GMAR 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW VIDEO
    
   
10 WAYS 2017 FEDERAL TAX REFORM WILL IMPACT WISCONSIN REAL ESTATE      
   
On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law one of the most significant changes to the federal tax code since 1986. This new law, referred to as the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act," includes sweeping changes to federal corporate income tax rates, individual itemized deductions, estate taxes, health insurance and medical care deductions, child and family tax credits, alternative minimum taxes and much more. Many of the tax cuts for individuals are temporary and will expire at the end of 2025.

WHAT A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN MEANS FOR REALTORS
   
Congress has failed to approve a Continuing Resolution (CR) providing funding for most government operations. Therefore, spending authority for most of the government expired at midnight on January 19, 2018. Until legislation providing for funding is signed into law, many offices and programs of the federal government are now shut down. This means many, but not all, government programs, including some that impact federal housing and mortgage programs, have been suspended or slowed due to the lapse in government funding.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requires each agency to have contingency plans in place. The information below is based on NAR staff review of agency contingency plans for the current shutdown and past experience with previous shutdowns and near-shutdowns.

FAIR HOUSING MAKES U.S. STRONGER   
   
For REALTORS®, the Fair Housing Act is one of our nation's most significant laws guiding the
real estate industry today. Usually we recognize it with Fair Housing Month, celebrated in April
each year. 2018 is different, though, as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of this major
milestone in our nation's efforts to bring greater equal opportunities in the rights to private
property and housing.

GMAR HOMELESS VETERANS COAT DRIVE  
   
The GMAR's newly formed Veterans Committee, chaired by Dave Delahunt, collected over 100 coats for homeless vets. The coats were then provided to The Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative. A special thanks to all of you who donated coats, hats and gloves. The committee will continue to explore ways to help our vets!  
 
Contact Scott Bush should you have suggestions or if you care to participate.
GMAR REALTOR STORE HAS MOVED TO MINUTEMAN PRESS IN BROOKFIELD      
   
The GMAR Realtor store is closed and Minuteman Press in Brookfield is now selling Real Estate Supplies! Visit them at 13680 W. Capitol Drive, M-F 8am-5pm. If you have any questions, feel free to contact them at 262-781-9622.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE       
   
The Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS® Youth Foundation will award 7 $1,000 scholarships to children or grandchildren of GMAR members during 2018. 
 
Members must have maintained their relationship with the GMAR continuously for at least three (3) years. Deadline is April 1st. 
 

 
KETTLE MORAINE COUNCIL MARDI GRAS PARTY
February 6th at Jug's Hitching Post in West Bend - Registration ends soon!
 
 
Save the date for the GMAR Kettle Moraine Council Mardi Gras Party on February 6th at Jug's Hitching Post. For $10 you receive a drink ticket, heavy hors d'oeuvres and free raffle tickets! We will also be giving out an award for the best Mardi Gras mask.
 
Click here to register
 
REALTOR® & GOVERNMENT DAY
 February 7, 2018
 
Join your colleagues from the GMAR and REALTORS® from across the state as they converge in Madison on Wednesday, February 7 to help shape the laws that impact you and your real estate business. The first 300 registrants are free. Register now by calling or emailing Marne Stuck. (414)778-4929.
 
 
Don't want to drive? Ride the bus and enjoy lunch for FREE thanks for our sponsors: Chicago Title, HMS Home Warranty, House To Home Inspections, Landmark Credit Union, and RE/MAX Realty 100. If you are interested in reserving a seat on the bus, please let Marne know when you call to register (The bus is almost full).  Space is limited to 50 passengers.  
 
ST PADDY'S DASH
 Presenting Sponsor: A+ Mortgage    
 
Save the date: Sunday, March 11th at 10am at Hart Park in Wauwatosa for the 6th Annual St. Paddy's Dash, 5K Run/Walk to benefit the GMAR Youth Foundation.

Thank you to our 2018 Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: A+ Mortgage Services, Inc.
Gold Sponsors: Dana Karow, First Weber Foundation, Landmark Credit Union, Nancy B. Meeks - Shorewest, Wisconsin Title Service
Silver Sponsors: Attorney's Title Guaranty Fund, Inc., EXIT Realty Horizons, Great Midwest Bank, Johnson Bank, Land Title, Metro MLS, RE/MAX Realty 100, Shorewest Realtors, The Equitable Bank, The Nikolic Group- First Weber, The Stefaniak Group, Title 100
Bronze Sponsors: Benefit Realty, Cherry Creek Mortgage, Chicago Title, Compass Title, Knight-Barry Title, Merit Title, Milwaukee HomesighT, Ryan Katzman of First Weber, Scott  and Sandra Bush, Suzanne Head - First Weber, Suzanne Powers Realty Group, Tom Witkowski, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Friends:  Noel & Donna Karow, Jerry Grosenick - EXIT Realty XL, Joanne Marks - Prime Lending, Racine Kringle, Raffaele Team - RE/MAX Realty 100, Richard Woodside
 
If you are interested in being a sponsor or donating a silent auction item, please contact Scott Bush at GMAR 414/778-4929
 


To learn more about local real estate or to become a GMAR member visit gmar.com