Over the last several weeks we have been alerted to potential scams throughout Colorado and the Vail Valley. Be aware and careful! Scammers are getting info about local closings (Realtor®, client, and property information), and sending emails, and/or phone calls to clients who are in the process of closing to get money. Please communicate with your clients the importance of phishing/hacking scams in our industry and make sure that they double-check emails, texts and phone calls that seem "phishy."
 
On Friday we notified members that one day codes will be reinstated. If you missed the message be sure to read it below in the "MLS Update." This feature will be activated starting on Monday, August 17th. If members choose to use the one day code feature, they are REQUIRED to input the first name, last name, and phone number of the person entering the property so that the MLS has the data needed for our liability. As part of the changes to the Rules and Regulations, a fee of $50 per occurrence will be issued to members who violate this requirement. The SentriConnect feature is still the most secure way to allow individuals access to lockboxes.

Have a great week.
Erica Kirk
COVID-19 UPDATES
  • The VBR office remains partially closed with staff working remotely and part-time on site. Appointments are requested to ensure the correct staff person is available.

  • 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].
PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER REVISED

Eagle County is in the "Revised Black Diamond" Phase in its Public Health Order. This was implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19 cases in our county. 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.
BEST OF THE BLOGS

Mortgage interest rates continued their downward descent, hitting yet another record—largely thanks to the pandemic, and the resulting economic downturn. Realtor.com.

It takes more than an occasional phone call or email to stay top-of-mind. Here are a few things you can do to develop long-lasting relationships with your clients. Inman.com.

Although it's impossible to ignore the inherent difficulties associated with the current state of things, agents need to rise above them and improve these 5 practices. Inman.com.
.
SAFE SHOWING PLEDGE
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.
OPEN HOUSES GUIDANCE

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).
MLS UPDATE
ONE DAY CODES UPDATE

The VBR and VMLS Board of Directors have approved to add back the One Day Code feature as a backup option for issues with the SentriConnect App, cell phone coverage, or other extenuating circumstances. Realtor®/Appraisers must continue to grant access to affiliates and unlicensed individuals such as contractors, inspectors, and photographers.

Please take a minute to review the rules regarding these codes.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
UPCOMING VBR CLASSES
NAR Ethics
Thursday, August 20
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Instructor: John Gillam
4 CE credits

Course meets the NAR Ethics requirement for Realtors®️ and Appraisers. This class may be hosted online (Being determined in early August).
Tax Strategies for the Real Estate Professional
Certified Residential Specialist
Tuesday, September 15
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Chris Bird
8 CE credits (pending) and 8 Vail Pro credits

This course will be held online.
Title, Closing & Survey
Vail Pro Designation
Tuesday, September 1
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
2 CE credits and 2 Vail Pro credits

Instructors: Sarah Dorman and Katie Kuchler of Land Title Guarantee, and Ted Archibeque of Archibeque Land Consulting

This class may be hosted online.
Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Vail Pro Designation
Friday, September 4
9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Instructor: Nikki Maline, Walking Mountain Science Center
2 CE credits and 2 Vail Pro credits

This class may be hosted online.
For any online classes hosted by the VBR, 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).
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!
Affiliate and Third Party education opportunities are listed below under "Affiliate Corner."
CAR UPDATE
REPRESENT YOUR INDUSTRY

Apply today to serve as a volunteer on CAR’s Legislative Policy Committee or CAR Political Action Committee and represent your industry in statewide matters critical to the future of real estate and property owners. Applications are now being accepted through September 14, 2020, along with a recommendation letter from your local Board/Association.

If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact [email protected].
BUSINESS TOOL KITS
TOOL KITS YOU CAN USE
 
Eagle County provides a COVID-19 Business Toolkit and a Business Communication Toolkit to help local businesses navigate transitions and prepare for the next iteration of the public health order.

Also, the Welcome Home Campaign is a strategy to help boost business and revenue in Eagle County by inviting our second-home owners to live in Eagle County.
TECH TIPS
Visually accessible websites aid ADA compliance

The 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act serves as a reminder to ensure your online presence is compliant.
UPCOMING EVENTS
VBR IN THE COMMUNITY
HOME FOR HOUNDS WINNERS

Congrats to the winning doghouse builders for Home for Hounds. The 13 doghouses that were on display in Avon's Possibility Plaza were auctioned off to benefit the Eagle Valley Humane Society and VBR Foundation.

Thank you to all the builders who took part in this art installation and fundraiser. homeforhounds.org
People's Choice - Z Doghouse
Zehren & Associates
Council's Choice - Kita's Cabin
Peter Rogos – Powder Day Pets
Eco Friendly - Bow Wow House
Vail Honeywagon
SHOP & SUPPORT 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. 
AFFILIATE CORNER
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT
Vail Home Inspections LLC offers home inspections, thermal imaging, and radon testing. Our modern approach and professional accreditation helps us provide our clients with a prompt, comprehensive, and easy to understand report along with exceptional customer service.
AFFILIATE & THIRD PARTY CLASSES
If you have listings, then you may have leads waiting for you in your FREE Homes.com account. In cooperation with the VMLS, Homes.com displays up-to-date information about your listings. Make sure interested buyers are also seeing this info!

FREE 30-minute webinar
Tuesday, August 13
12:00 p.m. Mountain
Homes.com Lead Management System includes:

● A Lead and Contact Manager App
● Email Marketing App
● Monthly Newsletter Service
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
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.
HUB LOCKER PROGRAM
Announcing VBR's new Hub Locker pickup service, an awesome convenience available to our members!

It's similar to Amazon's locker pickups with four lockers outside the VBR for evening, weekend, and holiday pickup of any item. VBR's Hub Lockers allow members to pick up items when we are not around and to limit interaction during this uncertain time.
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 Carole Bukovich 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