December 2025 - VOLUME 30 - NUMBER 13

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

Join RASCW's 2026 Event Task Forces!


Coming in 2026 - dedicated event task forces for our member events. Click the link here to fill out our interest survey and get involved!

First meeting is on Jan 22, 2026.





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 PM

2323 Crossroad Dr

Madison, WI

 

Recent NAR Changes & Understanding the Three-Way Agreement


In an effort to eliminate any confusion regarding the NAR recommended guidelines about MLS access, we invite you to take a moment to review NAR's Three-Way Agreement.

What Is the Three-Way Agreement?



The Three-Way Agreement links the local, state, and national levels into one unified REALTOR® organization. By joining RASCW, you’re automatically enrolled in both WRA and NAR, giving you access to a wide-ranging network of resources, advocacy, and professional support.


What This Means for You

  • There are no changes to this structure for 2026 - the Three-Way Agreement remains firmly in place.
  • The dues structure between RASCW, WRA, and NAR remains unchanged.
  • Access to key resources; zip forms, professional standards, and the legal hotline are still maintained through the association only.

👉 Haven't paid your dues yet?

Renew before Dec. 31st to avoid a $100 late fee and suspension of MLS access for your entire office. Contact us at rascw@wisre.com or 608-240-2800 if you need assistance!

Good Neighbor Awards 2025 Winners

 
 

Andrea Joo


Century 21 Affiliated Iowa County

Pheasants Forever



Pheasants Forever works to conserve pheasants, quail, and other wildlife by improving habitats, raising public awareness, providing education, and supporting sustainable land management programs.


Anne Baranski


Badger Realty Team

Albert’s Dog Lounge




Albert's Dog Lounge is a foster-based rescue dedicated to finding loving homes for senior, special needs, and hospice dogs. They help dogs from overcrowded shelters and families who can no longer care for their pets.

Monique Olson


Preferred Title

Level Up Foundation



Since 2011, we have raised $95,510 through a 5k Run/Walk on Thanksgiving Day to support Stoughton Area School District students who struggle to afford school lunches. In 2015, we partnered with Level Up Fitness to expand community impact.

RASCW 2026 Board Of Directors


Meet our 2026 Leadership Team



Please join us in congratulating all board members and thanking them for their leadership, dedication, and service to our REALTOR® community.

Cheryl Mortvedt

President

Sona Olson

Past President

Kayla Goebel

Director

Matt Doyle

Director

Shawn Pfaff

Director

Ryan Oliversen

Vice President

Glenna Bachim

Director

Ian Carter

Director

Phani Palety

Director

Ashley Bergren

Treasurer

Hannah Haas

Director

Josh Holt

Director

Scott Walker

Director

RASCW Holiday Party Recap

Cheers to a night of celebration and community giving! Thank you to everyone who joined us at our annual RASCW Holiday Party yet - almost 100 guests filling the air with laughter and holiday joy. Together, we collected over 225 toys and $500+ in monetary donations for Luna's Toy Drive. Hosted by Luna’s Groceries in Madison, their mission is to bring smiles to the faces of children in our community, ensuring every child experiences the magic of the holidays, regardless of their circumstances. They provide toys and gifts to children of any age in their neighborhood on the Southwest side of Madison. In case you missed it - Luna’s is still accepting donations until 12/23! Drop off your unwrapped toys at 2010 Red Arrow Trail, Madison, WI.

EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS

"80% from Instagram: How I Built a Real Estate Empire Online" with Omer Reshid


 In today’s real estate market, a strong online presence isn’t optional—it’s essential. Join Omer Reshid for a practical, high-impact session where you'll learn: which social media platforms matter most for real estate agents—and how to use them effectively, how to create content that connects, engages, and converts (without being salesy), simple strategies to build a personal brand that stands out in a crowded market, and how to do it all yourself—no fancy gear, tech team, or marketing budget required!


On-Demand Webinar - Watch Now!

