Our Community • December 18, 2020

Sponsoring A Family in Crisis

by ERA ERA Martin Associates

Originally published Dec 18, 2020

Salisbury, MD December 16, 2020

A Special Tradition

For over 20 years, ERA Martin Associates has joyfully participated in a very special holiday tradition. The REALTORS® and Staff embrace the hustle & bustle to shop for gifts and then gather to wrap them. A typical December routine – only these gifts are for people they have never met. Every year, Team ERA fulfills the wish lists for at least one family at the Life Crisis Center. 2020 was no exception, and the brokerage volunteered to sponsor three families in crisis this holiday season.

A Special Tradition: REALTORS hold some of the gifts for the Life Crisis Center. From Left: Alana Taylor, Joan Catlin, Gayle Quillin, Patricia Bounds, Laurie Cannon, Greg Johnson, Norman Knight, Lois Clohessy, Joni Williamson, Brandon Johnson

What is the Life Crisis Center?

The Life Crisis Center is a local non-profit agency serving Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties. The Center’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our community through crisis intervention and violence prevention. The staff provides a wide range of services to men, women, and children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The Life Crisis Center works to provide a safe place through prevention, intervention, therapy, legal services, advocacy, and collaboration.

We know that violence and abuse can affect anyone, at any time, and at any stage of life. Our goal is to help victims grow into survivors in a violence-free environment. – Life Crisis Center

The Crisis of COVID-19

One facet of the LCC is the Life Crisis Safe House, a nineteen-bed home which provides refuge for families in need. This year, that Safe House may be more important than ever before. According to the Congressional Research Service, unemployment rates in America reached the all-time high of 14.7% in April 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment was higher this Spring than it was during the Great Depression. Although these numbers have somewhat leveled out as ordinances have changed, the repercussions of loss of income and economic strife are not so easily left behind. Many families are still struggling to pay essential bills or put food on the table. In addition to financial duress, many men, women, and children found themselves trapped with their abusers due to Stay-At-Home orders. Agencies like the Life Crisis Center are a desperately needed safe haven for these victims to escape to.

Sponsor-A-Family

The holiday season can feel dismal when you lack a roof of your own or the means to fulfill your children’s Christmas lists. Thankfully, some individuals and organizations choose to sponsor a family -or several- to bring a bit of joy. When you sponsor a family, you receive the first names and ages of any children in the family. Under each child’s name is a list of things they need as well as some of their hobbies, skills, and special presents they would like to have. Mothers at the Safe House often need necessities like toiletries or grocery gift cards. However, they still appreciate gifts that will help make their time there a little more comfortable.

Team ERA’s Tradition

ERA Martin Associates first became involved with Life Crisis Center when the Rotary Club of Wicomico County began raising funds for the construction of the Safe House. Bill Martin, Broker and Chairman of ERA Martin Associates, recalls, “We decided to stay involved even after the building was finished. The Life Crisis Center is there for those who really need help”. So, for as long as most of the ERA family remembers, they have been donating clothes, food, toiletries, and toys for Sponsor-A-Family. REALTORS® choose a child or mother to buy gifts for and once everything is purchased there is a Wrap Party. During the Wrap Party, the office gathers to sort, label, and wrap each gift with care. Once all the gifts are ready, they are delivered to a safe and confidential location. “I love dropping the gifts off every year. It feels really good to be able to help somehow,” says REALTOR® Jim Mutschler.

ERA Martin Associates will continue to uphold this special tradition for years to come. After all, the holidays are for giving, and the gift of joy just might be the most valuable of all.

Spread Joy! A small group drops off gifts to the Life Crisis Center. From Left: Joni Williamson, Lois Clohessy, Laurie Cannon, Kayla Hildreth, Jim Mutschler, Norman Knight

Resources For Additional Information

The Life Crisis Center – www.lifecrisiscenter.org

Darkness to Light, Statistics Surrounding Child Sexual Abuse, www.D2L.org

Domestic Violence Statistics: www.ncadv.org

For more information about sexual assault: www.rainn.org

If you need immediate assistance, please call LCC at 410-749-HELP or dial 2-1-1.

If you or someone you know is going through a mental health crisis or is feeling suicidal, you may also dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the National Suicide Line.

Selling a Home • December 3, 2020

Benefits of Selling Your Home During The Holidays

by ERA ERA Martin Associates

Originally published Dec 03, 2020

Why You Should Consider Selling Your Home During The Holidays

Putting it simply, when you sell your home during the holidays, you will face less competition, find more serious buyers, and may even be up for a quicker sales process. It also presents a unique opportunity to create a warm and cozy environment that you can’t present during the spring or summer months.

In the current pandemic, buyers are looking for inviting, cozy spaces that they can anticipate spending most of their time in.

Here are some very good reasons to rethink the old adage that this time of year is not

the best selling season:

Lack of competition

The common belief has been that listing a home in the spring and summer will ensure

exposing your property to the largest pool of buyers. However, remember that those

months also have the most homes being listed so buyers have so much more to choose

from. What the holiday season offers is the chance to stand out. When there is less to look at, you get more buyers looking at the properties that are available.

