Spotlight on SPAAR: There IS Value in Working with a REALTOR
®
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SPAAR's weekly videos highlight timely news, events and key information to help benefit members in their business. As such, these videos complement content also shared in SPAAR's newsletters, on its website and on social media.
Have a video idea? Email spaar@spaar.com with the subject: SPAAR video idea.
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SPAAR Cares: providing a coronavirus update for members
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SPAAR Cares deeply about the health and safety of our members and staff. The COVID-19 outbreak is a constantly-evolving challenge that we must respond to as information changes.
SPAAR leadership has made the decision to extend the cancellation or postponement of all in-person meetings through Sunday, May 10, in conjunction with recommended guidelines.
These are unprecedented times.
Leadership and staff will continue to closely monitor the situation and advise of any further actions. Thank you for your patience and service.
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NorthstarMLS shares suspension of open houses
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SPAAR learned today that effective immediately and until further notice, the scheduling of open houses in NorthstarMLS has been suspended. In addition, any currently scheduled open house(s) in the NorthstarMLS system has been cancelled and removed from the MLS. This action will remove publication of open house dates from IDX feeds and syndication to public-facing websites, as well.
This decision was unanimously approved by the NorthstarMLS Executive Committee of its Board of Directors in the interests of public safety during the emergency COVID-19 crisis.
“SPAAR understands the difficult, but appropriate, decision made by RMLS leadership,” said Patrick Ruble, 2020 SPAAR President. “This decision was made after consultation with a number of member brokerages. Our highest priority has to be the health and well-being of REALTORS®, consumers and the larger community.”
The health and safety of the REALTORS® who rely on NorthstarMLS for the tools and data that enable their businesses was of paramount concern. This decision strongly supports the best practices that state and federal authorities recommend; particularly, those concerned with social contagion. In addition, it lessens the risk to REALTORS®’ families, colleagues and clients who are otherwise vulnerable and at risk during this time of uncertainty.
This pandemic is at a critical phase and it is all our responsibility to be careful, considerate and exercise every prudent precaution to protect the REALTOR® community and the public at large. REALTORS® will be informed as new decisions and developments unfold.
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SPAAR aligns with Minnesota REALTOR
®
Associations to show solidarity to stop the spread of COVID-19
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SPAAR, along with the State and Local Minnesota Associations,
in an effort to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, are in agreement to advise all
REALTORS
®
in Minnesota to refrain from holding open houses at this time.
To show SPAAR's solidarity with the others, the SPAAR Board of Directors has
approved the following language to share with local media in addition to SPAAR members, which reads:.
"To support our government and health agencies in efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, we encourage every Association member and brokerage to refrain from holding in-person open houses during this global emergency. We recommend leveraging virtual touring options as an alternative to in-person open houses."
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In search of booties for facilities in need
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SPAAR is helping to fill a need by donating 350 pairs of shoe coverings, also known as booties, to local healthcare facilities in need to help protect their employees from the conoravirus/COVID-19.
Should you have a supply of booties you're willing to donate, please contact a local hospital or healthcare facility near you. Questions? Feel free to email spaar@spaar.com.
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Nominate yourself or someone deserving of SPAAR Hero
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Consider nominating yourself or someone you know to be a SPAAR Hero.
The media often reports examples of leaders serving the community, and REALTORS
®
are no exception. SPAAR’s monthly recognition program shines a light on REALTOR
®
community involvement. It is especially important to draw attention to the ways SPAAR members are helping to build better communities---now and in the rebuilding months ahead. We want to tell the story of how SPAAR’s members are giving back to the community even in this time of uncertainty with the coronavirus/COVID-19.
Each SPAAR Hero receives a check for $250 for the community organization they support. SPAAR features a profile of the SPAAR Hero on social media, in a press release made available to local media, on SPAAR’s website and in weekly newsletters. (Profiles are written by members of the Communications Committee.) This recognition is an opportunity for individual attention, but also creates publicity for the local impact created by the real estate industry.
