VanEd Newslog

Colorado Mortgage Broker Education available online at VanEd

Van Education Center is proud to offer the mandatory

We have begun offering the entire Mortgage Broker Program online that all currently licensed mortgage brokers are required to complete prior to the end of 2008. For Real Estate Licensees who also have mortgage broker licenses, VanEd's courses will count towards your Real Estate Continuing Education as well!

VanEd has also extended our introductory discounted price ~ get started today for only $425 for the entire program! Mortgage Brokers will also be required to pass a state mandated exam, and VanEd has already had students pass this exam! We include the candidate information bulletin for all of our students, and we will allow you course access for the entire year!

Requirements for Mortgage Broker Licensing:

1. www.vaned.com/MortgageBrokers.

CAR Summer Conference and Business Meetings set for Keystone June 16-19

June 16th -19th is slated as the time for the CAR summer business meetings and conference, to be held in Keystone.  The conference will include the CRS 103 course, Personal & Career Management, on Monday followed by the Mountain Region Reception.

The Conference Keynote Lunch will be Tuesday followed by a choice of educational opportunities that include a 3 hour class or two one hour classes. Tuesday night the popular PSF Drinking for Diamonds Reception and dinner dance will take place.

Following the Conference, the summer business meetings will take place on Wednesday and Thursday. The conference registration form and schedule of events are available online. Use the following links for more information;

Schedule of Events

Registration Form

Conference Hotel Information

New Building Green marketing course now available online

Van Education Center is proud to announce the launch of our second Building Green course, Marketing High Performance Homes. The course, a 3 hour Continuing Education course, is available online at www.vaned.com.

This course is a follow up to the successful Building Green course, A High Performance Home, which debuted in 2007. This new course will teach students identify and communicate the benefits of green properties, and will identify practical benefits that the High Performance Home provides to the customer or client.

Both courses available now at www.vaned.com.

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter proclaims April 21-16 Foreclosure Prevention Awareness Week

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter proclaimed April 21-26 as Foreclosure Prevention Awareness Week, which is a result of a $1.5 million National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling grant that was recently awarded to CHFA. The grant will allow CHFA to support marketing and outreach activities that guide homeowners at risk of foreclosure, as well as support the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline.

This week CHFA, the Colorado Division of Housing and Brothers Redevelopment, who operate the Foreclosure Hotline, have organized outreach activities that are meant to raise awareness about free counseling resources that are available to those who are at risk of foreclosure.

One of the events where outreach will take place this week will be the Adams County Housing Fair, which will be held on April 26th at the Adams County Fairgrounds from 10am to 3pm Saturday.

Click the link to learn more about the Colorado Foreclosure Protection Hotline, and you may also view a YouTube video about the hotline.

Colorado REALTORS® for Education Grant Program awards Spring 2008 Grants

The Colorado REALTORS® for Education board of directors met last week to determine the Spring 2008 grant recipients. This was the third cycle of the Colorado REALTORS® for Education Grant Program.

The board awarded $11,429 to the collective recipients. The grants will fund books and equipment, classroom projects and new instructional materials in classrooms across Colorado.  Awards were made at each of an elementary, middle, Junior High and High schools.

The online GRI - Graduate REALTOR® Institute program in Colorado funds the Colorado REALTORS® for Education program and Van Education Center proud to be a supporter of this worthy effort in conjunction with the Colorado Association of REALTORS®. Visit the program page online at www.vaned.com/charity and learn more about the program, including when the next cycle for grant requests will open and to see a list of the recipient schools from this cycle.

They found mold in your client's house. Can you save the deal?

Many of us have received the dreaded call - one of your listings has mold. But mold does not have to be a deal breaker. In most cases, mold problems can be effectively mitigated by professional mold remediation specialists. With the EcoBroker Certified(R) professional designation you can learn the basics on how to prevent mold from developing through moisture management techniques, and how to bring in the proper professionals when the problem already exists. By showing clients how to prevent costly damage to their property and adverse health effects to their family, you can save deals and show real value to your clients.

This information is brought to you by VanEd and EcoBroker. Click Here for more information about mold that you can share with your customers and clients. You can learn more about the EcoBroker designation by visiting www.vaned.com/EcoBroker.

Van Education Center celebrates our 10th Anniversary!