More serious buyers

We all know that the holiday season is a busy time. People house hunting now are

serious about their desire to purchase a property. You will not find casual buyers

looking at this time. Holiday buyers want to make a purchase sooner rather than later.

Holiday buyers are also going to be caught up in the season, where emotions are

running high and where they are thinking of the past, and more importantly, the future.

Buyers can often be more enthusiastic about purchasing things when they are

emotional, as the retail sales records around during the holidays demonstrate.

Flexible schedules

It is a known fact that most Americans take a majority of their vacation days between

the week before Thanksgiving and the New Year. While much of this time is taken up

with holiday planning and events, this year will be different. The pandemic will greatly

curtail many holiday festivities leaving potential homebuyers with more free time to

research the real estate market and more opportunities to select their dream home and

make an offer.

Leverage buyer emotions

Let’s face it, the holidays bring out a spirit in all of us that can’t be duplicated in other

seasons. The festive atmosphere in our neighborhoods and local towns set a tone for

buyers seeking their forever home. These emotions are a big part of a transaction.

By setting a stage in your home of festive elegance, you will remind your potential buyer

what their holiday season could be in the future.

A New Year means new jobs and people on the move

The year end is when many businesses offer positions to new employees. Most

businesses use the fourth quarter to review their business plan and make both financial

and staffing decisions for the upcoming year. The Bureau Of Labor each year

estimates this season to traditionally have the largest increase in U.S. jobs. With new

jobs comes a psychological motivator to find a new place to live.

Tax Benefits

Smart home buyers are looking for any break they can get, which can make buying at

the end of the year particularly beneficial. Buyers looking right now are probably aware

that they can write off some of the expenses of the home purchase on their taxes.

There are also tax benefits of owning a home they can take advantage of, including

deductions for mortgage interest, private mortgage insurance premiums (PMI) and tax

credits for real estate taxes, that can increase the buyer’s motivation to purchase before

year end.

There is no question selling your property during the holidays, with colder weather, shorter days and the need for private time with family, can be a challenge. However, for those who are willing to take advantage of the opportunities it opens, it can mean more money and/or better terms on the sale of your property.

New & Newsworthy • October 30, 2020

ERA Martin’s 3rd Quarter Top Producers 2020

by ERA ERA Martin Associates

Originally published Oct 30, 2020

Pictured, From Left: Jeff Dale, Marti Hoster, Greg Johnson, Chairman Bill Martin, President Joni Williamson, Nancy Ashley, Conrad Von Kollmar, Min Pi, Bob Heim, Laurie Cannon, Frances Sterling

Salisbury, MD: Local real estate firm ERA Martin Associates recently honored their top producing Realtors for the 3rd quarter of 2020 at a luncheon held on Wednesday, October 28th. The event was held at Mogan’s Oyster House, a local restaurant in downtown Salisbury. ERA Martin is experiencing a very successful year and the company is pleased to be honoring these hardworking agents and celebrating their accomplishments over the past quarter.

Pictured, from left: Jeff Dale, Marti Hoster, Greg Johnson, Chairman Bill Martin, President Joni Williamson, Nancy Ashley, Conrad Von Kollmar, Min Pi, Bob Heim, Marketing Coordinator Kayla Hildreth, Laurie Cannon, Frances Sterling

In attendance at the luncheon were Frances Sterling, Laurie Cannon, Greg Johnson, Jeff Dale, Marti Hoster, and Bob Heim, as well as Nancy Ashley and Min Pi, who represented The Ashley Group. Chairman Bill Martin and President Joni Williamson hosted the lunch, along with ERA’s Marketing Coordinator Kayla Hildreth. Not in attendance were Roger Sansom and two members of the Ashley Group, Jeff Ashley and Jeff Turner.

Bill Martin, Jeff Dale, Greg Johnson, Joni Williamson, and Frances Sterling enjoy conversation and refreshments.

At the lunch, discussion centered around the surprising boom that the real estate market has experienced this year. Buyers are continuing to take advantage of low interest rates and well-maintained properties are still being sold quickly.

Conrad Von Kollmar, Min Pi, Nancy Ashley, Marti Hoster, Laurie Cannon, and Bob Heim exchanged stories and smiles.

ERA enjoyed some of it’s highest sales numbers ever in the 3rd quarter of the year, and experts predict that the strong real estate market will continue into 2021. President Joni Williamson says, “We are amazed at how well our local real estate market and economy are performing in the midst of a pandemic. Inventory still continues to be a challenge, and our agents are focusing on ways to serve buyers and sellers while keeping the health and safety of our clients in mind.”

We are amazed at how well our local real estate market and economy are performing in the midst of a pandemic. Inventory still continues to be a challenge, and our agents are focusing on ways to serve buyers and sellers while keeping the health and safety of our clients in mind.

In Wicomico County, Pending sales are up 11.2% year-to-date, and Closed sales are up 4.4%. Our average sales price has increased to $219,552 for detached homes, up 6.19% over last year.

