STOP CORONAVIRUS
WEAR YOUR MASK - WASH YOUR HANDS - STAY 6 FT. AWAY
LETTER FROM GMAR CHAIRMAN KEL SVOBODA
Hello REALTORS®,

July was a busy month for our members. Housing market continues to see an inventory shortage with high demand. It’s important we remember to be fair and ethical when working with our fellow members.

With everything that has transpired so far in 2020 – now possibly more than ever – we need to work together to strengthen our REALTOR® brand. We also must continue to strive for equity and equality within our industry. GMAR hosted a Diversity & Inclusion Committee meeting with a forum for members to listen in and ask questions. We wanted to learn and understand what members felt should be priorities to make the most impact. Thank you Tammy Maddente for chairing the committee and the rest of the committee for taking the time to listen. I think everyone left knowing change takes time, however, we can make small successes turn into even bigger successes. It has to start somewhere and this is the group that can help lead the charge. Please reach out to Scott Bush if you would like to get involved. 

In time where things have slowed down, we are in an industry that has not. Agents, staff, lenders and other professionals are working overtime to handle the volume right now. All while practicing safe distancing and safety protocols, we knew nothing of a year ago. The additional responsibilities can be taxing. Mental health is important and I want to encourage you to take time for your health, both physical and mental. We are fortunate to be able to work in an industry that allows for flexibility and mobility. Even a small 30 minutes of YOU time can make a big difference for your health and the people around you. 

I hope you and your families stay safe and August is successful. 

Thank you. 
WISCONSIN MASK ORDER EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1ST
Announced this week, Gov. Tony Evers is requiring all Wisconsin residents to wear face masks while indoors until the end of September. The order takes effect on Saturday, August 1, and is intended to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus.

Under the order, masks are not required for most showings and open houses because the order does not apply to private residences. However, REALTORS® should continue to be mindful of the seller’s and buyer’s wishes.

Face coverings are required (1) when indoors or in an enclosed space other than a private residence; and (2) when another person(s) who is not a member of an individual’s household or living unit is present in the same room or enclosed space.
For additional information, see Gov. Evers' face mask FAQ online here.
FREE REALTOR® MASKS FOR GMAR MEMBERS
The GMAR will be providing free REALTOR® masks to its members. They are now available for pickup from our office during normal business hours (8:30am - 5:00pm). Limit one per person. Feel free to stop by and get yours today!
REAL TRENDS AUGUST 2020 NEWSLETTER
"As brokers adjust to life in a pandemic, decisions need to be made that will impact brokerage leaders. Here are some trends to watch." - Steve Murray, REAL Trends President

CAPITOL INSIGHTS : PODCAST SERIES

For some WRA members, cow manure and politics smell the same, and they don’t want to get too close to either one. But even if you don’t like the smell of politics, your engagement is critical because the stakes are so high. In this episode, WRA Senior Vice President of Legal & Public Affairs Tom Larson and WRA Director of Political Affairs Joe Murray discuss the importance of advocacy at the state Capitol in Madison and what this advocacy means to your bottom line. You are not required to plug your nose for this.
YOUTH FOUNDATION AWARD GRANTS
Congratulations to the following grant recipients:
Arts and Culture
St. Anthony School
Ex Fabula
Artists Working in Education
The Milwaukee Choristers
Black Arts Milwaukee
Wild Space Dance
ARCH Youth

Education
St. Anthony School
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County
Hunger Task Force
United Community Center
Unity in Motion
Milwaukee Rescue Mission
St. Josephs Academy
ABLE
 
