Privacy Policy
Howard County Association of REALTORS®
Highlights From 2009
October 30, 2009

Dear REALTOR® and Affiliate Members:

It has been a year of revitalization at the Howard County Association of REALTORS® and we want to thank you for all your support and commitment. Below is a list of some of the many highlights your Association was involved with on your behalf during the past year:

  • CRS classes come to Howard County
  • Night and weekend CE classes are offered at the HCAR office
  • Spring Fling and RENO Day are back and popular as ever
  • You exceeded your RPAC goal by raising over $25,000 to support your profession
  • The Young Professional's Network hosted a successful event and raised over $10,000
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  • Local Legislative Accomplishments:
    • Received a foreclosure grant from the National Association of REALTORS® and are working with the Housing Department on the implementation
    • Participated in two Housing Fairs and taught CreditSmart at one of those
    • Taught financial literacy courses to ESOL students in high schools throughout county

  • State Legislative Accomplishments:
    • Answered call to action and helped to stop a poorly written Septic Bill from coming into Howard County

  • National Legislative Accomplishments:
    • Were instrumental in delivering RPAC checks to Ben Cardin and were the voice of extending the $8,000 Tax Credit and asking for a moratorium on HVCC appraisal companies
    • Met with every member of Congress who represents Howard County on the extension of the tax credit
    • Are working with MAR and NAR in raising FHA Loan limits

In addition, which most of you know, there are many benefits, both small and large in belonging to a local Association, and we want to list just a few of these that your Membership in Howard County brings to you as a Real Estate Professional. Please take advantage of these as they are provided to you at either low or no cost:

  • Assistance from the Maryland Association "Legal Hotline"
  • Assistance from the Maryland Association "Technology Helpline"
  • MRIS Discount
  • Mediation Services
  • Local, State & National Lobbying Presence - "Protecting Your Profession"
  • Various Leadership & Networking Opportunities
  • JOIN A COMMITTEE & VOLUNTEER THIS YEAR! WE WANT YOUR IDEAS!

Please see a sample and link to your 2009-10 dues notice that is due no later than close of business on December 31, 2009. You will notice an increase in your local Association dues, as voted on by your Board of Directors. We have been able to forego a dues increase through the last few years, but this year, we know based upon the lack of increases in the past, an extra $10 investment in your local Association we feel you would agree is a good investment. In addition, please make sure to support your profession by making that ever so critical RPAC contribution. It goes to support many issues that benefit you and the industry. (SEE LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS ABOVE).

We do recognize you have a choice in belonging to a local Association and we want to thank you for continuing your Membership in Howard County. Please feel free to contact your Board of Director Representative, Committee Chair, or the staff if you need information or assistance with anything. We are here to support you and the profession you work in and it is our pleasure in doing so.

Here's to a great, fun and successful year.

Sincerely,

Bianca Smith
2009-10 President

 
 
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