VanEd Newslog

VanEd Presents: ABRM ~ Accredited Buyer Representative Manager course

Van Education Center is proud to now offer the ABRM, Accredited Buyer Representative Manager course to our members. The ABRM, offered through REBAC, the Real Estate Buyer Agents Council, is the only Buyer Representation Designation for managers, brokers and owners.

VanEd has begun working with Realtor University to deliver access to this course on-line. Students may now log in and select "Designations" in their student accounts to begin working on this and other REALTOR® family of designations. This course is also valid for Continuing Education in some states, including Colorado. Click Here for CE details.

To learn more about this course and the designation requirements, visit http://www.vaned.com/ABRM

VanEd Presents: ABR ~ Accredited Buyer Representative designation

VanEd has begun offering the ABR® - Accredited Buyer Representative designation, online! The ABR® designation is awarded by REBAC, the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council to REALTORS® who complete the ABR® course and one elective course. VanEd also offers all of the optional elective courses to help students complete the educational requirements toward the designation.

Successful candidates will also need to submit documentation verifying five completed  transactions where they were the Buyer Representative. (Transactions closed prior to  taking the ABR® course or within three years after will count)

Visit www.vaned.com/ABR for more information on this prestigious designation now offered through VanEd! This course may also be used for up to 12 hours of CE credit in many states. For information on which states, or to register for the course, Click Here!

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!

VanEd offers three new MCE courses in Texas

Van Education Center today launched three new MCE, or Mandatory Continuing Education, courses in Texas. Two of these courses are The Fundamentals of Commercial Real Estate and Listing and Selling Commercial Real Estate. The third course now available is Real Estate & Related Investments in IRA and 401k, which qualifies for MRE, Master of Real Estate designation credit.

The new courses bring the total number of available online MCE courses to 5, which include previously available MRE designation courses Affordable Housing and Commercial Leasing.

Click Here for information on MCE in Texas or to see the available courses. If you have any questions, you may contact us at info@vaned.com.

VanEd Presents: CIPS ~ Certified International Property Specialist

The Certified International Property Specialist, or CIPS, organization was founded in 1953 as a real estate education curriculum that focuses on the critical aspects of international real estate transactions. VanEd is proud to present four of the CIPS courses online. 

The courses in the CIPS program are designed to give students intensive study focusing on currency and exchange rate issues, international and regional market conditions and investment and tax issues related to international real estate transactions. REALTORS® must complete the "International Real Estate for Local Markets" course before joining the CIPS Network. This course also counts as 12 credit hours towards the MRE, Master of Real Estate designation!

To learn more about the CIPS designation and the courses available, visit the VanEd information page online at www.vaned.com/CIPS. Continuing Education credit is also available in some states!

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.

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!

Notes from the Field: Solar Demand to Drop Prices Up to 40%

Solar energy has enormous potential in the real estate industry, but currently is not a very practical option for the average homeowner. Ninety percent of Americans believe that solar should be an option for all new home construction. Recent news brings the affordability issue to the forefront as a report from the WorldWatch Institute revealed that the increased demand for solar panels will cut prices up to 40% in the next three years.

Send this news brief to your sphere of contacts in one of your newsletters or e-mail contacts. Ninety percent will be interested in the latest information on solar energy.

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

VanEd Presents: Additional Texas MCE / MRE course: Affordable Housing now available

Master of Real Estate DesignationVan Education Center has begun offering an additional MCE course in Texas. Affordable Housing (course #08-00-010-6632) is now available for 8 hours of MCE credit. This course will also count for 12 hours of MRE, Master of Real Estate designation credit.

This course is designed to educate students about who is affected by the lack of affordable housing and to provide details about available resources with examples of how some communities around the country have patched together unique solutions to local housing issues.

To learn more, visit our Texas MCE program online today!

VanEd Presents: CRS, Certified Residential Specialist Designation courses

Van Education Center is proud to continue to offer CRS, Certified Residential Specialist eLearning courses online to our students. CRS training will give you in-depth knowledge about business planning, negotiating and closing smoother transactions.  The rigorous educational and production requirements ensure that those who achieve the CRS designation are some of the most dedicated and respected agents in the industry.

