BEST OF THE BLOGS

For retirees sitting on a lot of home equity, the FHA’s home equity conversion mortgage for purchase may be just the ticket for their next move. From NAR.

Despite financial challenges, buyers flock to greater housing options in the high-end market. Read more from NAR’s latest existing-home sales report. From NAR.

Don’t give up, buyers: Real estate today is still a seller’s market, but moving toward balance. From Realtor.com.
SENTRILOCK TRADE OUT
New upgraded SentriGuard lockboxes will be available to Vail Multi-List Service Participants and Subscribers.

The VMLS will host a Special Trade-Out Event for one week in June. SentriLock reps will be here for part of the week.

SentriLock Trade-out Week
June 24 through June 28
At the VBR in Edwards
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

During the trade-out event, agents can bring in their old lockboxes and trade out up to four lockboxes at no cost. Additional boxes with trade-in are $50 (no limit). A box without a trade-in is $109.

After June 28 through July 19, agents can trade-in one box for $50 (No free trade ins). Any additional boxes are $109.

If you recently purchased a lockbox from another broker and need to have it registered to you, please contact the VBR with the lockbox's serial number. We can transfer it remotely.
COMPENSATION RULES
 
You should keep the date of Aug. 17 in mind. That's when offers of compensation are no longer allowed on MLS listings.

Watch NAR’s latest “Window to the Law” video - the first in a special series on MLS practice changes - which has information on how the new rules will impact broker compensation and how to communicate offers of compensation off the MLS.
 
The National Association of REALTORS® has created a new resource for one of the key practice changes required by the settlement.

NAR also updated the FAQ on facts.realtor with helpful new information.

  • Guide on Written Buyer Agreements: Beginning August 17, 2024, a buyer representative “working with” a buyer will be required to enter into a written agreement with the buyer prior to touring a home, including both in-person and live virtual tours. This resource provides information about what provisions must be included in the written agreement pursuant to the NAR settlement. The guide is available here on our centralized website for information on the settlement, facts.realtor.

  • FAQ Updates: We have added new material and made updates to the FAQ on facts.realtor. The new material provides further clarity on issues including steering (questions 46-49) and written listing agreements (questions 50-53). The format of the FAQ has also been updated to better display the timing of the latest updates.
MEMBER MEMORIALS
The VBR is sharing information on celebration of life services for three of our members.

Cindy Denney was an affiliate and escrow officer with Land Title Guarantee Company. Dave Cole and Rod Slifer were REALTORS® and founding members of the VBR.
Cindy Denney
June 17 at 4:00 p.m.
Brush Creek Pavilion, Eagle

Rod Slifer
June 27 at 3:00 p.m.
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

Dave Cole
August 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Vail Interfaith Chapel, Vail
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
TOMORROW!
Making Green By Selling Green
Tuesday, June 4
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
4 CE credits. 2 Vail Pro credits.

In today’s world, with the largest home-buying generation in history prioritizing energy efficiency, walkable communities, and smart homes, this course will help you become a more specialized, effective real estate professional. 
TOMORROW!
Is Your House Making You Sick
Tuesday, June 4
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
4 CE credits.

Learn about threats posed by health hazards such as mold and radon, asbestos and lead-based paint. Learn about the sources of these toxins, their effect on our health, what laws protect us, and what disclosures must be shared.
At Home With Diversity (AHWD®)
Wednesday, June 12
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
6 CE credits. 8 Vail Pro credits.

At Home with Diversity® addresses the topics of diversity, fair housing, and business planning development. After successfully completing the course, REALTORS® are eligible to apply for the official AHWD certification.
NAR Ethics
Thursday, June 13
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
3 CE credits.

Taught by Tod Franklin, this 3 CE class meets the Code of Ethics requirement for REALTORS® and Appraisers.

Ethics must be completed once every three years. The current cycle for all REALTORS® is January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024.
Third-Party Classes & Seminars
Colorado REALTOR® Ethics Day 2024
Thursday, June 6
Virtual class.
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Hosted by the Colorado Association of REALTORS®, this virtual class is taught by Scott Peterson, CAR general counsel and attorney and instructor Damien Cox.
Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®)
June 17 and 18
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Both days

The ABR® designation is for real estate buyer's agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every stage of the home-buying process.

Hosted by Colorado Association of REALTORS®.
AFFILIATE CORNER
NEW Affiliate Directory

A new, updated Affiliate Directory is available for members to find a trusted real estate related partner. 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).
NAR SETTLEMENT UPDATE
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.
VBR IN THE COMMUNITY
Volunteer in the community

Come build with the Vail Board of REALTORS® on June.

Build Day with Habitat Vail Valley
June 21

No construction experience is required. You can volunteer all day or part of the day.

Contact the VBR with questions about volunteering. We'll send a reminder to volunteers before the event with location and specifics.
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.
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.
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.
Tracking education requirements

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

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