If you missed it live, click the image below to watch the recording of our recent webinar with the National Association of REALTORS®'s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, who discusses what we can expect in the 2022 economy and its impact on the housing market, both nationally and locally. Click here to view Dr. Yun's presentation slides. Following Dr. Yun’s presentation are updates from Mike Theo, President and CEO of the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, on the current Wisconsin legislative session and how it impacts our businesses and clients, as well as other trends that could change the future of real estate.

Michael Brennan, REALTOR® at First Weber-Fitchburg, has closed 18 transactions in the last 12 months where he gave back part of his commission to Homes for Heroes, an organization that helps those who serve others (Veterans, Teachers, and Police, Fire, EMS, and Medical Professionals) save money in real estate transactions and make homeownership a reality. Michael and First Weber gave back $30,910 to heroes in 2021, and in the last four and a half years, have closed 63 transactions and given back $129,886. Michael is ranked second in Wisconsin for Homes for Heroes transactions, and has worked countless hours with buyers helping them navigate using VA financing to purchase a home, which, in the current housing market, can prove to be a significant challenge.

Brian Scheibach, REALTOR® at First Weber-Portage, started and is now President of the Portage Chapter of the organization Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), which has a single mission: “No Kid Sleeps On The Floor In Our Town!” SHP gathers volunteers from around the community to build and deliver beds to kids sleeping in unhealthy situations, and in his role, Brian oversees those volunteers across build days, deliveries, and fundraising. Build days consist of finding 40-60 volunteers who can come together, take a pile of lumber, and cut, sand, drill, assemble, stain, and brand until a complete bed comes out in the end. When beds are completed, Brian and his delivery teams go out to the requesters' homes and assemble the bed, add a mattress, and make up the bed with new bedding and pillows. Here are some SHP stats since the Chapter was established in May 2018:

As National Black History Month, February is dedicated to learning about and celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans throughout the history of our country, as well as recognizing the barriers they have faced, and in some cases continue to face, in their fight for equality and inclusion, including in the area of real estate and housing. This self-education and reflection is vital to working to remove those barriers and to make homeownership, and with that a growth in generational wealth, a true possibility for all who seek it. This work cannot stop, however, after February 28. Here are a number of ways you can learn about and honor Black history, as well as continue to help work toward positive change and equality in our industry and communities, now and every day:

Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Ruth Domack, First Weber, Inc. who passed away on January 12, 2022. Ruth was a member since 2011.

Are you working with buyers who could benefit from learning more about the homebuying process? Click here to read about HBRT, which provides information from industry experts to help individuals successfully navigate the Road to Home Ownership. Participation in one of their free Homebuyer Education Workshops also qualifies attendees for available Down Payment Assistance programs. Please reach out to HBRT with any questions!

The Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association and Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County are offering their annual FREE training for lenders online this year. They'll make you aware of the various products available so you can better educate your buyers and overcome challenges with down payments. Both sessions will provide information on city, state, and other assistance programs, and we'll hear from Linette Rhodes from the City of Madison about the current state of housing in Dane County. Click the image for more details and here to register for one of the two available sessions on February 24.

Click here to learn more about each of our committees. By joining one, your industry knowledge will increase, your networking skills and connections will grow, and you'll have the opportunity to make a real and positive impact on the area real estate community.

If you'd like more information about getting involved with RASCW, please email Erin Volland, RASCW Communication & Engagement Director, at erin@wisre.com.