President's Message
There are a few days left to nominate deserving individuals for the Realtor® of the Year (ROTY) and Good Neighbor (GN) awards! Don't wait for someone else to do it... it takes just a few moments and could mean the world to someone! Please send your nominations to SCVBR President-Elect Hayley Van Der Kar @
hayley.vanderkar@fourseasonssir.com
by Wednesday, May 20.
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We have all been tasked with constant adaptation to a rapidly evolving crisis. I respect how challenging this has been for everyone, myself included. I applaud all Realtors who have sought to know and abide by the ever-changing guidelines -- and give a standing ovation to those who are sharing this information with others in a kind and respectful manner. Education and empowerment to make wise decisions is at the heart of what we do for clients everyday. Those fundamental values should always be extended to each other as professionals... because we truly are all in this together.
As the Governor continues to "open the spigot" we await to hear what's next for the real estate sector. The restrictions on out of state travelers has been a major focus of concern for public safety. It affects both ends of our region. Those serving the mountain towns have been handling end of seasonal rentals, return of vacation homeowners, and showing requests from buyers/renters in "hot spots" seeking to flee their primary residence. Those in the Bennington area have faced requests from MA and NY buyers, sellers, Realtors, inspectors, appraisers, etc. Governor Scott's Executive Order Addendum 7 says anyone not living in Vermont who comes into our state must quarantine here for 14 days, which means that professionals who live in other states are not allowed to work in Vermont since real estate is non-essential here. If you observe any Realtor violating the governor's orders, please notify the principal/managing broker and file a report on the
ACCD's website.
Realtors are navigating the public's needs and concerns... there is pent-up demand for the delayed "spring market" along with cautious fears about reopening. All feelings and positions are valid. If you are choosing not to work right now, I respect that. If you are selling real estate like hotcakes, I respect that, too. Following the state guidelines is mandatory, but working at your own comfort level is up to each agent to determine for him/herself. This is the "new normal" but it's not forever. This too shall pass.
I encourage you to get outside and enjoy the fresh air as much as possible. Take deep breaths. Work is only one part of our lives... family, friendships, hobbies, personal development, fitness, spirituality... all offer stress reduction and help us maintain perspective on what matters most to each of us as individuals. Find your "why."
Stay calm & be kind -
Jenifer
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REALTOR OF THE YEAR
Awarded to an SCVBR member who has contributed to their profession, their community, their customers and clients, and who has been active in the local and state Realtor® organizations.
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GOOD NEIGHBOR
Prestigious award recognizes a Realtor® who makes extraordinary commitments to improving the quality of life in the local communities we serve.
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SCVBR Contacts
(802) 229-0513
President
President-Elect
Treasurer
Secretary
Immediate Past President
Members at Large
NEREN Director/Shareholder
NEREN Alternate
COMMITTEES
Membership
Education
Government Affairs
Community Outreach
Public Relations
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NEREN Talking Points – April
NEREN's April meeting included discussion about compliance with NAR's mandatory Clear Cooperation Policy, which went into effect on May 1. Find out what this means for residential properties.
Read
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Continuing Education and License Renewal Resources
VAR has developed a full slate of online continuing education courses to help members get the CE they need during the COVID-19 crisis. Sign up for an online class
here.
REMINDER: Salespersons license renewals must be completed by May 31. The Office of Professional Regulation will allow a continuing education renewal extension of up to 180 days under certain circumstances. Learn more about the criteria and how to request an extension.
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SAVE THE DATE
SCVBR is planning a full virtual membership meeting on June 1 at 11am. Details coming soon!
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2020 Census: We Need Your Voice
SCVBR has been approached by census partners to help get the word out about the 2020 Census. EVERY Vermont address needs to be counted -- year-round, vacation homes, renters, students, camps, businesses, etc. Vermont has a very low response thus far, and our federal funding for the next 10 years will be based on this data. Please complete the census for your own household. SHARE the link
2020census.gov
on your social media, e-blast your contacts, and send the "Seasonal Home" flyer to all VT second homeowners and condo associations. There are custom targeted messages in the "Media Toolkit" to copy and paste. It'll only take a few minutes now and will benefit our state for a decade... Now THAT's a return on investment!
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VAR to Host Statewide Virtual Town Hall Meeting for Realtors®
VAR will host a statewide virtual town hall meeting for Realtors® on Tuesday, May 19 at 9:30am. Special guest Ted Brady from Vermont's Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) will be on the call to answer your pressing questions about current guidelines for real estate practice. Questions must be submitted in advance
here
.
Please note that the meeting capacity is 500. You must register in advance for the meeting. Once you register, you will receive login instructions via email.
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ACCD Sector-Specific Guidance for Real Estate During COVID-19
This information is current as of May 15, 2020
All professional services should be provided in a manner calculated to minimize in-person contact. Any activity that can be conducted remotely, online, by phone, or email, should be. The sale of real estate shall only occur within the confines of Section 1.3 of the
Phased Restart Work Safe Guidance
concerning low or no contact professional services:
- Services operating with a single worker (such as appraisers, realtors, municipal clerks, attorneys, property managers, pet care operators, and others) may operate if they can comply with the mandatory health and safety requirements listed above, with no more than 2 persons (service provider and client) present at one time.
