April 2023 - VOLUME 28 - NUMBER 4 | |
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Networking Happy Hour
Thursday, April 20
3:30-5:30pm
Thirsty Goat, Fitchburg
Register Now
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Southwest Chapter
Bowling & Networking
Thursday, April 27
5:00-6:30pm
Midway Lanes, Mineral Point
Register Now
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SafeShowings Safety
App Demo
Thursday, May 4
9:30-10:00am
Virtual/Zoom
Register Now
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Brewers Trip
Wednesday, May 10
9:45am-5:00pm
Milwaukee, WI
SOLD OUT!
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Sauk Columbia Chapter Safety Training
Tuesday, May 23
1:00-3:00pm
Lake Delton Fire Department
Save the Date
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MLS Bagels & Banter
with Patty Stuard
Thursday, May 25
9:00-11:00am
WRA Education Center
Save the Date
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President's Message: Fair Housing Month
Melissa Bjerke Markgraf
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Happy April! Spring is finally here! April is that month of transition... snow, showers, 80 degree days, and then maybe more snow.
April is also Fair Housing Month. Each year, REALTORS® commemorate the passage of the 1968 Civil Rights Act. April 11th marks the 55th Anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson signing the Legislation. Title VIII of the Act is known as the "Fair Housing Act", prohibiting discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, (and as amended) handicap and family status, and is represented in the REALTORS® Code of Ethics.
RASCW is committed to protect home ownership rights for all and works to build inclusive communities. Click here to explore resources aimed at engaging you in the education, personal growth, and work needed to achieve fair housing in our communities. Please also watch our social media platforms for additional fair housing information throughout the month.
One activity is the free online NAR Fairhaven Fair Housing Simulation, which builds awareness of fair housing issues. Members who complete this training in April will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card!
As REALTORS® we make a difference in our communities. Let's continue that work to have healthy, vibrant communities for all. Enjoy the April showers this month knowing that the May flowers are not far behind!
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Professional Development Lender Panel Recording | | |
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If you missed it live, grow your knowledge of financing options by watching this recording of a panel discussion on "Understanding Financing Options Beyond the 30-Year Fixed" with area lending professionals offered by the Professional Development Committee. Topics discussed include ARM Options, Buy Downs, Bridge Loans, Government Loans, and more. A big thanks to the panelists who shared their experience and knowledge! | |
RASCW Announces New Staff Member | |
RASCW is pleased to announce our newest team member, Tanja Washburn, as the Director of Operations. Tanja comes to us from Rinehart Targets in Wisconsin, where she has worked for the past seven years in multiple roles spanning sales, operations, and process management. Prior to that she worked for the state of Arizona, developing relationships with numerous agencies, managing over 800 volunteer instructors, and building public and private partnerships. We are excited to have her join our team, and hope that you come by and introduce yourself soon. | |
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Home Buyers Round Table Down Payment Assistance Presentations | |
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The Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County recently held their annual Down Payment Assistance trainings for Realtors® and Lenders. If you missed it, check out these presentation materials to learn about the current state of housing in Dane County, available area down payment assistance programs, and how to use Addendum DPA. You’ll come away with valuable information to share with your home buyers and sellers.
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Good Neighbor Award Recipient: Julie Spencer-Klemm | |
RASCW knows community is everything to our members, and that everyday acts of kindness are part of who you are. To shine the spotlight on our members’ commitment to service, we offered the RASCW Good Neighbor Award for a second year and last fall collected nominations for members who are making a difference. The award was a donation to a local nonprofit organization of the recipients' choosing. One of this year's recipients, Julie Spencer-Klemm, has always been involved in her community, but her true passion is SJS Cancer Support Team, which is a nonprofit that supports individuals and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis in the broad Baraboo area. Watch the video below to hear Julie share a bit about her organization, its mission, and her involvement. Watch also for future videos of our other recipients, and for information on when we'll be accepting nominations for the third round of Good Neighbor Awards later this year! | |
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Through our Member Spotlight Series, RASCW highlights members and shares their stories to help empower others to successfully pursue a real estate career and be an engaged member of our industry. If you'd like to be considered for one of our Member Spotlights, click here to complete the questionnaire.
Our April Spotlight is Ashley Lynch, a Realtor® with Castle Rock Realty. Ashley has been in real estate for almost two years after working for seven years as a middle school math teacher. Ashley enjoys the flexibility and variety that comes with working in real estate, and suggests that those new to the industry say “yes” as much as they can, but also set boundaries for themselves and their families to maintain work-life balance. Click here for Ashley's complete spotlight!
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Save the Date for the 2023 Commercial Real Estate Summit | |
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It’s time to mark your calendars and share the word: RASCW’s Commercial Real Estate Summit is back on June 22, 2023 at the Concourse Hotel in Madison! The session will include fantastic speakers followed by professional networking with food and drink. Topics will include:
- Business and Commercial Economic Update
- New Development Opportunities in the City of Madison
- Political Updates
- Wisconsin Law and Policy
The “new” second day will be split into two courses to help guide those interested in expanding their career to commercial real estate:
- Intro to Commercial Real Estate
- Crunch Time: Help your Customers “Crunch the Numbers”
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REALTOR® & Government Day | |
Have your voice heard! Register here now to attend REALTOR® & Government Day on April 26 for the chance to meet with state lawmakers to advocate for issues that impact the local real estate industry, homeownership, and property rights. Your presence, voice, and active support are vital to successfully shaping and advocating for laws that will positively impact our industry in Wisconsin. | |
Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County | |
Are you working with buyers you think would benefit from learning more about the home buying process? Click here to read about the Home Buyers Round Table (HBRT), which provides expert information and resources to help individuals successfully navigate the Road to Home Ownership. Participation in one of their free Homebuyer Education Workshops also qualifies attendees for available Down Payment Assistance programs. Please reach out to HBRT with any questions! | |
March 2023 Membership Updates | Click Image Above for Larger View | |
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Self-Care Corner
Maintaining work-life balance and a positive sense of well-being can be a challenge in real estate. Check out this information on how to find balance, be healthy, and meet both your personal and professional goals:
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Click Above for Asking Lease Rates | |
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