Northwoods Association of REALTORS Government Affairs

REALTOR & Government Day 2009

2009-03-19T08:59:00.001-05:00

Have you signed up for REALTOR® & Government day yet? If not, there's still time to sign up!

Mark your calendars now for WRA's annual REALTOR® & Government Day. Held in Madison on April 8, 2009, R&G Day is your opportunity to connect with Legislators and tell them what is important to you as a REALTOR®!

REALTOR® & Government Day is the one day each year when we ask REALTORS® to invest their time to come to Madison and meet with their state legislators to discuss the key issues facing our industry and Wisconsin property owners. There is no lobbying effort more effective than REALTOR® constituents visiting Capitol offices and making face-to-face presentations on key issues such as health care reform, property taxes, land use, property rights and license regulations. Along with fellow REALTORS® from our area, you can help explain to your State Senators and Assembly Representatives the real impact of proposals they will be voting on during this legislative session.

For more information and to register, please click here.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mortgage interest deduction opposition

2009-03-16T15:54:00.000-05:00

See below from NAR...

When President Obama released his proposed Fiscal Year 2010 Budget in late February, the headline grabber was his proposal to limit itemized deductions for individuals earning more than $250,000 a year. This limitation would reduce the value of not only mortgage interest deductions for this group, but would also reduce the value of their deductions for state and local taxes, including property taxes.

NAR responded quickly with letters of opposition sent to the President and to every member of the House and Senate. We also purchased advocacy ads in the leading Inside the Beltway newspapers. In Washington, no proposal ever completely dies. Many, many proposals, however, do go dormant.

Here are some quotes from very authoritative sources to illustrate the general perception that the proposal to limit deductions has gained limited traction.

"Some of the reforms and offsets contained or referenced in the budget, such as the limitation on itemized deductions, raise concerns and will require more study as we determine the best policies for getting America back on track." Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) Senate Finance Committee.

"One major proposal, to limit itemized deductions for wealthy taxpayers, has already raised doubts among prominent Democrats in both chambers." Washington Post, March 10, 2009

"The apparent first casualty is a big one: a proposal to limit tax deductions for the wealthiest 1.2 percent of taxpayers…But the chairmen of the House and Senate tax-writing committees, Senator Max Baucus of Montana and Representative Charles B. Rangel of New York, have objected to the proposal, citing a potential drop in tax-deductible gifts to charities." New York Times, March 10, 2009

"I am always glad to have any allies and defenders [on the right], but I do favor almost all of Obama's agenda, right down to having the rich pay more of their freight in this great country. It's just not the right time. We need to declare a war on unemployment and solve it before we let it get out of hand. We need to stop house-price depreciation." Jim Cramer, Inside Politics Newsletter, March 10.

Home Tax Credit - Modifications by Congress

2009-02-13T16:13:00.001-06:00

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT

As Modified in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Major Modifications Shaded

February 2009

FEATURE	CREDIT AS CREATED JULY 2008 APPLIES TO ALL QUALIFIED PURCHASES ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 2008	REVISED CREDIT – EFFECTIVE FOR PURCHASES ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2009
Amount of Credit	Lesser of 10 percent of cost of home or $7500	Maximum credit amount increased to $8000
Eligible Property	Any single family residence (including condos, co-ops, townhouses) that will be used as a principal residence.	No change All principal residences eligible.
Refundable	Yes. Reduces (or can eliminate) income tax liability for the year of purchase. Any unused amount of tax credit refunded to purchaser.	No change Purchasers will continue to receive refund for unused amount when tax return is filed.
Income Limit	Yes. Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000).	No change Same income limits continue to apply.
First-time Homebuyer Only	Yes. Purchaser (and purchaser’s spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.	No change Still available for first-time purchasers only. Three-year rule continues to apply.
Revenue Bond Financing	No credit allowed if home financed with state/local bond funding.	Purchasers who utilize revenue bond financing can use credit.
Repayment	Yes. Portion (6.67% of credit or $500) to be repaid each year for 15 years, starting with 2010 tax filing.	No repayment for purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009
Recapture	If home sold before 15-year repayment period ends, then outstanding balance of repayment amount recaptured on sale.	If home is sold within three years of purchase, entire amount of credit is recaptured on sale. Applies only to homes purchased in 2009.
Termination	July 1, 2009 (But note program changes for 2009)	December 1, 2009
Effective Date	Purchases on or after April 9, 2008 and before January 1, 2009. Repayment to begin for 2010 tax year.	All revisions are effective as of January 1, 2009

2009-02-04T22:06:00.001-06:00

White House outlines more details of stimulus plan's impact on Wisconsin

The White House today turned up its effort to win public support for President Barack Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan by releasing an updated ,state-by-state, estimated impact of the plan.