Nominees are reviewed and SPAAR Heroes are selected by SPAAR’s Community Engagement Committee. Recipients of SPAAR Hero considered for the annual SPAAR Good Neighbor/Better Communities recognition.
How do I nominate someone? Email the nominee’s name and real estate affiliation to
jmckinley@spaar.com
. Include information about the nominee’s community involvement and the subsequent community impact as well as the cause or organization he or she supports. Include your name and contact information. Nominees may be individuals, teams or offices. Don't hesitate to nominate yourself!
Contact Joe McKinley at SPAAR at jmckinley@spaar.com if you have questions.
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REALTORS® Charitable Foundation now accepting grant applications
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The
REALTORS®
Charitable Foundation, affiliated with the Saint Paul Area Association of
REALTORS®
(SPAAR), is accepting applications for grants from qualifying internal and external groups.
Applications will be considered based on the criteria that it includes one or more of SPAAR’s four primary areas of focus, called Pillars, intended to create Better Agents and Better Communities. The Pillars are:
▪ Advocacy
▪ Community Engagement
▪ Professional Development
▪ Communications
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Weekly safety tips as provided by SPAAR and its members
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SPAARky says:
Self quarantine if needed
As officials respond to the outbreak of coronavirus, COVID-19, practice safety first. If you feel sick, stay home. If you show symptoms such as a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, consider a self quarantine. You may also choose to call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
We like hearing what tips SPAAR members have to share, too, such as:
During this time period of social distancing, we, as sellers, should ask our buyer clients to assist in the following:
- Don't touch, but only view, while in the home.
- Allow agent to pre-open all doors wearing gloves and with Clorox wipe in hand, including the Lockbox.
- Light switches are touched with gloves and/or with Clorox wipe in hand, or if lights are on in the home leave them on for the seller to turn off upon their return.
- Offer buyers hand sanitizer at entry and departure from each property.
- Note is left for seller advising them of the courtesy actions taken during the showing.
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What is your #1 safety tip to share?
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Please share your safety tip and provide your name and email by sending an email to Jennifer at jkovacich@spaar.com. Member safety tips will be shared in future issues of eNews. Thank you to all who have submitted one or more safety tips. Keep them coming!
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Second quarter MLS invoices are due March 31
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Second quarter MLS billing notices were sent by email on March 2 from
billing@spaar.com
. If you do not see the notice in your Inbox, be sure to check your spam or junk folders.
As a reminder, payment must be received on or before March 31 to avoid suspension of MLS access. If not paid on or before March 31, you will incur a $25 reinstatement fee.
To access your portal account,
please
click here
. If you have questions regarding your second quarter MLS fees, please contact the association at (651) 776-6000.
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Applications now available for REALTORS® Charitable Foundation 2020 Scholarship Program
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Do you have a child or grandchild seeking a post high school education?
Students who are the children or grandchildren of current SPAAR members (including Affiliate Members) and who will be entering or continuing a degree or certificate program at a college or trade school in fall 2020 are invited to apply.
The deadline to apply is Friday, April 24, 2020. Questions? Email
spaar@spaar.com
or call Joe McKinley at (651) 772-6344.
The scholarship program is made possible through the generosity of SPAAR’s members, with support from SPAAR’s Affiliates Committee. Thank you!
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Housing Market Statistics
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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:
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SPAAR's New Member Orientation (NMO) in 2020 has changed to a two-day format so new members will be announced the last eNews of each month.
SPAAR's NMO has been postponed due to the coronavirus/COVID-19. SPAAR will look forward to sharing new member names and group photos when NMO resumes.
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See SPAAR in the news? We'd love to know about it! If you see articles in your local paper about SPAAR members, events or other news, please send an email to
jkovacich@spaar.com
or mail to Jennifer Kovacich at SPAAR (325 Roselawn Ave E, St. Paul, MN 55117) or simply call (651) 287-3922 with the station or publication information. Thank you!
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