December 9, 2019
SPAAR offices will be closed the morning of Tuesday, December 17, for a staff training. SPAAR's Maplewood office will open at 10:30am.
SPAAR's Coon Rapids office will open at 12pm (noon).
SPAAR weekly videos created to educate and inform
SPAAR last week kicked off its first weekly video of topics to keep members in the know. These videos will highlight timely news, events and key information to help benefit members in their business. As such, these videos will complement content also shared in SPAAR's newsletters, on its website and on social media. Click here to see the first weekly video: Statistics Count.

Have an idea for a video? Email spaar@spaar.com with the subject: SPAAR video idea.
First quarter MLS invoices are due December 31
First quarter MLS billing notices were sent by email on December 3 from billing@spaar.com . If a notice doesn't appear in the Inbox, it's advised to check spam or junk folders.
As a reminder, payment must be received on or before December 31 to avoid suspension of MLS access. Members who do not pay on or before December 31 will incur a $25 reinstatement fee.

Click here to access the member portal account . Questions regarding first quarter MLS fees? Please contact the association at (651) 776-60 00.
Supra eKey access now available for non-members
Supra has introduced secure access for qualifying non-Association members to access residential properties with authorized access from a Supra keyholder. The access is available via Bluetooth keyboxes through a smartphone or tablet for a limited time of 2-to-72 hours. A non-transferable access credential is sent to the non-member’s device and the user creates his or her own Pin number to access the lockbox. The non-Association member access was created with limited access, security and accountability in mind.

A non-member may include contractors such as plumbers, electricians, builders, city assessors or REALTOR® members of Associations who do not contract with Supra.

Non-member process:
  • A Supra keyholder must register their own key in Supraweb, via a desktop or laptop computer to activate the non-member access feature prior to use
  • A Supra keyholder sends a text invitation to a non-member
  • The non-member downloads the eKey app (one time only)
  • The non-member accepts terms and conditions (one time only)
  • The non-member fills out registration (one time only)
  • The non-member enters eKey authorization code
  • The non-member will receive a text each time access to a KeyBox is granted.

Here are three important details about granting a non-member access to your keybox:
  1. You can only grant access to Bluetooth keyboxes in your inventory
  2. Non-members can access a keybox from 2 to 72 hours
  3. Non-members must fill out a registration form and download an eKEY app for their mobile device

Learn more here in the Supra Non-Member Access section . More questions? Contact Supra at (877) 699-6787.
Weekly safety tips as provided by SPAAR and its members
SPAARky says:

Let the flame burn bright, albeit safely

Ambiance is a big part of the holiday season. This often includes features such as candles and fireplaces that, combined with an increase in the amount of combustible and seasonal decor in many homes, means more risk for fire. The  National Fire Protection Association  reports that one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles and that two of every five decoration fires happen because the decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

Whether showing a property or enjoying the holiday season in your own home, be aware of these safety risks and how not to be part of a fire statistic.

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

Members have all different kinds of apps and tech devices that can be set with safety features. I've found YouTube has some very helpful tips to help connect us to friends, family and fellow workers. Go to YouTube and type in Personal Safety Applications. I have found ideas and tips that are beneficial. And while they may not fend off the offender, they may allow us to remain smarter than an opponent.
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. Members who submit safety tips have their names entered into a monthly drawing for a prize. Furthermore, safety tips will be shared in future issues of eNews. Thank you to all who have submitted one or more safety tips already. 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:

Be in the know about what's happening in Burnsville
In Burnsville:

The City of Burnsville is seeking input on transit oriented zoning and a county road 42 traffic study. Join us in bringing a REALTOR ® voice to these projects.
Action needed as new septic rules are proposed
The MPCA recently announced changes to rules governing subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS), more commonly known as septic systems. Specifically, the proposed rule change would require septic tanks to be pumped empty in order to complete a tank integrity compliance inspection.

Read more about how government affairs impacts your business
Did you know SPAAR has a monthly newsletter dedicated to how government affairs are impacting your business? Read November’s advocacy update here or subscribe to receive future updates.
The tree is up at SPAAR! Help put a toy into every child's hands this holiday season
The holidays are coming! Two amazing organizations need your help to make sure every child receives a gift. 

Now through December 18, Toys for Joy and Toys for Military Kids are collecting new, unwrapped gifts for distribution to area children. Look for the collection box at SPAAR. Toys collected will be divided between the two organizations. These amazing organizations serve different communities with a similar mission.
Share your ideas and make your voice heard by sitting on one of SPAAR's many committees
" SPAAR truly offers a lot to us as members, but in my experience I started to notice the value of my membership once I started being more involved. Committee involvement has been rewarding on many levels."
-SPAAR committee member

Find a committee that best matches your talents and interests and apply today!

SPAAR is beginning to recruit members for its committees in 2020. Both existing committee members and those new to serving on a committee are welcome to join.

Committees offer opportunities to get to know your Realtor ® peers and those affiliated with real estate. Committees allow ease to network and become involved in programs and projects within the communities where you live and work. The time commitment to participate on a committee is minimal, with additional optional opportunities on occasion.

Attached is the application; if there is a committee of interest to you, feel free to apply to serve in the upcoming year. Questions? Contact Mandy Boldt at mboldt@spaar.com.
Deadline extended for Leadership SPAAR Class of 2020 -- apply today!
Sharpen your leadership skills in 2020! You'll be glad you did!

Leadership SPAAR is a year-long program designed to identify 8-12 emerging leaders from within SPAAR membership and empower them to maximize their leadership potential and advance their efforts to build successful real estate careers.
 
Application deadline: Midnight, Monday, December 9, 2019. Email the completed application to Mandy Boldt at mboldt@spaar.com . The Professionalism Committee will review applications and schedule interviews with finalists. Participants will be notified in mid-January. Apply here .
Welcome new members!
Welcome to SPAAR! We're glad you're here!
Elvia Barrera, Keller Williams Premier Realty
Mya Betts, RE/MAX Results
Kong Chang, Keller Williams Premier Realty
Pahola Clysdale, Bridge Realty, LLC
Shannon Culbert, Coldwell Banker Burnet
Alysia Daniels, Coldwell Banker Burnet
Joua Fang, Five Star Realty LLC
Kathryn Gerdes, InspectAll LLC
Nick Gervais, Keller Williams Integrity RE
Gina Green, Keller Williams Integrity RE
Darisha Hill, Realty Group, Inc - Apple Valley
Kevin Hillman, Greater Midwest Realty
Jennifer Hing, Coldwell Banker Burnet
John Holine, Real Estate Matters, Ltd.
Kayla Hudman, Counselor Realty, Inc.
Mollie Kane, eXp Realty
Franchisca Khanjari, Coldwell Banker Burnet
Sandy Low, RE/MAX Advantage Plus
Solange Mba, Keller Williams Integrity RE
Jennifer Mercil, Coldwell Banker Burnet
Makayla Quist, Keller Williams Classic Realty
Heather Sawh, Keller Williams Classic Realty
Jared Stoneman, RE/MAX Advantage Plus
Kelly Tanke, Summit Mortgage
Riyaz Thadathil, Fish MLS Realty
Kara Vier, Coldwell Banker Burnet
Jay Wettlaufer, Keller Williams Classic Realty
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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