1. No category

RIVER CITY REALTOR
R E A LT O R
®
T H E
V O I C E
F O R
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
FEBRUARY 2015 • VOL. 36, NO. 5
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Tired of the Cold & Snow?
Take a break from winter and
join us on March 20, for our
Annual Snow Bowl. It will be
held at Features in West Salem
and starts at 3:00 p.m. The cost
is only $5 if paid prior to the
event. Cost includes 2 games of
bowling, shoes, soda, pizza and
prizes. Non-bowlers welcome!
See flyer included in this issue.
Sign up today!
Plan Ahead for Golf
Mark your calendar! The annual
golf outing has been scheduled
for Monday, July 20. Watch
for more information in
upcoming newsletter and at
www.larawebsite.com.
Are You Ready For Some Baseball?
Family night at the Loggers is set
for June 12, 2015. Plan on joining
us for a family night of fun and
great baseball.
2015 Appraisal Conference
Join us on March 17-18 at the
Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells for the 2015 Appraisal
Conference.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Association Executive Message. . . . . . . 2
Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Members on the Move. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Tour Boundaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
WHAT IS RPAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Supra Hot Tip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Dates to Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Fair Housing Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Pathways to Professionalism (con’t) . . 12
Pathways to Professionalism
I. Respect for the Public
1. Follow the “Golden Rule”: Do unto other as you would have them do
unto you.
2. Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information.
3. Schedule appointments and showings as far in advance as possible.
4. Call if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment or showing.
5. If a prospective buyer decides not to view an occupied home, promptly
explain the situation to the listing broker or the occupant.
6. Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion.
7. When entering a property ensure that unexpected situations, such as
pets, are handled appropriately.
8. Leave your business card if not prohibited by local rules.
9. Never criticize property in the presence of the occupant.
10.Inform occupants that you are leaving after showings.
11. When showing an occupied home, always ring the doorbell or knock
– and announce yourself loudly before entering. Knock and announce
yourself loudly before entering any closed room.
12.Present a professional appearance at all times; dress appropriately and
drive a clean car.
13.If occupants are home during showings, ask their permission before
using the telephone or bathroom.
14.Encourage the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their
agent or representative.
15.Communicate clearly; don’t use jargon or slang that may not be readily
understood.
16.Be aware of and respect cultural differences.
17.Show courtesy and respect to everyone.
18.Be aware of—and meet—all deadlines.
– continued on page 12
2
Executive Report
Committees are Ready to Go!
RIVER CITY REALTOR®
by Char Glocke, Association Executive
Winter has definitely arrived. The cold and snow are here. It
looks like the ole groundhog says we will have six more weeks
of winter. We shall see!
Our Committees are up and running! Many events have the
dates set and the final details are being worked on.
Please mark these dates on your calendars. Snow Bowl is
scheduled for March 20 at Features. Check out the flyer in
this month’s newsletter for more details. Family night at
the Loggers is on June -- and the Golf Outing is scheduled for
July 20. These dates are locked in. The committees are now working on the details.
Watch your email, Facebook and newsletters for more information.
There is still space to take advantage of the REQUIRED MN CE being offered on February 19. Call the Association Office and sign up today. What a great value. Complete the required class without leaving La Crosse.
With all the snow and cold, please treat your DisplayKEY with kindness! Extreme
temperatures do wear down your DisplayKEY battery. Do charge it weekly and don’t
leave it in your car.
Finally, are you our Facebook fan? Please like us and become our Fan! It’s a great
way to receive Association pics taken at our events, Association updates and information on our scheduled activities.
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]
Past President
Cindy Gerke-Edwards 608-784-2100
[email protected]
LOCAL DIRECTORS
Marv Leisso
608-783-6700 • [email protected]
Donna Proudfit
608-386-7161 • [email protected]
Have a great month!
Jeff Pralle
608-797-5097 • [email protected]
L15431
Kathy Johnson
608-792-9902
[email protected]
Jim Orlikowski
608-779-3079
[email protected]
Scott Ryan
608-792-4122
[email protected]
Kevin
Ryan
Char
LARA Website
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.larawebsite.com
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
3
Agent Code
Membership Letter
Sorry to…. Sara Schams for missing her 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!
