Maryland REALTORS 4 14 A History of Fair Housing - Maryland Association ...
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VOLUME LII NUMBER 3 / APRIL / MAY 2018
Maryland
REALTORS
®
Promote
Fair Housing
mdrealtor.org / marylandhomeownership.com
4 Leaders of the PAC
14 A History of Fair Housing
2019 Committee Volunteer
35 Announcement
THE MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ® The Voice For Real Estate ® In Marylandwe get it
Real estate agents have a lot to keep track of. Coldwell Banker ®
understands. We offer a comprehensive selection of company-
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Nothing in this document is intended to create an employment relationship. Any affiliation by you with the Company is intended to be that of an independent contractor agent. ©2018 Coldwell Banker
Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC.
Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC 250613_1/18TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES
LEADERS OF THE PAC 4
APRIL IS FINANCIAL
LITERACY MONTH 12
A HISTORY OF FAIR HOUSING
Commemorating the 50th
Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act 14
2019 ANNUAL FAIR
HOUSING POSTER CONTEST 18
MARYLAND REALTORS®
PROMOTE FAIR HOUSING 21
FAIR HOUSING QUIZ 25
26
GLOBAL ARTICLE
SEPTIC INSPECTIONS 28
A HISTORY OF FAIR HOUSING
14 SELL MORE WITH MARYLAND 30
COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT CALL FOR ENTRIES
Maryland REALTOR® Awards 32
2019 COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER
ANNOUNCEMENT 35
DEPARTMENTS
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE 3
COMMISSIONER CORNER 34
LEADERS OF
4 12
APRIL IS FINANCIAL COMMERCIAL
41 REGULATION NEWS 36
THE PAC LITERACY MONTH CONNECTION WE ARE MARYLAND REALTORS® 37
RESIDENTIAL SALES 38
COMMERCIAL CONNECTION 41
BRIGHT MLS 44
www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 12018 Maryland REALTORS®
Leadership Team
REALTORS®
Maryland REALTORS®
200 Harry S Truman Parkway | Suite 200
Annapolis, MD 21401-7348
800.638.6425 | www.mdrealtor.org
Leadership Team
Boyd Campbell Merry Tobin Boyd Campbell | President
President President-Elect Merry Tobin | President-Elect
Century 21 New Millennium RE/MAX Executive Dee Dee Miller | Treasurer
4201 Northview Drive #103A 1919 Main Street John A. Harrison | Secretary
Bowie, MD 20176 Chester, MD 21619 Shelly Murray | Immediate Past President
443.716.3540 443.261.2500 Charles Kasky, RCE | Chief Executive Officer
boyd@boydcampbell.com merry@merrytobin.com
Editor
Melissa Lutz | melissa.lutz@mdrealtor.org
Advisory Committee
Avi Adler | Chair
Advertising
Arlene Braithwaite | 410.772.0820
Publication Design
HBP, Inc., 952 Frederick Street, Hagerstown, MD 21741
800.638.3508 | www.hbp.com
John A. Harrison Dee Dee Miller Mission Statement
Secretary Treasurer The Maryland REALTORS® exists to support all segments of its
RE/MAX Executive Long & Foster Real Estate membership and their specialties. Maryland REALTORS®, through
8432 Veterans Hwy., Suite A 568 A-Ritchie Hwy. collective efforts with local boards/associations and the National
Millersville, MD 21108 Severna Park, MD 21146 Association of REALTORS®:
443.274.1900 410.544.4000 ■ Develops and delivers programs, services and related products
johnh@remax.net deedee@lnf.com that maintain and elevate the high standards of the real estate
business and the professional conduct of its practitioners;
■ Assists members in ethically and professionally serving the public;
■ Promotes and preserves the right to own, transfer and use real
property; and
■ Protects the right of members to conduct business within a
framework of fair and reasonable laws and government
regulations.
In principle and in practice, Maryland REALTORS® values and seeks
diversity and inclusive participation within the field of real estate and
recognizes each member as a unique individual.
Maryland REALTOR® (USPS 0016-017) is published bimonthly by Maryland REALTORS®, Suite 200,
200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401-7348. Periodical postage paid at Annapolis
Shelly Murray Charles Kasky, RCE and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to: Maryland REALTOR®, Suite 200,
200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401-7348.
Immediate Past President Chief Executive Officer Member subscriptions of $3.81 are paid with annual dues.
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject
Weichert REALTORS® Maryland REALTORS® matter covered. It is offered with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering
professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent
20400 Observation Drive 200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Suite 200 professional should be sought. Articles that appear in Maryland REALTOR® are an informational
service to members. Their contents are the opinions of the authors alone and do not necessarily
Germantown, MD 20876 Annapolis, MD 21401 represent those of Maryland REALTORS®.
301.540.1330 800.638.6425 Permission to reprint articles appearing in Maryland REALTOR® magazine must be requested in
writing. Also include purpose for request.
smurray@weichertrealtors.net chuck.kasky@mdrealtor.org While this magazine makes a reasonable effort to establish the integrity of
its advertisers, it does not endorse advertised products or services unless
specifically stated. ©2018 Maryland REALTORS®, Inc.
2 MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 www.mdrealtor.orgPresident’s Perspective BOYD CAMPBELL
Happy Spring!
W
e’ve made it through the snowy winter months in 2019. We have a wide variety of committees we need
and can now look forward to flowers and the to seat and there is a committee for everyone. If you are
market blooming this spring. currently serving on a committee, you will need to sign
We turn our focus to the 50th Anniversary of the up for 2019 as well.
passage of the historic Fair Housing Act. April of 1968 NAR is hosting their Legislative Meetings in Washington
was a tumultuous time in our country and this legislation D.C. in May. It’s a great opportunity for you to attend an
was fought for by many members of our Association, NAR meeting and network with colleagues from across
including Mal Sherman, our 1962 President, after he the country. Registration is FREE. The meetings are
experienced discrimination because of his religious being held May 14–19 in Washington. You can learn
beliefs. As REALTORS®, we promote and practice Fair more and register by visiting nar.realtor.
Housing every day in our businesses. Turn to page 14 to One of my initiatives this year is to focus on
learn more. Professionalism in our industry. We have started offering
In this issue, we are also recognizing our 2017 “Leaders “Professionalism & Respect—The Right Thing, Right
of the PAC”, REALTORS® who have invested in our Now” one day class across the state. It has been
industry though REALTORS® Political Action Committee embraced by members that have attended. It’s an
(RPAC), to help elect REALTOR® champions—those important issue that is timely. Sign up for the next
who support issues critical to the industry regardless session by visiting our website at mdrealtor.org.
of whether they have an “R” or a “D” after their name.
Check out our “Leaders of the PAC” on page 4 and find
out how you can become a Leader of the PAC.
We also serve Maryland’s commercial REALTORS®.
