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  January 2026 - VOLUME 30 - NUMBER 14 | |
NEW: RASCW's 40 Under 40 Program
This new recognition program celebrates emerging real estate leaders under the age of 40 who are making waves across South Central Wisconsin. Designed to spotlight rising talent, leadership, and impact within the REALTOR® community, this inaugural program will highlight professionals who are shaping the future of our industry. More details coming soon!
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Join Us!
In partnership with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), we are hosting a Broker Summit on Thursday, April 16. This half-day event is designed for brokers and team leaders focused on planning ahead and leading through change.
Gain national insight and practical strategies from industry experts, including:

- Nykea Pippion McGriff, Vice President of Broker Engagement, NAR
- Jessica Lautz, NAR Deputy Chief Economist
- The RPR Team, sharing tools to support smarter business decisions
- Plus peer discussion and additional expert perspectives

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One morning. Real insight. Stronger leadership.
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2026 Event Task Force - Interest Survey
On January 22, 2026, the Event Task Force will have an initial meeting plan and align on our RASCW events for the year ahead. Please complete this survey to indicate which events you’re interested in helping with!
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RASCW Magazine: Launching in March!
Our upcoming e-magazine will spotlight REALTOR® leadership, education, recognition, and what’s next for our association.
Want to be featured as a sponsor? Email rascw@wisre.com
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Inside your RASCW Membership Guide
Unlock the full value of your membership.
Inside, you’ll discover the benefits, education, connections, and opportunities designed to help you grow, lead, and succeed at every stage of your real estate career. It's your roadmap to getting the most value from RASCW. The guide will be available online and mailed out the first week of February!
| | Upcoming Educational Opportunities | | | | |
Seller Impersonation Fraud Seminar hosted by Knight Barry Title Group
Join attorney Cheri Hipenbecker for a CE-approved seminar on the growing threat of Seller Impersonation Fraud. Learn how to protect your clients and business—and earn free CE credit by completing a quick five-question quiz. The session also includes a brief update on the new FinCEN Real Estate Reporting Rules (non-credit).
January 21st
9:00AM - 10:30 AM
2323 Crossroad Dr
Madison, WI
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Annual Down Payment Assistance Training
Join the Home Buyers Round Table for a focused, one-day event for real estate professionals looking to better navigate Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs in today’s market. Learn about affordable housing trends in Madison and Dane County, key DPA programs, and the differences between Home Inspections and HQS Inspections. Sessions include a lender-focused morning, a networking lunch, and an afternoon REALTOR session covering the DPA Addendum and HQS requirements. Lunch provided!
February 11th
9:30AM - 3:30 PM
RASCW Office
4801 Forest Run Rd
Madison, WI
| | | Invest in Your Success—On Us | | |
As a RASCW member, you have exclusive access to high-impact certification courses designed to sharpen your skills, elevate your business, and increase your earning potential—at no additional cost to you.
These nationally recognized courses are taught by industry-leading instructors and focus on practical, real-world strategies you can put to work immediately. Best of all, they’re available only to RASCW members.
Each certification typically costs:
- $199-$250 for two-day courses
- $129-$199 for one-day courses
By participating in all four offerings, you receive over $700 in professional education—a return that alone more than justifies the value of your RASCW membership.
Enrollment is limited to 75 participants per course to ensure a high-quality learning experience. Early registration is strongly encouraged to secure your spot.
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ABR Designation
Start your Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) Designation. Learn advanced strategies for serving buyers, identifying client needs, and communicating your value. Hosted by renowned instructor Lynn Madison, this course is the first step toward earning your ABR designation.


March 12th - 13th
9:00AM - 4:00 PM
RASCW Headquarters
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C-RETS Certification
Earn your Certified Real Estate Team Specialist (C-RETS) certification. Led by industry leader Robert Morris, this training strengthens team building, leadership skills, and overall performance.
May 6th - 7th
9:00AM - 4:00 PM
RASCW Headquarters
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RENE Certification
Earn your RENE certification—the only NAR-recognized negotiation credential—in this free two-day course. Led by NAR instructor Maurice Hampton.


April 2nd - 3rd
9:00AM - 4:00 PM
RASCW Headquarters
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PSA Certification Course
PSA certification strengthens pricing skills, CMAs, and client confidence in today’s market. The course is led by Tamara Suminski, 2026 President of the California Association of REALTORS® and an industry leader with 20+ years of experience.
September 24th
9:00AM - 4:00 PM
RASCW Headquarters
| | | | 8 Tips for Selling Your Home in Winter | Winter often brings slower real estate activity due to holidays and cold weather, but it also offers unique advantages. Buyers this season are usually motivated, and with fewer homes on the market, sellers face less competition. | | | Boost curb appeal: Clear leaves, tidy landscaping, and add a welcoming door accent. | Ensure safety: Keep walkways and driveways clear of ice and snow. | Warm up interiors: Declutter, clean, and add cozy touches like throw pillows, blankets, and a lit fireplace during showings. | | Add life: Indoor plants or a small herb garden brighten rooms. | Light & bright: Clean windows, replace bulbs, and turn on all lights for showings. | Comfortable temperature: Keep the home warm and inviting. | | Flexible showings: Accommodate requests—even during holidays—to reach motivated buyers. | Mind the senses: Opt for a neutral, fresh scent with subtle hints of vanilla, citrus, or cinnamon. | Holiday Decor Tip: Some festive touches are fine, but avoid personal items and over-the-top displays. | | | December Housing Market Insights: Sales, Inventory, and Buyer Trends | | |
December Real Estate Trends
As the year winds down, the housing market shows some unique seasonal patterns. Historically, December sees a slight uptick in home sales compared to November, even amid the typical winter slowdown. Motivated buyers are often driven by year-end tax incentives, job relocations, or the desire to settle before the new year.
Inventory & Pricing
Listings usually drop in December, making it the month with the fewest homes for sale. This lower inventory often leads to slightly higher prices (about 0.5% above November) and means homes may spend more time on the market. Sellers may hesitate to list due to holiday timing and winter weather.
Buyer Trends
First-time buyers are active in December, taking advantage of tax benefits and timing moves for the new year. All-cash buyers and investors typically slow down, waiting for more inventory in the coming months.
Key Takeaway:
December is a month of motivated buyers but fewer listings. Understanding these seasonal trends can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions and navigate the winter market effectively.
|   | Commercial Real Estate & Sustainability: Key Insights | | |
Commercial clients are putting energy efficiency, operating costs, and indoor air quality at the center of their real estate decisions, according to the 2025 REALTORS® Commercial Sustainability Report. Properties with green certifications often have higher values, and adaptive reuse of underutilized buildings is on the rise.
Key Findings:
- 55% of agents see promoting energy efficiency as valuable.
- 37% have completed sustainability training on energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials.
- 32% of firms have experience repurposing commercial buildings.
- Clients prioritize utility costs (32%), indoor air quality (26%), and energy-efficient features (25%).
- Improving energy efficiency in existing buildings is the top sustainability concern (38%).
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November Market Statistics
Home sales across South Central Wisconsin showed a modest seasonal slowdown in November, with closings slightly below last year. Year-to-date sales remain steady, reflecting continued buyer engagement despite typical late-season market cooling.
Dane County also saw a slight decline in November closings, while year-to-date sales and median prices remain strong, showing resilience and steady demand as the year winds down.
| | | New Agents, Offices & Transfers | | January 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. | | | | |
