January 27, 2020
Spotlight on SPAAR: Better Brokers Series, Industry News & Networking
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.
Supra non-member access training this Tuesday and Thursday
Supra is offering an end-user training webinar for non-member access this Tuesday, Jan. 28, and Thursday, Jan. 30. The one-hour sessions are designed for agents who are new to non-member access or anyone who would like a refresher.

Sign up here for Supra non-member access training on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 10:30am CST.

Sign up here for Supra non-member access training on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 3pm CST.
Weekly safety tips as provided by SPAAR and its members
SPAARky says:

Feed the shredder

Shred the copy of the earnest money check after closing so you, and anyone else, don't have access to the checking account information.

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

I arrive to showings a few minutes early and assess the property entrance. With the ice and snow this winter, I've opted to add some salt prior to my clients arriving to prevent falls as there have some pretty slick walkways.
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:

Follow SPAAR's Government Affairs news and updates on Twitter
Beginning this week the SPAAR Twitter account will be transitioning towards providing SPAAR Advocacy and Government Affairs updates, events and materials.

This change will allow Association members to receive timely and easily accessible content while reaching audiences who may not have previously interacted with Government Affairs.

The Twitter account can be followed at https://twitter.com/spaar_ga or @spaar_ga 
SPAAR Toastmasters next meeting is on Tuesday, Feb. 4
Interested in improving your public speaking? Need to build confidence in front of a group?

If you answered "yes" to either question, check out SPAAR's Toastmasters chapter on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 1-2pm. The next meeting will take place at SPAAR's 325 Roselawn Avenue East location on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 1pm.

Questions? 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.

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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