RIVER CITY REALTOR® - La Crosse Area REALTORS® Association

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
DECEMBER 2014 • VOL. 36, NO. 3
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
REALTOR® Government Date Set
Mark your calendars for March
11, 2015. Join local and state
Leadership as we meet in the
Capitol with our Legislators to
discuss important issues that
are so vital to our business.
More details will be posted in
future issues of our Newsletter.
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!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Association Executive Message. . . . . . . 2
Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
NAR Call to Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Security Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Members on the Move. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Tour Boundaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
RPAC Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Supra Hot Tip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Christmas Movie Trivia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Dates to Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Fair Housing Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
RPAC Appreciation Breakfast. . . . . . . . 12
Christmas Gift Suggestions
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To your opponent, tolerance.
To your friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example,
To yourself, respect.
- Author: Oren Arnold
2
Executive Report
NAR Convention – New Orleans Style
RIVER CITY REALTOR®
by Kent Gabrielsen – President, and Char Glocke, Association Executive
What an exciting and busy Convention in
the Big Easy! It was an amazing conference
offering over 400 exhibitors, outstanding
educational sessions, and phenomenal
speakers. In addition the agenda was filled
with NAR Governance meetings.
We spent the majority of time attending the
multitude of governance meetings where
we were updated on NAR policy changes
and the happenings at NAR. The major
focus was providing information and clarification on the Core Standards. It was a
great opportunity to network with other Association Leaders and Association Executives from all over the Country.
The NAR Board of Directors and Delegate Meeting took place on the last day of the
convention.
Below please find the Action Items from the NAR Board of Directors and Delegate
Body Meetings:
NAR Board of Directors approve recommendations to raise the bar on REALTOR® Professionalism:
Approved the drafting of a proposed aspirational Code of Excellence to be
brought to the board at a future meeting for approval. The goal is to raise the
practice of real estate measurably through increased training in the competencies
that consumer’s value. These competencies include the stewardship of property
listing data, privacy and security of consumer information, advocacy of property
rights, community involvement, and technology.
• Changed the frequency of NAR’s Code of Ethics educational requirement from
every four years to every two years, starting in 2016; add a biennial Code of Excellence education requirement; and mandate continual updating of the training.
• Help its members strive to be proficient in data content and have efficient access
to the broadest range of data available.
• Develop an industry standard that would allow consumers to evaluate REALTORS® fairly and accurately.
•
RPAC fundraising revamp
The board also approved broad changes to the association’s fundraising program for
the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC). The changes include replacing
the long-standing fair-share contribution system with a needs-based funding goal. Starting in 2015, National RPAC Distribution Trustees will set a two-year election
cycle goal for review and endorsement by the National RPAC Fundraising Trustees
and then for submission to the NAR Leadership Team, Executive Committee, and
Board of Directors. With the change, the 70-30 percentage split between the states
– continued on page 11
Kevinmembershipservices@larawebsite.com
Ryanmls@larawebsite.com
Charcglocke@larawebsite.com
LARA Website
www.larawebsite.com
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 • cglocke@larawebsite.com
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President
Kent Gabrielsen
608-784-9930
kentsells@hotmail.com
President Elect
Chuck Olson
608-784-9930
chuck@cbrivervalley.com
Secretary/Treasurer
Dave Snyder
608-782-2300
davesnyder@charter.net
Past President
Cindy Gerke-Edwards 608-784-2100
cgerke@realestatelacrosse.com
LOCAL DIRECTORS
Marv Leisso
608-783-6700 • mleisso@yahoo.com
Donna Proudfit
608-386-7161 • realtordonna@centurytel.net
Jeff Pralle
608-797-5097 • pralle.jeff@gmail.com
Kathy Johnson
608-792-9902
kathyjohnsonrealestate@yahoo.com
Jim Orlikowski
608-779-3079
jorlikowski@altra.org
Scott Ryan
608-792-4122
scott@heritagehomesandrealty.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
Member Updates
Membership Letter
Congratulations to Nate Trim on the birth of his daughter. Dad, mom and
baby are doing well.
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:
Security Check
When disposing of old computers and portable storage devices, use wipe
utility programs. They’re inexpensive and can provide better results by
over writing the entire hard drive so that the files are no longer recoverable.
Deleting files using the keyboard or mouse commands usually isn’t sufficient
because the files may continue to exist on the computer’s hard drive and
could be retrieved easily.
