RIVER CITY REALTOR
R E A LT O R
®
T H E
V O I C E
F O R
®
Passing good laws and defeating ba
starts with your voice in this build
R E A L
E S TAT E
I N
™
T H E
G R E AT E R
L A
C R O S S E
A R E A
JANUARY 2015 • VOL. 36, NO. 4
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
MN Department of Commerce –
Mandated 7.5 Hours Offered
&
Attorney Brad Boyd, Instructor,
will join us on February 19 to
present 7.5 hours of Department
of Commerce required MN CE.
We will offer, “Financing Issues
Module” and “MN Disclosure
Module” for a total of 7.5 hours.
The course offered in the a.m. will
satisfy the 1-hour Broker Module
Requirement. See enclosed flyer
for all details. Please mark this
date on your calendar and sign
up today!
®
GOVERNMENT DAY
March 11, 2015 | Monona Terrace | Madison, WI
Are You Signed Up?
TM
W isconsin REA LT ORS ® A ssociatio n
REALTOR® Government Day is on March 11, 2015.
Agenda:
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Registration
1:00 – 1:15 p.m. Welcome
1:15 – 1:45 p.m. Gov. Scott Walker (invited)
1:45 – 2:30 p.m. Issues Briefing
2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Move to Capitol
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Capitol Hill Visits
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception
New Member Orientation
The next new member orientation
has been scheduled for Thursday,
February 5, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. –
2:00 p.m. at the Association Office
– 111 6th St. S., La Crosse.
Passing good laws and defeating bad ones
Golf Outing Date Chosen
starts with your voice in this building.
The Golf Outing is scheduled for
Monday, July 20, 2015 at Cedar
Creek. The Committee is scheduled to meet soon and will share
more details as soon as they
become available. Mark your
calendars and plan on having a
fun filled day!
Save money and register today.
The first 300 REALTOR® member registrants are FREE!
Register online at www.wra.org or call 800.279.1972
&
®
GOVERNMENT DAY
It’s your chance to take a stand on issues that impact YOU!
Check out the insert in this issue!
March 11, 2015 | Monona Terrace | Madison, WI
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Association Executive Message. . . . . . . 2
Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Members on the Move. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Tour Boundaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
RPAC Thank You. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Supra Hot Tip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Dates to Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Fair Housing Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Holiday Social Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
TM
W isconsin REA LT ORS ® A ssociatio n
“Success hinges on what we advocate.”
www.wra.org
“Dear PAST: thank you for all of the life lessons
Dear FUTURE: I’m READY NOW!”
- anonymous
2
Executive Report
It’s An Exciting Time for New Goals
RIVER CITY REALTOR®
by Char Glocke, Association Executive
Happy 2015! As the Holiday Season comes to an end, reality
sets in and we have a new fresh year ahead of us. We will make
new goals! We will experience accomplishments and failures!
It is all about our positive attitude to make 2015 a spectacular
year.
The 2015 Code of Ethics is now available. It is posted on our
website at www.larawebsite.com. Print a copy and post it.
Make sure you are familiar with every article.
As the new biennium unfolds, the WRA is busy getting all the
Courses for CE approved. Once the courses are ready and they
have been approved for MN Credit, I will set the dates and we will offer all 18 hours
live right here in La Crosse. Watch future editions of the newsletter for more details.
Our Association is geared up and ready to go. Please thank our Leadership when you
see them for all the volunteer hours they will and have invested in the Association.
They are listed in the box to the right. I want to thank the 100 members that have
volunteered to serve on committees. We so appreciate your time and talent. Thank
you.
The River City Realtor® is published by the
La Crosse Area REALTORS® Association
608-785-7744 • 866-425-7744
www.larawebsite.com
EDITOR
Char Glocke
785-7837 • [email protected]
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President
Kent Gabrielsen
608-784-9930
[email protected]
President Elect
Chuck Olson
608-784-9930
[email protected]
Secretary/Treasurer
Dave Snyder
608-782-2300
[email protected]
Congratulations to Mike Pietrek and his Committee! We surpassed our RPAC goal
collecting $17,186/143.22% of our goal. 49.39% of our members contributed! Hurray!
What an accomplishment!
Past President
Cindy Gerke-Edwards 608-784-2100
[email protected]
Make sure that you sign up for REALTOR® Government Day that will be held on
March 11. See attached flyer for more details. Government Day is FREE to the first
300 registrants. This is your opportunity to advocate for issues that impact the real
estate industry in Wisconsin.
LOCAL DIRECTORS
Marv Leisso
608-783-6700 • [email protected]
Jeff Pralle
608-797-5097 • [email protected]
Have a great month!