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:
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 10
REALTORS,® shall not deny equal professional services to
any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap,
familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender
identity. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or
agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the
basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status,
national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. (Amended 1/14)
REALTORS , in their real estate employment practices, shall
not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis
of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national
origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. (Amended 1/14)
®
Co-Listing with Non MLS Members
Properties that are listed with both a Participant and NonParticipant of the Greater La Crosse MLS Corporation may
be submitted for publication to MLS provided that the NonParticipant 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.
REALTORS®:
Gary Trim - BHHS Lovejoy Realty
AFFILIATES:
James Haugen - Advanced Home Inspections, LLC
Mike Stangl - Citizens State Bank
Should you have any comment in regard to the application
of these individuals, submit them in writing prior to
February 28, 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.
Dave Snyder, 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.
Tired of the Cold & Snow?
Take a break from winter
and join us on March 20, for
our Annual Snow Bowl. It
will be held at Features in
West Salem and starts at 3:00
p.m. The cost is only $5 if
paid prior to the event. Cost
includes 2 games of bowling,
shoes, soda, pizza and prizes. See flyer included in
this issue. Sign up today!
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. 5 • February 2015
4
Member News
Members on the Move
Transfers:
• Mary Jones from BHHS Lovejoy to Re/Max First Choice
Inactives:
• Teri Johnson from Hoppens Realty to inactive
• Fatima Tano from Century 21 Affiliated to inactive
• Christopher Sund from Nextage Assured Realty to
inactive
• David Pielhop from Convenient Home Inspections to
inactive
Welcome to LARA
Where will you be when you get the Call for Action?
You can be anywhere because
the new REALTOR® Action Center mobile app contains a host of
features to help you VOTE, ACT
and INVEST on to go:
Mobile Advocacy: Receive a noti-
fication alerting you whenever
there is a new Call for Action.
The new mobile alert format will
make participation a snap. No
forms to fill out. Short, fast and
easy!
Mobile Investing: Make your annual investment via your
Advanced Home Inspections, LLC
120 11th Ave S.
Onalaska, WI 54650
Contact: James Haugen
Ph: 608-792-3657
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://advancedhomeinspectionsllc.co/
phone. Now there is no excuse to not invest in RPAC!
Citizens State Bank
620 Main St
La Crosse, WI 54601
Contact: Mike Stangl
Ph: 608-785-2265
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://citizensstatebank.us/
REALTOR® Party Tracker: Learn how your state and local asso-
Have You Updated Your flexMLS Profile Lately?
Action Profiles: The app contains a summary of your REAL-
TOR® Party engagement. A list of open action items, actions
you have already taken.
Advocacy Reports: Track how your state and local associa-
tions are doing in terms of their advocacy efforts to help us
reach our annual 15% goal.
ciation are using NAR programs to build political strength in
your own backyard. Find out what tools and programs NAR
is providing your association and how much money those
programs cost. Consult the flyer in this issue of our Newsletter for instructions on installing the REALTOR® Action Center mobile app.
DON’T MISS RESPONDING TO THE NEXT WRA OR NAR CALL
TO ACTION!
It is easy (one click) and quick!
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.
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. 5 • February 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
What is RPAC?
Plan Ahead for
Golf
RPAC is YOUR way to be constructively
engaged in politics – effectively, efficiently,
and ethically. BE part of the ACTION in the
REALTORS® Political Action Committee. Our
Committee will begin our fundraising soon.
Please give when one of our Committee
members ask for your contribution.
RPAC is an investment in your business.
Mark your calendar!
– Source: www.wra.org
The annual golf outing has been
scheduled for Monday, July 20.
Watch for more information in
upcoming newsletter and at
www.larawebsite.com.
May 11-16, 2015
The REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo is where NAR
members take an active role to advance the real estate industry,
public policy and the association. Join us in Washington, DC, for
special issues forums, committee meetings, legislative activities and
the industry trade show. Watch for more information coming soon!
