August 30, 2021
In this issue of SPAAR's eNews:
  • Spotlight on SPAAR: Networking and Why It Matters
  • MetroYPN invites members to enjoy a networking afternoon
  • SPAAR creates Housing Affordability Task Force
  • Two events. One day. All at SPAAR.
  • Let your voice be part of the member process
  • Learn about C2EX member incentive and how you can take part
  • SPAAR begins this year's candidate endorsement process
  • Comments welcome on Minnesota Housing’s draft 2022-2023 Affordable Housing Plan
  • 2022 Membership Renewal Notices have been sent to members
  • Housing Market Statistics
  • Join SPAAR's Facebook group for members only
  • Welcome, new members!
Spotlight on SPAAR: Networking and Why It Matters
MetroYPN members Jason Cassel, Danielle Pelton (chair), and Jennifer Livingston (vice chair) share about the benefits of being part of MetroYPN and ways to be involved at SPAAR in general.


SPAAR's weekly videos highlight timely news, events, member features and key information to help benefit members in their business. As such, these videos complement content also shared in SPAAR's newsletters, on its website and on social media.
MetroYPN invites members to enjoy a networking afternoon
Join MetroYPN on September 16 from 2-5pm at 3rd Act Craft Brewery in Woodbury for an afternoon of bags, networking and food! This is a great time to connect with other real estate professionals in a fun environment.

Register for the MetroYPN event today to ensure enough food is ordered for attendees.
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.
TWO events, ONE day. All at SPAAR.
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. 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.
Learn about C2EX member incentive and how you can take part
SPAAR has a great opportunity and member incentive! Become endorsed in NAR's Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) program 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 covered and 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 10 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. Questions? Contact Sheri at srichards@spaar.com.
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.
Comments welcome on Minnesota Housing’s draft 2022-2023 Affordable Housing Plan
Minnesota Housing has released a draft of its 2022-2023 Affordable Housing Plan for public comment.

  • The 2022-2023 Affordable Housing Plan is the business plan to implement the final two years of its Strategic Plan and includes key initiatives and estimates of the resources that it expects to make available.

Feedback is critical for developing effective plans and the public is welcome to share. Submit any comments to mn.housing@state.mn.us by noon on Tuesday, September 14.
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.
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.