CEO Annual Report to the Coastal Association of REALTORS
2025 Annual Report
Bernie Flax, CEO Coastal Association of REALTORS® 12/30/2025
Coastal Association of REALTORS®: 2024-2025 CEO Annual Report
A Message from the CEO I am proud to present the Annual Report for the November 1, 2024 – October 31, 2025 period for the Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR). This past year has truly been a testament to the resilience, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our members. Guided by our core mission—to enhance the professionalism and success of our REALTOR® and Affiliate members—we have navigated a complex market while maintaining stability, fostering growth, and strengthening our commitment to advocacy, community, and professional excellence. Together, we achieved remarkable success. Our collective advocacy efforts were recognized on a national level with the prestigious Triple Crown Award and Presidents Cup from the National Association of REALTORS®. This honor is a direct result of your outstanding engagement and investment in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) and reflects our unified strength in protecting private property rights and promoting a healthy real estate environment on the Eastern Shore. Our impact within the community was equally inspiring. Through the CAR Charitable Foundation, your generosity supported grants to 19 local organizations and continued to cultivate future leaders through our third year of partnership with Junior Achievement. From record-breaking fundraising at our Spring Fling and the annual Golf Tournament to well-attended networking and educational events, your participation has been the driving force behind every accomplishment. As you review this report, I encourage you to take full advantage of the many resources available to you. Please visit our website often to stay informed about upcoming events, advocacy efforts, and member benefits. We are proud to offer a wide variety of FREE classes and Lunch & Learns throughout the year—designed to support your professional growth, keep you informed, and help you succeed in an ever-changing industry. I also ask that you take a few moments to complete the member survey that was sent earlier this week. Your feedback is vital and will play a key role in our Strategic Planning Session in February. Your voice helps shape the future direction of CAR, ensuring we continue to meet your needs and deliver meaningful value. On behalf of the Coastal Association staff, thank you to every member, committee volunteer, sponsor, and partner. Your commitment of time, expertise, and resources is the foundation of this association. We are honored to serve alongside you and look forward to another year of growth, opportunity, and success together. Sincerely, Bernie Flax Chief Executive Officer Coastal Association of REALTORS®
2.0 The 2025 Mission & Strategic Governance Effective governance and a clear, guiding mission are the cornerstones of a successful member-driven organization. They provide the framework for strategic decision-making and ensure that every action we take is aligned with our purpose. The mission of the Coastal Association of REALTORS® is: "to provide advocacy and services that enhance the professionalism and success of its REALTOR® and Affiliate members." This mission was upheld throughout the year by a dedicated Board of Directors who provided steadfast leadership and vision. 2024-2025 Board of Directors • President: Lauren Bunting
• President-Elect: Terrence McGowan • Immediate Past President: Brigit Taylor • Treasurer: Veronica Bishop • Director: Tim Arnett • Director: Brianna Bentz • Director: Kate Deckenback
• Director: Kim Heaney • Director: Mia McCarthy • Director: Steve Parsons • Director: Rob Payne • Director: Frances Sterling
• Chief Executive Officer: Bernie Flax Enhancing Collaboration and Inclusivity
As a forward-looking governance enhancement, the 2024-2025 Board of Directors approved the creation of the Presidential Appointee for Affiliate Director . This new, non-voting position was established to strengthen collaboration between the association and our valued Affiliate partners. The role ensures the Affiliate perspective is consistently included in board-level discussions, fostering a more inclusive relationship that supports our collective mission. Incoming 2025-2026 President Terrence McGowan made the inaugural appointment, selecting Melissa Geeslin to serve in this important new capacity. A Year of Active Leadership Demonstrating a period of active leadership and decisive action, the Board of Directors approved 62 motions between November 1, 2024, and October 8, 2025. This high level of engagement reflects the board's commitment to addressing member needs, modernizing resources, and guiding the association's strategic direction. This commitment to sound governance ensures that the association remains agile, responsive, and focused on delivering direct benefits and services to our entire membership.
3.0 Membership: Our Foundation of Strength The vitality, influence, and success of the Coastal Association of REALTORS® are rooted in our members. A strong, engaged, and professional membership is the engine that powers our advocacy, fuels our community initiatives, and shapes the future of our industry on the Eastern Shore. This section provides an overview of our membership landscape from the past year. At the close of the reporting period, the Coastal Association of REALTORS® proudly served a total of 1,209 members . While reflecting broader industry trends with a slight contraction in overall numbers, our association's future remains bright as we proudly welcomed 84 new members through our orientation program—professionals who represent the next generation of leadership and service. We also extend special recognition to our 20 REALTOR® Member Emeritus group, whose decades of commitment were celebrated at our annual awards ceremony. This year they are as follows: Randall Bendler, Lester Chandler Jr., James Church, Daniel Clayland, Paul Faulstich Jr., William Helmuth Jr., Bobby Jester, Kimberly Lucido-McCabe, Robert Martin, Kevin McNamara, Linda Moran, Sharyn O'Hare, Marlene Ott, Katherine Panco, Dean Richardson, Bruce Ruark, Charles Shorley, John Talbott Jr, Michael Weisner. CONGRATULATIONS TO Michael Weisner was approved by the Maryland Board of Directors as MR Member Emeritus for 2026 for 50 years as a Maryland REALTOR® Palma Devic was approved by the Coastal Association Board of Directors as CAR Member Emeritus for 2026 for forty years of service in our association. Membership Snapshot The following table summarizes our key membership statistics as of November 30th 2025, with a comparison to the previous year.
