April 2026 - VOLUME 31 - NUMBER 4 | | |
🎤 The Speakers Alone Are Worth Clearing Your Calendar.
When's the last time you had NAR's Deputy Chief Economist breaking down the housing market specifically for Wisconsin brokers? Or sat in a room with NAR's VP of Broker Engagement leading a live panel with some of the sharpest broker minds in our region? That's exactly what's on the menu at the RASCW Broker Summit on Thursday, April 16.
Dr. Jessica Lautz will give you the economic data you need to advise your clients with confidence. Nykea Pippion McGriff will lead a broker panel featuring local heavyweights Dan Spransy, Peter Sveum, Tom Weber, Bobbi Brandt, and Sona Olson — real conversations about what's working right now.
Jennifer Lindsley from the WRA will keep you legally sharp, Kiki Wanshura from Realtor.com will show you what AI tools are actually changing the game, and Blaise Coco from domii will leave you fired up about lead generation. This isn't a generic conference — it's a curated day of people who know this industry cold, showing up to help you lead better. $10. Includes lunch. Limited seats. Register before they're gone.
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RASCW’s New e-Magazine
Introducing the very first edition of RASCW's Quarterly E-Magazine — and yes, it's exactly as good as it sounds. Think of it as your insider's guide to everything happening in your association and your market: real perspectives, member stories, and the kind of updates that actually matter to your business. We built this for you, and we're just getting started. Flip through the first edition and see what your membership looks like when it really shows up.
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We Want Your Feedback
We value your input. Take a few minutes to complete our member survey and help us better understand how we can support you, improve our offerings, and plan for the future.
| | | Minority Scholarship Application | | |
RASCW believes that increasing minority representation among real estate professionals helps expand homeownership opportunities for minority buyers, strengthening and diversifying our communities. This scholarship program was created to advance that mission by providing meaningful financial assistance and professional support to individuals pursuing a career in real estate.
Applications will be accepted beginning April 1, 2026, until June 30, 2026.
Questions? Reach out to us at rascw@wisre.com or 608-240-2800
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April 16, 2026 9:00AM - 3:30PM
Register now
Real Estate Team Certification Course
May 6-7, 2026 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Register now
Women's Empowerment Conference
July 29, 2026 11:00AM - 4:30PM
Register now
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Lisa Marshall
CEO, RASCW/SCWMLS
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Dear Members,
Spring is here and so is a packed calendar of opportunities designed with you in mind. From the Broker Summit — where you'll hear directly from national economists, legal experts, and tech innovators — to our certification courses and member programs, we are bringing the tools, the connections, and the conversations that matter most to your business right now.
Whether you're a seasoned broker or still building your foundation, there is something here for you. Your membership is working hard, and so are we. I'm proud of what this community is building together, and I can't wait to see you at what's ahead.
– Lisa CEO, RASCW & SCWMLS
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2027 RASCW Board of Directors: Applications Open Next Month
RASCW will soon be seeking forward thinking, industry aware members who bring diversity of thought and background to apply for service on the Board of Directors for a three year term beginning on January 1, 2027. You must be a RASCW member in good standing and eligible to fill an open seat. Three REALTOR® positions will be open. 
Why Should You Apply?
- To take part in guiding RASCW'S strategic vision and direction for the benefit of its members
- To help increase the value of RASCW to the South Central Wisconsin REALTOR® community
- To discuss current challenges and expand opportunities at RASCW and industry wide
- To grow your network and expertise while sharing ideas in a collaborative setting
More information coming soon!
| | Are You “Housefishing” Buyers Without Realizing It? | | A growing trend in real estate—“housefishing”—is raising concerns as some listings use misleading or overly edited photos to attract buyers. While AI and virtual staging can be useful tools, relying on them too heavily can create false expectations and damage trust when buyers see the home in person. This article explores why authenticity matters more than ever, how traditional and hybrid staging approaches can better represent a property, and why honest presentation ultimately leads to stronger offers and better outcomes. | | How to Spot Deepfake Scams in Real Estate | | Cyber fraud is on the rise—and deepfake technology is making scams more convincing than ever. From fake video calls to altered property listings and fraudulent wiring instructions, scammers are finding new ways to exploit real estate transactions. This guide breaks down how deepfakes are being used, the risks they pose to buyers and sellers, and the practical steps you can take to protect your identity, funds, and investment throughout the process. | | Upcoming Events & Education | |
Women's Empowerment Conference
Connect with a community of driven women shaping the future of real estate. This dynamic, half-day event is designed to help you turn market challenges into opportunities through expert-led sessions, broker panels, and practical skill-building. Whether you’re focused on growth, leadership, or expanding your impact, this experience will leave you motivated, connected, and ready to lead.

July 29th, 2026
11:00AM - 4:30PM
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Real Estate Team Certification
Start your Certified Real Estate Team Specialist (C-RETS) Certification. Learn proven strategies for building and sustaining successful real estate teams, strengthening leadership skills, and improving financial performance. This nationally recognized certification from the National Association of REALTORS® helps elevate team development and performance.
May 6th - 7th
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
RASCW Headquarters
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Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) Certification
Start your Certified Real Estate Team STake the next step in your professional development with the Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) Certification. Learn how to price properties accurately, create stronger CMAs, and use data-driven insights to guide your clients with confidence. This course is free for members and offers significant value for agents looking to sharpen their expertise. 
September 24
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
RASCW Headquarters
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Join us as a 2026 RASCW Event Sponsor!
Choose from Silver ($600), Gold ($1,200), or Platinum ($1,800) tiers to unlock exclusive networking, exhibitor tables, and stage time. These packages maximize your impact through targeted digital branding and direct member engagement. Secure your spot today by contacting Chesed Anzo at bd@wisre.com or (608) 514-0206.
| | | Advocacy & Government Affairs | | A Bipartisan Breakthrough on Housing: How NAR Helped Lay the Groundwork | | A new housing bill is making waves in Washington, aiming to address affordability and inventory challenges. In this live-recorded episode, Shannon and Patrick discuss what’s included, what it means for the market, and how years of advocacy from NAR helped move the conversation forward. | |
What the Data Says About Race and Homeownership Today | A closer look at home buying trends reveals both progress and ongoing challenges. This report breaks down how affordability, credit access, and demographic shifts impact homeownership across different groups. While more Americans own homes than a decade ago, disparities still exist—offering important insights for agents working with diverse and first-time buyers in today’s market. | | | |
February Market Statistics
Home sales across South Central Wisconsin continued to show steady momentum in February 2026, with both Dane County and the broader region experiencing modest year-over-year growth and a seasonal increase in activity from January. Buyer demand remains consistent as the market begins its transition into the spring season.
Inventory levels rose compared to last year, giving buyers slightly more options, though a typical month-to-month dip from January reflects normal seasonal patterns. While year-to-date median sale prices saw a slight softening compared to 2025, home values remain near historic highs, and overall price stability continues across most regions.

The combination of increased inventory, steady sales activity, and resilient pricing highlights a balanced and stable market environment as South Central Wisconsin moves further into 2026.
|   | | New Agents, Offices & Transfers | | April Lease Asking Rates Greater Madison | | Disclaimer: Advertisements featured in the RASCW REALTOR® Review do not constitute an endorsement by RASCW. RASCW does not review or verify the products, services, or claims made in any advertisement. RASCW makes no guarantees or representations and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of any advertised content. RASCW does not endorse the Advertiser or Advertiser’s products or services. | | | | |