NAR Call for Action: Urge Congress to Extend Mortgage Debt
Forgiveness Tax Relief
The income tax exemption on mortgage debt forgiven in a short sale or
a workout for principal residences has been extended by the House of
Representatives. The retroactive extension was passed by a vote of 378
yes to 46 no. The United States Senate has not voted on the measure. NAR
needs your help to respond to the Calls To Action when you receive them. It
is important that the Senate passes this bill as soon as possible.
Violation of MLS Rules and Regulations to Loan Your Lockbox Key
It is clearly a violation of the MLS Rules and Regulations to loan your key
to another agent or any other person. Violation of this rule will result in a
$250 fine with subsequent violations increasing by $250. Such violations
may result in the loss of card privileges. It is the responsibility of each agent
purchasing a key to maintain control of their key at all times.
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.
Vol. 36 No. 3 • December 2014
REALTORS®:
Nicole Bernard - Castle Realty, LLC
Quinton Schaitel - Coulee Real Estate &
Property Management LLC
Andrea Ziegler - Gerrard-Hoeschler, Inc
Mary Jo Wilbur - Keller Williams Realty
Jeff Brezinka - Keller Williams Realty
AFFILIATES:
Kyle Christopherson - Associated Bank
Should you have any comment in regard to
the application of these individuals, submit
them in writing prior to December 31, 2014 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
L56799
4
Announcements
How Well Do You Know The Realtor®
Members on the Move
Code of Ethics?
Transfers:
Duties to Clients and Customers: Article 8
Carl Friedel from Coldwell Banker River Valley, REALTORS to
Gerrard-Hoeschler, Inc (Sparta)
Melissa Schroeder from Castle Realty, LLC to Re/Max First
Choice (Onalaska)
Tracey Kuehl from Coldwell Banker River Valley, REALTORS to
Castle Realty, LLC
Brenda Fisher from US Bank to Altra Federal Credit Union
Jennifer Schrader from Flagstar Bank to Altra Federal Credit
Union
REALTORS® shall keep in a special account in
an appropriate financial institution, separated
from their own funds, monies coming into their
possession in trust for other persons, such as
escrows, trust funds, clients’ monies, or other like
items.
Inactives:
Wendy Banasik from The Title Company to inactive
Joshua Benrud from Homestead Realty Inc. Wi #2 to inactive
Lanora Mracek from Hoppens Realty, Inc. to inactive
Kristie Tweed from Coldwell Banker River Valley, REALTORS to
inactive
Charles Frandsen from Castle Realty, LLC to inactive
Bill O’Connor from Gerrard-Hoeschler, Inc to inactive
Jill Graewin from Gerrard-Hoeschler, Inc to inactive
NAR’s
Information
­Central
it’s
for
you 1-800
874
6500
New Office Addresses:
Castle Realty LLC
505 King St, Suite #106
La Crosse, WI 54601
Broker: Al Iverson
Bremer Bank
2570 Midwest Drive
Onalaska, WI 54650
Affiliate: Eric Beach
Access Commercial Real Estate, Inc.
N3589 Peters Rd.
La Crosse, WI 54601
Broker: Casey Weiss
Mortgage rates are LOW! Call us or apply online.
Agent Code
Sorry to…Steven Zemlo 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!
Tina Mueller
(608) 779-8294
(608) 790-0442 Cell
tmmueller@merchantsbank.com
merchantsbank.com/tmueller
Member FDIC
Subject to credit approval.
Dawn Garms
(608) 779-8222
dmgarms@merchantsbank.com
merchantsbank.com/dgarms
3140 Market Place • Onalaska, WI 54650
(608) 779-8200 • www.merchantsbank.com
*
River City Realtor®
Member News
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
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.
NAR’s
Information
­Central
it’s
for
you 1-800
874
6500
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.
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. 3 • December 2014
5
6
RPAC Works for You
Thanks for Helping Us Exceed Our Goal!
Drumroll Please! We exceeded our RPAC goal! The final
numbers are not in quite yet! But we do know that we
exceeded our goal of $12,000. Thanks to everyone who
contributed through Direct Givers listed in this article and
also to everyone who included the RPAC amount when paying their dues. We did it!
