forms• The Committee continues their form update/review

process – 1st: Committee review, 2nd: Legal Counsel Review; 3rd: upon Committee approval, released for member use via AutoRealty, DotLoop, and our Member website (smar.REALTOR). We anticipate completion in the coming months.

• Given AutoRealty’s recent technical issues, the Com-mittee is actively developing alternatives for Board of Directors review and approval. This includes additional information about NAR’s November 16, 2015 an-nouncement providing ZipLogix as a member benefit.

• Updates regarding forms are posted here on our web-site: bit.ly/smarformsnews

Government Affairs:• While the Charles County Real Estate Transfer Tax

was a dominant issue, our Government Affairs Director (GAD), Paula Martino, has and will continue to engage all three Counties on a variety of important issues to you – housing affordability, growth and economic develop-ment policies, taxes and government spending. This also includes community outreach and education about the importance of the real estate profession to your commu-nities - where you live, work and give back.

• The Legislative Committee will meet January 11, 2016, prior to the January 13 start of the Maryland General Assembly, to review pre-filed bills. The Committee will then be meet every Monday to recommend SMAR’s position on bills impacting real estate in coordina-tion with the Maryland Association of REALTORS® (MAR). SMAR’s Public Policy Statement will also be updated (if necessary) and made available online at bit.ly/SMARPP.

• MAR’s Lobby Day is scheduled for Wednesday Janu-ary 20, 2016 in Annapolis. Senate President Mike Miller has been invited to provide a legislative over view. Office visits to Southern Maryland delegation of-fices will then follow to talk about specific legislation.

Pofessional Services/ Ethics:• As of January 1, 2016, SMAR will offer the Ombuds-

man for REALTORS® Program (Ombuds). This is informal telephone mediation. In some cases, it can address and solve minor complaints from the public. It can also solve inter-REALTOR® conflicts before they become serious problems. Like a mediation, an ombudsman helps parties find solutions, but does not impose solutions. This program will not adjudicate/make the final decision, give legal advice, determine who is right or wrong, disclose communications, make any written record of discussions and/or agreement. The process is confidential. Additional details will be on our website on January 1, 2016.

As always, your comments, questions and input are val-ued for our improvement of services and support to your business. I can be reached at [email protected] or 301-274-4406. Have a safe and joyful holiday season!

From the C.E.O.continued from page 5

Online Continuing Education Courses Available Visit http://bit.ly/smaronlinece for more information.

By: Paula Martino, SMAR Government Affairs Director



6 • Winter 2016

In 2016, Re-Commit to a REALTOR® Party Resolution to Vote, Act, Invest

Putting action behind these 3 simple words builds REALTOR® Party strength and enhances what it means to be a REALTOR® today. In 2016, your commitment to REALTOR® Party strength in Southern Maryland is critically important. Here’s why:Smart Economic Growth is Vital to the Health and Vibrancy of Southern Maryland

Keeping Southern Maryland a competitive and sought after place to live is critical to the success of your business and to the communities where you live and work in Southern Maryland.

The biggest challenge REALTORS® face in 2016 will be in Charles County where a majority of the Commissioners favor the positions of NIMBY and special interest environmental groups to stop growth in Charles County, no matter how smart that growth may be. In a jurisdiction with the highest property tax rate, one of the highest recordation tax and business personal property tax rates and the addition of a new local real estate transfer tax to boot, Charles County’s risks becoming even less attractive to commercial enterprises who are looking to locate, grow and create job opportunities. We should all be very concerned about this because Charles County may face another budget shortfall in FY17 as property assessments remain flat and the commercial property tax base fails to expand. The no growth policies currently being considered by the new majority on this Board of Commissioners will only exacerbate the fiscal problems associated with a stagnant local economy. We ask that

our members in Charles County remain ready to ACT when you receive calls for action to address local issues that will impact your industry and the local economy.

While St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties are currently governed by Commissioners who favor smart, economic growth, they will continue to seek the support of REALTORS® on policies that will develop a more robust local economy for their residents. As residents who live and work in St. Mary’s and Calvert, SMAR will look to you when the time comes to assist us in supporting these Commissioners in their efforts. From advocating for a 21st century Smart Growth comprehensive plan update in Calvert County to working to keep housing affordable in St. Mary’s County, Southern Maryland REALTORS® will be called on for their expertise and their advocacy as part of the great working relationship we have with these Boards of County Commissioners. Please plan to be a part of that effort.

