May 2014 - Realtors Association of Northwestern Wisconsin

1903 Keith St.
Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-835-0923
[email protected]
May 2014
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Bradford & Co Tax Seminar
CE - Hayward
New Members
Upcoming Events
RANWW Foundation
Recycling Round-Up
RPAC
GoMLS Replaces Kurio
Basement Bedrooms Criteria
Realtor® Trademark
For Sale Signs
CE Registration
BPOR Registration
Hope for Homes Sponsorship Form
Annual Realtor® Golf Registration
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Free Tax Seminar—May 19th
Bradford & Co FREE Tax Seminar—May 19
Bradford & Co will present "Tax Strategies for the Real Estate Professional", May
19, 1-3 pm, RANWW office. Registration will begin at 12:45pm. The agenda includes: tax code changes, increasing income, entertainment and car strategies/
deductions, audit-proofing, actual expenses vs IRS mileage methods and much more!
Seating is limited to 25. Please RSVP by email to [email protected] no later than
May 9.
LIVE CE Coming to Hayward
All real estate licenses expire on a biennial schedule and must be renewed by December 14th of the even-numbered years. All licensees must complete six courses approved by the Department of Safety and Professional Services . Four of the courses are mandatory and two of the courses are electives which licensees may choose. License renewal requires 18 hours of continuing education.
The six courses are designed to fulfill the required 18 hours.
Join us on May 21st, 22nd, & May 29th at Flat Creek Inn, Hayward to fulfill you CE requirements. These courses will host Attorney
Jon Sayas & Attorney Mike Tobin as instructors. Cost is $70 for each full day of instruction for members and $80 for each full day of
instruction for non-members. The registration form is available in this newsletter, on our Association web site, or contact the Association office for more information.
Welcome New Members
In accordance with our bylaws, notice is hereby given that the following individuals have applied for RANWW membership; written
comment, which shall be kept confidential, is invited.
Ronna Beck ~ Legends Title Services
John Fisher ~ Coldwell Banker Brenizer/EC
Crystal Freid ~ Adventure North Real Estate
Sharon Hughes ~ Coldwell Banker Lakeside
Emily Madsen ~ Eau Claire Realty
Jim Nelson ~ Timberghost Realty
Kathi Pratt ~ Haselwander Real Estate
Sherry Stabenow ~ Hometown Title
Brian Stoll ~ Northwest Home Inspection Svcs
Steve Voss ~ Re/Max Affiliates
Ann Zenner ~ Woods & Water/EC
Upcoming Events
May 1
May 2
May 2
May 8
May 9
May 12-17
May 19
May 21
BPO Remote Training –Eau Claire
WRA BOD Meeting Madison
MLS BOD Meeting
RANWW BOD Meeting
Foundation BOD Meeting
NAR Mid-Year Meeting
Tax Strategies for the Real Estate Prof.
CE 1&2 Flat Creek Inn, Hayward
May 22
May 26
May 29
June 5
June 19-20
June 26
June 26
CE 3&4 Flat Creek Inn, Hayward
Memorial Day Association Office Closed
CE Electives Flat Creek Inn, Hayward
MLS BOD Mtg
Red Crown
RANWW BOD Mtg
Annual Meeting—Turtleback
RANWW Foundation Receives a Thank You
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The RANWW Foundation awards grants twice a year , typically May & September. Grants are awarded to home owners displaying a financial need with significant home repairs left undone. Most home owners want to maintain their
homes to ensure a comfortable living space. Unfortunately, economics prove to be a barrier to this goal. When the
choice is food on the table or fixing a bad water situation, food will win every time! The RANWW Foundation grant program is unique in its ability to help close this financial gap for deserving home owners. The ultimate goal is to help them
maintain their property in a manner that will benefit both the homeowner and the community in which they live. A grateful grantee expresses her thanks for a grant received in the fall of 2013.
The RANWW Foundation does make a difference
in the lives of the grantees and in the community
as a whole. This Foundation belongs to the
RANWW membership be proud of that ownership!
