May 11, 2020
Last week to submit grant application for the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation grant -- deadline is this Friday, May 15
Applications are being accepted through this Friday, May 15, for the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation grant, which will be awarded to the selected recipient(s) from a qualifying internal and external group(s).

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

"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."

Learn more about the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation grant opportunities and to find the application to apply today. The grant deadline is May 15, 2020.
SPAAR's drive-thru Shred-It event on May 8 welcomed many members
SPAAR's Shred-it event on May 8 had vehicles lined up before 10:30am, and the event didn't begin until 11am! A success with more than 100 members turning out, and a total of nearly 10,000 pounds of paper shred, SPAAR staff and SPAAR President Patrick Ruble enjoyed seeing members face to face again, even with strict social distancing observed.

The weather was great, and KSTP-TV turned out to cover the event: click here to see the Ch. 5 story . Thanks to all who attended SPAAR's 2020 Shred-it event on Friday.
SPAAR continues to assist members
Did you know...? In addition to contacting SPAAR with questions, members can still purchase sign riders and electronic lockboxes and conduct non-contact pickups in SPAAR's vestibule at its 325 Roselawn Avenue East location. Simply contact SPAAR at spaar@spaar.com or (651) 776-6000 to learn more or make arrangements.
Video provides information about the SBA Cares Act, PPP and EIDL
Click this link to tune in to the 47-minute presentation by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) as information is shared about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Business Loans and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) . You’ll also hear from Realtors® of varying business structures and sizes who have successfully obtained one of these options. In addition, learn how to navigate the Small Business Administration website, which forms to have on-hand when applying, and tips for finding a lender in your area. Act today! Funding is limited.
Comprehensive FAQ released by NAR regarding unemployment benefits for independent contractors
NAR earlier in April released a comprehensive FAQ regarding enhanced unemployment benefits that are now available to independent contractors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded by the federal government and being implemented voluntarily by each state including Minnesota.

SPAAR continues to receive many member inquiries about unemployment benefits and is in regular communication with Minnesota REALTORS® to learn the latest news and information. Click on this link to see the new NAR FAQ , which has answers to many questions that have been asked in recent days and weeks. SPAAR will continue to share updates as they are known.  Click here to read the latest on Minnesota Unemployment Insurance .
Extended deadline of May 31 for NAR members to register at no cost for TeleHealth
The National Association of REALTORS ®  (NAR) has expanded access to Members TeleHealth SM  at no cost to members for those who register before May 31, 2020.

Members TeleHealth SM  provides around-the-clock access to non-emergency healthcare from more than 2,300 board-certified U.S. physicians including common issues such as allergies, asthma, rashes, joint aches, flu and nausea, among others.

NAR is funding two months of services for members who lack access to telemedicine and enroll in this program before May 31. For more information, including the TeleHealth application,   click here.
NAR offers additional member support during COVID-19
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has provided member resources related to COVID-19 and real estate including NAR's Member Support Team hotline at  (800) 874-6500 between 8am and 6pm CST, Monday through Friday.
 
NAR’s Right Tools, Right Now   program allows to visit  nar.realtor/coronavirus  for regular updates as well as reach out to SPAAR at  spaar@spaar.com .
NAR publication highlights the impact of Coronavirus on business throughout the U.S.
The National Association of REALTORS® has shared in its On Common Ground publication an article about "Commerce in the Time of Coronavirus" and the business impact. Read the article here.
Weekly safety tips as provided by SPAAR and its members
SPAARky says:

Most fires happen in the home. With today's current pandemic, many more people are staying home so it's vital to be sure your home stays a safe place. Here are some basic fire prevention and safety measures:

  • Test your smoke alarms and be sure they're in working order.
  • Stay in the kitchen and attentive when cooking on the stove.
  • Clean your dryer's lint trap with regularity.
  • Candles can be calming, but never leave them unattended.
  • Grilling is great for meals; be sure your grill is at least three feet from the house.
  • Store your extra toilet paper and other paper products away from your furnace and gas dryer.
  • Make sure exits are easily accessible in the event of an emergency.
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!
Blue Star Mothers thanks SPAAR
Thank you to all SPAAR members and friends who contributed to the Blue Star Mothers of America drive this spring.

Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., is a private nonprofit in the U.S. that provides support for mothers who have sons or daughters in active service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

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:

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'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.
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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