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ERA Martin Associates is a full-service real estate company located in Salisbury, and serving Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. ERA is home to over 60 local Realtors, as well as a property management division. Learn more about ERA Martin Associates at www.ERAdelmarva.com

Selling a Home • August 30, 2020

A Seller’s Market: A Pandemic, Real Estate, & You

by ERA ERA Martin Associates

Originally published Aug 31, 2020

If you’re considering selling your home during the Covid-19 pandemic, you may have more of an advantage than you realize.

High buyer demand and low inventory mixed with historically low interest rates are creating a buying frenzy like we haven’t seen before. Sellers who are listing their homes now are seeing dramatically less competition on the market, and many homes are selling quickly, and with multiple offers.

Under more normal circumstances, we see a strong “Spring Market” in real estate, which is when we experience our highest sales numbers of the year. However, our spring in 2020 was almost completely halted due to the stay-at-home orders and quarantines enacted by most states. It became incredibly difficult to show and sell homes, and many sellers pulled their homes from the market for fear of exposure to the virus. Not only that, but many Americans saw a reduction in income or lost their jobs all together, shrinking the buyer pool even further.

However, once the stay-at-home orders were lifted and many businesses began to reopen, buyers whose home search had been halted reentered the market. Many buyers who had been temporarily laid off went back to work, or were able to continue working from home. Realtors began to introduce safe options for home shopping, allowing buyers to conduct much of the home buying process virtually – from showings to paperwork to closing. Interest rates continued to drop, making it more affordable than ever to buy. There was a lot of pent-up demand, and suddenly, we had more buyers looking for homes than we had homes to sell!

Incredibly Low Inventory

Listings on the market are at an all-time low. Even before the pandemic began, we were seeing a shortage of salable inventory in real estate. With many sellers holding off on listing their home because of health concerns or uncertainty about moving, it continues to drop even further. At the end of July 2020, we were down to about half the inventory of this time last year here in Wicomico County (*see Active Listings chart). Less inventory = less competition on the market for sellers. With so many buyers out there looking, listings are bound to get more attention than they would pre-pandemic; buyers simply don’t have many choices. A well-priced listing is almost guaranteed to have dozens of showings within it’s first week on the market.

Multiple Offers

With so many buyers and so few listings to satisfy them, it’s natural that some buyers will fight over the same home. Listings that are reasonably priced and whose condition is acceptable for financing are typically seeing multiple offers come in, and usually within days of listing. It’s not unusual to see 5, or even 7+ offers on a “hot new listing”. Sellers are able to have their pick of buyer offers, taking into consideration terms like price, financing, and inspections.

Sales are up!

Even with inventory so low, sales continue to soar. In April, sales hit bottom due to the pandemic, but by May we saw the numbers begin to recover. By June, we had exceeded 2019’s year-to-date sales, and continued to do so through July (*see Closed Sales chart). In Wicomico County, closed sales are up 5% over this time last year. We’ve even seen home values begin to creep up, which we haven’t seen in our area in some time. The average sales price in Wicomico County in July 2020 was $223,719, as compared to $202,932 in July 2019, a 10.24% increase.

Technology for Buyers & Sellers

Many sellers still have concerns about Covid-19, and Realtors can meet you where you are comfortable. Don’t want Open Houses or lots of showings? No problem. There is technology out there to allow for incredibly detailed virtual tours and showings, and often buyers need not enter a home in person until the final stages of negotiation or purchase. That means that a buyer doesn’t have to physically visit a home until they are extremely serious and ready to write an offer – and in some cases buyers have not done so until the day of settlement. Virtual meeting technology makes it possible for clients to meet with their Realtor via technology to review and sign documents like listing agreements, offers, and inspection reports, minimizing the amount of in-person contact. Closing can even be conducted with social distancing in place, with title companies coming out to clients’ cars to sign paperwork!

Safety Measures in Place

If a seller does decide to allow in-person showings, there are new safety requirements in place to protect everyone.

Buyers and their Realtors are required to wear face masks, and group sizes are limited in many places to no more than 3 guests.
Many Realtors are equipping themselves with hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and even foot coverings, and it’s a good idea to have those items easily accessible at a listing.
Sellers can ask all guests to sign Covid-related disclosures to add an additional layer of protection. They can also turn on all lights and open any cabinets, closets, and interior doors before showings when possible – minimizing the need for guests to touch anything. And of course be sure to do a clean-up to disinfect areas that might have been touched afterward.

Options for Uncertain Sellers

Many sellers would love to sell their home right now and take advantage of this market, but they aren’t sure where they will go next. Perhaps they aren’t sure if they will be able to find a home they want to buy, or they aren’t sure where they will fall financially in a post-pandemic world. While no one can predict the future, this strong sellers market probably won’t last forever. Even if inventory remains low and buyer demand high, interest rates are already beginning to rise, decreasing the affordability just slightly. With the uncertainty caused by Covid-19, we don’t know where we will be next year with regards to unemployment and buyer ability.

Renting can be a viable option for many sellers. Renting for several months to a year can give a seller the flexibility to secure their next home and comfortably make arrangements to move. Although it can be stressful to consider moving twice in a short period of time, the amount that seller can recoup from their sale may make it worth it. And chances are, interest rates will still be relatively low when the time does come to buy.