VanEd offers two online CRS eLearning courses, Creating Value for Your Clients and Putting Technology to Work for Your Clients. Both courses can be used to help fulfill Core education requirements required to earn the CRS designation. Click Here to review the education and production requirements. Courses may also qualify for CE Credit in some states.

To learn more about the CRS designation and the two available eLearning courses, visit VanEd's CRS Designation Page online by Clicking Here!

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 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.

Notes from the Field: What is Radiant Floor Heating?

My seller’s home has radiant floor heating. Great, but what exactly is that?

Radiant floor heating systems supply heat directly to the floors of a home, and can be a great alternative to the more traditional methods of heating a home, such as forced air and baseboard heating. The most popular and most efficient type of radiant floor system is hydronic (liquid) floor heating. Hydronic systems heat water in a boiler and then pump it through a series of tubes laid in an organized pattern beneath the floor. Radiant systems are gaining popularity because they are typically more efficient than traditional heating applications, and are known for providing superior comfort to occupants.

The EcoBroker Certified professional designation has prepared an informational article on radiant floor heating that can be shared with customers and clients. This information can be found by Clicking Here or by clicking the link below. VanEd proudly offers the EcoBroker Certified professional designation courses online. Find out more by Clicking Here, or using the link below.

   >>> Click Here for more information on Radiant Floor Heating

   >>> Click Here for more information on the EcoBroker Certified professional designation program

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.

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.

Notes from the Field: Reduce your Carbon Footprint!

We all contribute to global warming every day. By calculating your carbon footprint, you can learn how much carbon dioxide your daily activities produce and the simple things you can do to reduce the impact you have on our environment. Get your kids involved with activities such as recycling and composting. Not only is it important to reduce your impact, but to teach your children how and why it is so important. Use the tools at the following address to begin making a difference:

                                                              http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/calculator/

You can also share this brief link to clients and help them to learn more about saving energy and money through "green" living.

Receive timely green information by signing up for EcoBroker's free newsletter. Click Here to sign up. This reliable green information is brought to you courtesy of the EcoBroker Certified(R) professional designation, currently being offered by Van Education Center. Find out more online by visiting:

                                                               www.vaned.com/EcoBroker.

VanEd Presents: Senior Real Estate Specialist designation course

Van Education Center announced that they have begun to offer the online SRES^®, Senior Real Estate Specialist designation course. The SRES^® Designation course will instill a new level of knowledge and understanding of the 55+ real estate customer. Agents who complete this training will gain the skills and recourses needed to serve this special and growing segment of the real estate market.

The SRES^® course also receives MRE, Master of Real Estate Credit and can be used as an MRE elective for those candidates who wish to learn more about this specialized market. You can learn more and enroll by clicking here.

VanEd is proud to offer the SRES^® training online through our partnership with REALTOR University. We continue to expand our course offerings to include only the highest level of educational opportunities for our members and students. If you have any questions about the SRES^® designation or any other designation program, including the MRE, Master of Real Estate designation, visit our designation information page online at www.vaned.com/designations.

VanEd Presents: EcoBroker Designation available online!

Van Education Center has partnered with EcoBroker to deliver the Nationally recognized EcoBroker Designation program online to all VanEd students. EcoBrokers stay current with the growing green real estate market and are better able to help their customers get the most when buying or selling a home. The EcoBroker designation provides the latest and most comprehensive energy and environmental real estate training.

The EcoBroker online courses may be approved for continuing education credit and all designees receive a full profile page on EcoBroker.com. The course package costs $395 and students have up to a year to complete all three online courses. Designees also have access to proprietary marketing templates and advertising opportunities.

You can view detailed program information, information about courses and benefits or register for the EcoBroker online courses by clicking here!

VanEd offers CIPS courses and other designation information online

Earlier this year Van Education Center began offering the online CIPS courses to our students and members. These courses may be accessed through your VanEd student account, and can be completed online. Four courses are available directly through the CIPS program, including CIPS I: International Real Estate for Local Markets.

