STOP CORONAVIRUS
WEAR YOUR MASK - WASH YOUR HANDS - STAY 6 FT. AWAY


Board of Directors Approves Citations for Advertising Violations
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE GMAR STAFF
The GMAR office will be closed for Thanksgiving and the following Friday (November 26-27)

We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday!
MILWAUKEE HOMESLESS VETERANS NEED OUR HELP
The GMAR Veteran’s Support Group is again helping the Milwaukee Homeless Veteran’s Initiate (MHVI) with collecting the following items to help support our veterans in need:

-New or Gently Used Coats

(Due to Covid-19, the following items need to be to new)
-Hats
-Gloves
-Scarves
-Socks for men, women, and children
-Men’s and women’s thermals up to a size 3x
 
You can drop off the items at the GMAR office - 12300 W. Center St.
You may also drop off items at the MHVI - 6300 W. National Ave. 
'RE-ORIENT YOURSELF' : FAIR HOUSING
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.
Fair housing is more than a list of dos and don’ts, rights and penalties, and mandatory continuing education. As stewards of the right to own, use and transfer private property, fair housing protects our livelihood and business as REALTORS® and depends on a free, open market that embraces equal opportunity.

REALTORS® recognize the significance of the Fair Housing Act and reconfirm their commitment to upholding fair housing law as well as their commitment to offering equal professional service to all in their search for real property.

THANK YOU FOR BEING INVOLVED WITH RPAC
Whether they had election fatigue or not, REALTORS® again showed they are paying attention and are fully engaged in politics. 2020 is shaping up to be a record breaking year for RPAC/Direct Giver fundraising. Thank you to the many members who were involved in the fall elections. Thank you to those who contributed to RPAC and to the members who gave to candidates through the Direct Giver Program. 2020 GMAR Direct Givers
 
Our legislative success on the local, state and national level is because REALTORS continue to engage in elections. 
 
If you are interested in supporting a candidate at the local, state or national level in the future, consider running that contribution through the Direct Giver Program. Click here for more information or contact Marne Stuck by email or call 414-778-4929.
100 DAYS TO GREATNESS®
Announcing 100 Days to Greatness®, a unique training program offered through NAR's REALTOR Benefits® Program.

As part of our continued efforts to provide valuable resources for members, NAR is partnering with Buffini & Company to launch 100 Days to Greatness®. This 14-week program combines video-based training from industry expert Brian Buffini, role-playing exercises, and action steps focused on real-life scenarios participants can put into practice quickly for business success.

The course is aimed at newer agents looking for a firm foundation and those returning to the business after a hiatus—but the program will also serve those looking to jumpstart their business and take it to the next level. Brokers can explore a companion program that offers an opportunity to support their agents completing the course, as a mentor/facilitator.

Learn more about this program and the exclusive offer available through the REALTOR Benefits® Program today!
GMAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVES CITATIONS FOR ADVERTISING VIOLATIONS
Beginning February 1, 2021, failure to include a firm name in a readily apparent matter will result in a $100 fine. Fines will increase to $500 for repeat offenses along with the violator’s name being published. Failure to disclose firm names has been most problematic in social media advertising. 

To comply with the Code of Ethics, advertisements must include:
  • Your firm’s name, in a reasonable and readily apparent manner. (SOP 12-5). 
  • Your status as a real estate professional.
  • On websites, the state where you hold a real estate license in a reasonable and readily apparent manner. (SOP 12-9). 
  • On websites, these disclosures may be made available via a link to a website that displays the required information. (SOP 12-5). 

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 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). 
CONTINUING EDUCATION DUE BY DECEMBER 14TH TO THE DSPS FOR LISENCE RENEWAL
To maintain real estate licenses in the state of Wisconsin, real estate licensees must complete 18 hours of continuing education (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
 
WRA'S THURSDAY TAKEAWAYS VIDEO SERIES
Check out the most recent edition of WRA's Thursday Takeaways Video Series!

"The Pre-determination Process: Guide for New Potential Agents with Convictions"
With Jennifer Lindsley
Do you have a person interested in becoming licensed, but the person has some convictions in the past? Learn how the DSPS Pre-determination Process can offer some certainty for these individuals before they embark on the journey to become licensed.
GMAR RECOGNIZES THE PASSING OF TWO LONG TIME MEMBERS
It is with great sadness that RE/MAX Service First reports the unexpected passing of Thomas Schinker. Tom passed away Saturday, November 14th, 2020, and is survived by his wife and three adult children. Arrangements have not been finalized for Tom in these challenging times, but more information will be posted online when known.
Dave Neis passed away peacefully on November 15th. Dave was a pillar of Coldwell Banker HomeSale Realty and a good friend, mentor and confidant to all. He will be missed.
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.
 
Once you complete a digital 45 minute Workshop and enroll as an Ambassador, you can start offering your clients access to new energy efficiency expertise and exclusive perks, including a Welcome Kit with a $125 heating and cooling tune-up voucher and a helpful Home Energy & Maintenance Guide. The kit is co-branded with your business information and sent to your clients on your behalf, at no cost to you, providing an extra touch and added value.
 
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. You can also call Nancy Alberte, local Focus on Energy representative, at 608.358.8212 with questions.  
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!
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.