Government Affairs Update: Special Session Called by Governor and Looking Ahead to 2026
Page 8
Market Trends: Housing Market Balance of Power Tilts Towards Buyers
Page 22
The Big Short How Did We Go From 2% Interest Rates to 6%, and What Got Us Here? Page 32
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The COLORADO REALTOR® is published by the Colorado Association of REALTORS®, 309 Inverness Way South, Englewood, CO 80112 (303) 790-7099
EDITOR: Lisa Dryer-Hansmeier, VP of Member Engagement & Public Relations: lhansmeier@coloradorealtors.com
The Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR) assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or art. The acceptance of advertising by the Colorado REALTOR® does not indicate approval or endorsement of the advertiser or their product by CAR. CAR makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of CAR.
This is a copyrighted issue. Permission to reprint or quote any material from this issue is hereby granted provided the Colorado REALTOR ® is given proper credit in all articles or commentaries, and the Colorado Association of REALTORS® is given proper credit with two copies of any reprints.
The term “REALTOR ®” is a national registered trademark for members of the National Association of REALTORS® The term denotes both business competence and a pledge to observe and abide by a strict Code of Ethics. To reach a CAR director who represents you, call your local association/board.
Why It’s Important to Take Advantage of Your Membership
As your state CEO, I want to take a moment to give you a brief update and remind you why it is important to take advantage of your REALTOR® membership opportunities.
CAR is financially solvent and stable. As of June 30, 2025, over 23,600 real estate licensees out of an estimated 38,000 active real estate licensees have voluntarily chosen to be Colorado REALTORS® so far this year. At all three levels—local, state, and national—we are delivering real, tangible value to members. Some of these benefits include:
• Legal and risk management support
• Professional development and standards
• Research and resources
• Networking opportunities
• Exclusive member benefits
We know there will always be challenges in the real estate industry that impact the REALTOR® associations. We’ve had setbacks and, in some cases, broke the members trust in us. I won’t dismiss this as a bump in the road, but I do strongly feel we are headed in the right direction, collectively.
We just had our first-ever all-membership Virtual Townhall, and while the attendance numbers weren’t where we hope they grow to be, overall, it was a success! We provided a transparent state of CAR update and listened to members’ needs and candid comments. This member format is a new initiative for CAR, but it is important to our quest to retain, gain, and regain our members’ trust and that members know that CAR exists to positively impact their business and their clients' real estate opportunities.
However, your membership only works if you activate it and take advantage of what is available to you through your REALTOR® associations.
Whether you're seeking advanced training to master the intricacies of real estate technology, looking to connect with fellow REALTORS® who can inspire you, looking to share with customers and clients in your area about how legislative issues are impacting homeownership and their private property rights, or seeking housing
Tyrone Adams CEO of the Colorado Association of REALTORS®
FROM THE CEO
market information, taking the initiative to activate these opportunities will empower you and elevate your small business.
Measure how you are utilizing the resources at your disposal. Are you participating in forums that challenge your knowledge and philosophical business practices? Have you taken full advantage of the online tools that can streamline your workflow? When is the last time you used a discounted benefit that can save you money? Every moment spent investing in your growth and utilizing the tools the R affords you translates into better service for your clients—a crucial value proposition in our competitive market.
So, I appeal to you, to activate your membership and watch how it not only transforms your career but also uplifts our entire industry.
I hope to see you at another opportunity initiated by CAR October 27-30, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency DTC. More information can be found at the 2025 CAR Leadership Symposium.
Thank you for choosing to be a Colorado REALTOR®!
What
Every
Property Manager Needs
to Know – Join our FREE Forum for CAR members on September 25
Insights That Matter to Property Managers
The landscape of property management is evolving—and it’s more important than ever to keep up. Join us virtually on September 25th for the CAR Property Management Forum. We’ll dive into the trends, regulations, legislation, and risk factors that directly impact your day-to-day operations.
You’ll leave with insights you can use immediately—plus a stronger grasp of what’s coming next.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Free for members. $20 for non-members
Save Your Spot Today
CAR members talking with legislators at NAR meetings.
The Power of Ownership, Advocacy, and Connection
One chart says it all: the net worth difference between homeowners and renters. That single image is what fuels my drive to protect property rights and champion pathways for first-time buyers to enter the market. Homeownership builds equity. It builds stability. It builds generational wealth.
As REALTORS®, we are more than market experts—we’re stewards. We guide people through one of the most significant decisions of their lives, bringing insight, professionalism, and ethics to every step. That’s not just a job. That’s a calling. And CAR is here to support you in that mission—providing the tools and leadership development that make us better advocates for our clients and our communities.
FIGHTING FOR YOU IN D.C.
In June, I had the privilege of attending the National Association of REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C. It was powerful to see Colorado REALTORS® meeting with Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet, and other members of our congressional delegation. We even made the NAR wrap-up video (check it out here)!
Dana Cottrell
2025 President of the Colorado Association of REALTORS® FROM
We urged lawmakers to support key REALTOR® issues, including:
• Preserving the 20% pass-through business income deduction (Main Street Tax Certainty Act)
• Protecting 1031 Exchanges – critical for real estate investment and inventory movement
• Expanding the SALT deduction and solidifying the Mortgage Interest Deduction
• Increasing housing supply and affordability through the Housing Supply Framework Act
• Helping first-time buyers by expanding penalty-free IRA withdrawals (Uplifting First-Time Homebuyers Act)
• Improving access to health care and protecting independent contractor status
Your voice matters, and when we speak together, we are heard.
YOUR FEEDBACK IS FUELING CHANGE
We just wrapped our first statewide CAR Town Hall on Zoom—thanks to those who joined! If you missed it, don’t worry—we’ll be hosting these regularly. They’re a direct result of member feedback, and your insights are already
shaping how we connect, communicate, and deliver value.
During the Town Hall, we highlighted some of the core benefits your membership brings:
• Legal and risk management resources
• Professional development and ethics guidance
• Data, research, and real estate intel
• Statewide networking and leadership opportunities
• Exclusive services that protect your business and elevate your brand
Each of these programs is powered by passionate volunteers and dedicated staff. Their work is intentional, member-focused, and built to help you thrive.
STRONG AND STEADY
As of today, CAR membership stands at about 23,600— 100 above our budget projections—and I’m proud to report that we are financially strong and stable.
I’m honored to serve alongside you and for you. I’m proud to be a REALTOR®, and to be a member of my local, state, and national associations. Together, we’re building a stronger industry and a better Colorado.
Government Affairs Update
Special Session Called by Governor
Tanner Vice President of Public Policy for the Colorado Association of REALTORS®
The recent passage of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” (House Resolution 1) has resulted in a projected $1.2 billion shortfall for Colorado’s state budget. This is primarily due to the state’s fiscal alignment with federal tax policies and spending decisions, including cuts to programs like Medicaid and food assistance. Colorado anticipates reduced revenues of approximately $500 million and increased costs nearing $700 million.
In response, Governor Polis has called a Special Legislative Session, beginning Thursday, August 21st. While the outcome remains unknown at the time of this writing, the session will last at least three days—and potentially longer. Notably, we anticipate a portion of the session will address consumer protections in artificial intelligence, seeking to revise language in SB24-205, a 2024 bill that has not yet taken effect. CAR is actively participating in a broad stakeholder group to ensure key statutory updates protect both consumers and REALTORS®, especially concerning tools like Forewarn used for identity verification and fraud prevention.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Looking Ahead to 2026 Elections
With 2026 on the horizon, the race for legislative and statewide offices is already underway. Several legislators have announced bids for higher office, while others have confirmed they will not seek re-election, continuing Colorado’s trend of legislative turnover.
Importantly, all four constitutional statewide offices will be open in 2026:
•Governor
•Attorney General
• Treasurer
• Secretary of State
Voters can also expect a robust ballot in November 2026, with multiple statewide measures and another lengthy Blue Book.
Brian
REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC): 2025
Progress & Recognition
A heartfelt thank you to the 6,345 Colorado REALTORS® who have invested at least $25 in RPAC this year—and a special shout-out to our 107 Major Investors, each of whom has invested or pledged $1,000 or more in 2025.
Top-Performing Local Associations:
• Royal Gorge Association of REALTORS®
*54% participation* | *158% of goal raised*
Achieved NAR’s Triple Crown and will be honored in Washington, D.C. at the 2026 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings.
• Grand County Board of REALTORS®
*88% participation* | *94% of goal raised*
Very close to Triple Crown recognition!
• Telluride Association of REALTORS®
*76% participation* | *98% of goal raised* Also nearing Triple Crown status.
• Vail Board of REALTORS®
*68% participation* | *91% of goal raised*
In addition, the following associations have surpassed the 37% membership participation goal:
• Pueblo Association of REALTORS®
• Delta County Board of REALTORS®
• Aspen Board of REALTORS®
• Four Corners Board of REALTORS
• Montrose Association of REALTORS®
“Colorado Day” RPAC Campaign Success
To celebrate Colorado’s birthday on August 1st, members from 14 local associations each invested a minimum of $38 in a “Colorado Share.” This campaign was paired with a fun and informative CAR social media series, which featured 38 facts about Colorado—the 38th state in the Union—shared between July 21st and August 1st.
