eNews
December 18, 2017
First quarter MLS invoices are due December 31
MLS payments are due on or before December 31 to avoid suspension of MLS access. The 2018 MLS fees are $115.50 per quarter. In addition, each SPAAR member is receiving a $40 rebate toward their first quarter MLS fees for an invoice total of $75.50.

First quarter MLS billing was sent by email on November 30 from [email protected]. Members who do not see a notice in their inbox should check their SPAM and junk folders in order to not miss out on this important information.

If MLS payments are not paid on or before Dec. 31, members will incur a $25 reinstatement fee. To access your portal account, please click here. If you have questions regarding your first quarter MLS fees, do not hesitate to contact the association at 651-776-6000.
Toys for Joy provides holiday cheer to families each year

Toys for Joy was featured in the Saturday, Dec. 16, issue of the Pioneer Press. Read more  here.

Highlighting the program that provides gifts and food to families in need within Anoka County, REALTOR® and SPAAR member Mike Hunstad said it best: "Being an agent in the community, this is where you live, work, and play. Why wouldn't you want to be part of making it better? Putting a smile on people's faces is what it's all about."

Toys for Joy was established by the North Metro REALTORS® Association, now SPAAR through a merger in 2011, as a 501©(3) Minnesota charitable organization in 1986.
Scholarships available for diversity training

SPAAR's Diversity Committee is excited to provide scholarships for members who complete the National Association of REALTORS® At Home with Diversity (AHWD) course by Sunday, December 31, 2017. Up to 30 scholarships, with a value of up to $100 each, are available to members who provide proof of course completion by this date.

The AHWD class addresses diversity, fair housing and business planning development. After successfully completing the course, REALTORS® are eligible to apply for the official AHWD certification, which lets clients know they are working with a dynamic real estate professional with expertise that transcends cultural barriers. The 6 to 7-hour class can be taken online or in person.

The 6 to 7-hour online AHWD course is $99 (currently on sale for $79.20). There is a one-time, $75.00 fee to apply for AHWD certification. Scholarships are available to cover the cost of the class participation.

For more information about the scholarship opportunities, contact Joe McKinley at SPAAR at [email protected]  or 651-772-6344. Click here for more information about AHWD. 
Be a SPAAR Hero in 2018

SPAAR is now accepting SPAAR Hero applications for the new year.

SPAAR Heroes are members who are involved in their communities in many ways. If you or someone you know deserve to be recognized as a SPAAR Hero, we want to hear from you!

The recognition program awards one recipient each month for his or her community involvement, which includes $250 to donate to the cause or organization he or she supports.

SPAAR Hero began in October 2017 and, to date, has honored Mike McAnally, Syd Jensen and the Edina Realty-Roseville office for their community contributions. Selections are made by the association's Community Engagement Committee.

If you know someone who should be a SPAAR Hero, yourself included (self nominations are welcome!), please email Joe McKinley at [email protected].
30 Under 30 applications now being accepted
 
The application process for the 30 Under 30 rising stars in the real estate industry is underway. Each May, REALTOR® Magazine features the 30 winners of this esteemed honor from the approximately 500 real estate practitioners under age 30 who apply.
 
The application period will remain open until Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, at noon CT. Applicants may access the online form here. (Please note that you will need your NRDS ID number.)

Learn more about the contest rules for the 30 Under 30 program.
East Side books for sale
 
East Side Elders recently published "Walk on the East Side," a collection of pictures and stories from residents of St. Paul's East Side to raise funds for its programs. The books promote the rich traditions and diversity of the East Side, making it suitable for closing gifts or to promote housing opportunities. 
 
East Side Elders is a nonprofit that serves residents in the Payne-Phalen, Dayton's Bluff and Conway-Battle Creek neighborhoods with programs that enhance neighborhood stability. "Walk on the East Side" is available for a suggested donation of $20. For information, contact East Side Elders at [email protected] or (651) 683-2326. 
Housing Market Statistics

Get up-to-date housing market information here. SPAAR provides four different types of reports so you can offer your clients the most accurate housing data available. Click below to see how the market is doing.

Welcome, new members!
Welcome to SPAAR! Thank you for joining. We look forward to helping you to be successful in your business.
New Members
 Organization
Ibrahim Darwiche
 Edina Realty, Inc. 
Brian Gasner
 BDG Services
Tanner Gibson
 Keller Williams Premier Realty
Katee Holland
 Counselor Realty, Inc.
Pam Lachhman
 Keller Williams Premier Realty South Suburban
Marcus Laskowski
 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Elita Lendway
 Coldwell Banker Burnet
Craig Reichel
 Keller Williams Classic Realty
Alicia Schwartz
 Bridge Realty, LLC
Rebecca Tessmer
 Coldwell Banker Burnet
Bergen Thurber
 Keller Williams Preferred Realty
STAY CONNECTED: