Gadgets - Wisconsin REALTORS® Association

Transcription

PUBLIC POLICY FORUM
BEST OF LEGAL HOTLINE
New legislation would enhance
WHEDA’s home lending capacity.
What are the legal implications of
technological innovation?
October 2005
$5.00
A PUBLICATION OF THE WISCONSIN REALTORS® ASSOCIATION
TM
NEWS.WRA.ORG
10
Hot
Technology
Gadgets
for Your Wish List!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Special inaugural edition of
Wisconsin Home Magazine from the
Wisconsin HOMEOWNERS Alliance.
YO U R S O U R C E F O R T H E L AT E S T R E A L E S TAT E N E W S
Join the
winning
team.
Everyone knows it takes just the right players to make a great
team. That’s why RE/MAX is the leader in the real estate
game. We’re the organization built by top performers, for top
performers—and the natural next step for anyone serious
about reaching new goals and new heights.
You’ve already come so far. Why not take your game to the
next level with RE/MAX? After all, you know there’s only one
thing to do when you’ve achieved your goals. Set new ones.
For franchise opportunities, call 800.878.8138
or visit our booth at the WRA Convention.
Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results.
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Each office independently owned and operated.
WISCONSIN REAL
REAL ESTATE
ESTATE MAGAZINE
MAGAZINE
WISCONSIN
THE OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
PUBLICATION OF
OF THE
THE WISCONSIN
WISCONSIN REALTORS
REALTORS®® ASSOCIATION
ASSOCIATION
THE
OCTOBER
2005
MARCH
2004
VOL. 20,
22, NO.
NO. 71
VOL.
Contents
FEATURES
COVER
11
Cut the Cables! Are You Using Wi-Fi?
16
Want to Go Paperless?
Consider These E-commerce Issues
If you’re not already into Wi-Fi, now’s the time to jump in.
This article gives you the basic information you need to go
wireless.
Going to a paperless transaction is legally feasible, but the tools
needed are still being developed. Here are some ways to start
eliminating paper.
21
State to Enhance Home Lending Capacity
Legislation to expand WHEDA’s programs and increase its
home-lending capacity is starting to move through the
legislative process and is supported by the WRA.
ARTICLES
10
Hot
Technology
Gadgets for
Your Wish
This
month’s
List!
focus
is
4
Spotlight on … Jeff Kitchen
17
Our REALTOR® Spotlight this month
features the new WRA Chairman of
the Board, Jeff Kitchen. Find out
Jeff’s views on the WRA, the WHA,
technology and leadership.
13
E-mail Etiquette
What is a “twindominium?” The term
is confusing to REALTORS® and
consumers. Be sure to identify the
legal status of any duplex property
you list or help buy.
18
on
review of the top gadgets.
Education and Products
Management Conference, Appraisal
CE, Real Estate CE, QuickStart, and
Broker and Sales Prelicense are just a
few of the upcoming WRA educational
offerings.
We have certain expectations for
behavior when we’re talking to
people. The same is true for online
communication. Here are some
pointers.
technology. Get started with a
Twindominiums … Duplex Condos
or Zero-Lot-Line Duplexes?
Review this list and we’re sure
you’ll find several you’d like to
add to your holiday wish list!
7
14
Best of the Legal Hotline –
Technology
Check here for legal angles on
technology, including videotaping,
electronic record keeping, copyright,
domain names, and more.
WISCONSIN REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2005
24
New Pier Rules to be Applied
Retroactively
The DNR has completed the final
draft of new administrative rules
regarding piers, and
many
waterfront property owners will
have to pay pier permit fees.
1
Real Estate
n o t e s
f r o m
t h e
w r a
Wisconsin Real Estate MagazineTM is published by the
WISCONSIN REALTORS ASSOCIATION.
®
Trademark issued pursuant to Wisconsin state statute; federal trademark is pending.
Jeff Kitchen, CRS, GRI, Chairman
[email protected]
Roger Rushman, Chairman-Elect
[email protected]
2005
AwardWinners
Presented at the WRA 2005 Annual Convention, the WRA is
pleased to announce the following recipients ...
Mike Spranger, Treasurer
[email protected]
William E. Malkasian, CAE, President
[email protected]
Editorial Staff
William E. Malkasian
Publisher
Robert Uhrina
Managing Editor
Distinguished Service Awards
Terry O’Connor
Publication Editor
Nicole Breithaupt
Graphic Design & Layout
Kitty Jedwabny, CRB, CRS
Coldwell Banker, The Real Estate Group
Instructor of the Year
Margery Chapman, EVP
REALTORS® Association of Northeast Wisconsin
Lois Rosewitz, CRS, GRI
Schmit Realty
CRS Chapter Member of the Year
Wisconsin Real Estate Magazine, USPS 597-850,
ISSN 1548-0526, is published monthly by the
WISCONSIN REALTORS® ASSOCIATION, 4801 Forest Run
Road, Ste. 201, Madison, WI 53704. Periodical postage
paid in Madison, WI and additional
mailing offices. An annual subscription rate of $5 is
included in membership dues and a copy is mailed
to every paid REALTOR® and affiliate member of
the association. Nonmember subscription rate: $60.
POSTMASTER: please send address changes to the
WISCONSIN REALTORS® ASSOCIATION, 4801 Forest Run
Rd. Ste. 201, Madison WI 53704-7337
Permission to reprint or quote any material from this
issue is hereby granted, provided the Wisconsin Real
Estate Magazine is given proper credit in all articles
or commentaries, and the WISCONSIN REALTORS®
ASSOCIATION is provided with a copy of any reprint.
Advertising of third party products and services herein
does not imply endorsement by the WRA unless specifically stated. Furthermore, the WRA does not endorse,
approve, or otherwise warrant the accuracy or legality
of any information or content contained in advertisements. Any questions regarding advertising policies
should be directed toward the editor.
Cori Moore Lamont
Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
Guy Lofts, ABR, CRS, GRI
Keller Williams Realty
Nominating Committee Seeks Candidates
Are you interested in serving in a leadership
role for your state association? The WRA
Nominating Committee is seeking candidates for the positions of chairman-elect and
2
treasurer. The application is now available
from the WRA Web site or by contacting
Sandy Bolgrihn at [email protected]. The application deadline is December 30, 2005.
Contact Us:
4801 Forest Run Rd., Suite 201
Madison, WI, 53704-7337
(608) 241-2047 • (800) 279-1972
legal hotline: (608) 242-2296 • (800) 799-4468
general fax: (608) 241-2901
products/education fax: (608) 241-5168
legal hotline fax: (608) 242-2279
president fax: (608) 242-2267
[email protected] www.wra.org
Inside
F
Bill Malkasian
WRA President
irst of all, I’d like to thank everyone
for the most successful convention
in WRA history! Almost 1,800 real
estate professionals and guests attended,
not counting the exhibitors. The designation
courses we offered were filled to capacity.
It was a great convention and I’d like to
thank the local boards, local board executive
officers, and the convention committee for
helping to make it a great success.
By now you’ve noticed the publication
polybagged with this month’s edition of
Wisconsin Real Estate Magazine. Last month
I promised you the first of four editions of
Wisconsin Home magazine, a publication of the
new Wisconsin HOMEOWNERS Alliance.
During 2005-2006 you’ll receive four editions
– in October, January, April, and July.
The WHA is an entity separate from the WRA
with its own board of seven directors:
Jeff Kitchen, President
Century 21 Affiliated, Beaver Dam
Bill Malkasian, Secretary/Treasurer
WRA
Roger Rushman, Director
First Weber Group, REALTORS®, Delafield
Terry Hilgenberg, Director
Coldwell Banker Hilgenberg, Shawano
Matt Miller, Director
Stark Company, REALTORS®, Fitchburg
Kitty Jedwabny, Director
Coldwell Banker The RE Group, Appleton
John Flor, Director
Six Lakes Realty, Chetek
Last summer we held a number of focus groups
with agents to help us develop content for
Wisconsin Home magazine. We will continue to
do more agent, broker and public focus groups
to gather feedback to keep the publication
news.wra.org
the wra
with Bill Malkasian
filled with current, relevant information for
homeowners. This magazine is designed
for YOU to both market yourself and, more
importantly, to market the issues important
to your customers. Please read the detailed
instructions that came with the magazine
explaining how you can effectively use these
materials with clients and customers.
This month, the emphasis of Wisconsin Real
Estate Magazine is technology. Each year
the WRA, in cooperation with the National
Association of REALTORS® (NAR), does an
extensive survey of homebuyers and sellers
in Wisconsin. Last year’s survey showed
that consumers understand technology and
demand that real estate professionals be
proficient with it as well. Over 70 percent
of the people we polled look on the Internet
for homes and begin a relationship with a
REALTOR® through e-mail.
The message is loud and clear. Since customers
drive our business, it only makes sense that
REALTORS® be at least as proficient with
technology as their customers. The articles in
this issue can help bring you up to speed with
technology. We hope you enjoy the issue.
The WRA is participating in the NAR
Convention in San Francisco October 28-31.
December 13-14 is the WRA Management
Conference in Pewaukee for brokers/owners.
This is a great opportunity for brokers/owners
to enhance their leadership skills through
workshops featuring top presenters in the real
estate industry.
