May 17, 2021
Contact-less merchandise pick up is available at SPAAR during office business hours. Due to Covid, the SPAAR building is closed to members through June 30, 2021. Email spaar@spaar.com or call (651) 776-6000 with any questions.
In this issue of SPAAR's eNews:
  • SPAAR's annual Shred-It event another success in 2021
  • C2EX opportunity AND incentive!
  • NeighborhoodLIFT program could help qualifying clients
  • FHFA announces extension of COVID-related loan flexibilities
  • Housing Market Statistics
  • Out & About: SPAAR promotes History of Hmong Clothes
  • Join SPAAR's Facebook group for members only
  • Welcome, new members!
SPAAR's annual Shred-It event another success in 2021
SPAAR's annual Shred-It event on May 14 brought out members, lots of items to shred and fantastic weather for the event where members were able to discard shred-able materials and enjoy a lunch to go.
C2EX opportunity AND incentive!
SPAAR has a great opportunity—and an amazing incentive! Seize the opportunity to become endorsed in NAR's Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) program. Become endorsed on or before November 1, 2021, and your name will be entered into a drawing: Five lucky members will receive the SPAAR local annual dues portion of their membership for 2022 paid on their behalf! Already C2EX endorsed? We’ve got you---your name will be entered retroactively. A chance to be one of five lucky members….and a great professional development opportunity.  
 
You choose your own pace to complete C2EX endorsement (the average is about 10 hours from start to finish). You demonstrate your knowledge and enhance your skills in ten aspects of professionalism---along with experiences and resources to enhance your individual skillset. Learn more about NAR's C2EX program here.
 
 
This incentive is made possible thanks to SPAAR's Professionalism Committee.
NeighborhoodLIFT program could help qualifying clients
NeighborhoodLIFT at NeighborWorks Home Partners has a program that provides up to $15,000 in down payment assistance to qualified buyers. Subject to eligibility, this national down payment assistance program could make the difference for clients.


NeighborWorks Home Partners is a SPAAR Affiliate member.
FHFA announces extension of COVID-related loan flexibilities
As recently shared by Minnesota Realtors®, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) will extend some temporary loan origination flexibilities until May 31, 2021. All temporary flexibilities were originally set to expire on April 30, 2021.

Alternative appraisals on purchase and rate-term refinance loans are among the flexibilities that will now be extended through May 31, 2021.

The recent actions are just the latest steps FHFA has taken to benefit renters, property owners and the mortgage market during the pandemic. FHFA will continue to monitor the coronavirus' impact on tenants, borrowers, and the mortgage market and update policies as needed. Homeowners and renters can visit consumerfinance.gov/housing for up-to-date information on their relief options, protections and key deadlines.
Housing Market Statistics
Get up-to-date Twin Cities 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:
SPAAR promotes History of Hmong Clothes

SPAAR was informed about an upcoming event by SPAAR member and Realtor® Lou Thao. The History of Hmong Clothes will feature a gallery-style display of clothing worn by the Hmong people from different regions of the world. The clothing collection comes from Bee Vang-Moua, director for the Hmong Language Program of the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Department at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Connect with SPAAR
Join SPAAR's Facebook group for members only
Check out the SPAAR Facebook page created specifically for members here.
Welcome, new members!
Introducing SPAAR's newest members. Welcome, all! We're glad you're here.