BEST OF THE BLOGS

With practice changes coming that include the prohibition of offers of compensation on MLSs, it’s imperative that brokers, agents and appraisers keep an open line of communication. From NAR.

The share of investors purchasing in cash in the first quarter of 2024 was the lowest it's been since 2008, falling to 64%. Here's why. Realtor.com.

Homeowners had sought to overturn an ordinance passed last year that placed new restrictions on short-term rental licenses, bookings. VailDaily.com.
NEW VMLS BYLAWS & RULES
Compensation fields removed July 24

The VMLS Board of Directors has updated its Bylaws and Rules and Regulations to comply with new requirements from the NAR settlement. Additionally, the settlement requires the VMLS to remove all compensation fields from the MLS. VMLS has collaborated with its vendor, FlexMLS, to facilitate this removal. 

As of July 24, 2024, all compensation fields will be removed from the MLS. This means compensation fields will not be available on any current listings, regardless of status, nor for data entry on any new listings after July 24th.

There is no action if you have a listing in the VMLS Flex system, this removal will take place automatically.

The new Bylaws and Rules and Regulations are linked below and will be effective upon publication. A summary of all the changes to the MLS rules is also linked below.
NAR SETTLEMENT UPDATE
New Colorado contracts and forms.

The Colorado Real Estate Commission (“CREC”) has approved changes to the Commission approved Contracts and Forms. Redline forms are available for Brokers to view.

Please use the new Contracts and Forms after August 15, 2024. 

Visit the Real Estate Contract and Forms website in the coming weeks to review the changes and to better understand how your practice may be affected.
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 updated resources from the National Association of REALTORS®.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10 Things for REALTORS®
Wednesday, August 7
9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
2 CE credits.

Join Scott Peterson, General Counsel for the Colorado Association of REALTORS, for his annual "10 Things for REALTORS®" course. This year includes a special "What You Do" presentation. As agents and REALTORS® you do a lot for buyers and sellers. Scott explains how (and why) you can ensure they understand the professional expertise and services you provide. 
Listing Contracts
Wednesday, August 14
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
3 CE credits.

Taught by Charity Vermeer, this class reviews listing contracts using redline versions of the new Colorado Real Estate Commission approved Contracts and Forms. The effective date of the new Contracts and Forms will be August 1, 2024. Redline versions will be used for this class.
NAR Ethics
Thursday August 15
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
4 CE credits.

Taught by Charity Vermeer, this 4 CE class meets the Code of Ethics requirement for REALTORS® and Appraisers.  

Ethics must be completed once every three years. The current cycle is January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024 - for all REALTORS® and Appraisers.
Third-Party Classes & Seminars
The classes listed below are not hosted by the Vail Board of REALTORS®. Please contact the hosting organizations for questions on class format, credits, etc...
Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®)
August 27 & 28
Virtual class. 12 CE credits.
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Both days

The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation is for real estate buyer agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every stage of the home-buying process. Hosted by Denver Metro Association of REALTORS®
LEADERSHIP APPLICATION
Board application is open

The Vail Board of Realtors® and Vail Multi-list Service provides essential services to over 800 VBR members.

At this time of year, we look to Realtor® Members for new leadership to guide us into the future. We have openings on VBR & VMLS Boards of Directors, as well as on committees and task forces for those who are newer to volunteer leadership. Please, consider joining the Realtor® leadership ranks.
SENTRILOCK RESOURCES
Releasing the shackle - SentriGuard lockboxes

If you are a SentriGuard® lockbox owner, or have ownership privileges, you can create a Shackle Release Code. This temporary access code can be activated for a one-day period and is ideal for situations when you need another person to move/remove your lockbox for any reason.

To share the shackle release code (and instructions to use it) with the recipient, tap the Share icon at the top right of your screen. You can share the code via email or text. 
Important note when inserting shackle: The shackle on the SentriGuard® lockbox only fits into the lockbox one way. When looking at the front of the lockbox, the longer side fits into the left side. 
AFFILIATE CORNER
Business + Affiliate Expo

We hope to see you at our Business & Affiliate Expo! This is an excellent networking opportunity to connect with our Affiliate business partners and fellow Realtors®.

Door prizes will be raffled, including two YETI coolers! We'll provide lunch too.

Thursday, August 8
EagleVail Pavilion
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Please RSVP for an accurate headcount for food. This event is FREE for VBR Realtors and Appraisers. $10 for other members and guests.

More info to follow on prizes and Expo exhibitors.
Check out the Affiliate Directory!

There are approximately 200 VBR Affiliates offering services ranging from lending, home services, legal, home inspection, and more.

Visit our Affiliate Directory page (We have two directory options to search). We also have a print version available for members and clients. Let us know if you need a print directory!
VBR EVENTS
VISIT FAIRHAVEN
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.
WILDFIRE AWARENESS
Free wildfire mitigation offered

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

Log in at VBR.net to see monthly stats, including an overview of residential real estate and detailed reports of each area in Eagle County.
Find trusted industry-related partners in the Vail Board of Realtors®' Affiliate directory. 
A list highlighting the newest Realtor® and Affiliate members.
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.
Tracking education requirements

The VBR provides a helpful spreadsheet to help Colorado Brokers track their professional development.
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.
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.
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

Flexmls Support:
888-525-4747
7:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday - Friday

Tech Helpline:
Phone: 866-619-8170

Sentrilock Support:
Phone: 877-736-8745

ShowingTime & InfoSparks:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

Vail Board of Realtors
970-766-1028 | www.vbr.net