How can you help?
How can you help make a difference in the life of a needy homeowner? Get involved in the RANWW Foundation! We need dedicated members to volunteer, serve as board members, attend fundraisers, bring family
and friends to fundraisers and spread the word about the Foundations grant program. Several fundraising
events are being planned throughout the upcoming year. We need family, friends, enemies and the general
public to attend! We had great success with the “Hope for Homes” Family Fun Run, we will be hosting it again
on August 12th at Hallie Golf Course.
RANWW members along with family & friends enjoying Wine , Cheese and Chocolate cups at HookStone Winery!
Realtors® Association of Northwestern Wisconsin
1903 Keith St. Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-835-0923 www.ranww.org
MLS Email Resolution In the Works
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Short Version of the Story: On April 5th, Yahoo implemented a security change requiring all NON-Yahoo mail servers to verify
emails received with a Yahoo FROM address.
Users with a Primary Email address of " [email protected]" are encouraged to change their Primary Email address to another email
address([email protected]) besides a Yahoo.com address. The Primary Email address can be changed in Settings>Contact
Information.
As of this writing (Apr 24) modifications to MLS email server configurations have not yet fully resolved the problem. A patch is being
completed and will be rolled out to all CoreLogic customers beginning Apr 28. It will take a few weeks to complete installation for all
CoreLogic accounts so we ask and thank you for your patience.
It is important to understand that Yahoo’s new security policy has affected users and companies world-wide and is beyond
our control or the control of CoreLogic. Updates will be posted on the MLS Message of the Day as we receive them.
“Hope for Homes” Foundation 5k Family Fun Run
The Foundation will once again be hosting a 5k Family Fun Run
at Lake Hallie Golf Course. All proceeds will benefit the Foundation and its grant program! Last year this event raised over
$2,000 for the grant program! We are currently seeking sponsors for the event, so please consider asking strategic business
partners if they would like to be a part of the this “life changing”
program!
Please consider sponsoring this event!
Successful Realtor Recycling Round-Up!
RANWW once again hosted a successful Recycling Round-up! On Saturday, April 26th, RANWW members and First
Choice employees came together from 9:00 -1:00pm to make this a successful event! The weather cooperated, the
cars were plenty and the STUFF was never ending! A total of 388 cars were unloaded on Saturday. 41,701 lbs of computers, electronics and T.V.s, 14,840 lbs of major appliances & dehumidifiers and 38 pieces or 874 cubic feet of mattresses & box springs were collected!! That is AMAZING! Thank you to everyone who participated! Recycling is an
ongoing effort needing participation by all.
Mark your calendars, we will be hosting a second Recycling Round –Up
On May 10th In Hayward, WI
Invest in RPAC—It’s Vital to YOUR Business
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The Wisconsin Legislature recently passed Gov. Scott Walker’s $406 million property tax cut plan, which will REDUCE
property taxes by approximately $131 for the average homeowner. What can you do with $131? Fill your gas tank
three times; take your family out to dinner; put the money away in a college savings account. The WRA was instrumental in helping the Legislature pass this tax cut for every Wisconsin homeowner, by supporting candidates who support
reducing property taxes. Your investment in RPAC makes a real difference!
“RANWW’s RPAC goal for 2014 is $28,000. We are currently at 26% of
our goal. Please help us reach our investment goal this year!”
If you would like to make an RPAC contribution contact :
Bruce King at (715) 828-1976 or [email protected] OR
Al Arnold at (715) 234-6196 or [email protected]
Kurio Leaves—NWWMLS App Arrives Soon!
NWWMLS, a new native mobile MLS app, will be available to you soon! It will replace Kurio as your mobile access for property
searches on-the-fly! The MLS has been working diligently behind the scenes with our MLS vendor, CoreLogic, in the configuration
and testing of NWWMLS. Once its ready to go, you will download the app, NWWMLS, from iTunes
or PlayStore. The product will work on tablets and smartphones. Watch for more details through the
Message of the Day and emails. Thanks for your patience as we work through the final steps of the
implementation of this exciting new product!
