RIVER CITY REALTOR®

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

IMPORTANT NEWS

Guest Corner: Fair Housing . . . . . . . . . . .2Continuing Education Dates . . . . . . . . 3Attention DisplayKey Users . . . . . . . . . . .3Self Defense Course for REALTORS® . . . .3Lockbox Hours Have Changes . . . . . . . 3Reciprocal Supra Key Agreement . . . . 3Members on the Move . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Pay MLS Fees with Credit Card . . . . . . 5What is RPAC? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6WRA Annual Convention . . . . . . . . . . 6Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Tips for Fair Housing Compliance . . . . . .8Dates to Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Welcome New Members . . . . . . . . . . .11Diversity Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11New REALTOR® Logo Reveal . . . . . . . . .12Tech Helpline Benefit for Members . . .12

Agent CodeSorry to Angela Strange 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!

“When everything

feels like an uphill

struggle, just

think about the

view from the top.”- ANONYMOUS

www.larawebsite.com

RIVER CITY REALTOR®

T H E V O I C E F O R R E A L E S T A T E ™ I N T H E G R E A T E R L A C R O S S E A R E A

APRIL 2018 • VOL . 39, NO . 7

R E A L T O R ®

FAIR HOUSING

ACT1968

BEFORE THEFAIR HOUSING ACT

FORALL

FAIR

HO

USI

NG

THE HISTORY OFFAIR HOUSING

RIGHTS

Private Property Rights5th Amendment to the Constitution protects property rights. Slavery, court cases and legislation denied these rights to African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and other minorities.

1789

The Civil Rights Act of 1866Provides that all citizens have the same rights to real property as white citizens. Court cases, immigration laws and racially defined zoning deny those rights.

1866

Racial Zoning OutlawedThe Supreme Court voids zoning based on race. Property owners, real estate interests and local governments employ deed restrictions based on race and religion. Laws and practices continue to deny property rights based on race.

1917

Restrictive Covenants Not EnforceableThe Supreme Court ends federal court enforcement of racially restrictive covenants. A growing fair housing movement passes first fair housing laws in New York City and Colorado in the 1950s.

1948

NAR firmly believes in equal opportunity in

housing. No person of this country should

have the right to rent or purchase shelter of

choice abridged because of race, color,

religion, sex, handicap, familial status,

national origin, sexual orientation or gender

identity. Furthermore, these rights should not

be limited because of existing or desired

ethnic, racial or religious proportions in any

defined area.

Guest Report2

Vol. 39 No. 7 • April 2018 River City RealtoR®

Kristal [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Website www.larawebsite.com

50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing ActBy Katy Wood – Fair Housing Committee Chair

As many of you know, April is Fair Housing Month. This April is extra special because 2018 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Each year REALTORS® recognize the significance of this event and reconfirm our commitment to upholding fair housing law, as well as our commitment to offering equal professional service to all in their search for real property.

REALTORS® are ideally situated to improve housing opportunities where they live. We are the first contact for

the prospective home buyer, seller or renter. Accordingly, REALTORS® can reach out through personal involvement in their communities and by their own personal actions to those who need greater access to quality, affordable home ownership and rental opportunities.

Our Fair Housing Team will be working on many different opportunities in the upcoming months to fulfill our commitment to the Fair Housing Act. Several years ago, we collaborated with the Northwoods International School, kindergarten through sixth graders to draw posters with a theme of Fair Housing for All. We saved those posters and now have framed several of them to display at many of our Affiliate Members Offices. Please thank those Affiliates for their cooperation with us to commemorate the 50th Anniversary. We have sent out posters to all Brokers asking for them to be posted in a prominent place and we have included the Fair Housing Logo. Please download the Fair Housing Logo and include it in your emails. We will also be contacting the Mayors to have them sign a Proclamation commemorating the 50th Anniversary. In addition we will be sending out a press release this month to the local news outlets.

