So much happened last week, and I would like to provide a recap. On Monday, April 6, Eagle County Public Health updated the Stay-at-home order that was extended until April 30. The Eagle County’s guidelines also got updated to be the same as the state of Colorado when it comes to critical business definition.
 
After a week of seeking clarification regarding the updates from the Attorney General's office, we now know from the Division of Real Estate that "Real estate appraisals and closings are considered critical services to complete real estate transactions. Further, home inspections and final walkthroughs after a buyer has signed a purchase contract and is therefore a condition precedent to the actual transfer of property, is also considered to be an essential part of the real estate transaction. Elements that are fundamental to the real estate transaction are deemed essential to support market activity.  However, showing a property or conducting an open house in-person during the COVID-19 pandemic shall be avoided as it violates the specific mandates of recently issued executive and public health orders. "  
 
The MLS has temporarily disabled the ability to schedule Open Houses. We want to ensure the health and safety of our members and community, and we feel this is a prudent way to ensure the MLS's compliance with the updated stay-at-home order. Our broadcast email is currently down, and we ask you to use the Newsfeed Feature in the MLS for a new listing, price changes, and updates.
 
For other MLS news, Rapattoni can now allow Virtual Open Houses  to be scheduled in the MLS. Domus Analytics our statistic program has a  brand-new feature  called  Weekly Trends that will help members capture the market activity right now.
 
Stay safe and well.
 
Erica 
Updated guidance on real estate critical business

Leadership from the South Metro Denver Realtor Association hosted an online interview with Marcia Waters and Gary Kujawski from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Real Estate (DORA), regarding the latest updates to the State of Colorado Executive Stay at Home Order. Marcia and Gary discussed how it relates to the real estate business in Colorado. Take a moment to watch this informative question and answer session.
CARES ACT & SBA RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES
To help the real estate community understand the benefits available right now, we have created a special section on our website with the breakdown of the different resources. You may not be impacted right now, but you need to plan for the next few months, and it makes sense to apply if you think you will need support in the upcoming months. 
BEST OF THE BLOGS

This is NOT the time to hide. There are actually many hidden opportunities for you to build your business stronger even while we’re dealing with this crisis.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's Sara Singhas explained how mortgage forbearance and repayment works and what homeowners should do
if they need more time.

Forbearance requests, which delay mortgage payments, have increased exponentially over the past month, according to new data released by the Mortgage Bankers Association Tuesday.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
ONLINE LEARNING
There are great options for online education, including a free CREC class with Thrive. We encourage members to visit trusted online providers. You can find these resources under "Education Quick Links" in the weekly newsletter (scroll down), and also under "Education" on the VBR website.
EARN YOUR VAIL PRO DESIGNATION
Learn more about REALFire, a program promoting wildfire education, awareness, and action, and earn a few Vail Pro Designation credits. On April 16 we're hosting a webinar featuring the 2019 REALFire class. Realtor members can earn 2 state CE. Please join us by registering below. Note: If you registered for the April 2 class that was postponed, you are still registered.
Increase your local 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!
MONTHLY MARKET UPDATE
Pending sales were down in March for Single Family-Duplex and Townhouse-Condos. However, new listings were up for both categories. According to Showing Time, we are likely to see impacts to housing activity now and into the coming months. Please click the image below to see more market statistics. Log in at VBR.net to see stats by area.
CAR UPDATE
CAPITOL CONNECTION
In this edition, CAR wonders if construction can lead the economy out of a recession, shares an RPAC and government affairs update.
NAR UPDATES
RIGHT TOOLS RIGHT NOW
The National Association of REALTORS® and Realtor.com are hosting a free webinar on preparing for the market resurgence. Join Chris Smith and Andrew Dorn on Wednesday, April 15, as they share recommendations on how to keep your business moving forward.
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
Each April, REALTORS® commemorate the Fair Housing Month to reaffirm their commitment to fair and equitable treatment for all. This year, NAR is providing members with information and tools to observe Fair Housing Month at home.
TECH TIPS
How to keep your Zoom calls free of lurkers

Don’t be afraid to use video conferencing tools, but understand how they work, how they can be abused, and how to minimize the nonsense and maximize the good.
LEGAL TIPS
WINDOW TO THE LAW

Landlords and property managers now have guidance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help them meet the requirements of providing persons with disabilities who require an assistance animal equal opportunities under the Fair Housing Act.
VBR IN THE COMMUNITY
GIVE A DOG A HOME
In search of individuals or businesses to design and build doghouses as a fundraiser for the Eagle Valley Humane Society! The VBR is presenting Home for Hounds, a public art exhibit of doghouses taking place this summer. The doghouses will be sold to the highest bidders for charity.

  • $500 stipend provided for building materials
  • Each House will be assigned a realtor to “sell” the house in our online auction
  • Cash prizes available for People's Choice, Council Favorite and Eco-Friendly Build.

For more information, please contact Krista DeHerrera at 970-777-3166 or [email protected].
AFFILIATES' CORNER
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT
Did you know that several Eagle County nonprofits are also VBR Affiliate members? Visit our "Business Partners" section of VBR.net to find a contact list.

Our nonprofit members include organizations providing valuable support to those in need during the pandemic, including Vail Valley Salvation Army and The Community Market . Please consider funding local organizations who strengthen our community.
Find trusted industry related partners in
VBR's affiliate directory. 
Welcome to our newest Realtor and Affiliate members!
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
You can safely support our business community during this time.

The Vail Valley Partnership has created the " What Businesses Are Open in Eagle County  " page as a resource. It includes a  form  that businesses can complete to be listed on the site.

We encourage everyone to stay safe and not take unnecessary trips into the community. One way to support a business is to order online and pick up products at a later date. Remember to keep your distance (and wash your hands) during this time.
Affiliates: We are happy to share your Facebook post announcing hours or guidelines on picking up orders.  Please tag the Vail Board of Realtors so that we are notified to share it.
EDUCATION QUICK LINKS
REQUIREMENTS
ONLINE OPTIONS
DESIGNATION QUICK LINKS
CONTACT THE VBR
Association Executive

MLS Director

Membership & Office Coordinator

Education & Marketing Manager
2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SUPPORT LINES
BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
SECURITY TOOLS FOR MEMBERS
The Vail MLS is partnering with Forewarn to provide a  FREE  proactive safety and lead intelligence service for all VMLS members. It's quick and easy to register!

You can verify a prospect’s identity, criminal records, bankruptcies, liens, judgments, address history and property records all in one place, leading to safer and more productive interactions.

NAR's partnership with CyberPolicy will deliver a new cyber liability insurance program designed to meet the unique needs of real estate professionals.
WELCOME HOME BAG PROGRAM
VBR's "Welcome HOME Bag" Program is temporarily on hold, due to social distancing bans. We encourage you to be safe and pick up your bag(s) at the VBR after the bans are lifted.

This is a free benefit to all VBR REALTORS®, members who sell a home, and the bags are designed to be client gifts. Each cooler bag includes a picnic blanket, cutting board, set of wine tumblers, and a reusable Chico shopping tote. Thank you Affiliate sponsors; Closet Factory, Fireside Properties, FirstBank, Stewart Title, TurnKey Vacation Rentals, Title Company of the Rockies, and Walls + Floors/ The Paint Bucket.
YOUR VBR BENEFITS
VBR members receive special pricing for advertising in HOME Magazine! Contact Jennifer Wuebbolt of Colorado Mountain News Media for info. Click below to read HOME.
NAR & CAR BENEFITS
VAIL BOARD OF REALTORS
275 Main Street, Suite G004
Edwards, CO 81632
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