“Live” Link to Agent Contact Info from Full Display
You asked—we delivered!
You can now access an agent’s complete contact information from the Full Displays only in each property class.
Scroll to the bottom of the display and click on the
agent’s name:
Can you Market Basement Bedrooms as Bedrooms?
Can an agent advertise a basement room as a bedroom? What are the criteria? The Dept. of Commerce requirements for
habitable bedrooms located below grade are:
Exits
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Basements & ground floors must have at least one exit, if there’s a bedroom in the basement or ground floor, there must be at
least two exits located as far apart as practical.
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An exit can be a door to the exterior, a stairway or ramp leading to the floor above, a stairway leading to a garage that has an
exit door other than the overhead door, or an egress window.
Windows
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All habitable rooms must have natural light by means of glazed openings equal to at least 8 % of the net floor area.
An egress window used for exit purposes must be openable from inside without use of tools or removal of a sash. The net
opening of an egress window must be at least 20”x24”. The lowest point of an egress window opening must not be more than 60”
above the floor. If the lowest point of an egress window opening is more than 46” above the floor, a permanent platform at least
20”x9” must be installed so top of platform is no more than 46” below the opening. The top of the platform cannot be more than
24” above the floor and must be capable of supporting at least 200 pounds.
Ceiling Height
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Bedroom ceilings must be at least 7 ft. However, bedroom may have ceiling heights less than 7 ft. if at least 50% of the bedroom’s floor area has a 7-ft ceiling.
Other factors that should be considered include local building code requirements, size of room, heating, electric service (outlets,
switches, etc.), proper ventilation and interior circulation in the room, and whether the waste disposal system for the property has
sufficient capacity for another bedroom.
Source: WI Real Estate Magazine—Aug 2006
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There’s No Such Thing…..
Are you guilty of misusing the term “Realtor®?
You ARE if you advertise yourself as a “licensed Realtor®”!
Lately, the MLS office has seen a number of misuses of the term “Realtor® in Public and Agent remarks in listing data. Realtor® is a
registered trademark of the National Association of Realtors®. The definition of “Realtor®” is “a member of the National
Association of Realtors®”.
A good rule of thumb is to substitute the word “member” for “Realtor®”. Would you say:
 Your “member” for life”?
 A licensed “member”?
This video may help: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1465406675?bctid=677507871001
Below is a list of guidelines for the correct usage of “Realtor®”:
ALWAYS:
 capitalize REALTOR® and use the registered trademark®. Preferred usage is solid caps,
however, it’s acceptable to capitalize only the first letter. Exception: used on the internet special rules apply and the term doesn’t have to be capitalized or followed by the registered
trademark
 separate Realtor® from a business name by appropriate symbols or punctuation. Separating
punctuation should be used even when the term appears on a separate line immediately below the firm name (correct usage: J.J. Jones, Inc, Realtors® or J.J. Jones, Inc,
Realtors
NEVER:
 use the term to differentiate amount members (i.e.: The Realtor® with integrity)
 use the term Realtor® in lieu of real estate broker or real estate agent. Realtor® identifies a member of NAR, not a profession
 incorporate or register a business name using the term Realtor® or Realtors®
Trademark/Company Name/Incorrect: Sunshine REALTORS® Company; Sunshine, REALTORS®, Company; Sunshine Company REALTORS®
Correct: Sunshine Company, REALTORS®
Trademark/Display/Correct : REALTOR®, REALTOR, Realtor®
Incorrect: realtor®
Trademark/Logo/Color of block “R”: when using a single color, the logo may only be printed in black or blue
Trademark/Logo/Used: on advertising promotional materials as long as member name and address also appear on those materials
Trademark/Member Name/Incorrect: Wm Smith REALTOR®; Wm Smith, realtor®; Wm Smith Realtor®
REALTOR®
Correct: Wm Smith,
Trademarks /Owned by NAR: REALTOR®, REALTORS®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Trademark/Phrases/Incorrect: Bob Smith, Your REALTOR® for Life; Tom Jones, the Commercial REALTOR®; Mary White/
South Dakota’s Top REALTOR®
Correct: Jane Brown, REALTOR® & Lakefront Realty’s top salesperson
Are You Guilty?