Learn more about the current state of our Commercial
market in on page 41.
We have published our Industry Awards Call for Entries
on page 32. It’s important that we recognize REALTORS®
that go above and beyond the call of duty to help their
communities. If you know someone that is doing that,
turn to page 32 to find out how to nominate them for one DON’T
of our prestigious industry awards.
We are putting out our call for volunteers for 2019 on
FORGET
page 35. Our Association is member-directed and Register for the Annual Conference
it’s members like you that we need to help move the & EXPO by May 30th and save $50.
work of the Association forward. If you’re interested in Registration opens mid-April.
volunteering at the state level, the article on page 35
has information about how you can volunteer to serve
www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 3LEADERS of the PAC
2017 EDITION
Thank you to all our 2017 RPAC Investors. Your support of RPAC demonstrates your insight about the importance of our
efforts to support candidates who understand our industry and our profession. Special thanks to the generous support of
RPAC Platinum R & Golden R Investors for their extraordinary leadership and dedication.
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE ■■ Janice Kirkner GOLDEN R INVESTORS ■■ Bonnie Casper
■■ Denise Lewis ■■ Jonathan Coile
Those REALTORS who are
®
Thank you Golden and
■■ Carole Maclure ■■ Iona Harrison
major investors AND pledged Sustaining Golden R
■■ Peg Mancuso ■■ John J Harrison
$2,000 direct-candidate Investors!
■■ Michael Moran ■■ Ilene Kessler*
contributions ■■ Seth Dailey
■■ Yolanda Muckle ■■ Janice Kirkner
■■ Cheryl Abrams ■■ Anne Arundel County
■■ Shelly Murray ■■ Carole Maclure
■■ Cindy Ariosa Association of
■■ JoAnne Poole REALTORS® ■■ JoAnne Poole
■■ William Armstrong
■■ Harold Huggins ■■ Bay Area Association of ■■ Joan Ryder
■■ J. Russell Boyce
■■ Scott Reiter REALTORS® ■■ Kevin Turner
■■ Boyd Campbell
■■ Dale Ross ■■ Harford County ■■ Jay Webster
■■ Bonnie Casper
■■ Erica Solomon Association of ■■ Cathy Werner
■■ Jonathan Coile REALTORS®
■■ James Coley PLATINUM R INVESTOR ■■ Howard County CRYSTAL R INVESTORS
■■ Seth Dailey Association of
Thank you Platinum R REALTORS® Thank you Crystal R and
■■ Joanne Darling
Investors! ■■ Maryland REALTORS® Sustaining Crystal R
■■ Gloria Farrar
■■ Al Ingraham ■■ Prince George’s Investors!
■■ Iona Harrison
■■ John J Harrison ■■ Dale Ross County Association of ■■ Brandon Brittingham
■■ Greater Baltimore Board REALTORS® ■■ Chuck Kasky
■■ Harold Huggins
of REALTORS® ■■ Sustaining Golden R ■■ Frederick County
■■ Al Ingraham
■■ Greater Capital ■■ William Armstrong Association of
■■ Chuck Kasky
Area Association of ■■ J. Russell Boyce REALTORS®
■■ Ilene Kessler* REALTORS®
*Deceased
4 MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 www.mdrealtor.org■■ Grace Masten ■■ Ben Frederick THIRTEEN-TME STERLING R ■■ Dianna Darney
■■ DeAnna (“Dee Dee”) Miller ■■ Zelda Heller ■■ Ann Moxley ■■ Daniel Deist
■■ Michael Moran ■■ Daniel Iampieri ■■ Susan Pruden ■■ Anthony Devol
■■ Paragon Title & Escrow ■■ Andres Serafini FOURTEEN-TIME STERLING R ■■ Denise Diana
Company ■■ Tim Shotzberger ■■ Michael Moran ■■ Jay Doaty
■■ Southern Maryland ■■ Jim Skirven ■■ Shelly M Murray ■■ Thomas Drechsler
Association of REALTORS® ■■ Barak Sky ■■ Andy Duda
■■ Patrick Ulrich
■■ Joseph Wilson ■■ Alyssia Essig
■■ Craig Wolf THREE-TIME STERLING R FIFTHTEEN-TIME STERLING R
■■ Melinda Estridge ■■ Jack Bannister ■■ Jordan Feld
■■ Diane Mahaffey ■■ Paul Fenton
SUSTAINING CRYSTAL R SIXTEEN-TIME STERLING R
■■ Virginia Malone ■■ Victoria Gallanter
■■ Frank Boston ■■ Boyd Campbell
■■ Michael Patrick ■■ Melanie Gamble
■■ Gloria Farrar TWENTY-TWO TIME STERLING R
■■ Ellie Shorb ■■ Jeffrey Ganz
■■ Peg Mancuso ■■ Georgiana Tyler
■■ Craig Strobel ■■ Ivy Gifford
■■ Merry Tobin TWENTY-FIVE TIME STERLING R ■■ Mark Glazer
STERLING R INVESTORS
■■ Joe Wilson ■■ Harold Huggins ■■ Scott Goldberg
The RPAC Trustees would ■■ Lee Goldstein
■■ Craig Wolf TWENTY-SEVEN TIME STERLING R
like to recognize first time
■■ Michael Yerman ■■ Craig Gough
Sterling R Investors, for FOUR-TIME STERLING R
■■ Women’s Council of ■■ Mike Graziano
their generous contribution ■■ Christopher Drewer
REALTORS® –Baltimore ■■ Todd Greenbaum
of $1,000 to RPAC in 2017. ■■ Edward Garono
■■ Arnita Greene
Thank you for your support! TWENTY-EIGHT TIME STERLING R
FIVE-TIME STERLING R ■■ Jacqueline Grenning
■■ Nancy Hubble
■■ Wendy Banner ■■ Cheryl Bare ■■ Michael Guzzo
■■ Thomas Coard ■■ William Martin CAPITAL CLUB ■■ Edward Haraway
■■ Patricia Dowtin SIX-TIME STERLING R ($200-$999) ■■ Vicki Harmon
■■ Anne Killeen ■■ William Castelli ■■ Abeer Abou Elmakarem ■■ Curran Harvey
■■ Anthony Mancuso ■■ Ivy Gifford ■■ Amanda Addington ■■ Susann Haskins