RPAC DOLLARS IN ACTION
The Colorado Association of REALTORS® Political Action Committee (CARPAC) has approved local “Issues Mobilization”
funding for the following associations:
• South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association (SMDRA)
• Durango (DAAR)
• Boulder-Longmont (BOLO)
• Loveland-Berthoud (LBAR)
• Pikes Peak (PPAR)
Additional requests from three local associations are also under review. These funds help REALTORS® engage on important local issues that affect property rights, housing, and community development.
It’s never too late to invest in RPAC—your investment supports your business and strengthens the future of Colorado’s communities.
For questions or more information, contact CAR’s Government Affairs team at govaffairs@coloradorealtors.com.
CAR MEMBERSHIP
CAR has partnered with several companies to provide Colorado REALTORS® discounts on products and services to help you with your business and health.
DISCOVER
• CTM ECONTRACTS
• EXODUS MOVING & STORAGE
• KAYDOH VIDEO MESSAGING
• DOMII
• WILLIAMS UNDERWRITING GROUP
• LIVEPAD
• RENTSPREE
• CAR LEGAL HOTLINE
• LEGAL RESOURCES
• LIFE LINE SCREENING
• REALTORS® PROPERTY RESOURCE
• VAULT HEALTH INSURANCE
• 1QR.COM
• ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
• IXACT CRM
• MARKET TRENDS RESEARCH
• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• POLITICAL ADVOCACY
• NETWORKING
Explore new partners like Life Line Screening. Learn more about these products and attend Free webinars at QR code and link below.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR CAR LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM
ELEVATE YOUR IMPACT
Are you ready to take your leadership journey to the next level? Whether you’re new to serving an association, an experienced leader looking to refine your skills and perspective, or a REALTOR® who is interested in becoming more involved in your association and investing in industry solutions, this event is for you!
This fall, join us October 27–30, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency DTC for the 2025
CAR Leadership Symposium — the premier gathering for REALTOR® leaders across Colorado.
Immerse yourself in high-level leadership training, gain fresh strategies to navigate market shifts, and connect with peers who are shaping the future of our industry. You’ll hear from powerhouse speakers like real estate leader and trainer Tommy Choi, leadership coach and NAR Past President Elizabeth Mendenall, Lab Coat Agents CEO/Founder and real estate visionary Tristan Ahumada, and your favorite real estate attorney Scott Peterson — each bringing insights to
sharpen your skills and expand your influence.
Your full registration includes access to all keynote and breakout sessions, the Welcome Reception, Expo Hall, Networking Lunch, and CAR Business Meetings. This is your opportunity to grow your leadership toolkit, deepen your industry knowledge, and forge valuable connections that last well beyond the event.
Lead with confidence. Shape the future. See you at the CAR Leadership Symposium.
Learn more and register today!
Tell Us What You Love About Being a REALTOR®
We visited the 2025 REALTOR® Summit in northern Colorado earlier this year and asked REALTORS® in attendance what they love about being a REALTOR®. These are their responses.
“I love seeing individuals and family’s dreams come true by having a safe and loving home.”
– Elizabeth Hart
“I love the smiles of happy customers.” – Dean Smith
“I love helping people buy a home at any age.” – Bonnie Sherman
“I love my clients – their stories, goals and dreams. When I’m able to help them through the tuff stuff I’m in my happy place.”
– Lisa Young
“I love the flexibility to support my family.” – Mike White
“I love working with first time buyers.”– Rohanna Roma
“I love helping the folks and young families that do not think they can afford to buy a home.”
– Christie Juhl
“It has made a great life for me.” – Greg Zadel
“I love the higher level of ethics and more options for support of being a REALTOR®.” – Lyndsey Stulp
“I love the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and the political advocacy REALTORS® do.” – Sean Dougherty
“I love seeing my clients faces as they light up when they close on their new home and life.” –Michelle Sotak
“Being a REALTOR® helps provide our clients with more trust and we appreciate being supported by those that fight for us to keep our profession going.”
– Jessica Carrillo
“I love helping people find and make roots.” – Missy Eisenach
“The DOJ lawsuit has had a small impact on Colorado. Well Done!” – Roger Kelley
“I love the connections and relationships. You can never have too many friends and family.”
Michelle King
“We raise the bar for ourselves and our clients.” – April Neuhaus
“Being able to help educate people on how to build wealth through real estate.” – Josh Sherman
“I love the REALTOR® resources available when things get difficult.” – Misty Deiparine
“It is great to make connections and learn processes to be the best it can be.” – Michele Steward
“The love the adventures of helping buyers and sellers to get the best result possible.” –Ken Allen
“I love the chance to work with great people and make their real estate purchase stress free and successful.” – Susan Mock
“I love making dreams come true and converting stress into reassuring experiences on taking the next step.” – Nissa Hall
CAR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY AGENDA 2026
Office: 309 Inverness Way South, Englewood, CO 80112
Office: 10:00am – 3:30pm
February 3, 9:00am - 11:00am
February 3, 9:00am - 11:30am
March 31, 9:00am-11:00am
April 14, 9:00am-11:00am CAR Office: 309 Inverness Way South, Englewood, CO 80112 March 3, 9:00am - 4:30pm
EIGHT - 4/28-4/29
Income Steady, Even as Market Slows: 2025 Member Trends
By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey
Article originally published in the REALTOR® Magazine, a publication of the National Association of REALTORS®
The just-released 2025 Member Profile from NAR includes income and expense trends, niche specializations, outreach strategies and the value of experience.
Even with sluggish sales in many areas, real estate agents are showing a commitment to stay the course and support buyers and sellers through shifting market conditions, according to the newly released National Association of REALTORS®’ 2025 Member Profile. Seventy-four percent of real estate professionals who are REALTORS® were “very certain” they will remain active in the business for the next two years, appearing to shrug off slower home sales.
"The real estate market will always have a consistent flow of new entrepreneurs,” says NAR Deputy Chief Economist Jessica Lautz. At the same time, existing practitioners are expanding their business specialties or remaining focused on helping their clients overcome their biggest stressors in the
market: housing affordability and elevated mortgage rates.
“Despite the headwinds in the current market,” Lautz says, “the majority of agents who are REALTORS® plan on staying in real estate as an active professional.”
That commitment should pay off for them and their clients when the housing market sees a turnaround: NAR is forecasting existing-home sales to increase by the end of 2025 by 3% and surge by 14% in 2026, according to the association’s latest housing forecast
Guiding Clients Through the Market’s Biggest Challenges
In recent years, elevated mortgage rates and rising home prices have put tremendous pressure on buyers’ budgets. In fact, this year, “affordability” surpassed “difficulty in finding the right property” as the biggest hurdle buyers facing, according to the Member Profile.
The top home-buying barriers (in order), according to REALTORS®, are:
1. Housing affordability: 25%
2. Expectation that mortgage rates might come down: 19%
3. Lack of inventory: 17%
4. Difficulty in finding the right property: 10%
5. No factors are limiting potential clients: 7%
6. Expectation that prices might fall further: 6%
7. Low consumer confidence: 4%
8. Difficulty in obtaining mortgage finance: 3%
9. Ability to save for down payment: 2%
10. Ability to sell existing home: 2%
Incomes Rise, Sides Hold Steady
In addition to highlighting challenges in the market, NAR’s Member Profile gives real estate professionals an annual look at the median income and expenses in the industry. The 2025 Profile, released Aug. 6, is based on a survey of NAR members reporting their 2024 transaction data.
Overall, responses showed the median gross income of a REALTOR® rose to $58,100 in 2024—up from $55,800 in 2023. The typical member completed 10 transaction sides in 2024, holding steady from 2023’s numbers. The typical sales volume remained at $2.5 million in 2024, also unchanged from the previous year.
Source: NAR, 2025 Member Profile
Experience Continues to Pay Off
The typical REALTOR® had 12 years of experience, up from 10 in last year’s report. The share of members with more than 25 years of experience rose to 21% this year, up from 19% last year.
“As REALTORS® gained a larger network of referrals and previous clients and experience, their income generally rose,” the report notes. For example, REALTORS® with 16 years or more experience had a median gross income of $78,900. By contrast, REALTORS® who’d worked in the business for two years or less had a median gross income of $8,100.
Source: NAR, 2025 Member Profile
Real estate often isn’t a first career stop. Among REALTORS® who transitioned from another career, most came from sales, retail, business or finance. With a median age of 57—and 44% of REALTORS® over age 60—NAR members bring deep professional experience and maturity to the table.