Metric
2025 Count
2024 Count
Primary REALTOR® Members Secondary REALTOR® Members Primary Affiliate Members Secondary Affiliate Members
898 191
942 194
75 45
72 62
Sentrilock Active Users
922
908
A strong and active membership base is not just a measure of our health; it is the force that empowers our advocacy efforts and magnifies our collective voice on critical industry issues.
4.0 Coastal Association Advocacy in Action: Protecting and Promoting Our Industry Vigorous advocacy and political action are fundamental to the mission of the Coastal Association of REALTORS®. We are dedicated to protecting private property rights, promoting homeownership, and ensuring that the voice of our members and their clients is heard by lawmakers. This year, our collective efforts yielded significant achievements. Prestigious Triple Crown Award We are thrilled to announce that the Coastal Association of REALTORS® earned the prestigious Triple Crown Award from the National Association of REALTORS®. This honor recognizes our success in meeting and exceeding our REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) fundraising and participation goals. This achievement was made possible by the incredible commitment of our members. 2025 Coastal Association RPAC Highlights: • Total Contributions: $36,960 • Participating Members: 351 (a 37.17% participation rate) • Major Investors: 22 including 3 NEW Presidents Circle Members Monitoring Key Regional Issues Beyond our legislative agenda, the association remained vigilant in monitoring regional developments. We actively tracked the effects of the Federal Government shutdown on real estate services and kept members informed of the OC R1 & MH Ordinances, Referendum and Moratorium updates to advise their OC clients in those areas of the city. Advised of lawsuit Coastal joined with other area organizations coordinated by the Town of Ocean City, delays affecting Offshore Wind projects and how to donate to the cause if interested. Coastal continues monitoring ongoing septic issues on the Eastern Shore ensuring our members were prepared for potential market impacts. Our commitment to protecting the real estate industry is intrinsically linked to our dedication to strengthening the communities we serve.
5.0 Commitment to Community: The CAR Charitable Foundation The CAR Charitable Foundation embodies our members' deep-seated commitment to giving back to the communities where we live and work. The Foundation serves as our collective philanthropic arm, channeling the generosity of our REALTOR® and Affiliate members to support local non-profit organizations across the Eastern Shore. A Year of Generous Support Our major fundraising events were a resounding success, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of our members and the generous support of our sponsors. These efforts are a direct investment in the well-being of our local communities. 2025 Foundation Fundraising Totals: • Annual Golf Tournament: $14,476.42 • Foundation Spring Fling & Auction: $9,007.59 • Networking Committee Donation: $1,125.91 Impact and Financial Health This year, the CAR Charitable Foundation awarded 12,759.00 in grants to 19 deserving local organizations**, providing critical funding for their community-focused missions. As a result of strong fundraising and prudent management, the Foundation's account balance stood at **39,921.56 as of December 2025, positioning us to continue our impactful work in the year ahead. Investing in Future Leaders & Homeowners A highlight of our community work is our partnership with Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore . In our third year of an initial three-year commitment, we continued to support educational programs that foster the growth of future community leaders. The 2025 REALTOR® FAIR raised $5,148.70 , with all proceeds used to purchase items for student-run storefronts at the Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center, providing hands- on experience in business and financial literacy. The same spirit of collaboration that defines our community work also drives our efforts to provide exceptional events, education, and resources for our members.
6.0 Fostering Success: Education, Events, and Member Resources The Coastal Association of REALTORS® is committed to providing tangible value that enhances the success of every member. We achieve this through a robust offering of professional development opportunities, high- quality networking events, and essential resources designed to help you navigate the complexities of the real estate industry with confidence. Key Initiatives and Resources Throughout the year, our Board of Directors and committees took decisive action to improve and expand the tools available to our members. • New Educational Offerings: We approved a new "Best Practices Test Taking" licensing test prep course, to be offered twice a year, providing valuable support for aspiring REALTORS®. • Collaborative Training: To increase accessibility and value, we approved working with other local associations to offer required new member courses at no charge. • Forms Modernization: To ensure our members operate with the most current and legally sound tools, the association undertook a comprehensive modernization of our official forms library. This effort included removing five outdated documents, approving ten updated forms, and creating two important new disclosure forms: the "2025 OC Consumer Notice" and the "Lower Eastern Shore Septic Facts," enhancing legal protection and streamlining transactions. • Strategic Task Forces: To proactively address complex local issues, we formed dedicated task forces to review legal requirements related to HB107 and to examine septic issues in Wicomico County, ensuring members are equipped with the latest information. A Vibrant and Connected Membership Our calendar was filled with successful events that provided valuable opportunities for networking and professional connection. The annual Holiday Party, Bowling Event, Trivia Nights, and the highly anticipated Golf Tournament were well-attended, fostering a vibrant and supportive association culture. Strategic Investment in Our Future and Community In a significant move that reflects both sound financial planning and a deep commitment to our community, the association purchased Unit 107 in December 2024. This asset was subsequently leased to Unstoppable Joy , a non-profit organization dedicated to providing supportive services for cancer warriors and their caregivers. This strategic investment not only strengthens the association's financial position but also provides a home for a vital community partner, embodying our core values in a tangible way. Providing these essential services and resources is part of our commitment to fostering industry excellence, which we formally celebrate each year by recognizing our most distinguished members.