Kathy Johnson
608-792-9902
[email protected]
Co-Listing with Non MLS Members
Properties that are listed with both a Participant and Non-Participant of the Greater
La Crosse MLS Corporation may be submitted for publication to MLS provided that
the Non-Participant is a member of another REALTOR® MLS, and provided he or she
agrees in writing to abide by the Greater La Crosse MLS Corporation. A completed
and signed MLS Co-Listing Agreement must accompany the listing submitted prior
to the listing being entered for publication. If you would like a copy of the Co-Listing
Agreement, go to www.larawebsite.com and hit the MLS tab.
L77131
Kevin
Ryan
Char
LARA Website
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.larawebsite.com
Donna Proudfit
608-386-7161 • [email protected]
Jim Orlikowski
608-779-3079
[email protected]
Scott Ryan
608-792-4122
[email protected]
Advertising rates for the River City
Realtor ® are $6.00 per column inch
payable in advance. All new advertising
or changes in ads should be delivered
to the Association Office, camera ready,
by the 15th of the month prior to publications. Make checks payable to the
La Crosse Area REALTORS® Association.
Frequently Requested Phone Numbers:
WRA Legal Hotline • 608-799-4468
DSPS • 608-266-5511
Zip Forms Support • 1-800-383-9805
Metro MLS Helpdesk • 1-800-490-3731
River City Realtor®
Announcements
Agent Code
Sorry to…. Shane Peterson for missing his Agent Code in last
month’s newsletter! Call the Association Office if you find
yours in this month’s issue and you will win a free dinner at
the next General Membership Meeting!
2015 Code of Ethics Now Available
The NAR 2015 Code of Ethics is now available at our website
at www.larawebsite.com.
How Well Do You Know The Realtor®
Code of Ethics?
Duties to Clients and Customers: Article 9
REALTORS, for the protection of all parties, shall assure
whenever possible that all agreements related to real
estate transactions including, but not limited to, listing
and representation agreements, purchase contracts, and
leases are in writing in clear and understandable language
expressing the specific terms, conditions, obligations and
commitments of the parties. A copy of each agreement shall
be furnished to each party to such agreements upon their
signing or initialing. (Amended 1/04)
®
Have You Updated Your flexMLS Profile Lately?
Your profile in flex reflects the information that appears on
your listings in flexMLS. If you see that your phone number,
email address, or website information on your listings is
incorrect, this means that it is incorrect in your profile.
To check your profile:
• Log on to MLS
• On the left side click on “Preferences”
• Click on “My Profile”
You will see several options for information in your profile.
Click on what you would like to change and enter the new
information.
If you have any questions, please call or email the
Association Office.
Member Updates
•
Congratulations to Lance Dembraski on the birth of his
daughter. Dad, mom and baby are doing well.
•
Congratulations to Dax Connely on the new addition to
his family – newborn Sloane Marie, born on New Year’s
Day.
Membership Letter
As per Article 5, Section 3 (A) of the by-laws, you are hereby
notified that the following people have submitted applications for the class of membership indicated:
REALTORS®:
Amy Lovejoy – BHHS Lovejoy Realty
Sandra Knutson – Coldwell Banker River Valley, REALTORS
Ralph Johnson – Farm-Urban Realty
Lance Ott – Farm-Urban Realty
Tara Jaeger-Olson – Coldwell Banker River Valley, REALTORS
Ryan Nordstrom - Homestead Realty Inc. Wi #2
AFFILIATES:
Dax Connely – Town N’ Country Title LLC
Lynn Iverson – River Valley Title Group
Should you have any comment in regard to the application
of these individuals, submit them in writing prior to January
31, 2015 to the Association Office. It has been determined
by the Membership Committee that the above applicant has
applied for the appropriate class of membership.
Chuck Olson,
Secretary/Treasurer
La Crosse Area REALTORS® Association
Need a REALTOR® Pin?
If you have lost or misplaced your REALTOR® pin, stop by
the Association Office and we will give you a replacement
for free.
President is Spokesperson for the Organization
It is important in creating the best public impression of the Association that any statements
regarding the activities of the Association or its public positions come from an official source
in the Association. This allows for coordination and clarity in the Association’s message. Our
policy is to have the Association President, or someone specifically designated by the President
in particular situations, as the only spokesperson for the Association. Our Presidents have
spokesperson training and an understanding of the entire Association and how its parts fit
together. If you are contacted by anyone, including the media, for any report on the Association
or its activities, refer them to the Association office and arrangements will be made to respond.
