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.

ERA Martin Associates is raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Team ERA has participated in the WALK to END Alzheimer’s for the last ten years and reached a pinnacle of success as a Top 5 ranked fundraising team in the state of Maryland, 2018. As both the team and fundraising efforts have grown, ERA Martin Associates has found new ways to bring awareness and collect donations for the cause. In 2017, Team ERA held their first YARD SALE to END Alzheimer’s. Now in its third year, the event has not only grown in scale and popularity; it has become a well-organized and planned production.

(Team ERA at last year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s.)

The YARD SALE to END Alzheimer’s will be held on September 28th, 2019 and Team ERA has already begun collecting donations. The yard sale starts with the collection of “treasures” donated by neighbors, friends, employees, clients, and anyone who has sale-able “stuff” that they no longer wish to keep. ERA Martin Associates is happy to arrange a drop off of goods by calling 410.749.1818, or just stop by during business hours Monday- Friday 8:30 AM – 6 PM and Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM. A pick- up can also be scheduled for large donations ie. furniture, grills, and exercise equipment. Any items remaining from the yard sale are to be donated to HALO.

(HALO picks up anything remaining from the YARD SALE to END Alzheimer’s.)

All funds raised at the yard sale will go to the Alzheimer’s Association as part of Team ERA’s efforts for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The walk is scheduled for Saturday, November 2nd at the MAC Center. Bill Martin is chairing the walk committee again this year.

(Bill Martin welcoming all the teams participating in the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.)

Yard Sale to End Alzheimer’s- Saturday, September 28th, 2019 from 7 AM to 11 AM. A rain date is scheduled for the same time on the following Sunday, September 29th. Join the Facebook event: YARD SALE to END Alzheimer’s for related news. Any questions pertaining to the Yard Sale to End Alzheimer’s or Team ERA/ Walk to End Alzheimer’s can be directed to Laurie Cannon and Rhonda Evans who serve as Chairman and Captain, respectively.

(Just some of Team ERA and sponsors that help make the YARD SALE to END Alzheimer’s such a successful event year after year.)

(YARD SALE to END Alzheimer’s, Chairman- Laurie Cannon and Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Team ERA Captain- Rhonda Evans.)

Words cannot describe the property as it speaks for itself. But allow us to try…

This immaculate 34 acre farmette has approximately 10 acres cleared, 8 acres in pasture with a six strand high tensile steel fencing and solar charger. The remaining acreage is wooded.

On the property there is a 30×40 Morton Building with concrete flooring, lighting and wiring, loft, 2 stables and work benches. 28 panel Solar array on back of barn which is owned. There is also a 16×10 oak run in shed.

The Cap Cod home was built in 2008 and is a one owner property. Spray foam insulation was used, the crawl space is sealed and has a dehumidifier.

Attached two car garage which is insulated, and finished. Property consists of two parcels, Main parcel is 31.77 acres which is tax ID 09-085394, the other parcel is 2.05 acres tax ID 09-013687 for a total of approximately 34 acres. House is wired for standby generator.

Hardwood floors in foyer, and dining room, Kitchen has tile flooring, granite counter tops, custom made oak cabinetry , under cabinet lighting, and recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances of which the range is a gas down draft range. Breakfast nook off kitchen over looking back yard and pasture area.

Family room has two atrium doors that lead out to deck and a brick masonry hearth with a soap stone wood burning stove.

The residence offers a first level master bedroom with walk in closet and master bath has granite double sink vanity, tile flooring, and walk in shower.

2nd level offers two spacious bedrooms of which each have over-sized walk in closets.

For more property photos: https://www.era.com/property/7523-Rockawalkin-Rd-Hebron-MD-21830/34459850/detail

This listing is brought to you by ERA Martin Associates and Joan Catlin, Realtor®. Contact Joan Catlin directly at 410.726.0235 or by calling ERA Martin Associates offices, 410.749.1818.