7.0 Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Member Awards The annual Awards and Installation Ceremony is the capstone of our year, a moment to celebrate the members who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, community service, and industry leadership. These individuals inspire their peers and elevate our profession through their exceptional contributions. We are honored to recognize the 2025 award recipients. Outstanding Affiliate Award The Capitol Title Ladies (Kathy, Pilar, and Maura) This award recognizes Affiliate Members who provide exemplary support to our association and the real estate community through their activity, support of education, and community service.
Rising Star Award - Bonnie Flinn This award honors a REALTOR® with four or fewer years of experience who has displayed remarkable dedication, professional competence, and active engagement in the industry.
O Outstanding Achievement Award - Kim Heaney This award celebrates a member's outstanding efforts and achievements in local, state, and national association activity, civic engagement, education, and business practices.
Good Neighbor Award - Michael Maykrantz This prestigious recognition celebrates a REALTOR® who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to community service and has made a significant positive impact on their community.
REALTOR® of the Year Lauren Bunting This is the highest honor bestowed upon a member, recognizing one who has done exceptional work to advance their association and the real estate industry, epitomizing what it means to be a REALTOR®.
Lifetime Achievement Award Sharyn O’Hare This distinguished award celebrates a lifetime of dedication, honoring an individual for their enduring commitment and profound contributions to the real estate industry and community over a remarkable career.
CEO ZEN Recognition The CEO ZEN Recognition was awarded to Chris Jett , acknowledging his quiet, dedicated service, steady presence, and the invaluable historical knowledge he has generously shared to support the CEO and association's leadership over many years.
KEY To The CITY of Ocean City was presented by Mayor Rick Mehan to Lauren Bunting for her professional and dedicated service to Coastal Association and property owners on the Eastern Shore. KEY To The CITY of Ocean City was presented by Mayor Rick Mehan to Chris Jett for his many years of professional and dedicated service to the Real Estate Industry on the Eastern Shore as well as his service on the Maryland REALTORS® Board of Directors for the past four years as their treasurer.
The excellence embodied by all of these individuals reflects our membership's commitment to their profession and the Real Estate Industry.
8.0 Financial Stewardship & Accountability A cornerstone of member trust and organizational stability is our unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparent financial management. The Coastal Association of REALTORS® prioritizes sound financial stewardship to ensure we can effectively serve our members and fulfill our mission for years to come. Independent Financial Audit In 2025, a full independent audit of the association's 2024 finances was conducted by the certified public accounting firm of PKS & Company, P.A. The auditors presented their findings to the Board of Directors, reporting that the financial statements were in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The audit identified no material modifications , affirming the association's strong financial health and management practices. Strategic Financial Decisions The Board of Directors made several key financial decisions during the year to protect and grow the association's assets and invest in its future. • Budget Approval: The Board reviewed and approved the proposed 2026 operating budget, ensuring resources are aligned with strategic priorities. • Investment Management: To optimize asset management and advisory services, the Board approved moving the association's investment accounts from Morgan Stanley to Coastal Wealth Management LLC. • Strategic Planning Investment: Recognizing the importance of long-term vision, the Board approved an expense of up to $25,000 for a comprehensive strategic planning session to be held in January 2026. This disciplined financial stewardship ensures the long-term health of our association and magnifies the impact of the generous contributions from our industry partners, whom we are honored to recognize next.
9.0 Acknowledging Our Valued 2024-2025 Partners We extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors, affiliates, and partners who generously supported the Coastal Association of REALTORS® throughout the 2024-2025 year. Your contributions are essential to our ability to host high-quality events, fund the charitable work of our Foundation, and advance our mission to serve the real estate community of the Eastern Shore. Your partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence and collaboration. 2024 Holiday Party • Authority Inspections • Bright Title and Settlement Services, LLC • Cardinal Settlements • CMG Home Loans • Eastern Title and Settlement
• Embrace Home Loans • Goosehead Insurance • Maryland Title Service • Pro-Spect Inspection Services • RTI-Solutions
2025 Bowling Event
• Authority Inspections • Bay Capital Mortgage • Brennan Title Company • Bright Title and Settlement Services, LLC • Capitol Title • Cardinal Settlements • Community Title Network • Direct Mortgage Loans – SDHW • Eastern Title and Settlement • Embrace Home Loans • Lakeside Title Company • Landmark Insurance – Financial Group • Movement Mortgage • PrimeLending • Whitecap Mortgage Delmarva Trivia Events • Brennan Title Company • Cardinal Settlements • Capitol Title • CMG Home Loans • Direct Mortgage Loans – SDHW • Eastern Title and Settlement • Goosehead Insurance • PrimeLending