Today Van Education Center (www.vaned.com) celebrates our 10th anniversary, and we wanted to take just a moment to thank all of our students, members, association partners, affiliates and YOU! You have helped make VanEd a nationwide leader in distance education for real estate, appraisal and mortgage brokers.

VanEd opened in 1998 as the first online real estate pre-license school in Colorado, and was one of the first online real estate education providers in the country. VanEd followed by teaching Continuing Education online. The next few years saw the online Appraisal program develop and VanEd became the online home to the Colorado Association of REALTORS® GRI, Graduate REALTOR® Institute program.

Today VanEd offers courses in more than 30 states, and is a recognized leader in online education. We  are proud to have been able to serve the industry for the past decade, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead. We will continue to provide the highest quality education and service to the highest caliber students.

And from all of us who have had the privilege of assisting our students over the years, we thank you for your support and look forward to the coming decade. And remember, whether you are currently a student or are planning a career in real estate, appraisal or the mortgage industries, we want you to know that our commitment to you remains the same. As always, we are here to help!

Colorado Mortgage Broker Licensing requirements

Van Education Center is proud to offer the mandatory Real Estate Continuing Education as well!

VanEd is also offering an April discount ~ get started this month for only $425 for the entire program! Mortgage Brokers will also be required to pass a state mandated exam, and VanEd will be informing our students of the exam details as they become available.

Requirements for Mortgage Broker Licensing:

1. www.vaned.com/MortgageBrokers.

VanEd Presents: First online Colorado Mortgage Broker Education courses ~ available today!

Van Education Center, the leading online provider for real estate and appraisal education courses online in Colorado, today announced that it had begun offering the first approved online education program for Colorado Mortgage Brokers. VanEd, now celebrating our 10th year in distance education, will begin offering the required mortgage broker education as online, or self-study, classes immediately.

Students will have the opportunity to complete the program at their own pace, working from home or office. VanEd includes all materials with the complete mortgage broker qualifying education package. All currently licensed or new pre-license students will be required to pass a state mandated exam after completing the required mortgage broker education. The individual classes, which range from 4.5 to 16 credit hours, will be offered either individually or as a package. VanEd has announced Introductory discounts running through the month of April of up to $75 on the complete 40 hour qualifying or pre-license package.

For information on the newest program offered online exclusively by VanEd, or for more information on the state requirements for all Licensed Colorado Mortgage Brokers, visit http://www.vaned.com/mortgagebrokers.

Fun Run/Walk to support the Colorado REALTORS® for Education Grant Program

The Colorado Association of REALTORS® announced that the Fun Run/Walk that is a CAR Summer Conference tradition will for the first time benefit the Colorado REALTORS® for Education grant program. The Run/Walk will be held in Keystone on Tuesday, June 17th 2008.

The grant program has just completed a grant cycle, and recipients of the more than $11,000 available during this current cycle are to be announced soon. The program is designed to help support teachers who desire to run additional unfunded projects in the classroom. The program is funded by online course sales from the Graduate REALTOR® Institute online course sales and donations, and was created as a joint venture between CAR and VanEd.

For information on the CAR summer conference, visit the CAR website. For more information on the Colorado REALTORS® for Education grant program, visit www.vaned.com/charity.

Colorado Mortgage Broker Education requirements

Colorado mortgage broker education requirements have been established by the Colorado Division of Real Estate. The Mortgage Broker Education Task Force, established in 2007, has determined the necessary pre-license or qualifying education requirements. At this time all Colorado mortgage brokers will be required to complete the mortgage broker courses and a state mandated exam before the end of 2008.

Mortgage brokers are encouraged to get an early start on their required mortgage broker courses. Mortgage broker education in Colorado will be offered by VanEd beginning at the end of March, and VanEd is currently awaiting approval for the new curriculum. For more information and to view all of the new Colorado Mortgage Broker Licensing requirements, visit our new Colorado Mortgage Broker Information page online at http://www.vaned.com/mortgagebrokers.

REALTOR® Rally in Denver scheduled for this Wednesday

This year's REALTOR® RALLY, which is being held in Denver at the Colorado Convention Center, is being held on Wednesday, March 19, 2008. Almost 300 Exhibitors will show the latest in real estate industry tools, services and programs to those attending the Rally.  Several Education Sessions will be held throughout the day, as well as a Keynote Session with featured speaker, Terry Watson.

