April 2024 - VOLUME 29 - NUMBER 4

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Legal Spotlight: NAR

Lawsuit & Updates

Thursday, April 11

1:00-4:00pm

Summit Credit Union

Register Now

Trivia Extravaganza

Tuesday, April 16

1:00-4:00pm

Vintage Brewing, Madison


Register Now

The Green Advantage

Wednesday, April 17

9:00-11:00am

Fairway Independent

Mortgage, Madison

Register Now

Southwest Chapter Humane

Society Donation Drive

Wednesday, April 24

11:00am-5:00pm

Various Locations

Register Now

Sauk Columbia Chapter Home Inspector Panel

Wednesday, April 24

11:30am-1:00pm

Baraboo Chamber

Register Now

Good Schools,

Good Neighborhoods

Tuesday, April 30

10:00am-12:00pm

WRA Education Center

Register Now

Southwest Chapter Wine &

Networking Happy Hour

Wednesday, May 8

4:00-6:00pm

Botham Vineyards & Winery, Barneveld

Register Now

Milwaukee Brewers Trip

Wednesday, May 15

All Day

American Family Field,

Milwaukee

Save the Date

VIEW RASCW EVENT CALENDAR

President's Message: Fair Housing Month

Ben Oblizajek

April is upon us and so here we go again...spring, no…winter, spring, no…winter. As we embark on the start, stop, go again selling season, let us take this opportunity to commemorate Fair Housing Month and be reminded of the pivotal strides we’ve made in fostering equity, inclusion and opportunity within our communities. 


Fair Housing transcends mere legislation; it guides us towards a future where every person, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability, is granted a fundamental right to secure housing free from discrimination. 


In real estate, we carry immense power and influence to help shape not only the housing market but also the fabric of our communities. As guardians of these communities and Fair Housing principles, it is incumbent upon us to uphold the highest standards of integrity, empathy and understanding in our professional endeavors. 


This Fair Housing Month and every month beyond, let us challenge ourselves to renew our dedication to the ideals of fairness and equity. Take the Free NAR Fairhaven Simulator, or complete the NAR At Home with Diversity Certification Course. Consider getting involved with our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, which continues to make great strides in putting together valuable learning content and awareness programs aimed at improving our communities. Here is a link to learn more about resources available to us so that we may embody Article 10 in our Code of Ethics.


Please also join us on April 30th for a RASCW and OwnIt collaborative educational program that will redefine the conventional understanding of Fair Housing. For more information and to register for this event, please click here. 


Together we can continue to improve and advocate for equity not just in housing but in all facets of our communities. Wishing you all a transformative Fair Housing Month filled with growth, compassion and unwavering commitment to equality.

Vacant Seats on 2025 RASCW Board of Directors

The REALTORS® Association of South Central Wisconsin will soon be seeking forward thinking, industry aware members who bring diversity of thought and background to apply for service on the Board of Directors for a three year term beginning on January 1, 2025. You must be a RASCW member in good standing and eligible to fill an open seat. Three REALTOR® positions will be open.


Why Should You Apply?

  • To take part in guiding RASCW'S strategic vision and direction for the benefit of its members
  • To help increase the value of RASCW to the South Central Wisconsin REALTOR® community
  • To discuss current challenges and expand opportunities at RASCW and industry wide
  • To grow your network and expertise while sharing ideas in a collaborative setting


Please watch for more information about how to apply, and reach out to Tanja Washburn at tanja@wisre.com with any questions.

 
 

NAR Lawsuit Settlement Information

The National Association of REALTORS® and plaintiffs have reached a proposed settlement agreement that would end litigation of claims brought on behalf of home sellers related to broker commissions. The agreement would resolve claims against NAR, over one million NAR members, all state/territorial and local REALTOR® associations, all association-owned Multiple Listing Services (MLSs), and all brokerages with an NAR member as principal that had a residential transaction volume in 2022 of $2 billion or below. The settlement is subject to pending court approval. NAR’s agreement would preserve consumer choice and protect our members. Click here or the image on the right for the Settlement Factsheet and get complete up-to-date information about the settlement and its implications for the industry and your business at facts.realtor.