■■ Joni Martin-Williamson ■■ Leigh Reed ■■ Brittany Allison ■■ Barbara Henderson
■■ Christine McNelis ■■ Lee Tessier ■■ Christy Bakaly ■■ Devin Holland
■■ Jacob Ryon ■■ Richard Barr ■■ Clarence Horst
SEVEN-TIME STERLING R
■■ Kari Story ■■ Sharon Bass ■■ Deborah Jensen-Grubb
■■ Jean Andrews
■■ Austin Whitehead ■■ Kathleen Beadell ■■ Chris Jett
■■ Alicyn DelZoppo
■■ Women’s Council of ■■ Tina Beliveau ■■ Cynthia Kalmus Crispell
■■ Leigh Lawson-Everstine
REALTORS® –Anne
■■ Southern Maryland ■■ M. Jacqueline Bennett ■■ Ellen Katz
Arundel Chapter
Association of REALTORS® ■■ Rodney Bennett ■■ Amy Klein
MULTI-YEAR STERLING R EIGHT-TIME STERLING R ■■ Christine Bishop ■■ R. James Latham
INVESTORS ■■ John A. Coller ■■ Anita Blye ■■ Lewis Laws
■■ Thomas Hough ■■ Zachary Bodine ■■ Michael Leaf
The RPAC Trustees would
■■ Bob Kimball ■■ Thomas Brockett ■■ Cheryl Leahy
like to further recognize
■■ William Brown ■■ Martha Lessner
our MULTI-YEAR STERLING NINE-TIME STERLING R
■■ George Bryant ■■ Harold Levy
R INVESTORS for 2017, and ■■ Timothy Knobloch
thank them for their support! ■■ Lauren Bumstead ■■ Sam Lin
TEN-TIME STERLING R ■■ Scott Lucas
■■ R. Bruce Campbell
TWO-TIME STERLING R ■■ William Yerman
■■ Anita Centofanti ■■ T. Ross Mackesey
■■ Jan Brito TWELVE-TIME STERLING R ■■ Katie Maclure
■■ Colleen Cogan
■■ Valerie Brown ■■ Michael Cerrito ■■ Santhy Mallios
■■ Lori Connor
■■ Page Browning ■■ Joanne Darling ■■ Ann McClure
■■ Alison Curtis
■■ Kathleen Clark ■■ Claude (“Bud”) Humbert
www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 5■■ Amy Menrad $99 CLUB ($99-$199) ■■ Pamela Buckley ■■ Angela DeMattia
■■ Stephen Meszaros ■■ Avram Adler ■■ Cam Bunting ■■ James Dempsey
■■ Donna Moffett ■■ Akinbode Akinola ■■ Jennifer Burch ■■ Stanley Dill
■■ Linda Moran ■■ Azmi Al-Kurd ■■ F. (Chip) Burnett ■■ Anngellic Dinkins
■■ Rosanne Mosberg ■■ William Ampofo ■■ W. Corey Burr ■■ Katherine Dixon
■■ Maureen Nichols ■■ Jennifer Anderson ■■ William Burris ■■ Sharon Dorsch
■■ Vernon Nily ■■ Jeffrey Annis ■■ Mark Cabrera ■■ R. Downey
■■ Mark Novak ■■ Diana Armacost ■■ Sonatta Camara ■■ Yasmeen Durrani
■■ Gerard Occhiuzzo ■■ Nathaniel Arnold ■■ Delaine Campbell ■■ Daniel Early
■■ Susan Padgett ■■ Retha Arrabal ■■ Elysia Casaday ■■ Maureen Earp Wood
■■ Sam Perry ■■ Douglas Ashley ■■ James Castle ■■ Warren Edwards Jr.
■■ Teresa Phillips ■■ John Ashley ■■ Peggy Castle ■■ Page Eisinger
■■ Greg Phillips ■■ Chantal Attias ■■ Collette Cavegn ■■ Vincent Ekuban
■■ Hildegarde Pollard ■■ Attison Barnes ■■ Daphne Lynn Cawley ■■ Patrick Elbert
■■ David Post ■■ Karen Beall ■■ Mary Cerami ■■ Mary Ann Elliott
■■ Tanya Redding ■■ Debra Beitzel ■■ Sheila Chambers ■■ Duane Emmet
■■ Willie Rhone ■■ Jonathan Bell ■■ Michael Chelst ■■ Gwen Eskridge
■■ Marie Ritzenberg ■■ Herbert Belton ■■ Herbert Chisholm ■■ Laurence Eul
■■ Pamela Rocco ■■ Deborah Benkert ■■ Song Chu ■■ Melissa Evans
■■ Nicholas Rocco ■■ Charles Benson ■■ Eva Civan ■■ Paul Faulstich
■■ Tammy Rosendale ■■ Ed Beres ■■ H. Manning Clagett ■■ James Fegan
■■ Timothy Schlauch ■■ Linda Betts ■■ Robert Clark ■■ Suzanne Feinstein
■■ Carol Schmidt ■■ Pamela Bianco ■■ Christy Clarke ■■ Jill Fischetti
■■ Delano Schmidt ■■ Sally Bielaski ■■ Susan Cleary ■■ Marc Fisher
■■ Daniel Schuler ■■ James Billingslea ■■ John Collins ■■ William Fitzgerald
■■ Louise Schultz ■■ Christie Bishop ■■ Dondra Coniglio ■■ Bernie Flax
■■ Sandra Serrao ■■ Bill Bittner ■■ Robert Connelly ■■ Jamie Flournoy
■■ P. Joy Siegel ■■ Sharon Blackett ■■ Raymond Contee ■■ John Ford
■■ Sandra Smith ■■ Tim Blanchfield ■■ Dawn Cook ■■ Gregory Ford
■■ Shane Snoots ■■ Brenda Blaney ■■ Anne Cooke ■■ Lori Fortney
■■ Donna Spare ■■ James Blaney ■■ Michele Cordle ■■ Richard Foster
■■ Marty Stanton ■■ Terry Boggs ■■ Anthony Corrao ■■ Elizabeth Foulds
■■ John Steffey ■■ Kimberly Bogris ■■ Catherine Corrao ■■ Eugene Frazier
■■ Jayson Stone ■■ Dennis Bolen ■■ Dominic Corson ■■ Candice Friday
■■ Martha Witte Suss ■■ Marysol Bonilla ■■ Lou Ramsay Cotta ■■ Wendy Friend
■■ DeAnne Sutton ■■ Carole Bowen ■■ Bruce Cotting ■■ Mark Frisco
■■ Judy Szynborski ■■ Jacqueline Boykin ■■ Neda Cox ■■ Grant Fritschle
■■ Neal Tipton ■■ Johnny Braddy ■■ Regina Crabb ■■ William Frost
■■ David Toaff ■■ Fred Brand ■■ Neil Cullen ■■ Edward Galloway
■■ David Vane ■■ Ryan Breeden ■■ Mary Judith Curren ■■ Susan Garczynski
■■ Pearl Whetzel ■■ Donald Briggs ■■ Richard Curtis ■■ Cara Garside
■■ Kirsten Williams ■■ Kathleen Brooks ■■ Jackie Daley ■■ Karen Gaylord
■■ Charles Windsor ■■ Martha Brown ■■ J. Nicholas D’Ambrosia ■■ Lynne George
■■ Hans Wydler ■■ Dawn Brown ■■ Gladwin D’Costa ■■ Ann Gifford
■■ Hattie Brown ■■ Ronald Deem ■■ Jennifer Glass
■■ Ralph Brown ■■ Jason Delorenzo ■■ Suzanne Glocker
■■ Rochell Brown III ■■ Joseph DeLuca ■■ Asha Goel
