GMAR WEEKLY UPDATES
ARE YOU A DIRECT GIVER?
Even though it is a much quieter election year than 2020, it is still as important to support elected officials who support the real estate industry. 
 
Please consider making a contribution to the Direct Giver Program, which is a unique tool you have as a REALTOR® in Wisconsin, and you can use it to support PRO-REALTOR® elected officials and candidates at all levels of government.

Contact Marne Stuck if you have any questions.  
FOCUS ON ENERGY VIRTUAL POP-UP RECAP
Thank you to those who chose to participate in the virtual Focus on Energy® Pop-Up Event. There were 959 LEDs sold to 41 members which will save a combined $97,011 on electricity cost savings. When all of these bulbs are installed at home, it will remove the greenhouse gas emissions of 9.8 cars for one year!

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. For more information, visit focusonenergy.com/ambassador or email ambassador@focusonenergy.com
WISCONSIN REALTORS® FOUNDATION TEAM UP AGAINST HUNGER
With the end of the school year upon us, thousands of children across Wisconsin are about to lose access to the meals they depend on. According to Feeding Wisconsin, 1 in 7 children in our state face hunger every day. 

In addition to encouraging volunteerism at local food banks and pantries during our Team Up Against Hunger Week that starts June 14, we will double our match to the first $10,000 in donations made to the foundation that week. That means for every $1 donated, 9 meals will go to children in need. 100% of donations will go directly to Feeding Wisconsin. Our goal is to raise 45,000 meals by June 21 for children in our state facing hunger. Click here to make a donation
NAR RETIREMENT SUMMIT FOUR-PART SERIES
Register to attend NAR's Center for REALTOR® Financial Wellness LIVE: Retirement Summit four-part series event:

  • Retirement Planning Basics
  • Wednesday, July 7 at 1:00-2:00pm
  • Getting Retirement Ready
  • Wednesday, July 14 at 1:00-2:00pm
  • Planning for the Unexpected
  • Wednesday, July 21 at 1:00-2:00pm
  • Legacy and Estate Planning
  • Wednesday, July 28 at 1:00-2:00pm

Space is limited to Register Now!
To learn more about NAR's Center for REALTOR® Financial Wellness Click Here.
2021 PROFILE OF LGBTQ HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS
On June 9, NAR released the 2021 Profile of LGBTQ Home Buyers and Sellers. This report examines data from 2015 to 2020. Differences are examined by LGBTQ, Non-LGBTQ, Lesbian and Gay, and Bisexual buyers and sellers. There were distinct differences between LGBTQ and Non-LGBTQ homebuyers and sellers. Given that Millennials now make up 37% of home buyers (2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers) and given further shifting attitudes regarding orientation and identity among Generation Z, the proportion of buyers and sellers identifying as LGBTQ is likely to increase as well. NAR Research studies buyer behavior and characteristics of dozens of demographic profiles. This was a population of buyers NAR felt was important to study as a growing segment in order to better inform members and the public.

We have seen a major increase in the use of SentriLock lockboxes in recent months. To-date, 83% of GMAR members have their credentials!
 
Due to this increase, more members are needing lockboxes and our office supply is starting to get low. Currently, there are 8,500 lockboxes assigned to members and only 3,327 of those are being used on listings. There are several members who were given lockboxes at the initial rollout in 2018 who are still not using them. Agents do not have to use the lockboxes, we just ask that those agents who do not plan to use their lockboxes return them so that we have enough in stock for others. 

To make things easier, you can return the unused lockboxes to your office and we will be happy to come pick them up.

Keep in mind that any lockbox not returned will result in a $250 fine when you are no longer a member of the association.

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!
UPCOMING GMAR EVENTS
This event is officially SOLD OUT!


If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for this event there are still a few openings. Please contact Michelle Kohn or call 414-778-4929 for more information.
UPCOMING AFFILIATE EVENTS
YPN Presents Chelsea Peitz: Instagram REELS to Grow Your Brand
Join the GMAR YPN for Chelsea Peitz's training on Instagram REELS. You'll learn what they are and why Instagram wants you to use them, how they can help triple your reach and visibility, the basics of making a REEL, and examples of real estate reel ideas that AREN'T boring!

Monday, June 28, 12:30-1:30pm
375 Bishops Way, Brookfield, WI, 53005
Sponsored by Chicago Title

Keep More of Your Money in 2021: Free Remote Program
Don’t let the NEW 2021 Tax DEDUCTIONS pass you by!
 
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.
 
Tuesday, June 29, 2021
10:00am - 12:30pm
Instructed by Maine Shafer with Bradford and Company, Inc.

JOB POSTINGS
Client Care Specialist
The Combs Team - RE/MAX Realty 100
Transaction Coordinator
First Weber, Inc. ~ Delafield
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 Emily Simonelli.
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
GMAR PARTNERS WITH 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 edition 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 your feedback to the GMAR.
Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS®
12300 W. Center Street Milwaukee, WI 53222
414-778-4929 | www.GMAR.com