President's Message
As your president, I'm pleased to share some of the positive developments and ongoing work happening at BAAR.
Last week's annual legislative wrap-up at the Kent Island Yacht Club was a great success. Attendees had the valuable opportunity to hear directly from our 36th District representatives, Del. Steve Arentz, Del. Jay Jacobs, and Del. Jeff Ghrist, as well as 37th District member Sen. Johnny Mautz, regarding the recent legislative session. We also received an insightful overview of Realtor priorities from Lisa May, Maryland REALTORS® Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. While news from Annapolis often presents challenges, I'm pleased to report that REALTOR® advocacy efforts yielded significant victories on key legislative priorities and the MD REALTORS® advocacy team, along with supportive legislators, successfully stopped some truly terrible proposed laws and mitigated the impact of others.
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The overwhelming takeaway from the legislative wrap-up was the critical importance of having legislators in Annapolis who understand and value the role of REALTORS® and the issues we champion. The most direct way to ensure this representation is through investing in RPAC. Every dollar contributed to RPAC is used to support candidates and elected officials who align with REALTOR® values at the federal, state, and local levels, ensuring that candidates who support our industry are elected. Speaking of advocacy achievements, I'm thrilled to announce that BAAR has been recognized by NAR as a 2024 Local President's Cup Award recipient for our outstanding advocacy efforts and RPAC achievements!
Finally, I want to highlight our upcoming New Member Orientation on June 2nd. We also have a robust schedule of other classes planned for May. Remember, free access to CE through the Association is one of your valuable membership benefits, so if you have credits to fulfill, be sure to check our calendar to see if any of these courses might work for you.
Kevin Waterman, BAAR President
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VOLUNTEER SLOTS STILL AVAILABLE!
QAC's 20th Annual Senior Summit
Friday, May 16th from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Last year’s event was a huge success- we had almost 500 people attend the Senior Summit. Bay Area Association of REALTORS will have a booth in the outdoor pavilion. If you are interested in volunteering to help man the table and talk to the participants, sign up here!
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We are updating our website!
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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.
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Thank you to all who participated in the 2025 Legislative Session Wrap-Up!
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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.
Additionally, any cancellations must be received via email 24 hours prior to the start of the class or you will be charged for the class.
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Unsure of what classes you've taken? Check the CE Verification page at DLLR.
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Upcoming Classes:
May 6 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM In-Person Class at BAAR
May 8 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM In-Person Class at The Peoples Bank
May 13 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Via Zoom by MD Realtors
May 14 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM In-Person Class at BAAR
May 15 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Via Zoom by MD Realtors
May 20 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Via Zoom by MD Realtors
May 22 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Via Zoom by MD Realtors
May 27 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Via Zoom by MD Realtors
MREC: Broker Supervision CE (I) - 3 hours
May 29 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Via Zoom by MD Realtors
📅 To view a full list of BAAR's upcoming classes, visit our Event Calendar.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The BAAR Continuing Education Calendar has everything you need to fulfill your biannual renewal needs! We offer in person classes at the BAAR Office, The People's Bank in Chestertown, and The Sheriff's Office in Centreville.
You can also take CE classes on-line thru TheCEShop.com
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Register today for
GCAAR’s REALTOR® Fest in June!
From June 9-13, the Greater Capital Area
Association of REALTORS®’ (GCAAR’s) virtual REALTOR® Fest will offer all the required
continuing education classes you need for
Maryland, along with D.C. and Virginia, too!
Registration is open to everyone for
$150. GCAAR members get a $75 discount.
Sign up today at REALTORFest.com.
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Bright - MLS Research Commentary
It is still unclear whether buyers are going to make this a busy spring market or if they are going to push off their homebuying until later this year. Pending sales data from the National Association of Realtors showed a surge in homebuying activity in March as rates fell. More inventory and more ability for buyers to negotiate on price and concessions is a positive as the spring heats up.
Click here to learn more.
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2025 Realtors Legislative Meetings
Washington, DC - May 31 - June 5, 2025
The REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C., bring together thousands of members to conduct the business of NAR and unite for a common cause—advancing the real estate profession through powerful, impactful policy advocacy. Click here for more information.
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📅 SAVE THE DATE! 📅
QAC Christmas Angels Auction
Friday, October 10, 2025, from 6:00pm-9:00pm
Kent Island Elks Lodge
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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
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Bay Area Association of REALTORS®, Inc.
1712 Main Street, Suite 100, Chester, MD 21619
443-249-3442 | Info@bayarearealtors.com
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