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The Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce organized last week a one-year anniversary and ribbon cutting ceremony for Dazzle Gift Shop, located at 11312 Manklin Creek Road, Suite #5 in Ocean Pines. Above, owner Joyce Landsman is surrounded by supporters. Photo by Jeanette Deskiewicz
Monthly Market Update
BERLIN – Pending sales on the Lower Eastern Shore saw a significant increase in November, according to the latest figures from the Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR).
This graphic details November’s real estate market data, courtesy of the Coastal Association of Realtors. Submitted Image
CAR’s local housing statistics for November 2015 showed an overall 20.4-percent increase in pending sales or contracts compared to the same time last year in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties.
Most notably, contracts for single family homes in Somerset County increased by a whopping 122.2 percent. Single family home contracts in Wicomico County increased by 18.3 percent and remained flat in Worcester County.
Settlements of single family homes and condominiums were down across the board, with the exception of a slight increase in settlements of condominiums in Somerset County.
Local inventory continues to decline, this month decreasing by 13.9 percent compared to the same time last year in all three counties. Listing and sales prices were up by 7.8 percent and 10.1 percent, respectively, compared to October 2015. This is reflective of a national trend of decreased inventory resulting in increased prices. However the ratio of homes that are selling at or close to their listing prices is up in all three counties, which reflects more accurate appraisals and the expertise of local REALTORS® who know their products.
“We traditionally see a dip in sales during this time of the year, as the weather gets colder and prospective clients shift their focus to the holidays and their families,” said CAR President Linda Moran. “Rising prices and soon-to-be increased mortgage interest rates may impact the local market in the new year. But our REALTORS® are dedicated to helping their clients figure out to make their dreams of home ownership or second home ownership come true.”
Certification Obtained
Connie Patterson
BERLIN — Raymond M. Thompson, President and CEO of Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company in Berlin, has announced that Connie Patterson has passed the Accredited Automated Clearing House Professional exam and now holds the prestigious certification of an Accredited ACH Professional.
By achieving this certification, Patterson possesses a comprehensive knowledge of all areas of automated electronic payments, a deep understanding of and experience in one or more specific ACH subjects, and a broad knowledge of concepts that relate to the electronic payment system as a whole. This credential is governed by National Automated Clearing House Association, the nationally recognized electronic payments association.
Seasoning Line Released
REHOBOTH BEACH — SoDel Concepts, a Rehoboth Beach, Delaware-based hospitality group with eight coastal restaurants, recently released SoDel Sea Salts, a series of seasoning flavors.
The line was inspired by the success of Matt’s Homemade Papa Grande’s Sea Salts, whose flavors, Jalapeno Lime and Chipotle, pay homage to Latin cuisine.
“They were so popular that we decided to expand our offerings,” said Doug Ruley, corporate chef for SoDel Concepts, which also owns Plate Catering, the food truck Big Thunder Roadside Kitchen and hospitality management and consulting divisions. “Our salts were created for the home cook, who can stock their pantries with a go-to mix of herbs, spices and salts that will help make dinner more fun and flavorful.”
The line includes Summer Lemon Zest (sea salt, lemon zest and curry powder), Black Pepper Fennel (sea salt, peppercorn, toasted fennel seed, bay leaf) and Bay Spice (sea salt, paprika, black pepper, celery seed).
Ruley said the flavors were designed to complement foods popular in Delaware. For instance, Bay Spice is with excellent with shellfish, including crab. Summer Lemon Zest works well with chicken, most proteins and produce. Black Pepper Fennel is ideal in tomato-based fish stews.
SoDel Salts, priced at $5 a tin, are available at six SoDel Concepts restaurant locations.
Advisor Joins Firm
OCEAN CITY — Insurance Management Group, Inc. welcomes licensed insurance advisor Christena King to its Personal Lines department.
Qualified to provide property and casualty insurance, King brings over 12 years of personal insurance experience and hold licenses in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.
King earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore.
“I am excited to join Insurance Management Group, and I look forward to adding a personal touch, that is the hallmark of this agency,” King said.
Insurance Management Group specializes in providing insurance in the coastal areas, which have special insurance needs and requirements. Examples of companies and organizations we insure include condominium associations, hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments. In addition to commercial risks we also can insure homeowners, automobile, boat, condominium unit (HO-6) and other personal insurance needs.
Designations Achieved
BERLIN – Four members of the Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR) recently earned their Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
Securing the new GRI designation were Ann Englehart, Coldwell Banker Residential, 104th Street, Ocean City; Heidi Hunt, Re/Max Crossroads, Ocean City; Matthew Shawn, Holiday Real Estate, Ocean City; and Frances Sterling, ERA Martin & Associates, Salisbury
The GRI is the nation’s number one designation within the real estate industry. Designees complete 90 hours of specific education outlined by NAR, with curriculum topics including valuation, law, finance, real estate investment, taxation, ethics, construction and land use, to name a few.
Buying property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it’s often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated. New technology, laws, procedures and increasing sophistication of buyers and sellers requires real estate practitioners to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism.
REALTORS® are required to complete annual Continuing Education training, which is offered by CAR. The GRI designation helps develop and hone skills that are introduced during required training.
“On behalf of the Coastal Association of REALTORS®, I’d like to congratulate Ann, Heidi, Matthew and Frances on this accomplishment,” said CAR President Linda Moran. “All of our REALTORS® are top notch professionals, but the GRI designation really enhances that knowledge and truly sets REALTORS® up for success. The designation makes these members stand out; and rightfully so, as it’s hard work to earn the GRI.”
Discount Cards Available
BERLIN – The Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR) is selling discount cards to raise money for the Wicomico and Worcester County chapters of Habitat for Humanity.
The cards are $10 each and list 15 discounts that are valuable for homeowners. The cards are good through Dec. 31, 2016.
Several local businesses agreed to honor discounts on the cards.
“We felt these discounts would be appropriate for our industry and serve to support local homeownership,” said Dan Varda, 2015-16 Chair of the CAR Community Involvement Committee, which is spearheading the fundraiser. “Our members can use them as settlement gifts and they’re great holiday gifts for the general public, too.”
To purchase a card, contact Sarah Rayne, Government & Public Affairs Director, at 410-641-4409 or [email protected].