Vol. 36 No. 4 • January 2015
3
4
Members on the Move
Transfers:
• Brenda Fisher from US Bank to
Altra Federal Credit Union
• Tina Scharmach from Coldwell
Banker River Valley REALTORS to
Castle Realty, LLC
• Kevin Sullivan from Flat Fee 15
Realty to La Crosse By Owner,
LLC
• Michael Dougherty from Flat Fee
15 Realty to La Crosse By Owner,
LLC
• Renee Dettman from Coldwell
Banker River Valley, REALTORS
to Results Realty
The following Coldwell Banker
River Valley, REALTORS agents have
transferred from the La Crosse
location (118 7th Street South La
Crosse, WI) to the new Onalaska
location (2511 East Main St., Suite 102
Onalaska, WI):
• Steve Betthauser
• Becky Chrisinger
• Ken Gorman
• Renee Hammes
• Tika Herritz
• Jillian Hugo
• Katie Lawton
• Dawn Levandoski
• Roger McDowell
• Laurie Noelke
• Terry Herbst
Inactives:
• Lisa Frazier from Assist-2-Sell,
Homes For You Realty to inactive
• Robin Shepler from Homestead
Realty Inc. Wi #2 to inactive
• Kaylee Siber from Cindy Gerke &
Associates to inactive
• Tom Henchen from Cindy Gerke
& Associates to inactive
• Melody Arquillo from Cindy
Gerke & Associates to inactive
• Dennis Labus from Viking Realty
to inactive
• Lori Gertsch from Gertsch Real
Estate to inactive
• Mary Strang from United
Country - Oakwood Realty LLC
to inactive
• Ong Moua from Century 21
Affiliated to inactive
• Sheri Rochester from Castle
Realty, LLC to inactive
• Sara Kappauf from Castle Realty,
LLC to inactive
• Kaitlyn Gullikson from Castle
Realty, LLC to inactive
• Debbie Wickland from GerrardHoeschler, Inc to inactive
• Dorothy Beyer from GerrardHoeschler, Inc to inactive
• Laura Franzini from GerrardHoeschler, Inc to inactive
• Colin Dagnon from GerrardHoeschler, Inc to inactive
• Marilyn Hinman from La Crosse
By Owner, LLC to inactive
• Fatima Tano from Century 21
Affiliated to inactive
• Christopher Sund from Nextage
Assured Realty to inactive
• Teri Johnson from Hoppens
Realty to inactive
• Kao Xiong from Kao Xiong
Realty to inactive
• Mark Purcell from Appraisal
Resource to inactive (MLS only)
• James Engen from Appraisal
Resource to inactive (MLS only)
Office Changes:
New Branch Office:
• Coldwell Banker River Valley,
REALTORS
2511 East Main St.
Suite 102
Onalaska, WI 54650
Coldwell Banker River Valley,
REALTORS – Onalaska replaces
the Sparta branch office (Sparta
office is now closed)
New Office:
• Results Realty
207 S. 7th St. #2
La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: 608-792-7683
Broker: Renee Dettmann
New Address Location:
• River Valley Title Group
2511 East Main St.
Suite 102
Onalaska, WI 54650
(Affiliate: Lynn Iverson)
Offices Closed:
• Gertsch Real Estate
10679 Echo Rd
Sparta, WI 54656
(Broker - Lori Gertsch)
• Flat Fee 15
116 14th Ave North
Onalaska, WI 54650
(Broker: Kevin Sullivan)
• Kao Xiong Realty
1726 Wood St.
La Crosse, WI 54603
(Broker: Kao Xiong)
New Address & Change of
Ownership:
• La Crosse By Owner, LLC
W4109 Ceresa Dr.
West Salem, WI 54669
• Former Owner/Broker:
Marilyn Hinman
• New Owner/Broker:
Lance Dembraski
Updated Phone: 608-519-1055
Updated Fax: 845-559-1055
Affiliate Membership to inactive:
• Guaranteed Rate:
Karen Giese; Bonnie Oliver
• Citizens Community Federal:
Chris Ryder)
NAR’s
it’s Information
for Central
you 1-800
874
6500
River City Realtor®
Member News
Tour Information
The deadline to submit tour information
for listings already entered in flexMLS is
Tuesday by 3:00 p.m. However, if it is a new
listing, you must submit it by Tuesday by
9:15 a.m. to be included in the tour for that
day.
We accept tours by:
• Phone at 785-7744
• Email to Ryan at mls@
larawebsite.com
• Fax at 785-7742
My WRA at WRA.org
As a WRA Member, you have the ability to
track your education (if taken from WRA
Instructors), WRA Committee involvement,
WRA membership information, RPAC dollars contributed and much more. Check it
out at www.wra.org.
5
MLS Tour Boundaries
The current dividing line between the North and the South Tour is I-90.
Exceptions:
• Holiday Heights and Mayfair Addition are North Tour
• Burns, Bangor, Hamilton, and Monroe County are North Tour
• Washington and Barre are South Tour
• French Island is South Tour
• Dakota and Dresbach are North Tour
• La Crescent and Hokah
North/South
are South Tour
Dividing Line
is I-90
Legal Updates Available at WRA.org
At www.wra.org you can search legal updates for the topic of your choice.
This publication is emailed to all members on a monthly basis. Important
information is covered in these updates. It’s a great resource and benefit of
membership for you.
Are You Our Facebook Friend?
You can find our fan page anytime by
logging to the official LARA website, www.
larawebsite.com, and clicking on our
Facebook link, searching for “La Crosse Area REALTORS
Association” within Facebook’s search function, or
entering the following address into your web browser:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/
La-Crosse-WI/La-Crosse-Area-REALTORSRAssociation/263652751459
Mortgage rates are LOW! Call us or apply online.
