BEST OF THE BLOGS

Aim for long-term success rather than short-term profitability by being prepared to communicate your worth- but maintaining an openness to buyer and seller needs. From NAR.

Notification system works as advertised. From VailDaily.com.

AirBnB, VRBO and short-term rental owners say it would devastate ski town tourism economy. VailDaily.com
MARKET STATS
Please click below to access a residential market overview for March 2024, or log into your VBR Member Hub account to access reports by individual areas. Available at VBR.net under "For Members."
Colorado Association of REALTORS® Market Report

The early spring housing market in Colorado delivered a strong volume of new listings, active buyers, and higher prices.
NAR UPDATE
Ruling on centralizing lawsuits

Regarding the National Association of REALTORS® and class action lawsuits, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) ruled that centralization of the lawsuits is not necessary at this time because the settlement agreement NAR reached with plaintiffs on March 15 would resolve some, if not many, of the claims in the pending cases.

NAR is pleased with the ruling. It reflects that NAR's settlement, which, if approved by the court, would end litigation nationwide for NAR and other released parties in the cases brought by home sellers.

To be clear, this JPML ruling does not affect the approval process for the settlement agreement.

Please feel free to reach out directly to the NAR with any questions at nargovernance@narrealtor.com.

The following Q&A has been developed to help NAR Members understand the key points of the ruling. Please direct any media inquiries about the filing to NAR's communications team.
 
What is this decision about?
  • As you may recall, in January, the Sitzer Burnett plaintiffs filed a motion with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) that supported centralizing and transferring various cases related to broker commissions to federal court in Kansas City. NAR opposed that motion and argued in favor of centralization in the Northern District of Illinois.
  • Today, the JPML ruled that centralization is not necessary at this time since the settlement agreement NAR reached with plaintiffs last month would resolve some, if not many, of the claims in the pending cases.
  • The JPML did not reach the question about whether centralization would be appropriate had the settlement not been reached.

 What is NAR's position on this ruling?
  • NAR is pleased with the ruling. It reflects the effect of the settlement, which, if approved by the court, would end litigation nationwide for NAR and other released parties in the cases brought by home sellers.
 
Does this ruling affect the settlement?
   No. In its ruling, the court recognized the breadth of the releases in the settlement and the potential that it could resolve many of the outstanding cases.

What happens now that the JPML has made this ruling?
  • The cases related to broker commissions will not be centralized at this time and will remain in the jurisdictions where they were brought.
What's Ahead For You?

Make sure to read a special digital supplement of REALTOR® Magazine with 16 pages of important content that will dispel misinformation about the proposed settlement.

It also includes valuable resources that help separate litigation facts from fiction, debunk myths, and help explain the importance of a written buyer agreement.  
UPCOMING VBR CLASSES
Understanding Exchanges in Resort Markets
Thursday, May 2
12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
2 CE credits.

Join us for a Lunch and learn on May 2 with Erin Crowley of Asset Preservation, Inc. This two-CE 1031 Exchange workshop will include information on resort markets, vacation homes, and ranch land.
Eagle County History
Vail Pro Designation
Tuesday, May 14
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
2 Vail Pro credits.

Eagle County has a rich history that goes back before Vail became a top ski destination. This free class features a presentation by Kathy Heicher of the Eagle County Historical Society, followed by a tour of the ECHS museum in Eagle, or a walking tour of downtown Eagle.

Class is hosted off-site at the Eagle Library.
That's My Money! Procuring Cause
Wednesday, May 15
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
3 CE credits.

Taught by Connie Tremblay, this class covers the rules and best practices regarding procuring cause, and the Arbitration/ Mediation process.

Designated Realtors® (Managing or Owner Brokers) are REQUIRED to complete Procuring Cause training once within a three-year cycle. The current three-year cycle is January 1, 2023 ending Dec. 31, 2025.
NAR Ethics
Thursday, May 16
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
4 CE credits.

Join Connie Tremblay for this course based on NAR's Code of Ethics. Includes engaging case studies.

ALL Realtors® are REQUIRED to complete at least 2.5 hours of Ethics training once within a three-year cycle. The current three-year cycle is January 1, 2022 ending Dec. 31, 2024. It is the SAME cycle for all Realtors®.
FUNDING FOR FAIR HOUSING
April is Fair Housing Month, and the Vail Board of REALTORS® Foundation is conducting a donation drive to help support affordable housing for all in our community!