Our plan is to focus on three key elements in 2018: acknowledging the organization’s role in the fight for fair housing, understanding how we as a nation are constantly improving our commitment to fair housing and ways REALTORS® strive to lead efforts to address fair housing policy issues. We are tossing around several ideas as to other ways we can highlight our involvement in the upcoming months and would welcome others to contact one of our committee members with their thoughts.

- Fair Housing Team: Katy Wood, Scott Ulik, Beth Lager, Sarah Cash, Kathy Johnson

RIVER CITY REALTOR®

The RiveR City RealtoR® is published by the La Crosse Area REALTORS® Association

608-785-7744 • 866-425-7744www.larawebsite.com

EDITORChar Glocke, RCE, AHWD

785-7837 • [email protected]

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PresidentJudy Gull

608-781-7629 • [email protected]

President ElectSteve Lillestrand

608-792-0107 • [email protected]

Secretary/TreasurerJosh Neumann

608-385-5548 • [email protected]

Past PresidentDave Snyder

608-782-2300 • [email protected]

LOCAL DIRECTORSJeff Pralle

608-797-5097 • [email protected]

Brandon Haugen 608-385-4831

[email protected]

Scott Ulik(608) 790-1216 [email protected]

Scott Ryan608-792-4122

[email protected]

Anastasia Gentry608-386-4683

[email protected]

Lance Dembraski608-790-2618

[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 pub-lications. Make checks payable to the La Crosse Area REALTORS® Association.

Frequently Requested Phone Numbers:WRA Legal Hotline • 608-799-4468

DSPS • 608-266-5511Zip Forms Support • 1-800-383-9805

Metro MLS Helpdesk • 1-800-490-3731

3Announcements

Vol. 39 No. 7 • April 2018 River City RealtoR®

Mandatory CE RequirementsAll licensees must complete the required 18 credit hours of CE by December 14, 2018. This includes newly licensed during the biennium they first receive their license. If you have any questions, please call Char at 608-785-7744.

WI CE Date for 2018 Remains!Mark your calendar for April 23, 2018. CE A and C will be offered this day! Check out the attached flyer in the newsletter.

Remember, if you missed any required CE Courses, starting in September, we will be offering videos each week through December 14, 2018 in our classroom at the Association Office. Watch for more information mid-summer.

Reminder: Lockbox Access Hours Have ChangedWith Daylight Savings time in affect, access hours to electronic lockboxes are now 8 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please call the Association Office.

Security CheckHow secure are your passwords? Hackers will first try words like “password” your company name, the software’s default password, and other easy-to-guess choices. They’ll also use programs that run through common English words and dates. To make it harder for them to crack your system, select strong passwords – the longer, the better – that use a combination of letters, symbols, and numbers. Change your passwords often!

Reciprocal Supra Key Agreement with Central WI Board of REALTORS® SignedIf you are working in the Central WI Board of REALTORS®

market area (Wausau, Stevens Point, and Wisconsin Rapids) we now have a reciprocal key agreement with this Association. If you have a Greater La Crosse MLS Corporation Supra eKEY, you can take advantage of this reciprocal. Please call the Association Office and talk to Ryan if you are interested. There is no fee. Processing time – 2 days!

Fair Housing Poster Available in Hmong and English The Fair Housing Poster is now available in the Hmong and English language to display in your offices. What a wonderful way to welcome the people of the Hmong culture. Posters in English and Hmong have been sent to all offices. If you would like a poster to display, please stop by the Association Office for a copy.

All REALTORS® Required to Complete Ethics Training Now Every Two YearsNAR has made a change to the cycle of the required ethics training. The new requirement began January 1, 2017 and ends December 31, 2018. During this two-year cycle, you must complete the 2.5 hour Ethics Class in order to renew your membership in 2019. Course 4 fulfills this Membership requirement. A word of warning! Not all providers will fulfill this obligation and you may have to complete this course online at www.realtor.org.

WRA Partnership for Success Program Available!The WRA Partnership for Success Program is designed to promote diversity within the REALTOR® membership and enhance the probability of long term success in the real estate profession for new agents. Diversity within a brokerage firm also draws a wider range of clients and customers to the firm. Potential applicants and their sponsoring brokers can visit this link below to learn more: http://ow.ly/qFqP30hT3T7.

