GMAR WEEKLY UPDATES
What's Driving Property Tax Increases?

After a decade of modest increases, property taxes in Wisconsin have risen more rapidly the past two years. Factors contributing to the growth include voter-approved school referenda, increases in state revenue limits on schools, and greater...

Read more
wispolicyforum.org
A BETTER SENTRILOCK POLICY
The GMAR has been closely monitoring all members’ use of the SentriLock system over the last couple of years. During that time we have noticed that a large number of members received their credentials but never actually use them. This same goes for the use of the lockboxes. Several members have had a number of lockboxes since the rollout in 2018, but never actually used them on their listings.
 
No one has to use them, but if a member was issued lockboxes and is not using them, the GMAR would like them back because they will undoubtedly get lost if they’re not being used, and the batteries will run out in the near future.
 
In order to make sure the GMAR has enough lockboxes for those who are using them on listings, we’re going to make some changes to the SentriLock User Agreement:
 
1. During the course of our regular audits of the SentriLock system, if the Association determines that a SentriLock lockbox(s) issued to a member is not being used, the member must return the lockbox(s) to the GMAR. [Generally the GMAR will ask for lockboxes to be returned if they are not used over the course of several months. If a member wants to use SentriLock boxes in the future, the GMAR will gladly issue new boxes – with new batteries in them.]

  • The GMAR will communicate with members three (3) times requesting that their lockboxes be returned to the GMAR. The first two emails will explain that the GMAR is conducting an audit and ask members to return the boxes or allow a GMAR staff member to pick them up.

  • The 3rd letter/email will explain that they must return the lockboxes to the GMAR within 30-days, or they will be assessed a $250 fine, per lockbox. They may also be determined to be a member “Not In Good Standing” which would impact their ability to receive any services REALTORS® are entitled to, including mediation/arbitration, access to MLS, etc.
 
2. After 6-months of non-use, SentriLock’s SentriKey Real Estate app will be immobilized. That doesn’t mean a member can’t use it, a call the GMAR to have the app re-activated is all it takes.
 
Please be aware of these changes and be on the lookout for further communication from us if you fall into one of the two categories above.
MILITARY RELOCATION PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION COURSE AT THE GMAR
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. 
 
This course will be held in person at the GMAR office on August 12th from 9:00am - 4:00pm.
 
Lunch will be provided by American Pacific Mortgage.
 
We Need More Fans!
Not the GMAR, we have plenty of loyal fans!

Many veterans, transitioning from the streets to an apartment, or temporary living dwellings do so without basic home furnishings. Help keep our vets comfortable this summer.

Here's how you can help:
  • We will take new, or gently used fans at the GMAR office or directly at the MHVI - 6300 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53214.
  • Make a check payable to "MVHI" and mail to Scott Bush at the GMAR.
  • $20.00 will count as one fan.
  • If you donate directly to MVHI, let Scott know so we can add your name/company to the challenge fan above.

Please contact Scott Bush if you have any questions.
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!
UPCOMING GMAR EVENTS

*If you are interested in sponsoring please let us know by July 30th so we can list your company on the print advertisements.

*Anyone donating a Silent Auction item valued at $100 or more will receive a ticket to the event; Values over $250 will receive 2 tickets.
JOB POSTINGS
Marketing Advisor
Compass Real Estate Wisconsin
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 Emily Simonelli.
LOOKING TO GROW YOUR NETWORK AND IMPACT?
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 ambassador@focusonenergy.com. You can also call Nancy Alberte, local Focus on Energy representative, at 608.358.8212 with questions. 
GMAR PARTNERS WITH 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 edition as well.
Limited quantities of the publication are available at the GMAR office, or by contacting Metro Business Publications at pcanon@discovermilwaukee.com.
 
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 mbdelforge@discovermilwaukee.com.
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, (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 your feedback to the GMAR.
Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS®
12300 W. Center Street Milwaukee, WI 53222
414-778-4929 | www.GMAR.com