GMAR WEEKLY eNEWSLETTER
MMAC’s annual Madison night in Milwaukee at the Bradley Symphony Center did not disappoint! We had a chance to network with many local and state elected officials and hear from newly elected Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
The GMAR is running low on SentriLock lockboxes at our office. If you have extra lockboxes that you are not currently using we ask that you please return them to the GMAR office. We would be happy to pick them up at your office if that is more convenient.
 
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a pickup, please contact Joanna Tusing at joanna@gmar.com
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GROUP CONSTRUCTION
Saturday, June 4, 2022
 
The GMAR is hosting a small group of up to 8 volunteers to work on flooring for Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, June 4, 2022.
 
To volunteer, go to: http://groups.mkehabitat.volunteerhub.com/events/index. Use join code "GMAR" when prompted (note: each volunteer will "create an account" as a user (or sign in if the system has been used previously) AND register for the event).
 
  • Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
  • Volunteers will receive one email about creating an account.
  • During the registration process, volunteers will have the opportunity to receive an email with confirmation materials.
  • A reminder email with the same information is also sent 2 days ahead of time.
  • Having each individual's contact information allows us to be in contact in case of changes in the day or bad weather.
  • Volunteers can contact Beth at bvangorp@milwaukeehabitat.org if they have any problems with the system.
  • COVID-19 Information – the safety of volunteers, staff, and homeowners is of primary importance. Following Milwaukee Habitat COVID Safety is required of all volunteers, homeowners, and staff. Read more in our Milwaukee Habitat COVID-19 On-Site Safety Protocol. We have recently updated our policy and masks are optional, but strongly recommended for those who haven’t yet been fully vaccinated. 
The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association is holding “Spring” into Career Development Courses. Agents can sharpen their skills with the spring training lineup.
SHOW OFF YOUR SKILLS
Are you a veteran, military service member, or military spouse with artistic talent? We are looking for artists and performers of all disciplines to share their gifts at the 5th annual Veterans Light Up the Arts event on May 21st at the iconic Milwaukee Art Museum. Hurry! The submission window will close on April 24th at 11:59 pm
To submit your visual/performing arts:
Learn more/register for Veterans Light up the Arts:
Hello Valued REALTOR® Members,
 
The November 2022 elections are fast approaching and there are many important races from the top of the ticket on down that will impact the real estate industry, property owners, small business owners, and the overall economy for years to come. Regardless of which political party you most identify with, we ask you to keep the REALTOR® party in mind. There is no better example of the power of the REALTOR trademark than when individual members step forward to support candidates with their votes and their personal contributions.
 
Over the next few months, candidates running for office at the national and state level, or groups such as republican or democratic committees, may approach you asking for a financial contribution. If you are so inclined, please consider contributing to them through the WRA Direct Giver Program. It is the only state-sponsored program in the country that allows members the option to contribute to candidates of their choosing and timing while emphasizing that they are a REALTOR®.
 
It couldn’t be easier to participate. WRA takes payments of $100 or more and puts them into your very own account where you have complete control- you say who, you say when you say how much. Whomever you direct money to, it is an individual contribution, the same as if you write out a personal check to them. (You just don’t have to find an envelope, find the mailing address, pay for postage – we take care of that!) The difference? The check also says you are a REALTOR®.
 
If you have any questions, please contact me at 414.778.4929 or marne@gmar.com.
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.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® FAIR HOUSING
What Will it Take to Close the Racial Homeownership Gap?
On April 27, 2022, at 3 pm ET, NAR will present new research on racial homeownership gaps that are widening or closing too slowly, discuss policy proposals to close the gap with a panel of experts, and highlight the inaugural winners of NAR’s Fair Housing Champion Award, sponsored by realtor.com®.
6 Ways to Show Your Commitment to Fair Housing
The National Association of REALTORS® kicks off Fair Housing Month this week with a packed calendar of events, new resources, and policy initiatives designed to empower its 1.5 million members to help expand homeownership and support diverse, inclusive communities. Read More Here
Avoid Fair Housing Violations in Advertising
Real estate professionals are legally obligated to uphold fair housing laws, and the language and images you use in your advertising should be vetted carefully. REALTORS® also have an obligation to do so under Article 10 of the Code of Ethics.
UPCOMING GMAR EVENTS
GMAR YOUTH FOUNDATION PAINT AND SIP
The GMAR's Youth Foundation is hosting an in-person paint and sip event with step-by-step instructions from VIBEZ Creative Art Space.
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2022, 6pm-8pm
Location: 5300 S 76th St., Greendale, WI
Cost: $40/person *Limited to 28 participants*


Thank you to our sponsors Landmark Credit Union, Land Title Service, Milwaukee Homesight Inspection Service, Merit Title, Scott Bush, and Bank of England. More sponsors are welcome if interested.

LUNCH AND LEARN
Sponsored by the GMAR Kettle Moraine Council
Shelli Ellis, Prosperity Mortgage
Barb Gish, Merit Title

Presenters:
Michelle Zoeller Vogds, Realty Executives Integrity
 Sharayah Fromstein, Keller Williams Prestige Realty
Tuesday, April 26th
Location: Slinger House
11:00am-12:00pm: Social Media Discussion
12:00-12:30pm: Lunch
Contact michelle@gmar to RSVP (the deadline for registering is April 15, 2022)
NAR'S MILITARY RELOCATION PROFESSIONAL COURSE
When military staff and their families relocate, the services of a real estate professional who understands their needs and timetables make the transfer easier, faster, and less stressful.

The Military Relocation Professional Certification Course educates REALTORS® about working with U.S. Service Members and their families, as well as veterans to find the housing solutions that best suit their needs and allow them to take full advantage of all available benefits and support.

For more questions about this course contact michelle@gmar.com
For more information and to sign up for a time slot please click here.
9 PIN TAP BOWLING TOURNAMENT
Come join the fun at the 12th annual 9 Pin Tap Bowling Tournament sponsored by Great Midwest Bank. Proceeds benefit the GMAR Youth Foundation.
 
Date: Thursday, May 12, 2022
Time: 6pm - 9:30pm
Location: Root River Center - 7220 W Rawson Ave.
 
KETTLE MORAINE COUNCIL RPAC AUCTION
Event Date: May 19, 2022 at 5:30pm

Event Location: Linden Inn on Big Cedar Lake 4919 Hwy 144, Hartford, WI.

The Annual Kettle Moraine Council RPAC Auction will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2022. Bring an auction item and join in the fun! Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann will join us to discuss his workforce housing initiatives and WRA’s Joe Murray will give us an election update and forecast! 

Join your fellow GMAR members for Happy Hour and Silent Auction Thursday, June 9, 2022, 4 pm- 7 pm at Leff's Lucky Town: 7208 W. State Street, Wauwatosa.
 
We are looking for event sponsors and Silent auction items. Proceeds from this event will benefit the GMAR’s Youth Foundation.  

Contact Scott Bush for more information: scott@gmar.com/414-778-4929
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
Client Care Specialist
Homesight Inspection
Closing Coordinator/Office Manager
Lake Country Flat Fee
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. See above for current postings.  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 at (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