VanEd will be in there showing off our newest courses and offerings, including our upcoming Mortgage Broker Education program, so come stop by and say hello. We'll be in Booth 181, and we'll be raffling off free Continuing Education courses!  Online registration for the Rally has closed, but you can still register on-site. For more detailed information, including schedule and directions, go to www.RealtorRally.org.

Colorado continuing education requirements & Anniversary Date renewal information

VanEd has been fielding questions regarding Anniversary Date renewals and continuing education requirements. To assist our students and affiliates in understanding the mandatory CE, renewal and Ethics requirements VanEd has posted an information page online.

Visit www.vaned.com/cerequirements.htm to see the latest requirements for anniversary date renewals. NAR ethics information is also listed there, and VanEd has updated both of our Ethics courses to include all of the updated 2008 information.

Looking for courses to help you meet your continuing education credit? VanEd has recently updated or new courses including the following;       click on a course title to view the outline

• Real Estate Short Selling Basics
• Preparing a House for Sale
• Residential Environmental Hazards Screening
• Building Green: The High Performance Home

Click Here to view all of our current real estate continuing education courses

Ethics courses, updated online for 2008, meet NAR Quadrennial Ethics Requirements

VanEd has completed the updates to both the NAR Mandatory Ethics course as well as the Ethics and Professional Practices courses online! Both of these Ethics courses meet the NAR Quadrennial Requirements due in 2008, and both now include all of the updated information regarding the newest changes to the code of ethics.

The following sections of the code have recently changed:

• Duties to Customers & Clients Article 1, Standard of Practice 9
• Duties to The Public Article 10, Standard of Practice 10-14, and Article 12
• Duties to Fellow REALTORS® Articles 15-17

The following courses cover the most recent changes to the Code of Ethics. Click the links for info:

4-hour NAR Mandatory Code of Ethics course ~ 6-hour Ethics and Professional Practices - GRI

Notes from the Field: Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy Efficient appliances can benefit each of us. There are both direct benefits to installing energy efficient appliances, such as a reduced electric bill. There are also indirect benefits such as quieter operation of devices and energy savings in general.

But what appliances are energy efficient and will save you the most money? The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has made available a Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings online that will, among other things, list the potential savings and even rebates that may be available for trading in an older appliance. You can view the guide online using the link below. EcoBroker has also published an article designed to give brokers and customers information regarding Energy-Efficient Appliances which can be viewed online by clicking here.

>>>>> Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings

This reliable green information is brought to you courtesy of the EcoBroker Certified® professional designation, currently offered by VanEd. Find out more online at www.vaned.com/ecobroker.

Registration is open for NAR Midyear Meetings

The REALTORS® Midyear meetings are scheduled for May 12-17 in Washington D.C. with the trade expo open from May 14-16.  REALTORS® can register now for the Midyear meetings online by clicking here. The Midyear meetings key component is the ability to interact with legislators and promote REALTOR® interests.

This year the trade expo will offer over 200 exhibitors and the NAR 100 year Centennial Celebration Gala black tie dinner will take place on Wednesday, May 14 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Tony Snow, former White House Press Secretary (2006-07) will lead the Legislative and Political Forum on Tuesday May 13th.

Register now by clicking here for the NAR Midyear Meetings and Trade Expo.

REALTOR® RALLY at the Colorado Convention Center on Wednesday, March 19, 2008.

It's time to register for this year's REALTOR® RALLY, which is being held in Denver at the Colorado Convention Center on Wednesday, March 19, 2008.

Almost 300 Exhibitors will show the latest in real estate industry tools, services and programs to those attending the Rally.  Several Education Sessions will be held throughout the day, as well as a Keynote Session with featured speaker, Terry Watson.

VanEd will be in there showing off our newest courses and offerings, so come stop by and see us. We'll be in Booth 181!    CLICK HERE to register for the Rally online, or for more detailed information, including schedule and directions, go to www.RealtorRally.org.

Colorado REALTORS® for Education Charity Grant program application deadlines approaching

The Colorado REALTORS^® for Education Charity Grant program Spring grant cycle applications continue to be accepted online. Teachers interesting in applying for a grant can find more information and may apply online at www.vaned.com/charity. The program is built with cooperation between CAR and VanEd and is funded from the online GRI program. Private donations and matching funds are also accepted.

The grant cycle will run through February, but teachers are reminded that each application must be verified by an administrator prior to being eligible for review by the board. Applicants should allow enough time to meet all application deadlines, and get the administrator approval.