Obama says the plan will create jobs, jumpstart growth and transform the economy for the 21st century.
According to data released by the White House this afternoon, the plan's impact in Wisconsin will include:

Creating or saving 74,000 jobs over the next two years. Jobs created will be in a range of industries from clean energy to health care, with over 90 percent in the private sector (according to new data complied by Romer and Bernstein, "The Job Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.”)
Providing a making work pay tax cut of up to $1,000 for 2.2 million workers and their families in Wisconsin. The plan will make a "down payment" on Obama's Making Work Pay tax cut for 95 percent of workers and their families, designed to pay out immediately into workers’ paychecks.
Making 63,000 Wisconsin families eligible for a new American Opportunity Tax Credit to make college affordable. By creating a new $2,500 partially refundable tax credit for four years of college, the plan will give 3.8 million families nationwide, including 63,000 in Wisconsin, new assistance to put college within their reach.
Offering an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance benefits to 553,000 workers in Wisconsin who have lost their jobs in the recession and providing extended unemployment benefits to an additional 74,000 laid-off workers in the state.
Providing funding sufficient to modernize at least 138 schools in Wisconsin with updated labs, classrooms and libraries.

In addition to the immediate assistance for Wisconsin, the White House said the stimulus plan help transform the American economy by:

Doubling renewable energy generating capacity over three years, creating enough renewable energy to power 6 million American homes.
Computerizing every American’s health record in five years, reducing medical errors and saving billions of dollars in health care costs.
Launching the most ambitious school modernization program on record, sufficient to upgrade 10,000 schools.
Enacting the largest investment increase in the nation's roads, bridges and mass transit systems since the creation of the national highway system in the 1950s.

To view a state by state summary, click here.

More on camping in Oneida County

2008-12-18T19:52:00.004-06:00

After a very lengthy public hearing, the result of the discussion on camping in single family & business zoned districts is in...kind of.

A motion was made and seconded for P&Z staff to work with corporation counsel to come up with a means for towns to control camping on an individual town basis - example would be a special zoning district. The motion was passed unanimously.

NWAR took a position of "no position" on the ordinance amendments. Any position on future amendments will be revisited by the Legislative Committee & Board of Directors.

To be continued...

Within these walls

2008-12-16T16:42:00.002-06:00

Taken from the NAR President Charles McMillan's recent podcast...a great program!

For several years, the National Association of REALTORS® has sponsored an exhibit
at the Smithsonian Institution Museum of American History in Washington, D.C..

The exhibit focuses on the true value of homeownership – to individuals, communities and our nation – by highlighting the stories of five ordinary American families who lived in a house in Ipswich, Massachusetts, during a 200-year period. What happened in that house changed their lives, and our nation, forever.

Ask the average American homeowner what his or her home is worth, and chances are that the answer will be at or above the average home price today. More importantly, if you were to ask the average person if buying a home is a good investment, more than eight out of ten would say “yes.”

To some people, particularly those who focus solely on home prices, such responses seem all-but delusional. But, when you really look into the heart of America’s homes, you see that the value of having a place that is all your own, where you can spend time with family and friends, has always far exceeded any financial return.

Let's make this local - What’s your story? E-mail it to me at gadkevin@verizon.net & I’ll post the best on our association’s website.

*Source – National Association of REALTORS®

To camp or not to camp

2008-12-10T09:26:00.002-06:00

On December 17th at 2PM, the Oneida County Planning & Zoning Committee will be holding a public hearing on revision to Oneida County's camping ordinance.

Please click here to read a story by the Rhinelander Daily News that give a little more background into the ordinance and potential changes.

Moving forward to 2009

2008-12-09T21:35:00.002-06:00

Now that the elections are finally beyond us, it is time to move forward & prepare to work with our new legislators, both on the State & National level.

On December 1st, WRA Chairman Mike Mulleady and I met with 12th District Senator-Elect Jim Holperin. The purpose of the meeting was to let Jim know what issues are important to the members of the real estate industry, especially those in the Northwoods. We found Jim to be very responsive & open to our ideas, and look forward to working with him in the 2009-10 legislative session.

