VBR Tools & Resources

ALL REALTOR® and Appraiser members are required to complete Fair Housing/ Anti-Bias training once in a three-year cycle.

The current cycle (Cycle 8) runs from January 1, 2025, ending on December 31, 2027. You are all on the same three-year cycle (this requirement has nothing to do with state licensing).

This is a requirement of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

How many hours do I need to complete?
At least 2 hours of instruction for Fair Housing

How can I meet these requirements?
The VBR offers classes to our members, including Fair Housing and At Home With Diversity (AHWD). Please check class descriptions or contact the VBR to make sure you're taking the correct class.

I can't make a VBR class. Are there *other options?
Yes! There are options available online and with other providers. Always check with those providers (or check the class descriptions) to make sure they are qualifying courses.

• Online through VanEd.com, TheCEShop.com, and NAR.
• You can take classes with another association.
• NAR offers a few options to meet requirements.
  • Fairhaven: A Fair Housing Simulation (free for Realtors® and Appraisers)
  • At Home With Diversity (AHWD): Online
  • Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing (Find a provider in the link)

What about C2EX? Will it count?
Members who complete At Home With Diversity or Fairhaven as part of their C2EX (Commitment to Excellence) course work after 1/1/2025 will satisfy their Fair Housing requirement.

*Did you take a Fair Housing class with another provider? Please email mel@vbr.net. We'll use the certificate to update your record with NAR.

ALL REALTOR® and Appraiser members are required to complete Code of Ethics training once in a three-year cycle.

The current cycle (Cycle 8) runs from January 1, 2025, ending on December 31, 2027. You are all on the same three-year cycle (this requirement has nothing to do with state licensing).

This is a requirement of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

How many hours do I need to complete?
Complete at least 2.5 hours of instruction for Code of Ethics. VBR-hosted classes are 3 to 4 hours of instruction.

How can I meet these requirements?
The VBR offers classes to our members, including Fair Housing and Ethics. Please check class descriptions or contact the VBR to make sure you're taking the correct class.

I can't make a VBR class. Are there *other options?
Yes! There are options available online and with other providers. Always check with those providers (or check the class descriptions) to make sure they are qualifying courses.

• Online through VanEd.com, TheCEShop.com, and NAR.
• You can also take classes with another association.
• Complete NAR's C2EX (Commitment to Excellence).

I'm not sure if I need to take Ethics.
You can check your status here with NAR.

*Did you take an Ethics class with another provider? Please email mel@vbr.net. We'll use your class certificate to update your record with NAR.

Whether you're a REALTOR®, brokerage leader, MLS executive, homebuyer, or home seller, there are resources provided to help navigate the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) policy. The VBR will continue sharing resources to help our members.

Click here for FAQ and resources!

You can get facts directly from NAR at facts.realtor.

There are other resources, including infographics you can reference, post, and share:

• Buying a home is easy if you work with a REALTOR®
• Selling a home is easy if you work with a REALTOR®
• Why hire an agent who is a REALTOR®
• The essential real estate agent

Cordillera Access:

Click here for a document outlining the regulations in the button below, and it is also posted on the Cordillera Metro District website for future reference. For more information about buying and selling in Cordillera, see: www.cordilleraliving.com/real-estate

The Clear Cooperation Policy has been in effect since 2019. However, some MLS participants are still scratching their heads about what Clear Cooperation is and why we have it.

This is why we've created tools to help members understand the Clear Cooperation Policy.

Click here for Clear Cooperation Policy info!

The goal of Clear Cooperation is to encourage and foster cooperation amongst brokers, which is the ultimate purpose of the MLS. Clear Cooperation also ensures all consumers have equal access to all properties available in the market to align with REALTORS®’ dedication to fair housing.

The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies has a helpful video and resources to help Brokers and clients spot potential real estate-related scams...and to help you stay safe and alert.

Click here for video and other resources.

Includes tips on recognizing and preventing title and wire fraud, rental and timeshare scams, predatory loans, and more.

The VBR, VMLS, and VBRF will NEVER ask for your card information or try to collect payments from you. If you see suspicious activity, please let us know.

Several examples of common scams are below. Reminder: MLS members have free access to the FOREWARN website to confirm the legitimacy of identities.

1. Vacant Land Scams
Scammers often target local brokers, particularly claiming to have vacant land to list. The initial contact may come through Realtor.com or a similar website. Always be wary of random leads and use the FOREWARN program to verify them. This program is offered free of charge to VMLS subscribers. New subscribers can register using their email on file with the VMLS.

The National Association of REALTORS® offers a helpful tips sheet regarding vacant land scams (Click here to download it).

"Land Title Association of Colorado and the Colorado Association of REALTORS® are aware of a new fraudulent scam that has quickly become more prevalent.  In most instances, it includes VACANT LAND.   A fraudster locates a property and impersonates the owner of the property.  They list the property for sale (typically as a “FSBO”) on various real estate syndication websites, looking for a buyer who wants a quick close.   The “seller” communicates primarily via text or email and usually requires a mail-out closing.  The “seller” signs the deed and has it notarized; it is not clear whether the “seller” is using a fraudulent notary, or whether they are presenting false identification to a legitimate notary.  The fraudster will sometimes use the listing to connect with a trusted buyer’s broker before going under contract, which gives the transaction an additional air of legitimacy."

For more information please visit: Fraud Alert – Vacant Land Scam – Colorado Association of REALTORS (coloradorealtors.com)

2. Seller Impersonation Scams on the Rise
Federal law enforcement has seen increased real estate fraud involving vacant land. Click here to read CAR’s blog post on this topic.

