Page 58 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch AN ADVISOR WHO HELPS YOU PLAN FOR August 16, 2013 THE FUTURE. YOURS. YOUR KIDS. THEIR KIDS. With our innovative trust solutions, a Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor can help you protect your assets now - and leave a legacy for the future. Contact a Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor for more information. Christine M. Selzer, CFP® Vice President Wealth Management Advisor Brian L. Selzer, CRPC®, CSNA® Senior Financial Advisor Melanie S. Konoski Client Associate Merrill Lynch 11724 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 213-8521 http://fa.ml.com/brian_selzer Business And Real Estate News Hospital Conducting Survey BERLIN – In late August, Atlantic General Hospital will begin conducting a two-week-long community needs assessment. The hospital has secured the assistance of RKM Research and Communications Inc., a market research firm to conduct the research on the hospital’s behalf. The 25-minute telephone survey will be administered to randomly selected households in Worcester County, and portions of lower Sussex County, Del., eastern Wicomico County and northern Accomack County in Virginia. The purpose of the survey is to obtain opinions concerning healthcare in our communities so that Atlantic General Hospital and Health System can better plan to meet residents’ healthcare needs in the future. All responses to the survey will be kept confidential, hospital officials state. Atlantic General will receive only summary information with statistics in its report from RKM. The information is crucial for planning strategic initiatives and for providing health education to the public. “We want to know what residents think about their healthcare options,” said Kim Justice, vice president of planning and operations. “We value their opinions and hope that anyone called by RKM will choose to participate in the survey.” housing market is improving. Nearly four in 10 Americans (38 percent) identified an increase in activity within their local housing market in the past year, compared to just 22 percent who reported a slowdown in activity. Respondents were also less concerned than in the past about the drop in home values and foreclosures. The survey also found that more than two-thirds of those surveyed said now is a good time to buy. CAR believes that despite a recent rise in mortgage rates and lower home inventory levels, affordability conditions remain favorable for buyers. Overall on the lower shore, home purchases are up 22 percent over last year with many being first time buyers as well as returning buyers. “Our market is on its way to being a seller’s market as inventory is shrinking. We have also seen an increase in sale prices in some areas and ranges,” said Dodson. “Buyer traffic is up from this time last year, so it’s evident that people want to be homeowners.” Primary Residential Mortgage Inc. Branch Manager Jason Cook said there is god reason for optimism in the local market. "There is a lot of positive buzz in the market, said Cook. “Home values are on the rise, multiple bids are being placed on the same properties and overall there is increased activity as more people are prequalifying to look at properties.” Cook said there are several programs available to help those prepared to buy a home in today’s market. HomePath financing, available on Fannie Mae owned properties, offers significant benefits through low down payments, no mortgage insurance and expanded seller contributions. The HomePath Renovation Mortgage provides the funds to purchase and renovate in one loan. You can use the financing of your choice from any lender including your local bank, credit union or other financial institutions. “There are several properties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and in Delaware that are eligible for and advertise HomePath financing,” said Cook. “This program helps you get a great price on a bank-owned home, low payments because you don’t have to pay for mortgage insurance and can buy with as little as 3 percent down. It truly provides the opportunity for families to buy the home of their dreams.” CAR has a few tips for renters or move up buyers looking for a new place to call home. First, know your credit history and understand how the credit system works. Next, do your research. Home inventories are low in many areas and sellers are receiving multiple bids, so it’s SEE NEXT PAGE THE POWER OF THE RIGHT ADVISOR.TM Merrill Lynch Wealth Management available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”), a registered broker-dealer and member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”). Trust and fiduciary services are provided by Merrill Lynch Trust Company, a division of Bank of America, N.A., member FDIC, a wholly owned subsidiary of BAC. Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value Are Not FDIC Insured MLPF&S and Bank of America, N.A., make available investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of BAC or in which BAC has a substantial economic interest including BofATM Global Capital Management. © 2011 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. 239008 AR82D2K2-06-11 Code 444405PM-0711 RACETRACK AUTO SALES We Buy Like-New And Used Cars, Trucks, Trailers ‘Seller’s Market’ Near BERLIN – A new survey by the National Association of Realtors® found that a majority of renters say homeownership is one of their highest priorities for the future and they are thinking more about purchasing a home now than in past years. Given that information, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the survey also found that Americans overwhelmingly believe owning a home is a good financial decision. “Renters are increasingly recognizing the benefits of homeownership,” said Sheila Dodson, Coastal Association of Realtors (CAR) executive director. “In addition to its many social benefits – such as providing a stable, safe environment – the financial benefits of owning a home are even more apparent to renters now. In many parts of the state, it is actually cheaper to own a home than it is to rent and the selection of homes to choose from is greater. Homeownership also is one of the best ways to build financial security over the long term. In most cases, the benefits of homeownership far outweigh the benefits of renting.” The 2013 National Housing Pulse Survey, which measures consumers’ attitudes and concerns about housing opportunities, found that Americans’ outlook on the WE PAY CASH! (410) 641-4600 ✘✿✿✸❙¤✘❙❍¤✚❀❙❙✼✸¤✛❊❅✼’ Home Of The Heavyweights Philly-Style Cheesesteaks & Hoagies Delivery Available OPEN MONDAY THRU SATURDAY, 7 A.M.-8 P.M. 410-742-0094 106 TRUITT ST. SALISBURY, MD. 21804 Free Fries ($2 VALUE) WITH PURCHASE OF REGULAR-PRICED SUB MUST PRESENT COUPON • MCD