Application Deadline -            Administrator Approval Deadline -

For questions about the program, visit www.vaned.com/charity or email Mark Gavin at CAR

VanEd Presents: Accredited Land Consultant Designation course

Van Education Center is proud to offer the RLI: Land 101 course online through our Designation Information page.  This course is the first course in the ALC, Accredited Land Consultant designation program, and is available now!

The REALTORS Land Institute (RLI) is an affiliate of NAR, and is the only branch focused on land brokerage. This includes farm and ranch, subdivision and undeveloped tracts of land.  Organized in 1944 as the Farm & Land Institute, RLI is now a nationwide organization. The ALC designation is run through the education arm of the RLI.

Visit our ALC information page online to learn more about this designation and course offering! Ready to get started today? Click Here to enroll for Land 101!

NOTE: The Land 101 course is also approved for MRE, Master of Real Estate designation credit!

CREC approves Short Sale Addendum and Seller Authorization forms

At the February meeting of the Colorado Real Estate Commission, two new forms were approved dealing with short sales. The Short Sale Addendum, designed to be added to a transaction file whenever a short sale is involved, and the Seller Authorization form. The authorization form should be used at the time of listing to allow the lien holder to supply loan information to specific people involved in the transaction. The Short Sale Addendum is to be used with the Contract to Buy and Sell, and will allow various parties access to information and place certain filing deadline obligations on the seller.

>>>Click Here to view the Seller Authorization form

>>>Click Here to view the Short Sale Addendum

Both of these new forms are Mandatory for use in Colorado beginning March 31, 2008. VanEd has added both of these new forms to our Colorado Residential Contracts continuing education course. That course is available online at www.vaned.com.

Ethics review course updated, includes 2008 Changes to the NAR Code of Ethics

The 2008 NAR Mandatory Ethics course is now available online at VanEd. This course is used to meet the NAR ethics Quadrennial Requirement for REALTORS®.

Every 4 years beginning in 2000, REALTORS® are required to complete minimum ethics course requirements. REALTORS® must complete the current cycle of required Ethics training by December 31, 2008.This course is designed specifically to comply with the NAR requirements, and includes all changes and updates to the Code of Ethics.

Those changes include an update to Article 12 of the Code, which requires REALTORS® to be honest and truthful in their real estate communications. There are also 2 new Standards of Practice in Article 12 that cover the improper registration and use of URLs or domain names, and the improper use of designations and certifications in communications with the public.

You can learn about these and other changes to the code by completing the course online. Click Here for more information on this course!

REALTOR® Day at the Capitol just around the corner

REALTOR® Day at the Capitol in Colorado is scheduled for Tuesday February 19th. REALTORS® from all over the state will travel to Denver and hear from Governor Ritter and State House and Senate leaders discuss issues related to REALTOR® interests.

REALTORS® will be updated on local issues and will be able to tour the state Capitol. This is your opportunity to network with your fellow REALTORS® and learn about the issues that directly impact your business.

For more information, visit the Colorado Association of REALTORS® web site by clicking here. The event includes lunch, materials and transportation to the Capitol. You can view a video introduction to the event, as well as register online at the CAR site.

Online Registration is now open for the REALTOR® Rally March 19th in Denver

The REALTOR® Rally is scheduled for March 19th in Denver at the Colorado Convention Center.  The Keynote speaker, Terry Watson, will be joined by other industry leaders, including Larry Kendall, Doug Barber and the Director of the Division of Real Estate Erin Toll. To view a list of speakers, click here.

This years event will be attended by more than 3,500 agents looking for new ideas and information to help them in their business. The full schedule of events is available online, and registration for the Rally is also available using the link below.

>>> Click Here to register online today!

VanEd Presents: e-PRO, the only internet certification for REALTORS® endorsed by NAR

In today's ever changing real estate markets, REALTORS® need to ensure that they are ahead of the competition, differentiating themselves through education and training. To help our students VanEd offers access to the e-PRO certification program online. e-PRO is the only Internet certification program endorsed by NAR, and is designed to enhance the students knowledge of online marketing and resources. Students are able to register for the program directly from either the VanEd Designations page or the e-PRO information page.

Enter Trainer Coupon Code 59003 in the space provided on the registration page to receive a $25 discount on the price of the e-PRO certification course. Click Here for more information on e-PRO!