Diversifying Services Through Specialties
Although 70% of NAR members specialize primarily in residential brokerage, there is a range of primary specialties among members—and many real estate professionals ramp up business opportunities by branching out. Among the most common secondary specialties cited by REALTORS® are continued on next page
residential property management, relocation and commercial brokerage.
Source: NAR, 2025 Member Profile
Past Clients Remain Key Source of Leads
Keeping in touch with past clients remained an important part of maintaining customer pipelines. REALTORS® typically earned 20% of their business from repeat clients and 21% through referrals from past clients and customers.
The longer real estate professionals stay in the business, the more clients come to them—reducing the need to constantly prospect for new leads. Among those with 16 or more years of experience, 40% said repeat clients made up more than half their business. Referrals were also more common, accounting for 28% of business for more seasoned agents.
Budgeting Smartly in a Time of Inflation
Faced with high inflation, real estate pros are budgeting wisely for business expenses. The total median annual business expenses were $8,010, a slight decrease from $8,450 in 2023, NAR’s Member Profile shows. The largest expense category continues to be the cost of operating a vehicle for business.
Technology Is a Vital Client Connection Tool
“It’s clear that technology can assist home buyers when inventory is limited and buyers are moving further distances,” the report says.
Many REALTORS® use websites to not just promote their property listings but also to post information about the buying and selling process, helping them reach prospective clients who are in the research phase. Real estate pros are also using social media to connect with leads, particularly focusing on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
The most common technologies used by NAR members are the multiple listing service, and electronic forms and signatures. But several emerging technologies are also gaining prominence, including apps for CMAs and design. (Stay up to date on innovations in real estate with NAR’s Technology and Innovation blog.)
Source: NAR, 2025 Member Profile
Source: NAR, 2025 Member Profile
Explore the New CAR Foundation
Website
New Online Home. Same Mission to Serve Colorado Communities.
The Colorado Association of REALTORS® Foundation, serving as the philanthropic and community engagement arm of the Colorado Association of REALTORS®, has a new website, a dedicated space to highlight the work, impact, and opportunities for involvement.
This new site allows REALTORS® and community partners to directly access the Foundation’s initiatives, grants, and giving opportunities.
What you’ll find:
• Clear mission and impact of the Foundation
• Information on housing and disaster relief initiatives
• Grant application details and deadlines
• Ways to donate, partner, and stay engaged
We invite you to visit and explore how the CAR Foundation is helping build stronger, more resilient communities across Colorado. Visit www.carfoundation.org.
Interested in Philanthropy? Apply for the CAR Foundation Board
The CAR Foundation serves Colorado REALTORS® as the philanthropic and community engagement arm of the Colorado Association of REALTORS®. The CAR Foundation’s mission is to promote safe and attainable housing, advance homeownership for all Coloradans, and provide housing-related disaster assistance to our neighbors in need. Applications for the CAR Foundation Board of Directors is open until August 31st.
E&O Basics –The Importance of Maintaining Continuous Coverage
Understanding your real estate errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is extremely important. Williams Underwriting Group (WUG), a division of Accretive Specialty Insurance Solutions, LLC, is the exclusive real estate E&O provider for the Colorado Association of Realtors (CAR) with additional benefits for CAR members. Continental Casualty Company, a CNA insurance company, is the insurance carrier.
E&O insurance benefits real estate professionals by providing assistance to respond to covered claims. Claims often arise years after the underlying transaction closed, so it’s critical to maintain continuous coverage with no gaps to preserve your prior acts coverage. Even a one-day gap between policy periods can result in loss of all prior acts coverage.
Like most E&O policies, WUG’s independent group policy is a claims-made-and-reported policy, meaning it applies to claims that are both first made against the insured and reported to the carrier during the policy period. The last newsletter detailed the importance of recognizing when a claim is made and immediately reporting it to the carrier. Now we will dive into the importance of continuous coverage.
Four dates are important in determining whether coverage under a claims-made-and-reported policy may apply to a claim:
1.the insured’s retroactive date (under the group policy, this is the date from which the insured has maintained continuous E&O insurance with no gaps in coverage);
2. the date of the professional services giving rise to the claim;
3. the date the claim is made; and
4. the date the insured reports the claim to the insurance company.
Coverage is considered under the policy in effect the date the claim is first made. WUG’s policies only cover claims that relate to professional services provided on or after the retroactive date. Under the group policy, the retroactive date is established separately for each insured licensee. The retroactive date is the date from which the licensee has continuously maintained uninterrupted E&O coverage. Any gap in coverage will terminate the previously- established retroactive date and the new retroactive date will be the date the licensee reestablishes coverage.
For a claim to be covered, the insured must have coverage in place on the date the claim is made, have had coverage in place when the professional services giving rise to the claim were provided, and have continuously maintained coverage between those dates. If there is even a one-day break in coverage during that time, then the policy’s retroactive date would not go back to the date of the professional services, so there would be no coverage for the claim. Further, the claim must be timely reported to the insurance company.
Example – Ramifications of Failure to Timely Renew Coverage. Ms. Agent first purchased E&O insurance when she obtained her real estate license on January 1, 2021. She timely renewed her insurance in 2022 and 2023. Unfortunately, she did not purchase insurance for 2024 until April 1, 2024. She got back on track in 2025 and timely renewed.
SUMMARY
January 1, 2021 – January 1, 2022
January 1, 2022 – January 1, 2023
January 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
January 1, 2021
January 1, 2021
January 1, 2021
April 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025 April 1, 2024
January 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026 April 1, 2024
Ms. Agent’s retroactive dates under the 2021, 2022, and 2023 policies was January 1, 2021, because that was the date from which she had maintained continuous E&O insurance. Due to the lapse in coverage, her prior acts coverage under the 2024 and 2025 policies was April 1, 2024. Accordingly, any claims that arose in 2024 or 2025 that stemmed from professional services provided before April 1, 2024 would not be eligible for coverage.
Shortly after obtaining her license, Ms. Agent represented a buyer in a real estate transaction that closed February 15, 2021. In 2025, Ms. Agent is served with a lawsuit alleging she was negligent in representing her client in the 2021 transaction. Ms. Agent immediately submits the lawsuit to her insurance company and asked the company to hire an attorney to represent her in the lawsuit. Ms. Agent is upset to learn the claim is not covered, because the professional services took place before her April 1, 2024 retroactive date. For purposes of this example, assume the lawsuit would otherwise be covered under the policy.
In this example, the claim arose in 2025, so coverage is considered under Ms. Agent’s 2025 policy, which has an individual policy period of January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026 and a retroactive date of April 1, 2024, because that is the date from which Ms. Agent maintained continuous E&O insurance. The transaction closed on February 15, 2021, which is before the retroactive date. Even though Ms. Agent had E&O coverage when the transaction closed and again when the claim arose, the claim is not covered, because the applicable policy does not cover conduct that occurred before its retroactive date. Ms. Agent’s failure to timely renew coverage in 2024 caused her to lose coverage for claims relating to any services provided before her new retroactive date.
Don’t Lose Your Prior Acts Coverage. The best way to protect yourself from situations like Ms. Agent’s is to always timely renew your coverage and pay your premium. If you fail to timely renew, contact your insurance provider right away to see if they consider requests to backdate in any situations. The carrier is not obligated to backdate coverage and reserves the right to deny requests to backdate, so do not rely on it. Even if a backdate request is approved, it will not cure a licensee’s failure to comply with Colorado’s mandatory insurance requirement.
Your insurance coverage is important. Please take the time to read and understand your policy’s coverage provisions, conditions, and exclusions. Feel free to contact WUG at 1-800-222-4035 if you have any questions or concerns. They are always happy to help.
Housing Market Balance of Power Tilts Towards Buyers
INVENTORY OF ACTIVE STATEWIDE = 27,085
Pricing on single-family homes, as well as condo/townhomes, dipped slightly in markets statewide in July as inventory continued to pile up, sales volume slowed, and the seasonal fall slowdown came into view, according to the latest Market Trends Housing Report from the Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR) and analysis from the Association’s spokespersons working in markets across the state.
“As the market heads into the fall, the balance of power remains tilted toward buyers. Elevated inventory, slower sales velocity, and the prevalence of meaningful concessions create conditions that allow buyers to negotiate terms that fit their needs while still benefiting from stable home values,” said Denver County-area REALTOR® Cooper Thayer. “For sellers, success will depend on accurate pricing, strong property presentation, and a willingness to be flexible. For buyers, this is one of the most favorable negotiating climates in more than a decade, and one where opportunities are abundant if you know where to look.”
Median pricing for single-family homes in the seven-county Denver area dipped 1.6% from June to July to $630,000, down 1.2% from a year ago. Townhome/condos in the Denver area fell just shy of 2% over the past 30 days and are down 6.5% from a year ago at $392,500. Statewide, the median price of a single-family home fell just over 1% to $590,000 but remains relatively flat with median pricing from June 2024. Townhome/ condo median pricing slipped 1.2% from June to July and is down just shy of 6% from a year ago at $400,000.