Attention DisplayKey Users!Now is the time to update to an eKEY. One

simple app on your phone and you will be set! Call Ryan today to set up an appointment.

Members On the MoveNew Office Address La Crosse By Owner, LLCW3860 Western Hills Drive, West Salem, WI 54669

Transfers:• Mike Stangl from Citizens State Bank to Merchants Bank• Brad Nicholson from Marine Credit Union to Finance of

America• Mitchell Kirk from Gerrard-Hoeschler, REALTORS® to

Assist 2 Sell Homes For You Realty

Member News4

Vol. 39 No. 7 • April 2018 River City RealtoR®

North/South Dividing Line

is I-90

Tour InformationLoad Your Own Tours and Open HousesAgents now can load their own tours and open houses in Flex. If you have any questions, please call Ryan at 608-785-7838.

MLS Tour BoundariesThe 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 are South Tour

May 14-19, 2018, Washington, DCThe REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo is where NAR members take an active role to

advance the real estate industry, public policy and the association. REALTORS® come to Washington, DC, for special issues forums, committee meetings, legislative activities and the industry trade show.

LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS & TRADE EXPOWASHINGTON DC

★ REALTORS® ★

L84497

5Member News

Vol. 39 No. 7 • April 2018 River City RealtoR®

MLS Participants:Why Not Pay MLS Fees

With a Credit Card!As a MLS Participant, you can

authorize the MLS to automatically charge your MLS fees every month. My signing an authorization form,

your MLS fees will automatically be charged on the 15th of the month following the mailing of the billing. This will eliminate the chance of possible late fees to be assessed.

You can find the authorization form on www.larawebsite.com by clicking on the MLS Button and then “Credit

Card Authorization Form” link.

“We take care of title issues before they become closing issues!”

ClosingwithConfidence

Appleton | Arcadia | Green Bay | Holmen | Janesville | Kenosha | St. Paul | Wauwatosa | Winona

Contact Us Locally At:

Holmen Arcadia Winona 510 Amy Drive ,Suite 103

608.399.1711310 S. Nelson Drive, Suite D

608.323.3255370 W. 3rd Street #1507.454.4833

www.townncountrytitle.com

m B

D v

Personal Safety & Self-Defense Course for Real Estate Professionals Coming to La CrosseWe have hired Joe Rosner to present a Safety Course for our Members on Wednesday, September 12 at Cedar Creek from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Joe is a crime prevention and self-defense expert and author with military, law enforcement and bodyguard experience.

This 90-minute valuable program teaches real estate professionals how to put habits, tactics, and

hardware between themselves and criminals to dramatically reduce their odds of becoming a victim of violent crime.

Save the Date! Plan on attending and gain the knowledge you need to stay safe in your day to day practice of real estate. More information coming soon!

Drone Education – MLS Coffee Scheduled On June 12, at 8:30 a.m.- 10:00 a.m. we will be presenting a short education session on the “Use of Drones. What are the Requirements”? It will be at the La Crosse Regional Airport in their Conference Room. Our speaker will be Clinton Torp, C.M. – Airport Director. Coffee will be provided. This will also give you the opportunity to check out the Airport since the remodel. Reservations will be required. If you have questions, please call Char at 608-785-7744.

6

Vol. 39 No. 7 • April 2018 River City RealtoR®

Why Should RPAC Interest You?

Total so far:$3,500

RPAC is a critical business partner for REALTORS®. Up to 4,000 bills are introduced each session in the state Legislature, and elections determine who will be voting on these bills. RPAC helps to elect the people who write the laws with which you and your business must live. Through extensive research and ongoing monitoring, RPAC keeps real estate professionals informed, involved and influential regarding the legislative decisions that are important to the industry.

