PRESENTED BY
A year ago, COVID-19 hit our community. Little did we all know what was to come. With the vaccines being distributed, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but we must stay diligent. Last week, I heard from two concerned community members that proper protocols weren't followed when showing properties. Our Safe Showing Pledge is still relevant and is based on what the Division of Real Estate requires a licensed broker to follow when showing properties. Taking these extra steps protects buyers, sellers, and other Realtors®. If you are unfamiliar with the protocols, view the Safe Showing Pledge protocols here.  

Spring is in the air, and with that, wildfire season is approaching. We are looking for 2-3 volunteers to help on a task force to implement a plan to promote our REALFire® Program to Eagle County homeowners. Please let me know if you are willing to help.  

Have a great week!

Erica
Find trusted industry-related partners in the Vail Board of Realtors®' Affiliate directory. 
Welcome to our newest Realtor® and Affiliate members. You can also view current membership numbers.
Committee members graciously volunteer their time to help strengthen the association's events, services, member offerings, and strategic plan initiatives.
The Community Wildfire Planning Center (CWPC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping communities plan for, adapt to, and recover from wildfires. CWPC's latest publication Land Use Planning Approaches in the Wildland-Urban Interface analyzes four western states (including Colorado) land use planning frameworks in terms of how they address the wildland-urban interface (WUI).

The report aims to increase understanding of legislative and policy barriers and opportunities to reducing wildfire risk in communities through land use planning. Five overarching solutions focus on improving state-level hazard planning legislation, increasing capacity-building and learning opportunities, cross-pollinating wildfire best practices with other hazards, integrating land use planning and WUI expertise, and dedicating long-term resources to tackle these complex issues. The report also explores different trends that may affect WUI growth and wildfire risk, such as long-term migration patterns and climate change.

Running a small business is a ton of work and you need all the help you can get. Here are 20 free tools that help make it a little easier. From theamericangenius.com.

Second-home sales jumped 44% in 2020, according to data from the National Association of REALTORS®. Story from CAR.

Realtor® organizations, including VBR, commitment to upholding Fair Housing ideals.
FREE VBR CLASS BENEFIT
The VBR Board of Directors voted to provide ALL VBR education classes to our members
for FREE in 2021.

This includes Ethics, Vail Pro, CREC classes, and specialty classes like Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or At Home With Diversity (see below).

Classes MUST be VBR hosted classes to qualify.
UPCOMING VBR CLASSES
Procuring Cause: Who Gets the Money?
Tuesday, March 9
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Tod Franklin
3 CE credits

Teacher Tod uses current and past actual case studies and puts the students in an arbitration mock panel exercise. The panel makes a decision as to who will get the commission based on the evidence. 

Designated Realtors® (Managing or Owner Brokers) must complete Procuring Cause training once within a three-year cycle.
Contract Issues That Can Put You in Jail
Tuesday, March 9
1:00 to 4:00p.m.
Instructor: Tod Franklin
3 CE credits

This engaging class takes the contract and goes through problematic sections. Many of these issues, if handled improperly, can result in disciplinary actions from the Real Estate Commission or Realtor® Associations. This class gives the student hands-on best practices to avoid these problems.
Ethics & Social Media (Live Online)
Wednesday, March 17
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Instructor: John Gillam
4 CE credits

This is a fun, relevant class in today's world of social media! Perfect for existing Realtors®, it helps you make sure you are up to date with both Colorado requirements and NAR Ethical guidelines. This course meets the Code of Ethics requirement for Realtors® and Appraisers.
Handling Material Defects & Inspections (Live Online)
Wednesday, March 31
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
3 CE credits
Instructor: John Gillam

So, you're the listing agent on a home that's found to have mold, radon, or a cracked foundation. What happens now? Handling Material Defects and Inspections is tailored to our mountain communities - with a focus on resort area and mountain properties. 
Important note: For any online classes hosted by the VBR, links to attend will be sent to registrants prior to the class. Attendees MUST be on camera for the entire duration to receive CE credit (per DORA).
Get a refresher on using Flexmls, or brush up on MLS rules and regulations. Members who attend the VMLS Rules & Reminders, Coming Soon and Intermediate MLS presentations will receive 2 Vail Pro Designation credits.
Intro to FlexMLS (Live Online)
March 16
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Learn to navigate Flexmls, set up searches and subscriptions, and learn all there is to know about listing maintenance.