2025 REALTOR® Fair & General Membership Meeting • Platinum: Eastern Title and Settlement • Gold: J of All Trades – The Lead Dude, Maryland REALTORS®, Northrop Realty, Sage Title Group, LLC, Surfside Media Productions, LLC, Whitecap Mortgage Delmarva • Silver: Achosa Home Warranty, American Home Shield, CK Capital Management Corp, Community Title Network, Deeley Insurance Group, Landmark Insurance – Financial Group, Lewis Woodwork, Mike’s Flooring and Design Center, Movement Mortgage, Osprey Title & Escrow, PRIMELENDING / Rod Flowers, Realty Exchange Corp., RTI-Solutions, Total Home Performance, Verizon Wireless • Bronze: Atlantic Tactical Firearm Trainers, Bank of Ocean City, Bay Drive Inc., Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, Blackwater Home Inspections, Brennan Title Company, Bright MLS, Capitol Title, Capturing Horizons Photography, Coastal Crawl Space, Community Title Network, Derrick Elzey State Farm Insurance, First Shore Federal, Goosehead Insurance – Melissa Geeslin, High Tech Home Inspections, House Master, Insight Homes, Kendall Home Furnishings, M J Property Inspections, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Maryland Title Service, Navy Federal Credit Union, OC Today – Dispatch, Seagull Disposal, Shore Thing Promotional Products, The Roberts Agency – Goosehead Insurance, Tidemark FCU, Whitehead Law LLC Coastal REALTORS® Foundation Spring Fling & Auction • Platinum Event Sponsor: Osprey Title & Escrow • Entertainment Sponsor: Pamela Price • Gold Sponsor: ERA Martin Associates • Silver Sponsors: Keller Williams Realty Delmarva, Lakeside Title Company, Pamela Price, Sea Grace at North Beach REALTORS® 2025 CAR Foundation Golf Tournament • Platinum / Lunch Sponsor: Cardinal Settlements • Orange Crush Sponsor: Maryland Title Service • Gold Sponsors: Bright Title and Settlement Services, LLC, Keller Williams Realty Delmarva, The Gold Standard Inspection Company • Silver Sponsors: 5 Star Plumbing Heating and Cooling, Bank of Ocean City, Brennan Title Company, Bright Home Group, Eastern Title and Settlement, Embrace Home Loans, ERA Martin Associates, Landmark Insurance – Financial Group, Movement Mortgage – Joe, Ocean Downs Casino, Sunshine Properties Inc, Vista Rooftop • Breakfast Sponsor: Goosehead Insurance • Beverage Sponsors: Coastal Resort Sales and Rent, Katherine Deckenback • Sweet Treat Sponsor: Whitehead Rental Management • Putting Contest Sponsor: PrimeLending • “Hit the Green” Sponsors: Coastal Lending Team of Luminate Bank, Osprey Title & Escrow, Pro- Spect Inspection Services • Tee Signage Sponsors: Authority Inspections, Capitol Title, CG Accounting Group LLC, High Tech Home Inspections, Pam Wadler, Reserve Studies of Delmarva LLC, Timothy Arnett, Whitehead Real Estate Executives, Whitehead Rental Management
J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake • Hospitality Tent Sponsors: Cardinal Settlements, Community Title Network, Express Broker Realty LLC, Whitehead Rental Management, Inc. 2025–2026 Installation & Awards Ceremony • Platinum Event Sponsor: Keller Williams Realty Delmarva • Gold Sponsor: Cardinal Settlements • Silver Sponsor: Direct Mortgage Loans – SDHW • Bronze Sponsors: Brennan Title Company, Bright MLS, Capitol Title, Goosehead Insurance, Sea Grace at North Beach REALTORS® • Individual Donation of Support: High Tech Home Inspections The Coastal Association of REALTORS® proudly recognizes the following organizations, businesses, and individuals for their partnership and support of our collaboration with Junior Achievement over the past three years . Their generosity and commitment have helped advance youth education, financial literacy, and career readiness throughout our region. Junior Achievement Partners (Alphabetical Order) • Bright MLS
• Brigit Taylor & Lauren Bunting • Buckley Property Services, LLC • Bunting Realty Inc. • Coastal Association of REALTORS® • Coastal Life Realty Group • Community Title Network • Eastern Title & Settlement • Embrace Home Loans $ • ERA Martin Associates – Salisbury & Berlin • Flax Family
• Fritchle/Barker Team • Griffin Higgins Team • High Tech Inspections • Maryland REALTORS® • Maryland Title Service • National Association of REALTORS® Grants totaling $22,500.00 over 3 years • North Beach REALTORS® • Weisner Real Estate • Whitecap Mortgage LLC • Whitehead Realty & Rentals
The Coastal Association of REALTORS® extends its sincere appreciation to these partners for their continued investment in our community and their support of programs that inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders.
10.0 Looking Forward: A Vision for 2026 As we closed a successful year, we enthusiastically welcome our incoming 2025-2026 President, Terrence McGowan . With his deep experience and dedication to our association, Terrence is poised to lead us into
another year of growth and achievement. A Message from the Incoming President
"It is a profound honor to step into the role of President for the Coastal Association of REALTORS®. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Lauren Bunting and the entire 2024-2025 Board of Directors for their exceptional leadership and for laying such a strong foundation. This report highlights a year of incredible accomplishment, driven by the engagement of our members and the support of our partners. As we look to the year ahead, we will build on this momentum. We will continue to champion robust advocacy, provide best-in-class professional development, and deepen our commitment to the communities we call home. I am inspired by the kindness, knowledge, and collaborative spirit that define this association. I look forward to serving you, listening to you, and working alongside you to ensure that the Coastal Association of REALTORS® remains an indispensable partner in your success. Let's enjoy the ride together and make 2026 a year of great achievement." — Terrence McGowan, 2025-2026 President Incoming 2025-2026 Board of Directors We are pleased to introduce the leadership team that will guide our association in the coming year.