The last action of the 2005 WRA Board was to
donate $18,000 ($1 per member) to the disaster
relief fund for Hurricane Katrina. I know
many of you have also donated privately, and
I thank you for your generosity.
Sincerely,
Bill Malkasian, WRA President
3
spotlight on...
Jeff Kitchen
Jeffrey C. Kitchen, CRS, GRI, Chairman
J
eff Kitchen is the 2005-2006 WRA chairman of the board.
Jeff is broker/owner of Century 21 Affiliated in Beaver
Dam. He began his real estate career in 1974. Following are
his thoughts on goals for the WRA and the WHA, technology,
and becoming a leader in the industry.
Q
: What are your goals for the upcoming year as
chairman of the WRA board?
A: We need to involve our members in the smaller offices around
the state. It’s something we’ve talked about for a long time as an
organization, but now it’s time to take a proactive role. Of the
3,600 offices that are members of the WRA, 1,100 are single-person
offices. Members in small offices can’t necessarily take time out to
drive around the state to committee meetings, but this is where
our electronic resources come into play. Many committees are
meeting once or twice in person, and conducting the rest of their
business through the Internet and other electronic means.
Beyond that change, I don’t have a lot of grandiose plans for the
WRA. My general feeling is “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” The
organization runs very smoothly, and I plan to fine-tune processes
as needed, and address any issues that need my attention.
Q
: You will also be serving as president of the board
of the new Wisconsin HOMEOWNERS Alliance
(WHA) in the upcoming year. What are your
thoughts on the WHA?
A: The WHA is a great idea, and I think it has the potential to be
bigger than any of us originally planned for. I want to make the
WHA the “go-to” organization in the state for property owners
to get advice on property rights questions or issues. As a nonpartisan, issues-based organization, it has the potential to be that
big.
Q
: How do you envision using the new Wisconsin
Home magazine and other WHA materials?
A: The WHA materials will help REALTORS® brand themselves.
Although it’s available electronically, I think it’s important to get
4
hard copies of the magazine out there, because consumers will
keep it and use it as a reference. When people find out what the
WHA is all about, more and more of them will see it as a tool they
can use, and as an organization they can count on.
Q
: Since this issue of the magazine focuses on
technology, can you tell me what has been the
biggest impact of technology on your business?
A: We’re becoming a computer-generated society. In our office we
have eight sales associates, six of whom have a computer on their
desk. It’s a significant investment in technology for our office, but
it hasn’t reduced the cost of doing business or the work our sales
associates have to do. But we couldn’t live without it because in
this day and age we can’t get the information fast enough without
it. Our customers are also better educated about our industry and
they want information NOW! Many have already seen properties
on the Internet that they’re interested in before they walk through
our door, so that saves some time.
Q
: What is your advice to those who want to follow in
your path and become a leader with the WRA?
A: If you want to start slowly, start at the local level and learn how
everything works. There’s availability on most of the committees at
the state level right now, where you can get an even better picture
of how the whole process works. It takes time to learn it all, so you
need to have some time available, but it’s well worth it.
Q
: What have been the advantages of being a leader
with the WRA?
A: It’s hard to quantify what it’s done for my business, but I can say
that by virtue of your involvement your visibility goes up, and your
business increases depending on what you do with that visibility.
When you’re active in the local, state and national associations,
you’re at the CUTTING edge rather than the TRAILING edge of
our industry. When people find out about your involvement the
phone rings because people have questions, and they look to you
for the answers.
RAFFLE
Winners
The WRA congratulates the following
winners in the 2005 WRA Annual
Convention raffle ...
First Place
Fourth Place
Mike Fisher
RE/MAX Elite, Kenosha, WI
$7,500
Sue Decker
Century 21 GoldKey, Marshfield, WI
$2,000
Second Place
Fifth Place
Jim Imhoff
First Weber Group, Madison, WI
1-carat Solitaire Diamond
Pendant
Peggy Kman
Van Hollen Realty, Iron River, WI
14K Woman’s Reversible
Omega Chain
Third Place
Sixth Place
Bob Lombardo
Greendale, WI
Caribbean Cruise for Two
Andrew Szymanzky
Keefe Real Estate, East Troy, WI
Woman’s Alexandrite
and Diamond Ring
Seventh Place
Roger Rivard
Coldwell Banker Brenizer, Rice Lake, WI
Men’s Seiko Chronograph Watch
SM
T H E P O S S I B I L I T Y O F LO S I N G A J O B S H O U L D N ’ T
B E S O M E T H I N G YO U R C L I E N TS LO S E S L E E P OV E R .
H o m e O p e n e r s w i t h u n e m p l oy m e n t p ro te c t i o n
h e l p s yo u r c l i e n t s fe e l m o re s e c u re .
SM
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©2005 Genworth Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. Genworth, Genworth Financial and the Genworth logo are service marks of
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available in all states.
10 Hot Technology
Gadgets for Your Wish List!
BY ROB UHRINA
S
o, the holidays are just around the corner. If you could ask for
10 gadgets, what would they be? If you’re a gadget geek like
me, there’s always something newer, better and more versatile.
Below is our “Top 10 List” of technology products for the 2005 holiday
season.
1. Smartphones
Smartphones combine the functionality of a cell phone, wireless e-mail, a
digital camera and a Web browser ALL into one device – complete with
an integrated keyboard and a full-color touch screen. Small enough to fit
in the palm of your hand, these Star-Trek-like devices streamline your
mobile communications by reducing the number of tools you need to
carry with you each day. Three popular choices are Palm Inc.’s Treo 650™,
Research in Motion’s BlackBerry 7520™, and HP’s iPAQ 6515. All models
include wireless applications such as e-mail, text messaging and an
integrated Web browser. Standard phone features such as speakerphone,
caller ID, phone book, calendar and task lists can be synchronized with
Microsoft Outlook. Treo and iPAQ models also include audio, video and
MP3 playback.
2. Wireless Broadband Internet Cards
Burned out on your attempts to find good Wi-Fi hotspots to connect
to the Internet? Now you can connect from anywhere using a wireless
broadband card. Whether you need a connection from your car, hotel
room or customer site, it’s just like owning a 56K dial-up modem, but 50
times faster and with “no wires.” You should consider two components
when shopping for a wireless broadband card. First, consider the card
itself, which allows your computer to communicate with local cellular
towers. Second, you need a wireless plan from a national service
provider, such as Verizon, Sprint/Nextel or Cingular, to get the service.
Monthly plans start as low as $60 per month. However, not all cellular
towers are equipped for hi-speed broadband connectivity, particularly in
boundaries and remote areas. Be sure to check your coverage area before
making an investment.
1
2
10 Hot Technology Gadgets ... continued on page 8
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10 Hot Technology Gadgets ... continued from page 7
3. USB Flash Drives
Flash drives are the ultimate in high-speed portable data storage. They can
hold as much data as 1,000 floppy disks and are functional enough to fit on
the end of your keychain. How do they work? Flash drives plug right into
your computer’s USB port and are instantly recognized as removable hard
drives. Simply plug them in, copy files over and take your data with you
anywhere. No more e-mailing large files back and forth from work, burning
CDs or dealing with confusing cables. Best of all, flash drives are the most
cost-effective devices on our list, starting at $20. Want more storage? Check
out USB pocket hard drives. These powerful hard drives can hold up to
5GB of data and, like flash drives, are quick and small enough to fit in your
pocket.
4. GPS Receivers
Not actual size of gadgets.
Also known as Global Positioning Systems, these in-car companions help you
plot the quickest route to your destination using satellite technology to map
out your precise course. GPS receivers are not only powerful on the road,
but they are simple to use. You select the destination and they navigate the
course. Best of all, you can visually track your progress toward a destination
with street-level detail. Two popular models are DeLorme’s Earthmate® and
Magellan’s RoadMate™. Both support voice navigation and provide turnby-turn voice prompts so you can keep your eyes on the road while driving.
Magellan’s RoadMate™ also includes a full-color screen with backlit display
and touch screen.
3
8
4
Technology
5. Power Inverters
Losing power to your gadgets
on the road is more than just an
inconvenience – it’s downright
frustrating. Let’s face it. Batteries
don’t last forever and they always
seem to fizzle out when you don’t
have an outlet. Instead of buying in-car
chargers for everything you own, save
your money and pick up a power inverter
for under $80. A power inverter takes standard DC
power from your car’s cigarette lighter and converts it into threeprong AC power that you can use to charge your mobile devices
when you are on the road. When shopping for a power inverter, be
sure to match up the power requirements of your mobile devices to
the continuous power delivered by the inverter. If a power inverter
does not deliver the continuous power needed by your mobile
devices, they will fail to function properly.
5
6. Wireless Hotspot Detectors
Pocket-sized Wi-Fi detectors allow you to detect wireless networks
with just a click of a button. No more walking through hotel
lobbies and parking lots with your laptop booted up to find a good
signal. When shopping for a Wi-Fi detector, keep in mind
all Wi-Fi detectors are not created equal. Wi-Fi detectors
typically detect hotspots and signal strength. However,
many do not tell you whether a signal is from a secure
(encrypted/locked) network or open (public) network.
By investing in a Wi-Fi detector that indicates both
signal strength and encryption status, you won’t
have to drag out your laptop to test a signal.