“Across all market segments, fewer homes are selling at full list price, and many sellers are offering concessions during the inspection period to keep deals intact. Homes in convenient locations and those fully updated and move-in ready continue to sell quickly, while properties that need renovations or are situated in remote areas tend to linger, especially if they are
priced too high from the start,” said Evergreen-area REALTOR® Julia Purrington Paluck.
July’s 3,686 single-family sales in the Denver-metro market were down 8.8% from June to July, while statewide, the 6,221 sales were off 7.4% for the same period.
Sellers seem to want last year’s prices and buyers want next year’s prices, and the disconnect is culminating in fewer sales,” said Boulder/Broomfield-area REALTOR® Kelly Moye.
Despite the pullback in new listings and slower sales, the volume of active inventory remains well up over the same time last year in most markets and product types.
The combination of market factors helped buyers with pricing as well with the average percent-of-list-price received down slightly to 98.7% for single-family homes and 98.3% for condo/ townhomes.
The overall months’ supply of inventory continues to favor a buyer’s market as well with 4.1 months’ supply of single-family homes in the Denver-metro area, up 5.1% from a year prior, while condo/townhome inventory hit 5.6 months, up more than 30% from a year ago. Statewide, the months’ supply of single-family inventory remained flat at 4.5, up 12.5% from July 2024. Condo/townhome supply dipped 1.7% from June
to July but also remains up more than 31% from a year ago.
Now is possibly the best time in the past 14 years to be a buyer. Interest rates may not be perfect, but all the other buying conditions are close to perfect for buyers who can always look ahead at refinance options if interest rates go down,” said Aurora REALTOR® Sunny Banka.
“The abundance of available homes presents a fabulous opportunity for buyers to find properties that suit their preferences. It also allows them to negotiate more favorable offers with motivated sellers,” said Colorado Springs-area REALTOR® Jay Gupta.
LOCAL MARKET SUMMARIES
Taking a more in-depth look at some of the state’s local market data and conditions, the Colorado Association of REALTORS® Market Trends spokespersons provided the following assessments:
AURORA
“It seems that the market has been considerably slower than a year ago however, the numbers do not reflect that in all areas. The activity continues to be hyper-local and the adage location, location, location still holds true. While seeing increased inventory, some of our higher-priced neighborhoods are also experiencing price increases – not just from a year ago, but one month ago. In the 80016 zip code the 254 active listings are up slightly from the prior month and the $830,000 median price is up 2.5% a year prior. However, the median price last month was $800,000.
“More moderately priced areas have some very deep reductions. In Central Aurora’s 80012 zip code the median price is $480,000, while just one month ago the median price was $499,000. Buyers seem to have more leverage in the more moderately priced areas. In addition to the deep price cuts, we are seeing more sellers willing to offer concessions to help buyers with short-term lowering of interest rates or funds for closing costs. Without much movement in the interest rates,
it appears that sellers will have to determine their motivation level. Do they want to sell now, or do they want to hold through the winter? If they want to sell now, they need to be the best price, with the best house and possibly still offering concessions to help buyers get into the property at a payment that they feel is reasonable. Generally, now is possibly the best time in the past 14 years to be a buyer. Interest rates may not be perfect, but all the other buying conditions are close to perfect for buyers who can always look ahead at refinance options if interest rates go down. Getting into a home and building equity may not be as easy once the rates start to move down. Buyers need to take another look and rethink their strategy. Sellers need to be more reasonable about the true value of their home right now,” said Aurora REALTOR® Sunny Banka.
BOULDER/BROOMFIELD COUNTIES
“The real estate markets in Boulder and Broomfield Counties are tipped in favor of buyers, as new listings are popping up faster than homes are selling.
“In Boulder, new listings are up 14% compared to this time last year, but sales have only increased 1.4%. In neighboring Broomfield, listings have jumped 17%, while sales are only up 2.6%. This growing gap between supply and demand is making it easier for buyers to take their time and shop around — a clear sign the market has shifted. Sellers seem to want last year’s prices and buyers want next year’s prices, and the disconnect is culminating in fewer sales.
“In Boulder, prices have stayed mostly flat compared to last year. Homes are sitting on the market for around 60 days, showing that sellers are waiting longer for offers. Broomfield is seeing quicker activity, with homes averaging 37 days on the market, and prices are currently up 6% year-over-year. But with inventory climbing, that price appreciation may not last. We expect to see prices go down by the end of the year.
“As we head into the fall season, all signs point to a buyer’s market. Sellers will need to cut prices to attract the serious buyers. Sales price/ list price ratio still remains tight at about 99%, but that doesn’t take into consideration the concessions sellers are paying to buyers to buy down their interest rate. The
average sale concession is 3% of the list price, bringing that number down to about 96% sales price/list price, a noticeable difference from past years,” said Boulder/Broomfield-area REALTOR® Kelly Moye.
COLORADO SPRINGS
“Are the tides turning in favor of buyers? We have some signs that it may be true. July proved to be a frustrating month for sellers. What is normally summer selling season was lackluster at best. Increased inventory, up 21% from the previous year, gave buyers more selections. But they didn’t show up to buy. Median prices dropped 1% and units sold were off -6% year over year. Affordability continues to be an issue.
“Part of the issue we are feeling about housing relates to overall debt, in my opinion. Student loan payments, car payments, credit card payments, food bills, gas, insurance. All weigh on the economy and that carries over to housing. American households need to earn $112,000 per year to afford a home. We have a median income of $84,000, per Nick Gerli, of REVENTURE. This is a large spread and something must give. Either wages must increase, interest rates must drop, or home prices must come down. And in many areas, the housing shift on prices has begun. But here in the Pikes Peak Region they continue to stay elevated, and many wouldbe buyers opt to save money by renting.
“The economy continues to be fragile. Economic data from jobs to manufacturing show that we may be for a bumpy ride this winter and into next year. The betting odds of a rate drop from the Federal Reserve in September are running around 85%. Four Fed presidents have now come out publicly for rate cuts. Forty-one percent of consumer spending goes to housing, utilities, healthcare, medications, and insurance. In 1980, that was only 30%. Buyers are sitting on the sidelines because they are nervous. Until we see a better alignment between wages and home prices, I think you will see potential buyers sit longer. I imagine this winter will feel colder than many in our past when it comes to the housing market locally,” said Colorado Springs-area REALTOR® Patrick Muldoon.
COLORADO SPRINGS
“The home prices continue to edge up month after month. Last month, the average sales price of single-family and patio homes reached a historic high of $574,276. Two of the most crucial components in home building are lumber and labor, both of which are currently in massive turmoil. Recent data from Cotality (formerly known as CoreLogic) shows home prices increased 1.7% year-over-year. Cotality is projecting a healthy 4.2% increase over the next 12 months. The continued appreciation trend points out that real estate is still one of the most outstanding ways to build long-term wealth. A home of average price of $574,276 with a 4.2% increase would appreciate $24,119 in just one year.
“Warren Buffett is renowned for his investing philosophy, which is summarized in his famous advice: buy when others are selling and sell when others are buying.
“With the current historic level of active listings, sellers must price competitively from the start to avoid repeated price reductions and ensure their properties are attractively staged to draw buyers.
“On the other hand, the abundance of available homes presents a fabulous opportunity for buyers to find properties that suit their preferences. It also allows them to negotiate more favorable offers with motivated sellers,” said Colorado Springs-area REALTOR® Jay Gupta.
July Key Highlights from the Colorado Springs Market:
•Active Listings – Supply: In July 2025, Colorado Springs area had 4,227 single-family and patio homes available for sale, according to the Pikes Peak MLS. It represented a remarkable year-over-year increase of 29.1% and a substantial 204.1% increase compared to July 2020. The inventory level was the highest for July since 2014, matching the same count from that year.
The overall months' supply of active listings was 3.7 months. For homes priced under $400,000, the supply was 3.1 months. Homes in the price range of $400,000 to $600,000 the supply was at 3.2 months. The supply for homes priced between $600,000 and $1 million was more plentiful at 4.4 months. However, for homes priced over $1 million, the supply was robust at 5.7 months.
• Sales – Demand: Last month, a total of 1,152 single-family and patio homes were sold. It reflects a slight decline of 3.8% from the previous month, but it shows a modest increase of 2.2% compared to the same time last year.
The monthly sales volume also experienced a minor increase of 2.8% compared to the last year but an astounding 106.6% increase compared to July 2014. Year-to-date sales volume showed a healthy increase of 19.7% compared to previous month and 8.4% compared to July of last year. In comparison to July 2014, the year-to-date sales volume escalated amazingly with an increase of 150.1%.
• Days on the Market: The average number of days on the market in July 2025 decreased to 39 days, down from 40 last month but up from 34 days in July of last year.
• Sales by Price Range: Last month, 23.8% of homes sold were priced below $400,000, while 44.9% were sold for between $400,000 and $600,000. Homes priced between $600,000 and $1 million accounted for 24.2% of the sales, and those priced over $1 million represented 7.1% of the total sales.