NAR’s
Information
Central
it’s
for
you 1-800
874
6500
Vol. 36 No. 4 • January 2015
Tina Mueller
(608) 779-8294
(608) 790-0442 Cell
[email protected]
merchantsbank.com/tmueller
Member FDIC
Subject to credit approval.
*
Dawn Garms
(608) 779-8222
[email protected]
merchantsbank.com/dgarms
3140 Market Place • Onalaska, WI 54650
(608) 779-8200 • www.merchantsbank.com
6
RPAC Works for You
Graduate, REALTOR® Institute
When the letters “GRI” appear after an agent’s name, clients can count on getting
the best service available!
REALTORS® who hold the GRI designation are:
• Nationally recognized as top performers
in the real estate industry.
• Professionally trained.
• Knowledgeable.
• Dedicated to providing quality service.
A Huge Thank You!
We did it! Not only did we meet our
RPAC goal...we surpassed it!
Our 2014 goal was $12,000. We
collected, drum roll please, $17,186.00.
A total of 39.94% of Association
members contributed and our average
per-capita was $49.39.
The designation is obtained by completing an intense series of classroom
instruction (a minimum of 90 hours), covering subjects in contract law, professional standards, technology, sales and marketing, finance and risk reduction. The subject matter has been chosen to educate practitioners about
local, state and national real estate practices that affect them and their clients. GRI courses are taught by leading real estate professionals from around
the country.
Upcoming courses: GRI Course 3: Feb. 11-12 / Mar. 24-25
You truly made the best investment
you can make for your business.
A huge thank you to each of you that
contributed!
In February, The Legislative/RPAC
Committee will be meeting to set our
2015 goal and discuss the issues that
will before our Association in 2015.
This four-day course includes CRS 202: Effective Buyer Sales Strategies
so you can earn required education credits toward your CRS designation
while earning your GRI. The CRS 202 course is co-sponsored with the Wisconsin CRS Chapter. Instructors: Chandra Hall, CRS, and Tom Lundstedt, CCIM
Course location: Madison (live) / live classroom webcasts to Appleton, Eau
Claire, Milwaukee and Mosinee.
Submitted for 6 hours of 2015-2016 elective CE credits. – Source: www.wra.org
Every transaction has a life of it’s own.
Handling the ordinary to the unexpected for over 135 years.
The Title Company, Inc. | 500 2nd St. S., Suite 102 La Crosse, WI 54601 | www.TITLECO.com | 1-800-78-TITLE
La Crosse 608-791-2000 | Eau Claire 715-838-2800 | Viroqua 608-637-3700 | Prairie du Chien 608-326-7330
River City Realtor®
Information is supplied by seller and other third parties and has not been verified.
Copyright © 2007 by Multiple Listing Service, Inc. See FBS copyright notice.
La Crosse County Sold & Active Listings – December 2014 7
PRICE-CLASS/TYPE
SOLD/ACTIVE RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS
CURRENT ACTIVE LISTINGS
0-2
3
4+ TWO CONDO TOTAL SINGLECONDO
BDRMSBDRMS BDRMS FAMILY CO-OP
UNITS FAMILY CO-OP
29,999.99 and under
30,000 - 39,999.99
40,000 - 49,999.99
50,000 - 59,999.99
60,000 - 69,999.99
70,000 - 79,999.99
80,000 - 89,999.99
90,000 - 99,999.99
100,000 - 119,999.99
120,000 - 139,999.99
140,000 - 159,999.99
160,000 - 179,999.99
180,000 - 199,999.99
200,000 - 249,999.99
250,000 - 299,999.99
300,000 - 399,999.99
400,000 - 499,999.99
500,000 and over
TOTALS
AVERAGE
MEDIAN
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0 1
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
2
0
1
0
0
3
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
1
1
5
0
0
0
6
9
1
2
2
0
0
0
4
13
3
1
1
3
1
0
6
25
1
2
3
1
0
0
6332
05 1 1 0 7 52 2
1
7
2
01 1138 1
0
9
2
0
1 1222 1
0
3
3
0
0
6
14
2
1
4
4
1
0 1040 7
0
1
2
0
1
4
32
3
0
0
3
0
0
3
33
2
0
0
10 0 1190
0
0
1
0
0
1
18
1
1140 24 3 3
81 362 27
95,082149,252222,067 151,917 202,667 165,548 219,238 200,856
89,000
1519,000
189,900
134,000
165,000
152,500
159,900
199,900
Unit Sales by Time on Market
Unit Sales by Financing Type
DAYS
RESCONDO
1 - 30
31 - 6027
25
13
2
0
61 - 90
17
0
91 - 120
5
0
Adj Rate Mtg
Assumable FHA
Assumable VA
Cash
Conventional 15
Conventional 30
Federal VA
FHA 15
121 or over 181
TOTAL SALES
78
3
TYPE
Property Type
Residential
RESCONDO
0
0
0
10
2
53
3
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
0
FHA 30
Other
Owner Fin
Private
State VA
USDA Loan
WHEDA
TOTAL SALES
TYPE
Volume
Median Sold Price
RESCONDO
2
7
0
1
0
0
0
78
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
12,801,350152,000
Condo608,000165,500
All
13,409,350 152,500
Have You Looked for Your
Agent Code in this Issue?
