December 2023 - VOLUME 28 - NUMBER 12 | |
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Real Estate Unplugged:
Lawrence Yun & RASCW Strategies & Secrets
Wednesday, January 24
9-11:30am
WRA Education Center
Register Now
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WRA REALTOR® &
Government Day
Wednesday, February 7
Monona Terrace &
Convention Center
Register Now
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Dane County Sheriff's
Safety Trainings
Wednesday, February 14
9-11am & 12:30-2pm
WRA Education Center
Save the Date
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President's Message
Melissa Bjerke Markgraf
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As 2023 comes to a close and I reflect on this past year as President of the Realtors® Association of South Central Wisconsin, it is with gratitude and appreciation that I was able to serve with a remarkable group of people on the Board of Directors who shared their talents, their knowledge and their enthusiasm to guide our Association this year.
Our industry faced challenges this year and there will be more ahead, however this industry has had challenges in the past and not only did we survive, but we have also thrived. I look to 2024 as an opportunity - an opportunity to evaluate and improve our industry.
We had excellent events in 2023 - a huge thank you to our Committees of dedicated volunteers who worked to provide educational and networking opportunities, along with advocacy for our Members. Thank you also to the RASCW and South Central Wisconsin MLS staff, whose professionalism and dedication to Members is unwavering.
With 2024 on the horizon, I welcome Ben Oblizajek as your incoming RASCW President. During this year Ben has been a stellar sounding board, providing thoughtful and conscientious input as we navigated challenges this year. Thank you, Ben, for your leadership as well as your friendship. I look to 2024 with confidence that regardless of what challenges may be on the horizon, our Association has the Leadership and the membership to be able to navigate through them.
I wish each of you a very happy and healthy Holiday season and much success in the New Year!❄️
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Thank you to everyone who came out for last week's Membership Networking Holiday Party. Thanks also to our sponsors and to all who donated toys to be given to Luna’s Gift Giveaway, which provides gifts to kids in need in the Madison Allied Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood. Your generosity will make their holidays brighter! | |
Sauk Columbia Chapter Holiday Party | |
Thanks to all who attended last week's Sauk Columbia Chapter Holiday Party at Field's at the Wilderness in Wisconsin Dells! Delicious food and drink and good company were enjoyed by all. Thank you also to this year's Chapter sponsors who helped make this and all our 2023 events a success: RE/MAX Preferred, Baraboo State Bank, RE/MAX Grand, Community First Bank, Wisconsin River Title, Guild Mortgage, Stark Company Realtors-Baraboo, Bunbury & Associates, Gavin Bros Auctioneers & Real Estate, and United Country Midwest Lifestyle Real Estate. | |
Southwest Chapter Holiday Party | |
Thank you to everyone who attended last week's Southwest Chapter Holiday Party at Los Amigos in Platteville, and to those who donated toys to be given to Southwest Christmas for Kids. Thanks also to these sponsors who provided raffle prizes: Midwest Title, Tri County Title, Community First Bank, Royal Bank, Compeer Financial, and Local Title Company. | |
Membership Renewal Reminder - Pay by 12/31 to Avoid $100 Fee | | |
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You have now received your 2024 membership renewal invoice at your preferred email address. If you have not paid your renewal dues, please do so before December 31, 2023 to avoid an interruption of services, including those from RASCW, ZipForms, and the Legal Hotline. Note that payments received after December 31, 2023 will be subject to a $100 reinstatement fee.
Click the "Submit payment online here" link found at the bottom of page one of your emailed invoice to pay your renewal dues via electronic check or credit card. Click here for instructions on how to pay by check. You can also log in to your HomeBase member portal to pay this and other invoices. Click the image on the left for a summary of your RASCW member benefits. Thank you for your continued membership, and we look forward to serving you in 2024!
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The RASCW and SCWMLS office will be closed for the holidays on the following days:
Friday, December 22
Monday, December 25
Friday, December 29
Monday, January 1
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The RASCW Membership Networking and Professional Development Committees would like to thank the following 2023 sponsors who helped make this year's events possible and a success. Thank you for your support of our efforts to serve our members and communities! | |
| Accord Realty of Madison | Exit Realty HGM | Lake Ridge Bank | | AmeriSpec | Fairway Independent Mortgage | Park Bank | | Badger Realty Team | First American Title | Preferred Title | | Bunbury & Associates | First Weber Realtors | Slaby & Associates | | Capitol Bank | Johnson Bank | Sprinkman Real Estate | | Century 21 Affiliated | Knightbarry Title | Settlers Bank | | Universal Home Protection | UW Credit Union | Stan Hill-Stark Company | | Restaino & Associates
ERA Powered | Robert Procter-
Axley Attorneys | Realtors | | |
While paying 2024 renewal dues, many of you have had the chance to log in to your online HomeBase member portal, which has some great resources and tools to explore. You can view and pay invoices, easily update your personal information, access the Realtor® and Affiliate Member directories, which provides the ability to search for Members that speak different languages, sign up for RASCW events, and more. If you haven't already, log in here now to your HomeBase portal! | |
December Member Spotlight | |
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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 December Spotlight is Devin Elliott, a Realtor® and Sales & Growth Manager with Stark Company Realtors/Home Team 4u. Devin has been in real estate for four years after studying finance and real estate at UW-Whitewater, and then working in customer service and property management. He enjoys helping people through his work in real estate and recommends that new agents prioritize education and continuous learning to be successful and set themselves apart. Click here for Devin's complete spotlight!
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Safe Path to Home Ownership Seminar | |
Spread the word about next month's FREE Safe Path to Home Ownership Seminar happening in Madison, where industry panelists will provide members of the LGBTQIA+ community with information, connections, and resources to help lead to an informed and empowered home-buying experience. Click here for more information and a link to register. | |
In Memoriam: Gail Tassone | |
Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of RASCW Member Gail Tassone, of Wisconsin Dells, who passed away on December 3, 2023. Gail's passion was real estate, and she was a licensed Broker in Illinois and Wisconsin for over 40 years. She will be missed by many. Click here to read Gail'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! | |
November 2023 Membership Updates | Click Image Above for Larger View | |
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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.
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Click Above for Asking Lease Rates | |
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