August 23, 2021
In this issue of SPAAR's eNews:
  • Two events: same date, same time, same location
  • Let your voice be part of the member process
  • SPAAR creates Housing Affordability Task Force
  • SPAAR begins this year's candidate endorsement process
  • SPAAR’s Coon Rapids closed next week to move office suite
  • 2022 Membership Renewal Notices have been sent to members
  • A shout out for SPAAR Hero nominations
  • Housing Market Statistics
  • Join SPAAR's Facebook group for members only
  • Welcome, new members!
Two events: same date, same time, same location
Stop by SPAAR on Thursday, September 9, from 11am to 2pm to check out the SPAAR Safety Day Fair and support REALTORS® Charitable Foundation by purchasing lunch from one of four food trucks: Potter's Pasties & Pies, Trickster Tacos, The Big Cheese and Fire Cream. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Foundation.

The course “Hey Realtor®, Let’s Talk Safety” will be offered in-person in the afternoon at 2pm. Register here to attend.
Let your voice be part of the member process
Every other year SPAAR's Communications Committee puts out a member survey seeking input for all members that helps to guide the direction of the programs and services offered, including what works well and areas for improvement. Late this fall members will be asked to participate in the survey.

In the meantime, Communications Committee members are welcoming members to be a part of the survey creation, and involved in the process. There will be a meeting on Thursday, September 9, at 10am for those interested in being a part of the SPAAR member survey subcommittee. (Note: the food truck event at SPAAR takes place immediately after this meeting, so come to discuss the survey and stay for lunch)!

Interested to be a part of the subcommittee or learn more? Contact Jennifer at jkovacich@spaar.com.
SPAAR creates Housing Affordability Task Force
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.
SPAAR begins this year's candidate endorsement process
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.
SPAAR’s Coon Rapids closed next week to move office suite
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.
2022 Membership Renewal Notices have been sent to members
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:
DIRECTIONS FOR CHOOSING THE PAYMENT PLAN OPTION (For Primary REALTOR® Members ONLY)

Contact SPAAR at (651) 776-6000 if you have questions regarding your membership renewal.
A shout out for SPAAR Hero nominations
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.
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:
Connect with SPAAR
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.