STOP CORONAVIRUS
WEAR YOUR MASK - WASH YOUR HANDS - STAY 6 FT. AWAY
GMAR DIRECTORS ELECTION WINNERS
Congratulations to the winners of this year's Board of Directors election!

We have three new directors to welcome:
Jose Flores, RE/MAX Lakeside
Summer Hill, Shorewest Realtors
Jim Zarek, First Weber Inc.

Returning to serve another term:
Jeremy Rynders, Keller Williams

If you have real estate related questions, comments or issues you would like the GMAR Board of Directors to address, please feel free to contact Mike Ruzicka.
FRAUD ALERT: ROBOCALLS NOT FROM NAR
More members report receiving unsolicited robocalls from various numbers claiming to represent "NAR health insurance." These calls and texts don’t originate from NAR, which will never send unsolicited calls to enroll you in an insurance program or otherwise ask for your personal information.
REALTOR® TAKES ACTION TO SAVE A DOG
At the GMAR, we love to hear about the many great things our members do in our community. We would like to acknowledge Chris Slinker for his attentiveness, compassion and taking the time to help a severely abused dog.  

While at a showing in an apartment building, Chris witnessed a severely abused dog, tethered in a hallway in such a way, that the dog was struggling to breath. Chris examined the little dog and discovered that it had sustained many injuries. Chris left a note for the owner offering to buy the dog for $100. The owner took him up on his offer, after holding out for more money.
 
Chris rushed the dog to the humane society where she was cared for. “I hope she ‘makes it.” Chris said. “We named her Poof.”

Sadly, the injuries were too extensive, and the dog had to be euthanized. Chris wanted to adopt the dog, making this story that much sadder. 

Chris encourages all GMAR members that If you see an animal that is being mistreated, do not ignore! Do something.

How to report abuse.
If you suspect animal cruelty or neglect you should contact your local police department. If you want to report a concern about conditions or a situation that has previously or continues to occur, please contact the NON-EMERGENCY number of your local law enforcement agency and make your report.
If you live in the City of Milwaukee, and you feel an animal is not being housed or cared for properly you can also contact the Department of Neighborhood Services at 414-286-2268.

Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADAC) does not investigate mistreatment cases; however, they provide assistance to local law enforcement and will pick up and care for animals that are seized for violations of local and state statutes.

If you have a story about a GMAR member who has done special in our community, we at GMAR would love to hear about it, so we can publish it in our newsletter.
GMAR 2020 AWARD NOMINATIONS
The GMAR is now accepting nominations for the 2020 award categories through October 26th:
 
REALTOR of the Year
Dedicated Service
Affiliate of the Year
 
NAR 'RECOMMITTED TO THE FAIRNESS FIGHT' WITH NEW FAIR HOUSING AD CAMPAIGN
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has long advocated for fair housing. However, as displayed by the recent resurgence of human rights protests and investigations by Newsday showing inequality and discriminatory practices in real estate, there is still work to be done. For this reason, NAR has “recommitted to the fairness fight,” encouraging the public and NAR members to report any violations to HUD.gov, and pushing the message of fair housing in a new advertising campaign, an extension of “That’s Who We R.”

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL SCHEDULE
Thank you for your membership in the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS® this past year.

To continue your membership with the GMAR, WRA & NAR, and to avoid any interruption in service, please note the following payment deadlines:

  • Pay by October 31, 2020 - You can DEDUCT $25 from the total on your invoice
  • Pay between November 1 and 30, 2020 - Please pay the total shown on your invoice
  • Pay between December 1 and 31, 2020 - Please ADD $50 to the total shown on your invoice
  • Pay after January 1, 2021 - We must treat you as a new member, please ADD $225 to the total on your invoice (if you are a REALTOR® member) or $345 (if you are a Designated REALTOR® member). 

Nondeductible Dues for 2021

Under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, local associations can no longer include local lobbying expenses in the deductible portion of a member’s annual dues. Local lobbying expenses must now be added to the non-deductible dues amount, along with state and national dues.

As a result, the GMAR calculated the nondeductible portion of your 2021 local Membership Dues as $1.00. This amount is in addition to the amounts stated on the back of your WRA dues statement which specifies the non-deductibility of WRA and NAR dues. 
'RE-ORIENT YOURSELF' : COMMITTMENT TO EXCELLENCE
Brush Up on What You Learned at Orientation
Whether you are a brand new REALTOR® just starting out or have been in the business for years, it never hurts to check back in on the basics and make sure you are taking full advantage of your membership.
Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) is a program that empowers REALTORS® to evaluate, enhance and showcase their highest levels of professionalism. It’s not a course, class or designation—it’s an endorsement that REALTORS® can promote when working with consumers and other REALTORS®.

There are now over 50,000 members participating in the program! This innovative engagement tool encourages participation in all levels of the REALTOR® organization, and at no additional cost.
WRA'S THURSDAY TAKEAWAYS VIDEO SERIES
Check out the most recent edition of WRA's Thursday Takeaways Video Series!

"What Makes MLS an MLS?"
With Chris Carillo
As the industry evolves, NAR has been taking critical steps to redefine what qualities and services MLS's offer their clients. They are becoming more proactive in data compliance screening and facilitating cooperation and compensation in the marketplace. Chris Carillo, CEO of Metro MLS, breaks down what we can expect to see in the near future.

CONCEALED CARRY COURSE AT THE GMAR
Due to popular demand, MPD Training, LLC, will be providing another Concealed Carry Firearms Safety Course at the GMAR office in October. No previous experience is necessary.
 
OCTOBER 28, 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.
PROTECTING YOUR WATERFRONT PROPERTY RIGHTS
WRA is working on legislation to protect the right to place a pier. This legislation is critical for affected property owners, including homeowners and waterfront businesses, such as marinas and gas stations. 
 
Watch this video to learn more. 
 
Please consider a contribution to RPAC or becoming a Direct Giver. It is more important than ever to elect pro-REALTOR® candidates this November.  
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. 
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!
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.