Federal Paycheck Protection Program is extended through August 8
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The United States Congress last week cleared legislation extending the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), popular with REALTORS®, and President Trump signed the measure over the weekend.
Created by the CARES Act in March, PPP offers forgivable loans for small businesses to pay expenses and keep workers on the payroll. Loans are also available to independent contractors.
The subsidies come as federal loans, but those loans can be forgiven if businesses use at least 60 percent of the funds for payroll.
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Contact-less merchandise pickup continues at SPAAR offices
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Beginning the week of July 13, the Coon Rapids location will provide hours three days a week for contact-less merchandise pickup.
The available days for contact-less merchandise pickup are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30am to 4pm. Please contact SPAAR at
spaar@spaar.com
or (651) 776-6000 with questions or to make arrangements.
SPAAR's St. Paul office will continue offering contact-less merchandise pickup Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:45pm.
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Preparedness Plans are now required to be in place
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In accordance with Minnesota’s “Stay Safe” phase of the COVID-19 pandemic all businesses, including real estate brokerages, are required to adopt a Preparedness Plan.
In addition, information shared by Minnesota Realtors
®
in a webinar today that addresses preparedness planning can be found
here
in the pre-recorded webinars section.
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SPAAR partners with area Associations to assist Minneapolis, Saint Paul and surrounding communities
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SPAAR continues to work in collaboration with Minnesota Realtors® and Minneapolis Area REALTORS® in response to the aftermath of George Floyd’s death.
In doing so, SPAAR is sharing opportunities for members who are interested to volunteer in short, medium and long-term rebuilding efforts. In addition, there are resources listed to educate about racial injustice in our communities, information about how to donate goods or funds as well as how to engage in actions that bring about necessary change.
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Nanci Stoddard is the newest SPAAR Hero!
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Since becoming a Realtor®, Nanci Stoddard has not only shined in her industry but has also given back to her community with her commitment to brightening the lives of local youth. Becoming an agent several years ago prompted her to expand involvement in local nonprofits through which she has given her time in numerous capacities.
Nanci aligned with The Optimist Club of Lakeville, a newer chapter, which serves Lakeville and surrounding areas through volunteering and fundraising efforts. She has enjoyed working side by side participating in outreach programs along with fellow club members, including many other Realtors® and industry service providers, to advance development, hope and a positive vision for local youth. Specific projects include helping grade school children stock their cupboards with much needed snack packs and other resources or delivering blankets and supplies to kids in need plus participating in local events. Nanci continues to serve in a leadership capacity for her organization, cultivating its mission to bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves. The club continues to provide her the opportunity to volunteer and help local kids.
Nanci has lifelong ties to the area and also a love of horses. She lives with her husband in Lakeville on a multi-acre equestrian ranch.
Congratulations, Nanci!
SPAAR Hero is a program of SPAAR’s Community Engagement Committee, sponsored by SPAAR’s REALTORS® Charitable Foundation. Members of SPAAR’s Communications Committee interview and write the SPAAR Hero articles; thank you to Diane Caldwell for the article on Nanci.
If you think someone should be named a SPAAR Hero, contact Joe McKinley at jmckinley@spaar.com.
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New to know: Saint Paul Downpayment Assistance Program
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The Saint Paul Downpayment Assistance Program provides financial assistance for homebuyers at or below 60 percent Area Median Income. Qualified homebuyers can receive up to $40,000 for a home downpayment, closing costs and/or the property inspection. The program was developed to protect and preserve naturally occurring affordable housing in neighborhoods vulnerable to displacement and gentrification pressures.
Learn more about the Saint Paul Downpayment Assistance Program here
.
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Weekly safety tips as provided by SPAAR and its members
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SPAARky says:
Lock up. With summer weather and extended daylight, it's easy to forget to be sure all windows, doors and garage doors are shut and locked.
Take an extra two minutes to do a quick walk-thru at the end of each day. Better safe than sorry.
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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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Saint Paul Tenant Protections (SAFE) Ordinance update
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Saint Paul’s SAFE Ordinance was voted on by the Saint Paul City Council on Wednesday, July 8. The ordinance passed unanimously. The proposed ordinance was originally sponsored by four Councilmembers. Many nonprofits and community organizations have voiced support for the ordinance. SPAAR Advocacy staff lobbied Councilmembers to consider impacts on property investment and effects on availability of rental units up until the passing of the ordinance. SPAAR hopes to remain involved with the implementation and the reassessment of the SAFE Tenant Protections Ordinance.
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Take part in Mapping Prejudice research this Wednesday at 10am
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SPAAR is hosting sessions to learn about and participate in researching for Mapping Prejudice, the study of race-based restrictive covenants and their impact on housing disparities in the Twin Cities.
This is an opportunity to make a change by promoting equitable communities and homeownership. One-hour sessions are open to everyone. Registration is required as space is limited.
Register here
for the Wednesday, July 15, Mapping Prejudice session. Contact Joe McKinley at jmckinley@spaar.com or (651) 772-6344 with any questions.
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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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Follow SPAAR on social media today
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Join SPAAR's Facebook group for members only
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Check out the SPAAR Facebook page created specifically for members
here
.
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Rae Jean Malone, a former SPAAR past president, passed away on July 10 surrounded by her loving family, according to
her obituary
. Rae Jean was licensed as a Realtor® in 1984 and served as SPAAR’s president in 2009. In addition to working as a Realtor®, Rae Jean held other careers in her lifetime that included United Airlines stewardess, nurse and decorator. A celebratory Mass and dinner are to follow at a safer date, per her obituary.
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We welcome your photos!
SPAAR's New Member Orientation (NMO) has moved online during this time of COVID-19.
If you've taken part in a virtual NMO session and have a picture of yourself in class, please email it to Luke Fleck at lfleck@spaar.com. Thank you and welcome to SPAAR!
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