In July 2025, there was a modest 3.0% increase in the sale of single-family homes priced under $400,000 compared to the previous year. Homes priced between $400,000 and $600,000 also saw a tiny 1.0% drop in sales. There was a modest 3.3% increase in the sale of homes priced between $600,000 and $1 million. The homes sold for over $1 million experienced a healthy 6.2% increase in sales.
•Average & Median Sales Prices: Last month, the average sales price of single-family and patio homes reached a historic high for July at $574,276. It marks a slight increase of 0.5% compared to last year and an impressive escalation of 34.3% compared with July 2020, just five years ago. Additionally, there has been an exceptional 108.5% increase compared to July 2014.
The median sales price saw a marginal decrease of 0.3% year-over-year. Nevertheless, it had a huge 32.7% increase compared to July 2020 and an astounding 104.7% escalation compared to July 2014.
•Price Reductions: Last month, 52.8% of active listings in El Paso County and 46.6% in Teller County saw price reductions. With the current high volume of active listings, sellers must price competitively from the start to avoid repeated price
reductions and stage their homes attractively to draw buyers.
CRESTED BUTTE/GUNNISON
“The real estate sales statistics for the Gunnison Crested Butte Association of REALTORS® area continue to track pretty closely to 2024. Overall, there are more sales (up 12%), but lower total sales volume (down 6%). The number of listings is up slightly (6%). Average prices in the larger area for residential properties are down – only 1% for condos and townhomes and 16% for single-family homes. However, as is always the case, these trends are not the same in all areas.
“The Crested Butte area is down both in number of sales (134 vs. 137) and dollar volume (less than 5% - $159 million vs. $167 million). Average prices continue to rise for residential properties in the Crested Butte area. Single-family home prices are up 2% on average this year vs. last and the average price of condos and townhomes are up 8%. Inventory is up 6%, but if you are in the market for a single-family home in this area, there are 16% more for sale this year than in 2024. Importantly, the number of residential properties under contract is up 20% over last year, so the increased inventory in this area is allowing buyers who have been waiting to find something they want to buy.
“As reported last month, the Gunnison area has a significant increase in the number of sales (32% more) and the dollar volume is up 18% as well. Average residential prices have gone down slightly. Single-family homes are selling for 17% less on average while condos and townhomes have remained steadier with only a 2% drop in average prices. The number of properties for sale is very similar to what we saw last year as is the number of properties under contract.
“Our biggest closing months are always September and October and it will be interesting to see if we surpass last year with things coming up. Anecdotally, there is a lot of activity right now and I would expect that to continue through September and into October. Sellers continue to put their properties up for sale and to reduce prices if they are not getting showings and/or offers. Buyers have more to choose from and should be working closely with their REALTOR® to get a feel for the trends in prices. If you find a property you continued on next page
like, don’t assume that the seller will take a significant amount less than they are asking. The trends seem to indicate that prices are not dropping significantly,” said Crested Butte-area REALTOR® Molly Eldridge.
DENVER METRO (11-County)
“Today may be one of the best times to buy a home in the Denver-metro area in years. The balance of negotiating leverage has shifted sharply in favor of homebuyers, and even though mortgage rates remain high, there are still plentiful opportunities to make homeownership attainable. More than 61% of Denver metro closings in July included a seller concession, averaging $10,826. That kind of concession can often fund a 0.5% - 1% interest rate buydown for the life of the loan, potentially saving buyers hundreds of dollars each month, and tens of thousands over the 30-year term of a mortgage. Combine that with the highest inventory levels we’ve seen in more than a decade, and this market offers buyers more options, more negotiating power, and more time to make thoughtful decisions than in recent years.
“The housing market began its typical annual slowdown in July. Total active listings declined slightly to 19,056, representing 4.4 months of supply. While this was a modest dip from June’s peak, supply remains well above the conditions that fueled the competitive markets of the past decade. Homes are also taking longer to sell, with the average days on market rising to 40 for single-family homes and 55 for condominiums and townhomes, a 25% and 44.7% increase, respectively, from a year ago. Prices, however, have remained relatively stable despite the slower pace of sales. The median close price for single-family homes in July was $630,000, down 1.6% from June and -1.2% from last year. Condos and townhomes saw a larger year-over-year decline, with the median price falling -6.5% to $392,500.
“Buyers are being more selective, often favoring well-priced, turn-key properties, while homes that need work or ask for a price too high are sitting longer and frequently require price reductions or incentives to attract attention. In the condo/townhome segment, rising HOA dues, often driven by increased insurance costs, are adding to affordability challenges. At today’s interest rates, each additional $100 in monthly HOA dues reduces a buyer’s purchasing power by roughly $15,400, making realistic pricing even more important for sellers in this segment.
“As the market heads into the fall, the balance of power remains tilted toward buyers. Elevated inventory, slower sales velocity, and the prevalence of meaningful concessions create conditions that allow buyers to negotiate terms that fit their needs while still benefiting from stable home values. For sellers, success will depend on accurate pricing, strong property presentation, and a willingness to be flexible. For buyers, this is one of the most favorable negotiating climates in more than a decade, and one where opportunities are abundant if you know where to look,” said Denver Countyarea REALTOR® Cooper Thayer.
DURANGO/LA PLATA COUNTY
“Compared to July 2024, sales of single-family homes in La Plata County were strong, +17%. Inventory of homes for sale was up 12% and the months’ supply of inventory was +5%, with the median price down 2%.
“Conversely, condo and townhome sales are down 39% from July 2024. The segment is suffering with 26% higher inventory of homes for sale, and 20% greater months’ supply of homes - this calculation measures how long it would take to sell the amount of inventory that exists on the market. Year-to-date, the segment has had +6% new listings enter the market, while sales are -9% in number. When comparing the health of the La Plata County condo/townhome market to every other county in Colorado with at least a reasonable amount of sales in the segment, our county has fared the worst. However, it’s not all bad news. While most counties experienced price decreases, La Plata County has seen an actual increase in median condo/ townhome prices of 2% which speaks to the resilience of our markets. While other mountain towns and cities may swing wildly, La Plata County continues to hold its ground against changing economic factors better than most.
“In both single-family and condo/townhome segments and in all areas of the county. the average percent of list price to sold price is down to 97% from 98% and even 99% last year at this time.
“In-town Durango, our strongest and most resilient of our areas, is starting to see the effect of the slowing market, however small-single family homes are on the market longer (18%), there is 16% more inventory, and the list to sales price ratio (which was 100% a year ago) is down to 97%. Condos and townhomes are down 56% for July with +7% new listings
coming on market when compared to July 2024, and the median is down 5% year to date.
“Rural Durango now has a 7-month supply of homes, up 13% over last July. This is completely buyer’s market territory.
“Bayfield is looking great-while sales here looked like they were struggling earlier this season, down 57% for May and -25% YTD, they turned around. Rural Bayfield doubled July 2024 sales, and the region is now +14% in number of home sales year to date.
“Our resort had a strong July which was better than 2024. The number of single-family home sales were equal to those in July 2024, with more expensive homes selling. There were 15% more condos and townhomes that sold compared to July 2024. Still, the list-to-sales price ratio is down to 96% of the asking price versus 98% in July 2024. We can’t speak to pricing, since the average sales price is up as much as the median price is down.
“Across Colorado and the country, inventory of homes for sale is rising, and the market has transitioned from one in which sellers were in control to it being a buyer’s market. In La Plata County, compared to the rest of Colorado, we are sort of middle of the pack in the percentage change of inventory. What the changes feel like on the ground are timid buyers, and more contracts falling out than is usual. Well-priced properties will still receive quick offers, but those that are having a hard time getting showings are more and more common. Homes that are rural or in a less desirable location tend to sit on the market. With active wildfires in the area in July, it has become an everyday occurrence that home insurance is harder to locate, and it becomes teamwork for both sides to work together to get contracts across the finish line.
“Looking forward, we don’t see our economy turning around in the near-term. What we do hope to see are buyers feeling more secure as they determine the La Plata County real estate market is a safer and more secure investment than most other investments and help us succeed in finishing our summer market strongly,” said Durango-area REALTOR® Heather Erb.
EVERGREEN/MOUNTAIN METRO
“July 2025 witnessed a notable uptick in supply across the foothills. Active single-family listings climbed nearly 25% year
over year to 2,329 homes, marking a slight increase over June’s figures. Historically, inventory peaks in August, so it will be telling to see if this pattern holds. With more options available and buyer competition remaining steady, the median days on market has exceeded one month, affording buyers a longer decision window.
“When we look at specific areas, Evergreen’s home prices have remained remarkably stable, with the median hovering around $1 million throughout the past year. This stability is helping keep the overall market strong. In contrast, more rural Conifer has experienced a 13.5% decline in median sales prices.
Meanwhile, new building projects along the I-70 corridor in Idaho Springs and Georgetown have driven a significant increase in condo and townhome inventory and sales. The influx of modern units is placing downward pressure on prices for older condos and townhomes in these areas.
