GMAR Weekly Email Digest: 1/14/2019
HOW TO WORK WITH APPRAISERS
NAR's latest Window to the Law video helps members understand what they can and shouldn't say when working with appraisers.
2018 CONSUMER STUDY: RELATIONSHIPS STILL MATTER MOST WITH HOUSING CONSUMERS
A recent Harris Insights housing consumer study shows that 90 percent of those who bought or sold a home in the first six months of 2018 used a real estate professional in their process. This study, underwritten by the California Association of Realtors, The CE Shop and REAL Trends, is the fourth in a series of housing consumer studies done by Harris since 2001.

JANUARY EDITION OF REAL TRENDS
H ighlights include: Hot Topics for 2019, The Brokerage Should be the Branding Machine, and Who is Kathy Kraninger and more! 
 
IN MEMORY OF MARVIN WASSERMAN
Marvin Wasserman passed away on January 7, 2019, at the age of 94. He was a member of the GMAR since 1959.

After serving in WWII in the Army Air Corps, Marvin began a career in real estate spanning over 60 years. One of his many accomplishments, and probably his proudest, was seeing his daughter, Judy Hearst, and granddaughter, Jaime Druck, become REALTORS as well.

He will be missed.
MILITARY RELOCATION PROFESSIONAL (MRP) CERTIFICATION
The Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification Course is on January 30 th GMAR Office. To register please click here.
 
When military staff and their families relocate, the services of a real estate professional who understands their needs and timetables makes the transfer easier, faster, and less stressful. 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.

The Military Relocation Professional Certification course counts towards earning NAR's Military Relocation Professional Certification as well as one REBAC-elective course toward the ABR® designation.

Benefits for Agents
NAR’s Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification educates REALTORS® about working with U.S. service members and their families and veterans to find the housing solutions that best suit their needs and to take full advantage of available benefits and support.

After completing the MRP certification, MRP members will:
  • Understand the processes and procedures involved in a military relocation and how these impact service members’ relocation and housing choices
  • Use demographics of the military market to formulate business strategies and determine service offerings for sellers and buyers
  • Provide information to help members through a rent or buy, sell or rent decision-making process
  • Enhance sensitivity to the emotional issues involved when a military family relocates
  • Identify and provide services that help service members sell or find and purchase suitable homes
  • Apply knowledge of the military relocation process to guide service members through the real estate transaction
  • Explain the basics of VA financing
  • Recognize situations in which a buyer is eligible for VA financing

Cost of registration and reservation details will follow. Contact Scott Bush should you have any questions. scott@gmar.ws
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
The Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS® Youth Foundation will award 7 $1,000 scholarships to children or grandchildren of GMAR members during 2019. 
 
Members must have maintained their relationship with the GMAR continuously for at least three (3) years. Deadline is March 29, 2019.
 
BUY REAL ESTATE SUPPLIES AT MINUTEMAN PRESS IN BROOKFIELD
We still receive calls asking where the store is. The GMAR Realtor store is closed and Minuteman Press in Brookfield is now selling Real Estate Supplies! Visit them at 13680 W. Capitol Drive, M-F 8am-5pm. If you have any questions, feel free to contact them at 262-781-9622.
SentriLock Tips:

1. The only way for SentriLock to know when a showing has ended is if the showing agent opens another SentriLock lock box or if the agent has Location Services turned on all the time on their phone which allows SentriLock to track when the agent has traveled more than ½ mile away from the lock box.  If neither of those options occur SentriLock assumes the agent and buyers have left the listing 90 minutes after the lock box was opened and then generates the “90 minutes have passed” closing notification.

2. If you have an android phone, make sure you have the latest software downloaded. If your phone is having issues connecting to Bluetooth, you will want to turn off the AutoSelect Advertizing on BLE Box which is in your settings in the SentriSmart App. If you have questions about this, please let GMAR or SentriLock know.

3. You can click here t o sign up for a time to pick up your credentials and any lockboxes that you are eligible for. We will also go over how to use the system at this time. Sentrilock went live on October 1st.

If you need additional lockboxes , you can come to the GMAR office: 12300 W. Center St., Wauwatosa, M-F 8:30am-5:00pm. We will need to verify that you have an active listing so please either bring your signed listing contract or make sure it is showing in the MLS. Lockboxes are only provided for active listings that we can verify (we will not be giving lockboxes for vacant land, rental or commercial properties).

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions on electronic lockboxes.
KETTLE MORAINE COUNCIL MARDI GRAS PARTY
February 19th at Jug's Hitching Post in West Bend
Save the date for the GMAR Kettle Moraine Council Mardi Gras Party on February 19th at Jug's Hitching Post. For $10 you receive a drink ticket, heavy hors d'oeuvres and free raffle tickets! We will also be giving out an award for the best Mardi Gras mask.
 
2019 GOVERNING BOARD INSTALLATION
Start 2019 with Women's Council of REALTORS!

January 18th from 11:30AM - 1:00PM will offer lunch, networking, installing and meeting your new officers.
PLUS: Learn how to maximize your membership this year through Referrals!

Location Details:
Bass Bay Brewhouse
S79W15851 Aud Mar Dr
Muskego, Wisconsin 53150 

SELF DEFENSE CLASS
Join us for an event presented by seasoned self defense educators. This will include what to do, what not to do and followed by hands on examples and demonstrations.
 

February 14, 2019
11:30 - Networking
12:00 - Lunch/ Presentation
12:30 - Hands on Demonstration
Co-Hosted by GMAR
 
Location: WCTC, Pewaukee, Wisconsin 
 
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! 
 
FIND OUT MORE  or call: 414-316-5651