President's Message
I hope you're all having a productive and enjoyable summer. As we look back on the last month, I am filled with gratitude for your incredible engagement and support at our recent events.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Affiliate Appreciation Dinner Cruise on the Chester River. It was a beautiful evening of networking and camaraderie, and it truly showcased the strong community that makes BAAR so special. It was a great opportunity to connect with our valued affiliates and to thank them for their continued partnership.
I also want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came out to our Back to School supply drive and fundraiser at Cult Classic Brewing. Your generosity, whether you attended the event or donated supplies from our Amazon Wishlist, will make a real difference for students in our community as they prepare for the school year ahead. Your commitment to giving back is a shining example of what it means to be a Realtor.
|
Looking ahead, we have another can't-miss event on the horizon: our annual RPAC Crab Feast! RPAC is the Realtor Political Action Committee, and it's our industry's most powerful tool for protecting property rights and promoting a favorable business environment for all of us. This event is not only a fantastic opportunity to enjoy great food and fellowship but also a crucial fundraiser that helps ensure we have a strong voice in Annapolis, Washington, and even here locally. Your support is what allows us to advocate for policies that protect your business and our clients. Please be sure to RSVP and join us for this important event!
Finally, I want to encourage you to consider getting even more involved by joining one of our association's committees. Whether your passion lies in advocacy, professional development, community service, or member events, there is a committee for you. Serving on a committee is a great way to meet new people, gain a deeper understanding of how your association works, and directly contribute to the initiatives that shape our future. If you're interested, please reach out to the BAAR office or check the website for more information.
Thank you again for your membership and your commitment to a strong BAAR community. I look forward to seeing you all at the Crab Feast!
-Kevin Waterman, BAAR President
|
Welcome Our Newest Members!
Kimberly Deutsch (Redfin)
Wendy Kneeland (Long and Foster Kent Island)
Erin Anderson (Chesapeake Real Estate Associates)
|
New BAAR Members!
Check out our Membership Directory via our Info-Hub to make sure all of your contact information is up to date. We encourage ALL Members to upload a current picture of themselves. Don't forget to check our Education Calendar and sign up for New Member Orientation & Ethics
|
The Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights is available and must be included with all residential rental leases effective July 1, 2025.
|
Upcoming Events - Save the Dates & Register Now!
📅 Visit our Events Calendar for more information 📅
|
Mobile Blood Drive
-Tuesday, October 28-
Outside of Cult Classic Brewing
In need of 1 sponsor!
|
Thanks to all who participated in our events in July!
Affiliate/Member Appreciation Chester River Packet Co. dinner cruise, Four Seasons QAC Christmas Angels fundraiser, and Back-to-School trivia night at Cult Classic. Enjoy the photos below!
|
ONLINE CE CLASS REMINDER!
All online CE classes are recorded and monitored. The following are reminders to ensure you receive your credit for the class:
- You must be signed in at least 5 minutes before class starts.
- Change your Zoom screen name to: "BAAR – [your name]."
- Your camera must remain on at all times (no photos).
- You cannot be distracted with other activities.
- You must be stationary and not driving.
- Do not log out during breaks as it requires re-entry.
|
*If you need to cancel your registration for a course, please do so
24 hours prior to the start of class to avoid a $25 No-Show fee*
You can unregister for a course online through your BAAR member account or through the link received in your registration/confirmation email. Otherwise, you can cancel via email or phone call to BAAR.
|
Unsure of what classes you've taken? Check the CE Verification page at DLLR.
Click here to view helpful information regarding CE Course Requirements and License Renewals
|
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The BAAR Continuing Education Calendar outlines the class schedule of classes you need to fulfill your biannual renewal requirements. We offer in person classes at the BAAR Office, The Peoples Bank in Chestertown, and The Sheriff's Office in Centreville. You can also take CE classes online thru TheCEShop.com
|
Membership Dues Schedule and Payment Information:
- November: BAAR Primary & Secondary Memberships renew.
- January: BAAR Affiliate Memberships renew.
- March: SentriLock Memberships renew.
Please note:
- You will not be able to renew your membership if you have an outstanding balance.
- BAAR does not store credit cards on file and does not offer any autopay options.
- To make a dues payment, members must pay by one of the following ways:
- Online with a credit/debit card through their BAAR member account
- Online with a credit/debit card by clicking the link provided on the dues' invoice
- Over the phone with a credit/debit card by calling the BAAR office during business hours
- If dues are not paid by the deadline, there will be a $100 late fee applied.
If you have any questions, please reach out to info@bayarearealtors.com
|
BAAR Gives Back!
We recently sponsored 2 organizations in our community:
- Chestertown Lions Club's Bay to Bay Bike ride
- Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department- in support of their new apparatus
|
Broker Open Tours are back, weekly on Tuesdays!
August 5, 2025: Queenstown, Centreville and North QA
August 12, 2025: Chestertown (QA)/ Kent County
August 19, 2025: Kent Island/ Grasonville
August 26, 2025: Queenstown, Centreville and North QA
September 2, 2025: Chestertown (QA)/ Kent County
September 9, 2025: Kent Island/ Grasonville
September 16, 2025: Queenstown, Centreville and North QA
September 23, 2025: Chestertown (QA)/ Kent County
September 30, 2025: Kent Island/ Grasonville
📅 To view the Broker Open Tour schedule for the remainder of the year, click here.
|
We are updating our website!
📸
If you haven't already done so, please send your updated headshot photo to info@bayarearealtors.com so that we can add it to BAAR's website and feature our members and affiliates.
|
Bright - MLS Research Commentary
Higher rates are keeping many homeowners from selling their home, as they are reluctant to trade in their very low mortgage rate for a much higher one. As home prices soften, sellers are going to be further reticent to sell because they are less likely to get the price they want for their home.
What does this mean for the housing market in the second half of 2025? It is likely going to continue to be a slow market. Mortgage rates will remain in the mid- to high-6% range. Existing home sales likely will track around last year’s levels while new home sales will drop below 2024.
Click here to learn more.
|
NAR Supports New Federal Task Force Aimed to Address Housing Shortage
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) applauds the U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Interior (DOI) for establishing a Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing which will identify underutilized federal lands suitable for residential development. Click here to read more.
|
Maryland REALTORS has lots of helpful resources- be sure to check them out!
|
MLS-Touch puts all the tools you need to run your business in the palm of your hand. It is an advanced mobile app designed to work the way you do and it is now available and included with your Bright MLS subscription.
Read more and find out how to install the app HERE!
|
Download the MemberPlus App from your App Store and take advantage of 24/7 access the latest events & class sign-ups! Login in with your Info-Hub information. Spice up your profile with a photo & additional information. Connect with affiliates and other REALTORS®. Take advantage today!
|
Get your Local Forms from BAAR!
As a BAAR Member, you have FREE access to ZipForms.
Sign up: www.zipformplus.com
Select REALTOR®
Select Bay Area Association of REALTORS®
Log into the NAR site with your NAR credentials
|
Bay Area Association of REALTORS®, Inc.
1712 Main Street, Suite 100, Chester, MD 21619
443-249-3442 | Info@bayarearealtors.com
Office Hours: Monday-Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm
|
|
