SMDRA WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS • JULY 31, 2026

New Colorado Law Effective August 1st
What REALTORS Need to Know

Beginning August 1, 2026, Colorado HB 26-1426 introduces new consumer protection requirements for residential real estate transactions, including written compensation agreements, guidance on non-standard contracts, and stronger enforcement against unlicensed real estate activity.


See what the new law means for REALTORS®.

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 2026 Annual Commission Update

August 19 - 9am to 1pm

Members Free / $60 Others

4 CE Credit

Instructor: David Barber

ZOOM Fair Housing - Fulfills NAR Requirem.

August 20 - 10am to 12pm

Members Free / $30 Others

2 CE Credit

Instructor: Doug Emmerich

IN-PERSON YouTube for Real Estate Agents Part 1: Set Up & Optim

August 20 - 1pm to 3pm

Members Free / $30 Others

0 CE Credit

Instructor: Jay Manansala

IN-PERSON Raise the Bar-Elevating Profess. in Real Estate

August 25 - 12pm to 4pm

Members Free / $60 Others

4 CE Credit

Instructor: Rick Culp

ZOOM Contract Issues That Can Put You in Jail

August 26 - 9am to 12pm

Members Free / $45 Others

3 CE Credit

Instructor: Tod Franklin

ZOOM NAR Code of Ethics and AI Invasion

August 27 - 9am to 1pm

Members Free / $60 Others

4 CE Credit

Instructor: John Gillam

FREE EDUCATION FOR SMDRA MEMBERS!

ALL CLASSES except designations and certifications are FREE for SMDRA members.

UPCOMING DESIGNATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS

Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource Certification

During this course, we will focus on building your skill set and knowledge on various topics, including short-sale proceedings, foreclosures, and the agent’s role in dealing with such tasks. At the completion of the course, you will be prepared to effectively tackle a short sale or foreclosure from contract through close. 


Topics Include:

• Direct distressed sellers to finance, tax, and legal professionals

• Qualify sellers for short sales

• Develop a short-sale package

• Negotiate with lenders

• Tap into buyer demand

• Safeguard your commission

• Limit risk

• Protect buyers

Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) Certification

The Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) certification is specifically designed to enhance your skills on pricing properties, creating CMAs, working with appraisers, and guiding clients through the anxieties and misperceptions they often have about home values.


Determining property values depends more than ever on professional expertise and competence, the best use of technology, and approaching the pricing assignment from various perspectives. Enhance your skills in pricing properties, creating CMAs, working with appraisers, and guiding clients through the anxieties and misperceptions they often have about home values with the PSA certification.


The key to competitive home pricing is becoming proficient at comparative market analyses (CMAs). In this class, you will learn how to evaluate the existing real estate market to take the guesswork out of pricing homes.

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."

August Town Hall Talks: Leadership in Action - Meet the Candidates for the 2027 SMDRA Board of Directors

DATE: Friday, August 7, 2026

TIME: 9:00am to 10:00am – Doors Open at 8:45am

COST: This is a SMDRA Member Only Event

LOCATION: SMDRA Event Center

SPEAKERS: SMDRA Board of Directors Candidates

TOPIC: Leadership in Action: Meet the Candidates for the 2027 SMDRA Board of Directors


SESSION INFORMATION: Strong leadership starts with informed members.


At our August Town Hall Talks, you'll hear directly from the candidates seeking election to the 2027 SMDRA Board of Directors. Learn about their backgrounds, leadership experience, and vision for the Association before member voting begins.


This is your chance to connect with the candidates, gain insight into their priorities, and participate in shaping the future of SMDRA.


Plus, enjoy coffee, donuts, networking, member updates, and the latest Association news.


DONUT SPONSOR: Kelly Wagner with Wagner Floors https://www.wagnerfloors.com/

August Connections & Cocktails: Summer Patio Party

DATE: Thursday, August 13, 2026

TIME: 4:00pm to 6:00pm

TOPIC: Connections & Cocktails Member Networking

AUGUST THEME: Summer Patio Party


THIS IS A SMDRA MEMBER ONLY EVENT!


Summer isn't over yet, so let's make the most of it!

