T he GMAR is preparing for a SentriLock lockbox audit

L ocal restaurant recommendations from GMAR members
GMAR LIVE WEBINAR:
SURVIVING & THRIVING IN A RECESSION
Friday, May 15th at 1:00pm
A panel discussion with real estate industry veterans who have been through recessions and other industry hiccups.

Panelists:
Cindy Flemming, First Weber Realtors
Dale Marciniak, RE/MAX Realty 100
Rick Murry, Shorewest Realtors
Jim Somers, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Moderator:
Kel Svoboda, 2020 GMAR Chairman

They've seen a thing or two and are willing to share their insights into how REALTORS ® can get through difficult economic times and come out thriving.
IMPORTANT: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar .  
HISTORY OF GMAR'S YOUTH FOUNDATION
The GMAR Youth Foundation improves the lives of young people up to age 25, by providing funding for Social Services, Arts and Culture, and Education organizations in Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Washington Counties. 

The Youth Foundation began in 1951 when REALTOR® and local builder Arthur Richards donated a portion of his assets to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS®. Mr. Richard’s simple instruction for his gift was that it be used only to benefit children. 

The Youth Foundation has awarded millions of dollars in grants and scholarships to children and young adults up to age twenty-five and to youth-based organizations throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha and Washington Counties. Grants are awarded to support social services, education and the arts.
 
Children are the greatest hope for our future. What we invest in the development of today’s young people will form their character and ability to direct the future of our community and our nation.
 
Please consider the GMAR Youth Foundation in your charitable giving with a one-time donation or annual/monthly donation. For more information on your giving options, contact:
 
Scott Bush
GMAR Youth Foundation
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 home ownership. 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.
WRA PROPERTY SHOWING GUIDELINES
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as federal and state surgeons general, individuals should practice social distancing and reduce risk from exposure to or contraction of the coronavirus, COVID-19. Here are some of the ways REALTORS® can reduce risk as executive and emergency stay-at-home orders relax or expire.
The WRA legal team created a property showing guidelines document that outlines health and safety recommendations to follow while conducting property showings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

LOCAL BUSINESSES NEED OUR SUPPORT
Check out this week's spotlight of local businesses to support.
Thanks to our members who submitted their recommendations!
Milwaukee Steakhouse
6024 W. Bluemound Rd - Milwaukee


Brewski's Sports Club
304 N. 76th St - Milwaukee


Jaimer's Floral
2943 S. Clement Ave - Milwaukee
Rocket Baby Bakery
6822 W. North Ave - Wauwatosa


West Allis Cheese and Sausage Shoppe
6832 W. Becher St - West Allis


Tusk
5313 W. North Ave - Wauwatosa
THE GMAR IS PREPARING FOR A SENTRILOCK LOCKBOX AUDIT
The GMAR is in the midst of conducting an audit of the SentriLock lockbox system. SentriLock has urged us to conduct an audit periodically, because, over time, some agents build up an excess of boxes compared to the number of listings they have had recently.
 
The GMAR has 9,000 lockboxes as part of its SentriLock lease. There are 8,605 in members’ hands, but only 2,747 on listings right now.
 
In order to assure that there are enough boxes to put on upcoming listings, the GMAR will be sending each member an email with a target number of lockboxes for them to hold on to. We’re basing the target number on the average number of listings members have had over the last 6 months.
 
We are very aware that listings may have slowed recently, and we will make every effort to make sure each member has an adequate number of boxes in the short-term, as well as access to additional boxes in the future.
 
Thank you in advance for your cooperation as we undertake our first SentriLock audit in the next few weeks. If you have any questions, please contact Emily or Alberta .
THURSDAY TAKEAWAYS VIDEO SERIES
Check out the most recent edition of WRA's Thursday Takeaway Video Series!
 
"There's a Form for That"
With Jennifer Lindsley
Learn about some of the WRA Bonus forms created just to make your life a little easier. I'll bet you don't even know some of these forms exist!
 
COVID-19 RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO REALTORS®
HOW CAN YOU HELP DURING THE PANDEMIC?
GMAR AND MILWAUKEE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
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)
  • Course 1: Wisconsin Listing Contracts
  • Course 2: Wisconsin Offers to Purchase
  • Course 3: Wisconsin New Developments
  • Course 4: Wisconsin Real Estate Ethics and Consumer Protection
  • Course 5: Wisconsin Real Estate Law and Practice
  • Course 6: Wisconsin Real Estate Transactions

Live Courses and Distance Learning are offered through the WRA .
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). 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!
AFFILIATE EVENTS
Women's Council of Realtors Presents:
3rd Annual Transaction Etiquette Panel
Thursday, May 21, 11am-12:30pm
Join us virtually for tips and reminders that we all need to elevate our business and serve our clients at our very best. Panelists will consist of lenders, title reps, home inspectors, appraisers and home warranty reps. They will share great tips for all of us!

Keep More of Your Income in 2020: Free Remote Program
Tax-Reduction Strategies for the Real Estate Professional

After this seminar, you’ll have what you need to bring to your tax accountant, so you qualify for thousands of dollars more in deductions.

Friday, June 12, 2020
9:30am - 12:00pm
Hosted by Kelly Clark with Bradford Tax Solutions

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)
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 .