RPAC Contributors $100 - $499:
Jeff Pralle
Kent Gabrielsen
Mike Pietrek
Gretchen Whitt
Brian Stephan
Chad Niegelsen
Jim Gull
Danyel Zielke
Char Glocke
Kathy Johnson
Gayle Dolle
Wendy Pertzsch
Josh Neumann
Renee Heintz
Eric Seeger
Scott Ryan
Alan Iverson
Lisa Kind
Harvey Bertrand
Donna Proudfit
RPAC Contributors $500 - $999
Sarah Hemker
Dave Jones
Peggy Lovejoy
Dave Snyder
Jillian Hugo
Katy Wood
Marty Kirchner
Owen Berg
Mary Jones
Linda Nelson
John Young
Cathy Fox
Dawn Levandoski
Ryan Wessel
Mary Scheel
Roxanne Reynolds
Anastasia Gentry
Kayla Vess
Dan Hoch
Rick Hamilton
Brian D. Benson
Collected to date:
$17,221
RPAC Contributors $1000+
Mike Richgels
Chuck Olson
Judy Gull
Dan Stacey
Nancy Gerrard
Cindy Gerke-Edwards
Jackie Gerke-Edwards
Ryan Olson
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 – November 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 0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
5
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
4
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
6
1
0
1
1
1
0
3
13
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
18
5
0
2
0
2
0
4
32
1
6
7
0
0
0
1340 2
13 0 1 1 6 62 3
1
10
7
10 1947 1
0
5
1
0
1 7251
0
2
2
0
0
4
21
2
1
1
3
0
2 7486
1
4
1
0
0
6
38
4
0
1
5
0
0
6
40
2
0
0
00 0 0210
0
0
0
0
0
0
19
1
1136 20 7 4
78 441 30
133,559161,840 213,605 91,250 189,725 166,220 212,903 192,137
116,000
149,000
183,000
91,000
160,500
149,000
159,900
164,900
Unit Sales by Time on Market
Unit Sales by Financing Type
DAYS
RESCONDO
1 - 30
31 - 6027
22
21
0
2
61 - 90
10
1
91 - 120
8
0
Adj Rate Mtg
Assumable FHA
Assumable VA
Cash
Conventional 15
Conventional 30
Federal VA
FHA 15
121 or over 131
TOTAL SALES
74
4
TYPE
Property Type
Residential
RESCONDO
1
0
0
9
3
50
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
FHA 30
Other
Owner Fin
Private
State VA
USDA Loan
WHEDA
TOTAL SALES
TYPE
Volume
Median Sold Price
RESCONDO
3
4
0
0
0
0
1
74
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
12,206,255148,900
Condo758,900160,500
All
12,965,155 149,000
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: title.orders@firstam.com
Vol. 36 No. 3 • December 2014
Order online at: www.wisconsinfirstam.com
8
Supra Hot Tip
Audio Tones
Your DisplayKEY expires on a daily basis and is designed to automatically update during the night so it’s ready to access KeyBoxes the next morning. In a process called
eSYNC, your DisplayKEY connects to the Supra network, exchanges information, and
updates itself. When you turn on your DisplayKEY, the screen displays a message indicating your key’s
update status.
If you forget to place your DisplayKEY in the cradle and miss an automatic eSYNC during the night, you
can perform a manual eSYNC at any time to update your key.
Automatic eSYNC
Your DisplayKEY is programmed to automatically perform an eSYNC at a designated time each night
between midnight and 6 a.m. During the eSYNC process, your DisplayKEY uploads showing activity into
KIM and updates itself for the following day.
We recommend that you place your DisplayKEY in the cradle each night to ensure that your key is
updated and fully charged the next morning.
Manual eSYNC
You can perform a manual eSYNC at any time to update your DisplayKEY and upload your showing activity into the KIM network.
To perform a manual eSYNC, do the following:
1. Press Enter to turn on your DisplayKEY.
2. Scroll to the MANUAL ESYNC menu option and press Enter.
3. Place your DisplayKEY in the cradle. The cradle light turns green, indicating that the
DisplayKEY and cradle are connected. When the cradle light turns red, the cradle is connected to KIM.
CAUTION: Do not remove the DisplayKEY from the cradle when the cradle light is red!
Christmas Movie Trivia
What is the name
of Rudolph’s dad?
•
Vixon
•
Dixon
•
Dasher
•
Donner
Who wrote “The
Nightmare Before
Christmas”?
