Education & Products
Open a Few Doors with Buyer Agency
The WRA will be offering the two-day ABR course August 21-22, 2002 in Madison. As Buyer Agency becomes the way more buyers want to do business, this is becoming one of the WRA's hottest classes.
Register now for the August class in Madison. Fee is $250.
The Next Elective Course for Your ABR Designation!
Innovative Marketing Techniques for Buyer's Reps-September 26, 2002 in Madison.
This course has been designed to increase your awareness of how significantly the home buying process has changed in the past decade. Learn how to develop useful strategies for marketing your services to any home buyer. This course is for anyone who wants to tie together their knowledge of homebuyer needs, an awareness of marketing principles, and a solution-oriented approach to serving buyer clients. The course explores the buyer counseling session in great detail and looks at marketing opportunities and points of differentiation.
Early registration is $125.
New Requirements for the ABR Designation
Since January 1, 2002, students are required to take the two-day ABR course in addition to one elective course to obtain the ABR designation. Current members who have obtained the ABR designation are grandfathered as to this requirement. Current electives include The e-Buyer, Innovative Marketing Techniques for the Buyer's Representative, Successful Buyer Representation in New Home Sales-REBAC, Successful Relocation Representation-REBAC, CIPS Essentials Course, e-PRO Internet Course, and ABRM Course-REBAC.
Members who joined REBAC between March 15, 2001 and January 1, 2002 are grandfathered IF they complete the requirements within three years of the course completion date. If the three-year timeframe passes from the time the course was completed, the individual must apply as a new member and fulfill all the requirements.
Need Another CRS Course to Earn Your CRS Designation?
Do you need the mandatory CRS 200 course to complete the requirements for the CRS designation? CRS200, "Business Development for the Residential Specialist," will be offered August 14-15, 2002 in Madison. This course will help you learn the business planning fundamentals that lead to increased profit and productivity. Content includes business plan development, budgeting and cost analysis, and prospecting and personal promotion techniques.
Looking to Earn Your Broker's License?
Video Course Now Available!
If you are interested in obtaining your broker's license, you must complete 36 hours of education. Areas of study include: contracts, marketing, trust accounts, business ethics, personnel, and more.
A video course is now available or you can attend one of our live courses scheduled for July 22-25, 2002 in Madison and on September 10-13, 2002 at the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS in Milwaukee.
Completion of the class, passing the exam and applying for the broker license will fulfill your 2001-2002 Continuing Education requirements.
Take the Next Step With GRI August 12-15
To earn your GRI designation, you must complete three 4-day courses (GRI Course 1, 2, and 3) and pass an exam for each course. Courses may be taken in any order. Wisconsin's GRI program also includes CRS courses, which means you are completing education requirements for your CRS designation at the same time as you are earning your GRI designation. GRI Course 1 contains CRS 200, GRI Course 2 contains CRS 201 and GRI Course 3 contains CRS202. Once you begin the GRI program, you have five years to complete the coursework.
GRI Course 1-You have options!
option one - You can take the online version of the GRI Course 1 Equivalency Exam. Call to register and you can take the exam on the Internet. The cost is only $85.
The GRI Course 1 Equivalency Exam will also be given at your local Board or at the WRA during the week of August 5-9, 2002. This exam allows you to "test out" of the GRI Course 1 and continue with GRI Course 2 or 3 in February 2003. Exam cost is $85. Call your Board/Association and register.
option two - Attend the 4-day GRI Course 1 class scheduled August 12-15, 2002 at the WRA in Madison.
1999-2000 CE - Still Available!
Real estate licensees can still complete their continuing education by WRA's distance learning Continuing Education program. The required 12 hours of continuing education are available through this program. Contact the WRA to register.
JumpStart Your Career-Quickstart
As you recruit, don't forget to send your new agents to the four-day QuickStart Program (offered in two parts as two-day sessions). Course contents include listing skills, how to work with for sale by owners, presenting the offer, plus much more.
Modules 1 and 2 on will be offered on June 26-27, 2002 in Madison and Modules 3 and 4 will be offered July 29-30, 2002 in Madison.
Upon completion of the four modules, participants can take a GRI Course 1 Equivalency Exam and move directly into GRI Course 2 or 3. The fee is only $230; however, the WRA offers a new member discount of $40, making the cost of this course only $190. This is a fantastic price for four days of instruction for new agents.
