SMDRA WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS • FEBRUARY 2, 2024
A Message from NAR's CEO Nykia Wright
Most consumers work with a real estate professional because they recognize that technology is no substitute for an expert helping them to navigate risk, avoid pitfalls, and obtain results.
SMDRA EDUCATION
SMDRA classes are offered IN-PERSON and on the ZOOM ONLINE platform in a live, online, instructor led format. Be sure to note where each class is held. Visit smdra.com for details.
IN-PERSON Agent of
the Future
Feb 6 - 10am to 2pm
Members Free / $60 Others
0 CE Credits
Instructor: Hudson & Hebener
IN-PERSON How to Protect Your Clients from Metro Districts
Feb 7 - 10am to 11am
Members Free / $20 Others
1 CE Credits
Instructor: Lonnie Glessner
ZOOM GRI 101: Appra-ising for REALTORS
Feb 7 - 12pm to 4pm
$50 for Everyone
4 CE Credits
Instructor: Okie Arnot
IN-PERSON GRI 113: Negotiating
Feb 13 - 9am to 1pm
$50 for Everyone
4 CE Credits
Instructor: Jack O'Connor
ZOOM 2024 Contract/ Form Changes
Feb 13 - 2pm to 4pm
Members Free / $30 Others
2 CE Credits
Instructor: Doug Emmerich
ZOOM 2024 Annual Commission Update
Feb 14 - 12pm to 4pm
Members Free / $60 Others
4 CE Credits
Instructor: Mickey Sanders
FREE EDUCATION FOR SMDRA MEMBERS!
ALL CLASSES except designations and certifications are FREE for SMDRA members.
UPCOMING DESIGNATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS
Seller Representative Specialist
SRS Designation
DATE: Wed & Thu, March 6&7, 2024
TIME: 9:00am to 5:00pm
COST: $195 Members / $215 Others
FORMAT: Zoom Online Format
CE CREDITS: 14
INSTRUCTOR: Mickey Sanders

DESCRIPTION: The Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) designation, recognized by the National Association of REALTORS®, is the premier credential in seller representation. It is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance. SRS is a global community of REALTORS® who use their ideas and expertise to professionally and ethically represent sellers. To learn more about the SRS designation and the requirements, click here.
 
Topics covered include:
  • Developing your value proposition and crafting your message
  • Prospecting tactics & tools to generate business
  • How to effectively prepare for the listing appointment and meeting with the seller
  • Tools and strategies to market the listing
  • Understanding different offers and the presentation of offers
  • Understanding and application of the Code of Ethics
  • Tools and techniques providing support and services the seller wants and needs.
Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) Designation
DATE: Wed & Thu, March 27&28, 2024
TIME: 9:00am to 4:00pm
COST: $195 Members / $215 Others
FORMAT: Zoom Online Format
CE CREDITS: 12
INSTRUCTOR: Rich Sands

DESCRIPTION: If you are working with buyers be sure to take advantage of any resources and educational opportunities that will help you better represent them. And what better way to start than with a designation that was specifically designed to help you help buyers? Your buyers will thank you!

Earning an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®) designation may be just the thing you need to stake your claim as a local real estate market expert and give you an edge over your competition. 

Reasons to Earn Your ABR®:
  1. Build your credibility. When you focus your real estate business on one type of customer, the homebuyer, you gain a reputation as the local expert for homebuyers in your community.
  2. Build a referral network in your local market. You can build a referral network among listing agents by becoming an ABR®. They see you as an ally and not a competitor. Homebuyers view you as having the "inside scoop" on the available housing inventory because of your referral network.
  3. Become a buyer's advocate. Become your client's advocate by using your skills to search for homes beyond traditional MLS services and opening a wider range of options for your clients
Real Estate Negotiation Expert - RENE Certification
DATE: Wed & Thu, April 24&25, 2024
TIME: 9:00am to 5:00pm
COST: $195 Members / $215 Others
FORMAT: Zoom Online Format
CE CREDITS: 14
INSTRUCTOR: Rich Sands

DESCRIPTION: The Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certification is for real estate professionals who want to sharpen their negotiation skills. The RENE certification program gives Realtors® the tips and tools they need to be skillful advocates for their clients. This two day, interactive experience will help negotiators elevate their game. The course examines all types of negotiation formats and methods so that today's negotiators can play the game to win. A full spectrum of tips, tools, techniques, and advantages are provided so that negotiators can provide effective results for their clients. The second day of the course will focus on real-world field scenarios to help negotiators apply the power tools, techniques and tactics learned on the day one. Understanding the tactics and techniques is one thing, but learning how to recognize them and using them effectively requires practice.
 
Day 1: The Power Negotiator’s Playbook
Day 2: Advanced Field Negotiations
SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT YOU!
This edition of the SMDRA Weekly Newsletter is made possible by the following businesses:
UPCOMING SMDRA EVENTS
“Member Dues dollars do not pay for SMDRA Events – these are paid for
by sponsorships from your Affiliate and Industry Business Partners.
Please thank them by using their services to support our Association."
February Connections & Cocktails Member Networking Event
Valentine's Day Edition
DATE: Thursday, February 8, 2024
TIME: 4:00pm to 6:00pm – Doors Open at 3:45pm
TOPIC: Connections & Cocktails Networking

SESSION INFORMATION: Connections and Cocktails is the 2nd Thursday of each month from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Connections & Cocktails is a networking opportunity complete with light appetizers and cocktails. Each session will have a focus to educate members about ways to get involved, make industry connections and of course an opportunity to meet and connect with other SMDRA REALTOR® and Affiliate Industry Partner Members.

CONNECTIONS & COCKTAILS SPONSOR:
February Power Lunch:
SMDRA Affinity Groups
Panel Discussion
DATE: Tuesday, February 20, 2024
TIME: 11:00am-11:20am – Lunch and Networking
11:20 Welcome Announcements & Sponsor
11:30am-1:00pm – Program
TOPIC: Affinity Groups Panel
Moderated by IDEA & YPN Committees
LOCATION: SMDRA Event Center

SESSION INFORMATION: Here’s your opportunity to meet SMDRA’s Diversity Affinity Groups/Industry Partners. This panel discussion format will allow our Affinity Group Representatives to share what they do, what are their biggest victories and how our members can get involved. Groups that will be joining us are:

• AREAA
• LGBTQ+ Alliance
NAHREP
NAREB
WCR

POWER LUNCH SPONSOR:
March Town Hall Talks -
Topic: Legislative Update
DATE: Friday, March 1, 2024
TIME: 8:30am to 9:30am – Doors Open at 8:15am
TOPIC: March Monthly SMDRA General Membership Meeting / Legislative Update
SESSION INFORMATION: Town Hall Talks are the first Friday of every month. This will be a general SMDRA membership meeting, similar to Friday Fuze and Marketing Meetings of the past. An opportunity to catch up on what’s happening at SMDRA, a brief informational presentation, property marketing, buyers and sellers needs, networking with fellow SMDRA members and OF COURSE DONUTS!

The topic for March, will be a Legislative Update with Nick Bokone, SMDRA's Pubic Affairs and Outreach Consultant.

DONUT SPONSOR:
International Women's Day Panel
DATE: Friday, March 8, 2024
TIME: 11:00am-1:00pm
TOPIC: International Women's Day Panel
Moderated by Women's Council of REALTOR - Mile High Chapter
LOCATION: SMDRA Event Center

SESSION INFORMATION: Join us Fri, Mar 08, 2024 in Collaboration with the South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association for our 3rd Annual gathering as we celebrate women's achievements as professionals.

This year's panel of women vary in experiences and insights but all have one thing in common. Saying "YES" to what scared them, launching them into the next level of success. This event offers a unique opportunity to learn from their stories and gain valuable advice.

Whether you're a professional, an entrepreneur, or simply interested in women's empowerment, this panel discussion promises to be engaging and thought-provoking. Don't miss out on the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and celebrate the achievements of women.
Your ticket includes lunch, gifts, a welcoming community of peers, and and opportunity to leave full of motivation and excitement!
SMDRA Affiliate Meet and
Greet Orientation
DATE: Thursday, March 14, 2024
TIME: 2:30am – 3:30pm
SPEAKERS: SMDRA Staff & Affiliate Committee
TOPIC: Benefits of Affiliate Membership – Get Connected!

SESSION INFORMATION: The SMDRA Affiliate Committee wants to help you get the most out of your Affiliate Membership.

This is an opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of the SMDRA Affiliate Program and how to get connected, to maximize your SMDRA membership.
2024 Diamond Circle Awards & Charity Silent Auction
DATE: Friday, April 19, 2024
TIME: 5:30pm-10:00pm
Cocktails & Silent Auction: 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Dinner & Awards: 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Winner Photos: 9:30 to 10:00pm

LOCATION: Hyatt Regency DTC
7800 E Tufts Ave, Denver, CO 80237
303-779-1234

EMCEE: Scott Peterson

COME CELEBRATE YOU! Don’t miss the biggest event of the year as we honor the top producers in the South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association.

We will be awarding the prestigious Diamond Circle Club status to all of the REALTORS® whose pursuit of excellence has placed them above and beyond their peers. REALTORS® who are putting in the work, redefining brilliance, and excellence in real estate. This event recognizes REALTORS® for their accomplishment of outstanding levels of production in real estate transactions during the calendar year of January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR?
MARKET TRENDS & STATISTICS
Get the SMDRA Market Trends & Statistics for December 2023
CLICK THE IMAGE to visit the Housing Market Trends and Statistics Resources page on the SMDRA website for the latest statistics resources.

Click the button below to download the latest statistic files.
REALTOR REPORT
A Video Message from Nykia Wright, CEO of the National Association of REALTORS
National Association of REALTORS®
I wanted to give you a heads up that tomorrow morning, we will launch the sixth iteration of NAR’s “That’s Who We R” advertising campaign, highlighting the value and unmatched expertise that REALTORS® deliver across the country. Beginning on Tuesday, January 30, ads will go live on social media. The full suite of creative will roll out nationally on Tuesday, February 13, at which point you’ll see them across broadcast and streaming platforms, as well as radio and podcast networks. We will be sharing a full promotional toolkit once the ads hit the airwaves.
 
We felt it was necessary to accelerate the digital launch of the campaign to be responsive to recent media attention on our association, its value proposition, and the work our members do.
 
As part of the campaign, we will also announce tomorrow that season four of “First-Time Buyer” will be available to stream on Hulu and FirstTimeBuyer.realtor. The NAR-produced docuseries delves deeper into the REALTOR® value story, showing REALTORS® in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Chicago at work alongside real first-time buyers as they navigate the highs, lows, and complexities of the homebuying journey.
 
As we move forward, we are committed to meeting our members – and a wider consumer audience – where they are across digital platforms. To that end, I recently recorded a video to set the record straight on commissions in light of persistent misinformation on that subject. You can watch that video here; we will publish it on NAR channels tomorrow morning, at which point I will follow up with a public link and sample social copy for you to share with your networks.
 
Thank you for your continued work in support of our organization. Warm regards, Nykia
Capitol Connection -
January 26, 2024
Colorado Association of REALTORS
We are in the second full week of session and priority bills have started to be calendared in committees and make their way through the legislative process. The Legislative Policy Committee is officially tracking more than two dozen bills with more housing legislation to be introduced on the horizon. CAR will continue to monitor and prioritize all legislation that affects the real estate industry and housing to ensure housing is accessible for all.
Start Listing Input:
The Most Important Fields
REcolorado
When you’re entering a listing into REcolorado Matrix, pay particular attention to the first screen – Start Listing – because it includes the most important fields during listing input. Why are these fields the most important? Because they determine which related fields you need to complete for your listing, and you can’t go back to change your selections. Remember, slow down to speed up.
ADVOCACY UPDATES
State News: Construction Litigation Reform Bill at the Capitol Needs Work
Nick Bokone, SMDRA's Public Affairs and Outreach Consultant and NAR
At the beginning of Colorado’s legislative session this year, hopes were high that meaningful construction litigation reform could be achieved in order to help get more condominiums and “missing middle” properties built and assist in making housing both more affordable and attainable.

The first bill introduced this session leaves much to be desired, and CAR is working hard to address the concerns of the real estate industry.

As initially filed, house bill 1083 has two sections. Section one of this legislation would have required a study by the Division of Insurance of Construction liability insurance for construction professionals before December 31, 2026. In section two, this legislation would require that at least 14 days before closing on the sale of a new residence, the seller would have to provide the purchaser, county clerk, and recorder’s office with information regarding the insurance coverage for the property. If the seller of a new residence did not provide insurance coverage information to the buyer, the buyer would have been allowed to file a civil suit, and if the buyer prevailed, the court could require the seller to pay the buyer a fine of up to $500. If the court finds the construction professional did not obtain insurance for coverage for damage resulting from construction defects, the court could award triple damages.

CAR took an amended position because section two was problematic for developers and, if passed, this legislation would deter developers from building more housing. This legislation was heard in the House Business & Labor Committee on Thursday, January 25th. It was successfully amended to strike section two and, in section one, shorten the time frame the study must be completed.
SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT YOU!
This edition of the SMDRA Weekly Newsletter is made possible by our Platinum Corporate Sponsors:
SMDRA STORIES
REALTOR Safety Tips
WHEN SHOWING A PROPERTY, park your car in front of the property rather than in the driveway. You avoid having your car blocked in, you have an easier time escaping in your vehicle, and you will attract lots of attention running and screaming to your car at the curb area.

Learn more at www.NAR.realtor/safety
SMDRA REALTOR Member
Benefit - Forewarn!
SMDRA is thrilled to announce a COMPLIMENTARY proactive safety and lead intelligence service for all SMDRA REALTOR Members!

Quickly becoming the industry standard for safety and prospect intelligence, FOREWARN is a revolutionary application that allows agents to have instant due diligence on prospects. In seconds, with as little information as a phone number or name, SMDRA REALTOR Members can verify a prospect’s identity, criminal records, bankruptcies, liens, judgments, address history and property records all in one place, leading to safer and more productive interactions. 
SMDRA Event & Meeting Rentals
Are you looking for a venue to:
  • Host your company's annual meeting?
  • Have your holiday party or event?
  • Teach an educational class for your employees?
  • Hold a wedding celebration?
  • Or a place to just meet, whatever your reason might be!
  • SMDRA Member discount available

The South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association's Event Center, Lobby, Patio, Legacy Room, Board Room and Training Room are available for day, evening and weekend rentals. Contact us today for rental rates and space availability

Email Susan Cooper at susan@smdra.com for questions and additional information.
SENTRILOCK @ YOUR SERVICE
SentriLock Resources
at Your Fingertips!
SentriLock®
Did you know there a HUGE LIBRARY of information right at your finger tips for all things SentriLock? Here's a few links to check out:


For Lockbox Support:
513-618-5800
Need HELP with Your
SentriLock Lockboxes?

Call the SMDRA Office at 303-797-3700
WE CAN HELP TOO!
JUST FOR YOU!
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