RPAC Investors$100-$249Kent Gabrielsen

STERLING RRPAC Investors$1,000 - $2499Bruce Kilmer

CRYSTAL RRPAC Investors$2,500-$4,999Chuck Olson

2017-2018 Investors

Title Insurance • 1031 Exchange • Search & Hold • Lender and Cash ClosingServicing La Crosse, Trempealeau, Vernon and Monroe Counties

2850 Midwest Drive, Suite 103, Onalaska, WI 54650Phone: 608-784-8888 Fax: 866-816-9620

E-mail: [email protected] Order online at: www.wisconsinfirstam.com

Vol. 39 No. 7 • April 2018 River City RealtoR®

Property Type Volume Median Sold Price

Residential 22,441,575 190,000

Condo 315,500 157,500

All 22,757,075 175,000

7La Crosse County Sold & Active Listings – February 2018 SOLD/ACTIVE RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS CURRENT ACTIVE LISTINGS 0-2 3 4+ TWO CONDO TOTAL SINGLE CONDOPRICE-CLASS/TYPE BDRMS BDRMS BDRMS FAMILY CO-OP UNITS FAMILY CO-OP

29,999.99 and under 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 30,000 - 39,999.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 40,000 - 49,999.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 50,000 - 59,999.99 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 60,000 - 69,999.99 0 2 0 0 0 2 2 0 70,000 - 79,999.99 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 80,000 - 89,999.99 2 2 1 0 0 5 5 0 90,000 - 99,999.99 1 1 0 1 0 3 2 0 100,000 - 119,999.99 4 4 2 0 0 10 3 0 120,000 - 139,999.99 1 9 1 1 0 12 11 2 140,000 - 159,999.99 0 13 3 0 2 18 7 0 160,000 - 179,999.99 0 1 4 0 0 5 18 0 180,000 - 199,999.99 0 7 4 0 0 11 8 1 200,000 - 249,999.99 0 7 5 0 0 12 25 0 250,000 - 299,999.99 0 8 7 0 0 15 33 2 300,000 - 399,999.99 0 5 9 0 0 14 38 2 400,000 - 499,999.99 0 0 2 0 0 2 14 2 500,000 and over 0 0 2 0 0 2 24 5TOTALS 9 60 40 2 2 113 195 14AVERAGE 100,544 181,209 260,779 116,500 157,750 201,390 317,391 395,264 MEDIAN 96,000 153,000 243,000 95,500 157,500 175,000 279,900 375,000

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.

Unit Sales by Time on Market DAYS RES CONDO

1 - 30 63 0 31 - 60 13 2

61 - 90 10 0

91 - 120 13 0

121 or over 12 0

TOTAL SALES 111 2

TYPE RES CONDO

Adj Rate Mtg 13 0Assumable FHA 0 0Assumable VA 0 0Cash 13 0Conventional 15 2 0Conventional 30 62 2Federal VA 7 0FHA 15 0 0

TYPE RES CONDOFHA 30 6 0Land Contract 0 0Other 3 0Owner Fin 0 0Private 0 0State VA 1 0USDA Loan 0 0WHEDA 4 0TOTAL SALES 111 2

Unit Sales by Financing Type

Have You Looked for Your Agent Code in this Issue?

If you find your number, call the Association Office at 785-7744 to claim your free dinner at the next Association activity / meeting!

Try these great marketing

tools today! MLS Listing

Internet SitesMLS Listings are presently

on two websites.

Check out your listings at the following sites:

http://www.wihomes.comhttp://www.realtor.com

If you have any questions, call Char at 785-7837.

8

Vol. 39 No. 7 • April 2018 River City RealtoR®

Fair Housing Corner

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 

6 Tips for Fair Housing Compliance1. Educate sellers about fair housing laws and explain what they mean in the transaction.

2. Market your property to a diverse group of prospective buyers. Avoid using exclusion-ary words or pictures. Any marketing plan that indicates a preference or limitation or discriminates on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin violates the Fair Housing Act.

3. Allow prospective buyers to select their own preferred neighborhoods. Never “steer” prospects toward or away from any neighborhood, however subtly. Offer every pros-pect a variety of housing choices.