Real estate services, whether by real estate firms, brokerages, attorneys or individuals, must conduct as much work as possible remotely and change the way they have traditionally done business. However, the
Phased Restart Work Safe Guidance
deems real estate and associated services (such as title searches, appraisals, and home inspections), as low- or no-contact professional services and allows them to resume limited operations. Professionals must limit interactions to no more than 2 people (the professional and a client). Real estate open houses shall not occur, but scheduled property showings where no more than 2 people are present may occur. Realtors (or landlords) may show homes (or rental units) to one person at a time, with 30 minutes between showings. An exception to this rule is for members of the same household to view at the same time. Masks must be worn by all and avoid touching surfaces unless necessary.
Title searches should be conducted by appointment. Appraisers should use drive by appraisals as an alternative to entering a home if possible.
Special note about out-of-state buyers/renters: Realtors shall not encourage or accommodate out-of-state buyers to visit properties unless they have quarantined for 14 days in the state before visiting.
Special note about showing occupied homes: Realtors and landlords may not require occupants of a home or apartment to allow potential buyers or renters into their homes during this extraordinary time. If a resident is home when a showing occurs, it would violate the restriction on 2 or less people being present.
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Community Affairs
UPDATES ON SCVBR’S CHARITABLE EFFORTS
Habitat for Humanity
The Shires Retail Store has been temporarily closed. As soon as we have a date for reopening, we will let you know. Shout out to all the Volunteers!
Habitat for Humanity has joined with more than 200 national charitable nonprofit organizations to
urge U.S. Congressional leaders to include a nonprofit track
in any future legislation that builds on the CARES Act. Expanding nonprofit access to credit, strengthening charitable giving incentives, treating self-funded nonprofits fairly and increasing emergency funding would help ensure that organizations can continue their work. Charitable nonprofits are the third largest employer in the US economy.
SUSAN G. KOMEN More Than Pink Walk - Rescheduled for October 17
Event will be held at Riley Rink at Hunter Park in Manchester. SCVBR is a sponsor. There are many ways to get involved. Join our team, make a
donation
, and look for more info coming soon!
RESOURCES FOR UNCERTAIN TIMES
Governor Phil Scott’s Press Release
Page
features reliable and recent information on all COVID matters. Visit the page
here
.
Neighborhood Connections in Londonderry
is open. They are providing transportation, food and medication delivery, and case management (help accessing SNAP, unemployment benefits, emergency fuel, gas and food assistance, housing, financial resources, etc.). Whatever the need they will find a resource to help - please call 802-824-4343. To volunteer, email
dbarbeauncvt@gmail.com
.
Food assistance is available through the
Vermont Foodbank Network,
which is dedicated to supporting Vermonters during all times of need.
To find a food shelf near you, call 1-800-585-2265 or visit their website
here
. If you know of someone who might need these but are unable to travel to pick them up, please call Kevin Beattie at 802-548-8246 and he will make arrangements to pick them up.
West River Farmers Market
is working to get the Londonderry market open on schedule - May 23rd. Meanwhile, WRFM food vendors are offering direct sales of their products to Londonderry area customers. For details please contact them
here
.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Re-Openings.
As many know, Governor Scott loosened restrictions concerning recreational activities and careful social get togethers. As many of the previous moves back toward normalcy, this is a deal with Vermonters to allow social interaction in exchange with, if anything, increased emphasis on maintaining all the procedures that we have been asked to do: masks, maintaining 6’ social distancing, staying outdoors as much as possible for visits, frequent hand washing, etc.
Contact Tracing.
One highly recommended item for work and recreation, as people cautiously start to visit with friends, family and customers, is to keep a diary of who you visit with and when. This is your private information but can be incredible helpful for contact tracing if you or someone you have been in contact with ends up the virus.
The Bears Are Back
. Message from Kyle, State Game Warden:
“I cover the towns of Londonderry, Weston, Landgrove, Peru, Winhall, Stratton, Windham and Andover. Part of my job as a Game Warden is to mitigate conflicts between people and wildlife. As many of you know firsthand, the bears are awake, and they are hungry. I have had numerous reports of a mama bear with three cubs becoming very comfortable around houses near Londonderry. There are several other “hotspots” where bear complaints get called in daily as well. People often encourage bears to come out of the woods and into residential areas by providing food without realizing it. When bears become used to these food sources and have frequent contact with humans they are often considered "nuisance bears." The most common sources of food that attract bears are pet food, bird feeders, barbecue grills, garbage, household trash containers, open dumpsters, and campsites with accessible food and food wastes. I also respond to many chicken coop and bee hive complaints. This is bad news for the bears. Relocating a nuisance bear is nearly impossible and occasionally they must be killed if the bear’s behavior hits a certain threshold.”
Be safe, be well. Every next level of your life will demand a different you.
Thank you for reading our monthly SCVBR Community Affairs Newsletter!
We value your input and are open to your suggestions. Please let us know if there is a Community Affairs topic you would like us to spread the word about. If you have an event you would like to submit for consideration on our Incomplete Calendar of Charitable Community Events, please email us by the 15th of the month.
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