MSBR Newsletter  July 22, 2025

Your value doesn’t decrease on someone’s inability to see your worth. Quote from Berne Brown

Several changes were made to the Down Payment Grant program and are in effect.

Link to the new application

Change 1: 

The buyer's agent must be a member of MSBR and in the event the buyer is not represented by a buyer's agent, then the seller's agent must be a member of MSBR.

Change 2: 

Applicants must use a title company and a lender who are both dues paying members of MSBR. The applicant must produce a mortgage pre-approval letter from a MSBR lender who has been trained in the Down Payment Grant program.

Change 3:   

That the buyer not have the ability to put down more than 20%.

Change 4: 

That the applicant initial that they agree with having their picture taken for grant promotional purposes, such as Mid-Shore’s website, social media posts, or events sponsored by Mid-Shore or in the local paper. MSBR will not turn down someone for the grant should they not want their picture used in the paper or in social media.

Have you Updated your MSBR Profile?

If the public searches for you on the MSBR website...what will they see? 

Will they see your picture, contact info and website?  

We're excited to remind you about the MSBR Info Hub, our membership information system.  This platform gives you easy access to a variety of member services, including:

• Personalized Member Profile – Update your directory listing with your logo, photos, contact info, and more.

Resources – Find key documents, newsletters, and useful links all in one place.

Events – Browse and register for upcoming events.

Continuing Education – Sign up for CE courses directly through the portal.

Billing – View invoices and manage your billing details securely.

Directory Search – Connect with fellow Realtors®, affiliate members, and offices.

Need your login details or having trouble accessing Info Hub?
Contact MSBR and we'll be happy to assist you!

An e-mail went out to all MSBR members to access and update your business information.  If you did not receive it, contact the MSBR office and we will resend the link.

410-822-8767

debbie@msbrmd.com

susan@msbrmd.com 

The IDEA Committee toured the Harriett Tubman National Park 

• Did You Know:  During the Civil War, Harriett Tubman became the first woman to lead an armed military raid in June 1863. She was also a Union scout, spy, and nurse.

Support the Affiliates who support You

Thank you, Affiliates for teaching continuing education classes, hosting Lunch & Learns, networking events,  sponsoring fundraisers and the annual installation. 

If you are using someone NOT on the Affiliate list, please encourage them to be a part of the MSBR team. 

to see the full list of preferred providers click here.

Early bird registration is NOW OPEN for

Maryland REALTORS Annual Conference.

Fun & Educational

October 20-23, 2025  
Roland E. Powell Convention Center
Ocean City, Maryland 21842

This year's conference is set to be inspiring and impactful, with an incredible lineup of speakers, dynamic workshops, and endless networking opportunities. As a valued member, secure your spot at this premier event!

Member Pricing

Early bird: June 2nd - August 21st: $195

Regular: August 22nd - October 12th: $295

Onsite: October 19th - October 23rd: $395

*Note: Online registration closes October 12th  

“This collaboration between Stellar MLS, CRMLS and Bright MLS marks a defining moment in our shared commitment to delivering unmatched value to our mutual customers,” said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS, in a statement. “By connecting the three largest MLSs in the nation, we are breaking down regional barriers while empowering agents and brokers with seamless data access, expanded referral opportunities and a stronger foundation to serve their consumers.”

The new agreement represents a closer collaboration between MLSs that claim around 280,000 total members and 230,000 listings. For subscribers to the MLSs, the new partnership offers domestic coverage of 10 states and territories: Florida, Puerto Rico, California, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Military Relocation Professional (MRP)

Designation Class

is being offered virtually. 

 Oct 28th & 30th from 1:00pm-4:00pm

The instructor for this course is Cammie Reed.  

Early bird registration is until August 31st for $89.00.

Sept 1 - Oct 27 the cost is $109.00.

This is being offered by Anne Arundel Association

and is open to all Maryland REALTORS. 

More Information to follow but if interested you can connect with

Chris at 410-822-8767 or chris@msbrmd.com 

Advance your real estate expertise with the REALTOR® Store's Summer Sale. NAR members save 25% on premium educational resources through July 28. Invest in your success and grab these exclusive deals before they're gone. Shop Exclusive Deals! https://store.realtor/sale/

FHFA's credit scoring change will give buyers a boost

In a move supported by the National Association of REALTORS®, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will begin accepting VantageScore 4.0 for mortgage underwriting, either alongside or in place of traditional FICO scores. "This is a major step toward a more accurate and equitable mortgage underwriting process, one that considers timely rent, utility, and telecom payments as indicators of creditworthiness," says NAR Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn.  Full Story: REALTOR® Magazine

Make Agent Safety Second Nature

Does your brokerage have a policy requiring new and potential clients to show identification? if not, get started on a plan—or update your current one—with these turnkey forms.

Brokers, tap other NAR resources to lead trainings and start conversations that make safety a habit, not an afterthought.

SentriLock Update

As a member of MSBR your SentriLock dues include your lock boxes. No additional cost for boxes like other Associations charge, saving you hundreds of dollars each year. 

Interested in having a voice in the Association?  Consider serving on the MSBR Board or on a Committee. 

Board of Directors meets 6 times a year for about 1.5 hours.  

MSBR Committees are open to all Affiliates & REALTORS

IDEA: Meets monthly and discusses ways to educate and bring awareness to fair housing issues.  Next meeting is Wednesday, August 6th at 10am in-person or by Zoom. 