4. Contact local fair housing organizations and REALTOR® associations for information about fair housing compliance and compliance self-testing. Fair housing guidance is posted online at NAR’s Library , the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and The National Fair Housing Advocate websites.

5. Be vocal and proactive in expressing your own personal commitment to fair housing.

6. Include a statement in your advertising stating that your company doesn’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or familial status. A statement isn’t absolute protection against liability for noncompliance, but it can be used as evidence of your company’s commitment to fair housing.

TIP: You can’t control the prejudices of others, but discriminating in any way, even at the request of a seller, is illegal. If a seller wants you to discriminate, walk away from the transaction.

How Well Do You Know The REALTOR® Code of Ethics?Article 11: The services which REALTORS® provide to their clients and customers shall conform to the standards of practice and competence which are reasonably expected in the specific real estate disciplines in which they engage; specifically, residential real estate brokerage, real property management, commercial and industrial real estate brokerage, land brokerage, real estate appraisal, real estate counseling, real estate syndication, real estate auction, and international real estate.

REALTORS® shall not undertake to provide specialized professional services concerning a type of property or service that is outside their field of competence unless they engage the assistance of one who is competent on such types of property or service, or unless the facts are fully disclosed to the client. Any persons engaged to provide such assistance shall be so identified to the client and their contribution to the assignment should be set forth.

– (Amended 1/10)

9

Vol. 39 No. 7 • April 2018 River City RealtoR®

Dates to Remember S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

April May 4 Open House Deadline 3 p.m. North Tour

5 WI CE 3&4 Cedar Creek

11 Open House Deadline 3 p.m. South Tour

18 Open House Deadline 3 p.m.

North Tour

23 WI CE A&C Cedar Creek

25 Open House Deadline 3 p.m. South Tour

2 Open House Deadline 3 p.m., North Tour 9 Open House Deadline 3 p.m. South Tour10 Moving into Senior Housing: Adapting the Old, Embracing the New – MLS Breakfast 16 Open House Deadline 3 p.m. North Tour23 Open House Deadline 3 p.m. South Tour28 Memorial Day – Association Office Closed30 Open House Deadline 3 p.m. North Tour

Birthdays - April1 Katie Johnson1 Chris Hennagir2 Mary Pasch2 Amy Neumeister2 Dan Wilhelm3 Michael Morey3 Tina Scharmach7 Jillian Hugo8 Jennifer Pretasky8 Tony Lyga8 Tim Trueblood9 Jo Baldridge9 Chris Kilen10 Casey Weiss10 Barbara Watland10 Deanne Mraz11 Jarrad Fluekiger

11 Mary Behrns12 Sara Conway12 Randy Blechinger12 Megan Tully12 Sarah Hemker13 Stephanie Gulbranson13 Monte Dunnum13 Rod Hamilton14 Damon Olson14 John Young15 Mary Jones16 Marta Volden18 Patricia Evans19 Ken Steiger19 Kris Schubert19 Aaron Wickesberg

20 Gretchen Whitt21 Joshua Lindner22 Raina Thelen23 Benjamin Olson26 Gordy Weiss26 Ryan Wessel28 Marci Storey29 Diane McNulty29 Rhonda Kiedinger29 Wilfred Brooke30 Chuck Noggle

Birthdays - May1 Christopher Richgels1 Cathy Petranek1 Tina Mueller5 Carol Porath6 Julie Fernholz6 Ruth Rupp6 Danyel Zielke7 Linda Nelson7 James Berns7 Lauren Gaynor7 Laura Olson-Davig8 Mary Smith9 Scott Ulik9 Abby Larsen

11 Tom Wilson13 Zachary Griffin14 Tim McClain15 Joann Lord15 Michael Knothe17 Nicole Plomedahl17 Kelly Meyer19 Colleen Hoeschen20 Marcus Johnson22 Tom Hemstock 23 Rick Hamilton25 Renee Dettmann27 Amy Lorentz27 Brian Stephan27 Theresa Gerdes