•
Alfred Hitchcock
•
Martin Scorsese
•
Steven Spellberg
•
Tim Burton
What is the name of
the rabbit in the magic hat
in “Frosty the Snowman:”
•
Scut Farkus
•
Little Grinch
•
•
Hocus Pocus
Rabbit Claus
What is the guardian angel
of George Bailey named in
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
•
Mike
•
Clarence
•
Robert
•
Jim
What did Ralphie want for
Christmas in “A Christmas
Story”?
•
A Remote Controlled Car
•
A BB Gun
•
A Bow and Arrow
•
A PlayStation
What is Scrooge’s first
name?
•
Maxwell
•
Ebenezer
•
Bruce
•
Martin
Why was the Grinch so
nasty? Because he had a:
•
Broken Leg
•
Smalll Brain
•
Small Heart
•
Crooked Knee
What city did “Miracle on
34th Street” take place in?
•
New Jersey
•
New Orleans
•
New York
•
Boston
What did Clarence get for
accomplishing his mission
in “It’s a Wonderful Life”?
•
A Trumpet
•
Wings
•
A Halo
•
A Crown
Two men broke in a house
and had a LOT of trouble
in which movie?
•
The Break In
•
Christmas Trouble
•
Home Alone
•
Two Men in a Santa Suit
- Answers on page 12
River City Realtor®
Dates to Remember
December
1
2
3
SMTWT F S
123456
7 8 9 10111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031
LARA Association Renewal
Dues Due
WI Video CE Course 1
9:00am – LARA Board Office
WI Video CE Course 2, 1:00pm – LARA Board Office
Open House Deadline 3 pm – North Tour
4
WI Video CE Course 3, 9:00am – LARA Board Office
WI Video CE Course 4, 1:00pm – LARA Board Office
8
WI Video CE Course A, 9:00am – LARA Board Office
WI Video CE Course D, 1:00pm – LARA Board Office
January
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
10
Open House Deadline 3 pm – South Tour
11
LARA ‘High Rollers Holiday Social’
Cedar Creek 5:00pm
28
Open House Deadline 3 pm
North Tour
14
DSPS State License Renewal Deadline
17
31
Chinese New Year
Open House Deadline 3 pm – North Tour
Hannukah Begins
24
Christmas Eve – LARA Office closed at noon
25
Christmas Day – Board Office Closed
Open House Sabbatical for 12/28 – No Tour
28
29
31
SMTWT F S
1
2
3
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
1
9
January is National Book Month
* Reminder – No Open Houses today!
(Open House Sabbatical)
Open Houses for 1/4/2015 Deadline 3pm
12
Thank You for Renewing Your
New Year’s Eve – LARA Office closed at noon
No tour
2015 Membership.
We are looking forward to another great year!
Universal Human Rights Month
Birthdays - December
1
1
2
2
3
5
8
9
10
11
Terry Bartels
Matt Klug
Owen Berg
Sheryl Reedy
Thomas Henchen
Shane Peterson
Travis Welch
Leo Fronk
Jason Teynor
Dawn Faherty
11
11
11
13
15
19
21
21
23
23
Birthdays - January
Kayla Vess
Rance Haggerty
Sue Pinski
Chris Rinkenberger
Michelle Ostern
Fred Casper
Alan Iverson
Lance Dembraski
Fran Lewis
Bob Kowal
Vol. 36 No. 3 • December 2014
23
23
24
25
27
27
29
29
30
31
Lori Ohland
Kent Gabrielsen
Brenda Fisher
Michael Dougherty
Angie Wilson
Tim Berg
Janet Butteris
Amber Iverson
Roger McDowell
Dick Clements
1
2
3
5
6
6
8
9
10
10
Karla Frank
John Sheppard
Fran Noffke
Stefanie Rud
Cody Spears
Doug Willer
Debra Barker
Stephanie Tidquist
Dave Snyder
William VaughnFavre
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
21
23
23
27
28
29
29
29
30
Kory Scholze
Julie Neitzel
Richard Bryne
James Gross
Matt Rude
Isaak Owen
Melissa Schroeder
Ashley Lacenski
Lanora Mracek
10
Fair Housing Corner
BUILDING A
NATION OF NEIGHBORS
“Can I wait for Mr. and Mrs. O’Brien to make an offer? Mr. and Mrs. Richardson
just don’t seem to be the type to buy my home.”