6 MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 www.mdrealtor.orgSuccess is about having
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New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)■■ Kathleen Goff ■■ Abraham Joshua ■■ Terrie Matthews ■■ Sandra Olson
■■ Nolen Graves ■■ Myung Hee Kang ■■ Jeffrey Matthews ■■ Michael Oputa
■■ Melanie Graw ■■ Vimal Kapoor ■■ Barbara Mattingly ■■ Terry Orphe
■■ Linda Greco Rich ■■ Alexander Karavasilis ■■ Lynn Mauk ■■ Richard Orr
■■ Mary Groven ■■ Richard Keller ■■ Brian Maury ■■ Rachel Oslund
■■ George Hall ■■ Michael Kennedy ■■ Hank May ■■ Lorence Ottley
■■ Alan Halle ■■ Renee Keshishian ■■ Stacy May ■■ Walter Palmer
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■■ Alma Hansford ■■ Donieta Jeni Kneessi ■■ Francis McCaffrey ■■ Bonnita Parks
■■ Carolyn Harris ■■ John Koenig ■■ Douglas McClive ■■ Michael Parrish
■■ Chance Harris ■■ Elaine Kogan ■■ Brian McGeehan ■■ Melissa Patriarca
■■ Marye Jo Hartley ■■ Robert Koopman ■■ John McGhee ■■ Stephen Paul
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■■ Barry Hess ■■ Patricia Lane ■■ Bryant Meldrum ■■ Craig Pittinger
■■ Debora Hileman ■■ Robert Langley ■■ Kimberly Mills ■■ Leslie Pladna
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■■ Christopher Hill ■■ John Lavery ■■ Paul Montemuro ■■ Claudia Pleasants
■■ Paul Hillstrom ■■ Deborah Leber ■■ Beverly Moody ■■ Jose Portillo
■■ Sharon Hiner ■■ Sharon Ledbetter ■■ Thomas Mooney ■■ Walt Pratt
■■ George Hockaday-Bey ■■ Dawn Lednum ■■ Kieyasien “Teya” Moore ■■ Shameeka Price
■■ Samuel Hoff ■■ Jacqueline Legend ■■ Peter Morgan ■■ George Purnell
■■ Peggy Hoffman Steers ■■ Rebecca Lewis ■■ Timothy Morris ■■ Kyndle Quinones
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■■ Sandra Hopkins ■■ Lungchiang Liu ■■ Nathan Murray ■■ Andrew Reamer
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■■ Steven Huffman ■■ James Loving ■■ Laura Nagel ■■ Stephanie Reilly
■■ Nancy Hulsman ■■ John Lowe ■■ Robert Nargi ■■ Janet Reynolds
■■ Deborah Hutson ■■ Vaughn Lynch ■■ Patricia Nassief ■■ Deborah Rice
■■ Theresa Jackson ■■ Michael Lyons ■■ William Natter ■■ Robert Rich
■■ Subbarayudu Jakkampudi ■■ Paul MacKenzie ■■ Hedy Nelson ■■ Bradley Riddle
■■ Gary James ■■ Andy Mackintosh ■■ Joyce Nesbitt ■■ Dawn Riley
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■■ Laura-Lee Jones ■■ Anthony Marzullo ■■ Deborah O’Hara ■■ Sheryl Romeo
■■ Dolores Jones ■■ Cynthia Massari ■■ Chad Older ■■ Charles Rosen
■■ Traci Jordan ■■ Christine Master ■■ Jessica Olevsky ■■ Susan Rosko-Thomas
8 MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 www.mdrealtor.org■■ Faith Rosselle ■■ Aimee Smith ■■ Timothy Sullivan ■■ Victor Watson
■■ Joan Russell ■■ Bonita Smith ■■ Max Sweet ■■ Heidi Weaver
■■ Sherri Russell ■■ Donald Smith ■■ Daniel Swisher ■■ Lisa Wehner
■■ Jeanne Russo ■■ Larry Smith ■■ Walter Taraila ■■ Norman Wehner
■■ Sarah Santa Ana ■■ Robert Smith ■■ Howard Tate ■■ Michael Weisner
■■ George Savani ■■ Hugh Smith ■■ John Tauber ■■ William Wellborn
■■ Patricia Savani ■■ Frank Smith ■■ Ronald Taylor ■■ Melissa Westerlund
■■ Rick Saylor ■■ Anne Smoley ■■ Brigit Taylor ■■ Barbara Whaley
■■ Michael Scarborough ■■ Kelly Snow ■■ J. Teitelman ■■ Tammy Whiteman
■■ Michael Schmidt ■■ RoseAnn Spalt ■■ Maria Terry ■■ Thomas Whiteman
■■ James Schneider ■■ Brendan Spear ■■ Edward Thomas ■■ Hilda Whittington
■■ Michelle Schonig ■■ Elizabeth Spiker Holcomb ■■ Filomena Thompson ■■ Farone Williams
■■ Harold Scott III ■■ Donnell Spivey ■■ Michael Thurnes ■■ Leonard Wilson
■■ Connie Selby ■■ Marian Staab ■■ Keely Tolley ■■ Cynthia Wilson
■■ Paulette Shaduk ■■ Susan Stachelczyk ■■ Leland Trice ■■ Linda Wilson
■■ Nancy Shelton ■■ William Standiford ■■ Nicholas Turner ■■ Sandra Wing
■■ Sileshi Shewaneh ■■ Ed Stanfield ■■ Donna Utz ■■ Colette Winnard
■■ Deborah Shiley ■■ Sheila Stedman ■■ John Valente ■■ Jarrett Wise
■■ Daniel Shoemaker ■■ Carl Stein ■■ M. Leonor Vasquez ■■ D. Todd Wood
■■ Anthony Shore ■■ Stuart Stern ■■ Jeffrey Vaughn ■■ Sharon Woodruff
■■ Martin Signore ■■ Pamela Stevens ■■ Sharon Veltre ■■ Charles Worthy
■■ Theresa Simon ■■ Ray Stevens ■■ Mary Ellen Volpa ■■ Chandra Wright
■■ Charles Simons ■■ Dawn Stewart ■■ Greg Vurganov ■■ James Wright
■■ Linda Simpson ■■ Mary Stokely ■■ Hanna Wang ■■ Michelle Wright
■■ Van Singh ■■ Dennis Stouffer ■■ Marysusan Wanich ■■ Adam Wroe
■■ Tyler Siperko ■■ David Stromberg ■■ Marilyn Ward ■■ Jacqueline Yates
■■ A. Wayne Six ■■ Sandra Sugar ■■ Kevin Waterman ■■ Joe Zaier
■■ Paul Skeens ■■ Kathy Suite ■■ Stephen Watson ■■ Stanley Zaremba
Congratulations to ALL REALTOR® Local Boards/ Maryland REALTORS® congratulates the
Associations that exceeded their 2017 RPAC Goals! following Boards /Associations for winning
■■ Anne Arundel ■■ Greater Baltimore NAR’s 2017 TRIPLE CROWN!