NAR has made some changes to their Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) roster, and one of those changes is right here in the Northwoods! Beginning in January 2009, NWAR® President Rick Zoerb will serve as the NAR FPC to Us Congressman Dave Obey (7th CD D – Wausau). I look forward to working with Rick & Congressman Obey’s office over the course of the 111th Congress to help advance national issues that are of importance to REALTORS®. I would also like to thank Rick for stepping up to accept this position.

What can we expect to see from our legislature in 2009? That remains to be seen, as Wisconsin will have to first face the largest budget deficit in the State’s history. While we hope that increases such as the transfer tax will be spared, the reality is that everything is on the table. You can expect to hear more on this topic as we enter the first month or two of 2009.

Thank you to all who have worked with me over the last year. I look forward to another great year in 2009. Happy Holidays!

There's still time to get the tax credit!

2008-12-09T21:23:00.002-06:00

There’s still time to become eligible for the first time homebuyer tax credit that was exacted by Congress earlier this year. The first time homebuyer tax credit is equal to $7,500 or 10 percent of the purchase price of the home for single taxpayers and married couples filing jointly. If you are married and filing separately, the maximum credit amount is reduced to $3,750.

You do need to remember that this tax credit is temporary in nature and only covers home purchases made after April 8, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. If you owned a principal residence at any time during the three years prior to purchasing the home in which you intend to apply for the credit on, you are not eligible.

Finally, you should remember that the credit is more of an interest free loan from the government. The credit does have a requirement of payback over a time period of 15 years. For example, if you take the full credit amount of $7,500, you would pay back as part of your taxes, $500 per year.

For more information, click here

12th Senate District candidate forums

2008-09-24T11:30:00.003-05:00

With the November election just under six weeks away, now is a great time to hear from the candidates about issues that are important to you. Over the next few weeks Jim Holperin and Tom Tiffany, the candidates for the 12th Senate District, will be holding several forums throughout the district. The dates, times & locations of the forums are as follows:

WI Public Radio State Senate debate
Thursday, Sept. 25, 5-6pm
Campanile Center
141 Milwaukee St.
Minocqua

AARP candidate forum
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 10-11:30am
Holiday Acres Resort
4060 South Shore Dr.
Rhinelander

Northwoods Alliance for School Funding Reform political forum
Thursday, Oct. 9, 7pm
Lakeland Union High School
9573 State Highway 70
Minocqua

Tomahawk Chamber/WJJQ WI State Senate forum
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6-7pm
Tomahawk Community Bank
Community Room, Second floor
15 East Wisconsin Avenue
Tomahawk

Northwoods media political debate
Hosted by: WRJO, WXPR, NewsoftheNorth, Rhinelander Daily News, Star Journal, New Radio Group
Thursday, Oct. 16, 6-8pm
Nicolet Area Technical College
Learning Resource Center
5364 College Drive
Rhinelander

Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups candidate forum
Monday, Oct. 27, 10:30am-12pm
Antigo Senior Center
411 Superior St.
Antigo

As always, if there are any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Vilas County floodplain zoning update

2008-09-04T16:11:00.001-05:00

At today's meeting of the Vilas County Planning & Zoning Committee, another step forward was taken. After a lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Jack Harrison & seconded by Maynard Bedish to move forward with the process of adopting a FEMA compliant ordinance for Vilas County. The motion was passed unanimously. The supervisors were advised by staff that the entire process is rather lengthy, and could expect at least a year or longer until a final ordinance would be in place. This is due, in part, to drafting an entirely new ordinance, ensuring legal compliance with existing ordinances, and public hearings. Several supervisors felt that the best way to gain support for this ordinance is through proper education of the public.

Voter registration information

2008-07-29T09:56:00.000-05:00

Voter Registration information

Often times, it is easier to register to vote prior to an election day. By doing this, you save yourself time and also save election workers time & help to cut down on long lines at the polls.

The following information and links have been provided as a service to members. Feel free to use them for yourself and also pass the information along to your clients. There is a lot of paperwork that is passed on to new homeowners at the time if sale. This information helps to make the new homeowner feel welcome in the community and also gets them involved and ensures that their voice is heard at the polls.

There are three easy ways to register to vote in Wisconsin. You can:

1). Register in person at your city, town or village clerk’s office until 5 p.m. on the day before the election.

2). Register by mail. You can download and print an Application for Voter Registration Form (Form EB-131) or you can contact (write or call) your city, town or village clerk’s office and ask them to send you an Application for Voter Registration Form (Form EB-131) in the mail. Follow each instruction carefully and mail it back before the deadline. (It must be postmarked or received in the clerk’s office 20 days before the election).