3. Showing Scams in Colorado
CAR is aware of instances in multiple locations across Coloado where scammers contact listing brokers to access listed properties. In the most common scenario, the scammer will attempt to schedule a showing directly with the listing broker while impersonating an active, licensed broker working with a buyer. They will text or call the listing broker looking to schedule a showing outside the normal showing service protocol by indicating that showing schedule service is “unavailable” or “down for maintenance.”

If someone attempts to schedule access to one of your listings in a manner that is outside of your normal scheduling protocol, please take additional steps to ensure that the individual attempting to schedule a showing is an active licensee identifying themselves in an honest manner. Ideally, avoid scheduling any showings or other property access outside of your normal showing schedule protocols.

Click here to read the notice on showing scams from CAR.

4. Land Planning Scam: A malicious scam email is circulating among our community, specifically targeting entities involved in land use applications. The email appears to represent Eagle County and may be associated with an email account named “planningcom.eaglecountyco@usa.com.” The security team at Eagle County has reported the email to our federal cybersecurity partners.

If you receive a suspicious email, please take the following steps:

• Do not pay the invoice or respond to the sender.
• Report the email as Phishing, then delete it from your inbox.
• If you have already responded or made a payment, you must contact your local law enforcement immediately to report this crime. If you have sent funds, consider reporting the incident to https://www.ic3.gov/
• If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a message you receive, please email the Eagle County Community Development Department at comdev@eaglecounty.us or call us at 970-328-8746.

5. Fake robocall

There was an incident involving a robocall from a Colorado real estate broker who was a victim of identity theft. A series of harassing robocalls were fraudulently attributed to his phone number.

If you receive a suspicious robocall.

• Delete the robocall. Don't engage in any way.
• If you are particularly concerned, report it to local police (Using a non-emergency number)

6. Also, the Eagle County Sheriff's Office (ECSO) has received complaints about scammer calls claiming to be from the ECSO office. The scammers contact community members requesting personal information and money.

If you answer this call, DO NOT give out your personal information or give this person money or gift cards. Hang up and call the Eagle County Sheriff's Office directly at 970-328-8500. Typically, these scammers share a confusing story about how arrest warrants are being completed or that the victim missed a court date and must go to a bank to get money.

You can also report fraud at the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center www.ic3.gov.

VBR's Member Info Hub is available to view classes and events, update and share your contact information, and access vital member resources.

Please "create an account" using the link below. You will use your email address (use the address on file with the VBR) and choose your own password.

Create your login here.

New to using the Member Info Hub? Click here for instructions on using the Hub - including updating contact information, bio, photos, or logos.

NOTE FOR REALTORS®: The VBR account is separate from the MLS account. Your MLS log-in info is still the same (vbr. followed by your number).

Members can now see their invoices in their own records. If your office typically pays your MLS fees, you should communicate with them before submitting a payment.

Once your account is created, you will use it to log into vbr.net "VBR Login", and you have access to:

• Easy-to-use affiliate directory that can be shared with clients.
• Domus analytics
• Full monthly market statistics

The Colorado Office of Radon Professionals began regulating Radon Measurement Professionals and Radon Mitigation Professionals on July 1, 2022.

Consumers should hire a licensed professional in their area as part of the home inspection process, as a radon check is included in this safety inspection. This will ensure that proper measurement and/or mitigation is conducted.

Real Estate Brokers should be aware that a list of licensees is available at dpo.colorado.gov. Use the "Search a License" feature to locate licensee details, including any disciplinary actions taken against a radon professional.

You may also find additional information regarding the licensure of radon measurement professionals and radon mitigation professionals in this informational booklet. The booklet also is available in Spanish. Feel free to share the attached PDF with your colleagues and community partners.

Please send any inquiries not addressed in the informational booklet to dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us. Thank you.

The Division of Real Estate (Division or DORA) provides resources to those in the Colorado real estate marketplace who have questions to ensure their consumer protection is being met. This includes a collection of consumer protection resources designed to provide direction and guidance on common elements of buying a home in Colorado. Click here for more.

Click the image below to watch a special presentation with Cory Nicholson and Gary Kujawski of DORA. Cory and Gary discuss how brokers can best assist a buyer or seller in a real estate transaction involving an Home Owners Association (HOA).

Colorado Association of Realtors® (CAR) has recently created a Buyer Advisory and a Seller Advisory resource for members and consumers. This document was designed to assist a property owner in understanding many of the important documents and other considerations they will encounter before, during, and after the sales transaction. These documents are helpful tools that members can use.

Click to view the Buyer Advisory and the Seller Advisory.

The National Association of REALTORS®' Trademark Rules are designed to protect and promote the special meaning of the REALTOR® Marks, ensuring that the REALTOR® brand remains a valuable membership benefit. NAR's manual sets forth the trademark rules in detail to help members understand how to properly use the marks.

Click here for NAR's Membership Marks Manual.

Welcome Home Bags are great client gifts! 

As a free benefit to all VBR REALTORS®, members who sell a home can pick up a bag to provide as a client gift for homebuyers. Please call 766-1028 to schedule a pick-up time.

Each cooler bag is full of quality items that can be used for activities in our community; a picnic blanket, set of wine tumblers, and a reusable Chico shopping tote. Thank you to our Affiliate sponsors; Collective Design Group, FirstBank, Title Company of the Rockies, Vacasa, Vail Management Company, and Walls + Floors/ The Paint Bucket for making this program possible.

We also offer links to helpful community resources on our Welcome Home Bag Resources page, such as info on local schools, energy saving programs, and more.

Wondering how to use ShowingTime? Need a refresher on Flexmls?

Click here for videos to help you make the best use of these products.

Also, check out the Flexmls Academy to learn what's new.