■■ Bay Area ■■ Harford County ■■ Anne Arundel County ■■ Garrett County Board
■■ Carroll County ■■ Historic Highlands Association of REALTORS® of REALTORS®
■■ Cecil County ■■ Howard County ■■ Bay Area Association ■■ Howard County
■■ Coastal ■■ Mid-shore of REALTORS® Association of REALTORS®
■■ Frederick County ■■ Pen-Mar ■■ Coastal Association ■■ Mid-Shore Board
of REALTORS® of REALTORS®
■■ Garrett County ■■ Prince George’s County
■■ Frederick County
■■ Greater Capital Area ■■ Southern Maryland
Association of REALTORS®
Maryland REALTORS® congratulates the following Boards/Associations for winning
NAR’s PRESIDENT’S CUP for 2017 RPAC Contributions
■■ Anne Arundel County Association of REALTORS® ■■ Garrett County Board of REALTORS®
■■ Bay Area Association of REALTORS® ■■ Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS®
■■ Coastal Association of REALTORS®
10 MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 www.mdrealtor.orgMaryland’s Most Agent-Friendly Brokerage
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or Call Us: (443) 632-3800April is Financial Literacy
T Guidewell Financial Solutions
o highlight the importance of financial literacy,
April is designated as National Financial
Guidewell Financial Solutions (formerly Consumer
Literacy Month. The purpose is to teach
Credit Counseling Service of Maryland and Delaware)
Americans how to establish and maintain healthy
in Baltimore County offers a range of free and low-cost
financial habits. Financial preparedness is the first
services to consumers in the
step to homeownership. Educated consumers make
mid-Atlantic region through direct programs
for savvy home buyers, and REALTORS® are often
and partnerships with other organizations.
the first to provide guidance to their clients. That said,
These programs include credit counseling,
it is important not to step outside of your role as a
debt management plans, student loan
real estate agent and into the position of a financial
counseling, bankruptcy counseling,
professional—always refer your clients to those who
financial coaching, and HUD-certified
specialize in credit and finance. The organizations
housing counseling. They also provide
below are dedicated to financial literacy and to helping
education and e-learning resources to
individuals and families reach their financial goals.
consumers. Guidewell’s mission is to help stabilize
communities by creating hope and promoting
CASH Campaign economic self-sufficiency to individuals and
CASH stands for Creating Assets, Savings and Hope. families through financial education
A recent merger between Maryland CASH and and counseling. www.guidewellfs.org
Baltimore CASH created a stronger partnership to
promote economic advancement for Marylanders. Consumer Financial
This nonprofit organization offers education and
coaching as well as free tax preparation for income-
Protection Bureau
eligible residents. Maryland CASH works closely with The CFPB is a federal government agency
state lawmakers to advocate for policies that protect dedicated to making sure banks, lenders, and
and grow the financial security of Maryland citizens. other financial companies treat consumers fairly.
Through statewide partnerships, they facilitate the They investigate claims of wrongdoing and hold
MyBudgetCoach™ online coaching program designed companies accountable for illegal actions. The CFPB
to help low-to-moderate income working families website has a tremendous amount of information
and individuals improve their ability to budget, set for consumers on topics such as shopping for
and achieve goals, and make well-informed financial a mortgage loan, the closing process, housing
decisions. There is also a Prince George’s CASH counseling, avoiding bankruptcy, sample loan estimates
Campaign and a Southern Maryland CASH Campaign and closing disclosures, building credit, interest rates,
to provide similar resources to those areas. and print-ready resources for REALTORS® to provide
www.mdcash.org; www.pgcash.org their clients. www.consumerfinance.gov
For more information and resources on credit and
finance, please contact Laurie Benner, Director of
Housing Programs at laurie.benner@mdrealtor.org.
12 MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 www.mdrealtor.orgMonth 7 Tips to Improve
Your Credit Score
1 Know your credit score. Credit scores range
from 300 to 900, and the higher, the better.
Your score is based on the type and length of credit
account you have, your payment history, and balances.
Consumers are entitled to a free copy of their credit
report annually from each of the major credit-reporting
bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Visit
www.annualcreditreport.com.
2 Correct errors on your credit report. If you find
mistakes on your credit report, write a letter to
the credit-reporting agency explaining why you believe
there’s an error and send supporting documents. Also
write to the company, or debt collector, that reported
the incorrect information to dispute the information.
3 Pay every bill on time. Just a few late payments
will damage your credit score. This is one of the
easiest ways to maintain positive credit.
4 Use credit carefully. Try to pay off credit card
balances each month or at least make more than
the minimum payment. This will reduce the interest you
pay and demonstrate that you take maintaining your
financial stability seriously.
5 Pay attention to the length of your credit accounts.
If you’ve had an account for a long time and
managed it responsibly, that works in your favor. When
you open a new account, it can lower the average
age of your accounts and lower your score. Likewise,
closing credit accounts lowers your score so it may
be better to keep accounts open even if you aren’t
using them.
6 Don’t use all the credit you are offered. It may be
tempting to take advantage of discounts offered to
open a credit card at your favorite store but be cautious
about new accounts. Also, try to keep your credit usage
at under 30% of total credit available.
7 Be patient. It takes time to rebuild and repair
unfavorable credit history. The longer you
maintain a good payment records, the higher your
score will rise.
www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 13A HISTORY OF
50
FAIR HOUSING
Commemorating the
th
of the Fair Housing Act
LAURIE BENNER
Maryland REALTORS® Director of Housing Programs
1858
The Greater Baltimore
Board of REALTORS®,
the nations first real
estate association,
was formed.T
he Fair Housing Act was signed on April 11, 1968, just one week after
the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During this time, the
country was divided by policies and practices that prolonged racial
disparity. This legacy has fueled the gap that continues to exist in wealth and
homeownership rates between whites and non-whites. Government and real estate
industry sanctioned strategies, such as redlining and blockbusting, ensured that
neighborhoods remained segregated and home buying opportunities for minorities
were few. Unfortunately, the impact of redlining is still evident in cities such as
Baltimore, New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, and many areas in
California. Poverty and economic disinvestment mar these neighborhoods even in
the face of laws designed to create equality.