For a technical roundup of Wi-Fi detectors, visit
www.handtops.com/show/news/68.
7. Laser Measuring Devices
Have a new listing and need to measure your
rooms quickly? Retire the old metal tape measure
and upgrade to laser technology. New pocketsized laser measuring devices take measurements
fast. Simply aim a laser pointer, press a button,
and like magic you have an instant measurement.
Calculated Industries’, Laser Dimension Master®
offers an easy- to-use solution, complete with a
digital readout of distances in feet and inches. You
can use it to measure the length of a room or as a
laser pointer for presenting key features out of
reach. The unit also includes error checking and
measures distances of up to 50 feet with 99 percent
accuracy.
6
7
10 Hot Technology Gadgets ...
continued on page 10
9
Technology
10 Hot Technology Gadgets ... continued from page 9
8. Adobe® Photoshop® Elements
8
Own a digital camera, but don’t know how to digitally edit your photos?
Adobe® Photoshop® Elements is your all-in-one solution for making
photos look their best. Instantly click away flaws, remove unwanted
artifacts, enhance color, remove red eye, crop photos, apply effects,
adjust brightness and manage your photo collection electronically. Even
create a slideshow that can be e-mailed or posted on a Web site. This
industry-standard software sells for less than $100 and offers a modest
return, considering you’ll always want your photos and listings to look
like a million bucks. For a complete online product demonstration, visit
www.adobe.com/products/photoshopelwin.
9. HP Real Estate Marketing Assistant
9
10
10
You don’t need a design degree to create outstanding full-color marketing
literature. If you own a digital camera, a PC, and a color printer, HewlettPackard’s Real Estate Marketing Assistant will make you look like a pro.
Create flyers, direct-mail pieces, postcards, envelopes, business cards
and more – right on your PC. With a powerful set of publishing tools
and more than 600 professionally-designed templates, you can always
create your own look with just a few clicks. Visit www.hp.com/sbso/
solutions/real/ for a complete product demonstration.
10. Online E-mail Newsletter Web Sites
According to the 2004 National Association of REALTORS® Technology
Impact Survey Report, seven out of 10 buyers now use the Web to search
for a home. That means building awareness, trust and credibility with
your online prospects is critical since Web sites alone cannot turn your
visitors into customers. To address this problem, many REALTORS®
have turned to developing e-mail newsletters. Why e-mail? Because email is FREE, immediate and trackable. Today, several Web sites exist
to help you create your own e-mail newsletters. Pre-defined templates
– complete with content editing tools – allow you
to create your own look in minutes. Tools such
as e-mail list harvesting, distribution, response
rate tracking and opt-out management allow
you to control your process as well as monitor
results. Key services include subscribermail.com,
html-email-marketing.com, verticleresponse.com
and exacttarget.com. Pricing varies based on the
level and number of services you require.
Cut the Cables!
Are You Using Wi-Fi?
Wireless Networking is Getting Easier and More Affordable
for Everyone ...
BY MIKE ANTONIAK
Are You a Good Candidate for Wi-Fi?
Definitely. As a real estate professional, you spend a great deal
of time away from the office. And with the proliferation of Wi-Fi
“hot spots,” or wireless access points, you don’t have to sacrifice
your productivity just because you happen to be away from your
computer cables. Using a Wi-Fi-equipped notebook computer or
personal digital assistant (PDA), you can e-mail clients, check the
online MLS for the latest listings, or update your Web site from
any Wi-Fi hot spot.
Wi-Fi offers advantages for your home office, too: You can easily
move around your house as you work and share computer
resources—like printing and an Internet connection—among all
your technology devices that have an installed Wi-Fi network. At
your company office, you can enjoy the same benefits in a network
that’s no longer wired in place.
What to Know About Wi-Fi
The term Wi-Fi is short for Wireless Fidelity, which identifies
equipment and networks compatible with an international
standard known as IEEE 802.11. The standard defines how
equipment on a Wi-Fi network sends and receives data over radio
waves. Today, all Wi-Fi equipment complies with this standard
yet may operate at any or all of three different transmission rates
and frequencies: 802.11a, 802.11b, and the newest, 802.11g.
Most Wi-Fi networks already in place were built with 802.11b
components. If you buy Wi-Fi equipment today, however, look for
solutions approved for the newer “g” standard (also referred to as
“802.11g,” “Wireless-G,” or “Wi-Fi-G”). This equipment is fully
compatible with the 802.11b networks, but the Wi-Fi-G equipment
also can send and receive data at rates of up to 54 megabits per
second (Mbps), five times faster than 802.11b. That’s a capability
you’ll want when existing Wi-Fi networks and hot spots are
eventually upgraded to take advantage of the faster throughput,
or transmission rates, of 802.11g.
As a first step, decide what you require in Wi-Fi equipment. Every
device on a Wi-Fi network must be equipped with its own WiFi radio transmitter/receiver and antenna to communicate with
other devices on the network. Many hardware makers now build
Wi-Fi capability into their equipment or offer an easy upgrade
option. Check with the manufacturer.
Options for Upgrading
If your notebook computer or PDA isn’t equipped for Wi-Fi and
you’re not yet ready to trade them in, you can add Wi-Fi capability
with a wireless networking interface card or an external Wi-Fi
adapter. These adapters are available for desktop and laptop
computers, PDAs, and some printers and peripherals. Some
solutions to consider include the Viewsonic WPCI-100 with builtin radio and antenna, which slips into a PC or Flash media card
slot, or the Netgear Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter, which plugs into
your hardware’s USB port.
Once the adapter is installed and activated, you can connect to
a Wi-Fi network or communicate directly to other Wi-Fi-enabled
devices. To create your own network, you’ll also need a wireless
gateway, or access point with router, such as the High-Speed
Mode Wireless G Router from Belkin. An access point serves as
the hub of the wireless network and also can be used to add Wi-Fi
capabilities to a wired network. Plug your broadband modem into
the router, and you can share a single Internet connection among
several pieces of Wi-Fi-enabled equipment.
Setting Up Your Network
A wireless network should operate within a range of between
150 and 300 feet, but physical barriers such as walls and electrical
wiring can impede network performance. In that case, you can
place an additional base or relay station, such as the AirPlus G
Range Extender from D-Link Systems, elsewhere in your home
or office to optimize the wireless performance or extend the
network’s reach.
Cut the Cables ... continued on page 12
11
Cut the Cables ... continued from page 11
Since Wi-Fi operates on radio waves, when you send or receive
files or e-mail, you’re broadcasting your data. Unless you restrict
access to the network and encrypt your files, your activity could
be monitored or the wireless network accessed by anyone with
Wi-Fi-enabled equipment in the area.
All vendors build security features into their equipment, some
of it proprietary. For this reason, try to buy all your Wi-Fi
equipment from one vendor so compatibility is never an issue. To
protect your files and privacy, you must activate these security
features. In the past, setting the security features and restricting
access only to pre-approved devices was such a tedious chore
that many Wi-Fi users never enabled them, which left wireless
networks unprotected from potential hackers or viruses.
That’s why an announcement for SecureEasySetup from
Broadcom, Hewlett-Packard, and Linksys is such a welcome
development. SecureEasySetup reduces the steps involved in
configuring a secure Wi-Fi network, adding devices, and setting
security features to the touch of a single button. The three
companies believe SecureEasySetup will encourage more users
to enable Wi-Fi security features since the process will be less
time consuming.
After all, the price incentive is already there: For around $200
you can put together a basic Wi-Fi network and start to enjoy
the distinct advantages of wireless networking. So if you don’t
already use Wi-Fi, there shouldn’t be anything stopping you.
Mike Antoniak is a freelance journalist who writes frequently
on technology. He can be reached at [email protected].
Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of
the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright
2005. All rights reserved.
@
E-Mail Etiquette
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12
Quick Tips
Sending Attachments:
Users of most wireless devices don’t have the
software required to open an attachment such
as a Word document or spreadsheet.
Check Your Spelling:
To make sure your message isn’t compromised
by misspelled words, use your e-mail software’s
built-in spell checker.
E-mail etiquette may take time to learn. Don’t
let your fear of making mistakes inhibit you.
All Internet users were beginners at one
time, so most people are quite forgiving.
Written by Michael Lerner, Michael Lerner
Productions, www.learnthenet.com.
@
Etiquette
E-Mail
BY MICHAEL LERNER
W
hen we converse, we expect other people to observe
certain rules of behavior. The same is true online.
Here are a few pointers to help you communicate
more effectively.
Clearly summarize the contents of your message in
the subject line.
Avoid using all capital letters.
USING ALL CAPS MAKES IT LOOK LIKE YOU’RE SHOUTING!
IT’S ALSO MORE DIFFICULT TO READ.
Don’t write anything you wouldn’t say in public.
Properly titled messages help people organize and prioritize their
e-mail.
Anyone can easily forward your message, even accidentally. This
could leave you in an embarrassing position if you divulge personal
or confidential information. If you don’t want to potentially share
something you write, consider using the telephone.
Don’t use CC (Carbon Copy) to copy your message to
everyone.
Use a smiley to make sure that a statement is not
misunderstood.
Similarly, when responding to e-mail, do not respond to all
recipients. By choosing Reply to All or a similar button when
responding to a message, you may end up broadcasting your
response to your entire company.
