Vail Valley HOME: Realtors support and connect with community

Realtor associations and members are devoting more time and money to support charitable causes in their communities, according to a new National Association of REALTORS (NAR) survey. Locally, Realtors boost the community through individual efforts and the Vail Board of Realtors (VBR). VBR organizes volunteer opportunities for its Realtor and affiliate members, such as food drives and Habitat for Humanity build days.

Recognizing the opportunity to do more in our community, the VBR founded the Vail Board of Realtors Foundation (VBRF). Celebrating 30 years, the VBRF has helped promote community efforts for the VBR and supports local organizations working toward attainable, stable housing goals. Housing access has always been important to the organization. VBRF’s vision statement is to help Eagle County residents gain access to stable housing and to have the opportunity to build equity and deepen community connections through homeownership.

Supporting homeownership for all

Realtors advocate for homeownership for all at the national, state and local levels. All Realtors are members of NAR, an organization with more than 110 years of advocating and protecting the rights of property buyers and sellers.

Both the VBR and VBRF help in many ways, such as raising awareness of Housing Eagle County initiatives, promoting the benefits of local home-buying programs and providing education and resources to Realtors® so they can better guide their clients.

Providing a helping hand

Starting 2026 on a positive note, VBRF awarded $23,000 in grant funding to four Eagle County nonprofits. Each aligns with the VBRF’s vision of ensuring that all Eagle County residents have access to stable housing by providing permanent or temporary housing or allocating funding to support housing.

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Bright Future provides emergency housing for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence or sexual assault. Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance requested funding for housing stipends for trail conservation crews. Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley offers affordable homeownership opportunities and mortgage programs. Swift Eagle Foundation provides financial assistance for residents in times of crisis.

“Not only do we get the chance to help others, but also help create a better place for all of us to live,” says Jennifer Coulson, a Vail Board of REALTORS Foundation director.

Promoting healthy communities

Owning a home offers financial benefits and immeasurable emotional advantages. The pride of homeownership and the feeling of security are huge intangible benefits. Realtors recognize homeownership’s emotional and mental benefits and strive to support a healthy community.

Workers essential to the health of a community — teachers, emergency workers, retail workers and more — perform better in their jobs when they can live in the communities in which they work.

Families as a whole also benefit from homeownership. Studies show that parents can spend less time in a state of stress and more time with their children. Parents’ sense of stability significantly impacts children’s behavioral issues, educational success and future economic success. For those ready to purchase a home, Realtors can help them navigate the financial, legal and community aspects of the most complex and consequential transactions most will ever make.

Fundraising with history

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the VBRF fundraises to support its efforts. While VBR Realtor and affiliate members provide most funding, the VBRF also accepts public support.

The VBRF is hosting an event to include and entice all community members. “Legends of Vail Valley” is a history and storytelling event with a panel of long-time area residents.

“We decided that highlighting the true legends that helped shape and create what is now known as the Eagle River Valley would be amazing,” says Coulson. “We want to highlight and honor those who have played such an important part in our local history.”

Legends is scheduled for September 3, and tickets and sponsorships will be available later this spring. Past featured panelists have included John Horan-Kates, an inspirational speaker, author and former president of Vail Alliance, and Pete Seibert, Jr., a Realtor and the son of Vail’s founder, Pete Seibert, Sr. “Our hope is that by opening the event up to the public, it will give us the opportunity to educate more people about what we do as a foundation and raise more money to put back into the community,” adds Coulson.

Being a good neighbor

Real estate professionals are some of the most active members of their communities. As neighbors, Realtors are committed to improving the quality of life and growing our community. After all, it’s their home too. “Without our incredible people in Eagle County, we wouldn’t have such an amazing place to call home,” says Coulson. “As a broker, mother and community member, the opportunity to give back is a gift.”