If you find your number, call the A
ssociation Office at 785-7744 to claim
your free dinner at the next Association activity / meeting!
Try these
great marketing
tools today!
MLS Listing
Internet Sites
MLS Listings are presently
on two websites.
Check out your listings
at the following sites:
http://www.wihomes.com
http://www.realtor.com
Single Family / Condominium
If you have any questions,
call Char at 785-7837.
Title Insurance • 1031 Exchange • Search & Hold • Lender and Cash Closing
Servicing La Crosse, Trempealeau, Vernon and Monroe Counties
2850 Midwest Drive, Suite 103, Onalaska, WI 54650
Phone: 608-784-8888 Fax: 866-816-9620
E-mail: [email protected]
Vol. 36 No. 4 • January 2015
Order online at: www.wisconsinfirstam.com
8
Supra Hot Tip
Manual Updates
If you do not have access to your DisplayKEY cradle to
perform an eSYNC, you can manually update your key
by obtaining an update code from the KIM website or
voice access system.
NOTE: If you manually update your DisplayKEY, showing activity
Reasons that NAR is Indispensable
to Your Business
•
•
remains in your key until the next time you perform an eSYNC.
To obtain an update code from the KIM website, do the following:
1. Go to wwwsupraekey. corn.
2. Select Log on to KIM.
3. Select the name of your association or MLS from the dropdown list.
4. Enter your DisplayKEY serial number and four-digit PIN code.
5. Click Login.
6. Select the Update Code link in the left column of your screen. The
update code displays.
•
•
•
To obtain an update code from the KIM voice system, do the following:
1. Call KIM at 1-888-968-4032.
2. Enter your three-digit area code.
3. When prompted, enter your DisplayKEY serial number and PIN
code into the phone,
followed by the # sign.
4. KIM reads a list of options. Press 1 on the phone for an update
code.
•
•
To enter the update code into your DisplayKEY, do the following:
•
I. 2. 3. 4. •
Press Enter to turn on your DisplayKEY.
Scroll to the INPUT UPDATE OR CBS option and press Enter.
Press to select INPUT UPDATE.
Enter the update code using the keypad and press Enter.
Four quick beeps indicate that the operation is successful.
Advocacy: NAR represents you and
your customers before Congress
and federal agencies
Brand Advantage: NAR offers you
an Identifiable, marketable brand
identity
Research Intelligence: NAR produces market research unavailable
elsewhere
Professionalism and Cooperation: NAR Advances your industry
through standards of professionalism
Education: NAR helps you increase
your professionalism through
degree-, designation-, and certification – granting programs and
through continuing education credit
Member Benefits: NAR offers
special pricing and value-added
products and services from major
providers
Networking: NAR creates opportunities for you to extend your referral partners nationally and internationally
Legal Assistance: NAR supports
you, your brokerage, and your association on legal matters
Safety: NAR urgently gets
resources to help you operate your
business safely
- Source: www.realtor.org
FINANCING GENERATIONS
OF HOMEOWNERS
For more than 150 years, Associated Bank
has focused on making good loans. Our
responsible approach to lending reflects the
values of our organization and the customers
we serve in the La Crosse area. We’re strong
and ready to lend.
Kyle Christopherson 450 N. Holmen Dr. | 608-793-3824 | NMLS: 108866
David Jones 605 State St. | 608-793-3832 | NMLS: 523764
Jacob Martin 127 Sand Lake Rd. | 608-793-3836 | NMLS: 523832
*The Wisconsin’s #1 Mortgage Lender designation is based on information gathered from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data compiled annually by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council. The results
of the data were obtained through RATA Comply, October 2014. • Loan products are offered by Associated Bank, N.A., Member FDIC and Associated Banc-Corp. Loans involve interest and other costs. Please ask about
details. All mortgage programs are subject to credit approval and property evaluation. Property insurance and flood insurance, if applicable, will be required on all collateral. Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity
Lender. (12/14) 6960
River City Realtor®
Dates to Remember
January
February
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2
3
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1
Happy New Years
LARA Closed
7
Open House Deadline 3 pm
South Tour
14
Open House Deadline 3 pm
North Tour
19
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
21
Open House Deadline 3 pm
South Tour
28
Open House Deadline 3 pm
North Tour
31
Chinese New Year
2
Groundhog’s Day
4
Open House Deadline 3 pm
South Tour
11
Open House Deadline 3 pm
North Tour
14
Valentine’s Day
16
President’s Day
18
Open House Deadline 3 pm
South Tour
19
Required MN CE 7.5 Hours
9
SMTWT F S
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15161718192021
22232425262728
Passing good laws and defeating ba
starts with your voice in this build
25
Open House Deadline 3 pm
North Tour
January is National Book Month
February is Black History Month
REALTOR® Government Day Scheduled
Mark your calendar and plan to attend REALTOR® Government Day
on March 11, 2015. See attached flyer for more information.