Colorado Division of Real Estate sunset hearing scheduled

The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee has been requested to conduct the sunset review of the Colorado Division of Real Estate. This review will also include the a review of the function of making available Errors and Omissions Insurance to Licensees and the Service of Process requirements.

The committee, chaired by Representative Marshall, is scheduled to meet on Monday, January 14th from 1:30pm to 5:00pm in House Committee Room 0107.

Colorado REALTORS® for Education Charity Grant program opens Spring cycle today!

The Colorado REALTORS^® for Education Charity Grant program opens the Spring grant cycle today, and applications are now being accepted online. Teachers interesting in applying for a grant can find more information and may apply online at www.vaned.com/charity.

The grant cycle will run through February, but teachers are reminded that each application must be verified by an administrator prior to being eligible for review by the board. Applicants should allow enough time to meet all application deadlines, and get the administrator approval.

For questions on the process or the deadlines, visit www.vaned.com/charity or email Mark Gavin and CAR.

Colorado Division of Real Estate special announcement on fee changes

In a Special Notice today, the Colorado Division of Real Estate announced that the fee schedule has changed with the start of the New Year for the processing of all application types. A copy of the special notice is below;

Special Notice From: The Colorado Division of Real Estate

To: All licensees

Fee Change:
       
The fee schedule has changed with the New Year for the processing of all application types (Change in status, License, etc). Applications post marked by 12/31/2007 will still be assessed the original fee for 2007. Applications post marked after 12/31/2007 will be charged according to the new fee schedule, which can be found by visiting the division website. http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/

Renewal notice:

Please keep in mind that licensees have a 31 day grace period from the expiration date of their license to pay the renewal fee. An example of this would be a license which expires on 12/31/2007 will have a grace period extending until 01/31/2008 to complete the renewal process and pay the required fee. The division does recommend completing the renewal process as soon as possible to avoid last minute issues which may prevent your renewal.

Thank you,

The Colorado Division of Real Estate

VanEd Presents: Our best wishes for a successful 2008

From all of us at VanEd, we wish you and yours all the best in 2008. As a reminder, we will be closing our offices at 2:00pm MDT on December 31st and will re-open on January 2nd. Instructors will still be available online for student support via email, student forums and our Q & A's.

2007 was an exciting and challenging year. As we move into 2008, all of us at VanEd are excited about the new opportunities that are in front of us, and we look forward to continuing our mission of creating and delivering quality education and training for real estate, appraisal and mortgage brokers.

There is still time to complete your Continuing Education online with VanEd

Real Estate Licensees still have 5 days to complete their mandatory continuing education online, and VanEd has the courses necessary to meet those requirements. Online courses may be completed at any time, night or day, right up to the end of the year. Also, the VanEd offices will be open so that we can answer any questions you may have about your education profile.

As the end of the year approaches, we are offering new and required courses in many states. For information on Continuing Education, click the appropriate state link below;

     >>> Colorado          >>> Nebraska          >>> Texas          >>> Oregon

VanEd offers sign up bonus for Real Estate and Appraisal Pre-License students

Van Education Center announced this week that they are offering an additional book, The Language of Real Estate, by John Reilly,  Free with their Pre-License or Qualifying Education programs. This is the desk reference of real estate terms used by successful real estate and appraisal professionals, and pre-license students who begin a VanEd pre-license program will receive a copy of this valuable desk reference included for Free.

Holiday Special!          Enroll for a package in December and receive a free copy of the Language of Real Estate, a comprehensive dictionary of real estate terms designed for real estate professionals.

VanEd continues to lead the way in online pre-license education. Enroll today for a 5-day free trail, but don't wait to get started! The Language of Real Estate books are in short supply, so this offer is a limited time offer only! When we run out of books, the offer ends!

   >>> click here for Real Estate Pre-License Education Programs

   >>> click here for Appraisal Pre-License Education Programs

VanEd Presents: Preparing a House for Sale course online

Van Education Center announced that the Preparing a House for Sale course has been updated and revised. The course was written by respected real estate brokers and home staging experts Judy Richtel and Linda Morrell. These same authors have also done the course revisions.

The updated course is available now online at www.vaned.com for real estate licensees continuing education credit. Log in and sign up today!

VanEd is also still offering the CREC Annual Update course online as well as the NAR Mandatory Ethics course. The Ethics courses online will meet the NAR Quadrennial Ethics Requirement for 2008. For information on any of these courses, Click Here to be taken to the CE home page.

All the hot water you want for less money!