Key Points
•
A decision on an offer can be delayed until the seller
concludes that all offers have been submitted.
•
Be sure to clearly and carefully explain to the seller
that a delay could mean losing a sale and owing you a
commission based on a full price offer.
•
Section 804(a) of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of
1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments
Act of 1988, states that it is unlawful to “refuse to
sell or rent, after the making of a bona fide offer,
a dwelling to any person because of race, color,
religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national
origin.
Areas of Liability
•
Never encourage a homebuyer to submit an offer
because a seller is intending to discriminate against
people who have already submitted an offer.
•
Present the same terms and conditions to all
homebuyers.
•
Never show favoritism toward any homebuyer
submitting offers.
•
If the seller delays decision and this leads to a
“bidding war,” it is important that any minority be
given the opportunity to meet or beat any other
offer.
Suggested Responses
•
“I don’t understand why you feel that Mr. and
Mrs. Richardson are not the type you want to buy
your home. They have made a good offer and are
financially qualified. What type are you looking for?”
•
“I can respect your desire to consider all offers,
and I will try to get a firm offer from the O’Briens
immediately. But the Richardsons’ offer is a good
one, and I would hate to see you lose out
by delaying. Also, If you reject a full
price offer, you must still pay my
commission. Is there a reason
that you don’t consider the
Richardsons to be the type
to buy your home?”
The seller could be charged with discrimination for
avoiding offers from minorities.
Actions to Take
•
Remind the seller immediately of the fair housing
laws regardless of whether a sales associate or
broker is used and any obligation set forth in the
listing agreement.
•
Urge the seller to consider a good offer from a
minority person in the same way that you would
encourage consideration of a good offer from any
other person.
•
Be sure you objectively and fairly present, explain,
and evaluate all offers to a seller.
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®
– continued from page 2
NAR Convention – New Orleans Style
and national association is eliminated with the exception of the
Major Investor program.
The change also includes a single national RPAC fundraising
goal for all associations, which can be reached with RPAC hard
or soft dollar receipts. Hard dollar contributions go directly
to candidates’ campaign efforts and are capped at $5,000 per
election. Soft dollars go to efforts conducted separately from
candidates’ campaigns and are unlimited.
The revamp also includes a program for soliciting funds from
MLSs for use in independent expenditure (IE) campaigns, with
half going to federal campaigns and half to state campaigns. IEs
are election advocacy efforts that are required to be conducted
independently of (i.e., not in coordination with) candidates’
campaigns.
Issue mobilization ‘skin in the game’ requirement
State and local associations will have to put up some of their
own funds under a “skin in the game” policy to receive NAR
issues mobilization grant funds. The amount depends on the
size of the grant request. The contribution can include funds
from coalition partners and can also come in the form of nonfinancial resources such as staff and volunteer hours.
The board also approved a change to the issues mobilization
application form for local associations to require the state
association to indicate its support or opposition to the application. Continued monitoring of student debt
11
resolving ethics complaints
• Eliminate “rehearing” provisions
• Expand authorized use of “remote” testimony, and provide
guidance on ensuring its confidentiality
• Limit the use of continuances of ethics hearings to certain
specified instances
• Require persons primarily responsible for administration of
professional standards processes to complete administrator training every four years
• Establish the responsibility of associations to offer ombudsman services to members, clients, and consumers, either
directly or as part of a cooperative agreement
• Establish a citation system and schedule of fines for
optional adoption by local and state associations
Online data competitiveness
The board approved changes to help ensure MLS data is as
accurate and timely as possible and that MLS participants can
continue to compete with other online sources of property
information. Among other things, the changes:
• Increase the frequency of MLS data updates to no less than
every 12 hours, down from every three days
• Enable MLS participants to display IDX information from all
MLS IDX feeds where they hold participatory rights, allowing
consumers to execute a single property search
• Permit the display of MLS sold data for IDX display where
“sold” information is otherwise publicly accessible
– continued on page 12
Student debt is an industry concern but the link between
that debt and the ability to buy a home needs more
research. The board set a policy that focuses on the continued monitoring of the issue along with support of legislative and regulatory efforts to promote education and
disclosure requirements to help students.
