May 18, 2020
Spotlight on SPAAR: tips on how best to provide virtual home tours
The week's SPAAR video features Realtor ® Jennifer Livingston providing tips on virtual home tours, which have gained even more traction during changes due to the coronavirus.

Each week, SPAAR highlight's timely news, events and key information to help 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.
Follow SPAAR on social media today
Stay tuned to SPAAR's news, education and events by following the Association on social media: Facebook , Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. Visit SPAAR's website and click on the social media icon under the Member Login for the platform of your choice , or follow SPAAR on all platforms!
Minnesota Realtors® shared communication on open house considerations during COVID-19
Minnesota Realtors® today shared communication addressing Governor Walz's new order that expands the ability for customer-facing businesses, such as businesses that have in-person customer interactions, to do business so long as they include additional plan provisions to keep the public and workers safe. Click here to read the full communications on open house consideration during COVID-19.
SPAAR continues to assist members
Did you know...? In addition to contacting SPAAR with questions, members can still purchase sign riders and electronic lockboxes and conduct non-contact pickups in SPAAR's vestibule at its 325 Roselawn Avenue East location. Simply contact SPAAR at spaar@spaar.com or (651) 776-6000 to learn more or make arrangements.
Comprehensive FAQ released by NAR regarding unemployment benefits for independent contractors
NAR earlier in April released a comprehensive FAQ regarding enhanced unemployment benefits that are now available to independent contractors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded by the federal government and being implemented voluntarily by each state including Minnesota.

SPAAR continues to receive many member inquiries about unemployment benefits and is in regular communication with Minnesota REALTORS® to learn the latest news and information. Click on this link to see the new NAR FAQ , which has answers to many questions that have been asked in recent days and weeks. SPAAR will continue to share updates as they are known.  Click here to read the latest on Minnesota Unemployment Insurance .
Extended deadline of May 31 for NAR members to register at no cost for TeleHealth
The National Association of REALTORS ®  (NAR) has expanded access to Members TeleHealth SM  at no cost to members for those who register before May 31, 2020.

Members TeleHealth SM  provides around-the-clock access to non-emergency healthcare from more than 2,300 board-certified U.S. physicians including common issues such as allergies, asthma, rashes, joint aches, flu and nausea, among others.

NAR is funding two months of services for members who lack access to telemedicine and enroll in this program before May 31. For more information, including the TeleHealth application,   click here.
NAR offers additional member support during COVID-19
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has provided member resources related to COVID-19 and real estate including NAR's Member Support Team hotline at  (800) 874-6500 between 8am and 6pm CST, Monday through Friday.
 
NAR’s Right Tools, Right Now   program allows to visit  nar.realtor/coronavirus  for regular updates as well as reach out to SPAAR at  spaar@spaar.com .
SPAAR REALTOR® members earn GRI Designation
SPAAR Realtors® Mark Christianson with Keystone Real Estate Group in Hastings and Katheryn Congdon of DR Horton in Lakeville were recently awarded the highly-acclaimed national Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation. In completing the required curriculum, Mark and Katheryn join other top Realtors® in the residential real estate industry from across the nation who hold this designation.

Additional information about the Institute and other educational opportunities for professional real estate agents may be obtained by contacting the Minnesota Association of REALTORS® at (800) 862-6097.
 
Congratulations to Mark and Katheryn on this honor!
National Night Out has been postponed until October
SPAAR plans to continue to be involved in National Night Out; however, it has been announced that the event will move to October.

SPAAR will announce more details in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned!
Weekly safety tips as provided by SPAAR and its members
SPAARky says:

Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic? Here are tips to best set up a safe and efficient workstation.

The five key ergonomics issues are:
  • Relaxed shoulders
  • Supported lower back
  • Level head
  • Straight wrists
  • Supported feet

Ensure your chair is comfortable and in good working condition. While sitting, make sure your keyboard, monitor and mouse are positioned so your arms, wrists and neck are relaxed. If you’re working via a laptop computer, try to use a separate keyboard, mouse and monitor as much as possible.

Center your body in line with the middle of the monitor and make sure the top of the monitor is at eye level. Adjust your chair and footrest as needed so your neck and shoulders are in a comfortable position.

These tips were shared by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, and SPAAR has shared them with you.
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!
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'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.
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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