Please read the press release sent out by the: Maryland Association of REALTORS®
October 25, 2007
Contact: Michael Khoo,Fenton Communications, 202-822-5200
Please: Read the end of this post below.
(Annapolis) The Maryland Association of REALTORS (MAR) is launching a major print advertisement campaign to fight the proposed state tax on property management fees. The 35,000 member group is taking out multiple full page advertisements in the Baltimore Sun, the Washington Post, the Capital, the Gazette of Politics and Business, and the Maryland Daily Record.
The advertisement features an open letter to the Maryland public from MAR president Carole A. Maclure that is sharply critical of the proposal to extend the sales tax to property management services.
“Fixing the budget is necessary. Another tax on housing and property is a big mistake,” reads the headline. “Call your representatives today in the Maryland General Assembly and urge them to vote “NO” on new real estate taxes,” the letter urges.
“The budget shouldn’t be balanced on the backs of renters, homeowners and small business,” said Maclure, a REALTOR® with Long & Foster. “We understand the need to close the deficit but working families, seniors and those with low-income will be hit hardest by this new property management tax.”
In the last five years, over 20 different housing-related taxes and add-on fees have been increased or imposed by local and state government. These include property taxes, transfer taxes, recordation taxes and fees, capital gains taxes, excise taxes, and impact fees. Real estate levies already contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to state and local governments.
“Maryland is already the seventh most expensive rental market in the country,” said Maclure. “Average-wage earners spend more than half their income for an average-priced two-bedroom rental in our state. Low-wage earners cannot afford that same apartment without working more than one job.”
The letter concludes with Maclure cautioning that “Now is not the time to burden Maryland residents with new taxes on our homes and businesses.”
We really need bodies to show up for this to show our strength in order to: OPPOSE THE REAL ESTATE TAX!!!!
When: Nov. 1st, Thursday
Where: ANNAPOLIS REALTOR RALLY - ROUND TWO! The rally is 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Meet at Lawyer's Mall
Call BAAR for information:410-758-4866
