This morning you should have gotten an  email  from Mike Fox, MLS Director, that provided information to log into the new Flexmls platform. Today at 2:00 p.m. will be the first "Getting Started" webinar. We want to make this a smooth transition, so please make sure to take the next three weeks and prepare yourself by attending training before June 1st.
 
I know that change is hard, and there is never a good time to change, but I want to remind you of a quote that I follow.

Please know that it will take some time to learn the new system, but your commitment will help your business.
 
Last Wednesday, we launched a "Safe Showing Pledge" campaign to help members follow the same guidelines when showing a property to buyers. The pledge is intended to protect Vail Valley and buyers and sellers.  Read  the press release that was published in the Vail Daily on Saturday. We hope you will join us in committing and sharing this pledge. 

Stay well,

Erica 
'SAFER AT HOME'
The  Division of Real Estate has issued additional guidance for all the items in the Safer At Home phase. It covers all questions of who should be doing what. We want to make sure you get this message from DORA. If you did not, it is linked  here .
SAFE SHOWING PLEDGE
We have put together a campaign to share the extra precautions taken for showing properties. These guidelines ensure to protect the Vail Valley and Buyers and Sellers. Showing that we care and the REALTOR® value is an important message.

Join us in sharing with our neighbors your commitment to the “Safe Showing Pledge.”
EAGLE COUNTY BUSINESS RESOURCES
Are you looking to reopen? All businesses must create and visibly post a  Social Distancing Protocol , explaining how the business is achieving all social distancing, sanitizing and cleaning, and other requirements.
The VBR office will  remain closed until May 31 , and the staff will continue to work remotely. We will provide our members with excellent service. The safety of our members and staff are our number one priority.
 
  • We have an hour window on Mondays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for members to pick up lockboxes and "Welcome Home Bags". Members must email jen@vbr.net beforehand so we can have items ready for pick up outside the office, which will limit interaction. 
  • All meetings and classes for May will be moved to online webinars. 
BEST OF THE BLOGS

Home sellers are gearing up to list their properties with the reopening of the economy, with half completing do-it-yourself home improvement projects. From NAR.

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in an unemployment rate of 14.7% in April. From Realtor.com.


Residents of the Eby Creek Mesa neighborhood are getting an early start on wildfire mitigation by collecting their branches and yard debris. May is Wildfire Awareness Month in Colorado. From the Vail Daily.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
UPCOMING COURSES
The courses below will be offered online . Links to attend will be sent to registrants prior to the class. NOTE: Attendees MUST stay on the webinar for the entire duration to receive CE credit (per DORA).
Online NAR Ethics
Thursday, May 21
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Instructor: John Gillam
4 CE credits

Class covers the  Ethics requirement  for Realtors and Appraisers.
Material Defects & Inspection
Friday, May 22
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Instructor: John Gillam
3 CE credits

This class is tailored to our communities - with a focus on resort area and mountain properties. 
New Affiliate and Third Party education opportunities are listed below under "Affiliate Corner." Check out what's new, including webinars on marketing and business with industry experts!
MLS UPDATE
GETTING STARTED WITH FLEXMLS
You can now access the NEW VMLS platform from Flexmls!
FIRST FLEXMLS TRAINING TODAY
Join us today at 2:00 p.m. for the first, free online Flexmls training. Various trainings will be offered throughout May and June. See more in the link below.

Today, May 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Getting Started with Flexmls
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Normally, each May REALTORS® from across the country fly to Washington, D.C. for NAR's Midyear Legislative Meetings. The meetings are now set up virtually. Register to attend meetings with U.S. Senators Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet. These meetings are limited to 500 participants.
 
Senator Cory Gardner on Wednesday, May 13th at 3:00 p.m. MT. If you would like to attend, please register  here .
 
Senator Michael Bennet on Thursday, May 14th at 10:00 a.m. MT. If you would like to attend, please register  here .
TECH TIPS
Which social media platform saw the biggest spike during COVID?

With out much else to do, people are spending more time on social media. Even spending a few extra minutes per day can add up for companies.
Creating your own 360 degree tour

BoxBrownie has released a brand new product called 360° Virtual Tour. Owner Brad Filliponi shows you exactly how this service works and how easy it is for you to implement into your business (video and blog link).
LEGAL TIPS
LEGAL BITES
CAR General Counsel Scott Peterson discusses the state’s new 'Safer at Home' Order and Local County Updates. Also included are new Buyer & Seller COVID-19 Advisory Forms.

These forms aren't meant to be used as disclaimers or  indemnification documents. Please contact CAR's Legal Hotline with questions on these forms. The Hotline is a free benefit to you as a VBR and CAR members.
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
LIVE TOWN HALL
Mark your calendar for a Community Conversation Live Town Hall on Thursday, May 14 at 1:00 p.m.. Panelists will include Eagle County Commissioner Kathy Chandler Henry, Eagle County Director of Public Health Heath Harmon, Vail Health CEO Will Cook, and Vail Valley Partnership CEO Chris Romer.

Join live at Facebook.com/OneValleyVoice or watch live at ecgtv.com .
VBR IN THE COMMUNITY
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION OPEN
The VBR Foundation is accepting applications for its Academic Scholarship. Applicants must have resided in Eagle County for two or more years, and be enrolling in or returning to a college, university or accredited academic institution of higher learning in the fall of the current year as a full time student. 

The application deadline is June 19 by 5:00 p.m.
GIVE A DOG A HOME
Home for Hounds of Avon is a public art exhibit and fundraiser for the Eagle Valley Humane Society!

Home for Hounds offers sponsors promotional and marketing reach across many avenues. For more information on sponsorships, please contact Krista DeHerrera at 970-777-3166 or kdeherrera@cmnm.org .

VBR is the proud presenting sponsor of Home for Hounds.

  • Each House will be assigned a realtor to “sell” the house in an online auction
  • Cash prizes will be awarded for People's Choice, Council Favorite and Eco-Friendly Build.
AFFILIATES' CORNER
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT
When in need of comprehensive and reliable restoration service look no further than our trained experts at Disaster Restoration Services. Our locally owned and operated business has over 30 years of restoration experience, specializing in emergency services, fire & water restoration, odor removal, and mold remediation.

Our extensively trained technician professionals are IICRC certified and can handle any restoration project you or your client may encounter. 
AFFILIATE & THIRD PARTY CLASSES
The  Colorado Small Business Development Center Network  offers webinars to address common COVID-19 programs and to give you the opportunity to ask questions of industry experts. You can find topics for startups, and also the weekly Managing in Uncertainty series (Mondays at Noon).
Educated Minds is offering courses in practicing real estate during COVID-19. Some courses offer CE credits.

Find trusted industry related partners in
VBR's affiliate directory. 
Welcome to our newest Realtor and Affiliate members!
EDUCATION QUICK LINKS
REQUIREMENTS
ONLINE OPTIONS
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!
CONTACT THE VBR
Association Executive

MLS Director

Membership & Office Coordinator

Education & Marketing Manager
2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SUPPORT LINES
BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
SECURITY TOOL FOR MEMBERS
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.
WELCOME HOME BAG PROGRAM
VBR's "Welcome HOME Bag" Program is back in action! However, we are following social distancing protocols. Contact jen@vbr.net to schedule a bag pick up on a Monday or Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

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 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
FOLLOW US