Services/Benefits
www.gmar.com
The GMAR website offers a variety of tools for GMAR members. Industry updates, news feeds, business benefits, government affairs, dispute resolution through arbitration and mediation, safety tips, events and promotions.
REALTOR® Term and Logo Usage
GMAR members may use the GMAR and the REALTOR® logos on all printed materials. This is a “Good Housekeeping” type seal of approval that you are upholding the highest standards in real estate. You can download both images at www.wra.org. (See more under “Marketing Materials” tab.)
Public Policy & Governmental Affairs
This well-known aspect of the organization watches local governments for proposals that impact real estate. The GMAR staff lobbyist advocates for positive initiatives, such as land use plans, and against anti-business proposals like the no-call list, tax on commissions, and prohibitive sign ordinances. We partner with the WRA and NAR to do this on a state and national level as well.
Professional Standards & Ethics Enforcement
The GMAR has a full-time NAR Certified Professional Standards Expert on staff to answer members’ questions regarding the REALTORS’® Code of Ethics. We handle all ethics and arbitration/mediation matters on-site in a timely manner. (See more under “Professional Standards” tab.)
Legal Help
The WRA has a Legal Hotline available to all members. Generally, the Hotline will respond to any question related to real estate practice. You can call the WRA’s Legal Hotline direct toll free at 800-799-4468 or you may submit a question by using the on-line form on the WRA’s web site at https://www.wra.org/Legal/Hottips/hotline_question.asp.
Members will also receive the Legal Hottips, which is comprised of Legal Hotline questions and answers and are emailed each week to all members who have submitted their email addresses to the WRA.
Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
MLS, a clearing house for real estate information, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the GMAR. Designated REALTOR® members may join and REALTOR® members may use MLS to make use of the wealth of information there regarding area municipalities, comparable sold statistics, home listings, etc. The public MLS site is www.wihomes.com.
Continuing Education and Professional Development
The GMAR offers educational and professional development opportunities to help you maintain your license and to stay on top in the industry. (See more under “Education”.)
Educational Seminars on Hot Topics
When issues arise that need attention, the GMAR may hold educational seminars to provide you with the most current information. For instance, the GMAR has hosted seminars recently on short sales, RESPA, renovation training, safety, etc. We notify members via email when these seminars are scheduled.
REALTOR® Public Relations
The GMAR, WRA and NAR work hard to educate the public on the purpose of a REALTOR®. The NAR has a national public awareness advertising campaign to promote REALTORS® and what they do. The GMAR also has a public awareness campaign featuring radio ads and highlights REALTORS® through the REALTORS®Home and Garden Show and Downtown Open House.
Customizable Zip Forms are available through NAR online or through downloadable software or go to www.zipform.com
Listing in Online REALTOR® Directories
The GMAR, WRA, and NAR websites have “Find A REALTOR®” functions on their websites which help potential customers find you. The GMAR and WRA sites list all Wisconsin REALTORS®. The NAR website, Realtor.com, is a paid marketing tool of Homestore.com. It lists REALTORS® from across the country who have purchased websites from Homestore.com.
Up-to-Date Industry News
News comes to you via magazines, newsletters, membership mailings, email updates, and websites.
Ø GMAR ENewsletter – GMAR’s weekley e-newsletter featuring the latest in real estate news and information on upcoming events, specials, etc.
Ø Wisconsin Real Estate - WRA’s monthly magazine.
Ø REALTOR® Magazine – NAR’s monthly magazine.
Ø Membership Emails – you will receive regular emails from the GMAR with reminders on important issues like dues, political concerns, events
Ø www.gmar.com –GMAR’s website has association and industry news
ShredFest
Twice each year, in Spring and in Fall, GMAR offers members the opportunity to have their papers shredded free of charge. Shredding trucks destroy the materials on-site during the designated time period in the GMAR parking lot.