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 – January 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
1
0
0
0 1
0
0 0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
0
3
3
0
0
1
1
0
0
2
5
1
1
0
0
0
2
3
12
1
0
1
0
1
0
2
1
1
1
0
0
0
2
21
0
2
2
2
0
1
7331
15 0 2 0 8 58 2
0
2
6
00 8362
0
1
1
0
0 2182
0
0
2
0
0
2
15
2
0
1
0
0
0 1344
0
0
4
0
2
6
30
2
0
0
2
0
0
2
40
2
0
0
00 0 0210
0
0
0
0
0
0
17
2
71519 3 5 49 366 22
88,686122,913184,887 108,833 164,107 145,396 216,663 226,286
94,000
122,500
158,900
121,500
79,500
125,000
159,900
199,900
Unit Sales by Time on Market
Unit Sales by Financing Type
DAYS
RESCONDO
1 - 30
31 - 60
21
3
2
0
61 - 90
10
0
91 - 120
2
0
Adj Rate Mtg
Assumable FHA
Assumable VA
Cash
Conventional 15
Conventional 30
Federal VA
FHA 15
121 or over 83
TOTAL SALES
44
5
TYPE
RESCONDO
0
0
0
5
3
28
1
0
1
0
0
2
0
2
0
0
FHA 30
Other
Owner Fin
Private
State VA
USDA Loan
WHEDA
TOTAL SALES
TYPE
Property Type
Volume
Median Sold Price
Residential
6,303,851128,000
RESCONDO
3
3
0
1
0
0
0
44
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
5
Condo820,53379,500
All
7,124,384 125,000
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. 5 • February 2015
Order online at: www.wisconsinfirstam.com
8
Supra Hot Tip
Audio Tones
Your DisplayKEY uses several audio tones to communicate with you.
1 Beep...................................A button has been pressed on the DisplayKEY keypad.
2 Beeps.................................Search for a KeyBox
4 Beeps.................................Operation Complete
Series of Beeps.................... Communicating with a KeyBox
1 Buzz...................................Error. Call the LARA Board Office for assistance
2 Buzzes...............................Low Battery. Immediately put your DisplayKEY on a charging cradle (overnight is recommended)
3 Buzzes...............................Your DisplayKEY is no longer usable. Call LARA to determine if your key
needs to be reprogrammed or replaced.
Four quick beeps................indicate that the operation is successful.
Are You Ready For Some Baseball?
Mark your calendar!
Family night at the Loggers is set for June 12, 2015.
Plan on joining us for a family night of fun and great baseball.
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
February
2
Groundhog’s Day
4
Open House Deadline 3 pm
South Tour
New Member Orientation, 9am – 2pm
5
March
SMTWT F S
1234567
8 9 1011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
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
25
Open House Deadline 3 pm – North Tour
4
Open House Deadline 3 pm
South Tour
9
SMTWT F S
1234567
8 9 1011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
29 30 31
8
Daylight Saving Time Begins
11
Open House Deadline 3 pm – North Tour
17
St. Patrick’s Day
18
Open House Deadline 3 pm – South Tour
20
LARA 9th Annual Snow Bowl
Features Sports Bar & Grill
West Salem 3:00 pm
First day of spring
25
Open House Deadline 3 pm – North Tour
Passing good laws and defeating ba
starts with your voice in this build
National Women’s History 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 - February
1
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
Vol. 36 No. 5 • February 2015
Birthdays - March
21
25
25
27
27
27
27
28
28
28
28
Leroy Holm
Beth Pendleton
Tom Kress
Dennis O’Malley
Warren Evans
Brian E. Benson
Tara Jaeger-Olson
Pete Peterson
David Fredrickson
Connie Mumm
Amy Steiger
3
4
4
5
5
5
7
8
8
9
10
10
Paul Iverson
Roxanne Reynolds
Kassidy Taggart
Kathy Raabel
Jeanne Button
Kathy Johnson
Steve Zemlo
Fred Prassas
Sally Lysne
Betty Bertrang
Dawn Garms
Ryan Olson
12
12
13
15
15
16
16
17
17
19
20
23
Mark Davig
Katie Lawton
Jacob Martin
Brad McNally
Richard Staff
Vicki Johnson
Trent Ziegler
Sue Mravik
Steve Lillestrand
Jeff Brezinka
Jim Orlikowski
Troy Arenz
24
26
28
28
28
30
30
31
Ryan Jinkins
Wendy Struble
Marla Britton
Judy Gull
Daniel Pederson
Joe Van Aelstyn
Christopher Oates
Erin Arneson
Fair Housing Corner
10
BUILDING A
NATION OF NEIGHBORS
“I only want your office to market it, no MLS and no signs – they attract undesirables.
You can do that, can’t you?”