Blueprint for a Memorable Real Estate Brand (Realtor.com):


Learn how to build a memorable, professional brand that sets you apart in today’s competitive market. This webinar covers simple, effective strategies to define your unique value, connect with your community, and stay consistent across all platforms. Perfect for new agents or anyone looking to refresh their image. Join us live—register to save your spot!


December 11th @ 12PM

 

Do's & Don'ts of Social Media in Real Estate (Realtor.com)

Learn how to take your social media from sporadic to strategic in this practical, real estate–focused webinar. Discover what truly works online, how to build consistency, and how to position yourself as a trusted local expert while avoiding common mistakes. Register today to save your spot—and feel free to share with anyone who could use a boost in their social media game!


December 12th @ 12PM

 

Exploring Advanced RPR Commercial Tools:

Site Selection, Comps and Valuation Strategies


Learn how to move beyond traditional sales tactics with a consultative approach that puts relationships first. This webinar breaks down the five steps to consultative selling and shows you how to build trust, communicate effectively, and position yourself as a true adviser to your clients. Join us live—register to save your spot today.


December 18th @ 12PM

 

Year End Recap

Celebrating Community, Education, and Member Success


As 2025 comes to a close, we’re proud to reflect on a year full of engagement, learning, and giving back. It’s been a year where our members showed up, supported one another, and helped strengthen our community in meaningful ways.

 



Community Engagement & Giving Back


  • $10,000 awarded through the Good Neighbor Award
  • $2,650 raised for the RASCW Housing Foundation
  • 100 backpacks donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County
  • $20,000 AARP Community Challenge Grant awarded
 

Education & Member Resources


  • 270+ new members welcomed through 10 in-person orientation events
  • 28+ in-person and virtual learning sessions via Southwest Chapter and NextKey on Demand Learning Platform
  • Key events included All Things Rural, Networking Event, Home Inspector Panels, Gyros for Heroes Fundraiser, Euchre Tournament, and Auctions Panel Discussion
  • Feedback on education and member resources has been overwhelmingly positive
 




Government Affairs & Advocacy 


  • 24 candidate interviews conducted to support informed member voting
  • $289,000 in NAR grants awarded to strengthen advocacy efforts

A Special Thank you to our Committees, Chapters, and Members!


A special thank-you to all our committees, chapters, and members who made 2025 a year of growth, learning, and meaningful community impact. Here’s to another year of making a difference together!

 

Congratulations to our members celebrating 20 years with RASCW!

Thank you for your continued service to the REALTOR® community, your dedication is always seen. Your long-standing involvement has made a lasting impact on both our industry and the clients you serve.

 
 

NEWS

NAR Unveils 2026–2028 Strategic Plan

The National Association of REALTORS® has unanimously approved its three-year strategic plan, developed with input from over 150,000 members. The plan aims to modernize the association, enhance the member experience, and strengthen the REALTOR® brand. It outlines eight key commitments—from helping REALTORS® thrive and protecting legal interests to cultivating trust in the brand—and 24 initiatives to achieve them. Full implementation begins in 2026, with progress tracked through measurable milestones and annual reports.

 
 

Time Management Tips for the Holiday Season

The holidays can feel like a whirlwind, especially for real estate professionals balancing client needs, events, and personal commitments. Jennifer Weinberg shares practical strategies to stay productive and present, including setting priorities early, blocking focused work hours, timing tasks, batching gift-giving, and reflecting on the year. These tips can help you manage your time effectively while still enjoying the season.

 

October Market Statistics


Home sales across South Central Wisconsin totaled 1,554 closings in October, down 2.8% from last year. Year-to-date, 12,849 homes have sold, up 3.4% from 2024, showing steady buyer engagement despite seasonal and interest rate challenges.


Dane County saw 558 closings in October, down 4.7% from 2024. Year-to-date sales of 5,447 remain nearly even with last year (up 0.3%), reflecting strong, consistent demand.

New Agents, Offices & Transfers

December 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.

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