27 Brandon Eagon28 Jaynne Lepke30 Beth Vold30 Gary Trim31 Ron Severson31 Wayne Wicka31 Angela Herbert

FINANCING GENERATIONS OF HOMEOWNERS

*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, November 2015. • Loan products are offered by Associated Bank, N.A., and are subject to credit approval and involve interest and other costs. Please ask about details on fees and terms and conditions of these products. Property insurance and flood insurance, if applicable, will be required on collateral. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. (2/16) 8361

Associated Bank is committed to providing a better lending experience for our customers. We’ve been helping our neighbors buy homes — and stay in them — for over 150 years. Our responsible approach to lending reflects not only our core values but those of the customers we serve. We’re strong and ready to lend.

Jacob Martin 608-793-3836 • Onalaska • NMLS: 523832Kyle Christopherson 608-793-3824 • Holmen • NMLS: 108866Jacob Burch 608-793-3896 • La Crosse • NMLS: 488699

Member News10

Vol. 39 No. 7 • April 2018 River City RealtoR®

Member FDICSubject to approval.

HELPING YOURCUSTOMERS FROMSTART TO FINISH

Dawn GarmsMortgage Lender

(608) [email protected]

Tina MuellerMortgage Lender

(608) [email protected]

3140 Market Place • Onalaska, WI 54650 (608) 779-8200 • www.merchantsbank.com

With competitive rates and local servicing, we’re the right bank for their next home. Contact us.

Green Rules to Live By For REALTORS®

Listen to clients as they go through the home. If they see a better choice for energy efficiency that

is also a healthy choice, make a suggestion and then listen to their response.

– DIXIE W., BERRIEN SPRINGS, MI, GREEN Source: NAR - The Little Green Book - Green Rules to Live by for REALTORS®

REALTOR® Fair Housing DeclarationEqual Opportunity in housing is still not a reality for many people. This goal will not be achieved until we have a housing market which is free from discriminatory preferences and which respects, understands and welcomes cultural diversity. To this end, each real estate professional in our community must take a positive approach and practice our profession in keeping with the letter and the spirit of fair housing law.

Accordingly, I agree to:• Provide equal professional service without regard to the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status,

national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity of any prospective client, customer, or of the residents of any community.

• Keep informed about fair housing law and practices.

• Develop, implement and document fair housing policies and practices for my firm which demonstrate my commitment to provide equal professional services to all.

• Develop and use advertising that is free from discriminatory preferences, limitations and exclusions, and that reflects my fair housing policies and practices.

• Inform my clients and customers about their rights and responsibilities under the fair housing laws by providing brochures and other information.

• Refuse to tolerate non-compliance with fair housing law.

Need Information?Check out the Association Web Site at www.larawebsite.com for an update on Asso-ciation activities, membership information, professional standards forms, online MLS Profile Sheets, Open House online form and so much more.

Vol. 39 No. 7 • April 2018 River City RealtoR®

11Member News

President is Spokesperson for the OrganizationIt 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.

Do you get our Facebook posts?We now have 464 Fans on our Facebook page. Are you one of them? Go to Facebook and in your search bar enter La Crosse Area REALTORS® Association and “Like Us.” You will receive notices of Association activities, news, updates, education programs and photos! Please join in the fun. We would love to have you as our follower. What a great way to stay in touch with your Association!

We Are Now On Instagram!The La Crosse Area REALTORS® Assocition is now posting on Instagram! Search “lacrosserealtors” and follow us. We will be posting photos and videos to keep you updated on what is happening in our Association. Join in the fun!

At Home With Diversity (AHWD) CertificationThe industry is changing, which means you must change with it! The At Home With Diversity (AHWD) educational experience is designed to present a picture of the changing face of the industry. REALTORS® who adapt to increasing cultural diversity and wisely plan to meet the needs of diverse clients gain a competitive edge and expand opportunities.

The AWHD gives you the ability to:

• Assess and understand attributes of diversity in local markets and associated impacts on the real estate industry.

• Build a business plan and selling strategy to successfully service all client profiles.

