President's Message
Hello everyone,
I'm thrilled to share some exciting developments and important updates from BAAR that are designed to empower your business and strengthen our community.
First, I'm delighted to announce that BAAR has reached a significant agreement with the New Castle Board of Realtors for full Sentrilock reciprocity! This is a fantastic step forward, not only enhancing the ability of our dual-licensed agents to operate seamlessly in Delaware but also making our listings accessible to a broader range of potential buyers. This expanded reach means more opportunities for you and your clients, and we are proud to deliver such a valuable new benefit.
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In other crucial news, a significant change in Maryland law now requires that all lease agreements include a copy of the Tenant's Bill of Rights. This new requirement goes into effect soon, and it's essential that all members involved in leasing are aware of it to ensure compliance. You'll find a link to the complete document later in this newsletter, so please take the time to review it thoroughly.
Looking ahead, I want to encourage everyone to mark your calendars for the Maryland REALTORS® Annual Conference, being held from October 20-23 in Ocean City. Registration is now open for this premier event, offering invaluable education, networking opportunities, and insights into the future of our industry. Don't miss out on this chance to connect and grow professionally.
Finally, we have two fantastic upcoming BAAR events this month designed for both professional development and community giving:
- Affiliate/Member Appreciation Dinner Cruise: Join us for a wonderful evening on Tuesday, July 15th, aboard the Chester River Packet Co. in Chestertown. This is our chance to thank you, our incredible members and affiliates, for your dedication and support. It promises to be a delightful evening of camaraderie and scenic views.
- Back to School Supply Drive/Fundraiser: Let's come together to support our local students! Our annual Back to School supply drive and fundraiser will be held on Thursday, July 31st, at Cult Classic Brewing. This event is open to the entire community, and your participation helps provide essential supplies for children as they head back to school. If you can't make it to Cult Classic, you can still contribute by ordering supplies directly from our Amazon Wishlist, linked here, and have them shipped to the BAAR office (preferably by August 8th). Every donation makes a difference!
Your engagement is the heart of BAAR, and I look forward to seeing many of you at these upcoming events. Event flyers and details can be found later in the newsletter. Thank you for all you do to elevate our profession and serve our communities.
-Kevin Waterman, BAAR President
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Welcome Our Newest Members!
Guppy-Paul Landavere (Keller Williams Select)
Heather Dolan (Chesapeake Real Estate Associates)
Jill Johnson (Long and Foster, Kent Island)
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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
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📣 SENTRILOCK UPDATE! 📣
We are now in SentriLock Full Reciprocity with Coastal Association of REALTORS and New Castle County Board of REALTORS (Delaware)!
This means that BAAR members (with an active SentriLock membership) now have automatic access to use SentriLock lockboxes in both regions.
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The Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights is available and must be included with all residential rental leases effective July 1, 2025.
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Upcoming Events - Save the Dates & Register Now!
📅 Visit our Events Calendar for more information 📅
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Mobile Blood Drive
-Tuesday, October 28-
Outside of Cult Classic Brewing
In need of 1 sponsor!
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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.
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*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.
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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
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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
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Membership Dues Schedule and Payment Information:
- November: BAAR Primary & Secondary Memberships renew.
- January: BAAR Affiliate Memberships renew.
- March: SentriLock Memberships renew.
Please note:
- 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
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Broker Open Tours are back, weekly on Tuesdays!
July 1, 2025: Chestertown (QA)/ Kent County
July 8, 2025: Kent Island/ Grasonville
July 15, 2025: Queenstown, Centreville and North QA
July 22, 2025: Chestertown (QA)/ Kent County
July 29, 2025: Kent Island/ Grasonville
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
📅 To view the Broker Open Tour schedule for the remainder of the year, click 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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Bright - MLS Research Commentary
The new normal for now is mortgage rates in the high-6% range, which means that the relatively slow pace of home sales transactions during the spring is likely to push into summer.
It is not just high mortgage rates that are keeping some buyers out of the market. Uncertainty about the economy, mixed messages about tariffs and prices, and a softening labor market are also holding people back.
I expect mortgage rates to decline more significantly at the end of the summer, leading up to the Fed’s September meeting. Lower rates could bring more buyers out this fall. But it is becoming more of a possibility that weakening consumer confidence and labor market concerns may cast a long shadow into the fall housing market.
Click here to learn more.
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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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Maryland REALTORS has lots of helpful resources- be sure to check them out!
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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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