MAR Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, January 25, 2007, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.—Kent Manor Inn, Kent Island. You know that question that you have been yearning to ask MAR leadership? Here’s your opportunity to do so! Join your colleagues for an informal complimentary lunch and meet the MAR Leadership and staff to find out the answers to those questions. RSVP to info@coastalassociationofrealtors.org.

Community Service Update

• It's that time again! Time to send photos and info on what charitable deeds you or your offices have done over the past year. Not only will you be recognized in an issue of Currents, but this will help us collect details for next year's MAR C.A.R.E. Award. Please send information to tltestani@mchsi.com.
• Speaking of the C.A.R.E. Award, the Community Service Committee has decided to donate last year's $1,000 C.A.R.E. prize to The Wellness Community-Delmarva. The WC-D is a support group that helps people effected by cancer to enhance their health and well being through participation in a professional program of emotional support, education and hope. The WC-D seeks to be the gold standard in delivering psychosocial services to the people with cancer. The WC-D is different from the Coastal Hospice and the American Cancer Society (ACS) in that participants focus on living well with cancer regardless of the stage of their disease. Many will go on to live as cancer survivors.
• On December 19, a group will be Christmas caroling at the local nursing homes and rehab centers. At 3-3:30 p.m. we will meet at Taylor's Neighborhood Restaurant (southgate Ocean Pines) to pick up song sheets and carpool. We will promptly leave at 3:45. Family and friends are welcome! After caroling, we usually return to Taylor's and have some holiday cheer ourselves. Don't forget to wear your holiday colors.
• The Ocean City Beach Blanket Blood Drive 2007 will take place January 31- February 1. Donors and volunteers are needed. To volunteer call Terry Testani at 443-523-2966.

The Worst Is Over
Three-quarters of the nation's housing markets will start to improve next year, while the remainder continue to feel the remnants of this year's contraction. In his monthly commentary at the Real Estate Insights web site, NAR Chief Economist David Lereah says "waiting-on-the-sidelines" buyers should take heart because affordability conditions are improving.  Read more>>>

Give Yourself a Gift This Holiday Season...
Business that continues well into the new year—advertise in the Winter issue of Currents! Get your ad placed in the magazine and seen by more than 1,300 REALTORS® and affiliates in the tri-county area. Great spots are selling quickly! DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 5. Advertising rates are available by clicking here. The Winter issue will arrive in member mailboxes in late January.

Attention Brokers
MLS bills for the first quarter of 2007 have been mailed and are due by December 31, 2006. To avoid late fees, please have your payment in by this time. If you have not yet received a bill, please contact the association office at 410-641-4409.

Holiday Closings
The association office will be closed Monday, December 25, and Tuesday, December 26, for the Christmas holiday, and Friday, December 29, and Monday, January 1, for the New Year's holiday. We wish you and your family and very happy and safe holiday season!

The 5,950 to 1 Longshot
Here are some of the trends that you can leverage in your local real estate advertising to help break through the clutter and get what you want from your advertising—awareness, action, and listings! Read more>>>