Fellow members, 

Happy Independence Day!  I hope you're able to take some time to be with family and friends and enjoy the beautiful weather (and take in some fireworks). 
 
Last week the GMAR introduced "Ethics Thursday" which is a bi-monthly newsletter focusing exclusively on the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.  The Code of Ethics is the foundation on which our industry is built, and the basis of what it means to be a REALTOR®.  Please make sure to read the newsletter when it comes out, and share it with your fellow REALTORS®. 
 
I know everyone is anticipating the roll-out of our new SentriLock electronic lockbox system in October.  Introducing an electronic system is a fairly complicated task, which is why we're taking our time.  We want all members to be up-to-speed and well versed in how using the new system can help your business.  One large issue we discussed at the last Directors meeting was how to charge members for the system.  Please see the explanation below on billing for the system.

Vickie Kelsall
2018 GMAR Chairwoman

 
SentriLock - Electronic Lockboxes

How will billing for the new SentriLock system work?
 
At the last GMAR Board of Directors meeting, the decision to bill members for the electronic lockbox system on an annual basis was approved.  The GMAR will initially be charging for 15 months of service, not just 12.  The total on each REALTOR® member's dues bill in September will be $172.50.  ($11.50 x 15 months)
 
The reason for the extra 3 months is we are starting the SentriLock system on October 1, 2018 (in order to give members several months of practice with it), and the GMAR's fiscal year is January 1 of each year.  With dues bills only coming out in September of each year, we need to charge for a longer period of time than simply 12 months.  The fee is still $11.50/month, however.
 
We want to make you aware of this well in advance of the dues being sent out, so that you can plan your business expenses accordingly.
 
The $25 discount for dues paid by October 31 will still apply, and the entire dues payment will still be due by November 30.
 
In September, SentriLock will be in town to conduct several training programs in Menomonee Falls and in Brookfield, and to hand out boxes.
 
Stay tuned for more on the SentriLock system in next week's newsletter.

  

 
THE REALTOR WORLD HAS LOST ONE OF ITS CHAMPIONS
   
Jeraldine (Jerry) Marchant  

As a result of Jerry's leadership, every Realtor has benefited, whether they know it or not, by Jerry's grass roots efforts to defeat bad laws and pass good ones.  Jerry was well respected by a great number of elected officials at the local, state and national levels and was a champion for the Realtor cause.  


 
GMAR Equal Opportunity Committee Update

Angela Walters shares this short video regarding the issue of steering.  Realtors may be "steering," a violation of Article 10 of the REALTORS Code of Ethics, and may not realize it.  

Click here to watch a short video from Angela Walters.  

NAR CALL TO ACTION: Reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 

Please respond to NAR's recent Call to Action advocating for the extension of the National Flood Insurance Program that will expire on July 31.  If the program expires, it will deny necessary insurance coverage to property owners and buyers in more than 20,000 communities nationwide. Take action by urging Congress to extend the NFIP and pass meaningful reforms to ensure long-term viability of the program.  

HOMELESS VETERANS NEED OUR HELP 
 
The Homeless Veteran's Initiative is in need of:

  • electric fans
  • household cleaners
  • dishsoap
  • cleaning supplies (mops, paper towels, sponges, etc)
 

The Realtor Veterans Committee, chaired by Dave Delahunt, will be heading-up this drive. You can drop off items at the GMAR office, or directly at the Homeless Veteran's Initiative, 6317 W. Greenfield Ave., in West Allis.  

BUY REAL ESTATE SUPPLIES AT 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.


 
GMAR GOLF OUTING -  REGISTRATION NOW FULL!

The GMAR golf outing will be held at Ironwood Golf Course on Tuesday, July 10, 2018.

Thank you to our 2018 Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Cherry Creek Mortgage
Landmark Credit Union
Marine Credit Union
US Bank Home Mortgage
Waukesha State Bank

Silver Sponsors
Ace World Wide Elite Relocation Services
Associated Bank
ATG - Attorney's Title Guaranty Fund, Inc
Chicago Title
Fidelity National Title
First American Title Insurance
Great Midwest Bank, SSB
Milwaukee HomesighT Inc.
House to Home Inspections
Knight Barry Title
The Lending Ladies
Merit Title
Metro MLS
Minuteman Press Brookfield
Prism Title Services, LLC
RE/MAX Realty 100
Renters Warehouse Milwaukee
The Equitable Bank
Tim O'Brien Homes
Two Men and a Truck
Universal Home Protection
UW Credit Union
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
   
SAVE THE DATE - 1ST ANNUAL WINE & BEER TASTING EVENT

Join the  Kettle Moraine Council for their inaugural 
Wine & Beer Tasting Event to benefit GMAR's Youth Foundation
 
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Time: 5:00 p.m - 7:30 p.m. 
Location: House of Heileman's on Big Cedar Lake
Cost of Tickets: $25/person (tickets available in August)

More details:

Private event
Caterer Sloppy Joe's, Heavy appetizers'
Cork pull
Silent Auction
Bus available from the GMAR office, Germantown park & ride and North side of West Bend
                                             
To learn more about local real estate or to become a GMAR member visit gmar.com