Education:  Meets Quarterly and helps select topics for CE and Lunch & Learns to increase professionalism and knowledge. Next meeting is Monday, September 8th at 10am in-person or by Zoom. 

Government Affairs: Meets monthly. Discusses local proposed legislation and during General Session meets weekly to review proposed state real estate related bills.  Next meeting is August 11 at 9am by Zoom. 

Membership: Meets monthly. Looks for programs/services that help the REALTORS in their business. This group also plans fundraisers for the grant program and community service projects. Next meeting is Wednesday, August 13th at 10 am in-person or by Zoom. 

Contact Shandell Green, Nominating Chair at shandellgreen@gmail.com  410-924-4919

or Deb Leber debbie@msbrmd.com 410-822-8767

Important SentriLock update taking effect on August 4, 2025 

SentriLock is updating their mobile app. As of August 4, 2025 your phone needs to be using:

· iOS – 5.90.0

· Android – 5.90.0

What to Expect

· Impacted agents will receive an in-app notification sent by SentriLock, prompting them to update their app, prior to enforcing the change.

· Beginning August 4, 2025, any users not on the required version will be forced to update the app before they can continue using it.

Please Note: This update does not require a device or operating system upgrade. Users will only need to update the app version, not their physical phone or OS.

REGISTER NOW Safety CE Class & Networking

If you have not seen The Market at Dover Station then make every effort on September 3rd to attend.

The shop, normally closed, will be open just for you!

Come for the CE ~ Stay for the Networking & Shopping

Or just stop by at 5 pm for the Social Time

Affiliate member, Troy Blades will give real life on training on staying safe.  Open to all members- REALTORS and Affiliates!

Venture Title is providing the beverages and food.

No cost to attend the class or the networking. 

Bring your business card and enter for a door prize from The Market at Dover Street vendors. 

Register Here  

To sign up to attend 

To sign up as a Sponsor 

MSBR Continuing Education  July - September 2025

Maryland Department of Labor's website to view your CE status and

view which courses are required to renew your license. 

Online CE for the Newly Licensed

Last chance to get

these classes in 2025

 Newly Licensed CE Renewal classes ONLINE for FREE with Maryland REALTORS   All 15 required hours.  

Not Newly licensed? Then these classes count as an elective. 

Course Offerings:

• August 5th, 10:00 AM-1 PM Contracts for Newly Licensed
• August 7th, 9:30-11 AM Financing for Newly Licensed
• August 7th, 1-2:30 PM Professionalism for Newly Licensed
• August 12th, 10:00 AM-1 PM Principles of Real Estate for Newly Licensed Agents
• August 14th, 10:00 AM-1 PM Property Management for Newly Licensed Agents
• August 21st, 10:00 AM-1 PM Brokerage Relationships and Disclosures - SD

Couldn't make the CE Classes?

MSBR partners with The CE Shop.

Education on your time with a MSBR discount. 

CE Shop Classes available 24/7 

We understand that the ability to attend CE classes virtually is highly valued by our members, and we’re proud to offer this convenience at no cost through MSBR. However, we kindly remind you that certain rules must be followed to ensure a smooth and productive experience for everyone.

• Can't attend: e-mail or call to let us know if you need to cancel, 410-822-8767
• Punctuality is essential: You must be logged into the Zoom meeting at least 10 minutes before the start time.
• Proper identification is required: Please change your screen name to “MSBR – [Your First and Last Name].”  Example: MSBR Deb Leber
• Stay focused: CE classes are not open sessions. They have structured material that must be covered for you to receive credit.     

To keep the class on track, we will mute participants, and we ask that all questions for the instructor be submitted via the chat box. With over 100 attendees in some sessions, these guidelines help ensure everyone benefits fully from the class.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

Welcome New Affiliate Member Geoff Ricker

Geoff Ricker is a Sr. Loan Officer with Bay Capital Mortgage. Geoff can be reached at gricker@baycapitalmortgage.com or his cell # 443-532-1620.  Geoff works out of the Chester office at 2727 Cecil Drive.  MLS# 455886 and MD NMLS# 455886.  

Welcome New Affiliate Member

Deena Kilmon with the Waterfowl Festival Inc. 

 Deena can be reached at dkilmon@waterfowlfestival.org 

Deena Kilmon of Easton is the Executive Director of Waterfowl Festival, Inc. For more than 50 years, the Waterfowl Festival, Inc. has staged an annual event, the Waterfowl Festival, that has raised nearly six million dollars for wildlife and habitat conservation, education, and research.  Kilmon is an accomplished and enthusiastic marketing and communications leader with broad experience in all levels of marketing, advertising, and brand management. Most recently, she served as Director of Strategic Initiatives for Easton Economic Development Corporation. Before this appointment, Kilmon served as Director of Engagement for Fello. (Formerly The Arc Central Chesapeake Region). For several years, she was owner and operator of Foxy’s Harbor Grille in St. Michaels. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was awarded her MBA from Longwood University in 2024. 

MSBR is looking for agent and affiliates to volunteer at this annual festival. Interested, give MSBR a call 410-822-8767.

Next Newsletter is August 5, 2025

Copyright © 2025 Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS
8615 Commerce Drive, Suite 2

Easton, MD 21601
410-822-8767

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