Eagle County has submitted a variance request to transition to the 'Black Diamond' Phase on June 22. Because the proposal is less strict, the state could approve, request changes, or deny it.  Read more here . As part of the proposal, a variance to allow Open Houses is part of it that the real estate task force submitted. Currently, DORA governs real estate, and Open Houses are still not allowed. I want to let everyone know that there is a potential of this getting added or denied. As soon as we hear anything, we will let everyone know the status.
 
The VBR staff will as be returning to the office on Monday, June 22. We will be at a reduced capacity, so we need members to schedule an appointment before coming in, which will ensure the correct person is available. Contacting us via telephone or email is still the best way as we transition.
 
The VBR is proud to sponsor the upcoming Home for Hounds public art exhibit and fundraiser in Avon from June 23 through July 23. We are looking for members to display a water station outside your office to help promote the project. The PR committee has purchased 50 water stations to encourage people to visit the doghouses in Avon or view them online. Each water station package includes a steel sign and 32 oz stainless steel dog bowl (see both below). Please email me ASAP to sign up for a FREE water station, and we will deliver them to you before June 23. The goal of the project is to raise money for the Humane Society, and 10% of total proceeds will support the VBR Foundation.
 
Later this week, you will see more information about the project, including graphics to share in newsletters, social media, Facebook profile frames, and an email signature graphics. We want to make this easy and great way to highlight the REALTOR® community and brand!

Best regards,
Erica Kirk
BEST OF THE BLOGS

An improving economy is turning up the heat on the summer housing market (From Realtor.com).

A recent  survey by the Community Associations Institute shows that 79% of HOA communities said they have closed common areas and amenities.

The shift to online business could exploit security lapses (From Mercurynews.com).
COVID-19 UPDATES
The VBR office remains temporarily closed with staff working remotely.
 
  • If you need a lockbox or Welcome Home bag, please schedule a pick-up time. Call our main line at 766-1028 or email Member Services Manager Jen Beckley at [email protected].
SAFE SHOWING PLEDGE

The Division of Real Estate issued guidance for the Safer At Home phase in May. It provides additional clarity on industry and business-specific safety measures .

Additionally, the VBR put together a “Safe Showing Pledge” campaign to share all the extra precautions taken for showing properties by following the “safer at home” guidelines. These guidelines are still applicable, and ensure the protection of the Vail Valley community and buyers and sellers.

Join us in sharing with our neighbors your commitment to the “Safe Showing Pledge.”
COUNTY MOVES TO PHASE 2

Eagle County recently advanced to the "Blue" Phase in the county’s  Public Health Order  regarding COVID-19.

All community members are strongly encouraged to read the entire order. Please note the importance of residents and business leaders continuing to meet social distancing requirements.
TOOL KITS YOU CAN USE
 
Tool kits are available to help local businesses navigate the transition from the Green Phase to the Blue Phase.These resources are available to all businesses as they prepare for the next iteration of the public health order.   Eagle County is providing a  COVID-19 Business Toolkit  and a Business Communication Toolkit .
WELCOME HOME

The Welcome Home campaign is a strategy to help boost business and revenue in Eagle County. If we all work together to invite our second-home owners to live in Eagle County, their presence will help rebuild our economy and protect our way of life. 
CONTINUING EDUCATION
UPCOMING COURSES
For any online classes, 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).
REALFire Program - THIS WEEK!
Vail Pro Designation
Wednesday, June 17
12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
2 Vail Pro credits and 2 CE

Learn about the REALFire wildfire mitigation program in an online class! The panel includes wildfire experts Molly Mowery, founder and CEO of Wildfire Planning International, and Eric Lovgren, REALFire program coordinator.
Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy - RESCHEDULED
Vail Pro Designation
Tuesday, July 14
12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Instructor: Nikki Maline, Walking Mountains Science Center
2 Vail Pro credits and 2 CE

This in-person class will be limited to 10-12 participants for safety. Prioritizing energy efficiency features of a home represents an opportunity for Realtors to expand their business as well as appraisers to increase their fee per home.
Affiliate and Third Party education opportunities are listed below under "Affiliate Corner." Check out what's new, including a $10 "National Code of Ethics Day" webinar, and a free Q & A webinar on Health Savings Accounts!
MONTHLY MARKET STATS
Buyers have been quicker to return to the housing market than sellers, who have been showing a bit more reluctance to list their homes than is typical for this time of year. However, trends are improving and as states and localities continue to moderate their COVID-19 policies, real estate activity is expected to continue improving in the coming weeks. Click the image below for a full update on May market statistics.
MLS UPDATE
HOW TO LOG IN TO FLEXMLS
To login, you will need to put in your new Flexmls ID, which is "vbr," a period, and then followed by your old Rapattoni MLS ID.   For example, my MLS ID was 45898, so my new username is vbr.45898.
 
For the first time you log in, every user will use the password "vbrnow" and will be required to create their own unique passwords immediately.
If you missed a Flexmls training, or just need a refresher, you can find recorded classes on VBR's website . Log into your VBR account and access "Flexmls Conversion" under "Members' Home."
CAR UPDATE
ZOOM IN JUNE

Join the  Colorado Association of REALTORS  on June 18 and June 25 for fun virtual events and support RPAC. Learn to make your own cheese at home, or virtually visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Each event is $25, is from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., and benefits RPAC.

Thursday, June 18
Virtual Cheesemaking Class

Thursday, June 25
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Virtual Zoomobile Tour
DORA UPDATE
DIRECTLY FROM THE DIRECTOR

Division of Real Estate Director Marcia Waters is hosting a webinar on June 23. Director Waters will answer questions, outline rule changes taking effect on July 30, provide an update on COVID-19 complaints being received by the Division, and how complaints are being addressed.
Mark your calendar for June 23rd at 2:00 p.m. You won't want to miss this webinar!
TECH TIPS
Cybersecurity Checklist: Best practices for real estate professionals

The National Association of Realtors offers a checklist of best practices to help you curb the risk of cybercrime.
VBR IN THE COMMUNITY
FINAL WEEK FOR APPLICATIONS
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 [email protected] .

VBR is the proud presenting sponsor of Home for Hounds.
AFFILIATES' CORNER
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT
Altitude Control Technologies provides altitude simulation in high altitude luxury homes. ACT's award-winning system increases and regulates the oxygen levels in mountain homes to simulate a lower altitude, improve sleep and eliminate altitude sickness. This system allows homeowners to feel comfortable and energetic in their homes at altitude.
AFFILIATE & THIRD PARTY CLASSES
Celebrate National Code of Ethics Day, June 18th, with a special online Ethics course! You can earn 3 CE credits and support the CAR Foundation .

Code of Ethics Update Course
Thursday, June 18, 2020
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  
$10 fee (a portion goes to the CAR Foundation)

The Code of Ethics is the key factor separating REALTORS® from all other real estate practitioners. Read more about National Code of Ethics Day here .
Do you have questions on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and how they can benefit you now and in retirement? Attend this FREE webinar hosted by Community Banks of Colorado and Vail Valley Partnership.

Q & A Session on HSAs
Thursday, June 18
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Free to attend. RSVP necessary.

This webinar is an opportunity to learn about the latest HSA trends for individuals, self-employed and small to mid-size companies and how this account can benefit you with the tax advantages, flexibility and perks. Click here for a flyer with more info.
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 [email protected] to schedule a bag pick up .

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 Michelle Sanders 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
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