Smileys should be used to support a statement. It’s rude to write
something mean or derogatory, then place a happy smiley at the
end of the sentence.
This is particularly true at work. These days everyone receives
too many e-mails. Unnecessary messages are annoying. If only a
few people really need to receive your message, only direct it to
them.
Use BCCs (Blind Carbon Copies) when addressing a
message that will go to a large group of people who
don’t necessarily know each other.
Just as it is not polite to give out a person’s telephone number
without his or her knowledge, it is not polite to give out someone’s
e-mail address. For instance, when you send an e-mail message to
30 people and use To or CC to address the message, all 30 people
see each other’s e-mail address. By using BCC, each recipient sees
only two–theirs and yours.
Keep your messages short and focused.
Few people enjoy reading on their computer screens; fewer still
on the tiny screens in cell phones, pagers and other mobile devices
that are becoming increasingly popular. Recipients tend to ignore
these long messages.
Smileys are typically used in personal e-mail and are not considered
appropriate for business. They should rarely be used in the office.
If your message needs a smiley for better understanding, most
likely you should not be delivering it via e-mail. Even with a
smiley, someone may misunderstand you.
Avoid sending e-mails to large numbers of people
unless you have a serious reason to do it.
E-mail broadcast to many recipients may be considered spam.
Nasty e-mails should also be avoided.
These messages have their own term: flame. Flame e-mail is an
insulting message designed to cause pain, as when someone “gets
burned.”
As a courtesy to your recipient, include your name at
the bottom of the message.
The message contains your e-mail address (in the header), but the
recipient may not know that the return address belongs to you,
especially if it is different from your real name.
For more tips, visit Emailreplies.com.
Also see article “Do You Understand and Follow E-Mail Etiquette?”
in the August issue of Wisconsin Real Estate Magazine.
13
Best of the Legal Hotline
Technology Issues
The following questions were asked of the Hotline
BY DEBBI CONRAD
Videotaping
Is there a statute or rule against licensees videotaping the
interior of a home?
No, this is really an issue that should be resolved between the
listing broker and the seller in the listing contract. Lines 114117 of the WB-1 listing contract state: “Seller acknowledges that
individual showings may be conducted by licensees other than
Broker, that appraisers and inspectors may conduct appraisals
and inspections without being accompanied by Broker or other
licensees and that buyers may photograph or videotape Property
unless otherwise provided for … ” In this day and age of virtual
tours and advanced technology, it would not seem unreasonable
for a licensee to want to videotape a home for sale.
Wis. Stat. § 895.50 does state a right of privacy, but it does not
appear to apply in this situation: “(1) The right of privacy is
recognized in this state. One whose privacy is unreasonably
invaded is entitled to the following relief …
(2) In this section “invasion of privacy” means any of the
following:
(a) Intrusion upon the privacy of another of a nature highly
offensive to a reasonable person, in a place that a reasonable
person would consider private or in a manner that is actionable
for trespass.
(b) The use, for advertising purposes or for purposes of trade,
of the name, portrait or picture of any living person, without
having first obtained the written consent of the person or, if the
person is a minor, of his or her parent or guardian.”
safeguarded. The broker must retain copies of documents and
correspondence related to transactions and trust account records
for three years. The three years runs from the date of the closing
or the date of listing or buyer agency agreement, if there was no
closed transaction. For tax audit and possible litigation purposes,
a longer holding period of at least six years is advisable.
Branch Office Supervision
A licensee can now operate a branch office without the on-site
presence of a broker but still under the broker’s supervision.
What is the procedure to do this?
Brokers are no longer required to have a full-time broker/manager
at each branch office. However, all REALTORS® must remember
that, “each broker shall supervise and is responsible for the acts of
any broker, salesperson or time-share salesperson employed by
the broker.”
The July 1, 2005 revisions to the broker supervision rules in
Chapter RL 17, in fact, have eliminated all references to branch
offices. The revisions address the timely and reasonable review
of documents, assisting agents with practice questions, and
the delegation of supervision duties. The new rules recognize a
broker’s ability to use technology to centralize some supervision
duties and the ability to delegate some elements of supervision to
non-licensees, for example, to delegate contract supervision to an
attorney or trust account supervision to an accountant.
Wis. Admin. Code § RL 15.04 regulates record retention and
does not prohibit electronic record retention. The company
may wish to work with technology specialists to assure that the
electronic copies are true and exact copies and will be sufficiently
With modern communication technology such as cell phones,
e-mail capabilities with PDFs, facsimile and webcasts, brokers
should be able to be immediately accessible for their agents
who have questions as well as have mechanisms for convenient
document review. Brokers should confer with their attorneys and
implement procedures to ensure sufficient supervision, guidance
and communication. The new broker supervision rules may be
found at www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/code/rl/rl017.pdf, and
are discussed in the June 2005 Broker Supervision Newsletter at
www.wra.org/pdf/online_publications/Broker_Supervision/
BSN062005.pdf.
14
Electronic Records
Does the company have to keep hard copies of offers, or can
they be kept electronically? How long must they be kept?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Technology Issues
Photograph Copyright
A REALTOR® took the photos for her listing and put them on the
MLS, in print advertising and on their personal web site. This
listing expired and the property was subsequently listed with
another agent in the office. The current listing agent is using
the REALTOR®’s photos on the MLS without her permission. Is
this copyright infringement? Is there anything the REALTOR®
can do to get her photos off of the other agent’s MLS listing?
The use of the REALTOR®’S photographs in the other agent’s
MLS listing may be regulated by office policy. It may be prudent
for the office broker to institute such a policy for the resolution of
future intra office disputes.
Generally, photographs may be copyrighted. See the article
from the June 2004 edition of REALTOR® Magazine at
www.realtor.org/rmomag.NSF/pages/lawjune04. Also visit
www.copyright.gov for information from the United States
Copyright Office. A party may seek to protect his or her copyrighted
photographs and other material against unauthorized use by filing
a civil lawsuit in federal district court. If the REALTOR® believes
that she has copyright rights that have been infringed, she may
consult an attorney.
Domain Name Selection
For some time now, a broker has had a web site and an email address that includes the term “REALTOR”. The broker
is a member of the “XYZ Team.” In all of their advertising
literature, business cards and mailings they have referred to
themselves as the XYZ Team, but that domain name was not
available so they bought the domain name “xyzrealtors.com”
to use for their web site. They have referenced “xyzrealtors” in
all of their marketing materials and published ads, including
their e-mail addresses, i.e. [email protected], and in
all correspondence. Recently it was brought to the broker’s
attention that they may not be authorized to use the term
“REALTOR” with the website or e-mail. If that’s the case, they
will need to change all of their materials, apply for a new
domain name for the website, redesign marketing pieces
used and create a new website. Is this correct?
1. The term REALTOR®, whether used as part of a domain name
or in some other fashion must refer to a member or a member’s
firm.
2. The term REALTOR® may not be used with descriptive words
or phrases. For example, Number1realtor.com, numberonerealtor.com, chicagorealtors.org and realtorproperties.com are all
incorrect.
3. For use as a domain name or e-mail address on the Internet the
term REALTOR® does not need to be separated from the member’s
name or firm name with punctuation. For example, both johndoerealtor.com and johndoerealtor.com are correct uses of the term
as a part of domain names and jdoe*[email protected]
and [email protected] are both correct uses of the
term as part of an e-mail address.
4. The public has adopted the use of all lower case letters when
writing domain names, even those containing trademarks.
Therefore, for purposes of domain names and Internet addresses
only, there is an exception to the rule on capitalization of the term
REALTOR® and it may appear in lower case letters.
For further discussion of these issues, the Membership Marks
Manual may be found online at:
www.realtor.org/letterlw.nsf/pages/trademarkmanual.
Audio-Taping
A seller has been taping voices at showings with no notice to
the brokers. Is this permissible?
Although there are rules that must be followed if the taped
conversations are to be used as evidence in court, the use of
recording devices is not per se illegal. The listing broker may wish
to give cooperating brokers notice of the seller’s taping activity.
15
Want to
Go Paperless
Here are Some E-commerce Issues to Consider
A
BY RICK STAFF
re you frustrated with the quality of fax
copies or itching to eliminate paper forms?
Going to a paperless transaction is legally
feasible, but the tools needed to put all the pieces
together smoothly and efficiently are still being
developed. With that said, Legal Update 04.09 and the
WRA’s e-commerce resource page (www.wra.org/
ecommerce) includes a full discussion of the state of
e-commerce law and practice in Wisconsin. If you
want the short version, however, here you go: (Note:
An electronic copy of the forms referred to below
can be found on the WRA E-Commerce REALTOR®
Resource page at www.wra.org/ecommerce.)
E-sign Consent
Wisconsin e-commerce law is subject to the federal esign consent requirement. The WRA has developed a
sample consent form designed so that WRA members
may incorporate it into their e-mails and place it on
their Web sites. If a broker anticipates that he and the
consumer in a transaction will use electronic agency
agreements/disclosure forms or electronic offers/
contracts, the broker will want to have the consumers in
the transaction consent in advance to the substitution
of electronic forms for written forms. The consumer
must give his or her consent via e-mail, on a Web
site, or in some other manner whereby the consumer
electronically accepts the broker’s disclosures and
approves the use of electronic documents. (Note: This
consent is not necessary if you are e-mailing a contract
that the consumer will print out and fax back.)
