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Inside the WRA
Inside the WRA with Bill Malkasian
 Last month I suggested that some time outside of Madison was just what I needed to get a clear picture of what's happening in Wisconsin real estate. Thankfully, September offered the much-needed respite and the pleasure of visiting many far-reaching areas of the state.
I found that market conditions across the state are making for a very hectic autumn for our brokers and agents. Fortunately, I was able to sidetrack a member here and there to get their impression of issues in their marketplace. This is what I heard:
- Real estate sales seem solid everywhere. I'm not going to describe days-on-market or prices since they vary in each individual market, but the bottom line is, it's been a nice fall.
- Land prices increased considerably in the state during the last year. Various factors, including lack of inventory, growth moratoriums, and a consumer appetite to buy, have driven the cost of land higher.
- Chronic Wasting Disease hasn't caused a slow down in sales but stay tuned for some commentary as nervous landowners ask more
questions. Your commentary on the topic would be helpful to me.
- The biennium is winding down ... don't forget the continuing education required to keep your real estate license. Many of you have been so busy that you haven't completed the 12 hours. You might want to take advantage of our CE video or self-study options. It's very popular and might be the ticket for all you procrastinators out there.
- Your interest in the upcoming elections, especially the gubernatorial race, is intensifying. Like the general public,
RealtorsŪ are focusing in on the choices and considering the consequences to your local area. I'm impressed with the number of you who have read the WRA material on these races.
- Local Boards are considering more shared services or mergers. The coming together of a number of local boards in northwest Wisconsin is a perfect example.
- MLS's seem to be talking to each other more about cooperation.
- The number of new WRA members has really increased in the last six months. We now have more individual real estate offices than at any other time in the association's history.
- Real estate companies seem to be very comfortable with the Internet and its role in generating prospects and sales as buyers are approaching our members with knowledge about specific properties they retrieved off the Web.
- We have had unprecedented turnover of local Board Association Executive Officers this year. Over five local associations of varying sizes have changed staff leadership in the last six months.
In October I will again be visiting many areas of Wisconsin and attending local association annual installation meetings. The WRA has a changing of the guard as well in October. Bob Weber will be installed as the 2002-03 Chairman of the Board at the WRA convention in Wisconsin Dells on Oct. 7. As the year winds down I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 2002 local association leadership, the WRA 2002 committee chairmen, the board of directors and our out going Chairman of the Board, Matt Miller, for a great year. The WRA staff truly appreciates your volunteer time to make this one of the best organizations in the country.
We stand ready here in Madison to begin a new fiscal year with the 2003 leadership team.
The challenges that we will face after the November elections will be many. No matter what the outcome, our industry will be looked at closely as the state and local levels of government decide on how to provide services to property owners.
Be prepared for an "activist" year ahead.
See you at the convention.
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