In the years following World War II, it became clear that the U.S. was moving
toward two separate and unequal societies, one black and one white. In fact, the
National Real Estate Board (now NAR) was firmly against fair housing laws, arguing
that property rights were sacred, and homeowners should have the right to rent or
sell to anyone they wanted to or didn’t want to. Although racial zoning restrictions
were outlawed by the Supreme Court in 1917, deed restrictions and exclusionary
“gentleman’s agreements” carried on the discriminatory practices. It wasn’t only
home buyers and sellers who were impacted. Jewish REALTORS® were prohibited
from showing properties in certain neighborhoods in Baltimore and black real estate
licensees were not allowed to join the same real estate associations as whites.
Maryland REALTORS® 1962 President, Mal Sherman, a Baltimore City REALTOR®,
was instrumental in helping to get the Fair Housing Act passed.
Today, the Fair Housing Act provides for equal housing opportunities regardless
of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Later, familial status and disability
were added federal law as protected classes. Over the years, Maryland expanded
protections to include marital status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Many
local jurisdictions have additional protected classes. Policies/traditions that were
1866 1908 1917 1927 1938 1947 1948
National Association
of Real Estate Brokers
The Maryland Real
(NAREB) was formed The Supreme Court
Estate Association (now
Civil Rights Act of The Maryland as an organization of the United
Maryland REALTORS®)
1866—provided Interracial Commission for African American States ends court
was formed.
that all citizens have The National (now the Maryland real estate agents enforcement of deed
the same rights to Association of Real The Supreme Court Commission on Civil Women’s Council of who could not join restrictions based
real property as do Estate Exchange (now voided real estate Rights) was created by REALTORS® was the National Real on race, religion and
white citizens. NAR) was formed. zoning based on race. the General Assembly. founded. Estate Board. national origin.
MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 15racist and anti-Semitic have given way to laws and regulations to protect consumers
and ensure that all are welcome in the practice of real estate.
Fair Housing Today
Federal and state agencies, nonprofit housing organizations, and real estate
associations all have an eye on upholding and promoting fair housing laws. This
year, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) celebrates 91 years of
fighting for equality in employment, housing, and public accommodations. If an
individual makes a complaint of housing discrimination to HUD, it is typically
investigated and resolved by MCCR.
In 2016, MCCR received 98 complaints of unlawful housing discrimination. Over
half of these were related to disability; the next largest category was race. “Maryland
REALTORS® are committed to ensuring that all citizens have equal access to housing
opportunities. Embracing fair housing is not only our legal and ethical duty, but
a valuable business practice demonstrating our dedication to strong and vibrant
communities,” says Boyd Campbell, Maryland REALTORS® 2018 President. On
April 28, 2018, Maryland REALTORS® will join MCCR, HUD, civil rights leaders,
anti-discrimination advocates, and housing professionals to honor the 50th
anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act. This gala event will celebrate
advancing equity, opportunity, and inclusion for all Marylanders. More information can
be found at www.mccr.maryland.gov.
Maryland REALTOR® members are encouraged to call the Legal Hotline
with fair housing questions. It is available on Monday, Wednesday, and
Friday from 10 a.m. to noon, and 2 to 4 p.m. (800-888-1272). Inquiries
may also be submitted online at www.mdrealtor.org. Brokers and office
managers seeking fair housing resources for their agents or consumers
can contact Laurie Benner, Director of Housing Programs at
laurie.benner@mdrealtor.org.
1959 1960 1968 1975 1982 2001 2014
NAR adopted an
agreement with HUD
Baltimore The Greater Baltimore to promote fair housing, The Supreme Court
Neighborhoods, Inc., Board of REALTORS® educate members granted fair housing
a nonprofit fair became integrated, regarding their rights organizations the Maryland added Maryland added
housing organization, allowing black real The Fair Housing Act and obligations under right to sue for sexual orientation as gender identity as
was created. estate licensees to join. was signed into law. the Fair Housing Act. discrimination. a protected class. a protected class.
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FAIR HOUSING
POSTER CONTEST
“Celebrating the 50th Anniversary
of the Fair Housing Act”
E
ach year, members of Maryland
REALTORS® Housing Affordability and
Equal Opportunity Committee partner with
local schools and organizations to encourage
and promote understanding of equal opportunity
in housing through an art contest. This year’s
theme for the contest is “Celebrating the 50th
Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act”. Winners,
whose artwork will appear in a fair housing
publication with statewide distribution, are
chosen from entries submitted by Maryland
REALTORS® local Boards/Associations. Fourteen
winners were chosen, including one to appear
on the cover of the publication.
Students from all over the state in grades K-12 are
Cover Winner: Mackenzie Miller, Grade 9, Age 15
eligible to participate. They are asked to illustrate Archbishop Spalding High School
the theme and what it means to them. Winners are Anne Arundel County Association of REALTORS®
awarded certificates and a gift card co-sponsored
by BB&T. The winners, their family members,
association staff, REALTOR® members and dignitaries Maryland REALTORS® to express their professional
will be invited to attend a recognition ceremony at the commitment to fair housing.
Maryland State House on April 26, 2018. Maryland Lt. It has become popular with schools and communities as
Governor Boyd K. Rutherford will present the certificates well as local real estate professionals as a highly effective
to the students. way to raise public awareness of laws prohibiting housing
This April marks the 50th Anniversary of the passing of discrimination, and REALTOR® support for the law, which
the federal Fair Housing Law, Title VII of the Civil Rights celebrates our commitment to make housing available for
Act or 1968, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of all. The fair housing publication will be distributed to local
race, color, creed, national origin, sex, familial status boards/associations, real estate offices, public libraries,
or handicap and encourages fair housing opportunities housing counseling agencies, and any other organization
for all. The fair housing art contest is a visible way for or group that would benefit from the information.
18 MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 www.mdrealtor.orgSkanda Rajkumar, Grade 2, Age 7 Audrey Whitehair, Grade 4, Age 9
Optimist Club Church Hill Elementary
Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS® Bay Area Association of REALTORS®
Zoe Tate, Grade 6, Age 11 Saloni Patel, Grade 5, Age 11 Clementine August, Grade 4, Age 9
Gaithersburg Middle School Sandymount Elementary Tome School
Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® Carroll County Association of REALTORS® Cecil County Board of REALTORS®
Maxi Ruggerio, Grade 5, Age 11 Zoe Poppert, Grade 10, Age 16
Worchester Preparatory School Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Coastal Association of REALTORS® Frederick County Association of REALTORS®
www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 19Emily Harris, Grade 8, Age 13 Elisabeth Min, Grade 4, Age 10
Fallston Middle School Jeffers Hill Elementary
Harford County Association of REALTORS® Howard County Association of REALTORS®
Haley Corkran, Grade 3, Age 9 Anthony Anderson, Grade 8, Age 13
Tilghman Elementary Home School
Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS® Pen Mar Association of REALTORS®
Ciarah Twyman, Grade 10, Age 15 Jacklyn Miller, Grade 8, Age 13
Oxon Hill High School Southern Middle School
Prince George’s County Association of REALTORS® Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS®
20 MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 www.mdrealtor.orgWhen Does a REALTOR®
ct Use the Equal Opportunity Logo?
