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MSBR Newsletter for July 14, 2026
to stay connected like us MSBR's Social Media Facebook: www.facebook.com/MidShoreBoard Instagram: www.instagram.com/msbr9067/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mid-shore-board-of-realtors®/about/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@msbr.easton?lang=en YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mid-shoreboardofrealtors1514 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
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MSBR Backpack Drive Update! 🎒
Education Committee Chair Katie Stecklair. is excited to share the incredible progress MSBR members have made with this year's Backpack & School Supply Drive! Great News! We've reached our goal of collecting 150 backpacks!
Now we need your help filling every backpack with the school supplies students need for a successful school year. 📚 School supplies must be dropped off at the MSBR Office by Thursday, July 31.
Want to help? Purchase a School Supply Kit through our Amazon Wish List and have it shipped directly to MSBR! (8615 Commerce Dr. Suite 2 Easton, MD 21601)
✏️ Current Supply Needs
🎒 150 Backpacks = 150 Students Helped! 50 backpacks for Dorchester County 50 backpacks for Talbot County 🙌 Thank You to Our Contributors So Far!
Monetary Donations Rick Covel – $100 Andy Beaven – $20 Tom Draper – $20 Additional Donations
💙 Thank you to everyone who has donated, volunteered, and supported this community effort. Together, we're helping students across Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot Counties start the school year prepared and ready to learn! |
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Meet James McKay – MSBR's 67th Down Payment Grant Recipient James McKay is officially a homeowner thanks to the MSBR Down Payment Grant Program!
As a first-time homebuyer, James was originally working with another lender. After learning about the MSBR Down Payment Grant, he switched to an MSBR participating lender to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. The grant made all the difference. Without it, James would not have been able to achieve his dream of homeownership.
Pictured (left to right): Petra Quinn, MSBR President-Elect Tammy Andrews, Shore United Bank James McKay, New Homeowner Laura Anderson, Buyer's Agent, Coldwell Banker Realty Jane Coulbourne, Venture Title |
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Dreams to Doorways Fundraiser September 19, 2026Our Goal: $50,000 for 50 GrantsJoin us for an entertaining evening as we support the Down Payment Grant Program and help make the dream of homeownership a reality for more families in our community. |
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Every grant awarded opens a new doorway for a deserving homebuyer. With your sponsorship and attendance, we can continue creating opportunities and changing lives.
Event Tickets $100 per personSponsorship Opportunities: Sponsorships begin at $100, with additional recognition levels available:Co-Host & Underwriter – $10,000 Shore United Bank
Gold Sponsors – $2,500 Community Title Network
Silver Sponsors – $1,500 DR Horton Tom Draper, First Home Mortgage Dawn Lednum- Chesapeake Real Estate Plus Taylor Contracting
Bronze Sponsors – $500 Sarah Whitby, Title Assist Andy Beaven, Wright Real Estate Sheila Washburn, Benson & Mangold Petra Quinn, Realty Navigator Jenn Dudley, Title Excellence Trent Riggs, Main Street Home Loans
Silent Auction Items Old School Builders Home Improvement Basket
We need your support—please sponsor, attend, and help us reach our goal of funding 50 grants for 50 future homeowners. |
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The bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law
YOUR RPAC DOLLARS WORKING BENEFITING YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS
Over the last 21 months, REALTORS® from every state partnered with NAR's advocacy team to make housing a national priority. This achievement is the result of years of persistence, trust, and collaboration. NAR leaders testified before Congress, worked with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, provided technical expertise as the legislation evolved, and mobilized thousands of REALTORS® to advocate directly with their elected officials.
This law combines nearly 50 carefully negotiated measures to increase housing supply, improve affordability, expand access to homeownership, strengthen housing finance, and support veterans. For REALTORS®, this law is more than a legislative victory. It shows what sustained advocacy and bipartisan leadership can accomplish to expand housing opportunities and strengthen communities nationwide. |
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Real Estate Professionals are Resilient
The housing market has endured more than three years of sluggish home sales, with existing-home sales hovering just above 4 million annually. That marks the slowest pace since 1995. But despite the prolonged slowdown, real estate professionals are proving far more resilient.