Join REALTORS® from all over the State as they meet with their
Legislators to discuss important issues that are so vital to our business.
®
&
GOVERNMENT DAY
March 11, 2015 | Monona Terrace | Madison, WI
TM
W isconsin REA LT ORS ® A ssociatio n
Birthdays - January
1 Karla Frank
2 John Sheppard
3 Fran Noffke
5 Stefanie Rud
6 Cody Spears
6 Doug Willer
8 Debra Barker
9 Stephanie Tidquist
10 Dave Snyder
10 William Vaughn-
Favre
Birthdays - February
10 Michael Glassmaker
10 Kristi Fry
12 Michelle Grimm
13 Rich Grams
13 Corry Van Aelstyn
16 Marty Vinson
17 Terry Schmidt
19 Joshua Genz
19 Melissa Oates
19 Quinton Schaitel
Vol. 36 No. 4 • January 2015
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Kory Scholze
Julie Neitzel
Richard Bryne
James Gross
Matt Rude
Isaak Owen
Melissa Schroeder
Ashley Lacenski
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2
2
2
2
4
4
5
6
6
7
7
Mark Etrheim
Judy Ditton
Andy Maravelas
Garrick Olerud
Ray Wrobel
T.J. Walker
Jon Schuster
Tom Walker
John List
Wendy Pertzsch
Kathy Appleman
Daniel Reinsvold
9 Anastasia Gentry
12 Susan Brooks
15 Lori Love
15 Melissa Warren
16 Pam Eilertson
17 Angela Greene
18 Kari Hoyum
18 Tegan McClain-
Wise
18 Dan Veglahn
19 Melissa Sample
20 Cathy Fox
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Leroy Holm
Beth Pendleton
Tom Kress
Dennis O’Malley
Warren Evans
Brian E. Benson
Pete Peterson
David Fredrickson
Connie Mumm
Amy Steiger
Fair Housing Corner
10
BUILDING A
NATION OF NEIGHBORS
If I take my home off the market, how long do I have to wait before I can market it again?
Key Points
Withdrawal of property is a technique frequently used by sellers or lessors when confronted with an unwanted offer
from a minority homebuyer. This type of activity usually leads to suspicions of fair housing violations and will often
trigger “testing” by non-minority homebuyers. Sellers have the right to remove their property from the market and re-list
it whenever they want.
Try to find out the reasons why the seller wants to take the property off the market. Its removal may be necessary due
to changes in an anticipated career move or due to illness.
Areas of Liability
You will be exposed to charges of discrimination if you become involved in removing the property from the market to
frustrate a sale from a member of a protected class.
A delay in re-listing the property might help “cover up” illegal discrimination, but it doesn’t excuse the seller from
liability or any broker or sales associate who participates in the strategy. If you re-list the property when the reasons the
property was initially withdrawn from the market still apply, you and the seller could be charged with discrimination.
Actions to Take
•
Carefully examine the reasons why the property
was removed from the market, especially if the
seller received an offer from a minority homebuyer.
Document the circumstances and have the seller
confirm your documentation even if the property is
being withdrawn for non-discriminatory reasons.
•
Advise sellers of the legal risks involved in taking a
property off the market and urge them to talk to an
attorney.
•
Insist that the seller honor all rights and compensation
provided by the listing agreement.
•
Don’t try to explain or justify the withdrawal of the
property to the person making the offer.
•
Tell the seller that you will direct the homebuyer to
him or her for an explanation. Face-to-face meetings
between the seller and the minority homebuyer are
valuable for several reasons:
•
You are relieved of the problem of explaining the
reasons for the withdrawal.
•
The minority homebuyer can see that it is the seller,
not you, who has made the decision.
•
You can maintain your objective role.
•
The possibility of a direct confrontation may
discourage the seller from withdrawing the property.
•
Before accepting a re-listing, have the seller confirm,
in writing, that the reasons the property was initially
withdrawn from the market no longer apply.
Advertising and Promotion
•
Actions taken to market a listing or your firm must be
in accordance with fair housing laws. The Fair Housing
Act makes it unlawful to: make, print or publish, or
cause to be made, advertisement with respect to
the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any
preference, limitation or discrimination based on race,
color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national
origin, or an intention to make any such preference,
limitation or discrimination based on race, color,
religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nation origin.