Join your fellow SMDRA members for an evening of great conversations, refreshing drinks, light appetizers, and relaxed networking on the SMDRA patio. Whether you're reconnecting with familiar faces after a busy summer or meeting new members for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind, build relationships, and enjoy one of Colorado's beautiful summer evenings.


Leave the office behind, grab a cocktail, and soak up the sunshine while making connections that can strengthen both your business and your community.


There's no agenda, no presentations, and no pressure, just good people, great conversations, and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone belongs.


☀️ Come for the patio.

🍹 Stay for the cocktails.

🤝 Leave with new connections.


We can't wait to spend a summer evening with you!


CONNECTIONS & COCKTAILS SPONSOR:

Blue Ribbon Home Warranty

https://www.blueribbonhomewarranty.com/

August Power Lunch:

Meet the Mayors

DATE: Tuesday, August 18, 2026

TIME: 11:00am-1:30pm

11:00-11:30 – Lunch and Networking

11:20-11:30 – Welcome/Announcement/Sponsor Recognition

11:30am-1:30pm – Meet the Mayors

LOCATION: SMDRA Event Center

SPEAKERS: Mayors of Local Cities in the South Metro Denver Area


THIS IS A SMDRA MEMBER ONLY EVENT!


SESSION INFORMATION: Here’s your opportunity to meet our Mayors from the South Metro Denver area and hear about what’s new in each of their cities. Enjoy a lunch co-sponsored by the REALTOR® Party, your REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) and SMDRA Corporate Sponsor, while learning about issues that affect our industry. Mayors that are invited to join us are:

·  Aurora – Mike Coffman

·  Centennial – Christine Sweetland

·  Cherry Hills Village – Katy Brown

·  Greenwood Village – George Lantz

·  Littleton – Kyle Schlachter

·  Lone Tree – Marissa Harmon


Help Us Finish Strong!

The August Power Lunch is your last chance to contribute to the SMDRA REALTORS Care Foundation Backpack & School Supplies Drive benefiting A Precious Child. Bring new backpacks, school supplies, or make a monetary donation and help local children start the school year feeling confident, prepared, and ready to learn. Every donation makes a difference, and together we can help set students up for success this school year.


POWER LUNCH SPONSOR:  Karen Hyman with Fidelity National Home Warranty

https://www.homewarranty.com/

2026 SMDRA REALTORS Care Foundation Fill-A-Backpack School Supplies Drive

DATE: Tuesday, August 18, 2026

TIME: 11:00am to 1:00pm – During August Power Lunch

TOPIC: Fill-A-Backpack School Supply Drive Final Collection Day

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS: the community. Backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies are distributed to children through our Resource Center as well as our agency partners which include schools, human services organizations, at-risk youth centers, homeless shelters and foster care organizations.


We collect new backpacks, school supplies and monetary donations through drives hosted by individuals, organizations and businesses as well as through the Fill A Backpack Corporate and Community Challenges.


The Fill A Backpack program ensures underprivileged children get to start the first day of school feeling confident and prepared to succeed academically.


Did you know that more than 250,000 children live below the Colorado Self-Sufficiency Standard in A Precious Child’s eight-county service area? Children in these families often lack the necessary supplies critical for academic achievement. Ensuring that children have the tools to participate in school can reduce truancy, promote learning and build positive self-esteem.


DOWNLOAD THE FLYER & SUPPLY LIST

MARKET TRENDS & STATISTICS
 

Get the SMDRA Market Trends & Statistics for June 2026

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.

IDEA: INCLUSION • DIVERSITY • EQUITY • ACTION

 

Own Your Tomorrow: Passport to Homeownership Event - Hosted By CHFA with Sponsor SMDRA IDEA Committee

DATE: Saturday, August 22, 2026

TIME: 11:00am-2:00pm

TOPIC: Homeownership Community Resource Fair

LOCATION: Center for African American Health

3350 Hudson Street, Denver, CO 80207


SESSION INFORMATION: Homeownership can provide more than a place to live. It can create stability, build generational wealth, and help strengthen communities.


The South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association is proud to support the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s Own Your Tomorrow: Passport to Homeownership event on Saturday, August 22, 2026.


This free, educational, and family-friendly event is designed to help prospective buyers understand the homebuying process and connect with professionals who can support them throughout their journey.


During the event, participants will visit interactive educational stations staffed by HUD-approved housing counselors, lenders, real estate professionals, CHFA representatives, and nonprofit organizations.