3). Register at the polls on Election Day.

Voter registration form –
http://elections.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=13109&locid=47
Voter & Poll information –
http://elections.state.wi.us/category.asp?linkcatid=1773&linkid=270&locid=47
To lookup who the respective Town/Municipal clerk is, follow this link
http://elections.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=10506&locid=47

Floodplain Zoning in Vilas County?

2008-07-08T09:02:00.000-05:00

At the July 3rd meeting of the Vilas County Planning & Zoning Committee, supervisors discussed the possible implementation of floodplain zoning. Currently, Vilas County is one of 4 counties in Wisconsin that does not have a FEMA compliant ordinance. As a result of this, Vilas County is in a "penalty phase", which means no resident of the county may purchase flood insurance, along with the stipulation that should a flood event take place, no disaster assistance will be provided to identified flood hazard areas.

After much discussion between the committee, general public & Vilas County Emergency Management personnel, a motion was approved to have P&Z Director Dawn Schmidt proceed with her plan to further look into the development of an ordinance - this plan includes meeting with WDNR staff to gather information on the ordinance and also meeting with local lender to discuss the effects of no ordinance (potential denial of funding).

RPAC - why is it important?

2008-06-25T11:20:00.000-05:00

Why RPAC? This new video from WRA helps to explain why you should give to RPAC today!

http://www.wra.org/video/rpac_video_summer08/rpac_video_summer.html

AIS Ordinance now in place in Oneida County

2008-06-25T10:44:00.002-05:00

An ordinance is now in place in Oneida County which will permit a law enforcement officer to stop a vehicle is aquatic vegetation is being transported. If a citation is issued, violators can expect a fine of $200-500. While the fine is a part of the ordinance, it is expected that this ordinance will also help to educate the public on cleaning their watercraft, etc... before transporting to another body of water.

Questions were raised by board members if this was the right thing to do, and how are officers going to be able to distinguish between invasive and non-invasive species. Supervisor Romelle Vandervest said that we have to "start somewhere".

After much debate, the ordinance passed on an 11-7 vote

Floodplain ordinances updated in Oneida County

2008-06-25T10:44:00.001-05:00

Some changes were made by the Oneida County Board at their most recent meeting pertaining to floodplains. The changes are:

Resolutions were passed at the June 17th meeting that revise and recreate chapter 20 of the Oneida County Floodplain Ordinance. This was done to comply with NR116 & FEMA regulations.

An ordinance amendment was also passed which will now require building permits for all structures, regardless of value for all properties within the general floodplain district.

Russ Feingold listening sessions

2008-05-29T11:55:00.000-05:00

US Senator Russ Feingold has scheduled listening sessions for Taylor & Price Counties on Saturday June 7th. For more details on the listening session, please click the following link:

http://feingold.senate.gov/listening/

Pier Bill clarified

2008-05-29T11:34:00.000-05:00

Many have asked questions on the Pier Protection Act that was recently signed by Governor Doyle. WRA has prepared an article clarifying the new law, along with providing a printable brochure that also explaines the new law. To view the article, click the following link:

http://www.news.wra.org/story.asp?a=927

Senator Kohl local office hours

2008-04-25T09:54:00.000-05:00

For those who are interested, Marlene Mielke, regional representative for US Senator Herb Kohl, will be holding office hours in Rhinelander on Tuesday, April 29 from 3 - 4 PM. The sesssion will be held at Rhinelander City Hall, 135 South Stevens Street.

For more information on Senator Kohl, please visit his website at:

http://kohl.senate.gov/

If you would like more information on NAR's 2008 legislative goals, please contact me.

NWAR Golf outing

2008-04-22T12:09:00.000-05:00

Now that the snow has finally melted (we hope), it's time to think about the annual NWAR® Golf Outing! This year's outing will be held on Monday May 19th at Rhinelander's Northwood Golf Club. This challenging course is set just west of Rhinelander on Highway 8, and was ranked 3rd best municipal course by Golf Digest magazine in 2002. You can download a signup for by clicking the following link:

http://www.northwoodsrealtors.org/golfouting_20sign_20up_200408.pdf

Following the golf outing, we will have the annual RPAC Auction. If you have not donated an item for the auction yet, please consider doing so.If there are any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Price County Board update

2008-04-17T11:16:00.000-05:00

Bob Kopisch was sworn in as the new Chairman of the Price County Board, replacing Dan Racette who was defeated in the April 1 election. This will be the first time that Price County operates with a 13 member board.

