REMINDER: ALL FLYERS ARE INCLUDED IN THE WEEKLY BROKER FAX

We’re talking with our neighbors and we wanted to include you in the discussion. The Coastal Association of REALTORS® have been talking with the Sussex County Association of REALTORS® to explore a partnership arrangement. Leadership from both Associations are enthusiastic about the opportunities that a partnership would provide for our members. The associations would share an Executive Vice President as well as other administrative services which would mean improved economies of scale for both associations. Before we go any further, we wanted to hear what you have to say about this idea.

Click here and let us know your thoughts!

CAR Office Closure
The association office will be closed from 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 30, to 1 p.m. on Friday, November 2. This is due to staff training, and we ask for everyone’s cooperation during this time. Thank you!

4th Quarter MLS Payments Due
ATTENTION BROKERS & OFFICE MANAGERS!!!—MLS bills for 4th quarter of 2007 were due by Monday, October 1. Payments are now considered late, and a $200 reinstatement fee for the office and a $30 reinstatement fee for each member will be applied. Please either submit your payment, or notify the association office if you do not intend on renewing your MLS membership.  If you have any questions, please contact the association office at 410-641-4409.

COMMUNITY SERVICE UPDATE

• HOLIDAY PROJECTS: With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, it is time to get involved in the community and spread some holiday cheer. The association’s Community Service Committee invites you to join them in filling stockings for the Children’s House by the Sea (example: books, movies, small toys, games, stuffed animals). Help them to put some smiles on the faces of these children! The Committee also invites you to join them in their upcoming coat drive. Start gathering up any old coats that are just collecting dust in your closet!  If you are interested in participating in any of these events, please contact Terry Testani at 443-523-2966 or Pat Terrill at 443-497-2332. Remember, no donation is too small, and all are deeply appreciated.
• HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION: Looking for volunteers to help with the Ocean Pines Halloween Celebration. White Horse Park, Saturday, October 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. Call Terry Testani at 443-523-2966. Also, donations of individually wrapped candies are appreciated.
  

FREE ARIS Classes Scheduled
There have been ARIS classes scheduled for October through December of 2007. There will no longer be a charge for these classes. Please refer to the Web site for registration and further details.

Memo to CAR Brokers & Office Managers
To: CAR Brokers and Office Managers
From: Cassie Mead, CAR President
Re: Conservation Easement Addendums

Please be advised that during the 2007 Session of the Maryland General Assembly, the Legislature passed House Bill 465 and Companion Bill 511, which have now been signed by Governor O’Malley and took effect at Midnight on October 1, 2007.

A letter of explanation was drafted by Al Monshower, CAR Legal Counsel. explaining that this new law now requires that every contract of sale must contain a notice to the purchaser as to whether the property is encumbered by one or more conservation easement(s) or other restrictions limiting or affecting uses of the property.

Mr. Monshower is also recommending that any form of exclusive right to sell listing agreement or exclusive agency agreement include the appropriate notice to seller of this new law.

You may download a copy of the MAR Conservation Easement Addendum to be used with sales contracts, and the CAR Conservation Easement Addendum to be used with listing agreements. Both of these forms are also included in our ZipForms library.

Since this new law poses severe liability to REALTORS®, we ask that you give this matter your immediate attention and notice all the agents in your office.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.