Who hasn't run out of hot water at just the worst time? Thanks to greatly improved "on demand" or instantaneous water heaters, those days are over. These great new models deliver unlimited hot water while they save money and space in your home. Tell your sphere or contacts how to take advantage of this convenience by directing them to EcoBroker's article on the subject.

   >>> Water Heating - instantaneous water heaters

This reliable green information is brought to you courtesy of the EcoBroker Certified professional designation, currently being offered online by Van Education Center. To learn more or to sign up for the EcoBroker courses online, visit http://www.vaned.com/ecobroker/ today!

Colorado REALTORS® for Education board awards second round of grants

The Colorado REALTORS® for Education board of directors met last week to determine the second set of grant recipients. This second cycle saw a slightly higher numbers of applications but a record amount of funds requested from the foundation.

The board identified and funded 27 grants, awarding $18,640 to the collective recipients. The grants will fund books and equipment, classroom projects and new instructional materials in classrooms across Colorado.  Awards were made at each of an elementary, middle, Junior High and High schools.

The online GRI - Graduate REALTOR® Institute program in Colorado funds the Colorado REALTORS® for Education program and Van Education Center proud to be a supporter of this worthy effort in conjuction with the Colorado Association of REALTORS®. Visit the programs page online at www.vaned.com/charity and learn more about the upcoming cycle for grant requests beginning in January.

   >>> NOTE: The board of directors is seeking applications for two open seats. Information is available on the VanEd Philanthropy page online. If you have any questions, email Mark Gavin at CAR.

Van Education Center announces 3 new continuing education courses available online today!

Van Education Center has just received approval in Colorado for 3 new continuing education courses. These Continuing Education courses are available online now, or to find additional courses in any on any number of topics, browse or full list of classes;

Real Estate Short Sale Basics - 2 credit hours

Transportation Planning - 3 credit hours

Residential Environmental Hazards - 6 credit hours

You can also visit our Colorado Real Estate License Renewal & Ethics Information page online if you are unsure of how many credit hours you need. Do not forget that you will need to complete the required 24 hours of Continuing Education (CE) before the end of this license cycle, including at least 8 hours of the Annual Commission Update Course. If you want to view our entire CE course list, simply visit us online at www.vaned.com. You don't have to wait, you can log in and sign up online today at www.vaned.com!

Colorado real estate license renewal available now online

The Colorado Division of Real Estate has opened online license renewal for those whose licenses are set to expire December 31st, 2007 (the last of the "Annual" expiration dates) or anytime in January of 2008 (the first of the "Anniversary" expiration dates).

                    >>>>> click here for online renewal

If you are still uncertain about what the license renewal requirements are, VanEd offers our CE Requirements page online. Here you can read exactly what the requirements are to renew. The online renewal link is also located on that page. If you have any questions, you can email us directly from the CE Requirements page for Colorado and we'll be happy to answer those for you. You can also send us an email by clicking here.

                   >>>>> click here to view the CE renewal requirements page for Colorado

Colorado Division of Real Estate publication now out

The Division of Real Estate announced today that the Fall edition of the "Rocky Mountain Real Estate News" is now available. You can view a copy of the publication by clicking here, and a copy of their special notice is below;

The Fall edition of the "Rocky Mountain Real Estate News", a publication of the Colorado Division of Real Estate is now available. This new publication will combine the Colorado Appraiser Update, Colorado Real Estate News and Mortgage Broker Program into one comprehensive newsletter. Visit the newsletter section of the Division web site listed below to retrieve a copy of the latest newsletter.

http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/newsletters/newsletters.htm

VanEd Presents: Colorado Contracts - updated for 2008!

Van Education Center has just completed our update of the Colorado Contracts course online to include all of the new forms required in Colorado. Beyond the CBS1, Contract to Buy and Sell, this course will also cover the new Source of Water disclosures, the revised Sellers Property Disclosure and changes to the Closing Instructions and the new Earnest Money Receipt form.

Students may take this course online today to prepare themselves for using the new forms. The forms are allowed to be used once promulgated on the Commission web site, and are mandatory January 1st, 2008.

Colorado Division of Real Estate issues Update Course Notice

On Thursday the Colorado Division of Real Estate issued a special notice concerning the CREC Annual Update Course requirements in an attempt to answer questions from licensees and confusion in the marketplace over the standards and requirements that licensees must follow.

