CALL FOR ACTION: REFORM OUR TAX CODE AND PROTECT MIDDLE CLASS HOMEOWNERS      
   
As a REALTOR you have no doubt heard about tax reform plans from Washington, DC. Now Congress is threatening tax incentives for homeowners, like the mortgage interest deduction and the state and local property tax deduction. These incentives are critical for a strong housing market that creates jobs and builds stable communities.
 
Take action to tell Congress to reform our tax code AND protect middle class homeowners.
GMAR STORE SALE      
   
The GMAR store is closing at the end of the year and everything in the store is 20% off. Stop in and stock up!
If you have any questions, please call Alberta: 414-778-4929.
CARJACKING, A SAFETY ISSUE FOR REALTORS®
       
   
Recently, a GMAR member was carjacked while pumping gas. Fortunately, she was not severely injured other than some bumps and bruises. The incident could have been much worse. Unfortunately, Realtors® are often at risk because of the nature of their job--often being on the road which increases exposure to criminals.  Follow this link from Wikihow for tips on avoiding being carjacked. 
REALTOR VETERANS COMMITTEE COAT DRIVE
       
   
The newly established Realtor Veterans Committee, chaired by Dave Delahunt, is collecting coats, hats and gloves for homeless vets. We are working directly with the Milwaukee Homeless Veteran's Initiatives.
 
You can drop off used men's and women's coats, in good condition at the GMAR office. Scott Bush and Dave Delahunt will be meeting with the Homeless Veteran's Initiative this Friday, November 17th. You can drop off your coats at the GMAR office before Friday and Scott will deliver them.
 
You can also drop them directly at the Homeless Vets Initiative, 6317 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis. If you can't get your coats to GMAR by Friday, we will continue to take donations at the GMAR office or at the Homeless Vets Initiative headquarters. Now...go check your closets!    
NEW DSPS WEBSITE
       
   
The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is excited to announce our new website will be live on November 12, 2017! The DSPS website is visited by thousands of individuals each day and is the department's primary online communications tool. Please update your bookmarks as our URLs are changing. The homepage will remain dsps.wi.gov and top user pages will be redirected to their new URL.
 
In revitalizing the website, DSPS updated content and consolidated information wherever possible to ensure an easy and efficient customer experience. The new website features three-tiered navigation that organizes content with the user in mind and was built to be mobile user friendly. Additionally, the search feature has been enhanced and is prominently located on the home page, helping you find what you need faster.
 
The new design aligns with industry standards and the look of the Wisocnsin.gov portal. We are excited to share the new website with you and hope you find it enhances your customer experience.
GRANTS, DOWN PAYMENT, & CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
       
   
The GMAR is in the process of accumulating a list of grants, down payment, and closing cost assistance programs from our member lending institutions that can help buyers who need a 'leg up.'
 
Click here for links to several grants and loan products, and to the lenders who carry them.  This list is very basic and is meant to give you an idea of what is out there. You should feel free to contact a lender and ask for more information and if their products can be customized to your client's needs.
 
The GMAR will continue to update this list over the next several months. If you are a lender and would like to add information, please email Mike Ruzicka

 
GMAR HOLIDAY PARTY - Early Bird Deadline ends Friday
Wednesday December 6th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Downtown

The Celebration Will Include the Annual Awards For:
 
Realtor® of the Year - Roxanne Platz, First Weber Inc.
Affiliate of the Year -   A+ Mortgage Services, Inc.
Dedicated Service Award - Laura Kruschka, RE/MAX Realty 100
 
And the GMAR Board of Directors Installation:
 
2018 GMAR Chairwoman: Vickie Kelsall, Century 21 Affiliated
Gary Swittel, RE/MAX Realty 100
Jeremy Rynders, Keller Williams
Arthur Mays, Realty Among Friends
Amy Curler, First Weber Inc.
 
New this year: End your evening with cocktails and conversation after dinner at the rooftop ballroom of the Hyatt with great views of the city! We will have a cash bar as well as sponsored drinks and food.
 
 
 

 
This event is being coordinated by The Lending Ladies and Jimmy's Island Bar & Grill


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