In this issue of SPAAR's eNews:
- SPAAR creates Housing Affordability Task Force
- Realtor® safety is a number one priority
- SPAAR begins this year's candidate endorsement process
- A shout out for SPAAR Hero nominations
- It's what's for lunch! Food trucks at SPAAR on September 9
- SPAAR’s Coon Rapids office is moving suites
- Become involved in green real estate practices
- 2022 Membership Renewal Notices have been sent to members
- All smiles at Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp Golf event
- Housing Market Statistics
- Join SPAAR's Facebook group for members only
- Welcome, new members!
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SPAAR creates Housing Affordability Task Force |
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The high cost of housing is not a new problem, but it is one that has been exacerbated by the pandemic and its economic consequences. With a severe lack of housing supply and the eviction moratorium on the verge of expiration the problem of Housing Affordability needs to be addressed urgently.
The Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS® (SPAAR) has formed a Housing Affordability Task Force to join local efforts in identifying solutions to make housing more affordable and accessible.
The Task Force is made up of 11 SPAAR members including both Realtors® and lenders, as well as SPAAR staff members. Together, they represent a diverse collection of voices and perspectives who share a key understanding: a shared knowledge of the current challenges of Housing Affordability and the significant impact on families and individuals in our communities.
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Realtor® safety is a number one priority
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A SPAAR member from an east metro office contacted SPAAR with information about a client whose behavior shifted from that of an interested buyer to the sharer of inappropriate texts.
The Realtor® immediately informed the brokerage and local police. In addition, SPAAR was notified to help remind all agents to follow safety precautions.
Here are some tips for both listing and buying agents as reminders to:
- meet a potential client in person, and in a safe setting, prior to seeing homes
- make sure the potential buyer is pre-approved
- alert someone in your office or family of your whereabouts
- share the address of all listing appointments and your general timeframe
- bring someone to your appointment, even if just to wait in the car as a monitor
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check out who you’re meeting, in advance, on a service such as Forewarn, and
- always trust your gut.
While working with a new client is a plus, it's always good to be safe rather than sorry. A listing or transaction that could result in the loss of safety is not worth the risk.
Here is a list of NAR safety tips that provide even more helpful information. SPAAR will focus on much more safety-related information in September during National Safety Month, including at SPAAR's Safety Day on September 9.
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SPAAR begins this year's candidate endorsement process |
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SPAAR has begun its 2021 Candidate Endorsement process and the Advocacy Team is looking for SPAAR members to volunteer for candidate interviews. Volunteers will have the opportunity to interview candidates that keep Realtor® interests in mind during their tenure in local elected offices.
The endorsement questionnaire was sent to candidates after the filing deadline on August 10. The virtual interviews will be held the second week of September, with more details to come on specific dates and times. Those interested can contact Simon Opatz at sopatz@spaar.com or Becky Wegscheid at bwegscheid@spaar.com, SPAAR's Government Affairs directors, for more information.
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A shout out for SPAAR Hero nominations |
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SPAAR is asking all members to help identify Realtors® who are out and about doing great volunteer work in their community. SPAAR Hero is a way to recognize these individuals and provide a monetary contribution of $250 to the organization of their choice.
A program of SPAAR’s Community Engagement Committee, SPAAR Hero is sponsored by SPAAR’s REALTORS® Charitable Foundation. Members of SPAAR’s Communications Committee interview recipients and write the articles. If you think someone should be named a SPAAR Hero, contact Joe McKinley at jmckinley@spaar.com.
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It's what's for lunch! Food trucks at SPAAR on September 9 |
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Support SPAAR's REALTORS® Charitable Foundation, which is hosting four food trucks for its Lunch on Wheels event on Thursday, September 9 from 11am to 2pm, as a fundraiser. While at the event, learn what the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation is all about and how it support local communities. Consider supporting the Foundation's mission with a suggested donation of $20.
Mark your calendar to purchase lunch at SPAAR from the food trucks, which will be Fire Cream; Potter's Pasties & Pies; The Big Cheese; and Trickster Tacos. Enjoy lunch for a worthy cause!
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SPAAR’s Coon Rapids office is moving suites |
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SPAAR’s Coon Rapids office will be closed the week of August 30 through September 3 as the office is relocating within the same building across the hall. SPAAR’s current office will be moving from Suite 270 to its new location in Suite 245. The Coon Rapids office will reopen after Labor Day on Tuesday, September 7.
SPAAR’s Member Services team will remain available via email at spaar@spaar.com, by phone at (651) 776-6000 and the Saint Paul office will remain open during this time.
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Become involved in green real estate practices |
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Are you passionate about “green”, environmentally sustainable practices in real estate? Have you seen changes in the industry due to initiatives surrounding climate change? Are you interested in getting more involved in green real estate?
SPAAR is looking to gain more insight into sustainability and how it affects real estate. If you answered “yes” to any of these questions above or if you are interested in learning more, contact Becky Wegscheid, government affairs director, at bwegscheid@spaar.com
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2022 Membership Renewal Notices have been sent to members |
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SPAAR 2022 Membership Renewal Notices were sent by email on August 5 and August 6 from billing@spaar.com. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder if you do not see your renewal notice in your inbox so you do not miss any important information.
If payment is not received on or before November 30, a $50 late payment fee will be added to the amount due. Click here to view important 2022 dues billing information.
Please review your invoice and log into your portal account no later than September 25, to take advantage of the flexible dues billing payment option, which is available only to primary REALTOR® members and does not apply to MLS-only members, affiliates, secondary members, unlicensed REALTOR® assistants or new REALTOR® members.
Check out the links below for more helpful information:
Contact SPAAR at (651) 776-6000 if you have questions regarding your membership renewal.
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All smiles at Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp Golf event |
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SPAAR members and Realtors® Caroline Dixon, left, and Community Engagement Committee Chair Shannon Melloy, in Realtor® "R" shirt represented SPAAR and chatted with golfers during the Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp Golf Tournament.
SPAAR’s Community Engagement Committee was a hole sponsor of the event, which took place August 11 at Majestic Oaks Golf Course in Ham Lake. This annual event helps send Minnesota National Guard members’ children to camp.
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Housing Market Statistics |
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Get up-to-date Twin Cities housing market information here. |
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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:
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Check out the SPAAR Facebook page created specifically for members here.
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