Comprehensive FAQ released by NAR regarding unemployment benefits for independent contractors
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NAR on April 3 released a comprehensive FAQ regarding enhanced unemployment benefits that are now available to independent contractors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although the program is funded by the federal government, it is being implemented voluntarily by each state including Minnesota, which plans to participate. SPAAR has received many inquiries from members about unemployment benefits and is in communication daily with Minnesota REALTORS® to learn the latest on how Minnesota plans to handle this benefit, especially given the huge volume of filings.
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Join NAR Leaders on Leadership Live this Wednesday, April 8
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The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is dedicated to helping members fulfill their dreams and aspirations. Now more than ever, NAR wants to make sure members have access to NAR leaders who can break down the CARES Act and stimulus package to help independent contractors and small business owners leverage benefits and resources to which they may be entitled.
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NAR offers additional member support during COVID-19
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The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has taken steps to support its members, including those who are experiencing challenges as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis.
For members who need help finding resources or have questions related to COVID-19 and real estate, NAR's Member Support Team is ready to help via its new hotline at
(800) 874-6500
,
which is accessible between 8am and 6pm CST, Monday through Friday.
NAR’s
Right Tools, Right Now
program is another way the Association is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. NAR is also having an impact in the advocacy arena, working with Congress to ensure relief for the real estate industry during this unprecedented time.
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Don't miss out on this year's REALTORS® Charitable Foundation 2020 Scholarship Program -- deadline is April 24
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Do you have a child or grandchild seeking a post high school education?
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 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!
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REALTORS® Charitable Foundation now accepting grant applications
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The
REALTORS®
Charitable Foundation, affiliated with the Saint Paul Area Association of
REALTORS®
(SPAAR), is accepting applications for grants from qualifying internal and external groups.
"There are many challenges during these difficult times, and REALTORS® rise to challenges every day working under pressure, solving problems for their clients and giving back to their communities," said Amy Peterson, chair of the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation. "The REALTORS® Charitable Foundation is looking for opportunities to continue making a difference by helping our communities regroup and rebuild with these grants."
Applications will be considered based on the criteria that it includes one or more of SPAAR’s four primary areas of focus, called Pillars, intended to create Better Agents and Better Communities. The Pillars are:
▪ Advocacy
▪ Community Engagement
▪ Professional Development
▪ Communications
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Weekly safety tips as provided by SPAAR and its members
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SPAARky says:
Ask questions. Stay safe.
As a REALTOR
®
seeking to keep clients, other agents and yourself safe, you are free to ask clients or others about their recent travel, particularly to areas identified as having an increased risk of coronavirus. To avoid potential fair housing issues, be sure to ask all clients the same screening questions based on current, factual information from public health authorities.
We like hearing what tips SPAAR members have to share, too, such as:
In today's virtual meeting reality, remember the mute button! I've overheard a few conversations not intended for my ears, especially in our business where we may be sharing personal and financial information about people and properties.
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What is your #1 safety tip to share?
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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!
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SPAAR's Southern Government Affairs Subcommittee welcomes Lakeville Mayor Doug Anderson this Thursday, April 9
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Lakeville Mayor Doug Anderson will be a guest at SPAAR's Southern Government Affairs Subcommittee meeting on Thursday, April 9.
Prior to being elected mayor in 2016, Anderson served on the City Council and the Financial Advisory Committee. His finance career has spanned over 40 years; he is a CPA (inactive), and most recently served as CFO at Hamline University.
After receiving updates from Mayor Anderson on his city's response to the COVID-19 outbreak and his expectations for its effect on the local housing market, the committee will conduct its regular business.
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Community Engagement Committee changes course in sync with social distancing
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SPAAR’s Community Engagement Committee had scheduled a volunteer recognition event for April; however, the committee’s plans changed when in-person events, meetings and classes at SPAAR were cancelled through May 10, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The committee pivoted and requested approval from SPAAR’s Finance Committee to reallocate the $1,500 budgeted for the event to instead be used for an emergency grant to nonprofit Meals From The Heart. In addition, SPAAR's REALTORS® Charitable Foundation agreed to match the grant for a total donation of $3,000, which will provide more than 12,000 meals to area families in need.
Based in Stillwater, Meals From The Heart packages and distributes meal kits to local food shelves. The organization has experienced unprecedented demand in recent weeks. According to Tom Thiets, founder of Meals From The Heart, “many of the food shelves in our network are newer and have never experienced these levels of demand. SPAAR’s gift will make a difference.”
SPAAR also learned that Meals From The Heart received a matching gift that will leverage the impact of this donation even more. Consider a donation to
Meals From The Heart by clicking here
or calling (651) 829-3232.
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Housing Market Statistics
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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:
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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.
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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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