VMLS Rules Reminders (Live Online)
March 25
10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
A refresher course on VMLS rules and regulations. Include MLS rules, Sentrilock, and Broadcast email. Whether you are a new agent or a seasoned pro, be sure you are in compliance to avoid any penalties or fines!
Coming Soon (Live Online)
April 1
10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
 A review of VMLS Coming Soon Status and its rules.

Intermediate MLS (Live Online)
March 30
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Intermediate MLS: Review Statistical Reports, Views, Portal Preferences, and other Flex customizations

Your help is needed with a community survey for Eagle County homeowners.
 
The Northwest Colorado Council of Governments and the Colorado Association of Ski Towns are collecting data on COVID pandemic impacts to our region. 

Participation is requested from all seasonal residents, part-time residents, new residents, and long-term residents in Eagle County, Grand County, Pitkin County, Routt County, San Miguel County or Summit County. 

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey, and share it with clients who fit into any of the above categories. Information will remain confidential. 
This habit tracker shows you insights you may not want to know

The Haptic Life Tracker app documents your (good and bad) habits. But how much do you want to know? From theamericangenius.com.
Our General Membership Meeting on April 7 will be a hybrid event. In addition to being shown live on Zoom and Facebook, a limited number of attendees will be at the Westin Riverfront Resort. Note: Attendees at the Westin MUST follow strict social distancing protocols and attendance will be limited to 50 individuals max.

This week! Join VBR for a legislative power update!

Bridget Garcia, CAR Government Affairs Manager, will preview the 2021 legislative session, including CAR’s legislative priorities. In addition, CAR will present a package of homeownership legislation that aims to break down barriers and increase access to homeownership.

Wednesday, March 10
9:00 a.m.
Live on Zoom

Managing Broker Meeting

Including a special presentation with CAR's Scott Peterson.

Managing Brokers and Designated Realtors® (Primary and Secondary Members) have been invited to attend. Please check your email for information.

Friday, March 19
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Live on Zoom

Scott Peterson will cover the hot topic of “What you say on social media does matter," including the new Code of Ethics Standard of Practice 10-5.
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT
Jeff Kingery with K2 Lending has been in lending for 20 years - both with a major bank and as a broker. K2 Lending has access to over 35 lenders/banks' complete portfolios of loans. K2 will shop for the best rate for clients, and also can provide loans more complex lending scenarios.
AFFILIATE & 3rd PARTY WEBINARS
Free Webinar: 10 Tax Tips for Real Estate Professionals

Wednesday, March 24
12:00 p.m. MST

The tax code is extremely complex and is constantly changing. Join a former IRS tax attorney for a special webinar highlighting the top 10 deductions real estate professionals should be using right now.
Learn more about your benefits!
Did you know that as an Affiliate you have access to a free newsletter spotlight, Broadcast Email, and other benefits? Check out a 30-minute presentation on your Affiliate Membership Benefits!
According to the COVID-19 Dial, Eagle County is currently in Level Yellow. With the current Public Health order. It is much easier to determine which level each county is in with this system - and if you are working in different markets. You can see the restrictions based on each level for real estate, depending on the color.

All resources are linked for easy access.
The Welcome Home Bag Program is back in business! Please call 766-1028 or email jen@vbr.net to schedule a pick-up.

This FREE benefit is available for VBR REALTOR® members who sell a home. The "Welcome Home Bag" is a great gift for your buyer clients. Each cooler bag includes a picnic blanket, cutting board, set of wine tumblers, and a reusable shopping tote.
FREE REALTOR® MASKS
Mask Up with the VBR
Proudly sport the REALTOR® logo with a FREE mask from the VBR! Each black cotton mask has adjustable ear loops and covers the face from nose to chin - securing a comfy fit. 

Contact us for your free mask, or pick up several for your office!

The VBR staff is working remotely. Please contact us by phone or email. The Realtor® Hub Locker system is available for members to pick up items like lockboxes and power paddles bags after business hours!

The renovation should be completed by late January 2021.
Member Benefits & Programs
As a member of VBR, your membership includes National, State, and Local. We help provide the tools to enhance professionalism in the real estate industry.
Education Quick Link

There is no single entity that keeps track of all the education you have taken. Please keep organized, keep paper or virtual copies of certificates.
ONLINE LEARNING OPTIONS
EARN YOUR VAIL PRO DESIGNATION
VAIL PRO DESIGNATION
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!
HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION
VBR TEAM
Association Executive

Vail MLS Director

Member Services Manager

Melanie McKinney Education & Marketing Manager
Vail Board of Realtors
970-766-1028 | ww.vbr.net