Help us reach our goal of $10,000 in April.
The VBRF supports initiatives focused on creating attainable housing solutions for all and works in collaboration with community organizations to cultivate housing opportunity for all Eagle County residents.
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
April is Fair Housing Month, and the VBR, the Colorado Association of REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS® are offering programming and resources to celebrate Fair Housing efforts.
The People Behind Diversity
Tuesday, April 16
1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Virtual event.
Colorado Association of REALTORS®
Fairhaven is free fair housing simulation training for REALTORS® that uses the power of storytelling to help members identify, prevent, and address discriminatory practices in real estate.

VBR aims to have 65 members complete the Fairhaven program by the end of 2024. Log into your National Association of REALTORS® account and visit Fairhaven today.
AFFILIATE CORNER
Habitat's Housing Survey

Your opinion matters when it comes to housing. Please take this survey from Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley to help form the local Housing Action Plan.

Links to take the survey are below:


Find a trusted Affiliate Partner

There are approximately 200 Affiliate members of the VBR offering services ranging from lending, home services, legal, home inspection, and more.

Visit our Affiliate Directory page to find a trusted real estate related partner (We have two directory options to search).
NAR LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT
Get the facts regarding NAR proposed lawsuit settlement.

The Vail Board of REALTORS® will continue sharing news and resources with our members. You can find timely information at facts.realtor and competition.realtor.

The links below include access to resources from the National Association of REALTORS® and a video with NAR President Kevin Sears and Chief Legal Officer Katie Johnson.
WILDFIRE AWARENESS
Free wildfire mitigation offered

Did you know that Eagle County homeowners can receive FREE wildfire mitigation property assessments? More information is available at RealFire.net.

Please take some time to educate yourself, clients, and fellow community members.
MEMBER RESOURCES
Member Benefits & Programs

As a Realtor®, your membership includes National, State, and Local. Affiliates also receive benefits as a VBR member. We provide the tools to enhance professionalism in the real estate industry.
Members only: Monthly market stats

All VBR members can log in at VBR.net to see monthly stats, including each area in Eagle County.
Find trusted industry-related partners in the Vail Board of Realtors®' Affiliate directory. 
Find trusted industry-related partners in the Vail Board of Realtors®' Affiliate directory.
Help strengthen the VBR's events, services, member offerings, and initiatives.
THE VALUE OF A REALTOR
The Competition.Realtor website is available for Realtors®, and it provides a comprehensive overview - and talking points - of how Realtors® and the local MLS broker marketplaces benefit consumers.

The Vail Board of REALTORS® also makes this available on our "Why Use a REALTOR®" page on our website to help the public understand the value of REALTORS®.
MEMBER SAFETY TOOLS
Put your safety first - with free tools available to members!
SafeShowings deters criminal behavior, allows you to notify emergency contacts, and mark yourself as safe through the app.

Learn how it works and register today to use SafeShowings (see link below)!
FOREWARN allows agents to have instant due diligence on prospects.

VMLS members can verify a prospect’s identity, criminal records, bankruptcies, liens, judgments, address history and property records in one place, leading to safer and more productive interactions.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Education Quick Links

Visit VBR's Education Requirements page for more info on Code of Ethics, license cycle requirements,and more. A reminder: Please stay organized, and keep paper or virtual copies of your certificates.
WELCOME HOME BAGS
Welcome Home Bags available as free closing gifts

The Welcome Home Bag Program is a FREE benefit available for REALTOR® members who sell a home. Call 766-1028 to schedule a pick-up or email matt@vbr.net.

The bag is a great gift for your buyer clients. Each cooler bag includes a picnic blanket, set of wine tumblers, and a reusable shopping tote. It is also a great way to promote our REALTOR® and Affiliate members.

Affiliates: Sponsorship opportunities are available for one of the items. Please contact mel@vbr.net.
BECOME A VAIL PRO
Earn the Vail Pro Designation
Increase your knowledge in the real estate industry and become a local expert! The Vail Pro Designation is an educational program open to ALL VBR Realtor and Affiliate members!

Classes are free for VBR members.
ACCESS YOUR VBR ACCOUNT
You can easily access your account with the Vail Board of REALTORS® to register for events, pay invoices, and update your contact information.
If you have not yet created your account, click the link below and enter your name and contact email (Make sure it's the email we have on file for you). Once you hit submit, you will get a follow-up email to finish setting up the account.
HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION
VBR TEAM

Association Executive

MLS Director

Member Services & Office Manager

Melanie McKinney Education & Marketing Manager
SUPPORT LINES

If you need assistance with MLS, MLS Touch App, Tech Helpline, or Sentrilock, please use the contact information below.

Flexmls Support:
888-525-4747
(7 AM to 8 PM MTN, Monday - Friday)

Tech Helpline:
Phone: 866-619-8170

Sentrilock Support:
Phone: 877-736-8745
Vail Board of Realtors
970-766-1028 | www.vbr.net