SCAAR Monthly Updates

February | 2025

Public Relations Committee

We met last Tuesday, February 11^th and plan to meet at 3:30pm for our next meeting on March 11^th.

This month we welcome a new PR committee member, Jose Pina De Leon. Thanks for joining our committee, Jose!

This month SCAAR sponsored ICE Fest which was held on February 15th and 16^th. Ice Fest is a family friendly weekend event raising funds for Hungry Children. The had many activities on the ice including a large Ice Carousel, curling, hockey games, smore stating, face painting and much more!

February Billboard: We hope you had a chance to catch our billboard (see above) which ran from 2/17/25 – 2/23/25 located on Division Street and 33^rd Ave N. Time to get ahead of the Spring Market!!

February Social: Our February Social took place on the 11^th and was sponsored by Ancona Title! Our drawing winners were Jake Mueller, Mary Schneider, and Lori Hilger! Thank you, Ancona, for sponsoring this month’s Social Hour.

March Social: Will be March 11^th starting at 4PM at House of Pizza in St Cloud. March social sponsored by Home Town Title, we hope you join us for Social Hour!

Amber Laudenbauch, Chair

Homeowners Financial Group

Holiday Party Task Force

The Holiday Party committee is excited to announce The SCAAR CELEBRATION 2025 will be hosted at Harvester Square on December 11th, 2025. We are looking for preferred partner sponsors who want to join the fun!

Christina Clifton

Central MN Realty

320.333.6462

Awards Committee

The Awards Committee is on the lookout for SCAAR Members who go above and beyond in the community. It is early in the year so be watching as we move forward. We are on the lookout for Nominees for the following 2025 SCAAR awards:

Community Service

Distinguished Service

Preferred Partner/Affiliate

Realtor of the Year

Good Neighbor

Please let us know if you have someone in mind or have any questions! Your nominations help us recognize and celebrate those making a difference.

Thank you,

Sandy Harrison

Coldwell Banker Realty

Awards Committee Chair – 2025

320~420~7337

Skharrison@cbrealty.com

Education Committee

Upcoming Classes:

March 20 - Safety First

March 20 - Commercial 101

March 26 - Eggs with Education

March 26 - MN Housing and USDA Rural Development: A Real Estate Program

Apirl 11 - Risk Managment (DOC Requird Module)

April 11 - The Role of Diversity Marketing in Your Real Estate Practice

April 25 - Intro to Relocation - info coming soon!

April 25 - A Second Look: Reconsiderations of Value -info coming soon!

May 7 - At Home With Diveristy (AHWD) Certification class - info coming soon!

Click here to register for any classes.(Some of the above classes are not posted yet but will be soon.)

Our committee could use more volunteers! Reach out to Kelly@stcloudrealtors to learn how to join.

MARCH SOCIAL HOUR!

March 11, 2025

House of Pizza West

4-6 pm

Preferred Partner Committee

Maximize Your Success: Connect with SCAAR Preferred Partners!

Dear SCAAR REALTOR® Members,

As a valued member of the St. Cloud Area Association of REALTORS® (SCAAR), you have exclusive access to a network of trusted professionals ready to assist you and your clients throughout the home buying and selling process. Our Preferred Partner Members are local businesses committed to providing top-tier services that support your success.

Why Use the Preferred Partner Membership List?

1. Trusted Connections – Our Preferred Partners are dedicated to working with REALTORS® and our clients. From home inspectors and mortgage lenders to title companies and contractors, these businesses understand the unique needs of real estate transactions.

2. Quick & Easy Access – Need a reliable service provider? Our online Preferred Parter Member List is your go-to resource. Quickly find contact information for professionals who are ready to assist: Prefered Partner Member List.

3. Strengthen Your Network – Building relationships with Preferred Partners can lead to smoother transactions and better outcomes for your clients. Networking with these professionals can also provide you with referrals and valuable industry insights.

4. Expand Our Preferred Partner Network – Each REALTOR® is encouraged to invite the professionals they work with to join our Preferred Partner Membership. Strengthening our alliances and filling in service gaps benefits everyone. You can contact them directly or pass their contact information along to Mary Ellen Richter, Chairperson, at 612-532-7659 or maryellen@kerbercastle.com.

How to Utilize the Preferred Partner List:

Recommend trusted service providers to your clients with confidence.
Expand your professional network by connecting with our Preferred Partners at SCAAR events, including the Monthly Happy Hour, Golf Tournament, Holiday Party, and Preferred Partner Expo.
Leverage marketing opportunities by collaborating with partners who can help you enhance your services and reach more clients.

We encourage you to take full advantage of this valuable resource to streamline your transactions and strengthen your professional connections. Explore the list today and discover the benefits of working with SCAAR Preferred Partners!

A Special Welcome to our Newest Member:

SCAM ALERT!!! THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR!!!

Land Fraud Scam - Individuals are posing to be out of state sellers to sell a piece of land. They have the real seller’s social security numbers, IDs and information. They are claiming they want to sell their land, so the agent lists the property, finds a buyer, and the transaction could potentially go through and the “seller” walk off with the money. The problem is, it’ s not really the seller, but someone posing as the seller.

Missing Appliances - Recently a Broker called and said their agent had a new construction property where someone gained access to the property, backed their vehicle(s) into the garage, loaded up the appliances and drove off.

Not by my Computer - An agent said they received a call from an individual who idenfied themself as an "agent" and stated they were not by their computer so could not request a showing and could the Realtor just give them the lockbox access code???

These tactics are not new, but please make sure you are aware of what is going on. Please be careful and know who you are communicating with. Remember to use FOREWARN to look up the phone # that called you and/or the name of the person you think you are communicating with to try and confirm they are who they say they are. Click here for more information on FOREWARN.