If you’ve gotten to know me over the last seven months since Najjar Publishing took over, you know that when something comes up, I run straight into the fire to address it head-on. So, let’s talk about what’s on the minds of our Realtors and Partners.

Real Producers is a national franchise. Each RP market is owned by a Publisher who puts their own unique spin on the publication’s content, events, and overall vision.

Has Milwaukee RP changed? Yes. Yes, it has. But have you asked yourself why? Why has it changed? Why has it had two Publishers in five years?

Let’s talk about it.

After COVID, restaurants raised their prices—not just on their menus but on event rentals and staffing as well. Many restaurants struggle to retain staff for regular service, let alone events. Those rising costs are passed directly to clients like us, the ones planning these events. Bottom line—events are more expensive than ever to host.

Preferred Partners’ monthly ad spend covers the cost of their ad, the printing, and the shipping of the monthly publication, allowing it to remain free to the Realtors. Realtors do not pay to be in the publication nor to receive it. I’ll say it again—Realtors do not pay to be featured in the magazine or to receive it.

So, if all the revenue RP generates goes into creating this publication for Realtors, then who is paying for the events? Great question! Quarterly Socials are made possible through sponsorships paid by Preferred Partners and/or ticket sales.

Sounds simple, right? But here’s the reality.

The market is down. The businesses that have always funded these experiences for Realtors are struggling. Title companies are laying off marketing reps and cutting budgets—fewer deals mean fewer titles. Mortgage lenders no longer have extra marketing dollars to spend. Home warranty companies and inspectors are sometimes being cut from deals entirely.

The people and businesses who normally sponsor these events are struggling. Some are wondering if they’ll even have a job next month.

So, when Preferred Partners are approached about sponsoring an event, the answer is often “not right now.” Of course, they want to support the event, the Realtors, and Real Producers. But not at the expense of their employees' paychecks or their families' needs.

That’s why we now charge a ticket fee—to help cover costs. Right now, the events aren’t big, extravagant galas. The community needs to understand that not all businesses are thriving at the moment. Will the big events return one day? Yes, absolutely—when the market and our community are back on solid financial ground.

Sometimes, it’s not just about Preferred Partners supporting Realtors—it’s about Realtors supporting the Preferred Partners. Whether or not you use all the partners featured in the publication, it’s about being part of a community and showing up for each other when it matters most.

This publication is mailed directly to the Top 500 Realtors—professionals likely earning six figures or more. If a ticket fee of $15 to $30 for an event is offensive, we understand, and we’re truly sorry. But please know—we’re doing what we believe is best for the community as a whole.

 

Our goal is to build genuine relationships with Realtors and Partners who share the same vision of community—people who understand that we’re all in this together.

We’re doing our best with what we have. If that doesn’t meet your expectations, we’ll gladly remove you from the mailing list. There are plenty of other Realtors who would love to receive the publication and meet the AMAZING and GIVING Preferred Partners who work hard to serve this community every single day.

Thank you for reading. If you’ve made it this far, I’d love to meet you at the next event!

Very respectfully yours,

Publisher

Milwaukee Real Producers

(307) 701-4669