July 5, 2021
SPAAR offices are closed today, July 5, in observance of the July 4th holiday.
In this issue of SPAAR's eNews:
  • Let freedom ring!
  • SPAAR’s building will fully open by mid-August
  • Take the Fair Housing Challenge and qualify for a drawing
  • We Care collection drive for those serving welcomes donations
  • frivillig med oss!*
  • Housing Market Statistics
  • Join SPAAR's Facebook group for members only
  • Welcome, new members!
Let freedom ring!
Join SPAAR President Tracy Baglio in sharing all of the freedoms SPAAR members are fortunate to celebrate.


Happy Fourth of July! (as observed this year on July 5).
SPAAR’s building will fully open by mid-August
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 6: staff returns to full, in-person work at SPAAR; some staff members have been onsite every day since March of 2020
  • 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.
Take the Fair Housing Challenge and qualify for a drawing
NAR President Charlie Oppler challenged NAR’s leaders back in February to complete the Fair Housing Challenge by participating in Fairhaven Fair Housing Simulation, watching Bias Override, NAR’s Implicit Bias Training, and completing At Home With Diversity (AHWD).*

Now, the challenge is on for SPAAR members!

SPAAR’s Committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is renewing this challenge. Complete all three components by October 31, 2021, and you will be entered into a drawing for one of five $100 Visa gift cards!

To enter the drawing, complete all three classes by the last day of October 2021. Completion is shown the following ways:
  • NAR provides SPAAR verification that you have completed Fairhaven.
  • The AHWD course provides a completion certificate.
  • To demonstrate you have completed implicit bias training, send an email to spaar@spaar.com with your name, NRDS number and date you watched the video.
  • If you have already completed the challenge, you can still be entered into the drawing---simply submit a statement of completion to spaar@spaar.com. 

Take part in the Bias Override Roundtable, July 21 from 10 to 11:30am
To help you meet this challenge, join SPAAR for this virtual presentation on implicit bias, followed by a roundtable discussion. Registration and details are available on the Member Events Calendar.

*AHWD was an optional component of President Oppler’s challenge.

Questions? Email Joe McKinley at jmckinley@spaar.com.
We Care collection drive for those serving welcomes donations
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.
frivillig med oss!*
Founded by a Norwegian women’s society, Lyngblomsten Care Center has been part of Saint Paul’s Como Neighborhood for more than 100 years. Lyngblomsten serves the community by providing Healthcare, Housing & Services for Older Adults.

You can help: Lyngblomsten needs volunteer support to resume its schedule of social activities and outings. Volunteers socialize or play cards with residents or join a walking trip to Como Zoo… there is a lot going on, and more will be scheduled as pandemic restrictions are lifted. One-time service opportunities for individual volunteers and small groups of volunteers are now being scheduled. Volunteer with family or friends, volunteer with your team or office. Lyngblomsten is a community partner of SPAAR's Community Engagement Committee.

Contact jmckinley@spaar.com to get started. 
 
frivillig med oss? *That’s Norwegian for “Volunteer with us!”
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.