Association News

It's Not Too Late to Register for the WRA Annual Convention!

Join us at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells for the WRA's 2008 Annual Convention. You can register online throughout the weekend, or come to the Kalahari and register at the door. The activities get underway this Sunday. Visit www.wra.org/convention08 for more details.

WRA Management Conference Seeks Technology Panelists

Where does blogging and social media fit into your marketing plan? Are you successful at using Web 2.0 technologies in your business? If so, the WRA is seeking four to five REALTORS® to participate in a technology panel discussion at the WRA's Management Conference in December. Participants will share how they are using social media to improve their business, increase sales and establish stronger connections with clients. If you are interested in participating in the panel, please contact Kitty Kuhl, WRA Senior Vice President of Business Services, at (608) 241-2047 or (800) 279-1972.

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit is now available

As part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, a First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit is now available. But this special tax break ends in mid 2009. Learn the provisions and how to use it in a new brochure published by the National Association of REALTORS...Download

Wisconsin Home Prices Down Only Slightly as Sales Volume Falls More Significantly

A soft economy combined with weak consumer confidence kept second quarter Wisconsin sales volume below the same quarter last year. However, home prices were down...MORE

Special Announcement: Legal Update Moves to E-Mail Distribution

Effective August 2008, your WRA Legal Update moved to e-mail distribution. When you receive the e-mail each month, please be sure to download and print out your publication, as you will not receive one in the mail. As a benefit of this change, you will receive your Legal Update earlier each month. Further, we will be able to arm you with more content when the topics we investigate require further explanation. Space is no longer a limitation. You should already have received your first Legal Update e-mail correspondence. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or contact the WRA.

A Gift of Vision

The REALTOR® Code of Ethics – offers the lessons of hindsight, the guidance of foresight and the understanding of insight. ...MORE

Residential Real Estate Practice After Below v. Norton

In a recent decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court held that the Economic Loss Doctrine applies to residential real estate transactions. What does this mean for REALTORS®? Find out here....MORE

Tomorrow’s Solutions Begin Today

As we head into election season, where do candidates in your area stand on the issues? This list of questions will help you figure that out....MORE

High Court: Zoning Without Permitted Uses is Unconstitutional

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that a zoning ordinance that prohibits any use of property without a conditional-use permit is unconstitutional. Get the details here....MORE

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Passed as Part of Housing Bill

As part of the housing bill, Congress has created a new, temporary tax credit to provide an incentive for first-time homebuyers. The $7500 credit will be available for the purchase of a principal residence on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. Click here for First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit Frequently Asked Questions.

WRA Announces New LinkedIn and Facebook Social Network Community Groups

Connect with other members and colleagues through the WRA's Facebook and LinkedIn online communities. Read blogs, get details on upcoming events, track industry news, and get exclusive access to what’s happening inside the WRA. The first 200 members of either the Facebook or LinkedIn communities wil be entered in to win an iPOD Shuffle, courtesy of the WRA. To join today, visit wra.org/facebook or wra.org/linkedin.

Stay Two Nights at the Kalahari and Get a Gas Card and Free Golf!

Register for convention, stay two nights at the Kalahari during convention and you will receive 18 holes of golf at Trappers Turn Golf Course (cart with GPS included) and a $20 gas card. (Only one promotion per room. Sorry--free golf does not apply to WRA convention golf outings.) Just show your WRA convention confirmation at check-out to the hotel front desk and you'll receive your free golf and gas card.