Key Points
•
Some sellers will not permit their broker to use yard signs or include their property in the Multiple Listing Service
(MLS) because they don’t want to get direct calls from passersby or reveal their move to neighbors or other brokers.
It may also discourage the causal looker and reduce the chance of their home being burglarized.
•
Some sellers only want their broker to show the property. This type of refusal will not generate liability either to you
or to the seller under the fair housing laws.
•
The seller has the final decision on using yard signs or the MLS.
•
Fair housing groups and committees frequently try to discourage the use of signs and the MLS because these open
marketing techniques frustrate achieving or maintaining an integration quota in the community.
Areas of Liability
•
Refusal to permit signs or the use of the MLS could possibly have discriminatory intent.
•
If the seller refuses to use signs or the MLS in order to steer away certain homebuyers
because of their race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, then
the seller’s conduct will be considered illegal under the fair housing laws.
REALTORS® Join Coalition to Pass Patent Litigation Reform
By Melanie Wyne, Helen Devlin
January 15, 2015
On January 15, NAR announced it joined the United for Patent Reform coalition to pursue
comprehensive solutions to abusive patent litigation. The Coalition consists of a diverse
group of American businesses from across a wide range of industries – technology, retail,
hotels, grocers, restaurants and construction.
Patent reform is crucial to REALTORS® as the real estate industry is more and more
dependent on the use of information technology and software products to market properties and manage their businesses. Frivolous patent infringement lawsuits for REALTOR®
everyday business practices, such as using scanner-copier and adding user-friendly
online search features to their website, are impacting REALTORS® and causing them to
divert resources away from offering new features or investment in technologies that
enhance the real estate experience. As part of its commitment to curbing patent abuses, the United for Patent Reform coalition sent a letter to Congress
outlining seven legislative reforms it supports:
•
•
•
•
Reform Abusive Demand Letters
Make Trolls Explain Their Claims
Protect Innocent Customers
Make Patent Litigation More Efficient
•
•
•
Stop Discovery Abuses
Make Abusive Trolls Pay
Provide Less Expensive Alternatives
NAR, along with the United for Patent Reform coalition, will continue to advocate for common sense patent litigation
reform that fosters innovation and investment while benefiting the entire American economy.
Source: www.realtor.org
River City Realtor®
Member News
11
WRA 2015 Annual Convention
September 15-16, 2015 | Kalahari Resort and Convention Center | Wisconsin Dells
The WRA’s annual convention is the WRA’s showcase event of the year where thousands
of REALTORS® gather together from all corners of the state for classes, networking and fun!
Top-name speakers from around the country inspire and energize Wisconsin REALTORS®
and provide updates on important issues that impact the industry.
Convention is the perfect place to network with colleagues, get recharged,
complete CE, and learn new ideas in dozens of workshops. Further details coming soon!
WI CE Close To Being Scheduled
We will be scheduling the 2015-2016 WI CE Live in
La Crosse shortly. WRA is in the process of getting
all 6 courses approved for MN CE. As soon as the
approval is received, I will book the dates and
release to all our members. Stay tuned for updates.
Call Char at 608-785-7744 with questions.
12
“A positive attitude is a person’s
passport to a better tomorrow.”
– Dan Zadra
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. 



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. 5 • February 2015
12
Member News
– continued from page 1
Pathways to Professionalism
19.Promise only what you can deliver—and keep your promises.
20.Identify your REALTOR® and your professional status in contacts with the public.
21.Do not tell people what you think – tell them what you know.
II. Respect for Property
1. Be responsible for everyone you allow to enter listed property.
2. Never allow buyers to enter listed property unaccompanied.
3. When showing property, keep all members of the group together.
4. Never allow unaccompanied access to property without permission.
5. Enter property only with permission even if you have a lockbox key or combination.
6. When the occupant is absent, leave the property as you found it (lights, heating,
7.
8.
9.
cooling, drapes, etc.) If you think something is amiss (e.g. vandalism), contact the
listing broker immediately.
Be considerate of the seller’s property. Do not allow anyone to eat, drink, smoke,
dispose of trash, use bathing or sleeping facilities, or bring pets. Leave the house
as you found it unless instructed otherwise.
Use sidewalks; if weather is bad, take off shoes and boots inside property.
Respect sellers’ instructions about photographing or videographing their properties’ interiors or exteriors.
