July 19, 2021
In this issue of SPAAR's eNews:
  • It's always a good time to join a SPAAR Committee!
  • July 31 is final date for We Care collection to support those serving the U.S.
  • National Night Out gift cards now available for block captains
  • SPAAR offers member incentive for C2EX endorsement
  • There are environmental sustainable practices in real estate
  • SPAAR is now open to walk-in members. Welcome back!
  • Realtors® UNITE is October 6 and 7, 2021, in St. Cloud
  • Housing Market Statistics
  • Join SPAAR's Facebook group for members only
  • Welcome, new members!
It's always a good time to join a SPAAR Committee!
Did you know you can join a SPAAR committee at any time?

This video is an oldie but a goodie for its content to share what members get out of joining a SPAAR committee.

Note the current chair of Community Engagement is Shannon Melloy. While Diana Allen is no longer that committee chair, she remains an active committee member.

SPAAR Committees include the following focuses: Affiliate; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Community Engagement: Communications; Government Affairs; Metro YPN: and Professionalism.

Interested in joining a SPAAR committee? Apply here and start getting involved right away. You are always welcome!
July 31 is final date for We Care collection to support those serving the U.S.
SPAAR has been supporting the Blue Star Mothers program, which puts together the We Care packages, for a number of years. Learn more about Blue Star Mothers and the We Care collection drive here.

A We Care package recipient shared the following heartfelt comment: “I wanted to reach out and say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the care packages that you recently sent the soldiers. There is nothing more uplifting than receiving a package of love from back home! Thank you for all that you do to support the troops. From this side we appreciate it greatly. God bless you and your team.”

Consider promoting the We Care collection opportunity with your clients, real estate professionals and others in your network or sphere through July 31, 2021.
National Night Out gift cards now available for block captains
National Night Out (NNO) on August 3 is a great way for neighbors to gather together. Are you a Block Captain for your neighborhood event? Then you are a leader in building better communities… and SPAAR can help!
SPAAR’s Community Engagement Committee will distribute $50 Cub gift cards to SPAAR members who coordinate their community's NNO events. Gift cards can be used to purchase refreshments for the event.

Apply for your gift card today; available on a first-come, first-served basis.
SPAAR offers member incentive for C2EX endorsement
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.
There are environmental sustainable practices in real estate
Are you passionate about “green”, environmentally sustainable practices in real estate? Have you seen changes in the industry due to initiatives surrounding climate change? Are you interested in getting more involved in green real estate?

SPAAR is looking to gain more insight into sustainability and how it affects real estate. If you answered “yes” to any of these questions above or if you are interested in learning more, contact Becky Wegscheid, government affairs director, at bwegscheid@spaar.com
SPAAR is now open to walk-in members. Welcome back!
Like so many other businesses worldwide, SPAAR closed its doors at the start of the pandemic for the safety of members, staff and visitors. Unlike many businesses, SPAAR was in a position to maintain providing member services both virtually and contactless, for which SPAAR staff were grateful. Whether members needed a class, an open house sign or help with a lockbox, SPAAR staff were in the building and able to provide uninterrupted service Monday through Friday through pivoting, creativity and positivity from members who understood these were different times for everyone.

SPAAR will be welcoming members back to the building in phases, and having people back on site is very exciting!

The following building reopening schedule was approved by SPAAR’s Board of Directors as follows:

  • July 20: SPAAR reopens to walk-in members
  • August 3: committee meetings and small events will begin to be held at SPAAR
  • August 17: building fully open for all events, classes and meetings at SPAAR

Note: this is the current plan; however, dates are subject to change if needed.
Realtors® UNITE is October 6 and 7, 2021, in St. Cloud
Realtors® UNITE is geared to give members the tools and insight needed to excel in the rapidly evolving real estate industry. There’s something for each of the participants including success strategies from top industry leaders, learning opportunities for CE and a chance to network with other industry professionals.

Register today for this two-day event on October 6 and 7 in St. Cloud.
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.