January 6, 2020
Better Communities is who we are, what we do and why we do it. Join other SPAAR members for the inauguration of Patrick Ruble, SPAAR's 2020 President. Register here.
Spotlight on SPAAR: weekly videos educate and inform
SPAAR recently kicked off its weekly video of Spotlight on SPAAR topics to keep members in the know. These 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. Click here to see the most recent weekly video: SPAAR Hero: Shining a light on the good work of REALTORS® .

Have an idea for a video? Email spaar@spaar.com with the subject: SPAAR video idea.
Sponsorship opportunities still available in 2020
Did you know you can sponsor events and programs put on by SPAAR and its various committees? With inquiries about the opportunities available, click here to view SPAAR’s 2020 Sponsorship booklet .

Upcoming events for consideration include the following:
  • Leadership SPAAR – Kickoff in January with full year program to follow
  • Good Morning YPN! - February
  • Cheers for Charity – April
  • Biggest Tuesday Sales Meeting Ever! – May

Interested in more information or any questions? Contact Kristin at kparker@spaar.com or (763) 489-3303.
Weekly safety tips as provided by SPAAR and its members
SPAARky says:

Be aware and make others aware

Always let someone you trust know where you are, how long you'll be there and who you'll be with during the time you're meeting with clients or showing a property. Be vigilant for yourself, and allow others to do the same.

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

I change my car wipers at the start of each winter. I have been caught in a bad place before with wipers that didn't work as I tried to navigate my clients in the car behind me, and I don't want that to happen again.
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:

New energy disclosure report required by the City of Minneapolis
Starting January 15, 2020, the City of Minneapolis will include a new energy disclosure report in the Truth-in-Sale of Housing (TISH) program. The two-page ‘Asset-Based Energy Efficiency’ report will be part of the set of returned documents from the TISH inspection.

The energy disclosure report will be based on four criteria: attic insulation, wall insulation, heating system and window efficiency. Using these criteria, homes will be rated on a 0 to 100-point scale with 100 being the best. The report also will prioritize recommended improvements based on a maximum 10-year window of return on investment. No repairs will be required.

Take part in SPAAR's Member Communications Survey to help make your local Association stronger
Every two years SPAAR invites participation in its Member Communications Survey, an opportunity for members to share their voices, thoughts and ideas in a number of areas. Because this information also helps to take the pulse on the programs and services offered at SPAAR, as well as provide insight to be sure members' needs are met, an incentive is provided for feedback shared.


SPAAR's Member Communications Survey is currently open and will remain open through Sunday, January 12, at 11:59pm.

Congratulations to Timothy Olson whose name was drawn for completing the Member Communications Survey. The earlier members take the survey, the more chances there are to win.

Please take 15 minutes to participate and share your input as SPAAR continues its commitment to Better Agents and Better Communities. Thank you!
Join in SPAAR's next Toastmasters meeting: tomorrow, January 7
Take part in SPAAR's Toastmasters meeting on Tuesday, January 7, from 1-2pm. The hour-long meetings are a great way to improve your speaking skills and gain skills in effective meeting management. The meetings are held at SPAAR's 325 Roselawn Avenue East location in Maplewood. Questions? Contact Jennifer at jkovacich@spaar.com.
Brokers: this series is for you!
Take part in the upcoming Better Brokers Series on Friday, January 17, as Courtney Jones of the National Association of REALTORS ® (NAR) provides an update on Commitment to Excellence.

Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) is a program of NAR that empowers members to evaluate, enhance and showcase their highest levels of professionalism. C2EX is an endorsement that REALTORS ® can promote when serving consumers and other REALTORS ®. Learn how C2EX can help you and your agents gain the relevant expertise needed for today's market.

Welcome new members!
Welcome to SPAAR! We're glad you're here!
Nicole Anderson, Edina Realty, Inc.
Breana Berry, Coldwell Banker Burnet
Valerie Brunnette, Strata Real Estate Resources
Ana Cabrera Morales, Dellwood Realty LLC
Kari Cameron, Keller Williams Premier Realty
Annie Crawford, Keller Williams Premier Realty
Stephen Delarosby, RE/MAX Advantage Plus
Lucinda DeSormeau, Edina Realty, Inc.
Yanet Diaz-Ortiz, Keller Williams Integrity RE
Emily Erhart, Keller Williams Classic Realty
Andrea Galchutt, Keller Williams Premier Realty
Tanner Gramm, Infinity Appraisals, Inc.
James Grayson, eXp Realty
Maicher Her, Creative Results
Jess Hernandez, Keller Williams Classic Realty
Alexys Kouri, Grimm & Associates, LLC
Craig Laird, RE/MAX Advantage Plus
Matthew Millem, Greater Midwest Realty
Jessica O'Neill, Keller Williams Premier Realty
Rebecca Ruona, RE/MAX Results
Ronald Sjolund, Keller Williams Premier Realty
Jeffrey Stone, Edina Realty, Inc.
Noah Truax, Archi-Pix, LLC
Chong Vang, Coldwell Banker Burnet
Yeeleng Vang, Creative Results
Braydn Walker, Archi-Pix, LLC
Elizabeth Zobel, Edina Realty, Inc.
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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