“Across all market segments, fewer homes are selling at full list price, and many sellers are offering concessions during the inspection period to keep deals intact. Homes in convenient locations and those fully updated and move-in ready continue to sell quickly, while properties that need renovations or are situated in remote areas tend to linger, especially if they are priced too high from the start.
“Looking ahead, early indicators suggest that interest rates may be on the decline. Should this trend continue, we can expect a surge in market activity in August and September,” said Evergreen-area REALTOR® Julia Purrington Paluck.
FORT COLLINS
“For sellers, ‘cruel summer’ sums up this month’s market statistics for the Fort Collins area. Just like the old song by Bananarama, sellers are feeling left all alone – and they’re not alone. Across the entire Colorado front range and the western U.S., many homes are languishing on the market compared to the salad days of early 2023 before interest rates nearly tripled and homes sold in hours or days, not weeks or months. Days on market has increased to 61, the number of homes for sale has grown to levels not seen since the pandemic lockdown as there’s nearly 4 months of inventory for single-family homes and over 5 months of inventory for condos and townhomes. It’s as balanced a market as we’ve seen in a decade. A cruel
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summer, indeed - for sellers.
“But what about buyers? If sellers are having a cruel summer, then buyers must be basking in leverage? Not so fast. Thirtyyear fixed interest rates remain in the high sixes, keeping many buyers from qualifying for the homes whose list prices remain elevated. Buyers who are active right now are willing to weather the high interest rate seas, betting on lower rates in the future and using what leverage they have to temporarily buy-down their interest rate and get other seller concessions like items needing repair or replacement. This has certainly given some buyers far greater negotiating power than just 24 months ago.
“That being said, some of these same intrepid buyers who took advantage of seller concessions to buy-down their interest rates 2 years ago are coming up on the end of the rate-buy-down honeymoon. Those buyer’s interest rates will be resetting in the coming months setting the stage for higher monthly mortgage payments and a search for refinancing loans that are pegged over 7%. As national economic policy unfolds, only time will tell the tale of which way mortgage rates go. Hopefully a cruel summer doesn’t lead to a fateful fall,” said Fort Collins-area REALTOR® Chris Hardy.
GRAND COUNTY
“Grand County’s July 2025 housing market was characterized by higher inventory and more balanced conditions. Sellers faced some softness, especially in older or less strategically priced homes. Buyers benefited from greater selection and negotiating power, while desirable properties—like new construction or those with views—continued to move. The market is less frenzied than past summers but remains active and regional-specific, with Grand Lake outperforming in sales volume even as time-on-market increased,” said Grand County REALTOR® Monica Graves.
Highlights from Grand County include:
1. Inventory & Listings
• In July, inventory had already surged from June—we reported about 393 homes for sale, a 24.4% increase from May.
2. Pricing & Trends
• June median sale price: Approximately $747,000, representing a 17.2% drop year-over-year. Price per square foot was around $538, up 4.4%.
• Listing prices: Median listing price appeared to hover near $849,000 in June.
• According to Grand County MLS, average home values through July were around $774,564, marking a modest 0.4% annual gain.
3. Buyer Behavior & Sales Velocity
• Summer brought more choices, with buyers—both locals and front-range investors—returning, but adopting a more selective approach.
• Homes are still selling, especially those well-priced and in desirable locations, but older or fixer properties are lingering longer.
• In Grand Lake specifically: July saw 80 homes sold, up from 55 the previous year. The median sale price was $771,000, and the average days on market reached 68 days, up from 56 last year.
MESA COUNTY
“Mesa County had an interesting July market. The average price of homes sold was $528,712, a new high for average price for the local market in one month and the most active part of the market was $500,000-plus. However, sales for the month were down 13.1%. Buyers in the more affordable categories are still cautious. We are seeing a small increase in new listings, bringing the current active, available inventory to 908. The months’ supply is at 3.6 months which moves a little more toward reaching a normal market. The heat this summer (many days between 97 and 100) has had a huge impact on open house traffic, both for existing and new construction,” said Mesa County REALTOR® Ann Hayes.
• Local insights confirm that single-family home listings continue to climb (especially with new construction in Granby Ranch and Grand Elk), while condo/townhome listings remain relatively flat.
PAGOSA SPRINGS
“Buyers and sellers in today’s market are faced with both reality and affordability. Cash sales continue to keep home sale prices strong as higher interest rates have little effect on cash buyers. New listing inventory volume is down slightly from July 2024 at 64 listings (compared to 68 in 2024). Most listings are entering the market at well above the average and median sales prices and supported by July’s 10.8% drop in sales. Increased inventory of active listings (+20%) and months’ supply of inventory (9.1) from July 2024 are attributed to most listings well over the median and average sales prices.
“Buyers in the median to average sales price pounce upon new listings, especially if they are move-in ready and have been seasonally maintained. July days on market decreased to 90 days (-17%) and can be attributed to buyers swooping up the homes in the July median ($668,000, +19.6%) and average price ($712,275, +10.5%), and price reductions bringing homes into the price points. Price adjustments are not of abundance in the ‘comfort price point,’ as the main inventory exists in the higher price points. Like any home, buyers in all pricing structures gravitate to those homes that are competitively priced and in updated condition. As the larger number of higher-priced home inventory lingers on the market for longer periods, days on market and months inventory will certainly climb to higher numbers. With the larger numbers of home inventory priced $800,000-$2 million, and fewer buyers proceeding with caution toward a purchase, sellers must compete for a buyer. Due to a sprinkling of showings and longer days on market, open houses and price reductions in 2025 have set record numbers.
• Median Sales Price $565,000 (-1.6%) (year-to-date)
• Average Sales Price $691,788 (-2%) (year-to-date)
• Inventory of Homes at 305 Units (+20%)
•Months’ Supply 9.1 (+19.7%)
“Compared to home pricing in other Colorado resort towns, Pagosa Springs still consistently has the value of lower pricing, especially in higher-end luxury home price points. Local sellers are finding it difficult to find a replacement or moveup home. Some sellers are cashing out of their second homes and upgrading their current first home or paying off first home mortgages from their second home real estate wealth proceeds and adding some inventory to the market. Leading into winter, those sellers not obtaining their desired home sale proceeds and time-to-sell windows, evolve the selling strategy into enticing seller concessions, accepting home
sale contingent offers, and a price reduction to sell before the serious snow occurs. Relative to higher monthly mortgage and not enough buyers, some home prices will continue to decelerate for sellers desiring to sell within the average days on market with the onset of winter home showing demands and a sale before the new year.
“Land inventory has decreased slightly (308 parcels). However, days on market have increased, due to soaring rural building costs, higher water/sewer district connection fees, and escalation in well and septic systems rates. Higher land prices and those increased water/sewer connection fees are discouraging local home builders from placing new construction homes into the 2025-2026 market. Most land buyers are purchasing land (securing a price while still affordable) with the anticipation of building in later years.
“The game continues as to whether buyers will shift toward today’s higher price point homes versus the buyer’s comfort price of the past,” said Pagosa Springs-area REALTOR® Wen Saunders.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS/ROUTT COUNTY
“New listings for single-family homes in Steamboat Springs are up 5.3% year-to-date with 7 fewer sold listings. The median price is down 7.7% to just under $2 million however, the average price is up to $3.36 million. The first 10 days of July saw three new homes come to the market priced in the neighborhood of $7 million rapidly go under contract - a first for that type of activity. Multi-family listings are up 37.2% with six fewer sales than last year. While there is ample high-end speculative new construction for multi-family, the inventory for single-family homes is very limited. The months’ supply for both homes and condos/townhomes is now approximately eight months. Both Steamboat and Hayden have more days on market until sale with the year-to-date averages at 75 and 55, respectively; DOM for Oak Creek and Clark are less than last year.
“Of the active listings in Routt County, 42% of them have realized a price improvement averaging 6%. These price reductions can be attributed in part to Sellers still wanting to test the market. Like other Colorado markets, buyer expectations are higher for condition of property and price and expect the price tag to match the condition,” said Steamboat Springs-area REALTOR® Marci Valicenti.
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SUMMIT, PARK, AND LAKE COUNTIES
“The July real estate market in Summit and Park counties was like a good day of sailing on Lake Dillon—steady winds, a few lively gusts, and a clear course ahead. Strong enough to keep sales and listings moving but calm enough to stay balanced at the helm.
“Sales were up a solid 9%, and prices held their line—or in some cases, tacked higher. Median price climbed 9.5% for single-family homes and 5.3% for multi-family homes. Sellers averaged about 97% of their list price. Single-family home listings dipped 9%, while multi-family listings rose 11%. Single-family homes spent about the same time on the market as last year, but multi-family days on market stretched 69% longer—a reminder that sometimes you have to trim the sails and be patient. Luxury waters saw the biggest swells:
• Single-family homes sales in the $5–$10 million range posted a 104% jump over the past rolling 12 months.