Electronic Signatures and Electronic Delivery
Signatures
Most of the documents that would be e-mailed in a real
estate transaction are documents in Adobe Acrobat
(PDF) format to be opened with “Acrobat Reader”
software. A consumer using Adobe Acrobat Reader
cannot alter PDF files – this limitation prevents a
consumer from adding a signature to the document.
Therefore, Section II of Addendum E provides an
opportunity for consumers to type their signatures into
the addendum – thus incorporating their signatures
into the accompanying real estate form.
16
Delivery
The WRA Addendum E– E-Documents – Signatures &
Delivery provides the approval to electronically deliver
documents to a specified e-mail address in section I of
the addendum. The form is used as an addendum to
the offer to purchase, listing contract or other document
that must be revised to allow for delivery by e-mail. The
form includes offers to purchase as a preprinted option,
but allows the insertion of listing contracts or any other
contract in need of electronic delivery language.
The Future – Electronic Platforms
Even though the real estate industry has been touting
“transaction platforms,” secure e-signatures and
secure e-documents for several years, it is likely that
the majority of electronic real estate transactions will
begin by simply e-mailing and electronically signing
and delivering transaction documents. This will be
a great improvement over faxing those documents.
As technology and industry practices mature and
consumers begin adopting the new technologies, the
use of electronic real estate documents and transaction
platforms will hopefully become commonplace.
A Word About Faxes
Fax machines are generally set for a default “draft”
mode. This means that rather than trying to give you a
clear, crisp document, the fax machine is trying to save
toner. Suggestion: Throw caution and toner to the wind
and make sure every fax transmission in the transaction
is from a machine set to its highest resolution. It is easy
to set your fax machine to the highest resolution (often
called “fine” mode), but what about other agents and
consumers? If another agent sends you a fax in draft
mode call him and ask him to resend it in “fine” mode.
If he is crabby, offer to buy him a toner cartridge for
Christmas. When you send a document to a consumer
to sign and fax back include a gentle note on your fax
cover sheet that says something like: “Before you fax
this document back, please take your fax machine off
draft mode and set it to its highest resolution.”
At the end of the transaction no one will complain
about the problems caused by faxing the contracts
(unless someone only faxes every other page, which
the Department of Regulation and Licensing says is
incompetent practice).
D
BY DEBBI CONRAD & TRACY RUCKA
I
n some areas of Wisconsin, a scan of property listings turns
up properties called “twindominiums.” A twindominium
is not an official real estate term defined in the Wisconsin
statutes or regulations. Rather, it appears to refer to a duplex held
in condominium ownership. However, the term twindominium
recently has been used in different ways, confusing REALTORS®
and consumers alike.
What is a Twindominium?
There seems to be no question that a twindominium is a duplex. A
duplex is a structure that contains two separate dwelling units with
separate entrances, kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and bathrooms.
In a duplex, the two dwelling units may be either one above the other
or side by side with a common wall and roof. The term twindominium,
however, seems to be used interchangeably to refer to duplexes that
are owned as condominiums and to zero-lot-line duplexes.
Duplex Condominiums
When a duplex is developed as or converted to the condominium form
of ownership, a condominium declaration and a condominium plat
must be recorded with the register of deeds. If there is no condominium
declaration and plat, then the property is not a condominium.
Many new duplex condominiums may be organized under the rules
for small condominiums (no more than 12 units) found in Wis. Stat.
§ 703.365. Small condominiums may have abbreviated disclosure
materials with no executive summary, and may have a common area
or operating agreement instead of bylaws. The board of directors
is composed of one representative from each unit, and all actions
require a 75 percent vote. Obviously, the agreement should contain
some sort of arbitration or other mechanism to resolve disputes and
break tie votes.
xes
uple
Twindominiums ...
eD
in
t- L
dominiums or Z
n
o
ero
C
ex
- Lo
l
up
In a zero-lot-line duplex, each owner owns one lot and the dwelling
unit that sits upon that lot, subject to zoning provisions. Each owner
is responsible for the care and upkeep of his or her lot and the portion
of the duplex structure resting thereon. Zero-lot-line duplexes may
have operating agreements assigning responsibility for maintenance,
repair or operating costs related to the property, especially shared
components like the common wall and roof, and it is best to have a
dispute resolution mechanism included. The agreement may be drafted
by the developer or entered into by the property owners. Just because
a duplex property is subject to restrictive covenants or the owners pay
monthly fees, does not make the property a condominium.
Not all zoning ordinances permit zero lot lines – zoning is a matter
of local control. Accordingly, not every area of the state may have
zero-lot-line duplexes.
Form Selection
A licensee should use whichever Department of Regulation and
Licensing-approved form best matches the transaction with the
fewest number of changes or modifications. If the property is a
traditional duplex or a zero-lot-line duplex, then a WB-1 Residential
Listing Contract and a WB-11 Residential Offer To Purchase would
appropriately be used, with additional explanations of zero-lot line
features stated in additional provisions or in an addendum.
If the property is a duplex condominium with a recorded condominium
declaration and plat, then a WB-4 Residential Condominium Listing
Contract and a WB-14 Residential Condominium Offer to Purchase
form would be used. If the property is legally not a condominium,
care must be taken to avoid the condominium forms or condominium
legal descriptions because this may mislead a party into believing the
property is a condominium when it is not.
The condominium association, pursuant to its governing documents,
sets an annual operating budget and determines what common
assessments will be levied against the unit owners. Each unit owner is
responsible for the maintenance of his or her unit, while responsibility
for all maintenance and repair of common areas such as the roof, yard
and driveways generally will be shared by the unit owners.
Careful Representations are Required
Zero-Lot-Line Duplexes
REALTORS® must also make sure that the parties are provided with
copies of all pertinent organizational documents, and refer the parties
to their attorneys with any questions concerning legal responsibilities,
ownership or title status.
Zero lot lines refer to zoning regulations that allow the construction of
a building on a lot line. The typical zero-lot-line duplex will be a sideby-side duplex built on two lots with the common wall separating the
two units placed above the lot line that is straddled by the duplex.
It is critical that REALTORS® determine the legal status of any duplex
property they list or help buy: is it a traditional duplex, a duplex
condominium or a zero-lot-line duplex? A title company, the seller
or the seller’s attorney can help REALTORS® identify the form of
ownership and the correct legal description.
17
Education & Products
MANAGEMENT
CONFERENCE
December 13-14, 2005
Country Springs Hotel in Pewaukee
Register online at: www.wra.org/management
Pre-Management Conference CE
December 13, 2005 starting at 1 p.m.
Rick Staff will explain the changes to the Wisconsin broker
supervision rules, which focus on contract review and
the internal company designation of brokers who will be
responsible for agent supervision.
The theme for the 2005 Management Conference is The Power
of Innovation, scheduled for December 14, 2005 at the Country
Springs Hotel, Pewaukee.
8:00 a.m.
8:00 – 3:30
9:00 – 9:45
10:00 – 11:30
Registration
Exhibits
Is the Midwest Ready to Break out of the Pack?
Ron Peltier, President and CEO of HomeServices
of America
Is It Competition or Antitrust?
Laurie Janik, NAR General Counsel
11:45 – 1:00
Lunch
Guest Speaker: Tom Stevens, NAR President
1:00 – 2:00
Workshops
Understanding How Your Web Site is Directing
Consumers to your Competition – Brian Larson
Unbundling…A Menu of Services – Marcus Wally
How Connected Are You? – Josh Sharfman
Maximizing Lead Conversion from the Internet
– Michael Lane
Establishing a Strong (Consumer) Franchise
Through Branding – Anne Murray-Randolph
2:15 – 3:15
3:30 – 4:15
18
Workshops
Defending Your Commission in the Full-Service
Model – Jim Imhoff
Practical Issues for Dealing with Limited Service
Brokers – Brian Larson
Expanding Your Business into the Global Market
– Marcus Wally
Front Desk Call Management – Michael Lane
Standard Standards for an Un-standard Industry
– Anne Murray-Randolph
Closing session – Disruption in Real Estate
– Brad Inman
Win a set of golf clubs – must be present to win.
Appraisal CE
Choose From a Variety of Courses to Earn Your CE Credits
In order to renew your appraiser license, you are
required to complete 28 hours of continuing education
in each biennium. Seven of these hours must be USPAP
education. The biennium ends on December 31, 2005.
• The Professional’s Guide to the New URAR Form
(7-Hour Course)
October 11 – Stevens Point
October 12 – Brookfield
October 13 – Madison
• Transitional Lands (7-Hour Course)
October 18 – Madison
• USPAP Update (National 7-Hour Course)
November 8 – Oshkosh
November 9 – Waukesha
November 10 – Madison
• Appraising Manufactured Housing Using the FNMA
1004C Addendum and Market Analysis (a.m.)
• So Your Comps Aren’t Perfect … Adjust (p.m.)
December 13 – Appleton
December 14 – Pewaukee
• Appraising Two- to Four-Family Properties (a.m.)
• Predatory Lending (p.m.)
December 15 – Madison
• Understanding the Mass Appraisal Process (a.m.)
• Map Measurements, Map Reading and Legal
Descriptions (p.m.)