Business Benefits
The following organizations offer special discounts to GMAR members. Visit the GMAR website at www.gmar.com for more information..
FastPark & Relax
Located at 5201 S. Howell Ave. Offers 24/7 shuttle service to/from Milwaukee airport. Relax for Rewards parking program is available to GMAR members. Free membership enrollment, guaranteed parking, free bottled water, and free newspaper. Present your card as you enter and then leave through the Express Exit Lanes. Rates are based on 24 hours. Earn 1 point per day and receive a free day after earning 8 points, and a free week after 40 points. 24/7 access to your online Rewards Account which includes the ability to print receipts for expense reports, review parking history and request free parking certificates. You must register and enter GMAR for your company name and Promo Code of 1228207. Questions? Contact Barbara Sundquist, (414) 481-0155
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Touring Broadway show discount offers, along with other special performances, attractions, including off-Broadway, Marcus Center Presents, and Live@Peck Pavilion performances are available for GMAR members, families, and clients with special Sunday evening offers. Tickets will be fulfilled, shipped, and processed within 48 hours, directly from the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.
Milwaukee Art Museum
GMAR members can purchase 20% off a $95 membership ($70) at the Family or Dual Levels for themselves or as a closing gift for clients! GMAR members must call the Member Hotline, (414)224-3284, to get the deal. Benefits include: free admission for two adults for one full year; children 17 and under receive free entry; discounts on parking passes education classes and in the Museum Store; subscription to MAM's quarterly Member magazine; free or discounted lectures and events including Lakefront Festival of Arts; invitations to member only preview days and openings.
Professional Insurance Programs
Provides quality comprehensive and affordable insurance programs to members of the GMAR. For more information, contact Mara Roberts at (414) 277-0154.
Education
Continuing Education
Your real estate license requires that you continue to receive education in order to renew it. All REALTOR® members are required to complete 18 hours of Continuing Education by December 14, 2022 to renew your real estate license.
The Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services requires 18 hours of continuing education between December 15, 2020 and December 14, 2022. All 6 courses are mandatory.
GMAR offers local classes of all CE and QET through the WRA. You can view the list of available classes at www.wra.org/ce.
Professional Development
Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) - The ABR designation is earned through the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC) and identifies those real estate agents who have demonstrated a serious commitment to the practice of buyer agency. Agents with the ABR designation have received professional training above and beyond the minimum requirements for licensing and are committed to providing top-level service.
The WRA's 2-day Buyer Agency course will provide you with specialized knowledge and different solutions to effectively service this niche market. To earn the ABR designation, you must complete the 2-day course plus one elective course plus verify completion of five (5) transactions in which you acted as a buyer representative.
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) - The CRS is a nationally-recognized designation. REALTORS® with the CRS designation are acknowledged for advanced study in listing, selling, investment, taxes and a proven record of experience in applied residential marketing.
CRS designees receive the added member benefit of the recognition that comes from receiving the highest professional designation awarded in the residential real estate industry…the referrals from your name in the national CRS roster, which is distributed to over 18,000 top producers in the country. Check the WRA’s web site for classes – www.wra.org/crscourses
Graduate REALTOR Institute (GRI) - The GRI designation acknowledges REALTORS® who have completed a comprehensive education program that provides practical real estate training.
To earn a GRI, REALTORS® must complete three, 4-day courses and pass an exam on each course. The WRA's GRI program includes CRS courses as part of the content of the GRI courses, so while you're working on your GRI, you're also completing coursework for the Certified Residential Specialist designation.
Other Designations
- Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)
- Accredited Buyer Representative Manager (ABRM)
- Accredited Land Consultant (ALC)
- Certified Commercial Investment Member® (CCIM®)
- Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)
- Certified Property Manager® (CPM)
- Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB)
- Counselor of Real Estate (CRE)
- E-Pro
- Resort & Second-Home Specialist (RSPS)
- Green Designation
- Certified Home Marketing Specialist (CHMS)