Do you have For Sale signs on any of YOUR expired listings? If so, you may be in violation
of the WI Administrative Code AND Article 12 of the Code of Ethics!
WI Admin Code (REEB 24.04) prohibits advertising that is false, deceptive or misleading. Any yard sign or advertisement in another advertising medium in the name of the broker regarding a property for sale arguably
causes the public to assume that the broker has the property listed. Thus, the broker generally is precluded
from advertising a property without a written listing contract between the seller and the broker.
Article 12 of the Code of Ethics similarly provides that Realtors® must present a true picture in their advertising and representations
to the public.
For further details about real estate advertising, see the WRA Legal Update, Feb 2006 issue from which the above statements were taken.
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CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: All licensees MUST complete six courses approved by the
Department of Safety and Professional Services before December 14, 2014. Four of the classes are
mandatory; licensees may choose two electives to complete the required 18 hours.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
Hayward Classes
May 21, 22 & 29
Flat Creek Inn
May 21 & 22 Jonathan Sayas, Instructor
May 21: CE 1 Wisconsin Listings (8:30-11:30)
May 21: CE 2 Wisconsin Offers (1-4:00)
May 22: CE 3 WI New Development (8:30-11:30)
May 22: CE 4 Contingencies WI Offers (1-4:00)
May 29 Michael Tobin, Instructor
Elective A: REO & Short Sales (8:30 -11:30)
Elective B: Unique Transactions (1:00- 4:00)
REGISTRATION FEES:
Jonathan M. Sayas is an attorney with
the law offices of Sayas, Schmuki,
Rondini & Plum, S.C., and is licensed to
practice before all courts in the state of
Wisconsin and U.S. Federal District
Court — Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Jon is an experienced litigator in real
estate matters and provides legal counsel to both buyers and sellers in residential and commercial real estate. He is a regular instructor
for WRA continuing education courses and is an established contributor to the WRA's Legal Hotline. Jon is a
member of the Wisconsin Real Estate Forms Advisory
Committee and has also served as an adjunct professor
with Concordia University's Executive MBA program teaching real estate management. He received his Juris Doctorate from Valparaiso University and undergraduate degree
from University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Jon was named
the 2011 WRA Instructor of the Year.
FULL DAY: (includes 2 breaks and lunch buffet)
Members: $70 (2 classes/6 hrs. total)
Non-members: $80 (2 classes/6 hrs. total)
HALF DAY: (break only, no lunch buffet)
Members: $35 (1 class/3 hrs. total)
Non-members: $40 (1 class/3 hrs. total)
Attorney Michael Tobin is a 1980
graduate of Marquette University
Law School. He has a general practice law firm in Wauwatosa with an
emphasis on all areas of real estate
law. In 2011, he became affiliated
Registration begins 30 minutes prior to class; late arrivals will not
with Chicago Title and closes real
be allowed into the class and will forfeit their registration fee.
estate transactions for lenders, buyRefunds (less $15 admin fee) will be issued only if cancellations
ers, sellers and developers through Chicago Title.
are made at least 3 days before class.
Mike is also a licensed real estate broker and has
Sponsored by:
taught pre-licensing and continuing education classes
for over 25 years. In 2009, he was named the WRA
instructor of the year.
Please register me for the indicated classes; my check for $_________, payable to RANWW, is enclosed:
Name __________________________________________ Email _______________________________
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CE 1, May 21 Hayward
CE 2, May 21 Hayward
CE 3, May 22 Hayward
CE 4, May 22 Hayward
Elective A, May 29 Hayward
Elective B May 29 Hayward
Send this registration form, with payment, to:
RANWW, 1903 Keith Street
Eau Claire, WI 54701
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