BEST OF THE BLOGS

Existing-home sales likely bottomed out in December, says NAR’s chief economist, who predicts brighter days ahead. From NAR.

In slow or volatile times, making sure you and your brokerage are recognized as an authority in your market can make a difference. From NAR.

Officials say they can add another 250 units in 2024 and 2025. From VailDaily.com.
COMING SOON: NEW STATS TOOL
Launching February 2024: InfoSparks
 
VMLS is bringing you a new, interactive market stats program called InfoSparks. InfoSparks will replace Domus and integrate into FlexMLS.
 
REMINDER: During the transition, market stats will ONLY be available using the market stats in Flex in addition to the market stats on the VBR webpage.
 
InfoSparks will launch on February 13th, with a training webinar on February 16th.  Please watch for additional details!
 
InfoSparks will provide access to real-time, robust, live market stats going back 20 years. You can send info to clients, post to your website, and include data in newsletters. Market stats are a valuable tool to demonstrate your deep insight into our local real estate market as you guide clients through the buying or selling process.
UPCOMING VBR CLASSES
Tomorrow!
Facts & Snacks: Meeting Challenges in Homeowner Insurance
Tuesday, January 23
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Homeowners' insurance might get more expensive, or coverage for homeowners may change. Join us for coffee, snacks, and a panel discussion with two area insurance representatives on what you can expect and how to prepare.

Presenters: Jon Morse, Comparion Insurance Agency, and Nick Budor, Wall Street Insurance
This week!
2024 CREC Annual Update
Wednesday, January 24
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Join Bob Howe of Title Company of the Rockies for this Annual Commission Update. The ACU/CREC Update meets the annual requirement for Colorado Brokers with the Colorado Real Estate Commission. 
EDUCATION REMINDERS
Stay organized on education

There is no single entity that keeps track of all the education you have taken. It is ultimately your responsibility. Please stay organized, keep paper or virtual copies of certificates, and use the Realtor® Education Tracking Sheet to track this information.



It is important that you keep copies of certificates during each of your three-year licensing periods. This ensures that if you are audited by the Division of Real Estate (DORA) you’re not scrambling to remember what you took over the 3-year cycle.

Note: For classes hosted by the Vail Board of Realtors® we make copies of your CE certificates in case you misplace them. This is not the case for third-party classes.
AFFILIATE CORNER
Find a trusted VBR Affiliate

Visit VBR's online Affiliate Directory to find an Affiliate member who can help you and your clients with products and services!
TECH TIPS
Be vigilant against robocalls

A Colorado Realtor® recently fell victim to identity theft scammers. The scammers used his personal information to create a series of harassing robocalls that were fraudulently attributed to his phone number.
LEGAL TIPS
Subject To Transaction: Learning the jargon and the key deal points

In this video, attorney Jon Goodman, explains the jargon and the major deal points of subject-to transactions. This webcast sets the stage for discussing risk management and the potential illegalities of some styles of subject-to transactions.
WILDFIRE AWARENESS
Free wildfire mitigation offered

Did you know that FREE wildfire mitigation property assessments are available to Eagle County homeowners? More information can be found at RealFire.net.

Please take some time to educate yourself, clients, and fellow community members.
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

All VBR members can log in at VBR.net to see monthly stats, including 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®.
Burnett et al v. NAR et al lawsuit: Resources & video
The Burnett vs. NAR lawsuit claims that the Defendants (NAR et al) created and implemented rules which require home sellers to pay commissions to the broker or agent representing the buyer. It also alleges that Defendants enforce these rules through anticompetitive and unlawful practices. The lawsuit claims that these rules are anticompetitive and unfair, and that they violate federal antitrust law.

NAR is appealling the liability finding and stands by the fact that NAR rules serve the best interests of consumers, support market-driven pricing, and advance business competition.

We are sharing resources and helpful facts about the case in the button, video and links below.
MEMBER SAFETY TOOLS
Put your safety first - with free tools available to members!
The Vail Board of Realtors® partners with Safe Showings to provide members with this safety tool.

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!
FOREWARN is an application that allows agents to have instant due diligence on prospects.

In seconds, with as little information as a phone number or name, VMLS members 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.
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.
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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].
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

If you need assistance with MLS, MLS Touch App, Tech Helpline, or Sentrilock, please use the contact information below.

Flexmls Support:
888-525-4747
(7 AM to 8 PM MTN, Monday - Friday)

Tech Helpline:
Phone: 866-619-8170

Sentrilock Support:
Phone: 877-736-8745
Vail Board of Realtors
970-766-1028 | www.vbr.net