Position
Name
President
Terrence McGowan
President-Elect Vice President
Steve Parsons Veronica Bishop Cameron Drew Lauren Bunting Mia McCarthy Tim Arnett Rob Payne Kim Heaney Brianna Bentz Lindsay Patten Bonnie Flinn Melissa Geeslin
Treasurer
Secretary-Treasurer/Elect Immediate Past President
1-Year Director 1-Year Director 2-Year Director 2-Year Director 3-Year Director 3-Year Director
Presidential Affiliate Director
The success of our association is a collective effort. We call on every member to remain engaged, to consider volunteering for a committee, and to continue contributing your voice and expertise. Together, we will ensure the Coastal Association of REALTORS® continues to thrive and effectively serve its members for years to come.
President Terrence McGowan
Treasurer Tim Arnett
President-Elect Steve Parsons
Vice President Veronica Bishop
Sec/Treasurer-Elect
Past-President Lauren Bunting
Director
Director
Cameron Drew
Mia McCarthy
Robert Payne
Director
Director
Director
Director
Affiliate Director
Brianna Bentz
Kim Heaney
Bonnie Flinn
Lindsay Patten
Melissa Geeslin
COMING IN 2026 Investing in Housing, Community, and the Future of CAR As we look ahead to 2026, the Coastal Association of REALTORS® remains committed to meaningful, member-driven initiatives that strengthen our communities and advance our mission. Three exciting initiatives are on the horizon—both rooted in strategic planning, member engagement, and the impactful work of the CAR Charitable Foundation. HomeStart Grant Program Launching in 2026, the HomeStart Grant Program will be a adding a new layer to the CAR Charitable Foundation , made possible through Member Led fundraising events and charitable initiatives such as the Golf Tournament and 2025 Spring Fling, reinforcing the vital connection between member participation, philanthropy, and real community impact. HomeStart Grant Program is designed to provide direct assistance through six (6) $1,000 grants annually , helping to support housing-related needs and promote stability within the communities we serve. These grants will reflect CAR’s ongoing commitment to advocacy, outreach, and strengthening homeownership opportunities on the Eastern Shore. More details regarding eligibility, application guidelines, and grant distribution will be shared and located on our website as the program is finalized. 🧭 2026 Strategic Planning Event CAR will host a Strategic Planning Event February2026, bringing together leadership, members, and stakeholders to chart the future direction of the Association. Guided by member feedback including insights from our annual member survey—this collaborative session will help ensure thoughtful growth, sound governance, and continued value for our membership. Together, these initiatives represent CAR’s commitment to purposeful planning, charitable impact, and member-focused leadership . We look forward to sharing more details in the coming months and encourage members to stay engaged as we build toward a strong and impactful 2026—together.
Junior Achievement Partnership The Board of Directors approved an extension of the Coastal Association of REALTORS®’ partnership with Junior Achievement for an additional three years , continuing CAR’s commitment to youth education and financial literacy. This partnership includes the rental of a Junior Achievement storefront, allowing CAR members and brokers to actively engage with students through hands-on learning experiences. Brigit Taylor , 2024 Past President of the Coastal Association of REALTORS®, has volunteered to serve as Chair of the Junior Achievement Partnership Fundraising Committee . Her committee leadership and commitment will play a key role in supporting CAR’s continued partnership with Junior Achievement and advancing fundraising efforts that expand educational opportunities for students throughout our region. CAR Teach a Kid Volunteer Day As part of this continued collaboration, CAR Teach a Kid Volunteer Day will take place on March 4, 2025 . This impactful event provides members with the opportunity to volunteer directly with students, sharing real- world knowledge about careers, finances, and the importance of homeownership. Volunteer sign-ups are now available. Members interested in participating or learning more are encouraged to contact Kim at the CAR office for additional information.
2026 Maryland REALTORS® Legislative Priorities Looking ahead, our Maryland REALTORS® Advocacy team headed by Lisa May, has identified several key priorities for the upcoming 2026 legislative session. Our proactive agenda is focused on creating a more favorable business environment for our members: • Protecting members and consumers by streamlining the process for obtaining Condo and HOA documents and eliminating excessive expedition fees. • Expanding professional flexibility by advocating for legislation that allows licensees to act as transactional brokers. • Safeguarding consumer rights by reforming the 40-Year Homeowner Benefit Agreement to protect property owners from predatory practices. • Providing regulatory certainty for development by requiring early vesting for projects, ensuring rules are not changed mid-stream. • Addressing housing affordability by promoting Single Family Zoning Reform to allow for "middle housing" options.
2025 Maryland REALTORS® Legislative Wins and Losses REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE, LICENSING AND CONTRACTS
HB 124/SB 160 Assignment of Contracts of Sale – Disclosure and Rescission PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Support
A “wholesaler” must provide a disclosure to both the property seller and prospective buyer if a contract will be assigned. If the disclosure is not provided, the contract to purchase may be terminated without penalty prior to settlement.