GRI program updated
To help preserve the value of the Graduate, REALTOR®
Institute (GRI) designation, the board approved changes
to the program’s curriculum and process. Among other
things, members can take no more than five years to complete the coursework, members can substitute exam and
experience for no more than half a state’s course requirements, and the accreditation process will be based on an
online audit rather than a peer review.
Professional standards processes improved
To make the enforcement of professional standards more
efficient, the board approved changes to the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual, Professional Standards Policy
Statement, and other professional standards documents,
that accomplish the following:
• Clarify the role of alternates in professional standards
hearing panels
• Shorten time frames and clarify guidelines for ethics
enforcement administration
• Establish a “fast track” administrative timeline for
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RPAC Appreciation Breakfast
RPAC
Appreciation
Breakfast
In October, we held an RPAC Appreciation Breakfast to show
appreciation for all our members who gave $100 and over to
RPAC this year. It was truly a special event. Professor Joe
Heim – UW La Crosse Political Science Department and Joe
Murray – WRA Director of Political and Government Affairs
were our speakers for the Breakfast. It was entertaining and
informative. Plan on being a Direct Giver in 2015!
NAR Convention – New Orleans Style (continued from page 11)
.REALTOR, .Realestate, RPR
It also heard reports on the success of the new .REALTOR top-level Internet domain, and NAR’s acquisition of the .realestate
domain. Reports were also given on NAR’s property database company RPR, which has extensive data on 116 million parcels of
property and has rolled out a mobile app, called RPR Mobile.
Election changes
After the meeting the NAR Delegate Body met to approve Constitutional changes
to the way the association’s officers are elected. The changes set forth election
procedures and replace the Nominating Committee with a Credentials and Campaign Rules Committee.
The Delegate Body also approved clarification that the date of service requirement for REALTOR® Emeritus Status starts in 2015.
Kent and I want to thank you so much for the opportunity to represent LARA at
this NAR Convention.
Answers to Movie Trivia:
Donner
Tim Burton
Hocus Pocus
Clarence
A BB Gun
Ebenezer
Small Heart
New York
Wings
Home Alone
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.
LA CROSSE AREA REALTORS® ASSOCIATION
2014-2015
OFFICERS/DIRECTORS & COMMITTEES
President
President Elect
Secretary/Treasurer
Association Executive
Kent Gabrielsen
Chuck Olson
Dave Snyder
Char Glocke
LOCAL DIRECTORS
Kathy Johnson
Jim Orlikowski
Scott Ryan
Marv Leisso
Jeff Pralle
Donna Proudfit
Phone
783-7766
779-3079
781-5191
783-6700
783-7766
781-1100
PAST PRESIDENT
Cindy Gerke-Edwards
784-2100
kentsells@hotmail.com
chuck@cbrivervalley.com
davesnyder@charter.net
cglocke@larawebsite.com
Term Exp.
2015
2015
2015
2016
2016
2016
784-9930
784-9930
782-2300
785-7837
E-mail
kathyjohnsonrealestate@yahoo.com
jorlikowski@altra.org
scott@heritagehomesandrealty.com
mleisso@yahoo.com
pralle.jeff@gmail.com
realtordonna@centurytel.net
cgerke@realestatelacrosse.com
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Judy Gull - Chairperson 608-781-7629
ORIENTATION COMMITTEE
Roxanne Reynolds Ryan Olson
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE
MARKETING COMMITTEE
Katy Wood - Chairperson 608-304-0374
Susan Brooks
Corry Van Aelstyn
Amber Iverson
Gretchen Whitt
RECOGNITION COMMITTEE
Marv Leisso - Chairperson 608-780-7634
Mike Pietrek
Dave Snyder
Mirella Huss
FINANCIAL/INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Kent Gabrielsen - Chairperson 608-780-9520
Steve Lillestrand
Dave Snyder
Marv Leisso
John Young
Chad Niegelsen
Chuck Olson
Mike Pietrek
Cindy Gerke-Edwards
HOLIDAY SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Kathy Johnson - Chairperson 608-792-9902
Dawn Garms
Anastasia Gentry
Amber Iverson
Brenda Fisher
Mary Pasch
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mike Pietrek - Chairperson 608-386-8209
Donna Proudfit
Josh Neumann
Ryan Olson
Jeff Pralle
Katy Wood
Rick Hamilton
Kathy Johnson
Eric Seeger
Marty Holub
Revised 12/14