For New Recruits!
Sales Prelicense Course-Madison
This program is also available through self-study video or a self-study Internet program.
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 state-administered exam. The WRA is offering an 8-day Accelerated 72 Hours Sales program on July 8-11, 15-18, 2002 and September 9-12, 16-19, 2002 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. Call 1-800-279-1972 to register!
Home Inspectors CE Now on Video.
Modules can be purchased individually or in multiples.
module 1 Standards, Ethics and Report Writing - 4 hours
module 1a Electrical - 4 hours
module 2 Exteriors - 8 hours
module 3 Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning - 8 hours
module 4 Interiors, Insulation, Ventilation, Fireplaces, Basements, Crawl Spaces - 8 hours
module 5 Structural Systems and Components - 8 hours
Included is the home inspector's "HomeBook," a professional reference book with more than 365 pages and more than 600 possible inspection items, detailed drawings and the "what to" and "how to" of repairs.
2001-2002 Continuing Education
You've Got Options!
There are three ways to complete your CE. So there are no excuses not to complete your 2001-2002 Continuing Education now! Check the calendar on the last page for dates and places of live classes or go to www.wra.org and find out about CE video or self-study options.
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Member Benefits
WRA PRoFIT Program Continues to Grow
Have you thought of long-term investment? Are you looking to have a nest egg ready for you upon retiring? Join the WRA PRoFIT Retirement Program! Start planning for your future by adding your investment to the $2,738,000 currently in the PRoFIT program!
The Wisconsin REALTORSŪ Association PRoFIT (Planned Retirement Future Investment Trust) program has been developed in conjunction with the M&I Trust Company in Madison. This is an IRS-approved KEOGH Plan designed especially for
REALTORSŪ interested in a long-term financial plan. There are 31 funds to pick from: Conservative/Bond, Balanced, Large-Cap (Value/Growth), Blended Stock, Mid-Cap (Value/Growth), Small-Cap (Value/Growth), World and International. Jan. 1, 2002 brought new tax changes and savers are the big winners. Before, as an independent contractor, you could shelter $30,000 of your annual earnings, tax deferred. Now that has been raised to 20 percent of your annual income capped at $40,000.
There is no vesting period, unlike many pension programs. The only requirement is that you must remain a WRA member to continuing contribute to your PRoFIT account. If you terminate your membership, the funds you have already deposited will continue earning money for your retirement.
To participate in the WRA's PRoFIT plan, there is a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $75 and annual administrative fee of $40 or $10 per quarter. The minimum initial contribution is $100, with no minimum deposits after enrollment. You may contribute on your own by check or your broker can deduct a percentage from each commission. M&I Trust Company will run a quarterly and annual account of balances and earnings. However, with access to the MI Retirement Line and MI@ccount, you may check your account any time day or night. M&I direct (accessible as an option on the Mi Retirement Line) offers in-depth personal service provided by highly trained customer service representatives knowledgeable about the plan and investment options.
Participants should seek the advice from their tax planner to determine their annual contributions. If you want to join the WRA PRoFIT program but are involved in another program now, please call Stephanie Poehling at M&I Trust Company at (608) 232-2063.
It is easy to apply! Call Debbie Thacker at (800) 279-1972 for an application or go out on the WRA Web site
www.wra.org/membership_info/profit.htm and sign up today.
Are You In Need of Errors and Omissions Insurance?
Pearl & Associates, Ltd., a WRA-endorsed carrier of E & O Insurance, has some excellent features in their REAL PRO Plan, including:
- First Dollar Defense
- Zero Deductible available
- Deductible Waiver of 50 percent up to $10,000 during policy period
- Lock Box coverage up to $30,000
- Choice of three payment options with $500 minimum
- Risk Management Features
- New three-year policy features available to firms of five or fewer agents
- And more!
Call their customer service representative at (800) 289-8170 to go over the comprehensive insurance program that would work the best for you. Kemper Casualty Insurance Company and Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company underwrite your coverage.
AMI Long Distance Plan Rate Reduction!