The Board approved the application for a lake protection grant, which if approved, will allow for funds to create a book explaning zoning stipulations and to hold a workshop for landscapers. The book will allow a wide variety of information to be provided to the public, along with an updated website.

The County Board also aproved a 9-1-1 addressing ordinance which was necessary to correct problems with current addressing. These problems have in the past resulted in a delay of emergency services response. While the county will oversee addressing, municipalities will still be involved.

Vilas County Board update - 15 April 2008

2008-04-17T11:10:00.001-05:00

At the April meeting of the Vilas County Board, Steve Favorite was selected as the new Chairman of the Vilas County Board by a vote of 11-10. The Chairman for the last six years has been Charles Rayala, Jr. of Manitowish Waters. Kathleen Rushlow was re-elected as Vice-Chairman and Ronald DeBruyne was elected as second Vice-Chairman.

Supervisors approved changed to the non metallic mining reclamation ordinance. The amendments included increased permit fees, new payment dates to the DNR and defenition changes. All changed were needed to meet requirements of the DNR.

Oneida County Board - 15 April 2008

2008-04-15T14:55:00.000-05:00

At the organizational meeting of the Oneida County Board Andy Smith was re-elected as Chairman of the Board, with Frank Greb being elected to the position of Vice-Chairman.

The controversial subject of overlay districts was again visited. The debate as to whether to eliminate the districts carried on for some time, ultimately resulting in a vote of 13 - 7 to eliminate section 9.73 of the Oneida County zoning code, more commonly known as overlay districts.

Section 9.78, sign regulations was amended by a unanimous vote of the board. Highlights of the revised regulations are as follows:

Home occupied businesses will now be allowed 1 free standing sign no greater that 12 square feet - previously the allowance was for 25o square feet
Only one flat sign per building face will be allowed
One projecting sign will be allowed - specific requirements are contained in the ordinance.

A third ordinance resolution to amend section 9.91, shoreland-wetland zoning district was sent back to committee to receive additional information from the DNR. Current language recognizes wetlands on a map that are 5 acres or more in size - it is the intent of the County to update these maps which now recognize wetlands of 2 acres in size or more

US EPA Approves LDF TAS application

2008-04-15T14:53:00.000-05:00

I just received word from the US Environmental Protection Agency that they have granted authority to the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians to run its own water quality standards program. The authority granted is for water standards programs only.

While the TAS authority has been granted, the Tribe will still have to submit the actual water quality standards that they have developed to US EPA for another round of review and approval. The full set of documents can be viewed at the following link:

http://www.epa.gov/R5water/wqs5/wqstribes.htm#flambeau

If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Brett Favre raffle to benefit RPAC

2008-04-14T09:32:00.000-05:00

Don't miss your chance to win this 16 x 20 signed photo of Brett Favre! The winning ticket will be drawn on May 19th at the NWAR RPAC Auction held at Northwood Golf Club in Rhinelander.

Tickets are 2 for $5.00 or 5 for $10.00. Tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting GAD Kevin Jenkins.

State Political Action Committees are affiliated committees of the National RPAC which are joined together by a signed cooperative agreement of joint fund raising and a 70/30 split of contributions received. All political contributions are split 70% staying in Wisconsin for use in Wisconsin legislative and constitutional races and 30% going to National RPAC for support for federal candidates. That portion used by National RPAC will be charged against the applicable contribution limits of the Federal laws for an individual under 2 USC Section 441A, which allows a $5,000 maximum aggregate contribution limit from individuals to RPAC in any calendar year. Once Wisconsin reaches its goal, which is predetermined by National RPAC, based on $10 a member, the proportional split changes, with 100% of the contributions staying in Wisconsin and 0% going to National.

Any solicitation of membership in RPAC is intended for members of the National Association of REALTORS®, its State Associations, and Local Boards pf REALTORS®. Nothing herein shall be construed as a solicitation of contributions from non-members. While RPAC can legally receive unsolicited contributions from non-members, solicitations of such contributions are prohibited by law.

A copy of our report is filed by RPAC with the Federal Elections Commission and is available for purchase from the Federal Commission, Washington, DC 20463. Also a report is filed with the State Elections Board and is available at the State Elections Board, 132 E. Wilson Street, 3rd Floor, Madison, WI 53702.

Payments to the RPAC and Direct Giver Program are not deductible as charitable contributions.