Social Services
St. Anthony School
Variety-Children’s Charity of Wisconsin
Life Striders
CORE El Centro
Hope House of Milwaukee
St. Francis Children’s Center
Cops and Kids
$750
$1,000
$500
$600
$500
$750
$500
$500
$750
$750
$750
$750
$500
$1,000
$700
$1,000
$1,185
$1,500
$2,0003
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$1,000
NEWSMAKERS: EVICTIONS IN WISCONSIN DURING COVID-19
On July 30, 2020, WisconsinEye senior producer Steve Walters hosted a discussion with Heiner Giese of Apartment Association of Southeastern Wisconsin; Chris Mokler, director of legislative affairs for Wisconsin Apartment Association; Colleen Foley, executive director for the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee; and Joe Murray, director of Political and Governmental Affairs for Wisconsin Realtors Association, on the number of evictions filed statewide in the first six months of the year, what could happen if another moratorium on evictions is enacted, and the options facing Congress.
CONCEALED CARRY COURSES AT THE GMAR
MPD Training, LLC, will be providing two Concealed Carry Firearms Safety Courses at the GMAR office in August. No previous experience is necessary.

AUGUST 13, 2020 | 12:00 NOON - 4:00 PM
OR
AUGUST 27, 2020 | 12:00 NOON - 4:00 PM
Cost - $50/person

 Lunch will be provided by Waterstone Mortgage

Due to COVID-19 social distancing regulations, each class will be limited to 9 people.
THURSDAY TAKEAWAYS VIDEO SERIES
Check out the most recent edition of WRA's Thursday Takeaway Video Series!
 
"Realtors Property Resource"
With Ernie Bottom
RPR director of industry relations Ernie Bottom reviews one of the many great member benefits offered through your NAR membership.
 
SHREDFEST SEPTEMBER 3RD
Shredfest has been rescheduled for Thursday, September 3rd with the following regulations:

  • Anyone dropping off boxes must stay in their car
  • The GMAR staff will unload your boxes
  • The GMAR staff will be wearing gloves and masks while assisting members

For more information and to sign up for a time slot please click here
LOOKING TO GROW YOUR NETWORK AND IMPACT?
Looking to grow your network and impact?
Since 2010, members of Take Root Milwaukee have worked collectively to help thousands of individuals and families in the Milwaukee area obtain and maintain homeownership. Become a member today to belong to an established and dedicated network of lenders, neighborhood organizations, HUD-certified counseling agencies, Realtors, and City of Milwaukee housing departments who can assist with referrals, idea-sharing, brand promotion and more. Learn more here.
STAND OUT AS A FOCUS ON ENERGY AMBASSADOR
Looking for new ways to bring added value to your clients? Consider becoming a FOCUS ON ENERGY® Ambassador. Focus on Energy partners with utilities across Wisconsin to provide resources and incentives for energy efficient home products, equipment and improvement projects.

Once you complete a digital 45 minute Workshop and enroll as an Ambassador, you can start offering your clients access to new energy efficiency expertise and exclusive perks, including a Welcome Kit with a $125 heating and cooling tune-up voucher and a helpful Home Energy & Maintenance Guide. The kit is co-branded with your business information and sent to your clients on your behalf, at no cost to you, providing an extra touch and added value.

Join the 700+ Wisconsin real estate professionals already offering these informational resources and exclusive perks to their clients. For more information, visit focusonenergy.com/ambassador or email ambassador@focusonenergy.com. You can also call Nancy Alberte, local Focus on Energy representative, at 608.358.8212 with questions.
COVID-19 RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO REALTORS®
REAL ESTATE SUPPLY STORE NOW AT
MINUTEMAN PRESS - BROOKFIELD
The real estate supply store is now located ONLY at Minuteman Press - Brookfield location (13680 W. Capitol Drive). The store is back open with COVID-19 protection measures in place. Online orders are still encouraged. Store hours are M-F between 8:30 AM and 5 PM.
Contact Minuteman Press-Brookfield for more info, (262) 781-9622!
THE FOLLOWING GMAR SOCIAL EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE COVID-19 SOCIAL DISTANCING REGULATIONS
Brewers Bash
Golf Outing
KMC Wine & Beer Tasting
In addition to our weekly eNewsletter, the GMAR will be utilizing its social media pages to keep members informed and up-to-date during the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation. Please connect with us through the links to our social platforms below.
Comments, Suggestions or Questions?...
Let us know how the GMAR can improve what we offer to you as members of our organization. Your feedback helps us to make quality improvements to our programs and benefits, so we appreciate it! Click here to e-mail your feedback to the GMAR.