• Understand basic competencies to earn the confidence of potential buyers and sellers, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, handicaps, familial status or national origin.

AHWD addresses the topics of diversity, fair housing and business planning development that is designed to present a picture of the changing face of the real estate industry. Visit: https://www.nar.realtor/designations-and-certifications/at-home-with-diversity.

12 Member News

National Association of Realtors® Unveils New Brand and Mark for First Time in 45 Years NAR announced it has evolved the REALTOR® logo after 45 years to better represent our multi-faceted organization. The REALTOR® trademark is the visual embodiment of our brand, which has tremendous brand equity.

NAR will begin integrating the new logo in early June. At that time members should reference usage guidelines and begin implementing the new REALTOR® logo. Please visit NAR.realtor/brand to view the new logos, a short animation of the evolution of the iconic REALTOR® logo and FAQs which will provide more specific details on how and when to implement the new branding in your businesses.

Your WRA membership includes free access to a toll-free technical support team to assist you with technical issues related to PC and Mac-based systems, smartphones and more. You can access the service from anywhere by simply providing your WRA member identification number. The new WRA Tech Helpline will help you keep your office running smoothly! One to two calls into the WRA Tech Helpline could pay for membership in itself versus hiring a local technician.

WRA Tech Helpline: Call toll-free at 866-610-7997 Email: [email protected]: chat.techhelpline.com

Helpline hours and featuresMonday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Central Time) Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Central Time) (The WRA Tech Helpline hours are subject to change without notice. )

• Instruction for installing and configuring new hard-ware and software.

• Diagnosis and repair of computer hardware and soft-ware issues.

• Advice for purchasing hardware, software and ser-vices.

• Basic instruction with major software applications.• Recommendations for upgrades and updates.• Advice for performance optimization.• Troubleshooting network issues.• No limits on the number of calls.• Experienced, reliable, professional and courteous

assistance.

Join the REALTOR® PartyIt is time to put partisan politics behind us and work with leaders on both sides of the aisle who are fighting to keep the American dream of homeownership alive.

Mail/Email/ or bring form & check or credit card to: La Crosse Area REALTORS Association., 111 6th St. S., La Crosse, WI 54601, Fax: 608-785-7742, Phone: 608-785-7744 or [email protected]

REGISTRATION FORM - WI COURSES 1 & 2

La Crosse Area REALTORS® Association Presents:

2017-2018 Wisconsin Real Estate Continuing Education

WI CE Courses A: New Construction and C: Financing

April 23,2018 Total - 6 Hours WI CE Credit / 6 Hours MN CE

Credit Instructor - Atty. Jonathan Sayas

Where: Cedar Creek 2600 Cedar Creek Ln. Onalaska, WI 54650 When: April 23, 2018 Time: 8:00 - 8:30 Registration, Bagels & Coffee 8:30 - 11:30 Course A and Exam 11:30 - 12:15 Hot Lunch Served 12:15 - 3:15 Course C and Exam

Check-in opens 30 minutes before class. Please be on time. Those arriving late will not be permitted in class.

Cost: Member - $68.00 Non-Member- $78.00 Includes 6 hours of WI CE (also approved for 6 HRS MN credits),

Bagels, English Muffins and Coffee. Hot lunch (see lunch menu) & Soda/Cookie Break

Lunch Menu: Garlic Herb Chicken Breast over Rice Pilaf, Vegetable Blend, Italian Salad Bowls and Dinner Roll

One Course Member - $54.00 (No Lunch) Only: Non-Member - $64.00 (No Lunch)

There are no refunds for cancellations after April 16, 2018 or for

No-Shows.$10 late fee if registering after.

Sign up today and support your local Association!

About the Instructor: Jonathan M. Sayas serves as Wisconsin underwriting counsel for Stewart Title Guaranty Company. Jonathan received his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University in Indiana and is licensed to practice before all courts in the state of Wisconsin and U.S. Federal District Court—East District of Wisconsin.

Course A - New Construction

Gives licensees an overview of the new construction process from negotiating the purchase to curing construction issues.