New data from the National Association of REALTORS®’ “2026 Member Profile” shows that REALTORS® are largely staying put, leaning on experience, repeat clients, referrals and diversified income streams to navigate the housing market. |
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Check out NAR's new front door:
When was the last time you visited the NAR's home page, nar.realtor? NAR rolled out a refreshed design.
The new home page gives you easy access to your membership information (you'll need to be signed in) and news personalized to your business needs. Keep scrolling for member benefits; our consumer guide series; and information on NAR education, events, research and advocacy. NAR is putting the content that you care most about front and center. |
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Cambridge Legislation Update
MSBR Government Affairs Director, Susie Hayward is working with the City of Cambridge. Until more clarification is provided, make sure your buyers and sellers are aware of this regulation.
Link for the Cambridge information: Cambridge-Vacant-Residential-Registration-Ord-1265.pdf
Properties effected are:
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Oxford Legislation Update
Oxford Short Term Rental new rules: Under the proposed amendment, any Registered Local Contact who advertises or lists an unlicensed STR after receiving notice will be barred from acting as an agent for any STR in Oxford for 1 to 3 years. The proposal goes further: This prohibition also applies to the agent’s brokerage or firm and all agents “employed” by that company, regardless of involvement.
MSBR Government Affairs Director, Susie Hayward attend last week's meeting and a letter from MSBR was sent to the Commissioners noting opposition. |
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What Buyers Are Looking for on AIAI is becoming a meaningful first step in the homebuying journey, especially for younger buyers.However, when it comes to high-stakes decisions, people still want trusted experts by their side. More than half of respondents say they still prefer real estate professionals when touring homes or contractual guidance. Much of buyers’ AI use appears to be concentrated in the early, informational phase of the homebuying process, according to the Bank of America survey.
For buyers who used AI in their home search, they said they most often turned to it for:
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Reminder: Bright Fee Rate Increased in July
Beginning with the July billing, Bright MLS will implement a subscription fee increase of $2.50 per month ($30 annually). It's their first fee adjustment since 2022, this update will help fuel their continued investment in the technology, data quality, security, and services that support your day-to-day work. |
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This month, Bright's training sessions help keep your business fueled for success. Learn how to enhance your client interactions, stay ahead of local market trends, and make your listings stand out with a digital asset buyers love. |
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Maryland REALTORS Annual Conference Registration is Open
Tuesday. September 29th – Thursday October 1st in Ocean City for industry experts exchanging ideas, tips, innovations, and business cards.
Keynote Speaker - Tony DiSilvestro Keynote Speaker | Author | Serial Entrepreneur | Business Coach
The Business Scaling Blueprint: Align, Empower & Grow in Any MarketIn today’s unpredictable business landscape, growth requires more than hustle. It demands alignment, systems, leadership, and intentional strategy. In this powerful keynote, Tony DiSilvestro shares the proven principles behind his Business Scaling Blueprint, a framework built from decades of real-world experience launching and scaling more than 30 businesses across multiple industries.
Through his signature philosophy, Align. Empower. Grow., Tony equips audiences with actionable strategies to eliminate operational chaos, strengthen leadership, improve accountability, and scale sustainably without becoming the bottleneck. Drawing from his experience as a business owner, investor, operator, and mentor, attendees will walk away with practical tools they can immediately apply to increase profitability, improve culture, and build organizations designed for long-term success. |
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Save 25% Storewide at the REALTOR® Store
Summer Sale Is On The REALTOR® Store Summer Sale is here, and it's the easiest way to get more out of your NAR membership. From July 13-27, members save 25% off everything at store.realtor with promo code SUMMERSAVE. Stock up on the resources members tell us they want most - AI tools, lead generation webinars, social media and digital marketing guides, client-facing brochures, ethics resources, and more. Whether you're sharpening your tech stack, refreshing your marketing playbook, or getting ready for the busy season, this is the time to do it.
