STOP CORONAVIRUS
WEAR YOUR MASK - WASH YOUR HANDS - STAY 6 FT. AWAY
MESSAGE FROM GMAR CHAIRWOMAN
COURTNEY STEFANIAK
If you didn’t see the GMAR press release on the final sales numbers for 2020, check it out here.
 
I hated just about everything about 2020, except for the business we did. Being designated as an essential business last spring was HUGE for us!
 
That didn’t just happen. It happened because of the relationships we have in the Capitol and with the governor. WRA was able to present a convincing argument to our state leaders that real estate should be conducted amid the pandemic.
 
Helping buyers and sellers during coronavirus’ spread is one big example of why we belong to the GMAR, WRA and NAR. They do the daily, boring, stuff that we need to be successful.
 
Not only do our annual dues go to hire really good, capable staff, our RPAC dollars go to support pro-REALTOR® elected officials. Not red or blue, Republican or Democrat, Pro-REALTOR®.
 
While we’re making listing presentations or negotiating a deal, we’re not conscious of all the accomplishments that have gone into making it possible for us to practice real estate. Just look to our south. In Illinois, there are no state approved contracts, and you have to go to an attorneys’ office for closings. Ugh, that would be miserable.
 
Another opportunity to see the REALTOR®-government relationship up close is REALTOR® & Government Day, which will be held virtually (damn, of course!) on April 14, 2021. If you would like to participate, please click here.
 
Until next month,
 
Courtney Stefaniak
2021 Chair
2021 GMAR HOME & GARDEN SHOW CANCELLATION
Earlier this year, the GMAR was optimistic about holding the Home & Garden Show in March. However, with less than two months to go before the show opens, we don’t feel confident that the show can be held safely.

Although we planned to take a number of precautionary measures, we can't be reasonably sure that there won't be a surge in coronavirus cases - especially if a new variant spreads. Additionally, we are quickly approaching the deadline to make this decision in a time frame that would limit what could be significant financial loss for the association.
 
For the above mentioned reasons, and the recent news of several other cancellations and postponements (example: Summerfest moving to September), we have decided not to take that bet. 
 
We look forward to a very successful return next year with the 98th Annual Home & Garden Show, March 25 - April 3, 2022! 

If you have any questions or concerns about the GMAR’s decision, please contact Mike Ruzicka.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS OF GMAR
In the month of January 2021, the Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors welcomed 97 new members! We would like to recognize these members and wish them best of luck in their new real estate journey.
GET COVID VACCINE INFORMATION DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
For the most timely and comprehensive vaccine updates, you can sign up for the Department of Health Services COVID-19 vaccine newsletter. That will be the administration’s primary vehicle for relaying vaccination information directly from DHS. Subscribing will help insure that important information finds you (so you do not have to go looking for it).

As you may realize, the Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccination Program is a monumental undertaking and the largest vaccination effort in our state’s recent history. Some highlights:

  • As of Monday, more than 360,000 vaccine doses had been administered, and nearly 70,000 Wisconsinites had been completely vaccinated.
  • There are nearly 1,500 vaccine providers registered, and more are applying every day.
  • The current vaccines are safe and 95% effective after two doses. As the body builds protection against the virus, some people may experience side effects, including pain or swelling at the injection site or fevers, chills, or headache. These are rare and typically resolve quickly. 

Due to the quickly evolving nature of the COVID-19 vaccination initiative, information may change or be updated frequently. In addition to subscribing to the vaccine newsletter, we encourage you to visit the DHS COVID vaccine webpage for current information on eligibility, answers to the most frequently asked questions, vaccine data and key metrics, or to access resources related to vaccination efforts.
YOUTH FOUNDATION GRANT RECIPIENTS
Since 1959 the Youth Foundation, Inc. has awarded millions of dollars in grants to local organizations. All of the awards create a positive impact for our area’s children and youth.

