PRESENTED BY
Today I want to share an update from the Vail Board of Realtors Foundation (VBRF). Its mission is: To assist the community and association members with need-based financial assistance, not-for-profit support, education, and disaster relief.

Last week the VBR Foundation provided grants to ten nonprofit organizations that support the local community in Eagle County and demonstrate a commitment to educational programs; provide disaster relief assistance at the local, state, or federal level; and housing-related programs. The VBR Foundation provided a total of $25,250 in grants to support the community. 
 
These are the nonprofits who received grants:
  • Eagle County Historical Society
  • Bright Future Foundation
  • The Salvation Army Vail Valley
  • Eagle River Watershed Council
  • Eagle Valley Land Trust
  • Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley
  • Friends of Mountain Rescue
  • Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance
  • The Literacy Project
  • Vail Rotary Club

Thank you to those that continue to support the VBR Foundation efforts. We encourage you to share the VBR Foundation with other members and community members needing financial assistance due to a catastrophic illness or accident. We are here to support those in need. View more about the VBR Foundation here

Have a great week.

Erica Kirk
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.
Spring is in the air, and with that, wildfire season is approaching. We are looking for volunteers to help on a task force to implement a plan to promote our REALFire® Program to Eagle County homeowners.

Please contact Erica Kirk if you are willing to help.  
The Vail Board of REALTORS® is looking for a full-time Member Services Manager to join our team.

Please feel free to share! Benefits include paid-time-off, 11 paid holidays, full health insurance coverage, a Simple IRA with 3% match, and wellness benefit.

Interested candidates should submit their resumes and cover letter to Erica Kirk by March 26.
Pending Sales were up for the Single Family-Duplex and Townhouse-Condo categories. New Listings were down for the Single Family-Duplex category, but increased 3.2 percent for the Townhouse-Condo category. Click the image below for a report, and log on at VBR.net to see market statistics for individual areas in Eagle County.

Proving to your clients that you’re there to help them navigate the process while creating exciting moments is what will set you apart from your competitors. Inman.com.

Here are a few ideas for creative content that cut through the noise, grow your following and nurture trust with your clients. Inman.com.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage continued to move higher this week, now averaging 3.05%, Freddie Mac reports. From NAR.
FREE VBR CLASS BENEFIT
The VBR Board of Directors voted to provide ALL VBR education classes to our members
for FREE in 2021.

Classes MUST be VBR hosted classes to qualify.
UPCOMING VBR CLASSES
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. 
Get a Flexmls refresher 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)
Tuesday, 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)
Thursday, 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!
Intermediate MLS (Live Online)
Tuesday, March 30
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Intermediate MLS: Review Statistical Reports, Views, Portal Preferences, and other Flex customizations

Coming Soon (Live Online)
Thursday, April 1
10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
A review of VMLS Coming Soon Status and its rules.
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).
Register today for the Colorado Association of Realtors®' Virtual Spring Summit.

Monday, April 19 - Wednesday, April 21
Hosted virtually

Registration is a nominal $30, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the CAR Foundation, which promotes safe and affordable housing, advances homeownership for all Coloradans, and provides housing-related disaster assistance to our neighbors in need.
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. 
NAR Window to the Law: How to handle multiple offers

Multiple offer scenarios can be stressful for sellers, buyers, and their brokers. Real estate professionals can help their clients navigate multiple offers, alleviate misunderstandings and reduce the risk of discrimination.
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.
VBR's Legislative Power Update

Bridget Garcia, CAR Government Affairs Manager previewed the 2021 legislative priorities for the Colorado Association of Realtors®. CAR will present a package of homeownership legislation that aims to break down barriers and increase access to homeownership.

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
Deeper Green Consulting is here to make a sustainable difference by integrating the latest building science with proven construction techniques. We offer a variety of professional services for Homeowners, Contractors, Property Managers, and Real Estate Professionals. Our goal is to save the world one building at a time!
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 [email protected] 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