The Fair Housing Act itself does not require the use of Equal Opportunity logo or slogan,
“Equal Housing Opportunity,” in any ad. However, using the logo regularly is good evidence of
A
the company’s commitment to fair housing compliance. The Equal Housing Opportunity logo is
a picture of a small house with the words “Equal Housing Opportunity” directly beneath it. The
small house picture cannot be used without the words “Equal Housing Opportunity” beneath it,
but the words can be used without the small house pictured.
According to HUD guidelines, all advertising of residential real estate for sale or rent should contain an equal
g
housing opportunity logotype, statement, or slogan as a means of educating the home-seeking public that the
property is available to all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national
origin. The choice of logotype, statement, or slogan will depend on the type of media used and, in space
n
advertising, on the size of the advertisement.
Get the Equal Opportunity Logo:
si
by searching "Equal Housing Logo" at www.hud.gov
u
Add the Equal Housing Opportunity
Statement to Your Business Plan:
o
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity
throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in
H
which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial
status, or national origin.
Guidelines for Using the Equal Opportunity Logo (in all ads of four column inches
or larger) are available at: www.fairhousing.com
ir
Fair Housing Regulations Require the Display of the HUD
Fair Housing Poster at the Brokerage
a
Office and at Dwellings Under Construction
F
Get the HUD Fair Housing
Poster–Form HUD-928.1 (2/2003):
https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/
program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/marketing
Previous versions obsolete—information is current as of April 2018.Protected Classes and Their Definitions*
( A P P LI C A BLE TO M A RY L A N D J U RISD I C TI O NS, A P RI L 2 0 1 8)
National Local/Counties
Color: Pertaining to a person’s skin color I N C L U D E S A L L F E D E R A L A N D S TAT E
P ROTEC TI O NS LISTED A BOV E P LUS:
Familial Status: Families in which one or more children under
18 lives with: a parent; a person who has legal custody of Age: Generally referring to adults 18 yrs & over.
the child or children; or the designee of the parent or legal Ancestry: Line of decent.
custodian, with the parent or custodian’s written permission.
Familial status protection also applies to pregnant women and Creed: A person’s beliefs; also, a summary of principals or
anyone securing legal custody of a child under 18. opinions to which someone professes or adheres.
National Origin: Refers to country of birth. Ethnic Origin: Cultural upbringing, including ceremonies
and traditions.
Physical or Mental Disability: In reference to you or
someone close to you who: has a physical or mental disability Family Responsibility: Refers to decisions based on an
(including hearing, mobility and visual impairments, chronic assumption of a person’s care giving responsibilities, either
alcoholism, chronic mental illness, AIDS, AIDS-related Complex childcare or care of another family member.
and mental retardation) that substantially limits one or more Lawful Income: See below, ‘Source of Income’.
major life activities; has a record of such a disability; or is
regarded as having such a disability. Occupation: The principal lawful activity of one’s life, generally
including students, welfare recipients and retired persons.
Race: Categories of physical characteristics and/or genetic
groupings of human populations. Personal Appearance: The outward appearance of any person,
irrespective of sex, with regard to hair style, facial hair, physical
Religion: Participation with one of the world’s structured characteristics or manner of dress. Such term shall not relate
religions; one’s spiritual beliefs; inference of religion by place to the requirement of cleanliness, uniforms or prescribed
of worship. attire when uniformly applied for admittance to a public
Sex (i.e., gender): Male or female. accommodation or to a class of employees for a customary or
reasonable business.
Maryland
Political Opinion: The opinion of persons relating to
government, the conduct of government, political parties,
candidates for election or elected office-holders.
I N CLU D ES A LL FED ER A L P ROTEC TI O NS
LISTED ABOVE PLUS: Presence of Children: Households that include the temporary
custody or permanent occupancy of persons under the age of
Marital Status: The state of being single, married, separated,
18 years.
divorced, or widowed.
Source of Income: Any lawful source of money that is paid to
Sexual Orientation: The identification of an individual as to
or for the benefit of a renter or buyer of housing and includes
male or female homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality.
grants, government assistance, alimony, child support, pensions,
Gender Identity: An individual’s having or being perceived as annuities, legal gifts, or investment earnings.
having a gender-related self-identity, self-image, appearance,
expression, or behavior whether or not those gender-
related characteristics differ from those associated with the
individual’s assigned sex at birth.
* For detailed legal references by County,
go to: www.mdrealtor.org/programs/
housing-programs/fair-housing.SO M ERSET
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Maryland REALTORS® Promote Fair Housing
*Use of a Guide DogHow Do You Recognize
ct Housing Discrimination?
Under the Fair Housing Act, It is Against the Law to:
A
● Refuse to rent to you or sell you housing
● Tell you housing is unavailable when in fact it is available
● Show you apartments or homes only in certain neighborhoods
● Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
g
● Provide different housing services or facilities
● Advertise housing to preferred groups of people only
n
● Refuse to provide you with information regarding mortgage loans, deny you a
mortgage loan, or impose different terms or conditions on a mortgage loan
i
● Deny you property insurance
s
● Conduct property appraisals in a discriminatory manner
u
● Refuse to make reasonable accommodations for persons with a disability if the
accommodation may be necessary to afford such person a reasonable and equal
opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling
o
● Fail to design and construct housing in an accessible manner
● Harass, coerce, intimidate, or interfere with anyone exercising or assisting
H
someone else with his/her fair housing rights
Other resources include:
www.nationalfairhousing.org
r
www.bni-maryland.org
i
www.mccr.maryland.gov
a
www.mdrealtor.org/programs/housing-programs/fair-housing
F
If You Believe Your Rights Have Been Violated...
Call the State of Maryland Commission on Civil Rights at 410.767.8600 or
visit www.mccr.maryland.gov/pages/intake to initiate an inquiry.
Previous versions obsolete—
information is current as of March 2018.
24 MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 www.mdrealtor.orgFair Housing Quiz
April marks the 50th anniversary of the Federal Fair Housing Act which was implemented to ensure that everyone has
an opportunity to live where they choose. Maryland REALTORS® have played a critical role in helping to encourage
compliance. In light of this special occasion, Maryland REALTORS® has prepared this quiz to test your knowledge of
these important requirements. The answers to the quiz are located on page 43.
1. Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, an assistance animal is not a pet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T or F
2. Source of income is a protected class under Maryland law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T or F
3. A property owner or agent of the owner may reject the application of a prospective
tenant who happens to be a member of a protected class because of poor credit history. . . . . . . T or F
4. The Civil Right Act of 1866 was the first piece of legislation to prohibit racial
discrimination in the sale or rental of privately held property with no exceptions. . . . . . . . . . . T or F
5. If an owner permits a disabled tenant to make reasonable modifications to the unit,
the landlord may request that the tenant sign an addendum to the lease agreeing to
convert the property to its original condition at the end of the lease term. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T or F
6. Rules in common ownership communities that unduly limit the activity of children in
common areas could lead to an allegation of discrimination based on familial status. . . . . . . . . T or F
7. A plaintiff filing a complaint based on a discriminatory statement in an advertisement
does not have to prove discriminatory intent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T or F
8. In Jones v. Mayer, the Supreme Court held that persons with disabilities are a protected class. . . . T or F
9. Restrictive covenants in common ownership communities take precedence over fair housing laws. . T or F
10. Gender identity became a protected class in Maryland in 2017. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T or F
11. Familial status is defined as the presence of one or more individuals who have not reached
the age of 18 and who live with either a parent or guardian. It does not include pregnant women. . . T or F
12. Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, the seven protected classes include race, color,
source of income, disability, national origin, marital status and religion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T or F
13. Errors and omissions insurance always covers fair housing violations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T or F
14. HUD’s guidance is that generally, an occupancy policy of two persons in a bedroom
is reasonable under the Federal Fair Housing Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T or F
15. For purposes of reasonable accommodation requests, the Federal Fair Housing Act
does not require that an assistance animal be individually trained or certified. . . . . . . . . . . . . T or F
www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 25Maryland
Sister
States
Program
T
he Maryland REALTORS® Global Business
Committee and Commercial Alliance Committee
were recently honored to have Mary E.
(Mendy) Nitsch, Director of the International Division
of the Office of Secretary of State, and Bob Zhang,
Committee Chair for the Maryland/Anhui, China Sister
State program, speak about the Maryland Sister States
Program. Maryland currently has nineteen sister-state
partnerships.
The Maryland Sister States Program works to establish
and foster relationships between Maryland and states
in other countries. A sister-state relationship promotes
cooperation and exchange programs for businesses
and industry, educational and cultural institutions, and
26 MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 www.mdrealtor.orgBack row (left to right): Erica Solomon, Don Barrick
(Global Committee Chair), Mendy Nitch, Harold
Huggins, John Pilkins, Margo Miller, Aaron Rice.
Middle row (left to right): Q Armstrong, Leslie
Sandoz, Dee Dee Miller, Jan Greene, Gwen Wynn,
Biana Arrentz, Anthony Lane. Front row (left to right):
Bob Zhang, Terring Wang, Paul Smith.
private citizens. Volunteer committees actively pursue Africa, Israel, and Peru. It was an amazing opportunity
contacts with their counterparts in each sister state, for our REALTOR® members to get to know some of
forming a network of resources to share in education, the bilateral economic, trade, health, and educational
business, culture, medicine, law, transportation, sports, initiatives that Maryland’s constituents are spearheading
professional development, and women’s issues. internationally as well as to enjoy some cultural
As a result of the speaking engagement, members of entertainment and international cuisines.
the Committees were invited to attend the Office of the Maryland REALTOR® Committee sign ups are fast
Secretary of State’s annual legislative reception in the approaching so if getting involved with the Global
Presidential West Wing of the Miller Senate Building Business Committee or Commercial Alliance Committee
in Annapolis. Most of Maryland’s Sister States were sounds like something that might interest you, don’t
represented including: China, Japan, Korea, Russia, forget to submit your information for consideration to
Mexico, Liberia, Estonia, Vietnam, Turkey, Nigeria, South participate on the 2018–19 Committees.
www.mdrealtor.org MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 27SEPTIC INSPECTIONS
S
eptic—it’s such an unpleasant thought. pipes that expel waste into the tank (inlet baffle) and
REALTORS® may know how daunting a septic can lead waste liquid into the drain field (outlet baffle). Both
be outside of aesthetic notions. Aiding a client baffles must be present and structurally sound to avoid
through the purchase or sales process when a septic complications with your inspection report.
system is involved can be unpredictable and full of At this point, a hydraulic test is performed to ensure the
surprises. Hopefully, this article will clarify the inspection system’s ability to handle the flow of waste water. This is
process and offer some tips to help the process go typically done by flushing toilets and running water at the
smoother for you and your clients. lowest point of the home to ensure no backups occur.
During a septic inspection, the inspector will observe the The drain field is, then, observed and probed to ensure
structural and mechanical integrity of the system. There the system’s function and the ground’s ability to absorb
is no way to fully guarantee a septic systems integrity waste water in the drain field. Visual water bubbling
or functional longevity, but an inspector can identify from the surface is a red flag and shows the system
obvious functional, structural or potentially problematic to be unsatisfactory. Dye testing was once considered
issues. Inspections can be useful for purchasers if reliable during the inspection process, but is no longer
performed within 30 days of the settlement date. Septic considered an adequate indicator of a functioning
inspections provide a description of the current state of septic system. Homes that have a low number of
the system at that given point in time. occupants or homes that have been sitting vacant have
The first step in the inspection process is to locate and low continuous impact on the saturation points of the
access the septic tank. For older homes this process ground surrounding the septic system. If a home has
can be expense. The first thing your client should know been vacant or the current number of occupants is
when scheduling the inspection is where the septic low compared to the number of people moving into the
tank is and whether it is exposed. Many septic tank property, it is recommended to have the inspector dig up
accesses are buried and the location is unknown. Many and inspect the distribution box. Issues with distribution
other septic tanks have risers with manhole-size covers boxes are often not identified until after someone moves
above ground. A common misconception is believing into the home and taxes the system more than it has
the 6-inch PVC pipe above ground is the access to the been historically.
septic tank. If a person cannot fit through it, it is not The last step is the most controversial: pumping the
a septic lid riser. The easiest way to help reduce time septic tank. Often, we hear of inspectors not pumping
and locating cost is to provide a plat of the property to the septic tank during the inspection process. Not
the inspector when he or she arrives. Plats are easily pumping the septic tank is not acceptable. If structural
obtained from the county Health Department. There are integrity is one of the inspection’s most important
multiple avenues of locating the system, using probing, focuses, then the tank must be pumped so the walls and
flushable transmitters, or a camera. the floor of the tank are visible enough to expose any
Once the system is located and accessed, the inspector structural deficiencies. If the ground is over-saturated
will verify the presence of both inlet and outlet baffles multiple feet below the surface with leaking waste, a
and the level of fluids and solids in the tank. A freshly structurally unsound tank will falsely give the appearance
pumped tank that has not had time to recover its of properly holding and maintaining waste levels.
liquid level will be failed. The inspector will be forced
to assume the tank is not capable of holding liquids
Crystal Neal, TriCounty Pumps
and is structurally compromised. The baffles are the
28 MARYLAND REALTOR® APRIL / MAY 2018 www.mdrealtor.orgYou can also read
