eNews
December 11, 2017
SPAAR modified office hours in Eagan and Coon Rapids on Dec. 12
 
SPAAR's Eagan and Coon Rapids offices will be closed until 12:15pm on Tuesday, Dec. 12, for staff training.
 
SPAAR's Maplewood (St. Paul) location will remain open during its regular office hours.
SPAAR is seeking committee representation for 2018

Have you ever considered serving on a committee at the St. Paul Area Association of REALTORS® (SPAAR)? If so, you can apply now!

Being part of a SPAAR committee provides opportunities to:
  • Meet REALTORS® and Affiliates from different offices
  • Expand your professional network
  • Be part of a team that plans events or addresses issues
  • Have firsthand knowledge about SPAAR through your involvement
  • Join in the fun!
The applications to join one or more  SPAAR committees are being accepted through Friday, Dec. 15. Committee members for 2018 will be contacted no later than Friday, Dec. 29, with their placement(s). Committees meet a minimum of six times each year, and regular attendance is expected. Committees are a great way to be involved!
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.
Edina Realty in Roseville is SPAAR Hero for December 2017. That's right, the whole office!
 
The entire Edina Realty - Roseville office comes together to help feed the homeless on a weekly basis. They've been doing so every week - all year long - for at least the last four years.
 
Sign-up sheets are used to track who will prepare and deliver meals to homeless people in the Minneapolis area. A jar is used to collect money to reimburse drivers for their gas.
 
Meals are delivered to shelters or to individuals on the street, mostly in downtown Minneapolis. This mission was brought to the office and is coordinated by REALTOR® Tim Golie, who was quick to describe this as a team effort along with friend, Karl Gertz, also a partner in establishing the mission. 
 
"Sometimes meals are prepared from scratch, other times it might be something that someone has picked up," said a REALTOR® colleague of Tim who added, "but we all participate, either as cooks or drivers or both." 
 
The Roseville office has a strong tradition of community service.  REALTORS® participate in Ring Day and recently volunteered as a team in SPAAR's Meals From The Heart meal-packing event. Congratulations to Edina Realty in Roseville! Thanks for making a difference.
Community Grants Program available for REALTORS® Investing in their communities
REALTORS® Charitable Foundation will award grants to community nonprofits that promote home ownership in SPAAR's service area. Is there a nonprofit or community organization in your community that may benefit? 
 
Applications are being accepted through Friday, December 15.
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. 
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.
Do you conduct business on the East Side? If so, you'll want to read more!
 
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 book is intended to promote the rich traditions and diversity of the East Side. The book is suitable for closing gifts or to promote housing opportunities in Saint Paul's Greater East Side. 
 
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

Elias Berhanu
 Integrity Reality
Thomas Connors
 Keller Williams Classic Realty
Thanh Duong
 Best Realty LLC
Lindsey Flynn
 RE/MAX Advantage Plus
Stacy Fouquette
 Ashworth Real Estate
Dionne Haberman
 Hewitt Jackson Real Estate
Sarah Hartstein
 Coldwell Banker Burnet
Steven Horbul
 Edina Realty, Inc.
Bryant Juaire
 Marathon Realty
Kimberly Kampa
 Finch Real Estate
Mitchell Kehren
 Compeer Financial
Michael King
 Keller Williams Classic Realty
Jennifer Koterba
 Hans Hagen Homes, Inc.
Lori K. Lark
 Coldwell Banker Burnet
Angelic Miller
 Coldwell Banker Burnet
Bao Nguyen
 Best Realty LLC
Elizabeth Olson
 DR Horton, Inc.
Racquel Ramacher
 Mingo Realty, Inc.
Frank Stolarczyk
 Keller Williams Integrity Realty
Matt Vandelac
 Archer Realty Inc.
Amy Weringa
 Coldwell Banker Burnet
STAY CONNECTED: