Blogs
July Power Hour - Fire Mitigation with Adam Moore and Leeza Vasko
In Case You Missed It: Firewise Power Hour Takeaways for REALTORS®
By Kim Wilcoxson, REALTOR® and 2025/2026 ROCC Treasurer
Wildfire risk is not just a seasonal concern—it’s a year-round reality for those living and working in Chaffee County’s wildland-urban interface (WUI). This month’s Power Hour, hosted by the REALTORS® of Central Colorado (ROCC), featured Adam Moore from the Colorado State Forest Service and focused on wildfire preparedness through the lens of real estate. The session delivered timely, actionable insights for REALTORS® and homeowners alike. If you couldn’t attend, here are some key takeaways.
What is the WUI and Why It Matters
The wildland-urban interface (WUI) refers to areas where homes and communities are built near or among lands prone to wildfire. Much of Chaffee County falls into this category. That means REALTORS® play a vital role in helping buyers, sellers, and homeowners understand and mitigate wildfire risk.
Understanding Fire Mitigation Zones
The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) is the area surrounding a home that is most vulnerable to wildfire. It's typically divided into three key zones:
- Zone 1: 0–5 feet from the home
Remove flammable materials like mulch and firewood, and use non-combustible materials like gravel near foundations. - Zone 2: 5–30 feet
Keep grasses mowed, space out trees and shrubs, and remove dead or dying plants. - Zone 3: 30–100 feet
Create fuel breaks, remove ladder fuels (low branches), and maintain healthy spacing between trees.
You can download a printable guide to these zones from the Colorado State Forest Service here.
Home Hardening: Protecting the Structure Itself
Home hardening refers to strengthening a home’s resistance to ignition from embers, radiant heat, or direct flames. This includes:
- Using fire-resistant roofing materials
- Screening vents and eaves to prevent ember entry
- Maintaining a six-inch clearance between siding and soil
- Installing tempered glass windows
- Replacing combustible fencing and decks near the home
You can read more about endorsed practices for home hardening in this guide from the CSFS.
Local Programs & Resources in Chaffee County
Chaffee County is recognized for its proactive wildfire mitigation efforts through several programs:
- Chaffee Chips Program
A free neighborhood slash removal service that helps residents dispose of tree limbs and brush to reduce fuel. You can view upcoming 2025 Chaffee Chips dates at Envision Chaffee County. - Firewise USA® Communities
These recognized neighborhoods host annual events, complete risk assessments, and track mitigation efforts. To learn more or see if your neighborhood participates, visit Firewise USA. - Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)
Chaffee County’s CWPP outlines high-risk areas and guides mitigation priorities. While the full PDF version appears to be unavailable online as of now, you can explore the interactive tool and community strategies via Envision Chaffee County.
What REALTORS® Can Do
As a REALTOR®, you are uniquely positioned to educate and guide your clients:
- Add wildfire risk resources to your website or buyer/seller materials
- Include fire mitigation brochures in welcome packets
- Highlight defensible space or home hardening in listings when applicable
- Refer buyers to a wildfire mitigation consultant post-purchase
- Stay informed about local CWPPs and community initiatives
Recent Legislative Change
Colorado recently passed legislation that prevents HOAs from unreasonably restricting residents from conducting fire mitigation efforts. This is a major step in enabling more widespread action. Read the law here (HB24-1091).
Stay Involved
ROCC is committed to providing timely and relevant education through monthly Power Hours. Special thanks to Cess Retener and Lindsay Rice for organizing these events and to the incredible volunteers of the Professional Development Workgroup for their continued support.
You can view future Power Hours and events on the ROCC Member Calendar.
If you have questions or want to dive deeper into wildfire risk and real estate, these resources are a powerful starting point—and as always, connect with your fellow members for support.
Meet Leeza Vasko, CO Forest Service Office, Salida. Leeza does complementary home ignition zone assessments
Click on her photo to hear her contact information.
ROCC-IT Event June 25th, 2025
A big thank you to all the REALTORS® and Industry Partners who came out to our ROCC It event at Casa Calaca!
It was a great opportunity to get reacquainted and see some new faces. The food was delicious and company delightful. We look forward to gathering again soon!
2025 10 Things Legal Session with Scott Peterson - May 29th, 2025
It was a delight to have Scott Peterson, CAR General Counsel, speak to our members about this years' REALTOR® market. We had a full house of attendees for the two credit hours event.
Thanks to Scott Peterson for making the journey to our area and to all those who joined the event.
Water Law in a Nutshell - May 20th, 2025
Aaron Clay delivered an informative and engaging class on Water Law in Poncha Springs. We had in- person attendees and some joining on zoom. Whether it was describing a Parshall Flume, tabulation, augmentation, or the Colorado River Basin, Mr. Clay's class was filled with useful information, historic details and personal stories.
Thanks to our generous sponsors, Haley Elzinga of Peak View Mortgage and Leo Hebert and Laura Barnthouse of True Title Company, attendees were fueled by a nice breakfast spread and delicious lunch from Tacos El Tapatio.
What’s the REALTOR® Difference—And Why It DOES Matter
May 14, 2025
The REALTOR® brand is one of the most respected and recognized in the real estate industry. Backed by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and the Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR), it represents a professional who has made the intentional choice to hold themselves to higher standards of ethics, education, and service. As members of the Realtors of Central Colorado (ROCC), we don’t just meet the state’s licensing minimums, we commit to a level of responsibility that enhances the reputation of our industry and protects the clients and communities we serve. This is the REALTOR® difference—and it DOES Matter.
Colorado Real Estate Licensing: The Minimum Requirements
To practice real estate in Colorado, every broker must:
- Complete 168 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved school
- Pass the Colorado Real Estate Broker Exam
- Complete a background check and fingerprinting
- Secure Errors & and Omissions (E&O) insurance
- Complete 24 hours of continuing education every 3 years
These requirements ensure a foundational level of knowledge and competency. But they are, in essence, the starting line—not the standard by which the public builds trust in our profession.
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics: Our Commitment
REALTORS® commit to upholding the REALTOR® Code of Ethics—a living, enforceable document that guides our conduct and professional responsibilities. It includes 17 articles organized into three key duties:
- To Clients and Customers – honesty, loyalty, and transparency
- To the Public – promoting fair housing, accurate representation, and lawful conduct
- To Other REALTORS® – cooperation, respect, and professionalism
This Code doesn’t just define what we can and can’t do—it defines who we are as professionals.
REALTOR® Resources: Support for Professionals and Consumers
Our memberships in CAR and NAR provide tools and knowledge that allow us to serve with excellence—and share valuable insights with clients. For REALTOR® Members:
CAR Legal Hotline – direct access to a qualified real estate attorney
https://coloradorealtors.com/legal-help/legal-hotline/
Standardized Forms, Legal Updates, FAQs https://coloradorealtors.com/legal-help/
NAR Designations & Certifications
https://www.nar.realtor/education/designations-and-certifications
Market Data
CAR Market Reports
https://coloradorealtors.com/market-trends/
NAR Research
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics
For Buyers & Sellers
CAR Consumer Guides
https://coloradorealtors.com/consumer-resources/
NAR’s Home Ownership Matters
https://homeownershipmatters.realtor/
Fair Housing Information
https://www.nar.realtor/fair-housing
These tools don’t just support REALTOR® members—they elevate the experience of every client we serve.
- What the REALTOR® Difference Means Day to Day
The REALTOR® difference shows up in countless ways—some visible, some behind the scenes: - Explaining complex contract terms clearly so buyers feel confident
- Advising a seller to adjust pricing based on market conditions, not convenience
- Disclosing property concerns early to avoid costly surprises later
- Coordinating with other agents respectfully, even under pressure
- Staying current with legal updates, local ordinances, and ethical guidelines
- Guiding clients through uncertainty with empathy, knowledge, and care
Final Thought
Choosing to be a REALTOR® means choosing to represent our profession with intention. It means staying
educated, acting ethically, and advocating for the communities we live and work in. It means valuing people over transactions—and treating every client interaction as a reflection of our collective standards.
We are your neighbors, your community advocates, and your professional partners in real estate.
This is the REALTOR® difference. And it DOES matter.
About the Author
Kim Wilcoxson is a full-time REALTOR® with HomeSmart Preferred Realty and the 2024–2025 Treasurer of the Realtors of Central Colorado (ROCC), now proudly serving her second term. With a strong commitment to professional excellence, Kim actively contributes to ROCC’s workgroups and local
advocacy efforts. She is known for her integrity, attention to detail, and passion for empowering both clients and fellow REALTORS® through education, ethical leadership, and community connection.
“As REALTORS®, we’re trusted with more than transactions—we’re trusted with people’s futures. That responsibility matters.”
ROCC First POWER HOUR
April 23,2025
ROCC's very first Power Hour (not your college drinking game ), was a one-hour free non-CE monthly education event at a REALTORS® office and over Zoom to help members learn while enjoying lunch from the comfort of your own office, or join at a local office with other ROCC members.
Chaffee Housing Authority (CHA): Formed in 2020 by Chaffee County, the City of Salida, and the Town of Buena Vista, CHA is a multi-jurisdictional housing authority working across Chaffee County to ensure we are a thriving community with housing for all.
This Power Hour covered what they do and how clients may benefit from CHA programs and projects. Included in the presentation was be a brief overview of CHA's current programs and projects for both renters and homebuyers, a list of current and coming soon availability and time for questions.
FUTURE TOPICS: Some topics will be specific to certain areas, and others will encompass topics relevant to the whole state.
ROCC Work Groups
March 13, 2025
For those of you who are not familiar, ROCC has several work groups, comprised of members, that exist to assist the Board of Directors in advancing the value of the organization for its members. Specific measurable goals are established annually with monthly reporting to the Board of Directors.
Professional Development
This work group has a new Team Lead: John Magers. The Professional Development Work Group creates a vibrant learning environment that fosters collaboration and supports our members through innovative educational programs and engaging events.
Communications
This Work Group also has a new Team Lead: Laura Ostrom. The Communications Work Group promotes awareness and relevance among members and the general public through various forms of communication to stimulate engagement and increase our value.
Community Outreach
This Work Group's Team Lead is Jessica Chariton. As REALTORS®, we collectively strive to build lasting connections, foster local initiatives, and contribute to the well-being of the communities we serve.
If you are interested in learning more about or joining ROCC's Work Groups please reach out to us!
Blogs
Brave New Co-op February 27th, 2025
The hybrid event was presented by Connie Tremblay and held at the Poncha Springs Town Hall and virtually over Zoom. The 4 CE hours class provided members with information on recent industry changes and new regulations. It also covered foundational history, the various layers of enforcement, and basic scripts to use with consumers.
There were 25 in-person attendees and 55 virtual attendees. Those who joined the class in person were treated to breakfast and lunch sponsored by Blue Spruce Home Services, LLC. We also had a raffle for $15 gift cards from Brown Dog Coffee.
The camaraderie in the room was wonderful and we were delighted to host this event close to our office and also be able to reach so many in other areas of Colorado.