There are three more courses available online. For more information, visit the VanEd CIPS page online. And a reminder! VanEd offers more designations online than anyone else! You can find information about any of the leading designation programs by visiting our designation page at www.vaned.com/designations.

Notes from the Field - 43% of Americans are not ready to retire

How big is your retirement account? For 43% of Americans, from Generation Xers to Baby Boomers, not big enough.

The Center for Retirement Research (CRR) recently released a brief reporting that nearly 45% of households are at risk of not having enough money to retire. Why? One reason mentioned is that now Americans are using 401(k)s and IRAs to retire, not a regular annuity. With 401(k) plans, the individual is responsible for the funding and distribution of the retirement funds.

One possible solution is a self-directed IRA that allows investment in real estate, gold, private placements and LLCs, to name some options. Using investment vehicles that allow you to invest in real estate requires specialized education. Entrust New Direction IRA with an office in Lafayette, Colorado helps people with non-traditional investing and training, and has authored an online course for the MRE, Master of Real Estate Program taught online through VanEd that teaches these concepts and ideas.

For more information, log on to take the Real Estate Investments in IRAs and 401(k)s course online.

Guest Authors Bill Humphrey and Catherine Wynne are Principals with Entrust New Direction IRA.They believe that education is the most important ingredient when self directing into non-traditional investments. Reach them online at www.newdirectionira.com.

Pre-Registration for CAR Convention ends this week

The Colorado Association of REALTORS® annual convention and business meetings will run October 21st - 24th in Colorado Springs at the Broadmoor Hotel and Convention Center. Registration will be available on-site, but Pre-Registration for the event ends September 28th. Click here to see the planned speakers and events.

On-line registration is available for the convention and can be accessed by clicking here. Also, VanEd will be the provider of the CREC Annual Update course hosted by CAR at the convention. You can register for this class by logging in to your VanEd student account and selecting "Available Classroom Courses". Instructions for registration can be found by clicking here.

VanEd will also be in attendance at the Expo, so stop by and say hello. We will be raffling off free Continuing Education courses at the booth, so make sure to drop in a business card! Don't have a VanEd student account yet? You can create an account for free and then log in and view all of the current course offerings, including designation courses, on-line!

                                                                  >>> Click Here to create a free account!

VanEd Presents: Resort and Second Home Specialist (RSPS) designation program

Van Education Center is proud to now have 3 of the RSPS certification courses available to members online. The RSPS, or Resort and Second-home Property Specialist, is the NAR official Resort & Second-home certification program. The program requires completion of 2 core courses and 2 elective courses. One of the electives, Tax-Deferred (1031) Exchanges, is offered online. VanEd also offers two of the elective courses online, the CIPS International Real Estate for Local Markets course and the e-Buyer course.

To view detailed information on the RSPS Certification and the available courses, visit www.vaned.com/RSPS.  Applications to earn the certification should only be sent in after completing all 4 courses that are required (2 core, 2 elective).

Click Here to open the Application for the RSPS certification.

Registration open for REBAC Networking and Awards reception at NAR conference

REBAC members are encouraged to register for the Networking & Awards reception to be held on Wednesday, November 14th at the NAR conference in Las Vegas. The event is free to those who list REBAC as their primary affiliation, and costs $25 for guests on members who do not indicate REBAC as their primary affiliation on their conference registration form.

REBAC is also providing various designation courses at the convention, and the registration form and list of events can be found by clicking here. Note: All members wishing to attend the networking event to be held at the Venetian Hotel must RSVP. You may also contact Dawn Headtke at 312-329-8488 to register for the reception.

VanEd Presents: TRC certification course online

VanEd now offers members access to the online TRC, Transnational Referral Certified course through REALTOR^® University. This course, managed by the National Association of REALTORS^® is designed to teach students the Transnational Referral system and how to increase business with international referrals. The goal of the program is to teach the international referral system developed by NAR and the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations for making and receiving international referrals.

Students will learn the referral systems and pledge to follow a code of conduct in their business dealings. Also discussed throughout the program is making sure that compensation will be a part of each transaction. Learn more about the TRC, Transnational Referral Certification course by visiting www.vaned.com/TRC.