III. Respect for Peers
1. Identify your REALTOR® and professional status in all contacts with other REAL-
TORS®.
2. Respond to other agents’ calls, faxes, and e-mails promptly and courteously.
3. Be aware that large electronic files with attachments or lengthy faxes may be a
burden on recipients.
4. Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing.
5. Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets,
security systems, and whether sellers will be present during the showing.
6. Show courtesy, trust, and respect to other real estate professionals.
7. Avoid the inappropriate use of endearments or other denigrating language.
8. Do not prospect at other REALTORS®’ open houses or similar events.
9. Return keys promptly.
10.Carefully replace keys in the lockbox after showings.
11. To be successful in the business, mutual respect is essential.
12.Real estate is a reputation business. What you do today may affect your reputation – and business – for years to come.
February is Black
History Month
February marks the beginning of
Black History Month – an annual
celebration that has existed since
1926. But what are the origins of
Black History Month?
Much of the credit goes to Harvard
Scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson who
was determined to bring Black History into the mainstream public
arena. Woodson devoted his life to
making “the world see the Negro as
a participant rather than as a lay
figure in history”.
In 1926, Woodson organized the
first annual Negro History Week,
which took place during the second week of February. Woodson
chose this date to coincide with
the birthday of Frederick Douglass
and Abraham Lincoln – two men
who had greatly impacted the black
population.
Over time, Negro History Week
evolved into the Black History
Month that we know today, a four
week long celebration of African
American History.
Need Information?
Check out the Association Web
Site at www.larawebsite.com for an
update on Association activities,
membership information, professional standards forms, online MLS
Profile Sheets, Open House online
form and so much more.
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
WHERE WILL YOU BE
WHEN YOU GET THE
CALL FOR ACTION?
As a busy professional on the go your
phone. Fewer and fewer of us are tied
to a traditional desktop or laptop
anymore to complete the functions of
our work. Smartphones and tablets are
how we increasingly manage our
information and daily tasks.
THE REALTOR® ACTION CENTER MOBILE APP – DON’T JUST GET IT – USE IT!
DOWNLOAD AND LOGIN TODAY
The REALTOR® Action Center mobile app contains a host of features to help you VOTE, ACT and INVEST on the go:
MOBILE ADVOCACY
When there is a Call for Action you will
alerting you. The new mobile action alert
format will make your participation a snap.
summaries of the issue and why your action
is important.
ACTION PROFILES
The app will contain a summary of your
REALTOR® Party engagement. A list of open
action items, actions you have already
taken, your current year’s RPAC investment
amount, and more.
INVEST IN RPAC
Through the REALTOR® Party mobile app
you can easily make an investment in RPAC
on your mobile phone. To help you plan
your investment amount, your action
profile displays your total amount invested
year to date.
ADVOCACY REPORTS
Track how your state and local associations
SURVEYS
Take important REALTOR® Party surveys on
your phone.
REALTOR® PARTY TRACKER
Learn how your state and local association
is using NAR programs to build political
strength in your own backyard. Find out
what tools and programs NAR is providing
your association and how much money
those programs cost.
Help us reach our annual 15% goal!
To download, text “App” to 30644 and remember to login!
Presented by the La Crosse Area REALTORS® Association
Location:
Features Sports Bar & Grill/West Bowl Lanes
1425 W. City Hwy 16 in West Salem
Date/Time:
Friday, March 20, 2015 at 3 p.m.
Price:
$5.00 per person paid prior to this event or $6.00 if paid at the door.
(Includes 2 games of bowling, shoes, soda, pizza and prizes)
To Sign up:
Call 785-7744 or email LARA at
[email protected] by Friday, March 13, 2015.
(If you cancel after this date, you will be billed)
Space is limited (48), so make your reservation today!
Register & prepay for this event by cash, check or credit card.






Teams are randomly formed!
This is a Non-Competitive event!
It’s just for fun!
Door Prizes drawn throughout
the event!
Awards will be given for the “Low
Score” & “High Score”
Team Poker Game at Lanes!
Altra Federal Credit Union
Associated Bank
Bremer Bank
Firefighters Credit Union
First American Title Insurance Company
Marine Credit Union
Merchant's Bank
New Castle Title of La Crosse, Inc.
Scholze Home Inspection
Schubert Bros. Pest Control
The Title Company
Town N' Country Title LLC