REALTOR REPORT
 

NAR's Consumer Guide Series

NEW Guide: Condominium Insurance

National Association of REALTORS®

National Association of REALTORS®

NAR continues to roll out our “Consumer Guide” series, and they are pleased to share the latest resources on offers of compensation for home sellers. These resources cover the process and options available for offering compensation to a buyer’s agent and the reasons why this may be a compelling strategy for sellers to consider when marketing their property.


NAR hopes you are finding these resources to be useful, and they encourage you to continue to distribute them to inquiring consumers so they are armed with the information they need as they begin working with an agent who is a REALTOR®.

Colorado's Housing Market Remains Steady as Summer Buying Season Settles into More Balanced Rhythm

Colorado Association of REALTORS

The Colorado housing market continued its steady pace in June, with signs of a more balanced market taking hold across much of the state, according to the latest Market Trends Housing Report from the Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR). While elevated mortgage rates and affordability challenges continue to influence buyer behavior, REALTORS® report that buyers remain active but are taking more time to make decisions, negotiating more strategically and responding favorably to homes that are priced appropriately and presented well.

More Listing Visibility Through Google Home Search - REcolorado Listings Now Searchable in Google

REcolorado

Recently, REcolorado joined Google’s Home Discovery pilot program, a partnership between HouseCanary and Google that allows listings from participating MLS’s to appear directly in Google’s search results. The goal for the pilot is for Google to become another high-visibility channel for agents to display listings. Through the integration, active listings from participating REcolorado brokerages may appear directly within Google Search, giving homebuyers another way to discover available homes while ensuring listing brokers and agents receive direct attribution.

RPAC UPDATES

New Colorado Law - Effective August 1, 2026 - What REALTORS Need to Know

NAR REALTOR Party

Beginning August 1, 2026, Colorado HB 26-1426 introduces new consumer protection requirements for residential real estate transactions, including written compensation agreements, guidance on non-standard contracts, and stronger enforcement against unlicensed real estate activity.


See what the new law means for REALTORS®.



SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT YOU!

This edition of the SMDRA Weekly Newsletter is made possible by our Corporate Sponsors:

 
SMDRA STORIES

SMDRA Event Rentals

Looking for a Place to Hold

Your Holiday Party This Year?

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.

SMDRA REALTOR Member

Benefit - Forewarn!

SMDRA is thrilled to announce a COMPLIMENTARY proactive safety and lead intelligence service for all SMDRA REALTOR Members!


NEW AT FOREWARN! We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Community Hub to help agents make the most of their FOREWARN member benefit! 

 

The FOREWARN Community Hub includes:  

  • How to use FOREWARN: A quick guide to using FOREWARN. 
  • Activation instructions: Four easy steps to set up your account if you haven’t already. 
  • Search tips and FAQs: How to get the most out of the app and get answers to common questions. 
  • Training sessions: Sign up for live training or watch the demo video. 
  • Videos: Watch the product video to see how FOREWARN can help protect you and your business or watch a testimonial video to see how it has helped others. 
REALTOR Safety Tips

WIRELESS HOTSPOTS are a great resource to bring with you when traveling to rural properties, as cell reception and Wi-Fi are often limited.


Learn more at www.NAR.realtor/safety

YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS!

Discover Member discounts and resources from NAR, CAR and SMDRA!. Time to maximize your strategic partnerships, and member-only discounts for members. Our mission is to ensure you have access to the best tools resources you need to achieve greater success.

NAR BENEFIT

NAR TRAVEL CLUB

With more than 45 years in the membership travel industry, Travel + Leisure Co. offers customized discount travel membership clubs and technology solutions to affinity partners including large employers, banks, retailers, trade associations across the Globe.

CAR BENEFIT

E&O INSURANCE

Williams specializes in real estate E&O Insurance. Quality insurance products and superior program management. REALTORS® get additional coverage endorsement at no additional premium.

SMDRA BENEFIT

FOREWARN

FOREWARN brings knowledge to the real estate industry through innovative solutions to ensure safer engagements and smarter interactions. FOREWARN solutions enable real estate professionals to gain real-time knowledge.

JUST FOR YOU!
 
 

2026 CORPORATE SPONSORS & PARTNERS

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