GMAR WEEKLY eNEWSLETTER
GMAR'S 2022 WOMENSTRONG CONFERENCE
On the morning of February 16, 2022, the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS held our WomenStrong Conference devoted to giving powerful women bold tools to take their careers to the next level. Thank you to our panelists and speakers for sharing their insights and knowledge with the 350 attendees. Thank you to our sponsors again for helping make our event successful! We received an abundant amount of clothing that was donated to the Repairers of the Breach in Milwaukee and they were very thankful for the generosity of our members!
WATCH WRA'S JOE MURRAY AS HE HIGHLIGHTS REALTOR & GOVERNMENT DAY
Another fun and successful REALTOR & Government Day is in the books. Thanks to the many GMAR members who gave up the day to trek to Madison. Lawmakers took note of our impressive group and we were joined by many Legislators and staff at our Capitol Hill visits where we discussed WRA’s priority issues. (Workforce Housing, Homeowners Associations, 40-Year Expiration of Easements and Foreclosure Equity Theft) WRA is working on a 2023 date. 
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS® Youth Foundation will award 7 $1,000 scholarships to children or grandchildren of GMAR members during 2022.

Members must have maintained their relationship with the GMAR continuously for at
least three (3) years. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2022.

ATTENTION MEMBERS:

If you have sellers who currently have a family member serving in the armed forces, the GMAR has a limited supply of Military Service Flags you may offer them!

The flags are sponsored by American Pacific Mortgage. If you'd like a flag, simply call the GMAR office at 414-778-4929 or email mary@gmar.com to reserve.
JOURNAL SENTINEL AD OPPORTUNITY

You don't need to be an exhibitor at the 2022 Home & Garden Show to take advantage of expanding your reach to Milwaukee-area consumers. Secure your space in the official Show Guide insert to the Journal Sentinel and reach the 277,900 Milwaukee area homeowners. This opportunity is ONLY available to GMAR Members (regardless of status as an exhibitor) and show exhibitors. Space is limited, so act quickly!
 
RESERVATION DEADLINE: February 25
ARTWORK DEADLINE: March 4
SPECIAL SECTION PUBLICATION DATE: March 20
 
 
Questions? Contact the GMAR (amanda@gmar.com or 414/ 778-4929).
SAVE ON GE APPLIANCES WITH YOUR NAR MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Members can enjoy exceptional savings on GE Appliances’ full line of high-quality appliances. Shop the entire family of brands including Profile™, Cafe™, GE®, Monogram®, Haier and Hotpoint® appliances. Once you have set-up your account, you can refer clients, friends, and family to also receive exclusive discounts. When you’ve logged in, click on the “Refer” link located at the top of the page, then enter their name and email address. Those you refer will be sent an email with instructions on how to access the GE Appliances Store.

NAR NEWSROOM : FEBRUARY 2022
NAR Calls for Applications for its 2022 Volunteering Works Grant and Mentoring Program: The National Association of Realtors® is now accepting applications for its Volunteering Works grant and mentoring program. The program, funded by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, matches mentors with Realtors® who have demonstrated a commitment to public service and are looking to enhance their charitable work. Read More Here
NAR's 2022 "That's Who We R" Advertising Showcases the Ethics, Expertise and Trusted Partnership of Realtors® in the Purchase Journey: The National Association of Realtors® unveiled today its fourth "That's Who We R" national advertising campaign, showing Realtors® in action and how they help consumers. The new creative further distinguishes Realtors® – members of NAR and guided by the association's Code of Ethics – from non-member agents and "do-it-yourself" tech platforms. Read More Here
NAR Calls on Realtors® Who Give Back to Apply for the 2022 Good Neighbor Awards: The National Association of Realtors® announced today that it is accepting applications for the 2022 Good Neighbor Awards. The program recognizes Realtors® who have made an extraordinary impact in their communities through volunteer service. Read More Here
IN WISCONSIN, COMMISSIONS MUST BE PAID TO THE BROKERAGE, NOT TO THE AGENT
The GMAR has received several reports of listing brokerages directing settlement agents to pay their agents directly, along with cooperating brokers, and not their respective brokerages.

The GMAR does not enforce state law. However, if you are engaging in this practice, or if you are a closing service provider, it may be prudent to discuss this matter with your legal counsel and review Wisconsin Statute 452.19 (2):
 
452.19 Fees and commissions.
 (2) If a licensee is associated with a firm, all fees or commissions and any part thereof for performing any act specified in this chapter and all compensation for a referral or as a finder's fee shall be paid to the firm.
GMAR FLOWERS FOR SCHOLARS
Order hanging baskets and/or flower pots at a great price and for a good cause! $10 from each plant ordered will go towards the GMAR Youth Foundation college scholarship program.

Order deadline is Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Pick-up is Tuesday, May 3rd - right on time for Mother's Day!

GMAR MEMBERS ONLY FACEBOOK GROUP

Join our members-only Facebook group if you have not already done so. This group was created for our members to connect with each other and discuss industry-related questions/concerns as well as to keep you informed on association news and updates. If there are any specific topics you would like to see more of please let us know!

JOB POSTINGS
If your office is hiring for an administrative position that does not require a real estate license, we would be happy to share that information with the membership. If you have a job opening that you would like to add, please email Mary Xiong.
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.

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.
DISCOVER MILWAUKEE RELOCATION GUIDE
The GMAR is once again sponsoring the Discover Milwaukee Relocation Guide. Covering Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, and Racine counties, it is the Greater Milwaukee region’s #1 source for anyone looking to move or relocate to Wisconsin’s largest metro area.
 
You can provide a free copy of the Relocation Guide to your relocating clients and customers and share the website and digital editions as well.

Limited quantities of the publication are available at the GMAR office, or by contacting Metro Business Publications at pcanon@discovermilwaukee.com.
 
The purpose of the Relocation Guide is to create a complete package about moving to metro Milwaukee. Information is organized in easy-to-use sections, offering new residents everything they need at their fingertips:
  • Quality of Life
  • Things To Do
  • Average home price and details for communities
  • Career Opportunities
  • Schools and Education
  • Financing a Home
  • Helpful Information
 
GMAR members also have the opportunity to highlight their experience and expertise in a special section for Relocation Specialists. For rate information, contact Maribeth Delforge at 262-796-0224, or mbdelforge@discovermilwaukee.com.
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). 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 feedback to the GMAR.
Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS®
12300 W. Center Street Milwaukee, WI 53222
414-778-4929 | www.GMAR.com