Unveiling the Power of WRA Dues


 WRA Staff  |    March 04, 2024
WRA Magazine Mar 2024 — Cartoon Explosion

Discover the value of your WRA membership! Your WRA dues dollars open the door to an extraordinary list of free benefits and services, all at a fraction of what you’d pay for them individually. As a member of the WRA, these benefits not only offer you unparalleled convenience, but they also provide savings that can add up to thousands of dollars each year. Your membership isn’t just an investment — it’s an invaluable resource at your fingertips!

1: WRA Legal Hotline 

As one of the top benefits of your membership, the WRA Legal Hotline gives you the ability to be in direct contact with Wisconsin real estate attorneys who have some of the best insights on Wisconsin legal standards, current law and best practices. Got a question? Discuss it with a hotline attorney to enjoy peace of mind when working with clients and even with other REALTORS® as you wade through difficult transactions to ensure compliance. Members often say “just one call to the hotline can pay for membership in itself” to mitigate risks and eliminate transactional missteps. Just think: typical attorney fees start at $300 per hour, and your WRA membership covers unlimited hotline calls annually! See more at www.wra.org/legalhotline.

2: Legal Hottips library

Membership gives you access to the WRA’s Legal Hottips library, an extensive collection of WRA Legal Hotline discussions dating back several years. The online library equips you with comprehensive information regarding Wisconsin real estate law. You’re able to review hottips by categories and even subcategories so you can drill down to the specific issue you need. From issues like condominium offers to buyer agency disclosure to cooperating with out-of-state licensees, the hottip library offers thousands of hotline discussions to assist you as a WRA member. See more at 
www.wra.org/legalhottips.

3: Legal Update

Navigating the ever-changing legal landscape of Wisconsin real estate can be daunting. But you don’t have to go at it alone! Gain peace of mind with the WRA’s monthly Legal Update publication, delivering an in-depth analysis of new laws, court rulings and ethical issues, empowering you to make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls. See more at www.wra.org/legalupdate.

4: WRA PDF Forms Library

Membership gives you access to the WRA’s PDF Forms Library, comprised of over 100 electronic forms, including all current WB forms and all WRA-copyrighted forms. The forms library is your solution for meeting the demand of using digital forms outside of Transactions (zipForm Edition) or other digital forms software products. With the PDF Forms Library, you get the flexibility to download all PDF forms together or select specific forms in PDF format — never with fees or subscriptions required. See more at www.wra.org/forms

5: Line by Line forms training  

Got a forms question? Get forms training fast. Line by Line video training offers a fully indexed and drilled-down series of forms videos, allowing you to get detailed explanations and extra clarification of contract information found at specific line numbers within a WB form. With WRA attorney and training instructor Jennifer Lindsley as your host, these in-depth videos provide detailed insights to help you navigate and complete real estate forms with confidence, reducing errors and avoiding costly misrepresentations. See more at www.wra.org/linebyline.

6: Transactions (zipForm Edition)

The Transactions (zipForm Edition) product streamlines forms entry with full access to all forms related to buying, selling or renting properties in Wisconsin. It offers a convenient way to access all the DSPS-approved forms, WRA-related forms and select State Bar forms. WRA members have access to this entire platform free of charge, and all forms offer fields that allow quick entry of data that so you can capture information electronically.
See more at www.wra.org/transactions.

7: Authentisign digital signature

Formerly known as zipLogix Digital Ink, your Authentisign member benefit is built into the Transactions (zipForm Edition) system and provides a digital signature solution that allows you to create digital transaction files of forms, complete the forms, and obtain signatures electronically. Even if your clients are not tech savvy, signing is easy and can be performed from anywhere by simply using a web browser or mobile device. See more at 
www.wra.org/transactions.

8: Home sales reports and market data

The WRA monitors housing trends, issuing monthly reports that capture key metrics such as home sales, median prices, inventory levels and days on the market. These reports provide a comprehensive view, including regional variations, making them valuable for members, policymakers and homeowners. Plus, when you need to find additional data — whether you’re looking for regional evaluation or broad comparables — you can also access the interactive sales reporting tool on the WRA website, which allows you to lift specifics about any market in Wisconsin. See more at www.wra.org/housingstats.

9: Legislative advocacy

Your membership dues allow us to advocate for a healthy real estate market. We advocate at the state Capitol for Wisconsin REALTORS® as well as homeowners on key issues that impact the state housing market and homeownership, such as minimizing excessive regulation or restrictions on selling property. We actively represent the interests of the real estate industry every day by engaging with lawmakers and state departments, striving to influence and shape laws that safeguard our business and empower Wisconsinites to own, buy and sell real estate successfully. With your membership, we can help shape the industry and lay the groundwork for a positive impact on Wisconsin’s growth and development. See more at www.wra.org/advocacy.

10: Political advocacy

WRA membership allows you to empower real estate transformation and drive meaningful change with the 
REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC). In fact, picture Wisconsin’s real estate landscape without representation: a silent space where industry concern lacks a strong unified voice and advocate. That’s where RPAC steps in, ensuring our collective voice resonates in the election process. By endorsing and helping to elect pro-real estate candidates, RPAC plays a crucial role in ensuring that our industry has a strong ally during key policy decisions at the state and local levels. See more at www.wra.org/advocacy.