Be Prepared

For sellers who do decide to list their homes now and take advantage of this unprecedented real estate market, there are a few things to keep in mind. As is always true in real estate: be prepared for delays. In a perfect world, closings always happen on the designated settlement date, but right now there are a multitude of factors that could cause delays, from buyer employment and financing to mandatory government and finance office shutdowns. Lending is more stringent right now than its been in the recent past, and loan programs are changing all the time. What was an acceptable credit score just three months ago may no longer fly. And although many buyers are currently earning unemployment and making more than they would if working, this will not qualify for long-term employment when it comes to financing.

Selling a home can be stressful anytime, but keep in mind that tensions are especially high right now. There is a lot of uncertainty in the world, and both buyers and sellers are emotionally charged. Try to remain calm throughout the process, and take your time to talk through issues with your Realtor. Staying prepared and keeping a positive attitude goes a long way when selling your home. Look at the big picture. What are your long-term goals, and how can selling this home help you get there? Be sure you are setting realistic expectations and adequately preparing yourself for the sale. Your Realtor can be a valuable resource for information such as the expected time on the market, navigating the inspection and negotiation processes, and working out financing details.

We can’t predict the future, but we can use our knowledge and local expertise to help make your trip to the closing table as smooth as possible.

Joni M. Williamson

ERA Martin Associates

New & Newsworthy • August 14, 2020

ERA Martin Recognizes Top Producers for Half 2020

by ERA ERA Martin Associates

Originally published Aug 14, 2020

ERA Martin Recognizes Top Producers for First Half of 2020

Local Real Estate Market Strong Since Pandemic

Salisbury, MD: Local real estate firm ERA Martin Associates recently honored their top producing Realtors for the first half of 2020 at a luncheon held on Thursday August 13th. The event was the first gathering that the firm was able to have since the pandemic began, and recognized the top sales agents for the first and second quarters of 2020. ERA is proud to be the top real estate firm in Wicomico County for the past seven years, and was thrilled to be able honor their top producing agents for their successes during an incredibly trying time.

In attendance at the luncheon were Frances Sterling, Gayle Quillin, Roger Sansom, Laurie Cannon, Joan Catlin, Brandon Johnson, Colleen Meiser, Greg Johnson, Jeff Dale, and Marti Hoster, as well as Nancy Ashley, Jeff Ashley, and Min Pi, who make up The Ashley Group. Chairman Bill Martin and President Joni Williamson hosted the lunch, along with ERA’s new marketing coordinator Kayla Hildreth. Not in attendance were Holly Worthington and Margo Sarbanes. At the lunch, discussion centered around the local market and how the real estate industry has adapted to business since the pandemic.

ERA acknowledged Frances Sterling, Gayle Quillin, and Holly Worthington as the top three agents for the first half of 2020.

“We appreciate the opportunity to recognize our agents not only for their sales production, but for other ways in which they make a difference in our community and industry”, says Joni Williamson. “We’re always looking for ways in which we can better our company, and these luncheons serve as a sounding board for new ideas and suggestions.”

Although greatly affected by the stay-at-home orders early in the pandemic, the local real estate industry bounced back once the orders were lifted. In Wicomico County year-to-date, real estate sales have met and exceeded those of 2019. Incredibly low inventory and historically low interest rates have created quite a bit of buyer demand, and home values are beginning to rise.

From Left: Bill Martin, Gayle Quillin, Marti Hoster, Greg Johnson, Roger Sansom, Joan Catlin, Jeff Ashley, Joni Williamson, Jeff Dale, Frances Sterling, Nancy Ashley, Brandon Johnson, Min Pi, Colleen Meiser, Laurie Cannon

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New & Newsworthy • April 16, 2020

When a Thriving Housing Market Meets a Pandemic

by ERA ERA Martin Associates

Originally published Apr 16, 2020

For the past several years, the housing market here on Delmarva has been strong. Historically low interest rates, combined with ample government loan and grant programs and affordable home values, made for a buyers’ market that we saw slowly shift to a sellers’ market as inventory decreased. Consumers were happy and homes were selling. In 2019, sales numbers remained steady here in Wicomico County, with similar trends seen across the country.

The first part of 2020 saw nothing but positive projections for the remainder of the year. The average sales price in Wicomico County had increased to $204,127 (as compared to $185,129 at the end of 2019), and settlements were up 8% year over year. Realtors were busy and were looking forward to a strong spring market. Then, everything changed.

In early March, the Coronavirus, or Covid-19, which had been disrupting life in other parts of the world for the past two months, had begun to spread in the United States. As the month progressed, first public schools were closed, and then, slowly, other types of businesses began to close, some voluntarily and some due to government orders. By the end of March, life as we knew it had come to a standstill, with over 80% of Americans under orders to remain at home unless absolutely necessary. As businesses closed indefinitely, many were out of work, and as unemployment claims grew, so did unease about the economy in general. Without knowing when this health crisis would end, our financial future was uncertain.

