Mount Airy Real Estate: ADVOCACY
Mount Airy Real Estate by Maureen Nichols, REALTOR®
Team Bonnie and Maureen of RE/MAX Realty Plus
What is the bottom line job of a REALTOR®? In one word: ADVOCACY. Buyers, sellers, tenants, landlords: Agents advocate for their clients. But behind the scenes, advocacy is a much broader term to describe what REALTORS® are doing to help promote and protect the rights of property owners. Their advocacy to preserve our rights is an on-going nationwide effort.
Locally, Data Centers and The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) have been the hottest topics affecting real property. There are other crucial real-estate related issues relative to our area as well: ADU (accessory dwelling units) legislation, PFAs in our water supply, housing affordability, and something that has affected so many of our senior population, the federal capital gains tax on primary home sales*. To combat all these issues, REALTORS® have consistently stepped up and made it their mission to make a difference.
Upon learning about the proposed power line project, MPRP, Frederick County resident Kris Alcorn, Associate Broker of RE/MAX Realty Plus and Frederick County Association of REALTORS® 2024 President, began collaborating in order to protect and preserve our valuable agricultural land, residential properties and businesses. In 2025, Kris approached MD REALTORS® and successfully secured a grant to support the Stop MPRP group efforts. She stays informed and vocal on this project and volunteers countless hours to aid its efforts.
Dan Iampieri, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Aspire, who resides in Frederick County along the proposed MPRP path, has announced his candidacy for the Frederick County Council to succeed current Councilman Steve McKay. He believes, as I do, that we understand the value of the data-center industry, but we value our way of life and our environment more. “We must preserve our agricultural charm and businesses. We must honor commitments like Rural Legacy and Priority Preservation, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our farmers,” said Dan in a recent campaign speech, adding: “This campaign is about protecting what matters – our kids’ future, our land, and our homes.”
Rob Krop – not just the co-owner of The Machine Gun Nest – but a well-known Frederick County REALTOR® at Keller Williams Realty Centre, was recently announced as running mate to Dan Cox who is running for governor of Maryland. Their platform: Advocating for Maryland families, Maryland retirees, for reasonable taxes and fees, for affordable home ownership, fiscal accountability and reliable energy.
No matter your political affiliation, those that step up to advocate for all of us and our property rights deserve a round of applause. It is not limited to the 3 local agents I’ve mentioned, it is widespread throughout every community in Maryland and throughout our nation. REALTORS® step up. As a former FCAR President, I have been involved with advocacy on behalf of our local counties, our state and our nation, and I have experienced the time and effort it takes to keep up with and fight for property rights and related issues. I for one appreciate, respect and admire each and every REALTOR® who volunteers their time and resources – especially now during this time of political discord. It makes me proud to be a REALTOR®.
For more information on REALTOR® Advocacy, please visit the following sites:
*The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is actively advocating to double the primary residence capital gains tax exclusion, which has not been adjusted for inflation since 1997. They support the bipartisan “More Homes on the Market Act” (H.R. 1340), which would increase the exemption from $250,000 to $500,000 for single filers and from $500,000 to $1 million for married couples.