AMI Communications, the company currently providing over 200 WRA members with long distance savings, is proud to announce a rate reduction effective this month. Here are the details:
| Usage Type |
Cost/Minute |
| Outbound Intrastate & Intralata |
$.059 |
| Outbound Interstate |
$.055 New! |
| Inbound Toll-Free Intrastate |
$.059 |
| Inbound Toll-Free |
$.055 New! |
| Interstate Calling Card |
$.15 |
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No term or volume commitments involved.
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No time-of-day restrictions. Rates are 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week and are guaranteed not to increase for two years.
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No monthly plan fee.
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Detailed easy-to-read billing statements with usage summaries and management reports.
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Calls are carried on the extensive, state-of-the-art networks of a major carrier.
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Accounts are managed by customer service personnel committed to providing the highest level of service. Any inquiries, problems, or concerns are always handled promptly and efficiently.
Current customers will automatically receive this rate reduction. For those not yet benefiting from these services, please give us a call at (800) 254-3202 and take advantage of this exclusive plan for WRA members!
AMI Communications, Inc.
(800) 254-3202
www.amicomm.net
REGIT, Inc.-Insurance Plans for Individuals
REGIT's Professional Standard Health Program can provide you access to insurance plans that can be customized to meet your individual needs:
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Flexible deductible and coinsurance options
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Choice of traditional "any doctor/any hospital" or money-saving PPO plans
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Doctor visit and wellness benefits
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Optional maternity coverage
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24-Hour Nurse hotline
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Affordable premiums and payment options
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Next-day coverage for short-term needs
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No maximum benefits
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No waiting periods
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No age limitations
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Coverage for pre-existing conditions
REGITS's Dental Insurance-go to your own dentist and save money. This dental plan is a low-cost plan available as a stand-alone coverage that provides benefits for:
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Preventive services ... with no deductible
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Minor restorative and diagnostic services
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Major restorative services
REGIT's Life Insurance can offer a quick and easy way to get Term Life Insurance from $25,000 to $250,000
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Coverage is available for spouse and children
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Low-cost, convenient quarterly premium
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Discount for non-tobacco users
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Higher limits and level item options available
REGIT's Dental/Vision/Chiropractic Co-Pay-by utilizing this program (POSCARD) you will have access to the services of well-known industry leaders such as LensCrafters, Ultimate Contact, and Chiropractic Life Care of America at a minimum cost. This card allows discounts on prescriptions at most pharmacies around the country. The beauty of this co-payment is you will have access to benefits with:
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No Deductible
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No Claim Forms
For brokers with either two or over a hundred employees, REGIT can provide a wide variety of plan options. For further information on individual or group plans, call REGIT, Inc. at (800) 537-9786, ext. 558 or look to their new Web site
www.regitinc.com.
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Spanish Lead Paint Disclosures Available
by Kristi Mikalsen
Under federal law, sellers and landlords of most residential housing built before 1978 are required to disclose the presence of known LBP to prospective buyers and tenants. The federally approved "Protect Your Family From Lead" pamphlet and WRA's Addendum S comply with this disclosure. However, providing these same disclosures to non-English speaking clients and customers is difficult. To aid you in bridging the communications barrier, the WRA will soon offer Spanish versions of the EPA lead paint pamphlet and WRA's Addendum S. Both items will be available mid-June for purchase. To order, contact the WRA or visit us on the web at
www.wra.org.
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Saving/Retrieving ZipForm Files on Diskette Made
Easy
by Kristi Mikalsen
Sometimes it is necessary to transfer transactions from one computer to another. Prior to ZipForm's most recent upgrade, Version 5.1.5, saving and retrieving files on disk was an arduous task. Files names were saved as a combination of letters and numbers and no easy mechanism existed for retrieving these ambiguous file names. Now, with ZipForm's long file name structure and new Browse feature, saving and retrieving files is easy. Follow these simple steps to save and retrieve transactions on disk:
To save
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Open ZipForm
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Open or Create a transaction
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Click File -> Save Transaction As
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Save In: Floppy A or B
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Replace the TXXXXX file name with your own file name
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Click Save
To retrieve
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Open ZipForm
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Click Open Transaction
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Click the Browse icon (computer) located on the Open Transaction window
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Look In: Floppy A or B
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Select the transaction you want to open and click Open
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Select whether to move the transaction to the new machine or keep it on the disk; click OK
For more information about ZipForm, visit our ZipForm
Product page.
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