ERA Martin Associates is located at 1000 E. Main Street in Salisbury, MD.

2018 was another amazing 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 2nd and consecutive year. Our already high Client Satisfaction Rating improved to a 4.91/5 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. ERA recognized us as a Gold Company and a Semi-Finalist for the ERA Gene Francis Memorial Award; both high honors. Team ERA was the 1st place fundraising team locally for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s Association. We also provided gifts for several children and the elderly through the Life Crisis Center and MACC, respectively, as well as three barrels of non-perishables to the Maryland Food Bank. 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.

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.

Laurie Cannon is the 2018 winner and had 21 returned surveys, all with awesome ratings! Her attention to detail, thoughtfulness, and professionalism make her a well sought out real estate agent.

The Superior Support is presented to the agent who has shown selfless support for 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.

The Celebrating Delmarva Award goes to the agent who promotes our local community; celebrating all of the things that make Delmarva unique.

Bob Heim truly cares about our community and what goes on politically and socially. He knows it’s important to be up-to-date with what’s going on and sharing pertinent events and other local information on social media.

The Complete Collaboration Award is presented to the agent who dedicated time and energy to supporting others.

Frances Sterling not only took a mentee in 2018 (and last year), she also participates in CAR committees and events, is always willing to share what she’s learned, and is always excited to learn more. Frances provides a “Complete Collaboration” mentality for the betterment of not only her career, but that of her co-workers, and ERA Martin Associates as a whole.

The Community Impact Award is given to an agent who continually goes 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 2018; Rhonda Evans was there.

This award goes to the agent who took in the highest number of new listings during the year.

Norman Knight stays very busy with all his listings and still makes himself available for HUD training and/or answer a HUD question.

The Vision & Mission Award goes to the top new agent in their first full year of real estate.

ERA Martin Associates 2018 Rookie of the Year is Alishia Louis-Potter! It was a very close race and in the end its Alishia who has a vision and is on a mission.

Congratulations to the Ashley Real Estate Group who was named 2018’s Top Producing Team with ERA Martin Associates. The Ashley Group is made up of team leader- Jeff Ashley, Nancy Ashley, Min Pi, and recently welcomed- Jeff Turner.

Joan Catlin achieved Platinum Level Sales in 2018 and was named ERA Martin Associates Top Producer! With 40 years in real estate Joan has never stopped striving to provide stellar services her clients. Often a Top Producer, Joan would rather measure her success on the trust, friendships, repeat business, and the referrals she receives from family, friends, and past clients. She’s said, “The relationships that are built from your life actions are a much better measure of one’s true successes in life.”

We’ll have you know that her heartfelt acceptance speech brought tears to the eyes of those in attendance. Joan considers the family-owned and operated atmosphere of ERA Martin Associates to be a contributing factor of her continued success.

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

Gold Level Sales Recipients:

Andy Ball

Melissa Laird

Holly Worthington

LaVon Adkins

Gayle Quillin

Roger Sansom

Silver Level Sales Recipients:

Lisa Spicer

Barb DeTota

Bob Heim

Jim Mutschler

Marti Hoster

Alishia Louis-Potter

Judy Taylor

Margo Sarbanes

Sara Pavlica

Jeff Dale

Norman Knight

Conrad von Kollmar

*Bill Price

Bronze Level Sales Recipients:

Colleen Meiser

Lois Clohessy

Dick Baker

Jeani Warren

Kaye & Charlie Jones

Adam Glushakow

Congratulations to those recognized, supporting staff, every agent that calls ERA Martin Associates their home, and the leadership. Here is to an incredible 2018 and a most promising 2019.

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 and Somerset Counties for the past five years, but the company is equally proud of their Customer Satisfaction Rating, which is currently a 4.91 out of 5, making ERA #1 in Sales and #1 in Service.

