Wisconsin REALTORS® Association: Message from the CEO

Message from the CEO

 August 01, 2024
CEO24

Since the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) entered into the settlement agreement on March 15 to resolve a series of class-action antitrust lawsuits involving sellers, the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA) has been actively working to interpret, educate and implement the new practice changes in Wisconsin.  

During this time, the WRA has engaged in extensive outreach with REALTOR® members, local boards, government officials and real estate industry partners. These initiatives include: 

  • Three all-member Legal Update Live webinar sessions with over 700 attendees for each. 
  • Over 37 presentations to local REALTOR® associations, MLSs, real estate companies, and real estate industry partners like title companies, appraiser groups and lenders.
  • A presentation to the State Bar of Wisconsin.
  • Held individual meetings with members of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation and Wisconsin state lawmakers, including officials with the Department of Safety and Professional Services, to explain how the settlement agreement affects real estate practice in Wisconsin.

In addition to these outreach efforts, the WRA has produced various written updates and videos to provide new information and interpretations of key provisions in the settlement agreement. These resources aim to help REALTORS® better understand the practice changes, including

  • Providing weekly updates and new interpretations related to the settlement agreement as part of the Legal News email sent to all members.
  • Developing frequently asked questions (FAQ) documents about the settlement agreement and related litigation.
  • Preparing talking points for explaining the settlement agreement and its effects on Wisconsin to REALTOR® customers and clients
  • Writing numerous articles for the Wisconsin Real Estate Magazine, including several for this edition.
  • Answering over 250 questions from individual REALTOR® members through the WRA Legal Hotline.
  • Including litigation-related questions from the WRA Legal Hotline in the weekly Legal Hottips, which are sent to all members in the Legal News email and available each week on the WRA website.
  • Producing or amending five WRA forms or agreements to implement the new settlement practice changes.
  • Providing input into changes to 18 WB forms with an optional use date of July 1, 2024, and a mandatory use date of August 15, 2024.

While much work has been done so far, the WRA continues to seek opportunities for constructive changes within the real estate industry. For example, the WRA has established a buyer agency workgroup to explore additional changes to Wisconsin real estate practices to ensure that consumers are well informed about the real estate transaction process. 

As the WRA continues to help REALTORS® to adapt to the new settlement agreement, its commitment to providing comprehensive education and support to its members remains unwavering. By actively engaging with all stakeholders and continually updating resources, the WRA ensures that Wisconsin REALTORS® are well prepared to navigate the evolving landscape of real estate practice. The journey is ongoing, but with a proactive approach and a focus on consumer education, the WRA stands ready to lead the industry through these significant changes.

As always, if you have questions or comments about the practice changes or anything else, please contact me at tlarson@wra.org.

Tom Larson
WRA President & CEO

Copyright 1998 - 2025 Wisconsin REALTORS® Association. All rights reserved.

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WRA Class Rules and Cancellation Policy

WRA classroom policy

  • Check-in opens 30 minutes before class (may vary depending on location).
  • Late students are not allowed into class.

WRA cancellation and refund policy

Virtual/live classes 

  • The WRA reserves the right to cancel the course or event if not filled. Should a course be cancelled, registration fees will be refunded in full.
  • Student cancellations must be in writing prior to the start of the course or event and will be refunded minus a $25 cancellation fee. Some conferences and conventions have additional cancellation and refund restrictions.
  • Registrations cannot be transferred between students or attendees. 
  • Sales pre-license attendance policy: Attendance is mandatory. Missed hours must be made up and cannot be made up until conclusion of the classroom portion of the course. All make-ups must be completed within seven days after the conclusion of the classroom portion of the course. An individual will not receive a certificate of completion for the course until missed hours are completed. An absence of more than two days will result in termination of enrollment in the course with an option to attend the course at a later date or transfer to a distance learning format, which may involve a transfer fee. If absence results in termination of enrollment, no refund will be issued. 
Distance learning programs
  • Sales and broker pre-license students have six months from the date of registration to complete the course.
  • Student cancellations for distance learning programs must be in writing within two weeks of registration and prior to accessing the course work. Students will be refunded minus a $25 cancellation fee.
  • Course materials must be returned at a student’s expense and in reusable and resalable condition. The request for cancellation will not be processed until materials have been received by the WRA.
  • Registrations cannot be transferred between students.

Other WRA products and publications

  • WRA products and publications must be returned at student’s expense within two weeks of purchase. Refunds will not be processed until materials have been received by the WRA in reusable and resalable condition. 

 Technical colleges

  • Returns may be made for a 100 percent credit if made within 30 days of purchase. There will be a 15 percent restocking fee on returns made after 30 days but before 60 days from the date of purchase. No credit will be given on orders 60 days or older or on outdated materials. Technical colleges will be notified of pending publication changes 60 days prior to publication. All products must be returned in reusable condition. 
Special events (WRA Annual Convention, REALTOR® & Government Day, etc.):
  • Special events including the ones listed above may have additional cancellation restrictions. Consult event details on event webpage(s) for policy information. 

Extension policy

  • If additional time is needed to complete a pre-license course, WRA students can purchase a 30-day extension for $30. Pre-license extensions are available for students up to 6 months from expiration date, and multiple 30-day extensions are permitted. 

The WRA reserves the right to revise these policies at any time without prior notice. 

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