VanEd students and members can be assured that VanEd has promulgated only the allowed and required courses online and in to our live presentation partners. VanEd also has made available our CE Requirements information page online. If you have any questions, please email us. We're happy to help.

The Notice that the DRE sent out on the 8th is below;

Special Notice From: The Colorado Division of Real Estate

On November 1, 2007 the 2007 Commission update course availability ended. The 2008 Commission Update Course is currently available. Commission rule B-2.(b) does not prohibit use of the 2008 course to meet the requirements for license renewal in 2007. 

(b) Beginning April 1, 2006 each licensee must take the 4-hour Annual Commission Update course twice during each license period. A licensee may not take the same version of the Annual Update Course more than once during each license period. If the Annual Commission Update course is taken three times during a license period, the licensee will receive elective credit hours for the third course.

Thank you,
The Colorado Division of Real Estate

Looking to take the current CREC Annual Update course?    >>> click here!

Colorado Division of Real Estate clarifies position on Mortgage Broker Contracts

On November 2nd the Division of Real Estate issued a Position Statement on Mortgage Broker Contracts. In the statement, Position Statement MB 1.2, the Director of the Division answered questions related to 12-61-913(1), C.R.S. and 12-61-913(2), C.R.S.

The first issue was the section in the law that states every contract shall be in writing. The industry question was if that meant that a contract was required in every transaction. The Director has determined that is not the case, but rather that any contracts that exist must be in writing. The second question was if individual mortgage brokers need to maintain written correspondent or loan broker agreements with a lender prior to soliciting a contract with a member of the public. MB 1.2 clarifies the requirements for compliance with regards to written correspondent or loan broker agreements between mortgage brokers and lenders.

         >>>Click Here to view the entire Position Statement notice

Today is the last day to submit applications for the Colorado REALTORS® for Education Charity Grant program

Teachers across Colorado who have not yet applied for a grant from the Colorado REALTORS^® for Education Charity Grant program have only through today to get those last minute applications submitted online. The program, now in only its second grant cycle, will stop accepting applications on Halloween. Then the Board of Directors will begin the difficult work of sorting through the applications and awarding grants.

The board of directors will be working in November to complete the review process and select the recipients.

VanEd is proud of our work to help establish this program and invite you to visit the programs donation page online at www.vaned.com/charity. Here you can find the online applications or make a donation to the program.

VanEd Presents: 2008 Colorado Real Estate Commission Annual Update Course available online

The new 2008 Colorado Real Estate Commission Annual Update Course is now available online at www.vaned.com. The newest course covers new laws, rules and forms. There is also information included covering Affiliated Business Arrangements and the new legal resident status bill. This 4-hour course may also be used as elective Continuing Education credit for those who have completed their Update Course requirements. VanEd still recommends taking the update course every year to ensure compliance with CREC rules.

The 2007 CREC Annual Update course will remain available online through the end of October. Beginning on November 1st, the Division of Real Estate has said that the 2007 annual update course may no longer be taken for credit. This means that for the remainder of October, VanEd will continue to offer both the 2007 and 2008 CREC Annual Update courses.

All licensees are reminded that once a CREC Annual update course has been superseded, it is no longer valid for credit. This means that as of January 1st, 2007 only the new 2007 CREC Annual Update course was valid and after November 1st, 2007 only the 2008 CREC Annual update course ~ version #1 ~ will be valid. Members are encouraged to verify that the course they are completing is in fact valid for credit. For details on all of the CE requirements in Colorado, visit our Requirements info page by clicking here.

CARHOF set to raffle off a house at CAR Convention

The CARHOF Raffle ends this week and the odds of winning are fantastic! The drawing will be October 24th at the CAR State Convention. VanEd will have a booth at the convention, so stop in and say hello!

This years Grand Prize in the CARHOF raffle is a new home built by Sanctuary Homes valued at $300,000. The winner may also choose to take $200,000 in cash. Only 10,000 tickets were scheduled to be sold in the raffle at $100 a piece. However, at this time CARHOF is reporting that only around 2000 tickets have been sold so far. This means that with ticket sales ending this week (the drawing will be held in Colorado Springs on October 25, 2007) the odds of winning the house are now even better! And CARHOF directs 50% of the profits from ticket sales back to the local associations around the state to support local communities through grant cycles and programs.

For more information you may online to the CARHOF Raffle page. Need tickets? Contact a local REALTOR® or the association office in your area or purchase tickets online using the following link -