Inventory Remains Low as the Real Estate Market Heats Up

The past several years has provided ample opportunity for home buyers here on Delmarva. Although we see home values beginning to creep up in some segments of the market, prices remain relatively low and extremely attractive when compared with the surrounding metropolitan areas. Interest rates are still historically low, giving purchasers more buying power than they ever had before, and the prevalence of government grants and programs available to help homebuyers is astounding. If it’s such a great time to buy a home, why aren’t we seeing a housing frenzy similar to that of the late 2000’s? The answer comes down to our inventory – we don’t have enough saleable homes on the market to support the buyer demand out there today.

In many price ranges, there are buyers just waiting for a home to hit the market that they might be interested in seeing. Approximately 64% of our sales in the past year have been under the $200,000 mark, with the average just above $160,000, making this one of the strongest price ranges with the most buyer competition. Inventory in this price range is down 37.6% from a year ago, compared with a 30.3% decrease across all price ranges. This is causing multiple offers to come in on well-priced properties, and buyers’ agents must get more creative to make their offer stand out.

You may be wondering why so many listings sit on the market and don’t sell, when there are so many buyers competing for homes. We all know of at least one house that has been listed for what seems like years – why aren’t these hungry buyers snatching up all the homes on the market? One reason is that the types of properties that are available for sale don’t always match the type of financing buyers are obtaining. We are seeing a sizeable portion of home-buyers using government-subsidized mortgage programs like FHA, VA, and Rural Housing, and with these programs, the home must be in good condition. Issues like peeling paint, wood rot, and missing flooring must be remedied to qualify, and if the home is not serviced by city water and sewer, the septic system and water must be acceptable as well. Even Conventional mortgages, which are much more lenient as far as property condition goes, still require the home to be in livable condition, free of health and safety defects.

Another factor for the inventory shortage is the amount that some of our current homeowners owe on their mortgages. For people who bought or refinanced since the real estate boom in 2008, they may be “underwater”, meaning they owe more on the mortgage than their home is worth today, and they are not able to sell their home without contributing a substantial amount of cash. In order for these homes to be sold under normal circumstances, we will need to see home values increase enough to cover the mortgage amounts owed.

If buyers are able to locate a home that they love, they have more options today than they ever had in the past. As the economy and real estate market in our area improve, we’ve seen an influx of new construction for the first time in over a decade. This is a positive sign because the re-energizing of the residential new construction market puts many tradesmen back to work at higher wages, while creating the new inventory we so desperately need. New construction does come with its own set of challenges, as many buyers (and subsequently appraisers) are unable to reconcile paying such a high premium for a brand new home vs. a resale. Other novel products like Renovation Loans and local rehab grants can allow a buyer to get creative with their financing and bring a home that is in poor condition up-to-date, while still qualifying for a mortgage. In 2018, we saw mortgage rates begin to creep up a bit. The

government shutdown at the end of the year caused rates to take another dip, but we expect them to slowly climb throughout the year. Although our job is easier when interest rates are low, rising rates do indicate a positive sign for the economy overall. And we hope to continue the positive trend in the real estate market into 2019 with increased sales, and hopefully new inventory to support the buyer demand.

ERA Martin Associates, the largest locally-owned real estate firm in the area, was proud to be recognized as the top residential real estate firm in Wicomico County in 2018. “2019 is off to a great start. Our Realtors are busy, and buyers are out there looking for their next home. It can be a challenge to help a buyer find a home that fits their needs with inventory so low, but educating our agents and consumers on the market and their options has proven helpful.” said company President Joni Martin Williamson. ERA Realtors forecast strong sales numbers through the balance of the year, and we hope to see home values continue to finally rise.

Article by Bill Martin , who founded ERA Martin Associates in 1985. 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 and Somerset Counties for the past six years, but the company is equally proud of their Customer Satisfaction Rating, which is currently a 4.91 out of 5, making ERA #1 in Sales and #1 in Service.