• Single-family home sales over $10 million surged 150% year-to-date.
• Single-family sales in the $1.5–$2 million range also saw strong currents, with a 92% gain.
• Multi-family sales in the $2–$2.5 million range rose 44% year to date.
July 2025 Average Sale Prices – Single-Family Homes:
• Summit County: $2,101,540(40 sales, up 3 from July ’24)
• Park County: $574,445 (14 sales, up 2)
• Lake County: $574,133 (15 sales, down 1)
July 2025 Average Sale Price – Multi-Family Homes:
• Summit County: $864,882 (86 sales, up 13)
Residential closings ranged from a $120,000 single-family home in Park County to a $6.6 million Breckenridge luxury property. Currently, 1,081 listings are active—46% singlefamily—ranging from a $160,000 mobile home to a $21 million ski-in/ski-out estate, both in Breckenridge. Overall, 57% of listings are above $1 million, and 66 homes are priced
over $5 million. Nearly half (48%) of July sales sailed above the $1 million mark. Cash deals dipped slightly, representing 37% of all closings,” said Summit-area REALTOR® Dana Cottrell.
Note: These figures exclude timeshare, deed-restricted, land, and commercial properties.
TELLURIDE
“The San Miguel County real estate market continued its slowdown in July 2025, posting $43.1 million in total dollar volume – down 24% year over year and 34% below the fiveyear July average. Only 33 sales closed, highlighting reduced activity across the market. Year-to-date volume reached $401.61 million, a 29% drop from both 2024 and the five-year average, making July the weakest performance since 2020. While the luxury market ($5 million and up) still accounts for 86% of the residential dollar volume, it is showing signs of fatigue. The average single-family home price has fallen 19% from $5.1 million to $4.1 million and no new developments closed in July. However, this doesn’t reflect underlying demand. There were 21 contracts at the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences and 10 contracts on the 12 preconstruction condominiums at the high-end Highline Condominiums. These pre-sales may have taken some sales from the existing market inventory. The town of Telluride and Mountain Village continue to dominate the market, representing over 70% of the county volume. Still, prices per square foot remain high –over $1,900 per square foot in Telluride and $1,500 per square foot in the Mountain Village,” said Telluride-area REALTOR® George Harvey.
VAIL
“As we have arrived at the mid-point of the summer selling season, it is apparent the macro market is very different from its components. On a macro basis, July sales unit were positive 2.7% however, the variance by product type was significant. Single family/duplex sales were positive 17.1% while townhome/condo sales were negative 10.5%. Pending sales,
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which will impact total sales for the balance of the season, were negative 25.4% for townhomes/condos and positive 117% for single family/duplex. New listings are following the same trend with single family/duplex up 39.2% and townhome/ condos down 5%. The pricing impact varies dramatically by location in the valley and the existing inventory. One of the reasons for the decline in townhome/condo is the 2024 completion and sales of some developments which have not been replaced by new construction.
“The trend that has existed for the past year continues with pricing niches moving higher as lack of product in the lower niches continues to change market shares for the upper niches. The inventory trend has continued to grow and aligns with the current growth by niche. The growth by upper niches has been the catalyst for overall market dollars to increase pricing in the market greater than unit sales. Total inventory is 692 units, the highest level since pre-covid. Months’ supply of inventory is currently at 9.1, well above the 6 months considered as a stable market.
“Overall, our market isn’t experiencing the same level of volatility as other markets thus, the need for a trusted advisor to help guide our clients to their buying or selling objectives is extremely important,” said Vail-area REALTOR® Mike Budd.
The complete reports cited in this press release, as well as county reports are available online at: www.coloradorealtors.com/market-trends/
The Colorado Association of REALTORS® Monthly Market Statistical Reports are prepared by Showing Time, a leading showing software and market stats service provider to the residential real estate industry and are based upon data provided by Multiple Listing Services (MLS) in Colorado. The July 2025 reports represent all MLS-listed residential real estate transactions in the state. The metrics do not include “For Sale by Owner” transactions or all new construction. CAR’s Housing Affordability Index, a measure of how affordable a region’s housing is to its consumers, is based on interest rates, median sales prices and median income by county.
Words from a Loan Of f icer –The Big Short
How Did We Go From 2% Interest Rates to 6%, and What Got Us Here?
We are heading into that favorite time of year of mine: fall and early winter. Still, I’m sure we all wish we were heading into a busy time of year or our next real estate boom even more.
While I cannot speak for everyone, I know that there are some real rockstars out there that are absolutely killing it, yet, I believe for the general market, both loan officer and REALTOR® alike, we are all down in our numbers. The question is, are you down a lot or just a little?
I have personally considered myself blessed to have done this as job long as I have and still have a trickle of business coming in from a large database of existing clients and referral partners. I really feel for the newcomers to our industries. This may sound like a pessimistic statement, yet I want it to be encouraging: If you are still here, it means that you can survive the most challenging of markets.
Today we are going to discuss why we are in this market, the economic conditions that created past markets, and the truth through clarifying common misunderstandings of the market.
NOTHING would make this loan officer happier than to have rates fall by a percent or more - my business would skyrocket, as would all of ours. I truly believe that we are sitting on an abundance of prospective homebuyers that want to upgrade or move but are paralyzing themselves by remaining unreasonably attached to their present mortgage rate. For those that need to upgrade - whether it is due to a growing family or simply an increase in income to buy a nicer home - so much of the budget is eaten up simply by going from a
2.5-3.0% rate on their existing home to something likely in the 6’s, not to mention the cost of the actual upgrade in the home.
It’s our job to educate a huge pool of prospective buyers that:
• We are likely to never see rates in the 2-3% range again in our lives.
• Getting to the 4.0% range could take decades and that they need to prepare themselves for rates in the 6.0% range for a while.
• It would be a triumph if we hit the 5.0’s again. We must be telling this to everyone we talk to. Until the public grasps this, we will be stuck in this rut for a long time.
CHASING BUBBLES
I hear almost daily from people that have zero actual knowledge of economics or the real estate market that we are in a “bubble”. That rates are going to fall more than a point in the next 2-3 months, home values are oversold, and waiting six months or a year is the “smart” move. Nothing would make me happier, and I will write a retraction to this article and publicly eat my words if this comes true.
Realistically, there is nothing on the horizon that would come close to impacting the market enough to cause a percent or more drop.
I won’t bore you with another lesson on mortgage rates
being determined by mortgage-backed securities and NOT the Federal Reserve who controls the Federal Funds Rate and the Prime Rate, and NOT the 10 Year Treasury. If whatever source you receive your information from says it is one of the aforementioned items, don’t trust them – they haven’t taken the full course on mortgage rates and economics. If you are interested in learning more, I have written several other articles around this topic. Please reference past CAR Magazine articles or reach out to me. My contact information is at the end of the article.
FREE FALLIN’
To truly understand why rates are not on the precipice of going down, we must understand what caused rates to get to the 2.0’s in the first place.
Rates first fell into the 5.0% range as we were going through the crash of 2007, ’08 and ’09. It was this same crash that, for a short period of time, caused home values to go down. If you listened to the “water cooler gossip”, you believed values came down at that time because we were in an inflated real estate bubble from the early 2000’s. That simply is not true. The truth is plain and simple: home values fell during this period because of the mortgage lending industry and their incredibly irresponsible programs.
mortgages. However, because they purchased with no money down and did a second mortgage to consolidate debt and buy a second home, they were upside down in equity and could not sell their homes without bringing tens of thousands of dollars to the closing table - money that few Americans had sitting around. People began to default on their mortgages and homes went to foreclosure.
Foreclosures began to flood the market, and for the unlucky few that needed to sell their homes due to the traditional desire to upgrade or move for a job transfer, these foreclosed homes were being sold far under “market” price. It was that foreclosure boom that ultimately caused home values to fall as they did in the first decade of the 2,000’s.
It would be a triumph if we hit the 5.0’s again. We must be telling this to everyone we talk to. Until the public grasps this, we will be stuck in this rut for a long time.
We all heard about how greedy Wall Street investors were pushing for more and more irresponsible loan programs leading up to 2007, as for years prior, they were getting rich off the backs of average Americans by granting anyone who could fog a mirror a mortgage. No money down, financing to a 500-something credit score, no income documentation loans, cash out refinances to 125% of the value of the home, little to no money down financing on second homes and investment properties, pay option adjustable-rate mortgages, and other adjustable-rate mortgages were just some examples of the irresponsible programs available to consumers.
Consumers were being offered these programs all while being “assured” that they would be able to refinance at any time down the road (assuming they didn’t also agree to crippling prepayment penalties) once their rates became adjustable. The problem happened when our economy began to slow for other reasons and people started losing their jobs, all at a time when the savings rate among Americans was at one of its worst levels. People could no longer afford to pay their
Here is also where I get to eat a little crow. I am constantly railing on how the Federal Reserve doesn’t set mortgage interest rates. That is a true statement, the Fed can’t come out on a given day and say, “we want rates to be 6.0%”, they just don’t have that power. HOWEVER, at this point in history, during the housing crash of 2007 – 2009, the Federal Reserve was able to step in, just like any private investor could, and purchase billions, and even trillions of dollars’ worth of these mortgage-backed securities. And based on their “control” of the market at this time, they were able to cause mortgage rates to go lower.