HB 972/SB 680 Real Estate Commission - Continuing Education Requirements PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Support Continuing Education requirements for licensees are adjusted as follows: Fair Housing hours are increased from 1.5 to 2.0; separate BRAD and BRAD-SD classes are combined; commercial practitioners are required to complete 2.0 hours of ADA compliance; broker supervision is reduced to 1.5 hours; and, the CE course approval process is standardized across all classes. HB 482 Occupational Licensing - Criminal History Predetermination Review Process PASSED – Effective July 1, 2025 POSITION: Support Individuals may request an upfront review of their criminal history to determine whether they would be disqualified from obtaining an occupational license or certificate. HB 606/SB 441 New Home Sales - Entry of Final Sale Price in Multiple Listing Service DID NOT PASS POSITION: Support with Amendments A developer, builder, broker, or real estate agent would be required to enter the final sale price of a new home into a multiple listing service. HB 895/SB 279 Employment and Insurance Equality for Service Members Act PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Support This bill extends state licensing and fee provisions currently offered to active-duty military and veterans to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Public Health Service. SB 815 Occupational Licensing and Certification - Criminal History Disclosure DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose as Introduced REALTORS ® successfully amended this bill to remove real estate from the category of licenses where criminal history review would be limited and licenses could not be denied from issuance.
HOUSING SUPPLY AND AFFORDABILITY
SB 891/HB 1466 Land Use and Real Property - Accessory Dwelling Units PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Support
Local governments will be required to enact ordinances allowing for the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units on single-family detached residential properties by October 2026. SB 46 Wrongful Detainer - Time of Hearing and Service of Process PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Support This bill creates an expedited wrongful detainer process to assist with fraudulent possession of residential properties by squatters. Court hearings to return possession of properties to the owner must occur in no more than 10 days following the filing of the complaint. HB 503/SB 430 Housing Development Act DID NOT PASS POSITION: Support Introduced as the Housing for Jobs Act, this bill would have provided additional regulatory certainty for housing developers and calculated the housing gaps which exist in each locality. HB 38 School Construction and Housing - Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances DID NOT PASS POSITION: Support with Amendments Local governments could not delay housing developments for more than four years under Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances for school capacity. HB 80/SB 190 Land Use - Transit-Oriented Development DID NOT PASS POSITION: Support Approved transit-oriented developments would be exempted from certain local requirements, including parking, height restrictions or setbacks, and must allow mixed use development. HB 249/SB 125 Local Limits on Summoning Law Enforcement or Emergency Services PASSED – Effective July 1, 2025 POSITION: Support Local jurisdictions are currently prohibited from enacting laws limiting calls to emergency services. This bill clarifies that they are also prohibited from enforcing such ordinances that were previously passed. HB 489/SB 436 Study on Single-Staircase Building Code Requirements PASSED – Effective July 1, 2025 POSITION: Support The Maryland Department of Labor to study building code requirements for single-staircase buildings and make other recommendations to increase affordable housing options.
HB 1061 State-Owned Property - Inventory and Disposition - Housing DID NOT PASS POSITION: Support with Amendments Each state agency would be required to report to the Department of Planning on excess property that would be suitable for redevelopment as housing, and set housing production goals for those properties.
HB 1193 Maryland Housing Data Transparency Act PASSED – Effective July 1, 2025
POSITION: Support This bill requires counties with at least 150,000 residents to make quarterly reports to the Department of Planning outlining the number and type of residential building permits issued by that county, beginning on January 1, 2027. Smaller jurisdictions may submit this same information.
FAIR HOUSING
HB 13 Real Property - Residential Contracts of Sale - Buyer Privacy Rights DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose This bill would prohibit the name of an individual buyer from being included in a contract of sale until after the seller of the property had accepted the contract. HB 242 Discrimination in Housing - Consumer Credit History WITHDRAWN POSITION: Oppose Adds consumer credit history as a protected class for housing and related services, preventing screening or qualifications based upon their credit history, creditworthiness or credit capacity. POSITION: Support If passed, this bill would conform Maryland to the federal standard of one-party consent for audio and video recording if the purpose of that recording is to enforce fair housing laws. HB 896/SB 677 Income-Based Housing Subsidies DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose If using housing assistance to pay rent, a landlord could not have refused to rent based on the prospective tenant’s income, credit score, lack of credit score, or adverse credit history. HB 1239 Housing Discrimination - Regulations, Intent, and Discriminatory Effect DID NOT PASS POSITION: Support This bill would have inserted federal standards on disparate impact evaluations and local requirements to affirmatively further Fair Housing into state law. HB 392/SB 107 Fair Housing Testing DID NOT PASS SB 484/HB 487 Unhoused Individuals - Rights, Civil Action, and Affirmative Defense DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose This provided unhoused individuals certain rights relating to engaging in “life-sustaining activities,” but would have intruded upon private property rights in some instances. SB 514/HB 1077 Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose If passed, a landlord would have been restricted from using a prospective tenant’s criminal history records in making a conditional offer to rent, and could only consider certain criminal history thereafter.