December 16 – Madison
(Submitted for Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan
Appraisal CE, and Wisconsin Assessor CE)
For more information, visit:
www.wra.org/APCECourses
New! Appraisal CE Distance-Learning Option
There are also two distance-learning courses available for Appraisal
Continuing Education at this time, with more courses coming in the
future. The two available courses are:
• Relevant Environmental Issues for Residential
Appraisers (4 hours)
• Procedures for the Unusual Residential Appraisal
Assignment (4 hours)
• The Economics of Residential Finance (4 hours)
Fee per distance-learning course: Appraisal Section Member:
$60; WRA Member: $65; and Non-member: $70
ABR. Two-Day Buyer Agency Course
Start your Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designation by
attending a class on October 26-27, 2005 in Eau Claire or January
11-12, 2006 in Brookfield. This is probably one of the hottest classes
right now … because Buyer Agency is becoming more and more
the way buyers want to do business. This two-day course covers
agency, service delivery, marketing and promotion, and negotiation
and risk management. To earn your ABR designation, you need
to complete the two-day Buyer Agency course plus one elective
Buyer Agency course and complete five transactions representing
a buyer. This course fulfills your 2005-2006 CE4 course. Call and
register today!
Do you need an elective course to complete your ABR
designation course?
January 13, 2006 – Brookfield
Innovative Marketing Techniques for the Buyer’s Representative
February 21, 2006 – Madison
Successful Buyer Representation in New Home Sales.
For more information, visit www.wra.org/ABRcourses.
72 Hour Sales – Madison
To obtain a real estate license in the state of Wisconsin, you must
first complete 72 hours of approved education courses such as
our sales and licensing course. Second, you must pass a stateadministered exam. The WRA is offering an eight-day Accelerated
72 Hours Sales program on November 7-10 and 14-17, 2005 or
January 9-12 and 16-19, 2006 at the WRA in Madison. Brokers can
purchase a $50 discount coupon for only $10, which entitles your
new recruit to a $50 discount on the registration fee. Your new
recruits can be ready to take the exam as soon as they complete
the class. Ask them to call and register today – 1-800-279-1972!
www.wra.org/SalesPLcourses. This program is also available through
self-study video or self-study Internet programs.
36 Hour Broker – Madison
If you are interested in obtaining your broker’s license, you must
complete 36 hours of education. Areas of study include: Fair
Housing, Real Estate Practice, Approved Forms, Trust Accounts,
and more. This course will be offered on October 10-13, 2005 in
Madison and on January 16-19, 2006 in Milwaukee. This program
is also available through a video self-study version or a self-study
Internet program. Completion of this program, passing the broker
exam and applying for your broker’s license fulfills your 2005-2006
continuing education. www.wra.org/BrokerPLcourses.
QuickStart
As you start to recruit, don’t forget to send your new agents to the fourday QuickStart Program (offered in two, two-day sessions). Course content
includes Prospecting, Open Houses, Incorporating Technology, Creating a
Business Plan, Working with the Buyer, Money Management, Working with
the Seller, The Listing Presentation, ZipForm, and Working with Contracts,
plus much more. Modules 1 and 2 will be offered October 19-20, 2005 and
Modules 3 and 4 will be offered November 3-4, 2005, in Madison. Upon
completion of the four modules and passing the exam, agents can receive
credit for the completion of GRI Course 1. The fee is only $240, however, the
WRA offers a new Member Discount of $40, so the cost of this course is only
$200. This is a fantastic price for four days of instruction for your new agents.
www.wra.org/QSCourses.
Education Registration Form
CONTACT INFORMATION
Name ________________________________________________
Firm name ___________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________
City ______________________ State _______ Zip ___________
Phone (W)______________________ (H)____________________
*e-mail address ________________________________________
SS# or WRA member # _________________________________
DATES AND FEES – Fill in information for course attending
Course _______________________________________________
Location ______________________________________________
Date _________________________________________________
*Confirmation will be sent by e-mail, or you may check myWRA at
www.wra.org to verify course registration.
PAYMENT: Total $_____________
❏ Enclosed is my check made payable to the WRA.
❏ Charge my VISA/MasterCard. (Circle one.)
Card number______________________________Exp. date________
Register by Mail:
WISCONSIN REALTORS® ASSOCIATION
4801 Forest Run Road, Suite 201
Madison, WI 53704-7337
Register by Phone: (800) 279-1972 or (608) 241-2047
Register by Fax: (608) 241-5168
Online Registration: www.wra.org
January 23-26, 2006
Register Through
1/6/06 & SAVE!
CANCELLATION POLICY: The WRA reserves the right to cancel
a course if not filled. Cancellations must be made in writing
prior to the start of the course and will be refunded, minus a
$25 administrative fee. Registrations cannot be transferred from
person to person.
❏ Special Services: Check here if you require special services
to attend. Attach a written description of needs.
19
www.wra.org/CourseSchedule
Course
36-Hour Broker
72-Hour Broker
72-Hour Sales
36-Hour Broker
Date
Oct. 19-20, 2005
Oct. 26-27, 2005
Nov. 3-4, 2005
Jan. 23-26, 2006
Jan. 25-26, 2006
Feb. 21-24, 2006
Feb. 21-24, 2006
Feb. 21, 2006
Feb. 21, 2006
Feb. 22, 2006
Feb. 23-24, 2006
Feb. 23-24, 2006
Feb. 22-23, 2006
Course
QuickStart Module 101 & 102
ABR Course
QuickStart Module 103 & 104
GRI Course 2
CRS 201
GRI Course 2
GRI Course 3
ABR Elective – Buyer’s Rep-New Home Sales
CRS Elective – Earn More Work Less by Russer
CRS Elective – Bridging the Generation Gap
RS 201
RS 202
ABR
Location
Madison – WRA
Eau Claire
Madison – WRA
Lac du Flambeau
Lac du Flambeau
Madison
Madison
Madison
Madison
Madison
Madison
Madison
Madison
Property
Management
Feb. 23-24, 2006
Feb. 23, 2006
Feb. 24, 2006
RLI Tax Deferred 1031 Exchanges
Property Management – REM 101
Property Management – REM 102
Madison
Madison
Madison
Real Estate CE
(3.5 hrs. p.m.)
Dec. 14, 2005
(3.5 hrs. a.m.)
Dec. 14, 2005
(3.5 hrs. p.m.)
Dec. 15, 2005
Dec. 15, 2005
Dec. 16, 2005
(3.5 hrs. a.m.)
(3.5 hrs. p.m.)
(3.5 hrs. a.m.)
Dec. 16, 2005
(3.5 hrs. p.m.)
Date
Oct. 10, 2005
Oct. 11, 2005
Oct. 18, 2005
Oct. 19, 2005
Oct. 20-21, 2005
Oct. 25, 2005
Oct. 26, 2005
Oct. 27, 2005
Nov. 2, 2005
Nov. 3, 2005
Nov. 3, 2005
Nov. 9, 2005
Dec. 1, 2005
Dec. 7, 2005
Course
2005-2006 CE 2 commercial
2005-2006 CE 3 & 4A
2005-2006 CE 1 & 2
2005-2006 CE 1 & 2
2005-2006 CE 1, 2, 3 & 4A
2005-2006 CE 3 & 4A
2005-2006 CE 3 & 4A
2005-2006 CE 1 & 2
2005-2006 CE 3 & 4A
2005-2006 CE 4A
2005-2006 CE 3 & 4A
2005-2006 CE 3 & 4A
2005-2006 CE 1 & 2
2005-2006 CE 1 & 2
Time
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m. – 12:00 p.m.
8:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Regular Reg.*
$150
Brookfield
$140
$150
Madison
$140
$150
Madison
Oshkosh
Waukesha
Madison
Appleton
$140
$140
$140
$140
$75
$150
$150
$150
$150
$80
Appleton
$75
$80
Pewaukee
$75
$80
Pewaukee
$75
$80
Madison
Madison
Madison
$75
$75
$75
$80
$80
$80
Madison
$75
$80
Location
Madison
Appleton
Green Bay
Richfield
Mosinee
Green Bay
Richfield
Ripon
Madison
Janesville
Ripon
Brookfield
Madison
Brookfield
Registration
Member* Non-Member*
608-238-4445
Call for information
920-739-9108
920-739-9108
262-338-8114 or 262-375-4730
800-279-1972
$24/course $32/course
920-739-9108
262-338-8114 or 262-375-4730
920-295-7372
800-279-1972
608-755-4854
920-295-7372
800-279-1972
800-279-1972
800-279-1972
Nonmembers pay an additional fee for all courses. (1) Fee for all four modules. * Must be postmarked or received by the WRA 14 days prior to start of class. ** Fee until
day of class – additional fee charged at the door. # Group discount for six registrations mailed in one envelope. ┼ Includes Appraisal Institute. ┼┼ Includes 2005 USPAP book.

Appraiser section members receive discount. ❂ Plus books.
20
Conferences/Conventions
Dec. 13, 2005
Location
Early Reg.*
Stevens Point
$140
$25
$30
(7 hours)
(7 hours)
(7 hours)
(7 hours)
(3.5 hrs. a.m.)
$285#
$140#
$140#
$20
$25
Oct. 18, 2005
Nov. 8, 2005
Nov. 9, 2005
Nov. 10, 2005
Dec. 13, 2005
$275#
$130#
$130#
2005-2006 CE4B 1:00-4:30p.m.