At the State level, our working relationship with our state senators and delegates is ever stronger and we look forward to making a difference for Maryland REALTORS® in Annapolis during the 2016 General Assembly with the added benefit of having a Maryland REALTOR® serving as Governor.

If everyone re-commits to a REALTOR® Party Resolution for 2016, it will be quite a REALTOR® Party year in Southern Maryland. Happy New Year everyone!!

Winter/Spring Calendar at a Glance• Jan 1 - New Year’s Day, SMAR Office Closed

• Jan 18 - MLK, Jr. Day, SMAR Office Closed

• Feb 5 - Mastermind Event @ SMAR

• Feb 15 - President’s Day, SMAR Office Closed

• Feb 19 - New Member Orientation

• Mar 4 - Awards Recognition Ceremony, Jaycee’s Community Center, Waldorf

• April 30 - Christmas in April REALTOR® Volunteer Day (Tentative)

• May 9 - 13 - REALTOR® Party Conference & Expo, Washington, DC

• May 25 - REALTOR® Fair & Trade Show (Tentative)

• May 30 - Memorial Day, SMAR Office Closed



2016 Installation of Officers & DirectorsCongratulations to the newly installed SMAR Board of Directors! Over 110 gathered at Stoney’s Kingfisher in Solo-

mon’s Island to recognize the volunteers of your association! The evening included a DJ, a delicious surf and turf buffet dinner, followed by recognition of special guests, outgoing and current Board of Director members, and committee chairs.

Bonnie Casper, 2016 MAR President, was on hand to install the newly elected Board of Director members from the October 1st Annual Meeting. Afterwards Steve Paul was installed by Karrie Gonzalez. The evening was finished off by dancing and the announcement of 50/50 and Silent Auction Winners.

Thank you to everyone to who attended to make this event successful – especially the Awards & Special Events Committee for putting on the event and the following sponsors:

Platinum• Pete Hamelman – Residential Plus Real Estate ServicesGold• Tim Murphy – C&F Mortgage Corp• Larry O’Brien – Fitzgerald Financial• Raina Rath – Lakeside Title CoSilver• Craig Gough – 1st Mariner Mortgage• Michelle Perrie – All In One Home Inspections• Alan Mattingly – Dugan, McKissick, & Longmore LLC• Connie Fuksa – Foote Title Group

Bronze• Paul Skeens – Colonial Mortgage Group• Karrie Gonzalez – Residential Plus Real Estate• Mark Davis – RE/MAX One• Gregg Kantak – The Todd-Gordon Companies LLC• Patrick Fogarty – Wilkinson Property ManagementFriend of SMAR• Margaret Cheseldine – Cheseldine Management Consulting

Pictured from left to right: John Coller, Karrie Gonzalez, Gregg Kantak, Gary Martin, Chris Hill, Billy Fitzgerald, Craig Gough, Chris Moore, Steve Paul, Kendra McCourt, Judy Szynborski, Kathy Suite, Lisa Van Tassel, and Cecelia Sage. Not pictured: Jenn Jones, Director-at-Large appointed at Nov 2015 Board of Directors meeting.

Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS®

8440 Old Leonardtown Road, Suite 211, Hughesville, MD 20637 2015-16 Officers

301-870-2323 • 301-274-4406 • 301-884-8533888-340-8727 (toll-free)301-870-2575 or 240-254-2107 (fax)

PresidentPresident - Elect

Vice PresidentSecretary/Treasurer

Immediate Past PresidentChief Executive Officer

Steve PaulLisa Van TasselKathy SuiteKendra McCourtJohn CollerDavid Jenkins

Graphic Design Website Hannah Sanders www.southernmarylandrealtors.org

Mission StatementWe advocate for private property rights and serve with competency, integrity and professionalism.

Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS®

8440 Old Leonardtown Road, Suite 211Hughesville, MD 20637Return Service Requested

SMAR is

Local and accessible. The source. A force.Tools, forms, and

information to help you be confident and professional!

Education, skills, and practical knowledge to maintain a

productive business

Pursuing common legislative issues that support the best

future for property ownership

SMAR – training, tools, and timely answers to support your success.

SMAR IS YOUR

SOURCEto support your real estate business

the voice for real estate in southern maryland smar members...

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