Where did this leave the real estate industry? Could people who needed to buy or sell a home still do so in the middle of a pandemic? And what about buyers and sellers in the middle of a real estate transaction, much of which is traditionally conducted in person? And would there even be a real estate market to come back to when this was all over? These questions and more were on the minds of Realtor advocate groups as they began to work with the government to create guidelines by which we could continue to operate our real estate businesses, while adhering to public health and safety regulations. Finding innovative solutions and promoting policy changes that would allow our clients to move forward in their real estate transactions would be a necessity.

Real estate agents found that it was more important than ever to utilize technology and other tools to provide services to their clients remotely. While products like electronic signatures and virtual tours have been around for years, now Realtors need to be able to offer more, especially when it comes to marketing a home for sale. With most buyers viewing houses online from the comfort of their homes, having professional photography and videography, easy-to-navigate websites and apps, and virtual open houses are almost a requirement to attract, and keep, consumer attention. There is a captive audience, but they have a lot of options. Most buyers are not going to schedule an in-person showing right now unless they are very serious about buying a home, so it’s important to find other ways to “get the buyer in the door”, so to speak.

Once a buyer does decide he needs to see a home in person, our showing procedures are drastically altered as well. From asking buyer and sellers to sign certifications allowing property showings, to limiting the number of people inside a home, we are no longer welcome to invite the whole family along to see potential homes. Fear and apprehension could make this seem like a cold, uncomfortable process, but Realtors have found a way to lighten the situation, bringing along necessities like hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, and surface wipes. Sellers are getting involved, leaving lights on and doors to closets and other rooms open to reduce the need to touch anything. And when a buyer likes a home, but isn’t quite ready for an in-person showing, agents are providing private video tours and walk-throughs. Real estate companies and agents are advertising Virtual Home Sales Packages, offering to provide many parts of a real estate purchase from start to finish without the need for person-to-person contact. We are able to utilize tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams to review contracts and inspection reports with our clients, and most documents can be signed and shared with just a cell phone. Innovation and technology in the real estate industry has allowed us to continue working, while keeping ourselves and our clients safe.

The Realtor community has been busy at a state and national level as well, paving the way for legislation that will make it easier for us to service our clients remotely. Remote notary services are now legal, and we may soon see most, if not all, of the settlement process conducted remotely. The National Association of Realtors is working with Washington DC to ensure protection for property owners who may suffer as a result of forbearance. At a local level, our City and County governments have ensured that essential services can still be provided and that real estate related matters can move forward, whether it be a septic system installation or an electrical permit.

Throughout March and into April, our local real estate market has remained surprisingly strong. Some sellers have withdrawn their homes from the market until the crisis has passed, and some buyers have halted their purchasing plans, but many have not, and real estate agents remain busy. Even with a tightening in financing guidelines that could decrease a buyer’s purchasing power, contracts are being written and new listings taken every day. Mortgage experts predict that, despite the changes in guidelines on some loans, interest rates will remain low when we emerge from this pandemic. While we do not know how long this will all last, we do know that we will be ready to hit the ground running when it is over.

In the meantime, Realtors at ERA Martin Associates have been finding ways to help support their community while working from home, opening “First Responder Tabs” at several local restaurants, for first responders, doctors, nurses, and other heroes working on the front lines of the pandemic to grab a hot meal. “Most of us are safe at home right now and are unable to help on a large scale except to stay there. We wanted to find some way to give back to the first responders and healthcare providers who are out there risking their health and safety to help others. As an added bonus, we were able to support several local restaurants as well.” says President Joni Martin Williamson. Chairman Bill Martin, who founded ERA Martin Associates in 1985, was proud to give back, saying “Community is one of our Core Values, and we were thrilled at the opportunity to support those who are out there right now making a difference, while also supporting other locally-owned businesses.

ERA Martin Associates is the largest locally-owned real estate firm in Wicomico County, licensed in MD, DE, and VA. ERA has been the top real estate firm in Wicomico County for the past seven years, but the company is equally proud of their Customer Satisfaction Rating, which is currently a 4.94 out of 5, making ERA #1 in Sales and #1 in Service.

New & Newsworthy • March 11, 2020

ERA Martin Associates: Celebrating 2019!

by ERA ERA Martin Associates

Originally published Mar 11, 2020

2019 was another successful year at ERA Martin Associates. We remained #1 in Sales and #1 in Service; named Top Company in Wicomico County, a title held since 2013, and the QE Award for Customer Satisfaction for a 3rd and consecutive year. Our already high Client Satisfaction Rating improved to a 4.94/5 with Rated Agent returned surveys. We were awarded Metropolitan Magazine’s Best Real Estate Company and Coastal Style Magazine’s Best Real Estate Firm in Wicomico County, and ERA Real Estate recognized us as a Gold Company within the franchise.

Team ERA was the 1st place fundraising team locally for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s Association. We also provided gifts for underprivileged children through the Life Crisis Center, as well as barrels of donations for the Maryland Food Bank and Toys for Tots. And we supported the Wicomico Child Advocacy Center as a Diamond Sponsor for their Diamonds & Denim event. We cannot thank you enough for the loyalty and support. Our clients, family, and friends are simply the best.