Non-conference attendees:
(7 hours)
Regular Reg.*
$240 (1)❂
$270 ❂
$240 (1)❂
$365
$295
$335#
$335#
$140#
$165#
$165#
$285#
$285#
$270#
Dec. 13, 2005
Pewaukee
Oct. 13, 2005
1/6/06
1/6/06
2/3/06
2/3/06
Early Reg.*
$240 (1)❂
$260 ❂
$240 (1)❂
$350
$285
$325#
$325#
$130#
$155#
$155#
$275#
$275#
$260#
$65
$80
(7 hours)
Reg. Thru
Management Conference
$55
Non-members: $70
Oct. 12, 2005
Course
The Professional’s Guide to the
New URAR Form 1004┼
Transitional Lands
National USPAP Update┼┼
Appraising Manufactured Housing
Using the FNMA 1004C
Market Analysis-So Your Comps
Aren’t Perfect … Adjust
Appraising Manufactured Housing
Using the FNMA 1004C
Market Analysis-So Your Comps
Aren’t Perfect … Adjust
Appraising 2-4 Family Properties
Predatory Lending
Understanding the Mass
Appraisal Process
Map Measurements, Map
Reading & Legal Descriptions
Regular Reg.**
$255 ❂
$325 ❂
$325 ❂
$255 ❂
Dec. 14, 2005
Pewaukee
(7 hours)
Location
Madison – WRA
Madison – WRA
Madison – WRA
Milwaukee
Call to register
Date
Oct. 11, 2005
Time
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 23-25, 2006 Winter Convention
Lac du Flambeau
Appraisal CE
Pre-license
Date
Oct. 10-13, 2005
Nov. 7-10; 14-17, 2005
Jan. 9-12; 16-19, 2006
Jan. 16-19, 2006
Sales & Mktg
Management
Education Calendar
State to Enhance Home
Lending Capacity
Legislation Would Expand WHEDA’s Programs
L
BY MICHAEL THEO
egislation to enhance the home
lending capacity of the Wisconsin
Housing
and
Economic
Development Authority (WHEDA) is
beginning to move through the legislative
process. The legislation (Assembly
Bill 593 by Rep. Steve Wieckert and
Senate Bill 269 by Sen. Ted Kanavas) is
supported by the WRA.
Proposed Changes
If adopted, the legislation would make significant enhancements
to WHEDA’s home and home improvement programs. These
changes include:
• Revising the income limit guideline to match federal
guidelines.
• Eliminating the requirement for a full appraisal on every
loan.
• Allowing for no-down-payment loans for creditworthy
borrowers.
• Eliminating the restriction for new construction duplex loans
in targeted areas only.
• Eliminating restrictions on home improvement loans to
enhance values such as construction of fireplaces, decks,
patios, fencing, landscaping, and major home systems.
• Allowing loans for properties that are less than 10 years old.
• Eliminating the maximum loan amount and maximum loan
term for home improvements.
• Increasing the outstanding principal amount of WHEDA
bonds and notes for corporate purposes for rental housing.
• Clarifying small business loan language to allow debt
refinancing when accompanied by additional business
expansion.
• Eliminating the $750,000 loan amount cap per project and
providing for unlimited loan amounts. (Total maximum loan
guarantees for WHEDA will not change.)
• Lengthening the term of agricultural loans from five to 10
years for the construction of improvements to facilities or
land.
Changes Overdue
Generally, AB 593 increases WHEDA’s loan limits and expands
the purposes for which such loans can be used for the purchase
or rehabilitation of residential properties. In most cases, the
new limits are consistent with current federal guidelines.
This legislation represents the first significant changes in
WHEDA programming in several decades – a time in which
real estate markets in Wisconsin and the nation have changed
dramatically.
Impact of the New Legislation
According to the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Housing,
these changes will result in greater opportunities for low- and
moderate-income households in Wisconsin to take advantage of
WHEDA programs, particularly in rural areas.
According to WHEDA, AB 593 will increase their annual lending
capacity by $483 million, without using any state tax dollars.
For example, by allowing WHEDA to calculate a borrower’s
income qualifications by using the greater of county median
gross income or the statewide median income, WHEDA could
provide an additional $100 million in home loans each year.
With mortgage loan default rates becoming an increasing
concern in many markets nationwide, it’s important to note that
these changes do not, and should not, affect the determination
of a borrower’s creditworthiness or ability to repay the loans.
In addition to the WRA, the Wisconsin Bankers Association
and the Community Bankers of Wisconsin as well as Governor
Doyle also support this legislation.
WRA Asking Lawmakers to Support
The WRA believes AB 593 increases the number of borrowers and
properties that can utilize WHEDA low-interest loans without
increasing financial risk to the Authority and without requiring
scarce state funding. As a result, the legislation directly benefits
Wisconsin families and real estate markets and thus deserves
legislative support.
For additional information contact Michael Theo at [email protected].
21
On Your Mark
Get Set ... GO!
Upcoming Election Races for 2006
I
t may seem too early to think about
the 2006 elections in Wisconsin, but
planning ahead is as important in the
electoral process as it is in your business.
BY JOE MURRAY
There will be several competitive and
important races next year, including the state
Supreme Court, the gubernatorial race, the
U.S. Senate, the 8th Congressional District in
the Fox Valley and the state Legislature. Here
is a quick overview of the political landscape
for 2006 as it stands today.
State Supreme Court
In a move that surprised most court watchers, incumbent state
Supreme Court Justice Patrick Crooks decided to run for another
10-year term. Elected in 1996 as a right-of-center candidate, Crooks
disappointed many of his conservative backers earlier this year by
joining with the liberal faction of the Court on several decisions in
favor of the plaintiff’s bar. Even so, he appears to be heading into
his re-election campaign without a challenge from the right.
Crooks may have to wait until January to know who will run
against him next April. One potential candidate, Madison attorney
Linda Clifford, has indicated she may run against Crooks in 2006.
With Crooks running for re-election, most insiders believe Clifford
will wait until 2007 to run for the Supreme Court.
This will be an important race given the slim 4-3 conservative tilt
of the Court as it stands today. With GOP majorities in control
of both the state Senate and Assembly, Democrats may decide to
challenge Crooks and attempt to sway the Court’s 4-3 conservative
majority to a 4-3 liberal majority.
side. Kohl was re-elected with 62 percent of the vote in 2000. At
this time, Republicans have no credible challenger lined up to run
against Kohl next year.
Gubernatorial Race
The 2006 race for governor may be one of the closest in recent
memory. Democratic incumbent Jim Doyle has governed mostly
from the middle, but a GOP-controlled Legislature has forced
the governor to veto a series of bills on social issues that could
complicate his re-election year math.
Two strong Republican primary opponents have lined up to
challenge the governor: Congressman Mark Green from Green Bay
and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker. Both Republican
challengers bring significant assets to the race and either one could
mount a stiff challenge to the first-term governor.
Governor Doyle will not be easy to beat, however. He has raised
more money than anyone expected and his recently signed state
budget included a two-year property tax “freeze” and phaseout of
the state tax on social security. By including a freeze in his budget,
the governor co-opted the most difficult political issue of his first
term.
Attorney General
Perhaps the most unpredictable statewide race will be the attorney
general contest. Democratic incumbent Peg Lautenschlager may
find herself in a primary with Dane County Executive Kathleen
Falk. Lautenschlager must deal with the political fallout from her
drunken driving arrest in 2004. Polls consistently show her overall
job approval rating well below the 50 percent range considered
safe for an incumbent seeking re-election.
U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, D-Wis., is up for re-election in 2006. Kohl
may be the state’s most electable politician at the top-of-the-ticket
if recent polls are to be believed. Statewide surveys consistently
show Kohl to be the most popular incumbent in Wisconsin.
Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, a former Department
of Justice Public Intervener, knows how to mount an effective
statewide campaign given her strong showing in the 2002
gubernatorial primary against Governor Doyle. Falk will run on
the “electibility” issue. She believes incumbent Lautenschlager
simply cannot win under any scenario.
Kohl is a three-term senator with no serious opponent in sight.
His middle-of-the-road politics and hefty bank account make it
very difficult to recruit a strong challenger from the Republican
On the Republican side, two qualified candidates will compete
in the September 2006 primary: Waukesha County District
Attorney Paul Bucher, and former U.S. Attorney J.B. Van Hollen.
U.S. Senate
On Your Mark ... continued on page 26
22
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BY TOM LARSON
New Pier Rules to Be Applied
Retroactively to Existing Piers
T
he Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
recently completed the final draft of new administrative
rules regulating the size and placement of piers (Wis.
Admin. Code Ch. NR 326). The proposed pier rules will apply to
both new piers and existing piers. Any pier that does not meet
the requirements will be required to be modified or removed to
ensure compliance with the new standards.
All owners of existing piers that exceed the new DNR standards
will have to obtain a permit and pay a permit fee in order to keep
their pier. The size of the pier determines which type of permit the
property owner must obtain and how much he has to pay for the
permit. The bigger the pier, the more the property owner has to pay
and the more discretion the DNR will have in determining whether
to issue the permit.