Congratulations to the following grant recipients:

Arts and Culture
Dance Works
Raising the Bar
Renaissance Theatre Works
$750
$1,500
$1,000
Education
Next Door Foundation
Seeds of Health
Urban Ecology Center
Leadz Change
St. Thomas Moore High School
Junior Achievement of Wisconsin
St. Marcus School
College Possible
$1,000
$1,000
$500
$1,500
$750
$500
$1,500
$1,000
Social Services
Blessings in a Backpack
Courage Initiative
The Women's Center
$2,500
$1,200
$1,100
WRA'S THURSDAY TAKEAWAYS VIDEO SERIES
Check out the most recent edition of WRA's Thursday Takeaways Video Series!

"Final Episode"
With Rob Uhrina
As we bring Thursday Takeaways to a close, the show goes on in WRA 360, the Legal Update Live Webcast, Legal Talks and Capitol Insights. Be sure to check our other series for current programming and episodes.
OPPORTUNITY MKE LANDLORD INFO SESSION
Do you own or manage rental housing in Metropolitan Milwaukee opportunity areas?
 
The current economic climate doesn’t make the rental market easy. For stable tenants and a steady revenue stream consider partnering with Opportunity MKE.

Join us for our Landlord Info Session
February 15, 2021
6:00pm via Zoom
R.E.A.L. MEETING FEBRUARY 25TH
We will be meeting by zoom to discuss the challenges, what is working and what is not in our new world. This will be our first Zoom meeting, so hopefully not too many glitches!

THE DATE: 2/25/2021
TIME: 10:30am-11:30am
(may go longer or shorter depending on how many attend)

Please respond to Bruce Nemovitz if you will attend and use this link to join the call on the 25th.
SAVE THE DATE FOR REALTOR® & GOVERNMENT DAY
APRIL 14TH, 2021
Wisconsin real estate was deemed essential. And your participation in the WRA’s annual lobbying event is your chance to keep it that way.

With the all-new virtual format, you can attend and visit lawmakers virtually, all from the comfort of home. Advocating for a brighter tomorrow has never been easier.
 
MAKE LEGAL U-TURN WHEN NECESSARY
Where vulnerability meets resilience. 

Ally Diedrick (Allison J. Diedrick-author)

I wrote this story after I lived, the unfortunate series of events. In real life and in real estate, changing one's physical address can also change one's mental state. And in this case, I moved out of Wisconsin -a state of peace, into a California state of despair. My tragedy became my strategy to regain what I felt I lost. From decorator, to detective, Realtor, to author, writing the wrongs has helped me regain my inner strength to move forward and write the right!  I am obviously back in my home state, and my happiness is found by helping others find theirs! Real Estate just got REAL! 

By never giving up, you keep moving forward!  
GMAR RECOGNIZES THE PASSING OF LONG TIME MEMBER
Nicholas S. Hoyer - Nic was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 16, 1928. He is a graduate of Marquette High School and Marquette University. In July 1949 his father started Wisconsin Title Service Co., Inc. in Milwaukee and Nic worked there from the beginning. On the death of his father, Nic took over the company as owner and President and during his tenure it became Wisconsin Title, Closing and Credit Services. He also served as president of the Wisconsin Land Title Association (WLTA) and in 1997 was awarded the Member of the Year Award from WLTA. In addition he served on the American Land Title Association (ALTA) Board of Governors. For twelve years, Nic served as a director on the Board of the Milwaukee Board of Realtors, and for six years as a board member of Blue Mound Golf & Country Club.

LOOKING TO GROW YOUR NETWORK AND IMPACT?
Habitat for Humanity ReStore picks up donations of gently used furniture, appliances and more for free! Donations are tax deductible and help local families in need of safe, affordable housing. 

ReStore's experienced Deconstruction Services will even remove kitchen cabinetry and more! 
 
FIND OUT MORE or call: 414-316-5651
COVID-19 RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO REALTORS®
DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE RESOURCES
Help.org is dedicated to providing drug and alcohol rehab resources and support. They do this through comprehensive resources and guides, and connecting people with the right treatment programs. If you or someone you know needs help please take advantage of this great tool.
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!
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 or give us a call at 414-778-4929.