GMAR WEEKLY UPDATES
MESSAGE FROM GMAR CHAIRWOMAN
COURTNEY STEFANIAK
Hello GMAR Members,
 
Go Bucks Go! Congratulations to the Milwaukee Bucks for winning the NBA Championship for the 2nd time in franchise history. All the fans in the Fiserv Forum and Deer District were a great display of how cool our city is!
 
After some pretty crazy months of getting dozens of offers on my listings, and very few offers accepted for my buyers it appears things may be slowing down ever so slightly. Higher prices and the frenetic pace of the market has caused some buyers to take a break, or, at least, be more diligent in their search, knowing they may miss some opportunities. Those higher prices have induced more sellers into the market, giving buyers a few more prospects. A better way to characterize the market may be to say it’s balancing out a bit. Whew!
 
The GMAR recently changed the SentriLock User Agreement to better reflect how the system is being used in the market. If you are not using your SentriLock lockboxes, please return them to the GMAR office.
 
The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association’s annual convention will be held in-person in Milwaukee this fall, from October 4th – 6th. WRA always puts on one of the premiere state real estate conventions in the country. Complete your CE early, attend networking events and check out renowned speakers all for only $145 if you sign up early.
 
Mark your calendar for this year's upcoming Brewer's Bash! I hope to see you there!
 
Sincerely,
 
Courtney Stefaniak
2021 Chairwoman 
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF LONG TIME GMAR STAFF MEMBER ALBERTA DHILLON
Alberta has been the friendly face at the front desk of the GMAR for the past 21 years and is ready for retirement! We will be hosting a farewell party for her where all members are welcome to stop by and chat.

DATE: Thursday, August 19, 2021
TIME: 4:00 - 7:00PM
LOCATION: Leff's Lucky Town ~ 7208 W State St, Wauwatosa, WI 53213

There will also be a live music performance by Scott Bush's band the Lounge Dogs.
SAFETY ALERT: THERE IS A NEW SCAM IN OUR MARKETPLACE
Remind your sellers that if anyone comes to their home and tells them that they are from a real estate company or title company and are there to notarize real estate documents for a fee, that is a scam. 
 
We believe the scammers are targeting homes with for sale signs or are looking at online data. One report describes a scammer as being a middle-aged woman driving a black Nissan. She shows a driver’s license as identification. One seller told the scammer that he wasn't expecting her, and she opened her phone to show an appointment with "Coast to Coast" and a fee of $75. When asked what she was hired to notarized, she said "signatures for the sale". The seller called his agent and the agent advised his seller that this was a scam.  
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS OF THE GMAR
Welcome to our 81 newest members of the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS®! We look forward to working with you and wish you the best of luck in your new real estate career.
 
A BETTER SENTRILOCK POLICY
The GMAR has been closely monitoring all members’ use of the SentriLock system over the last couple of years. During that time we have noticed that a large number of members received their credentials but never actually use them. This same goes for the use of the lockboxes. Several members have had a number of lockboxes since the rollout in 2018, but never actually used them on their listings.
 
No one has to use them, but if a member was issued lockboxes and is not using them, the GMAR would like them back because they will undoubtedly get lost if they’re not being used, and the batteries will run out in the near future.
 
In order to make sure the GMAR has enough lockboxes for those who are using them on listings, we've made some changes to the SentriLock User Agreement.
 
If you have any questions or concerns on this topic please let us know.
MILITARY RELOCATION PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION COURSE AT THE GMAR
This certification focuses on educating real estate professionals about working with current and former military service members to find the housing solutions that best suit their needs and take full advantage of military benefits and support. 
 
This course will be held in person at the GMAR office on August 12th from 9:00am - 4:00pm.
 
Lunch will be provided by American Pacific Mortgage.
 
We Need More Fans!
Not the GMAR, we have plenty of loyal fans!

Many veterans, transitioning from the streets to an apartment, or temporary living dwellings do so without basic home furnishings. Help keep our vets comfortable this summer.

Here's how you can help:
  • We will take new, or gently used fans at the GMAR office or directly at the MHVI - 6300 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53214.
  • Make a check payable to "MVHI" and mail to Scott Bush at the GMAR.
  • $20.00 will count as one fan.
  • If you donate directly to MVHI, let Scott know so we can add your name/company to the challenge fan above.

Please contact Scott Bush if you have any questions.
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

*Anyone donating a Silent Auction item valued at $100 or more will receive a ticket to the event; Values over $250 will receive 2 tickets.

JOB POSTINGS
Marketing Advisor
Compass Real Estate Wisconsin
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.
HABITAT RESTORE OFFERS FREE PICKUP & SALVAGE SERVICES
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