SMDRA WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS • FEBRUARY 9, 2024
Action Steps to Take Against Appraisal Bias
Multiple news stories have examined potential bias in appraisals, reporting cases in which Black homeowners’ valuation came in low, only to increase in a second appraisal after all personally identifiable photos and cultural items were removed.
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 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
ZOOM 2024 NAR
Code of Ethics
Feb 15 - 9am to 12pm
Members Free / $45 Others
3 CE Credits
Instructor: Mickey Sanders
ZOOM Canva Work-shop Part 1: Beginner
Feb 21 - 10am to 11am
Members Free / $20 Others
0 CE Credits
Instructor: Lisa Suazo
ZOOM Disclosure
and Inspection
Feb 21 - 1pm to 4pm
Members Free / $45 Others
3 CE Credits
Instructor: John Gillam
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 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 January 2024
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
NAR Litigation FAQ Updates
National Association of REALTORS®
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.

NAR has led our industry forward for more than 100 years by focusing on ethics, professionalism, advocacy, and putting consumers first. The result is transparent and competitive marketplaces, satisfied clients, and stronger communities.
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.
Adding Showing Information to Your Listing in REcolorado Matrix
REcolorado
When entering a listing into REcolorado Matrix, you can include relevant details about showings. The more detail you include, the easier it will be for agents and potential buyers to schedule showings on your listing.
ADVOCACY UPDATES
State News: Bill Updates from
the Colorado Association of REALTORS
Nick Bokone, SMDRA's Public Affairs and Outreach Consultant and NAR
(Amend) HB24-1098 Cause Required for Eviction of Residential Tenant. Sponsors: Rep. Mabrey, Majority Leader Duran, Assistant Majority Leader Gonzales, and Sen. Hinrichsen

HB1098 would require a “just cause” in order to evict a tenant. This proposed legislation would restrict the housing provider to keep a tenant in the property unless the situation met a “no-fault eviction”. Landlords could still evict tenants with cause based on current law. 

(Amend) SB24-094 Safe Housing for Residential Tenants. Sponsors: Sen. Gonzales, Sen. Exum, and Rep. Lindsay, and Rep. Froelich

The LPC took an amended position on House Bill 24-1098 and Senate Bill 24-094, these bills are likely to move given the sponsors of the bills and the political makeup of the legislature. LPC has numerous concerns on both pieces of legislation that have been given as feedback to the Sponsors. House Bill 1098 “Cause for Eviction of Residential Tenants” was introduced with 27 House Democrats as sponsors of the legislation including leadership as co-prime sponsors. The sponsors for HB 1098 also held a press conference, you can view here.

Our big concerns, but not our only concerns, are we want to ensure that any legal remedy is fair among housing providers and tenants, and want to make certain that any property owner who is renting their property and decides to sell, can easily do so and allow the housing market to work naturally. 

(Support) HB24-1125 Tax Credit Commercial Building Conversion. Sponsors: Rep. Valdez, Rep. Soper, Sen. Priola, and Sen. Bridges 

This legislation creates a tax credit for conversion of commercial buildings to residential. The bill lays out requirements that the qualified applicant must follow as well as the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT). The credit cannot exceed $3 million per qualified structure and the office cannot exceed $5 million of reserved credits per year. In other words, the office is limited to how much they can approve of qualified applicants on an annual basis. If the office does not use all the tax credits for one year, it can roll over to the next. This bill also creates monitoring and recapture requirements if the structure is qualified residential, and this bill creates reporting requirements for OEDIT to the legislature.

(Monitor) HB24-1108 Insurance Commissioner Study Insurance Market. Sponsors: Speaker McCluskie, Rep. Amabile, and Sen. Roberts

The bill directs the Commissioner of Insurance to study property and casualty insurance coverage for unit owners’ associations of common interest communities (HOAs), hotels, and lodging facilities. The study must cover current market conditions, coverage availability and affordability, areas of availability concern, insurer loss and expense ratios, and any other information that can help the Commissioner identify solutions to recommend to the state legislature. The study’s results must be finalized by or before January 1, 2026.

CAR is monitoring the bill because it is another step to address property insurance issues that are impacting homeowners across the state. Almost half of the state’s land is considered to be in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), with WUI zones to be designated by the Wildfire Resiliency Code Board no later than July 1, 2025 including the adoption of a statewide wildfire resiliency building code and minimum standards (see Senate Bill 23-166). The study holds the potential for a regulatory approach to property insurance if the private market’s insurers are unable to adequately supply coverage.
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
REALTORS DANGER ZONES where you could be most vulnerable you car, in the office, showing a property and an open house. Make a safety plan for each one and follow it everyday.

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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