SMDRA WEEKLY NEWS & EVENTS • APRIL 17, 2026

Deadline for Tickets is TODAY!

💎Denim, diamonds, and a whole lot of well-deserved recognition! The 2026 Diamond Circle Awards are just around the corner, and this is your moment to shine. Join us as we celebrate the top producers, standout leaders, and incredible achievements that defined 2025, because this night is all about YOU! From red carpet moments to dancing, awards, and unforgettable energy, it’s the biggest celebration of the year… and you don’t want to miss it. Grab your tickets now and get ready to sparkle at Denim & Diamonds!💎


DEADLINE FOR DENIM & DIAMONDS TICKETS IS TODAY - FRIDAY, APRIL 17TH!

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.

ZOOM Contract to Buy/Sell Line by Line

Apr 21 - 9am to 1pm

Members Free / $60 Others

4 CE Credit

Instructor: Ray Sherman

ZOOM The Negotiation Edge

Apr 22 - 10am to 12pm

Members Free / $30 Others

0 CE Credit

Instructor: Rich Sands

ZOOM Beyond the Basics: Strategic AI Tools for RE Pros

Apr 22 - 2pm to 3pm

Members Free / $20 Others

0 CE Credit

Instructor: Lisa Suazo

ZOOM GRI 109: Internl. Real Estate

Apr 23 - 9am to 1pm

$50 for All

4 CE Credit

Instructor: Okie Arnot

IN-PERSON HECM for Purchase for REALTORS

Apr 28 - 1pm to 3pm

Members Free / $30 Others

2 CE Credit

Instructor: George Tsoupakis

IN-PERSON GRI 106: Ethics & Professional Pratice

May 5 - 9am to 1pm

Members Free / $60 Others

4 CE Credit

Instructor: Jack O'Connor

FREE EDUCATION FOR SMDRA MEMBERS!

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

UPCOMING DESIGNATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS

Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing

DATE: Wednesday, May 6, 2026

TIME: 1:00pm to 4:00pm

LOCATION: On-Line Zoom Format

CE CREDITS: 3

INSTUCTOR: Mickey Sanders

COST: $45 Members / $55 Others


CLASS INFORMATION: REALTORS® are committed to abiding by fair housing laws and the Code of Ethics. But sometimes, our brains take shortcuts that can lead us astray.


Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing is an NAR certificate course that helps real estate professionals interrupt stereotypical thinking so they can avoid fair housing pitfalls and provide equal professional service to every customer or client. Participants will learn about the mind science of identity, study how implicit bias can result in fair housing violations and engage in interactive exercises to enhance communication skills and business relationships with clients of all backgrounds.

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."

2026 Diamond Circle Awards:

Denim & Diamonds

DATE: Friday, April 24, 2026

TIME: 5:30pm-10:00pm

Cocktails & Networking: 5:30pm to 7:00pm

Dinner & Awards: 7:00pm to 9:30pm

Dancing & Celebration: 9:30 to 10:00pm

LOCATION: Marriott Denver Tech Center


A CELEBRATION OF YOU! Denim. Diamonds. Distinction.


Don’t miss the most iconic celebration of the year as we honor the top producers of the South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association.


This year, the Diamond Circle Awards shine with a Denim & Diamonds twist, where Colorado grit meets diamond-level results. Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition, inspiration, and celebration as we honor REALTORS® whose dedication, expertise, and performance truly set them apart.


NEW FOR 2026: There are no application fees to be recognized. All members who qualify based on REcolorado production reports will be automatically honored in the Carat Club, with recognition levels ranging from Carat Levels 1 through 5.


These exceptional professionals achieved outstanding levels of production in real estate transactions between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, proving that hard work, integrity, and excellence never go out of style.

From timeless denim to brilliant diamonds, this evening is a true celebration of achievement, connection, and success—because this shine was earned.


SPONSORSHIPS: Available Here

May Town Hall Talks: How to List LIke a Pro: Win Sellers with RPR's Presentation Tools

DATE: Friday, May 1, 2026

TIME: 9:00am to 10:00am

LOCATION: SMDRA Event Center

SPEAKER: Humberto Ramos-Cazares, RPR, Director of Industry Relations

TOPIC: How to List Like a Pro! Win Sellers with RPR’s Presentation Tools

 

SESSION INFORMATION: Are you really ready for your next Listing Presentation? Have you asked all the pivotal questions ahead of time? Have you done all your research, created a custom report and fully prepared to meet with your prospective client? If you’re not sure how to get ready, this class is for you!

