GAAR & SWMLS Board Updates for April 2025

Here's what happened at the GAAR and SWMLS Board Meetings April 24th.

GAAR Board Meeting Updates

Q1 Operations Report Highlights:
  • Email open rates are up to 43% — meaning more members are staying informed!
  • CE course registration increased 31% this year over last year
  • And calls to membership are down 21%, likely because members are finding what they need on the website
Membership Software

The GAAR Board agreed to continue beta testing our Association Management System. This software is used to run the Association and the Member Portal, which members use to access tools. We’ve been testing the new Member Portal and will soon begin testing the new back-office system. The transition will take time but offers many new capabilities:

  • Easier CE and event registration
  • Better CE course tracking  
  • Ability for QBs to monitor their Brokers' CE, including required courses like Code of Ethics and Fair Housing
  • Enhanced communication tools for staff to target specific audiences
  • Other improvements to boost staff efficiency
CasePro

The Board also approved CasePro, a Professional Standards software that will streamline complaints, ombudsman, and arbitration requests — while reducing risk to the association.

SWMLS Board Updates

Subscriber Billing

Billing time is here! Invoices will be issued on May 1st and are due by June 30th — and there were no price increases! This billing covers SWMLS Subscriber dues from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

Field Changes

Minor changes will continue to be implemented to meet RESO standards. Notice will be given before they go live.

New Policy

A new Delayed Marketing Exempt Listing Policy is being drafted — completion is expected later this summer. Until then, it’s business as usual.

SWMLS Products

There has been a notable boost in usage of SWMLS tools — with the exception of Forewarn. This member benefit can help keep you safe by identifying if a new client has a criminal background. If you haven’t activated your account yet, click here.

SWMLS FAQs

And finally, we’ve transcribed over 200 SWMLS support voicemails and are building a new SWMLS FAQ page with direct links to the rules, bylaws, and resources requested.

Thanks for staying connected! Your Boards are working hard to make sure you have the tools and support you need to succeed.