A Monthly Newsletter for our Members and Affiliates – Aug/Sept 2021
Our Mission Statement
The South Central Vermont Board of Realtors (SCVBR) offers members services, programs, and education. We encourage professionalism, cooperation, and ethical real estate practices while promoting a positive Realtor image in the community.
From the President

It’s hard to believe that summer is ending. We can look back with pride on our meeting at Johnny Seesaw’s at which Jenifer Prouty Hoffman and Claudia Harris were honored as SCVBR’s 2021 Realtor of the Year and Good Neighbor Award winners and on our successful Safety Day with SCVBR Shred Events held in Londonderry, Manchester, and Bennington. Congratulations to Jenifer and Claudia, and thanks to all who made these events such a success.

As announced in a recent eblast, the still changing COVID landscape has led to our returning to Zoom for our next membership meeting, slated for 9am on Tuesday, September 14. Along with our usual reports and business, we are assembling a panel of Affiliate Lenders to share their knowledge and advice, and I hope you will join us. You will receive email reminders with a Zoom link, and minutes of our July meeting are archived in the SCVBR Library at VAR Connect for your reference.

There’s a lot going on in the field these days – we hope this issue and our coming meeting will help you to stay informed as we all move into a busy fall. Be well, and thanks for all you do!
Steve Stettler, President
South Central Vermont Board of Realtors®
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 14
SCVBR Membership Meeting
9-10:30am via Zoom
(link will be emailed)
NOVEMBER 1
SCVBR Annual Meeting
4pm via Zoom (link will be emailed)
DECEMBER 6
SCVBR Holiday Party
Time and location TBD
VAR UPDATE
VAR Annual Meeting; Dotloop Transition to REMINE
By Claudia Harris

VAR will host its 76th Annual Meeting on October 28 at Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa in Stowe. Two CE classes (6CE total) and lunch are included in the $49 registration. Special room rates are available for those who would like to stay overnight.

VAR will transition its real estate platform provider from Dotloop to REMINE on Nov. 1. Members will be able to use Dotloop until the end of the year while learning the REMINE platform. LEARN MORE
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
OPR Proposes Sweeping Changes for Real Estate
By Robin Chestnut-Tangerman and Sean Dillon

There are critical potential changes for real estate being discussed at the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), tasked with periodic reviews of Vermont regulatory laws, including those that govern the Vermont Real Estate Commission (VREC). After a two-year study, OPR is making nine recommendations for change. VAR and members have been involved in the discussions and continue to monitor this very important issue. Read the OPR Report and VAR's response. LEARN MORE
EDUCATION
Real Estate Safe Practices
with 'The Safety Lady'
By Robin Apps and Lauren Behm

VAR kicks off Realtor® Safety Month with a class that will offer lessons learned from past crimes and insights into safe work practices that can protect agents and their clients. Learn about screening, safe open houses, showing distressed property, and how to become a safety resource for buyers and sellers. The class will be taught by Tracey Hawkins, a nationally-recognized safety expert who has become known as "Tracey the Safety Lady." Learn more about this, the SRS Designation class (Sept. 29-30) and other upcoming educational opportunities.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
SCVBR in the News
By Justine Curry and Jessica Flannery

SCVBR has been in the news with Consumer Safety Day, and Good Neighbor and Realtor® of the Year. Facebook outreach is also growing. Plus, Consumer Safety Day was a huge success! LEARN MORE
MEMBERSHIP
Welcome to our New SCVBR Members
By Melissa Genovart

Welcome to three of SCVBR's new members. LEARN MORE
Antonio V. Koehler
Hoisington Realty, Bennington
Kathy Fayerweather
Josiah Allen, Manchester
Deborah Hanst
Cummings & Co., Windham
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
What is Wire Fraud in Real Estate?
By Pat DelGiorno, Sandy Laserte, and Phil Lewis

Real estate wire fraud has always been a cyber security threat, but has become more prevalent since the pandemic. The scam involves a fraudster gaining access to an email account involved in the home sale through online phishing. They monitor emails, watch the transaction process, and insert themselves at just the right time. That's when they ask the buyer to wire funds to an alternate bank account. LEARN MORE
NEREN NEWS
The Latest from NEREN
By Nancy Jensen and Max Squiers

NEREN is considering rebranding as it continues to broaden its reach beyond New England. This and other news on our website. LEARN MORE
SCVBR BOARD LEADERSHIP
President

President-Elect

Treasurer

Secretary

Immediate Past President

State Director
Members at Large

NEREN Director/Shareholder

NEREN Alternate

COMMITTEES

Community Outreach
Education

Government Affairs

Membership

Public Relations