As a company ERA Martin Associates is equally excited to celebrate the successes of the agents that contribute to our culture as the achievements we experience together. In addition to rewarding incredible sales volumes, top honors were given to those that best exemplify our core values and mission statement:We are Delmarva’s Real Estate Leaders. Committed to service excellence; building stronger communities, and the success of our REALTORS®, achieved through superior support and complete collaboration.

Frances Sterling was named ERA Martin Associates Top Producer in 2019. In the real estate business since 2013, Frances has made customer service her priority, taking the time to earn additional education and designations to better serve her clients. Frances is also involved with committees at the Coastal Association of Realtors, as well as many local charitable causes.

Congratulations to the Ashley Real Estate Group who was named 2019’s Top Producing Team with ERA Martin Associates. The Ashley Group is made up of team leader- Jeff Ashley, Nancy Ashley, Min Pi, and Jeff Turner.

The Service Excellence Award has traditionally been given to the agent with the most returned Customer Satisfaction Surveys, with the highest ratings. In 2018 we changed the award name to honor the late REALTOR® Bill Price. Bill was notorious for coveting this award and was the 2017 winner. Veronica James is the 2019 winner, with an excellent survey rating in her first year in the real estate business. Her compassion for her clients, attention to detail, and professionalism all demonstrate her dedication to customer service.

The Superior Support Award is presented to the agent who has shown selfless support for others, and this year’s award went to Frances Sterling. Frances has taken on several mentees and is always willing to give her time and energy for the benefit of others.

Lois Clohessy is always willing to participate in a fundraiser, event, and often the first to jump in and assist with any planning. She often works quietly behind the scenes and does so much for ERA Martin Associates without asking for anything in return. Lois was awarded the Complete Collaboration Award for 2019.

The Celebrating Delmarva Award goes to the agent who promotes our local community; celebrating all of the things that make Delmarva unique. In 2019, Laurie Cannon won this honor for the extensive volunteer and fundraising work she did with local organizations right here in our community, including bringing awareness to local events and happenings.

The Community Impact Award is given to agents who continually go above and beyond to serve our community. From planning events to raising funds and awareness, to participating in every fundraiser and charitable event ERA Martin Associates held in 2019; several agents stood apart. Bob Heim, Sara Bianco, and Roger Sansom all dedicated countless hours and energy to charitable causes, and ERA was proud to be a part of their efforts.

Sara Bianco

Roger Sansom

The Vision & Mission Award goes to the top new agent in their first full year of real estate. ERA Martin Associates 2019 Rookie of the Year was Greg Johnson. Greg began his career in real estate in 2018, and shined in his first full year in the business, also earning Platinum Level Sales.

The following REALTORS® were also recognized for Platinum Level Sales in 2018:

Gayle Quillin

Greg Johnson

(Unable to attend the luncheon.)

Brandon Johnson

LaVon Adkins

Gold Level Sales Recipients:

Holly Worthington

(Unable to attend the luncheon.)

Laurie Cannon

Roger Sansom

Silver Level Sales Recipients:

Marti Hoster

John Terrell

Conrad Von Kollmar

(Unable to attend the luncheon.)

Joan Catlin

Kaye & Charlie Jones

(Unable to attend the luncheon.)

Judy Taylor

Sara Pavlica

Veronica James

Barb DeTota

Andy Ball

(Unable to attend the luncheon.)

Lisa Spicer

Rhonda Evans

Clark Edouard

Bob Heim

(Unable to attend the luncheon.)

Janie Goslee

Jeff Dale

Jim Mutschler

Norman Knight

Bronze Level Sales Recipients:

Colleen Meiser

(Unable to attend the luncheon.)

Jeani Warren

Lois Clohessy

Charlene Spence

Margo Sarbanes

(Unable to attend the luncheon.)

Sara Bianco

Tim Velasco

(Unable to attend the luncheon.)

Congratulations to those recognized, supporting staff, every agent that calls ERA Martin Associates their home, and the leadership. Here is to an incredible 2019 and a most promising 2020.

Buying a Home • November 25, 2019

Your Complete Moving Checklist

by ERA ERA Martin Associates

Originally published Nov 25, 2019

Moving into your new home is a big job. The further you plan in advance, the smoother it will go. This list contains most of the big tasks you’ll need to do and suggested timeframes. Depending on your situation, some items might not need your attention. Your agent, at ERA Martin Associates, will be able to help guide you through the entire process; from house hunting to moving day.

8 Weeks Before

☐ Call moving companies for estimates.

☐ Remove and dispose of unnecessary possessions.

☐ Start compiling an inventory of your possessions.

☐ Organize a garage sale or donate items to charity.

☐ Remember to keep your receipts for tax purposes!

☐ Get a floor plan (with room dimensions) of your new home to help you decide which furnishings you want to keep and which room they will go in.

☐ Start a file of moving-related papers and receipts.

☐ Locate schools, healthcare professionals and hospitals in your new location.

☐ Arrange to transfer your children’s school records and family medical records.

6 Weeks Before

☐ Choose a mover and sign contract.

☐ Contact your homeowner’s insurance agent about coverage for moving and secure more, if necessary.

