BEST OF THE BLOGS

National Association of REALTORS® economist says buyers shouldn’t expect rates to fall for some time.

Some insurers are increasing premiums, dropping customers, and exiting risky parts of the country as climate risks grow. From Realtor.com

An update from the Colorado Association of REALTORS® on testimony and bill positions with the Colorado State Legislature.
NAR UPDATE
Updated FAQ on Written Buyer Agreements

The National Association of REALTORS® has updated its FAQ regarding the proposed settlement to include additional information and clarity about written buyer agreements.

As a part of the proposed settlement, NAR agreed to require MLS participants working with buyers to enter into written agreements with their buyers before touring a home.

The information in the below link has also been added to NAR's resource hub on www.facts.realtor - and is listed as questions 46 through 62 on NAR's regularly updated FAQ page.

As a reminder, NAR received preliminary approval of the settlement on April 24, but it is still subject to final court approval. The final approval hearing is scheduled for November 26.
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.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Tracking education requirements

Did you know the VBR provides a helpful spreadsheet to help Colorado Brokers track their professional development?

There is no single entity that tracks all the education you have taken. It is ultimately your responsibility. Please stay organized, keep paper or virtual copies of certificates, and use the Realtor® Education Tracking Sheet to track this information.
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.
2.5 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.
Breakthrough Business Planning
Vail Pro Designation
Monday, May 20
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
4 Vail Pro credits.

Instructor Jim Dague will explain the science behind the steps and help you to reach GOAL GETTING. This class is beneficial for all VBR members (Realtors, Assistants, and Affiliates alike). Class includes light breakfast and lunch.
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
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
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.
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.  
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

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. 
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