We’ll take you on a tour of a property’s history and explain how you can elevate your listing presentation pitch. We’ll focus on a few key points:



  • Understanding what public records might be telling you about a seller’s motivation
  • How to use market trends and recent market activity in pricing discussions with a potential seller
  • How to customize a presentation with up-to-date property photos
  • Why it’s important to tailor your seller presentation for each client


Don’t show up to your next listing appointment unprepared! If you want to stand out, take the time to create a strong first impression. Start with RPR and put your best foot forward.


DONUT SPONSOR: Emma Bacon with Faith Cleaning https://faithcleaningservices.com/

May Connections & Cocktails: Cinco de Mayo Celebration

DATE: Thursday, May 14, 2026

TIME: 4:00pm to 6:00pm

TOPIC: Connections & Cocktails Member Networking

MAY THEME: Cinco de Mayo Celebration


THIS IS A SMDRA MEMBER ONLY EVENT!

 

SESSION INFORMATION: Let’s taco ‘bout connections! Join us for our May edition of Connections & Cocktails, where we’re serving up a Cinco de Mayo fiesta full of flavor, fun, and fantastic networking.


Enjoy cocktails, light appetizers, music, and a lively atmosphere that’s nacho average networking event. Whether you’re here to guac and roll with colleagues, spice up your connections, or just enjoy the fiesta vibes, this is the place to be.

Bring your energy, your appetite, and maybe a friend, because good connections (and good times) are always better when shared.


Don’t miss your chance to mix, mingle, and make connections that are worth celebrating. This one’s going to be a fiesta you won’t want to miss!


CONNECTIONS & COCKTAIL SPONSOR: Painted Prairie and Windler

https://lifeatpaintedprairie.com/

MARKET TRENDS & STATISTICS
 

Get the SMDRA Market Trends & Statistics for March 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.
REALTOR REPORT
 

NAR's Consumer Guide Series

Financing a Renovation When You Buy

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®.

3-2-1 Capitol Connection

April 14, 2026

Colorado Association of REALTORS

State Budget Passes the House, Goes to the Senate. “Long Appropriations Bill” (House Bill 1410), or Colorado’s annual “Long Bill” establishes the state budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and while it is not specific to housing, it plays an important role in shaping the broader economic conditions that impact the real estate market. The proposal reflects continued growth in state spending, driven largely by rising healthcare costs, which limits flexibility for new investments in housing and affordability initiatives. For REALTORS®, this matters because state budget decisions influence economic stability, consumer confidence, and the availability of funding for infrastructure and local programs that support housing development, all of which can affect supply, demand, and transaction activity across Colorado.

Explore the REcolorado Quick Tips Video Hub

REcolorado

The REcolorado Quick Tips Video Hub is your go-to resource for step-by-step tutorials covering MLS tools available through your REcolorado subscription, including Matrix, InfoSparks, and more.



Access short, practical videos to help you work more efficiently and confidently.

RPAC UPDATES

A Year of Wins: How Your Advocacy Dues Fueled Big Victories in 2025

NAR REALTOR Party

NAR is one of the most effective advocacy organizations in the country, and 2025 was no exception! From Congress to the White House to state capitols and the courts, NAR Advocacy was everywhere. In this episode, Shannon and Patrick do a deep dive on the legislation, regulations and rulings that impacted housing supply and affordability, property rights and fair housing, and REALTORS®' ability to run their businesses. 

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

BEFORE ENTERING A COMMERICIAL property, pack a flashlight in case of power outages and wear protective footwear.


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

INSURANCE OPTIONS

Receive exclusive access to health, dental, vision, and other insurance options, including savings on auto, home, and E&O. Plus, member-only financial services and planning offers. Be sure to check out all the options offered by NAR.

CAR BENEFIT

HEALTH INSURANCE

Compass Health Consultants is a full service agency helping real estate professionals and their clients navigate health and life insurance needs across all 50 states, offering comprehensive coverage solutions for individuals, families, and teams of any size.

SMDRA BENEFIT

COPY SERVICES

Members have access to high quality, color/black and white copy services with all the bells and whistles to meet your document reproduction needs. The cost of Copy Services is well below current copy costs that are available in the local area marketplace.

JUST FOR YOU!
 
 

2026 CORPORATE SPONSORS & PARTNERS

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