As we enter 2021, we have many great things in store for VBR Members. Be sure to check out our “Year in Review” below. We will continue working towards our mission; To support our members and serve the community through education, technology, philanthropy, and advocacy.

The VBR office renovation is wrapping up and should be completed early next week. It will take us a couple more weeks to get settled into our new space, but we are excited to be moving back in. We can’t wait to welcome members to the upgraded office that we will be able to use for years to come!

We are starting a new section in the newsletter called “Director Spotlight." Check it out, and get to know our VBR, VMLS, VBRF Foundation Directors.

Have a great week,

Erica Kirk
YEAR IN REVIEW
You can read the full 2020 Year in Review here, and watch the video recap below.
BEST OF THE BLOGS

A successful broker gives agents the “golden ticket” of tips: how other agents are staying on top of their game in 2021. From Inman.com.

Between 2018 and 2028, the number of households is projected to increase by up to 12 million. Generation X and Millennials are expected to drive most of that household formation. From CAR.

NAR Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn said the trade organization will fight for tax incentives for homeownership and construction of affordable housing. From Inman.com.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Free CREC Update classes for members

Make sure you use this benefit by taking a CREC Update class through the VBR! Read more about the benefit here.

The class must be a VBR hosted class to qualify. Slifer Smith & Frampton agents are offered free classes through their brokerage on January 19 and 20.

Thrive Real Estate Education also offers a FREE online option with CE credits.
UPCOMING VBR CLASSES
A few spaces are AVAILABLE.
2021 CREC Annual Update (Live Online)
Wednesday, January 13
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Instructor: Connie Tremblay
4 CE credits
Sign in at VBR.net to get on the waitlist or email mel@vbr.net.
2021 Contracts & Forms (Live Online)
Wednesday, January 13
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Connie Tremblay
3 CE credits

Connie reviews best practices, 2021 Redline updates and the COVID Addendum. 
This class is WAITLISTED.
2021 CREC Annual Update (Live Online)
Thursday, January 21
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Instructor: John Gillam
4 CE credits
2021 CREC Annual Update (Live Online)
Tuesday, January 26
12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Instructor: John Gillam
4 CE credits
New contracts class.
Agency & Relationship Disclosure: Seller & Buyer Listing Contracts (Live Online)
Wednesday, February 10
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
6 CE credits
Instructor: John Gillam
2021 CREC Annual Update (Live Online)
Thursday, February 18
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
4 CE credits
Instructor: John Gillam
2021 CREC Annual Update (Live Online)
Tuesday, February 23
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Instructor: Tod Franklin
4 CE credits
NAR Ethics (Live Online)
Thursday, February 25
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Instructor: Tod Franklin
4 CE credits
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).
MARKET STATS
New Listings were down for the Single Family-Duplex and Townhouse-Condo categories, while Pending Sales increased for both. The housing market of early 2021 looks to continue the trends we saw in the
second half of 2020. Low inventory and multiple offers on in-demand properties and market segments are likely to remain common. Click the image below to see the full report or log in at VBR.net.
BOARD SPOTLIGHTS
Meet your 2021 VBR, VMLS and VBR Foundation leadership! We'll spotlight a few Board members each week in our newsletter and on social media.
A main goal for Kevin Kuebert as VBR Chair is more community involvement, support for our brokers, and more involvement in mental health. "I've always wanted to give back to a community that has given me so much," said Kevin.
As VBR Past Chair, Laura Sellards will work to see more involvement by our members. The best piece of advice she's been given is to "stop talking, listen to your clients, and read your contracts."
Chad Cremonese is the 2021 Vail MLS Board Chair. Chad's motto is that it's better to be involved than to just complain. To back up that motto, he has been involved with the VMLS Board and is Chair of the Realtor® Political Action Committee (RPAC).
UPCOMING VBR EVENTS
Join us on Friday, February 26 for a FREE 30-minute power update with Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research at the National Association of REALTORS®.

Dr. Yun is responsible for a wide range of research activities for NAR including NAR’s Existing Home Sales statistics, Affordability Index, and Home Buyers and Sellers Profile Report.
TECH TIPS
How to inform clients about scams that continue to victimize homebuyers

Real estate scams continue to victimize people, but Realtors are in a position to better protect home buyers. Here are some tips.
AFFILIATE CORNER
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT
Prizim is a veteran-owned, husband and wife professional partnership welcoming new challenges and specializing in luxury ski town, premier golf resort, and beachfront properties. The photography experience and teamwork of owners Jim and Nicole bring a unique touch to every real estate project that they complete.
Find trusted industry related partners in
VBR's affiliate directory. 
Welcome to our newest Realtor and Affiliate members!
VBR OFFICE UPDATES
During our office renovation, the VBR staff is working remotely. Please contact the VBR team by phone or email. The Realtor® Hub Locker system is available for members to pick up items like lockboxes and power paddles bags during the project. 