Considers the role licensees play in negotiating the purchase of new construction for buyers, and it also provides instruction on public and private land use controls such as zoning and architectural approval boards that influence and control new construction.

Reviews the use of approved forms and which forms licensees should and should not be using through the new construction process.

This elective explores the financial side of new construction including construction loans and lien law.

Topics also include occupancy permits, inspections, basic construction information, insurance and the role of the title company.

NAME: _____________________________________________________________________________ FIRM NAME: _____________________________________________________________________ Please Check One: Do you need MN CE? [ ] YES [ ] NO Please Check One: [ ] COURSE A ONLY [ ] COURSE C ONLY [ ] BOTH COURSES AMT. ENCLOSED: $_____________________ Check #_______________________

To pay by credit card, complete & sign below (We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express): Card : ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ Exp: _______/_______ CVV Number: _____________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Address where credit card statement is mailed City, State, & Zip Signature (required for charges): _________________________________________________________________

[ ] Please check here if you require special services or DIETARY NEEDS. Please attach a description of needs.

Course C– Financing:

Focuses on the variety of ways in which a buyer finances a transaction and associated federal and state laws that regulate financing programs.

Considers the financing contingencies in the offers to purchase and how cash offers are addressed in the approved forms.

Reviews various loan programs including USDA Rural Develop-ment financing and other government financing programs.

Explores federal regulations governing the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure under TRID and their effect on closing procedures.

Discusses alternate transfers including exchanges and lease-with-option transactions.

Topics also include seller financing, the SAFE Act, RESPA, and closing documents for buyers and sellers.

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Coffee, Bagels, and Muffins

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Judy Gull, President/LARA will moderate a panel of experts (see below) that will provide tools & resources for REALTORS® when working with elders as they transition into Senior Housing.

Cheryl Neubauer - Supervisor - Adult Protective Services (APS)

Adult Protective Services is a program that helps address the safety of La Crosse County’s vulnerable residents when there may be a situation involving abuse, neglect or financial exploitation. Its function is to address issues of potential abuse or neglect for elders and adults-at-risk in circumstances where the person may not be able to look out for their own safety due to their health condition or disability.

Heidi Eglash - Attorney

Heidi is an attorney and shareholder at the law firm of Johns, Flaherty & Collins, SC in La Crosse. She will discuss the legal planning aspects associated with seniors moving to independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing commu-nities.

Peggy Herbeck - Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of La Crosse County

ADRCs offer the general public a single source of information and assistance on issues affecting elders and people with disabilities regardless of their income. They are a great resource for accurate, unbiased information. They can provide information about all of the options available and help the person to select the best solution to meet long term care needs.

Tina Antony - Outreach and Housing Coordinator for Spring book Community of Onalaska

Tina has helped numerous families navigate the muddy waters of trying to move their aging parents out of their long-term homes and into a safer, more comfortable living situation. She will share community resources that have been helpful in assisting senior citizens and their family members make the relocation to more appropriate housing environ-ments

Thursday, May 10, 2018 Moving into Senior Housing: Adapting the Old,

Embracing the New

RSVP REQUIRED!

Please contact La Crosse Area REALTORS® Association

Phone: 608-785-7744

Email: [email protected]

If you are flying a Drone for Commercial reasons (such as taking photos) the FAA requires you to obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. In addition if your drone weighs between 0.55lbs

and 55lbs the FAA requires all drone owners to register each Drone. Our speaker, Mr. Torp will provide education on this process. Please join us for an educational opportunity to gain the

knowledge about Drones to avoid civil and criminal penalties.

In addition, this is an opportunity to check out the remodel at our Airport!

Please call the Association Office to reserve your seat for this Educational Coffee!

608-785-7744

MLS COFFEE Use of Drones, What Does the FAA

Require?

Where: La Crosse Regional Airport

(Conference Room)

2850 Airport Rd

La Crosse, WI 54603

When: Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - Coffee

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. - Program

FREE Speaker Clinton Torp, C.M.

Airport Director