January 9, 2020
SPAAR calendar
Looking for continuing education or networking opportunities? Check out all of SPAAR's upcoming events!

Check out what classes and events are currently available at SPAAR
SPAAR offers many free and ongoing classes and events to keep members updated, involved and in the know.
The following classes and opportunities are now available, or check out SPAAR's calendar to see more [note new CE rule in red box below].

January 13, 1-4pm: Beyond the Basics in NorthstarMLS

January 21, 1-2pm: Toastmasters

January 29, 10am-12pm: Comparative Market Analysis in NorthstarMLS

January 29, 1-3pm: Realist Tax Intro

February 6, 9-11am: Breakfast for the Brain
Code of Ethics training requirement extended to three years
REALTORS have been required to take Code of Ethics (COE) training to retain their membership since 2001. Most recently, members have had to uphold their COE training every two years, but at the National Association of REALTORS Board of Directors meeting in November 2019, a change was approved to extend the training requirement to every three years.

The current COE Cycle 6, which began January 1, 2019 is now been extended through December 31, 2021, for a total of three years.

Questions? Contact Kristin Parker at kparker@spaar.com or (763) 489-3303.
Reminder: members signed up for free CE classes offered at SPAAR must cancel
at least 24 hours in advance; no-shows will be charged a $25 fee per class.
Members may cancel through the SPAAR member portal .
Learn the latest (via Webinar) on the TISH program in Minneapolis
On January 15, 2020, the City of Minneapolis will include a new energy disclosure report in the Truth-in-Sale of Housing (TISH) program. This change will have an impact for REALTORS® when working with listings and buyers in Minneapolis. It's important you are informed to better serve your consumers.

You will hear from Isaac Smith from the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) during this webinar. He served as a technical advisor to the City of Minneapolis and will discuss how the new energy disclosure policy works, show what an Energy Disclosure Report looks like, and explain how it pertains to you and your customers. Isaac will cover:
 
• What exactly is changing?
• Why and how this change came about
• What is the goal of the change?
• Resources where REALTORS® can find more information
• Q&A – 20 minutes
 
Though this webinar event is free, registration is required as space is limited. Register here for the TISH program Webinar.
Attention Affiliate members: this is an opportunity for you!
Each month, approximately 40-50 new REALTOR® members come to SPAAR to learn about the Association, their membership and other valuable resources they can use in their business. New this year, New Member Orientations will span two days and include 9.5 hours of approved continuing real estate education. 

Affiliate members are encouraged to sign up and participate either in the morning or during lunch by staffing a resource table. There is no charge to participate, and branded items are allowed (please see guidelines on the registration page). These tables are limited to four per month and are filled first come first serve. First quarter 2020 dates are already on the calendar. Feel free to sign up and engage with our new members this year!

Interested in getting started? SPAAR is looking for Affiliate members to sign up for New Member Orientation slots on Wednesday, January 15 and Thursday, January 16.

Call or email Kristin Parker at (763) 489-3303 or kparker@spaar.com to learn more.
Member Communications Survey is open: member input is wanted
Every two years SPAAR conducts a survey of its 7,300-plus members to find out what is working well and what could be changed, updated or improved. Member comments are always welcome; however, this survey provides an opportunity to hear from many members and quantify the responses. If you haven't already taken the survey, please consider taking the Member Communications Survey today. SPAAR values what members have to say!
SPAAR represents at Saint Paul City Council Inauguration
Members of SPAAR attended the City of Saint Paul 2020 Saint Paul City Council Inauguration on January 7.

Here, pictured with Councilmember Dai Thao, are SPAAR members Mark Mason, SPAAR's 2020 Treasurer; Tracy Baglio, SPAAR's 2020 President-elect; and Carl Baglio.
Connect with SPAAR!