•
It is important to note that the phrase “indicates
any preference, limitation, or discrimination” means
violation of the law can occur without intent. It is the
perception of the reasonable reader that determines
whether the notice, statement or advertisement
violates the law. Marketing decisions must not be
based, in any way, or have any direct correlation to,
race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or
national origin or such composition of a neighborhood
or community.
From a practical perspective you should be very
careful when using target marketing techniques and
when developing the content of promotional material
including the comments for a listing in the MLS.
• Three areas to pay attention to:
1. Marketing strategies that limit
exposure to less than the
entire market
2. Words used.
3. Human Models used.
•
River City Realtor®
“High Roller” Holiday Social
11
Thank you for Joining Our “High Roller” Holiday Social
Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s LARA “High Roller” Holiday Social at Cedar Creek....the attendance was
OUTSTANDING – nearly 120 LARA members and guests came out for a night of casino games, prizes, laughs and fun!
We can’t overstate it – without the generosity of the following Holiday Social sponsors this event would not be possible.
Please remember to thank these folks/companies when you have an opportunity as they are the ones that make this happen:
Altra Federal Credit Union
American Mortgage & Equity Consultants, Inc.
(AMEC) (Onalaska)
American Mortgage & Equity Consultants, Inc.
(AMEC) (La Crosse)
Associated Bank
Bremer Bank
Citizens State Bank
Community Credit Union
Coulee Bank
Dependable Title of Wisconsin, LLC
Firefighters Credit Union
First American Title Insurance Company
Horizons Home Inspection, LLC
Marine Credit Union
Merchant’s Bank
New Castle Title of La Crosse, Inc.
Professional Home Inspection
River Bank
River Valley Title Group
Scholze Home Inspection
Schubert Bros. Pest Control
State Bank Financial
The Title Company
Town N’ Country Title LLC
Tri-State Home Inspections
Wells Fargo
Congratulations to Marty Holub of The Title Company for winning the Ugly Holiday
Sweater Contest and a thank you to Jackie Gerke-Edwards and Jamie Berry (both of
Cindy Gerke & Associates) for their ongoing sponsorship of the ugly sweater contest
and fantastic gift basket prize. Additionally, thank you to The Title Company who
sponsored the Jelly Belly contest and congratulations to Jim Johnson (Homestead
Realty # 2) for placing the closest guess – he got to keep the Jelly Belly’s, the jar and
the beautiful poinsettia from Bittersweet Market.
Hats off to the Holiday Social Committee for all their hard work in bringing us an
extraordinary event:
Kathy Johnson – Chairperson (Homestead Realty Inc. WI #2)
Brenda Fisher (Altra Federal Credit Union)
Dawn Garms (Merchant’s Bank)
Anastasia Gentry (Cindy Gerke & Associates)
Amber Iverson (Castle Realty, LLC)
Mary Pasch (The Title Company)
Their willingness to volunteer their time and effort is
remarkable.
Thanks to all of you for helping to make this year’s
Holiday Social a success. It was so gratifying to see so
many smiling faces, hearing the laughter, and all of the
comraderie. Enjoy the photos on this page and the next!
Looking for a lender that can deliver? Same day Preapprovals!! Close on Time!! Local Loan Officers that know the market!!! Rehab loans, Manufactured homes, LOW credit scores  ZERO to Low Down‐payment loans  FHA, VA, USDA Rural, WHEDA & Conventional Loan programs all available. 
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Todd Cejka – (608)783‐0860  Jeff Thompson – (608)781‐0710 Call today to see how AMEC can help you close more sales faster!! American Mortgage & Equity Consultants 114 N 2nd Ave, Onalaska, WI NMLS Todd 251574  Jeff 256028 Branch 844359  Company 150953 Vol. 36 No. 4 • January 2015
12
Holiday Party
La Crosse Area REALTORS® Association
111 6th Street South, La Crosse, WI 54601
River City Realtor®
REQUIRED FOR ALL MN LICENSEES
February 19, 2015
7.5 Credit Hours
ATTENTION MN LICENSEES
ALL Residential Real Estate Licensees must complete the 7.5 hour CE Modules consisting of:
Financial Issues Module: This course will help real estate licensees better
understand trust account requirements and issues relating to the earnest
money. Information will also be shared on the Mortgage Act and Practices
(MAP) rule, the Real Estate Settlement and procedures Act (RESPA) and
the Consumer Financial Protection Board (CFPB). Financing topics to be
covered include Contract for Deed sales and new FHA loan limitations
(This Module Also Satisfies the 1-hour Broker Module Requirement).
Learning Objectives: Real Estate salespersons and brokers to attend this course
will learn rules for the deposit of earnest money, release of trust funds and record
keeping requirements for trust accounts; Learn Mortgage Act and Practices (“MAP”)
rules and the penalties for noncompliance; Review Predatory Lending activities; Be
updated on dues and responsibilities imposed under RESPA rules and become
informed on new financing issues and FHA loan limits in MN.
MN Disclosure Module: This course will provide in depth
details on numerous real estate licensee disclosure requirement issues. Curriculum also includes the proper
disclosures required by sellers, including property “as
is” and the liability sellers can incur for non-compliance.
Learning Objectives: Real Estate salespersons and brokers
who attend this course will receive detailed information on real
estate licensee disclosure requirements; review seller disclosure
requirements including waiver conditions and cautions; Become
informed on special disclosure requirements such as environmental, predatory offender and other disclosure considerations;
Learn disclosure rules related to manufactured homes and Common Interest Communities.
Date:
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Instructor Bio:
Schedule:
8:00—8:30
8:30—12:15
12:15—1:00
1:15—5:00
Place:
Address:
Cedar Creek
2600 Cedar Creek Lane Onalaska, WI 54650
Instructor:
Brad Boyd (See Instructor Bio)
Cost:
$83.00
Brad Boyd received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota Law School and graduated with
a Bachelor of Arts with honors from Augustana College, in Sioux Falls, SD. After clerking for the Chief
Judge of Juvenile Court, Brad developed his legal
advising skills as an attorney in a small boutique law
firm focusing on real estate, business and estate
planning. During this time, Brad became a licensed
real estate broker, and founded and successfully
operated a flat-fee real estate brokerage. He subsequently opened his own law practice and in 2006 he
merged his practice with Thomsen & Nybeck, PA.
Registration, Rolls, & Coffee
Financing Issues Module
Lunch Served
MN Disclosure Module
Cost includes MN CE (7.5 hrs plus exam), Coffee, Assortment of
Bagels and English Muffins & Lunch.
$10 late fee if registering after Friday, February 13, 2015.
No refunds or cancellations after Friday, February 13, 2015.
Please be on time. Class begins promptly at 8:30a.m. Those arriving late
will not be given CE credits.
No exceptions.
Brad currently serves as General
Counsel for the Minnesota Association of REALTORS®, and is lead attorney for the MNAR Legal
Hotline.
Brad has also taught community education courses,
served on the Minnesota Association of REALTORS® Forms and Governmental Affairs Committee
as the Chair and on other various industry
workgroups.
Mail, Fax, or Bring form & check or credit card to:
La Crosse Area REALTORS Association., 111 S. 6th St., La Crosse, WI 54601, Fax 608-785-7742
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minnesota DOC 7.5 Hours CE Required Course 2015
NAME:_________________________________________________
FIRM NAME________________________________________
AMT. ENCLOSED: $_______________________________ Check #___________________________________
To pay by credit card, you must complete & sign below (We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover):
Card#: ___ ___ ______ - ___ ___ ______ - ___ ___ ______ - ___ ___ ______ Exp: _____/_____
Street Address: __________________________________ Zip: _________________
Signature (required for charges): __________________________________________
[ ] SPECIAL SERVICES. CHECK HERE IF YOU REQUIRE SPECIAL SERVICES TO ATTEND & OR HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS.
PLEASE ATTACH A DESCRIPTION OF NEEDS.
Passing good laws and defeating bad ones
starts with your voice in this building.
&
®
GOVERNMENT DAY
March 11, 2015 | Monona Terrace | Madison, WI
TM
W isconsin REA LT ORS ® A ssociatio n
www.wra.org
®
&
GOVERNMENT DAY
March 11, 2015 | Monona Terrace | Madison, WI
“Success hinges on what we advocate together.”
Program
REALTOR® & Government Day is your opportunity to
help shape the laws that impact you and your real estate
business in Wisconsin. Through lobbying efforts at the
state Capitol, you’ll meet with state lawmakers and have a
unique opportunity to advocate for issues that impact the
real estate industry in Wisconsin.
Industry success requires advocacy from every
REALTOR® in the state. Wisconsin lawmakers saw an
impressive demonstration of REALTOR® strength in 2014
with the WRA bringing more than 300 REALTORS® to
Madison. With your support, REALTOR® & Government
Day 2015 will be a day to remember.
Agenda
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
1:00 – 1:15 p.m.
1:15 – 1:45 p.m.
1:45 – 2:30 p.m.
2:30 – 3:00 p.m.
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Registration
Welcome
Gov. Scott Walker (invited)
Issues Briefing
Move to Capitol
Capitol Hill Visits
Cocktail Reception
Registration
Fees
Contact Information
Payment Information
Member
First 300 registrants
At the door
Nonmember
Name _______________________________________________
Company name _______________________________________
Address _____________________________________________
FREE
$25
$25
City / State / Zip _______________________________________
Work phone __________________________________________
Home phone _________________________________________
WRA member # _______________________________________
Enclosed is a check payable to the WRA
Charge my VISA/MasterCard (circle one)
Card # _________________________________
Exp. date ______________________________
Register by mail: WISCONSIN REALTORS® ASSOCIATION | 4801 Forest Run Road, Suite 201 | Madison, WI 53704
Register by phone: 800-279-1972 | 608-241-2047
Register by fax: 608-241-2901 | Online registration: www.wra.org