TAX RATES AND CREDITS
HB 23 Property Taxes - Special Rate for Commercial and Industrial Property DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose Localities would be able to establish a subclass of commercial and industrial property and set special property tax rates for financing transportation or education needs. HB 87/SB 132 Short-Term Rentals and Home Amenity Rentals - Regulation DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose This bill would have applied hotel health and safety requirements to short-term rental units and home amenities, and allowed localities to define “high-intensity” usage of those rentals. HB 342 State Transfer Tax – Rates and Distribution of Revenue DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose A graduated tax rate structure for residential and nonresidential transactions would be imposed, resulting in over $100 million in additional transfer taxes on real estate annually. HB 390/SB 327 Affordable Housing Payment In Lieu of Taxes Expansion Act PASSED – Effective June 1, 2025 POSITION: Monitor Operators of rental housing developments may enter into payment in lieu of taxes with local governments for maintaining at least 25% of the units as affordable. HB 641 State Property Tax - Transportation Funding Act of 2025 DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose The Governor would be required to submit a proposal for a State property tax to support transportation projects and programs each year.
HB 698/SB 814 Development Impact Fees, Surcharges, and Excise Taxes - Reporting PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Support
By July 1, each county must annually report to the Governor and the General Assembly information relating to the collection and expenditure of development impact fees, surcharges, or excise taxes over the prior year HB 1428/SB 582 Sale of Residential Property - Taxes and Offers to Purchase DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose This bill would have imposed excise taxes on properties owned by hedge funds, as well as a 30-day lockout period and 15% transfer tax on properties sold to investors.
HB 1014/SB 859 Fair Share for Maryland Act of 2025 DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose Among its many provisions, this act would have lowered estate tax thresholds from $5 million to $2 million and imposed additional taxes on pass-through entities. HB 1554 Sales and Use Tax - Taxable Business Services DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose While scaled back from the 2024 version, this bill would have imposed a 2.5% services tax on accounting, consulting, photography, advertising and financial services provided in the state. SB 979 Short-Term Rentals - Tax Collection by Comptroller PASSED – Effective July 1, 2027 POSITION: Support Short-term rental platforms with at least 200 bookings or $100,000 in revenue will collect and remit the applicable hotel occupancy tax to the Comptroller, which will then be distributed to the respective county where the rental is located.
COMMON OWNERSHIP COMMUNITIES
HB 292/SB 63 Funding of Reserve Accounts and Preparation of Funding Plans PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Support This bill grants additional flexibility to meet required reserve funding requirements and creates a financial hardship process to alter approved reserve funding plans for up to 1 fiscal year. HB 294/SB 71 Task Force on Common Ownership Communities DID NOT PASS POSITION: Support with Amendments This bill would have created a Task Force to study the education and training needs of common ownership community boards and new and prospective owners in these communities. HB 303 Regulation of Common Ownership Community Managers DID NOT PASS POSITION: Support If passed, this bill would have created a state board within the Department of Labor to oversee the licensing of community managers. HB 306/SB 866 Common Ownership Communities - Ombudsman DID NOT PASS POSITION: Support This would have created an Ombudsman Unit in the Office of the Attorney General to respond to complaints and established a database of governing documents accessible to the public. HB 1211 Common Ownership Communities - Online Publication of Resale Disclosures DID NOT PASS POSITION: Support Associations would be required to publish all resale disclosures that are not specific to a particular unit on their webpage without cost to view or download. HB 1411/SB 1011 Insufficient Condominium Reserve Account Grant Fund - Establishment DID NOT PASS POSITION: Support with Amendments Low- income condominium owners would have access to a grant fund to pay increased assessments resulting from reserve account funding requirements.
ROPERTY MANAGEMENT HB 273 Late Payment Penalties - Calculation PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025
POSITION: No Position Landlords may charge a late penalty of 5% of the amount of the unpaid rent rather than of the total amount due. HB 709/SB 651 Residential Leases - Local Good Cause Termination Provisions DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose If enacted in the county, landlords would be required to renew a tenant’s lease unless certain conditions are met or the tenant commits specified violations of the lease. POSITION: Oppose as Introduced Landlords will provide notice to a tenant when a court has issued a warrant of restitution for a failure of a tenant to pay rent, a breach of lease, or a tenant holding over listing the initial date of eviction as set by the courts. HB 1076 Landlord and Tenant - Notice of Landlord Entry PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Oppose as Introduced A landlord must provide written notice to the tenant at least 24 hours prior to planned entry into the unit, unless an emergency exists. A landlord may only enter between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, or as agreed to by the tenant. HB 767 Notice Procedures for Evictions PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 HB 1152/SB 896 Pet Policy Disclosure (Pet Policy Transparency Act) PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Oppose as Introduced Landlords must provide the property's pet policy on the property's website and as part of an application form for a rental unit on the property. SB 609/HB 817 Use of Algorithmic Device by Landlord to Determine Rent DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose Landlord may not use algorithmic devices or software to determine the amount of rent to charge a residential tenant. Future use would violate the Maryland Consumer Protection Act.
SB 32 Expedited Hearing and Service of Summons for Active Duty Service Members PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Support
The District Court shall hold a hearing on a tenant holding over within 45 days if the landlord or the landlord's spouse is on active duty with the United States military. The use of private service of process is also allowed if the summons is not delivered within 10 days.
