SMDRA WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS • MARCH 22, 2024
Settlement Update from Kevin Sears, NAR President
NAR President Kevin Sears shares an update on the association’s settlement agreement to resolve home seller litigation and highlights the ongoing work to advocate for members and consumers. 
SMDRA EDUCATION
HAVE YOU COMPLETED YOUR REQUIRED ETHICS COURSE FOR
THE CURRENT ETHICS CYCLE 2022-2024?
CLICK HERE to check your status, submit your certificate or find a class.

The requirement can be met by taking the course through any
REALTOR® Association, including NAR and CAR and the CE Shop.
Certificates received from any other source WILL NOT be honored!
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.
ZOOM Tax Reduction Strategies Webinar
Mar 26 - 10am to 12:30pm
Members Free / $20 Others
0 CE Credits
Instructor: Maine Shafer
ZOOM Renting vs. Owning: A Personal Finance Analysis
Mar 26 - 2pm to 4pm
Members Free / $30 Others
2 CE Credits
Instructor: Brady Mullen
ZOOM Accredited Buyer's Representative
Mar 27&28 - 9am to 4pm
Members Free / $215 Others
12 CE Credits
Instructor: Rich Sands
IN-PERSON Profess. Standards - Counts at Ethics
Apr 2 - 9am to 4pm
Members Free / $60 Others
6 CE Credits
Instructor: Doug Barber
IN-PERSON In-Depth Purchase Contract Review
Apr 3 - 9am to 4pm
Members Free / $90 Others
6 CE Credits
Instructor: John Gillam
ZOOM 2024 Annual Commission Update
Apr 4 - 9am to 1pm
Members Free / $60 Others
4 CE Credits
Instructor: Doug Emmerich
FREE EDUCATION FOR SMDRA MEMBERS!
ALL CLASSES except designations and certifications are FREE for SMDRA members.
UPCOMING DESIGNATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS
Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) Designation
DATE: Wed & Thu, March 27&28, 2024
TIME: 9:00am to 4:00pm
COST: FREE for 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."
SMDRA Affiliate Meet and
Greet Orientation
DATE: Thursday, March 28, 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.
March Connections and Cocktails Member Networking Event
DATE: Thursday, March 28, 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: Karen Hyman with 2-10 Home Warranty
April Town Hall Talks:
Topic: Insurance Issues Facing Colorado Homeowners
DATE: Friday, April 5, 2024
TIME: 8:30am to 9:30am – Doors Open at 8:15am
TOPIC: March Monthly SMDRA General Membership Meeting - Insurance Issues Facing Colorado Homeowners

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 April Insurance Issues Facing Colorado Homeowners. We will be hosting Bryan Bernier, CEO of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado (PIIAC) discussing the various issues facing Colorado Home Owners with regards to Home Owners Insurance and companies leaving the state.

DONUT SPONSOR: Hank McClellan with
JDog Hauling and Junk Removal
SMDRA Affiliate Roundtable:
Rooted in Your Business
DATE: Thursday, April 11, 2024
TIME: 2:30am – 3:30pm
SPEAKER: Jack O'Connor, The Denver 100
TOPIC: Rooted in Your Business

SESSION INFORMATION: This program gives ideas and techniques on how an Affiliate can build their real estate related business with REALTORS. This is a Free Event for Affiliates.
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 February 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
Litigation Update from NAR President Kevin Sears and
CLO Katie Johnson
National Association of REALTORS®
Hear how NAR's resolution provides a path forward for the industry and helps ensure consumer choice.
CAR Capitol Connection:
March 18, 2024
Colorado Association of REALTORS
Last Friday (3/15), the quarterly state revenue forecast was released, which allows legislators to finalize the state budget for 2024-25 and determine what funding, if any, is available for programs within 2024 legislation. This is the last revenue forecast of the 2024 legislative session and now legislators will begin hearing and evaluating bills in Appropriations Committees (House and Senate) in earnest. Very limited funding is available for dozens of bills after state budget and reserve obligations are met, which means some bills will be amended to slash their program costs or bills could die due to their fiscal notes. There are several bills we are monitoring or supporting in Appropriations Committees, including the following legislation. 
Showcase Your Attached Property with These Two Fields
REcolorado
You asked, we listened! A new field will be visible in Matrix to help your agents easily identify attached properties. During listing input, your agents will answer “Is the property attached?” with either yes or no. If the property is attached, agents are required to select Common Walls.
 
Also, on the search side of Matrix, your agents will be able to easily find only attached or only detached properties by filtering by the Attached/Detached selection. Since this new field is required on listing input, every listing will have this information and provide the broadest applicable results.  
 
This new field provides more clarity and transparency for attached properties, and delivers a feature requested by both you and your agents. 
ADVOCACY UPDATES
ADUS are Permitted
in Arapahoe County
Nick Bokone, SMDRA's Public Affairs and Outreach Consultant and NAR
At the March 8th SMDRA Government Affairs Committee Meeting, Arapahoe County Commissioner Jeff Baker highlighted the fact that Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are permitted in unincorporated Arapahoe County. CLICK HERE for more information.

ADUs – separate basement living quarters, garage apartments, etc are viewed in the metro area and around the county as at least one small possible solution to the need for more affordable housing. Commission Baker noted that, while these regulations took effect last September, the word is still getting out that ADUS are permitted in unincorporated areas of the county. In cities within the county, local land use codes and ordinances take precedence. But, this is an example of Arapahoe County trying different methods to increase housing stock at reasonable prices.
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
CHOOSE FLIGHT OVER FIGHT. While every real estate agent should take a basic self-defense course, the primary goal in any threatening situation is to escape from immediate danger and call for help.
Learn more at www.NAR.realtor/safety
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!

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. 
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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