 



2024 Continuing Education &

License Renewal Requirements

December 14, 2024 is the Biennium deadline for completing your license renewal Continuing Education. Be sure to visit the WRA website to learn about those requirements, class options, dual licensing information, if you need to complete CE as a newly licensed agent, and more. Please also visit the DSPS site to read about CE Requirements, including a list of approved vendors if you chose not to use the WRA. Once you have completed your required courses, gather your certificates of completion and log in to your LicensE portal to renew your license.


The DSPS portal is not open to real estate professionals at this time, but you can click here to see when it is available. Due to the volume of licenses renewing and the time of year, we are encouraging all members to complete their education requirements and renew as early as they are able to. If your license is not renewed in time for any reason, RASCW membership cannot be renewed for 2025 until your license is active on the DSPS website.



  • For questions about continuing education, please call the WRA at (608) 241-2047
  • For questions about licensing, please call the DSPS at (608) 266-2112
  • For questions about membership, please call (608) 240-2800 or email member@wisre.com
 
 

RASCW Good Neighbor Award Nominees & Recipients

Thanks to everyone who attended last month's REALTORS® Are Good Neighbors Celebration to help us honor our members making a difference. The following individuals were nominated for the 2023 RASCW Good Neighbor Award - the winners and their organizations/causes follow. Thanks to each of you for your tireless commitment to uplifting others and bettering your communities! Please watch for more details about all the nominees' and recipients' work in future communication.

Imelda Barajas

Paul Halberg

Jacci See

Ian Carter

Tamie Hanson

Tiffany Shields

Brad Cook

Alan Hembel

Laura Stanfield

Sam Eifert

Josh Page

Charlie Wills

Rose Freidel

Jeff Schraml

Bobbi Brandt & Castle Rock Realty Team

2023 Recipients:


Bobbi Brandt & Castle Rock Realty Team - Juneau & Adams County Public Schools

Alan Hembel - Madison Veterans Council

Charlie Wills - 100 Men of Dane County

Tiffany Shields - Fitchburg Serenity Club and Suicide Prevention & Recovery

 

April Member Spotlight

Through our Member Spotlight Series, RASCW highlights members and their personal stories to help members connect and empower others to successfully pursue a real estate career. If you'd like to be considered for one of our Member Spotlights, click here to complete the online form.


Our April Spotlight is Peter Stebbins, Director of Business Development at Fairway Independent Mortgage who has been in the industry for 35 years. Peter most enjoys being able to work with and help people, and recommends that those new to the industry be "humble, hungry, and smart". Peter believes his career benefited greatly from his involvement with RASCW, including committees, attending events, and serving on the Board of Directors. Click here for Peter's full spotlight!

 
 

In Memoriam: Don DeMotts

Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of RASCW member Don DeMotts, of Waupun, who passed away on February 25, 2024. Don loved the outdoors and in "retirement" was a real estate agent for nearly 20 years - he will be missed by many. Click here to read Don's full obituary.

Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County

Are you working with buyers you think would benefit from learning more about the home buying process? Click here to read about the Home Buyers Round Table (HBRT), which provides expert information and resources to help individuals successfully navigate the Road to Home Ownership. Participation in one of their free Homebuyer Education Workshops also qualifies attendees for available Down Payment Assistance programs. Please reach out to HBRT with any questions!

March 2024 Membership Updates

Click Image Above for Larger View

RASCW Involvement Opportunities


Click here to learn more about each of our committees. By joining a committee in the new year, 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 local real estate community.


If you'd like more information about getting involved, please contact Erin Volland, RASCW Communication & Engagement Director: erin@wisre.com.

Click Above for Asking Lease Rates

MLS Statistics

View Full Stat Reports Here



 
 
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