GMAR WEEKLY eNEWSLETTER
KNOW A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
OR HAVE ANOTHER SKILL?
The GMAR is collecting information on the unique skills our members have. We often get calls from the public asking for REALTORS® that speak specific languages, know sign language, etc., and having a list will help us give them options. Below are some ideas of what we are looking for to get you started:

Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Hindi,
Arabic, ASL, French, etc.

If you would like to be added to our list, please email Michelle Kohn and let her know what unique skills you have!
INTRODUCING THE HOME AFFORDABILITY REPORT
The Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS® is introducing a new analysis of the Metropolitan Milwaukee real estate market, the “Home Affordability Report.”

The centerpiece of this quarterly report is a chart that breaks down recent home sales in over forty communities and gives the median monthly payment, including principal, interest, mortgage insurance, and property taxes in three price brackets -- upper-third, middle-third, and lower-third of homes sold – based on the municipal tax rate and the prevailing rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan with 3% down.

Most published reports on the housing market focus on macro statistics, with average sale prices drawing the most attention. But when prospective buyers are deciding whether and where to shop for a home, there are other compelling and relevant data: the average monthly payment.

Depending on loan costs and local tax rates, monthly payments can vary significantly on homes with the same price tag. That’s why a new kind of report that shows the buying potential for new homeowners is important, particularly as long-term interest rates rise to a historically normal range.

This Home Affordability Report includes homes sold during the 2nd quarter of 2022 (April 1, - June 30).

2021-22 BIENNIUM DEADLINE: DECEMBER 14, 2022
REQUIREMENTS: 6 MANDATORY COURSES | 3 CREDITS EACH 
18 TOTAL HOURS | EVERY 2 YEARS
RPAC 40-YEAR EASEMENTS
Cori Lamont is the Senior Director of Legal and Public Affairs at the WRA. Listen as she talks about what the WRA has done for your industry in Wisconsin.
MILITARY ACTIVE DUTY FLAGS AVAILABLE
If you have sellers who currently have a family member serving in the armed forces, the GMAR has a limited supply of Military Service Flags you may offer them!
 
The flags are sponsored by American Pacific Mortgage. If you'd like a flag, simply call the GMAR office at 414-778-4929 or email [email protected] to reserve. 
ELECTIONS ARE COMING AND WE NEED YOUR HELP
Wisconsin will be holding its primary election soon. Cedarburg is running out of time to recruit enough poll workers to staff all of its polling locations. That’s where you come in.
 
You can help ensure that the midterm elections in Wisconsin are fair for all voters by signing up to be a poll worker. It’s important to get your application in early so your local elections office has time to process your application and sign you up for training before your primary. Submit your application today to be approved in time for primary elections in your state.
 
 
As more people return to voting in person, efforts to recruit and train poll workers are critical. That’s why we’re working to recruit more workers to keep the 2022 elections fair, safe, and secure.
 
We need people like you to power the polls to prevent long voting lines and make voting safe and accessible for everyone in your community. If you can’t serve for your upcoming primary, consider reaching out to friends and family members who can.
 
Once you submit your application, you’ll be contacted by your local election administrators for the next steps. Sometimes it takes a while for them to reach out, so we encourage you to call or email them to let them know you're ready and eager to serve.
FAIRHAVEN IS A TOWN EVERY REALTORS® SHOULD VISIT
In November 2020, NAR launched Fairhaven , a new fair housing simulation training for REALTORS® that uses the power of storytelling to help members identify, prevent, and address discriminatory practices in real estate. Inspired by real stories, this innovative online experience has agents work against the clock to sell homes in the fictional town of Fairhaven, while confronting discrimination in the homebuying process. REALTORS® will also walk in the shoes of a homebuyer facing discrimination. The training provides customized feedback that they can apply to daily business interactions.

This innovative training platform is available to all 1.4 million NAR members at no additional cost. Be an advocate for fair housing and the future of our industry. Commit to combating discrimination in real estate.

Get started by visiting fairhaven.realtor to explore the fictional town of Fairhaven and assess how well you are adhering to fair housing principles.
WISCONSIN REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE TOP STORIES
The Best of the Legal Hotline: Is Cash Really Cash? Does the term “cash offer” really mean the buyer has the cash? Not necessarily. Given the multitude of misconceptions about cash offers, this month’s hotline article provides clarity about offers to purchase property without a Financing Commitment Contingency. The buyer wants to write an offer with no Financing Commitment Contingency. How can the offer be drafted? Read More Here
Helping More Veterans Achieve Homeownership with VA Loans: Since its establishment in 1944, the Veterans Administration (VA) home loan guarantee program has helped millions of veterans purchase and maintain homes. This is a vital homeownership tool that provides our veterans with a centralized, affordable and accessible method of purchasing homes as a benefit for their service to our nation. Read More Here
Just Because You Say It Is Does Not Make It So: In recent months, the WRA has been fielding questions and concerns about out-of-state, non-Wisconsin licensees practicing real estate in Wisconsin. Examples include out-of-state licensees (OSLs) listing Wisconsin properties, conducting showings, representing buyers, and writing offers. Apparently, there has been a wave of individuals, in Wisconsin and out of state, who believe that the law doesn’t apply to them.  Read More Here
UPCOMING GMAR EVENTS
 
If you are interested in sponsoring please reach out to Michelle Kohn or Kaye Erdman. Please note the Diamond sponsorships are taken.

Registration coming soon! (You can pre-order tickets through Michelle)
GMAR LOGO AND ANIMATED STICKERS
The GMAR launched our own animated stickers for you to use!
Remember to tag GMAR in your post!
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!
JOB POSTINGS
Closing Coordinator/Office Manager
Lake Country Flat Fee
Portfolio & Property Manager
RE/MAX Lakeside
Condominium Association
Property Manager
Elite Properties Inc.
Customer Service Specialist
Homesight Inspection
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 Mary Xiong.
BECOME A FOCUS ON ENERGY AMBASSADOR
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.

Join the 700+ Wisconsin real estate professionals already offering these informational resources and exclusive perks to their clients. For more information, visit focusonenergy.com/ambassador or email [email protected]
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 editions as well.

Limited quantities of the publication are available at the GMAR office, or by contacting Metro Business Publications at [email protected].
 
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 [email protected].
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 at (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 feedback to the GMAR.
Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS®
12300 W. Center Street Milwaukee, WI 53222
414-778-4929 | www.GMAR.com