May Housing Update
BERLIN – Listings, contracts, settlements and sale prices all increased in the local housing market throughout May, according to the latest numbers from the Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR).
The graphic sums up housing statistics for May, courtesy of the Coastal Association of Realtors. Submitted Image
May 2017 saw a 16.3 percent overall increase in single family home and condominium contracts compared to the same time last year in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. Individually, single family home contracts increased by 83.3 percent in Somerset, by 29.8 percent in Wicomico, and by 4.7 percent in Worcester. Condominium contracts increased by 14.3 percent in Wicomico and by 5.2 percent in Worcester. No condominium contracts were recorded in Somerset.
Settlements were up in the overall tri-county area by 16 percent. Individually, single family home settlements were up by 11.1 in Wicomico and were down by 3.7 percent in Worcester and by 31.2 percent in Somerset. Condominium settlements were by up 200 percent in Somerset, by 71.4 percent in Wicomico, and by 33.6 percent in Worcester.
Listings were up overall by 4.2 percent. Individually, single family home listings were up by 33.3 percent in Somerset, by 8.3 percent in Wicomico, and by 10.7 percent in Worcester. Condominium listings were up by 53.8 percent in Wicomico and were down by 14.1 percent in Worcester. Condominium listings in Somerset remained the same.
Days on market was down overall by 18 percent. Listing prices were up by 17.5 percent and sale prices were up by 17 percent.
“It’s a great time to be in the real estate business on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore,” said CAR President Don Bailey. “Contracts and settlements are both up and we’re seeing increased inventory with increased prices. Also, days on market was down, which means people are heading to the settlement table much faster than they were this time last year.”
Nurse Of Year Named
BERLIN — National Nurses Week kicked off at Atlantic General Hospital on May 7 to celebrate the far-reaching, yet intimate, role nurses play in helping patients feel better, heal faster, and stay well. As part of the week’s events, Atlantic General recognized Niki Morris as its Nurse of the Year for 2017.
Niki Morris
One nomination stated, “she exemplifies the true definition of what is a nurse.” Morris is described as a nurse with impeccable ethics and professionalism who continuously focuses on the patient by demonstration of teamwork throughout every department. Morris recently achieved her certification in critical care nursing.
“Described as a mentor, an educator, a leader and someone who inspires passion, Morris’ nominations cited multiple examples of care above and beyond the call of duty. She makes me proud to be in the nursing profession,” said Colleen Wareing, vice president of patient care services at Atlantic General Hospital.
On receiving the Nurse of the Year award, Morris said, “I am humbled and honored to be acknowledged for what I love to do and especially by my peers. I am fortunate to be able to work with and learn from such amazing people in an awesome hospital such as Atlantic General.”
Nick Bartolomeo
Other nominees included Donya Smith, Jeannie Keagle, Lynn Morin, Nettie Widgeon, Sherri Candeloro, Iris Hudson, Kelly Fox and Mary Bratten. A subcommittee of the Professional Nurse Council selects the recipient from a pool of those nominated by fellow AGH associates.
The 2017 Friend of Nursing was awarded to a volunteer for the first time ever. Nick Bartolomeo was nominated by multiple staff and was described as one of the hardest working individuals at AGH.
Elizabeth Weaver, case manager and chair of the Professional Nursing Council, said, “We have an incredible team of professionals, dedicated nurses and associates. All are committed to providing quality care and personalized service to members and visitors of the community. We congratulate this year’s Nurse and Friend of Nursing for a job well done and upholding such high standards of service and care.”