11: Legal advocacy

The WRA Legal Action program supports Wisconsin REALTORS® and landowners involved in legal matters to achieve the best possible outcome on cases for the entire real estate industry. With its roots dating back to the 1970s, the Legal Action Program most often participates in cases that have already been tried in circuit court and are on appeal. Cases can include actions involving real estate law and practice, land use or environmental concerns, private property rights, development rights, and other issues that can have a significant industry impact. If you’re a WRA member and have a case that you feel deserves statewide consideration, your first step should be contacting the WRA Legal Action Program. See more at www.wra.org/legalaction.

12: Professional development training and education

The WRA offers training programs for new agents all the way up to veteran agents to help sharpen their skills, with courses including pre-license education, continuing education, designations and certifications, in various formats. You save on these programs as a member! And you receive trusted education from the same instructors who are involved in helping shape Wisconsin real estate law, giving you confidence that the curriculum is accurate and truly made for Wisconsin. See more at www.wra.org/education.

13: Partnership for Success Program

The WRA Partnership for Success Program champions diversity within REALTOR® membership, embracing individuals from varied backgrounds regardless of ethnicity, gender, age or expertise. The program prioritizes inclusivity, recognizing the value it brings to the Wisconsin marketplace. Applicants from underrepresented groups must show a commitment to success and receive mentorship and in-house training from sponsoring brokers. The program provides start-up assistance and targets those without prior real estate licenses, particularly aspiring full-time agents in Wisconsin. Successful awardees receive one year of REALTOR® dues and six months of MLS fees. See more at www.wra.org/partnership.

14: Professional standards program

Many members identify professionalism in the industry as a significant challenge citing reluctance to file a complaint against a peer. The Statewide Professional Standards Enforcement Program works to elevate professionalism with 15 of the 17 local boards/associations participating. Members from throughout the state serve on the Professional Standards Committee, helping to resolve business disputes and disciplining members for unethical behavior. A citation policy with automatic fines and education for specific violations is in place to ease the reporting process. Ethics complaints may be addressed through mediation, the citation process or ethics hearings. REALTORS® also resolve contractual disputes via mediation and arbitration. See more at www.wra.org/professionalstandards.

15: Wisconsin Real Estate Magazine  

Ten times a year, you receive Wisconsin Real Estate Magazine (WREM), our flagship communications tool. WREM allows you to stay informed and up to date on the latest Wisconsin real estate developments, legal topics, legislative updates and professional development opportunities. Got a topic? Email us at editor@wra.org or call our legal hotline. Some of the best ideas for articles come directly from members. You even have the flexibility to select a preferred magazine delivery preference and choose whether you would like to receive the magazine through email or in traditional print format. See more at www.wra.org/magazine.

16: Inman News subscription

Elevate your real estate knowledge with the WRA’s collaboration with Inman News, providing exclusive access to Inman Select — a treasure trove of in-depth reporting, insightful analysis and daily updates. Dive into a wealth of resources, including daily news, award-winning commentary, special reports and engaging webinars, all offered through Inman Select. While it’s a paid service for others, WRA members can savor the benefits of Inman Select for free! See more at www.wra.org/Inman.

17: Statewide referral database

WRA membership guarantees that your name is included in the WRA’s Find a REALTOR® search function on the WRA website. Available to the public and REALTORS® alike, Find a REALTOR® allows potential buyers and sellers as well as lenders, inspectors, cooperating brokers and many more to search for REALTORS® in Wisconsin by specialty and/or geographic location. Your visibility within Wisconsin’s largest referral database helps you to facilitate referrals for success! See more at www.wra.org/FindARealtor.

18: Networking and events

Networking events have been around for over 50 years and bring the industry together. Several programs are available throughout the year, including the WRA Annual Convention, REALTOR® & Government Day, broker outreach programs and other opportunities to connect and build relationships in the industry. The WRA also hosts several members-only virtual events that connect you to other members as well as experts around the state. Stay tuned to the WRA website for a full calendar of events throughout the year. See more at www.wra.org/events.

19: Wisconsin REALTORS® Foundation

Join together as REALTORS® with the Wisconsin REALTORS® Foundation (WRF) to make a difference for Wisconsin communities! As the community outreach arm of WRA membership, the WRF unifies Wisconsin REALTORS® to address charitable causes such as education, hunger, homelessness/abuse and serious illnesses to make Wisconsin a better place to live, work and play. Since the WRF began its partnership with Feeding Wisconsin in 2018, the WRF has raised more than 1 million meals to feed Wisconsin children in need. The WRF also provides financial support for relief efforts in response to natural disasters in Wisconsin through voluntary contributions on membership renewal dues. See more at www.wra.org/WRF.

20: E&O insurance discount

Pearl Insurance, our partner carrier for errors & omissions (E&O) Insurance, presents a robust program tailored for the real estate industry at a discount. Underwritten by the esteemed AXA XL Group and boasting an “A+” rating from A.M., this E&O program has garnered sponsorships from over 30 real estate associations, including the WRA, since 1994. The coverage is thoughtfully designed to address the unique risks faced by REALTORS®, offering protection for network and privacy claims, not-for-profit directors and officers, open house property damage and agent-owned property transactions. See more at www.wra.org/pearl.

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