SB 856 Maryland Tenant Mold Protection Act PASSED – Effective July 1, 2025
POSITION: Oppose as Introduced This requires a landlord to provide the informational pamphlet on mold to each tenant at the time the lease is signed and at tenant request; perform a mold assessment within 15 days after notice; and remediate mold within 45 days after the assessment is completed, if possible.
LAND USE, PROPERTY RIGHTS, AND THE ENVIRONMENT
HB 4/SB 120 Restrictions on Use - Solar Collector Systems PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Support Restrictions that increase the cost of the installation of a solar collector system by more than 5% or reduce the energy generation by 10% are prohibited. HB 49 Building Energy Performance Standards - Alterations and Analysis PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Oppose as Introduced Initially, this bill would have charged a fee for buildings that did not meet energy usage requirements. As amended, this bill certifies county building energy programs and excludes emissions from public health and safety facilities. HB 212 Building Standards – Fossil Fuel Use and Electric–Ready Standards DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose All new buildings would be required to meet all energy demands without the use of fossil fuels by January 1, 2026. HB 671 On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems - Climate Vulnerable Areas WITHDRAWN POSITION: Oppose This bill would have prohibited the installation of new on-site sewage disposal systems and limited the replacement of existing systems in climate vulnerable areas. HB 747 On-Site Wastewater Systems - Requirements for Inspection and Pumping DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose as Introduced This bill would have required septic inspections and pump outs for each rental property at change of tenancy and for all properties during a home sale.
HB 973/SB 804 Better Buildings Act of 2025 DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose New buildings and significant improvements of buildings would meet all water and space heating demands without the use of fossil fuels, meet energy conservation requirements, and meet an electric- and solar-ready standard.
SB 117/HB 131 Bay Restoration Fund - Septic System Upgrade Program PASSED – Effective July 1, 2026 POSITION: Support
This bill modifies the prioritization and eligibility for projects that receive funding from the Bay Restoration Fund’s (BRF) septics account, adding failing systems in the broader Chesapeake Bay watershed and those in the 500-year floodplain.
COMMERCIAL AND AFFILIATED INDUSTRIES
HB 347/SB 150 Real Property – Recordation and Land Records – Requirements PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Monitor This bill makes technical changes to reflect electronic filing of documents, formatting of filings, and removes outdated references. HB 1021 Real Estate Appraisers - Licensure and Certification PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Support This bill exempts applicants from needing to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher to qualify for licensure as a real estate appraiser or certification as a residential real estate appraiser. HB 1151 Residential Real Property Sales – Appraisals DID NOT PASS POSITION: Support with Amendments Appraisers would have been required to consider information provided by buyers and sellers, and would have created a state process for reconsideration of appraised values for properties. HB 1516/SB 1026 Maryland Secondary Market Stability Act of 2025 PASSED – Effective Upon Enactment POSITION: Support This bill clarifies the state licensing requirements for passive trusts and other financial services providers, maintaining the ability of mortgage loans to be securitized on the secondary market. SB 218/HB 264 Professional Licenses - Suspension and Revocation for Workplace Fraud WITHDRAWN POSITION: Monitor Certain state licensing authorities would be required to suspend or revoke licensees who are reported by the Commissioner of Labor to have committed workplace fraud.
SB 689/HB 1018 Conventional Home Mortgage Loans - Assumption and Disclosures PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Support with Amendments
This bill requires banking institutions, credit unions, and mortgage lenders to include a provision in all conventional home mortgage loans that allows any of the existing borrowers to assume the mortgage in the event of a divorce. This applies to both new and existing mortgages.
FY 2026 STATE BUDGET
HB 352 Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act PASSED – Effective Beginning June 1, 2025
POSITION: Oppose as Introduced The Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act was amended several times over the course of the session. REALTORS ® had opposed measures to reduce the estate tax, discontinue opportunity zone credits, and eliminate itemization on state tax returns. The final version makes several changes: • Itemization: Increasing the standard deduction by 20%, while gradually phasing out itemized deductions for those with adjusted gross incomes above $200,000 • Income Taxes: Adds two new income tax brackets: o 6.25% for single filers of $500,000-$1 million and joint filers of $600,000-$1.2 million o 6.5% for single filers above $1 million and joint filers above $1.2 million • Capital Gains: Establishes a 2% surcharge on net capital gains if adjusted gross income is above $350,000. This does not apply to the gains from the sale of real property used as a primary residence sold for less than $1.5 million. • Technology Taxes: Imposes a 3% tax on data and IT services provided within Maryland, based upon federally defined categories, while excluding certain cloud computing, cyber security, and other emerging technology services. • Removal of Tax Exemptions: Repeals current exemptions for sales of photography used in advertising, sales of coins or bullion over $1,000, and vending machine sales. • Local Income Taxes: Local governments are authorized to increase the local income tax rate from 3.2% to 3.3%. • New vehicle fees and taxes: Includes increases to increase: o titling fees to $200; o excise tax rates to 6.5%’ o annual registration fees for passenger, truck, multipurpose and rental vehicles; o rental car taxes to 3.5%; and, o $5 fee per tire purchased.
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