Background
Exemption standards – Property owners with existing piers that
meet ALL of the following standards will not be required to obtain
a permit unless the DNR decides to apply the recapture provision
(see below):
In January of 2004, Governor Doyle signed into law new statutory
standards for piers. Under these standards, a pier does not need a
permit if it meets specific dimensional requirements. If a property
owner wants to place a pier that exceeds these requirements, a
special permit must be obtained from the DNR.
During the spring of 2004, the DNR introduced “emergency rules”
to provide additional regulations related to piers. “Emergency
rules” are temporary administrative rules that bypass the standard
rulemaking procedures, such as public notice and hearings. Because
these rules would have made thousands of existing piers illegal, the
Legislature immediately suspended the rules and directed the DNR
to draft new rules.
To assist in the development of the new rules, the DNR created
an advisory group made up of environmentalists, campground
owners, marine contractors, and a REALTOR®. The group met for
nine months, but was unable to reach a consensus. Nevertheless, the
DNR has decided to move forward with the rules.
Proposed Rules
The final draft of the pier rules are an improvement over the
proposed emergency rules because fewer existing piers will be
illegal. However, the rules still contain a number of provisions that
should be of concern to waterfront property owners, such as:
Retroactive application to existing piers – As indicated above, the
proposed rules create new standards that are to be applied to existing
piers. The DNR recognizes that this is the most controversial aspect
of the proposed rules and has attempted to downplay the rules’
impact on existing piers. As part of its public relations materials, the
DNR claims that “virtually all larger piers will be grandfathered”
under the proposed rules. However, saying that these piers will be
“grandfathered” is somewhat misleading.
24
• The pier is not located in a “sensitive area” (see below);
• Placement of the pier does not require removal of “large woody
cover” or aquatic plants;
• The pier does not extend beyond a three-foot water depth or
beyond a point deep enough to moor a boat;
• The pier is no wider than six feet;
• The waterfront property has no more than two boat slips for the
first 50 feet of shoreline frontage, and no more than one additional
slip for each additional full 50 feet of shoreline frontage.
General permit standards – Property owners with existing piers
that do not meet all of the exemption criteria, but meet all of the
following standards, must pay $50 and obtain a general permit to
keep their existing piers if the pier:
• was originally placed before February 6, 2004;
• is wider than six feet, but less than eight feet;
• has a deck or platform at the end of the pier wider than six feet
(measured across the shortest horizontal distance), but less than
eight-feet-wide and does not exceed 160-square-feet in surface
area;
• extends beyond three feet of water depth or beyond a point deep
enough to moor a boat, whichever is greater;
• has more than two boat slips for the first 50 feet of shoreline
frontage and more than one additional boat slip for each
additional full 50 feet thereafter.
Individual permit standards – If a pier exceeds any of these standards,
the property owner must pay $300 and obtain an individual permit to
keep his existing pier. An application for an individual permit will
receive close scrutiny by the DNR, including an investigation and a
visit to the property.
• significant adverse impacts to the public’s rights and interests;
New exemption criteria – Although the statutes specify that piers will
be exempt if they meet certain dimensional standards (see above), the
proposed rules add additional requirements. Piers will not be exempt
from the permitting requirements if the pier is located in a “sensitive
area” or if a “large woody cover” must be removed in order to place
the pier.
The statutes do not define most of these terms nor do they create a
deadline for when this determination must be made. Accordingly, a
property owner cannot be 100 percent sure he will be “grandfathered”
under the proposed rules as they are currently drafted.
A “sensitive area” is “an area of aquatic vegetation offering critical or
unique fish and wildlife habitat or offering water quality or erosion
control benefits to the body of water.” These areas are identified by
the DNR and listed on their website, but appear to have a very broad
application.
Additionally, a pier will not be exempt from permitting requirements
if “large woody cover” or “aquatic plants” must be removed in order
to place the pier. The term “large woody cover” is not defined in the
rules. Wooded lots or waters with heavy weed coverage could be
significantly impacted.
Recapture provision – Even if an existing pier meets the exemption
criteria or the criteria for a general permit, the DNR retains the
authority to require ANY pier to apply for an individual permit if it
determines the pier causes:
• environmental pollution; or
• material injury to the rights of any riparian owner. (See Wis. Stat.
§ 30.12(2m))
Rulemaking Process
The proposed rules will be presented to the Natural Resources Board
on September 28. If the board approves the rules, the rules will then
be sent to the Legislature for review. In November or December the
Senate Natural Resources and Transportation Committee and the
Assembly Natural Resources Committee will review the rules and
hold public hearings. If the committees have concerns about the
proposed rules, they have the authority to reject the rules or to request
modifications.
Conclusion
The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association will continue to seek changes
to the proposed rules to ensure that existing piers are grandfathered
and that the rights of waterfront property owners to place piers
are protected. If you have any questions or concerns about the
proposed pier rules, please contact Tom Larson ([email protected]) at
608-240-8254.
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GEN3/04
On Your Mark ... continued from page 22
Both Bucher and Van Hollen have
extensive experience as prosecutors
and both have veteran campaign
staffers in place to mount a strong
challenge to either Lautenschlager or
Falk.
The media will pay far more attention to the Lautenschlager-Falk
primary if Falk enters the race. The incumbent’s political problems
make the story line in this potential matchup too good to stay
away from.
8th Congressional District
Voters in the sprawling 8th Congressional District will have to
choose a candidate to replace U.S. Representative Mark Green, RWis., who is vacating his Fox Valley seat to run for governor.
Two Republicans will square off in the 2006 September
primary: Assembly Speaker John Gard from Peshtigo and State
Representative Terry McCormick of Greenville. On the Democratic
side, three candidates have entered the race: Dr. Steve Kagen from
Appleton; former Brown County Executive Nancy Nusbaum; and
Jamie Wall, an independent business consultant from Green Bay.
To the surprise of many insiders, Democrats in the Fox Valley (and
Washington DC) appear ready to take the fight to Republicans in
Auctioneers
this traditionally GOP district. What makes this interesting is a
study from Professor David Wegge of St. Norbert College. Wegge
notes that only five Democrats have ever been elected in the Fox
Valley seat. With the exception of these 12 years, the GOP has had
a lock on the 8th Congressional District for over 150 years.
Democrats believe that the 2006 congressional elections will
provide an opportunity to defeat Republicans due to voter anger
over the economy and the war in Iraq.
State Legislature
In the state Senate, Democrats will target Republican Sens.
Cathy Stepp (Racine), Ron Brown (Eau Claire), and Joe Leibham
(Sheboygan), and Rep. Tom Reynolds (Milwaukee). Republicans
will take a close look at Democratic Sens. Judy Robson (Beloit),
John Erpenbach (Middleton), Bob Jauch (Poplar), and Russ Decker
(Weston).
The state Assembly is more difficult to predict. Assembly
Republicans have a very large (60-39) seat majority, and that
means they will have to defend more seats than they have in recent
years. It’s possible their 60-seat majority represents a high-water
mark that will be difficult to hold, much less expand on. It will
be important to watch which seats are open due to retirements in
2006.
- Appraisers
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Slow Moving Properties?
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to sell property!
For rates and additional
information contact Ray Miller.
W3410 Dore Rd., Suite A
Lyndon Station, WI 53844
(608) 588-3200 or (608) 524-0365
[email protected]
www.raymiller.ws
auction company 265-053 Auctioneer 2070-052
Appraiser 1520-004
26
��
REFERRALS
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Boulder Junction • Mercer • Minocqua
Manitowish Waters • Area Referrals
Jim Tait III
Boulder Jct.
877-385-2077
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Jim Tait Sr.
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Minocqua
800-677-8248
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www.jimtaitrealestate.com
SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN
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www.RealEstateAmbassador.com
direct: 715.297.1953 toll free: 866.348.5300 fax: 715.849.5301
��
Dane County Referrals
All of N.E. Wisconsin
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Adam Drossart
Broker/Owner
1-920-743-6906
1-800-236-6104
www.c21arg.com
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Green Bay - Sturgeon Bay
Referrals
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Cheryl L. Eskridge
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Melanie L. Fischer, GRI
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2005-2006
Executive Committee
From Left: Bill Malkasian, Jeff Kitchen, Roger Rushman, Mike Spranger, John Horning,
Steve Beers, Darren Kittleson. (Not pictured: Mike Mulleady)
William Malkasian, President
John Horning, Director-Vice President
Jeff Kitchen, Chairman
Steve Beers, Director-Vice President
CAE, Wisconsin REALTORS Association
®
CRS, GRI, Century 21 Affiliated, Beaver Dam
ABR, CRB, Keefe Real Estate, Lake Geneva
Roger Rushman, Chairman-Elect
Darren Kittleson, Vice President
Mike Spranger, Treasurer
Mike Mulleady, Vice President (not pictured)
First Weber Group, REALTORS , Delafield
®
ABR, CRS, GRI, First Weber Group
Northern Wisconsin, Wisconsin Rapids
28
Shorewest REALTORS®, Brookfield
Keller Williams Realty, Madison
GRI, Coldwell Banker Mulleady, Minocqua
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first-time
GET YOUR
HOMEBUYERS THE
best mortgage rate
IN TOWN
Check out WHEDA
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Call 1-800-628-4833 or go to www.wheda.com

Gadgets - Wisconsin REALTORS® Association

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