Shop the Summer Sale: https://store.realtor/sale?utm_source=ae-mvp&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=summer2026 Use code SUMMERSAVE at checkout. Limited time only. |
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Affiliate Member- Olde School Builders Announces a much needed Handyman Division Olde School Handyman is the dedicated Handyman Division of Olde School Builders, bringing the same professionalism, craftsmanship, commitment to excellence and customer-focused service that have been the hallmarks of Olde School Builders for years. Designed to meet the needs of homeowners, real estate professionals, and property managers, the division specializes in a wide range of repair, maintenance, and improvement services. From small repairs and punch-list items to larger home maintenance projects, Olde School Handyman delivers reliable solutions with attention to detail and quality workmanship. Alongside our full-service design/build services – additions, kitchen and bathroom renovations, and more – Olde School Handyman allows us to support you in even more ways. Website: www.oldeschoolbuilders.com Contact: Diane Weinberg, Handyman Division - (410) 690-3221
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Connect with D.R. Horton to find out more Nicole Esham, New Home Sales Consultant C: 302-841-3931 NEsham@drhorton.com
D.R. Horton is an Equal Housing Opportunity Builder. Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Images are representational only and will vary from the homes as built. Furnishings and decorative items are not included with home purchase. *Up to $2,500 bonus is only available for select D.R. Horton homes in the State of Maryland in the Gannon Range community on new contracts that are executed between 6/18/26 through 7/31/26 and close escrow per contract guidelines. The amount offered cannot exceed the amount in the buyer’s written compensation agreement with its broker (the “Buyer Broker Agreement”). If Buyer fails to close escrow per contract guidelines for any reason other than Seller default, broker will only receive the co-broker commission as agreed in the contract and not the special commission rate stated above. Special bonus offer only valid on new contracts and does not apply to transfers, cancellations, or rewrites. Commissions are earned and paid at closing. Offer subject to change at any time without notice. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Bonus must be disclosed in home sales contract and shown on settlement statement or closing disclosure. D.R. Horton will pay up to 2.5% of the base purchase price of the home plus up to a $2,500 bonus at closing as a commission to buyer’s real estate agent; however, in no event shall the compensation paid by D.R. Horton exceed the amount provided for in the written agreement between agent and their client. To be eligible, agent must accompany and register client on their first visit to the D.R. Horton sales office, or call or email the D.R. Horton sales agent at the community to pre-register client before their first visit to the community. Client must not have previously registered on the D.R. Horton website or communicated with D.R. Horton’s sales agent. Agent must hold a valid Maryland real estate license as of the date of registration and buyer close of escrow. Total commission paid is subject to limitations, if any, on total broker commission imposed by buyer’s lender. © 2026. D.R. Horton, Inc. All rights reserved. EXP. 7/31/26” |
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Since the No-Show & Cancellation policy went into effect the number of No Shows has greatly decreased. Thanks Everyone!
We get it—things come up! Last minute exceptions will be reviewed on a case by case basis. |
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July - September MSBR CE and Events |
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Attention Agents in Your FIRST Maryland Real Estate License Renewal Cycle!
This is your last opportunity in 2026 to complete all 15 required continuing education hours with MSBR in one convenient series. ✅ Complete all 15 required hours so you can renew your license
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Register today and don't miss your final chance this year!
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Celebrate National Ice Cream Day on July 19th |
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Education on your time with The CE Shop. CE Shop has classes for Appraisers, Lenders and Title as well as classes for REALTORS! CE Shop Classes available 24/7
PROMO Code: HOME35 You have 30 days from the day you register to complete the class. |
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Marrie Retallack, former REALTOR passed away on July 7, 2026 Visitation is Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home from 4-6pm. Address is 200 S. Harrison Street in Easton. |
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Links - To get you there faster!
BRIGHT Training Sessions: https://support.brightmls.com/s/article/New-Agent-Start-Here-On-Demand-Tutorials
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Next Newsletter is July 28, 2026
Copyright © 2026 Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Easton, MD 21601 Want to change how you receive these emails? |