☐ Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner’s, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.

4 Weeks Before

☐ Create a file of important papers, such as auto license, registration documents and title; any medical, dental and school records; birth certificates; wills, deeds, stock certificates, and other financial documents.

☐ Notify the following of your change of address:

☐ Post office

☐ Banks

☐ Credit card companies

☐ Relatives and friends

☐ Insurance agent, lawyer, tax/financial advisor

☐ Magazine subscriptions

☐ Notify utility companies of date to discontinue/transfer service and/or establish service at your new home. Also arrange for final readings and bills, including refunds on prepaid services.

☐ Electric

☐ Heating oil

☐ Internet service

☐ Natural gas

☐ Telephone

☐ Television

☐ Trash collection

☐ Water

☐ Notify the motor vehicles administration of your new address.

☐ If moving from a rental home, arrange for refund of your security deposit.

☐ Discontinue additional home services (housekeeper, gardener/lawn service, snow removal, and pool cleaner), if applicable.

☐ Start using up things you can’t move, such as perishables.

3 Weeks Before

☐ Make travel plans, if necessary.

☐ Arrange to close existing bank accounts and open new accounts in new area.

☐ Arrange for child care on moving day.

2 Weeks Before

☐ Arrange special transport for your pets and plants.

☐ Contact your moving company and review arrangements for your move.

1 Week Before

☐ Pack moving-essential boxes—important documents, travel clothes, personal items and prescription medications.

☐ Be sure your homeowners insurance is in place on your new home.

2-3 Days Before

☐ Confirm all final arrangements with your mover and other service providers.

☐ Talk to the title company, your lender, and your Realtor to verify that all necessary paperwork will be ready for closing.

☐ Obtain a written copy of your closing documents from the lender or title company, and review it with your Realtor.

☐ Check to make sure all fees, tax adjustments, and other charges are correct.

☐ Schedule a walk-through before closing to be sure your new home is ready.

☐ Gather all the documents you are expected to bring to the closing, such as:

☐ Copies of any paid invoices or receipts related to the sale

☐ Your drivers license or government-issued ID

☐ Your closing costs, in the form of certified or wired funds

Day of Closing

☐ Before you leave your old home, sweep out the house and make certain all your belongings are out.

☐ Be sure to get house keys, garage door openers, mailbox keys, etc from the seller at closing.

☐ If you have a Home Warranty in place, be sure it is registered and you have the contract information.

Congratulations! And may you enjoy many years of happiness in your new home.

Buying a Home • November 14, 2019

5 Favorite Land Listings

by ERA ERA Martin Associates

Originally published Nov 14, 2019

Here are five of our favorite land listings with ERA Martin Associates.

“Buy land, they’re not making it anymore.” – Mark Twain

1- Welcome to Patrick’s Landing!

27519 Pemberton Dr, Salisbury, MD 21801

$1,595,000

MDWC105926

Listed by Frances Sterling of ERA Martin Associates

D- 410.603.0928

E- Frances.Sterling@ERA.com

This spectacular, 26 acre, prime waterfront property on Maryland’s Eastern shore would be perfect for an amazing private residence which could accommodate horses and stables, gardens galore, wide open spaces, or anything your heart desires. Or, if development is what you’re looking for, it is also approved for subdivision and ready for development. With a total of 16 potential lots, Patrick’s Landing Subdivision features seven high waterfront lots all over an acre with gorgeous views up and down the Wicomico River. The opposite bank is all natural land and cannot be developed. There are nine interior lots which could all have water views and are each about an acre and the property is ringed by forest conservation lands for nice privacy. The lots have been approved for well and septic. No flood insurance required! This property offers a rare and unique opportunity to anyone who owns it. Salisbury, Maryland is in the heart of the Eastern Shore. It is thirty miles from the ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. The Wicomico River offers not only amazing river views but also soaring Eagles, Blue Heron and Osprey watching, water sports, fishing and duck hunting and sunsets that make you want to stop what you’re doing and take it all in. The list of possibilities is endless for this property! There are currently two waterfront homes that convey with this land. A 1950’s brick split level and a 1920 Farmhouse. Both have 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths . The farmhouse is currently rented. The parcel is located on Rawson Rd. and is further identified on Wicomico county tax map 47, parcels 15/145/223. This property is being offered as one parcel that consists of parts of three tax references 09-001131, 09-001115, 09-065458. The plat has been approved for subdivision and development but has not yet been filed with the county. Also listed as Residential #MDWC105902

2- Opportunity and Potential

6379 Walston Switch Rd, Salisbury, MD 21804

$599,000

MDWC105850

Listed by Gayle Quillin of ERA Martin Associates

D- 410.726.1117

E- Gayle.Quillin@ERA.com

Two parcels next to Wor-Wic Community College totaling 33.9 Acres. Currently zoned for agricultural but may be able to be changed to accommodate other uses.

3- A Possible 51 Units!

Main St. Pittsville, MD

$320,000

MDWC105844

Listed by Roger Sansom of ERA Martin Associates

D- 410.251.8574

E- Roger.Sansom@ERA.com

Development opportunity including lots 4 & 5 that are ready to build on! Located next to Pittsville Elementary School. This development is currently planned for up to 51 units.

