MSBR Newsletter December 9, 2025

’Twas the night before Christmas on the Mid-Shore so bright,
MSBR buzzed softly, though it was late in the night.

The CE classes were lined up like cookies on a tray,
Hoping REALTORS would stop saying, “I’ll take them someday.”

Interest rates danced like confused little elves,
While agents prayed the rates would finally… well .. behave themselves.

Listings were ready, inspections complete,
And settlements waiting with paperwork neat.

Then Santa swooped in with a mortgage pre-approval in tow,
Saying, “I’ve checked every page—no surprises below!”
He filled every stocking with leads that were warm,
Lower rates, smooth appraisals—nothing out of the norm.

As he flew from the Board office with a wink and a cheer,
He called out, “Happy closings to all—and a prosperous new year!”

Thank You To our Amazing Holiday Sponsors

Bar & Oyster Sponsor: Skipper Marquess

Food Sponsors:

Andy Beaven with Wright Real Estate

Jenn Dudley with Title Excellence

Denise & Bill McCormick ~ CK Capital Management Corp.

Petra Quinn- Realty Navigator

Dave Whaley with National Property Inspections

Petra Quinn, MSBR President Elect with Holly Anderson (left) the Holiday Hat Winner and Katie Stecklair (right) the Holiday Costume Winner.

Enjoying catching up!

Great turnout for the 2025 Holiday Party

Myisha Walker and Jen Voshell looking very festive.

Oysters and Prosecco - You can't go wrong with that. Thank you Skipper!

At Channel Marker with the 449 items and 31 gifts cards the MSBR members contributed from the Holiday Party. You helped make this holiday season special for others. Thank you!

Check out the Safety Feature offered by ZipForms

Down Payment Grant Fundraiser Sat. Feb. 21, 2026

Registration is Open

Open to the Public

All your favorite 80s hits—rewound and ready to dance!

$35/pp and $40 at the door

Cash Bar

Light Food, Fun and DJ Included

Gather with friends, family, and neighbors for a lively, feel-good celebration inspired by the mixtapes we all loved. Enjoy a night packed with music, dancing, themed activities, and plenty of retro fun. Come ready to make memories and support a great cause—80s style!

Funds go to support the Down Payment Grant Program.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE AREA REPORT- DECEMBER 2025

Caroline- The County Commissioners have advanced legislation to establish a Real Property Tax Credit for Firefighters. If passed, the credit amount would start at $250 per year and increase by an additional $50 per year until it reaches a maximum of $500. The final vote will be held on December 9th. MSBR sent a letter of support to the Commissioners.

Caroline- The County Commissioners are considering legislation that would require a permit for work involving the installation or repair of HVAC systems. A permit is currently necessary in Talbot and Dorchester counties as well.

Federalsburg- Due to repeated underinvesting in water and sewer infrastructure over the past years, the Town is considering increasing its W&S rates. Their next budget meeting will be on December 10th.

Talbot- The County held a public hearing on Bill 1622, Short-Term Rental licensing Regulation changes, on Nov. 25th. The meeting room was packed, with most attendees opposed to the changes. MSBR submitted an opposition letter to the council. The council will vote on the bill at the December 9th meeting. MSBR submitted a letter to the council in opposition to the bill.

Easton- A new development is currently in the Planning stage. Calvert Terrace, owned by Osprey Property Company and situated behind Royal Farm is proposing a 90-unit Senior Housing complex. This will include 30 townhomes arranged in clusters of 3 and 4, along with a 60-unit Senior Housing Apartment building.

Cambridge- The Commissioners are exploring the possibility of contesting the County's formula to determine the Real Property Tax Differential (County Tax Rate) for its residents. The commission members argue that residents are paying twice for services already funded through city taxes and that the tax discount does not reflect the accurate duplication in city expenses. Also, in the latest County budget, there was an attempt to eliminate this tax differential for residents of Cambridge and Hurlock. As a result, the city is also seeking support from its State Delegates to introduce state legislation that would require the county to provide a tax differential, rather than optionally. This change would prevent the County from removing the tax credit.

Cambridge- Tracy Ward, formerly Easton’s Economic Development Director, was appointed as Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc.’s (CWDI) Chief Administrative Director.

Cambridge- The City of Cambridge is actively seeking a volunteer to serve on the Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc. (CWDI) board. Those interested are encouraged to apply to be a member of this board by completing the application form located on the city website at: https://www.choosecambridge.com/FormCenter/City-Hall-14/Board-and-Commission-Volunteer-Interest--84. Or email their letter of interest and resume to gsteckman@choosecambridge.com.

NEW! Navigating Bright’s New Policy and Listing Updates

Join Bright to learn about key Bright MLS policy and listing updates taking effect December 10, 2025.

Choose a date Dec 9-22nd

It will cover the new photo display rules, final concessions requirements, and office exclusive form changes so you’re prepared to manage listings confidently.

MSBR Board and Committee Chair Leadership Training with Kim Link, Maryland REALTORS Sr. Attorney at the St. Michaels Community Center.

Front Row, left to right is Kim Link, Petra Quinn, Myisha Walker,

Shandell Green, Marcus Jaffe and Tom Draper.

Second Row is Peter Frevel, Jenn Dudley, Michelle Abplananlp, Tammy Andrews, and Holly Anderson.

2026 REALTOR & Affiliate Dues

Dues notices went out November 1, 2025

REALTOR & Affiliate dues are due December 1, 2025

Avoid the $100 late fee - pay by January 2, 2026

2026 Total REALTOR Dues $850

2026 Affiliate Dues $350 (no increase)

https://qac.org/1762/Short-Term-Residential-Rental-Information -

Short-Term Residential Rental Information

County Ordinance #24-09 was passed and became effective on January 11, 2025. Beginning on October 1, 2025, Queen Anne's County will begin accepting applications for annual zoning certificates for short-term residential rentals.

At that time, all existing short-term residential rental property owners in Queen Anne's County will receive a notification letter.

To comply with the Short-Term Residential regulations (§ 18:1-58.J), property owners must submit an annual zoning certificate application to the Queen Anne's County Planning and Zoning Office.

Following the approval of a zoning certificate, property owners are required to register their short-term residential rental with the Queen Anne’s County Finance Office through the Queen Anne’s County Tax Portal to comply with room rental tax collection requirements. You can contact the Finance Office with questions regarding the tax portal at (410) 758-4064.

MSBR Continuing Education

January 2026 ~ March 2026

Maryland Department of Labor's website to view your CE status and

view which courses are required to renew your license.

Couldn't make the CE Classes? MSBR partners with The CE Shop. Education on your time.

For December 35% off discount code: AHEAD35

CE Shop Classes available 24/7

Next Newsletter is December 23, 2025

Our mailing address is:
Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS
8615 Commerce Drive, Suite 2

Easton, MD 21601
410-822-8767

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