Bill Martin Awarded National Association of REALTORS® Emeritus Status

Broker/Co-Owner of ERA Martin Associates Achieves 40 Years of NAR Membership

Salisbury, MD, February 15, 2019 – Bill Martin, Broker/Co-Owner of ERA Martin Associates, has been awarded REALTOR® Emeritus status, which is presented to those who have held membership in the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) as a Realtor®, Realtor-Associate or both for a cumulative period of 40 years. Martin received the Emeritus recognition on Wednesday, February 13 by Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR) President Bernie Flax, and was awarded with a REALTOR® Emeritus certificate, an official letter of his achievement signed by 2018 NAR President Elizabeth Mendenhall, and a gold lapel pin.

Originally from Montvale, NJ, Martin, a second generation Realtor, began his career in the real estate industry working as an office assistant for his mother’s real estate company. After attending college at Ohio Wesleyan College, he moved to Salisbury and became a licensed Realtor® in 1977. After working for Porter & Strott Realtors (which later became Porter-Dennis Better Homes & Gardens, Martin opened his own company, Bill Martin & Associates, in 1985.

In 1996, Martin franchised with ERA Real Estate to form ERA Martin Associates, which is currently the largest locally-owned real estate firm in Wicomico County. Bill operates the company alongside his daughter, Joni Williamson, and is still very active in the local real estate community.

Martin has always been actively involved in the industry, serving on numerous Realtor committees at a local and state level, and twice serving as President of the Coastal Association of REALTORS®. Martin was recognized as the CAR REALTOR® of the Year in both 1984 and 1993, and received the CAR Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. He is also very involved with the local community with organizations like the Wicomico Rotary Club, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Trinity Methodist Church.

ERA Martin Associates is a full-service real estate company that has been serving the residential and commercial real estate needs of Delmarva for over 30 years. ERA is the largest locally-owned real estate firm in the area and serves Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Telephone: (410) 749-1818. Website: www.ERAdelmarva.com.

Welcome to Fair Haven

25859 Porter Mill Rd. Hebron

This is a one-of-a-kind estate on the Eastern Shore with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, an estimated 3,800 sq. ft. living space, and situated on 34.62 acres. Wow!

Contact Joni Williamson at ERA Martin Associates for a tour.

(O) 410.749.1818 (D) 410.726.6944

For additional listing information use this link: https://bit.ly/2LN4s2L

Riverfront in Rivercrest

615 Ridge Rd. Salisbury

This beautiful home has 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 2,957 sq. ft. and gorgeous views from nearly every room of the single floor layout.

Contact Frances Sterling at ERA Martin Associates for a tour.

(O) 410.749.1818 (D) 410.603.0928

For additional listing information please use this link- https://bit.ly/2LOvAye

The Shallows Colonial

3285 Blue Heron Way, Eden

This immaculate home boasts nearly 4,400 sq. ft., has 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a 3 car garage, and sits on more than an acre of a professionally landscaped lot.

Contact Melissa Laird at ERA Martin Associates for a tour.

(O) 410.749.1818 (D) 443.880.5730

For additional listing information use this link: https://bit.ly/2F6hEiO

Elk Creek Elegance

4251 Elk Creek Dr. Salisbury

Situated on over 2 acres, this home has 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and an estimated 3,386 sq. ft. Additional feature include a full in-law suite, in-ground pool, security fence and much more.

Contact Brandon Johnson at ERA Martin Associates for a tour.

(O) 410.749.1818 (D) 410.603.5087

For additional listing information use this link: https://bit.ly/2GS4sj9

Iconic Camden Avenue

800 Camden Ave. Salisbury

The grand foyer will welcome you to more than 5,400 sq. ft., 6 bedrooms, and 2.5 bathrooms, while the wrap around porch, in-ground pool w/ pool house, and large private yard will beckon you outside.

Contact Linda Slacum at ERA Martin Associates for a tour.

(O) 410.749.1818 (D) 410.251.4050

For additional listing information please us this link: https://bit.ly/2VzWRcm