March 2023 - VOLUME 28 - NUMBER 3

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tax-Reduction Webinar

Wednesday, March 22

9:30am-12:00pm

Virtual/Zoom

Register Now

Networking Happy Hour

Thursday, April 20

3:30-5:30pm

Thirsty Goat, Fitchburg

Register Now

Milwaukee Brewers Trip

Wednesday, May 10

9:45am Departure

Milwaukee, WI

Save the Date

RECENT EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Outperforming Your Competition in a Changing Market with Glenn Bill

Thanks to all who attended the recent informational session with real estate speaker and author Glenn Bill. Attendees received valuable tips on how to grow their network, relationships, and business. Thank you also to the Madison Chapter of the Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association and the Women’s Council of Realtors® Madison Metro for co-sponsoring this event!

Lender Panel: Understanding Financing Options Beyond the 30-Year Fixed

Thank you to those who participated in last week's Lender Panel offered by the RASCW Professional Development Committee. Those in attendance learned about a number of available financing options, including ARMs, Buy Downs, and Bridge and Government Loans. A big thanks to the lending professionals who sat on the panel and shared their experience and knowledge!

RASCW Announces Staff Member Departure

Wise, strong, kind, and knowledgeable are just a few of the words we could use to describe Janine Smith. In her decades of service at RASCW, she has been a pillar of member service and support. Her work has contributed significantly to the journey of success for this Association. As the Vice President of Member Services, Janine ensures that the RASCW member experience remains outstanding. It’s a big responsibility, but she does it with a smile and wit second to none, which is especially handy when navigating the complex world of Arbitrations and Ethics complaints in the Association’s current Professional Standards process.

So it is with pride that we celebrate her newest opportunity to improve industry professionalism through the development of a Statewide Professional Standards program administered at the WRA. There is no question that she’ll make it a success. Although her time at RASCW draws to a close at the end of March, she will continue to serve REALTORS® across Wisconsin, which includes you! 

RASCW President Melissa Bjerke Markgraf says, "Thank you, Janine, for 32 years of dedicated service to RASCW. You brought such professionalism and knowledge to our Association. Your diplomacy, wit and many masterful skills will be greatly missed. We know you won't be far and for that we are grateful. Best wishes my friend!"  

Janine, we applaud the determination and effort you have demonstrated during your career at RASCW and we look forward to being a part of your success in the upcoming years. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. If you had the fortune to interact with Janine and would like to reach out to wish her well, please don’t hesitate to do so.

RASCW Accepting Applications for Director of Operations Staff Position

The REALTORS® Association of South Central Wisconsin is looking for a dynamic team member to join our association staff. The Director of Operations (DOO) is a leadership position that oversees the day-to-day operations of the association. In addition, this person is responsible for staff administration and development, purchasing, budget preparation assistance, and membership experience. Click here for the complete position description and application.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Seeks Event Affiliate Vendors

The RASCW Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee invites all Affiliate Members to apply to be a vendor at the upcoming Vendor Fair & Housing Happy Hour on Wednesday, April 12 at Bridges Golf Course in Madison. This event will be a celebration of Fair Housing Month and an opportunity for RASCW Minority Scholarship recipients and all Realtor® Members to learn more about Affiliate Members and area Fair Housing related services. In addition to providing general information about all their services, we encourage participating vendors to highlight the services, tools, and benefits their businesses offer specifically in support of Fair Housing and increasing access to home ownership. Vendor space is limited. Click here for more details and to apply to be a vendor. Please contact Ruth Hackney (ruth@wisre.com) with any questions.

New Statewide Professional Standards Program

The RASCW Board of Directors is excited to announce our participation in the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association’s Statewide Professional Standards program beginning April 1, 2023. This decision was made with careful consideration of our organization’s members and we believe it will increase professionalism throughout the state. Further information on filing an ethics complaint or request for arbitration will be available once processes are finalized.

What is the Statewide Professional Standards Program?

The Program creates a Statewide Professional Standards enforcement procedure to conduct mediations and hearings for ethics complaints and commission disputes. This is a voluntary program being offered to local associations at no cost. A statewide program is not a new concept as there are many successful programs throughout the country. If a local association chooses to participate, all complaints and disputes will be handled by the WRA utilizing not only their building, but local locations and virtual platforms. At this time, 15 of the 17 local associations have committed.

Who is eligible to serve on the Statewide Professional Standards Committee?

All members in good standing with a minimum of two years of REALTOR® membership are eligible. Committee appointments are for two-year terms and members are eligible for reappointment. Members will need to complete an online application and are required to attend training for each term of service. Committee appointments are approved by the WRA Board of Directors. Click here to apply to serve on the Statewide Professional Standards Committee.

March Member Spotlight

Through our Member Spotlight Series, RASCW highlights members and shares their stories to help empower others to successfully pursue a real estate career and be an engaged member of our industry. If you'd like to be considered for one of our Member Spotlights, click here to complete the questionnaire.

Our March Spotlight is Cheryl Mortvedt, a Realtor® with First Weber-Dodgeville. Cheryl has been in real estate for three years after working for 25 years in accounting, business, and consulting. Cheryl enjoys meeting people and helping them achieve their goals, and suggests that those new to real estate get creative in how they start getting connected, building relationships, and growing their business. Click here for Cheryl's complete spotlight!

Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association Continues Scholarship Program

The Madison Chapter of the Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association announces the return of its scholarship program to encourage individuals to join our industries. The scholarship is open to anyone furthering their education at a state-accredited institution with career goals in financial services, construction management/trades, or real estate. Click here for details and the application. Three $1,000 scholarships are available and applications are due April 14.

Focus on Energy Real Estate Ambassador Workshops

Movin' Out Down Payment Assistance Programs

Movin' Out advances disability justice by co-creating safe, affordable, and community-integrated homes. They help people and families achieve long-term housing success, whether that be home ownership or renting an affordable and accessible apartment. 

Movin' Out has down payment assistance programs for qualified households and wants to help make the dream of home ownership a reality for all. Click here and fill out the interest form for more information about these down payment assistance programs.

Home Buyers Round Table Down Payment Assistance Realtor® Training

The Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County (HBRT) is offering their annual Down Payment Assistance Realtor® Training on March 23. Attend this program to learn about the current state of housing in Dane County, available down payment assistance programs, and how to use Addendum DPA and the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. You’ll come away with valuable information to share with homebuyers and sellers. Click here to register for the training.

February 2023 Membership Updates

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RASCW Involvement Opportunities

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 contact Erin Volland, RASCW Communication & Engagement Director: erin@wisre.com.

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