The renovation should be completed by late January 2021.
Association Executive

MLS Director

Membership & Office Coordinator

Education & Marketing Manager
VBR FOUNDATION
Vail Board of Realtors® Foundation is registered with AmazonSmile, an easy way to help fund our efforts.

  1. Visit AmazonSmile.com
  2. Enter your Amazon.com log in and password
  3. Choose the VBR Foundation
  4. Shop away to support the cause!

Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of eligible smile.amazon.com purchases to the charities selected by customers.

VBRF's mission is to assist the community and association members with need-based financial assistance, not-for-profit support, education, and disaster relief.
SAVE OUR SEASON
Take the pledge to Save Our Season, Stop Our Spread

The “Save Our Season” initiative is a grass-roots, business-led initiative that is designed to supplement (not replace) the Eagle County COVID resources and tools. Eagle County has signed off in support.

You can download free assets and promotional tools via Dropbox at SOS Promo Kit Vail Valley. This includes posters, social media resources, and stickers. 
COVID RESOURCES
Eagle County's Public Health order was recently revised to adopt statewide orders, along with additional requirements specific to the local community. 
SAFE SHOWING PLEDGE & OPEN HOUSES
Join us in sharing with our neighbors your commitment to the “Safe Showing Pledge” for showings and open houses!

VBR's "Safe Showing Pledge" provides additional clarity on industry and business-specific safety measures, and to share all the extra precautions taken for showing properties by following the “safer at home” guidelines.
The Division of Real Estate continues to receive complaints concerning real estate brokers not following state and county-issued guidance regarding COVID-19 restrictions when performing real estate activities. Please be aware that many Orders are still in effect and you should be vigilant to stay in compliance of those Orders for the safety of yourself and others.

Open houses currently are allowed in Colorado.
Please review the order below, specifically Appendix B & D. In-person real estate showings and marketing services must adhere to Social Distancing Requirements with cleaning and disinfection between each showing. Open houses must follow the Indoor Event requirements in Section I.H.4 of this Order (page 6-7).
UPDATED COVID MATERIALS
New Posters to Put Up at Your Business

The COVID Dial Poster and the Mask Poster should be posted by all businesses and organizations. Be sure to read through the brand guide. The intention is to direct everyone to the eaglecountycovid.org website for the latest information.

Businesses can pull down all old posters, social distancing protocols and notices. Replace everything with the COVID Dial and Mask Posters.
EDUCATION QUICK LINKS
REQUIREMENTS
ONLINE OPTIONS



FREE Online Classes
at Thrive (including a free CREC Update class)
DESIGNATION QUICK LINKS
EARN YOUR 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!
BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
SECURITY TOOL
Forewarn is a FREE proactive safety and lead intelligence service for all VMLS members. 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.
HUB LOCKER PICKUPS
VBR's new Hub Locker pickup service is an awesome convenience available to our members! VBR's Hub Lockers allow members to pick up items when we are not around and to limit interaction during this uncertain time.
NAR & CAR Benefits
WELCOME HOME BAG PROGRAM
The Welcome Home Bag Program is temporarily on hold. Our goal is to resume distributing bags in early 2020. We apologize for the inconvenience.

VBR's "Welcome Home Bag" Program is a FREE benefit for VBR REALTOR® members. The bags are great client gifts, and each cooler bag includes a picnic blanket, cutting board, set of wine tumblers, and a reusable shopping tote.
Thank you to our sponsors, Closet Factory, Fireside Properties, FirstBank, Stewart Title, Title Company of the Rockies, TurnKey Vacation Rentals, and Walls + Floors/ The Paint Bucket.
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!
HOME MAGAZINE DISCOUNT
VBR members receive special pricing for advertising in HOME Magazine! Contact Carole Bukovich of Colorado Mountain News Media for info. Click below to read HOME.
HELPFUL CONTACT INFO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SUPPORT LINES
VAIL BOARD OF REALTORS
275 Main Street, Suite G004
Edwards, CO 81632
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