4- Line Road and Melson

E Line Rd. Delmar

$89,0000

MDWC105816

Listed by Rhonda Evans of ERA Martin Associates

D- 410.251.3748

E- Rhonda.Evans@ERA.com

Interested in starting to work on agriculture land or looking to add inventory to your farming properties, this is the perfect small farm for you. It has 100 feet that front on E Line Rd and turn right at Melson Rd. Go past land that is with house on corner of E Line Rd, the rest of the farm property fronts 1,043.5 feet on Melson Rd. The woods that face Melson Rd is Non-tidal wetlands. It is a total of 15.76 acres. Close to Delaware- Maryland line and Delmar and Salisbury restaurants, shopping and medical facilities. Also 30 minute drive to MD & DE beaches.

5- Island in Blackwater Refuge

Blackwater River Cambridge

$139,0000

MDDO124088

Listed by Wayne Johnson of ERA Martin Associates

D- 410.463.1795

E- waynejohnson524@gmail.com

Rare opportunity to own your own 270 acre island in Blackwater refuge. Four existing land hunting blinds plus license to build four off-shore hunting blinds. Opportunities are endless for tremendous hunting, sight-seeing, canoeing, fishing, photography, etc… This island has been privately owned for over 50 years. Great teal, black duck, and mallard hunting.

To learn more about land and lot purchases contact your ERA Martin Associates agent at 410.749.1818 or visit our office located at 1000 E. Main St. Salisbury, MD 21804.

Each ERA office is independently owned and operated. This is not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale, or individuals currently under contract with another brokerage.

New & Newsworthy • November 1, 2019

ERA Martin Associates Wins National Award

by ERA ERA Martin Associates

Originally published Nov 01, 2019

ERA Martin Associates Wins National Award for “Extraordinary Customer Service”

Among Top 45 Firms in the U.S. Receiving Coveted QE Award – Unique Industry Recognition

Salisbury MD – October 28, 2019 – ERA Martin Associates of Salisbury was recently recognized as one of America’s Top 45 real estate firms based on service excellence with the 2019 QE Award, which measures and independently verifies customer satisfaction in real estate. The QE Award was created by Quality Service Certification, Inc. (QSC), to foster, encourage, and recognize the highest levels of service excellence among real estate companies and agents. ERA Martin agents have received thousands of completed customer satisfaction surveys, with an average company rating of 4.92 / 5 stars.

The 2019 QE Award recognizes the Top 5 Large Companies, the Top 10 Midsize Companies and the Top 30 Small Companies, spanning 24 states, from California to Massachusetts, and Florida to Minnesota, and includes some of the most respected independent and well-known national and regional brand names.

“This award truly honors the hard work and dedication of our agents, who do everything they can to ensure every single client receives the best customer service experience,” says ERA Martin Associates Chairman, Bill Martin. “Winning a QE Award from Quality Service Certification puts us among the best real estate companies in America and is perhaps the highest honor any brokerage in real estate can receive,” he added. Joni Williamson, President of ERA Martin Associates, says, “As a smaller, locally-owned real estate firm, it can be hard to compete for recognition among large national brokerages. Receiving the QE Award sets our company apart and lets us stand out for what we feel is the most important aspect of real estate – the customer experience.”

The 2019 QE Award is based upon the results of an independent survey limited solely to buyers and sellers who were in a real estate transaction that actually closed with participating real estate companies. Quality Service Certification, Inc. and Leading Research Corporation, Laguna Niguel, CA administer the survey process to ensure that every past customer is surveyed, preventing agents or the company from selectivity, interference or influence in any way.

“Today’s consumers are seeking transparency, accountability, and trusted information to help them make better, more informed decisions and choices. ERA Martin Associates has elected to participate in service assessment and feedback following every transaction, which is setting a new and better standard for excellence,” said Kevin C. Romito, President, Quality Service Certification, Inc.

“ERA Martin Associates is not just raising the bar for customer service; they’ve committed to a whole new standard, knowing consumers are tired of seeing meaningless perfect reviews where every agent has a 5-star rating,” Romito adds. “We believe that in a consumer-centric world, the higher standard for gauging excellence in professional services should authentically measure how well each customer is served, not just how much business is done.”

Larry Romito, Chairman, CEO, notes that the QE Award is based upon aggregated overall Customer Satisfaction as a percentage of all returned surveys of real customers’ where every past customer has been surveyed without selectivity, editing, deletion, cleansing or manipulation. “No other system exists, anywhere, in the real estate industry that can legitimately make that claim,” he said, noting that “accurate, reliable, independently validated survey results of individual agents” can be accessed by visiting RatedAgent.com.

Eligibility for the 2019 QE Award requires a minimum number of surveys sent and returned, which may be adjusted from year to year based upon market conditions and the number of participants. More than 30,000 real estate agents and 750 companies elected to participate in the customer satisfaction assessment survey process in 2018 for the 2019 QE Award.

This is the third, consecutive QE Award for ERA Martin Associates.

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