February 17, 2020
NorthstarMLS Clear Cooperation Policy will be effective March 1
Last November, the National Associations of REALTORS® Board passed Policy 8.0, also known as the Clear Cooperation Policy (91% of its 800 Directors voted in favor). As a result, there are some changes to NorthstarMLS policy, effective March 1, 2020. Learn the details to the Clear Cooperation Policy here .
Weekly safety tips as provided by SPAAR and its members
SPAARky says:

Take names

Have all open house visitors sign in. Ask for full name, address, phone number and email. Not only will this help ensure safety by knowing who is there, you have contact information should any visitors request a follow up.

We like hearing what tips SPAAR members have to share, too, such as:

Always use the pronoun "we" when promoting an open house. Even if you'll be solo, it gives the impression of a team.
What is your #1 safety tip to share?
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!
Share your thoughts in member-only Focus Groups this Thursday
SPAAR is holding two Focus Groups on Thursday, February 20, and seeking interested SPAAR members (both REALTORS ® and Affiliates) to participate.

If interested, please sign up for one focus group. Participants will be added on a first come, first serve basis.

SPAAR recently concluded its Member Communications Survey with more than 400 members providing feedback. Now, SPAAR is conducting member focus groups. The results from the focus groups will further help SPAAR shape its direction to offer members the best resources for their real estate work.

The two-hour focus groups will allow participants the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas through fun and informative conversation and activities. A meal is included.

The SPAAR focus groups will be held at the Northstar MLS offices at University Avenue and Highway 280 (2550 University Avenue West, Suite 259 South) in St. Paul. An outside facilitator will conduct the focus groups.

Register below for the focus group that works best for you by clicking on the color link:
Thursday, February 20 from 9-11am . Breakfast will be provided.
Thursday, February 20 from 12:30-2:30pm . Lunch will be provided.

For questions or more information, contact Jennifer at jkovacich@spaar.com.
Applications now available for REALTORS® Charitable Foundation 2020 Scholarship Program
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 Charitable Foundation will award up to five $2,000 scholarships.  Click here for updated eligibility information and application.

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!
Fifth annual Blue Star Mothers Collection Drive
Now through April 3, SPAAR’s Community Engagement Committee is partnering with Blue Star Mothers of America to collect donations for We Care Packages. These are care packages sent to men and women from SPAAR’s area serving active duty. Drop off donations at SPAAR (Coon Rapids or Saint Paul) or consider hosting a collection box in your office. 

Items to donate:
Snacks: granola bars, oatmeal, drink mix, single servings of coffee or tea, jerky and more!
Toiletries: deodorant, baby powder, unscented wipes and more!
Activities: note cards, colored pencils, adult color, puzzle books and more!
Donations: to defray shipping costs are also welcome.

Register today for Housing Day at the Capitol
Each year a large contingency of SPAAR members make their way to the Minnesota State Capitol as part of Housing Day at the Capitol, and the opportunity to meet face to face with legislators. It's a great way to hear the industry issues that impact your business.

Take part in this year's  Housing Day at the Capitol . Early bird registration is now open for $30 through Monday, March 9, using the coupon code SAVEEB.
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!
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 in the News
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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