NAR launched a new educational tool for REALTORS®

Members TeleHealth benefit offer has been extended

Tips for virtual real estate listing appointments

FAIR HOUSING AND RESPONDING TO COMMON BUYER QUESTIONS

When buyers ask you to recommend a neighborhood, be careful how you respond. It’s possible to inadvertently violate the Fair Housing Act by steering a customer to or from certain areas. Here’s some tips on how to help buyers find the community they want, without you crossing the line.

Ask about their interests.

This will help you determine neighborhoods that fit their lifestyle without your having to get into questions of religion, ethnicity, or other sensitive matters. For example, bikers might want to be near a park with a bike path.

We want good schools.

When buyers ask questions about schools, point them to the school district’s website and encourage them to schedule a visit to the schools. You can help them locate the district boundaries to ensure they’ll be purchasing within the school district they choose. But don’t say anything yourself about the quality of the schools.

Crime—Is this a safe neighborhood? Direct them to the police.

If buyers want to get a picture of the area’s crime rate, direct them to the police department or other sources of information. Don’t disclose crime statistics or say a neighborhood is a safe place to live even if you believe it to be true.

Make a list of spiritual places.

Develop a list of all houses of worship in the neighborhoods you serve and provide that as a resource to buyers.

Get to know the Census Bureau.

If buyers want to know the demographics of the area, refer them to the   "fact finder" section of the U.S. Census Bureau Web site , where they can find racial, ethnic, and income breakdowns. If buyers want to dig deeper, refer them to the city government or local nonprofits.

Stick to the rules.

If buyers persist in asking questions that could result in a charge of steering against you, be polite but firm in telling them: "I’m sorry, but I can’t provide that information. Fair housing laws prevent me from steering people away from or toward a certain neighborhood based on the legally protected classes." Help buyers get their own information.

April is Fair Housing month. You can download a wealth of information from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®: https://www.nar.realtor/fair-housing/fair-housing-month-at-home

NEW TOOL AVAILABLE WITH EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR REALTORS ®

On Monday, April 20th, the National Association of REALTORS® launched an educational directory with opportunities for REALTORS® that go beyond their own online and virtual courses. The page has the capacity to show live and virtual courses being offered by state and local REALTOR® associations as well as affiliated Institutes, Societies and Councils (ISCs) and even independent course providers.

Before any course is added to the directory, it will be reviewed to ensure it is not redundant with exiting programs of NAR or the ISCs.

This new educational tool can be found here .

VIRTUAL LISTING APPOINTMENTS: NAVIGATING THE NEW NORMAL

"We're hearing from agents across the country that, for some homeowners, selling their home in the middle of a pandemic is still a necessity. Whether that's because their family circumstances have changed, they're facing a relocation, or they've had a life-changing event, they still need a trusted real estate professional to guide them through their real estate transaction.

And with the majority of consumers choosing to work with the first agent they interview, it's more important than ever to stand out from the crowd. Transitioning to virtual listing appointments and focusing on ways to go above and beyond for sellers during this time can help you do just that."

Click to read full article from Angie Javier on realtor.com

NAR MEMBERS TELEHEALTH ^SM BENEFIT EXTENDED

In the initial weeks of its introduction, more than 25,000 members and their families are receiving coverage through Members TeleHealth ^SM . Because of the tremendous response, NAR leaders have decided to extend the offer through May 31. The Leadership Team cited their strong feeling that REALTORS ® and their families should have access to telemedicine at this time. Their message to members: "Stay home, stay safe. Nothing is more important than your health and welfare." Enrollment is limited.

BE AWARE OF COVID-19 SCAMS

Following the outbreak of the coronavirus, there have been an increasing number of related scams going around. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are working together to spread awareness and educate the public on how not to become a victim.

Common topics of scams to be on the lookout for:

These scams can come through to you in any form of communication including texts, emails, phone calls, social media, online ads, etc.

Common practices to avoid falling for a scam:

Stay informed on the pandemic and all related issues through trusted sources. If you think something may be a scam, it probably is and you should report it to the FTC.

Here are some official resources freely available to keep you informed:

GMAR REALTOR JANINE WERNER ON FOX 6 NEWS DISCUSSES A SUCCESSFUL SALE DURING THE PANDEMIC

Buying a home can be one of the biggest decisions in a person's life, and it gets even more complicated during a pandemic. While COVID-19 has meant big changes in the real estate industry, it hasn't stopped people from buying and selling.

Gone are the days of open houses, with many showings now virtual. Real estate agent Janine Werner said you shouldn't let that scare you away.

"We're seeing less inventory, but we're still seeing competitive offers," said Werner.



CLICK TO VIEW FULL STORY

MEMBERS CAN NOW GET THEIR SENTRILOCK CREDENTIALS VIRTUALLY

If you are still in need of your SentriLock credentials, we are now offering a virtual training while our office is closed. Please reach out to Emily Simonelli to get started or if you have any related questions.

REMINDER TO RENEW YOUR LICENSE BY 12/14/20

To maintain real estate licenses in the state of Wisconsin, real estate licensees must complete 18 hours of continuing educations (CE) every two years. The 18 hours must include completion of 3 hours for each of the 6 required course topics listed below. There are no longer elective courses as part of the 18 required hours.

Mandatory Courses (all six required)

Live Courses and Distance Learning are offered through the WRA .

JOIN THE WEEKLY 'QUICK SEARCH CHALLENGE' WITH METRO MLS

Are you ready for the Full Search Sunset in November? Metro MLS has a great way for you to be ready by participating in the Quick Search Challenge! A new challenge will be available every week that will get you moving in the right direction. By completing the challenge, you will be entered into a weekly drawing for a $30 Amazon Gift Card! Watch for your Flex Tips to receive this weeks challenge!

THURSDAY TAKEAWAYS VIDEO SERIES

Check out the most recent edition of WRA's Thursday Takeaway Video Series!

 

"Electronic Earnest Money"

With Lynn Leegard

As social distancing continues, conducting business as usual has been anything but usual. TrustFunds founder Lynn Leegard reviews some of the advantages of managing earnest money for your clients online within your MLS system.

 

CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO

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 one-hour training 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 600+ 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.  

HEALTHCARE: BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS OF GMAR

Two of the fastest growing components of healthcare today are now benefits available to GMAR members:

For full details on these programs click here.

You can also view further information on our GMAR Business Benefits page.

The real estate supply store is now located ONLY at Minuteman Press - Brookfield location (13680 W. Capitol Drive). Currently, the store will be available for online, email and phone orders only. Please email us with your order the day before. We will select your items ahead of time, email you an invoice, and have them ready for you to pick up at our front door. Pick up time is M-F between 9 AM and 4 PM.

Contact Minuteman Press-Brookfield for more info, (262) 781-9622!

GMAR SOCIAL MEDIA - CONNECT WITH US

TO STAY IN THE LOOP

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.

Are you and/or your business connected to us? We'll be using our web presence to bring you information as to the association's plans and initiatives to support the real estate industry during this period, and as we all work together to mitigate the impact it has on you, your businesses and your clients.



Please connect with us through the links to our social platforms below.

THE FOLLOWING GMAR SOCIAL EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE COVID-19 SOCIAL DISTANCING REGULATIONS

Shredfest

Brewers Bash

Golf Outing

KMC RPAC Auction (will be rescheduled)