With lower rates, more people buy and sell homes. When people buy and sell homes, they are paying real estate agents, loan guys/gals, movers, painters, and buying furniture, televisions, appliances and so on. It is a great way to stimulate spending back into the economy. And when rates go from 6% to 5%, more people will refinance to save a couple of hundred dollars a month. Most don’t put that money into savings, they go to Applebee’s an extra time or two through the month. It was a great use of “stimulus package” money to improve the economy. The foreclosure boom and the Fed’s stimulus package purchase program of mortgage-backed securities are the two main reasons why rates began their “free fall” to the twos over the past 15 years.
DODD FRANK
In December of 2009, the Dodd Frank Act was passed. At the time, I would’ve sworn it was going to put me out of business. However, it was the policies from this legislation that led to much more responsible lending programs. Yes, the
pendulum swung to the far conservative end of lending for multiple years, but it then settled in our present environment of what I consider very responsible lending. The reasonable requirements stemming from this legislation is why we did not see falling values through COVID. The highest loan to value one can pull out of their equity is 80% on a first mortgage and some institutions will allow a second mortgage to 90% combined loan to value, you might find one that goes to 95%, but I don’t know of one and most banks are still between 7075% combined loan to value. This means consumers are forced to have equity in their homes. We also have more reasonable appraisal laws ensuring that homes are not overvalued, although I can get on a soap box in another article around my loathing of our present appraisal system.
FANTASTIC FOUR
Okay, that Ben Stien-esque, boring diatribe explains on what brought rates into the fives. What pushed us to the four percent range? From 2010-2015, we saw Brexit, and Greece became the first country to miss a payment to the International Monetary Fund and have the largest debt restructuring of any country in the world. It brought an economic crisis in Europe that helped rates fall into the fours. Remember, bad economic news and uncertainty will “typically” cause money to flow out of the stock market and into the haven of the bond market.
THREE’S COMPANY TO JUST THE TWO OF US
So European economic weakness is the overly short story on what helped rates get into the four percent range, what
brought us to the threes and twos? Beware of the VID! COVID. It’s March 2019, I am traveling to Napa Valley to celebrate my exwife’s birthday, and the San Francisco airport is a morgue. This little-known epidemic stemming from the Wuhan province in China soon took over the planet. Within 30 days, the world went from a robust, thriving economy (relatively speaking), to people working from home (IF they were lucky enough to still have jobs), stores closing their doors, factories shutting down, and the global economy coming to a screeching halt. Insert Mathew being a broken record again about mortgage bonds.
In general, if investors – large scale investors, hedge fund managers, pension fund managers – are looking for a place to protect their money from a volatile stock market, they will transfer funds into the “safe haven” of the bond market. While many other factors contributed to falling interest rates, these were the key factors; large scale investors – worried about stock markets crashing due to closing of factories, malls, stores, and building/construction/services all coming to a halt – planted large parts of their money into the bond market. Hence, your present 2.5%, 30 year-fixed, conventional mortgage and the reason you will never move homes again.
THE SIXTH SENSE
That’s great Mathew, but I seem to believe that rates are presently hovering in the low to mid six percent range, what gives?
Inflation my friend, inflation. At the point that COVID was about to shut down the global economy, the United State’s Federal Reserve, along with other global funding institutions, began “printing” money at a rapid pace to prevent a global economic collapse. People were being put out of work by the millions. The
global economy was on a cliff of mortgage defaults, student debt defaults, and credit card debt defaults among other factors.The Federal Reserve, along with other institutions, were printing money left and right to help prevent families from economic ruin from layoffs, furloughs, underemployment, and other factors. When you flood economies with money that is not “earned”, you are going to see rapid inflation (the cost of goods going up). We all remember the $8 dozen of eggs and the $6 gallon of milk, all of which stemmed from hyperinflation because of our economic policy of printing money (which most economists believe was the right thing to do).
THE NOT-SO MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
It was about two years into the COVID crisis, literally the first week of January 2022, when mortgage rates began their spike. It was in a different article where I talked about spending the summer of 2013 inside a bottle of Jack Daniels. If I spent the summer of ’13 in a bottle, I spent 2022 and 2023 inside the whole case! This was one, if not THE fastest increase in mortgage rates that we have seen in history. We went from the high twos in the end of 2021, to the high sevens by October 2022.
Okay Mathew, I have fallen asleep twice since beginning to read your article, drive it home for me.
Yes,wehaveseensomemindboggling,lowinterestratesinthe past 15 years, and we have been in this low-rate environment for so long that consumers believe this to be the new “norm” That is simply not the case. Most economists believe a healthy 30-year fixed rate to be somewhere in the six percent range.
Let me remind you one more time - nothing would make me happier than for rates to fall, but it’s important to also point out that our President does NOT have the power to come out and magically make mortgage rates go lower. He also does not have the power to make the Federal Funds Rate or Prime Rate go lower, but even if he did, as I have already established, these rates have nothing to do with mortgage rates. Yes, I am aware of the dispute between the President and Fed Chairman Powell over lowering the Fed Funds Rate and Prime Rate. The entire idea behind an independent Federal Reserve is to take politics out of economics.
While we all understand why the President wants rates to fall so badly, if our Federal Reserve was ever found to be at the mercy of Presidential or even Congressional politics, the unintended consequences would not be worth lower rates. Many economists think the ramifications to global stock markets could be devastating. Going back to simple high
school civics, remember “checks and balances”. If the President can also control the Federal Reserve, we’ve just lost another check and balance.
This system of checks and balances is how our country has avoided becoming an autocracy and the President - no matter who holds the office - was never meant to have control over or even influence the Federal Reserve.
To actually drive it home, hopefully I’ve been able to convey the different economic events that caused rates to fall from the 6-7% range in the mid 2000’s, to the fives, to the fours, and ultimately, the two-three percent range; a foreclosure crisis, Federal Reserve mortgage backed security buying program, Brexit and Greece, to ultimately COVID – then hyper-inflation coming out of COVID causing the rate spikes of 2022 and 2023. We’re landing the plane with the unfortunate truth that nothing on the horizon could impactfully cause rates to fall, short of the devastating unintended consequences of any President of the United States being able to influence the Federal Reserve Chairman’s policymaking.
I’ll end this article with where we started: educating consumers. Remember, it’s our job to educate a huge pool of prospective buyers that:
•We are likely to never see rates in the 2-3% range again in our lives.
•Getting to the 4.0% range could take decades and consumers need to be prepared for rates in the 6.0% range for the foreseeable future.
•It would be a triumph if we hit the 5.0’s again.
We must be telling this to everyone we talk to. Until the public grasps this, we will be stuck in this rut for a long time.
Mathew Schulz, CML, is the President of Firelight Mortgage Consultants in Greenwood Village, Colo., a mortgage company that he has owned for 15 years. You can reach him at mschulz@FirelightMortgage.com
AE SPOTLIGHT COURTNEY PEEL
LEGAL AND RISK DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT
How long have you been a REALTOR®? 11 years
How/Why did you decide to get involved with association work? I was invited to join our local association board in 2017, and after serving, I felt inspired to step into a leadership role. My goal was to make a meaningful difference—not only within our membership, but also throughout our mountain communities.
That initial experience sparked a deeper interest in contributing to our industry, which led me to apply for the CAR Leadership Academy. Participating in the academy was a turning point. I left feeling energized, connected, and fully committed to continuing my journey in leadership.
What is your favorite thing about being a REALTOR®?
What I love most about being a REALTOR® is helping people through meaningful life transitions. Whether buying, selling, or investing, I enjoy building trust, finding solutions, and being part of the journey—especially in our mountain communities.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient and lead with understanding. Every client is navigating a major life decision, and as their trusted advisor, it's your role to guide them with clarity and care. It’s easy to lose sight of that when life and work feel overwhelming, but in those moments, take a step back, refocus on your purpose, and remember why you started. Patience and perspective will carry you through.
How do you motivate yourself in your career? I'm motivated by the relationships I build with great clients and the sense of purpose I find through volunteering in leadership. Both energize me and remind me why I love what I do.
What do you do in your free time? I enjoy spending time outdoors and embracing the Colorado mountain lifestyle. Biking, hiking, and skiing help clear my mind, and I love sharing that time with friends and loved ones.
What’s the best place you’ve traveled to? I recently had the opportunity to travel to Italy—a trip I acquired through an RPAC auction. I couldn’t get enough of the incredible food, wine, and breathtaking landscapes. It was truly an unforgettable experience!
COURTNEY HIKING.
STEVE FISHER, ISABEL RAWSON, COURTNEY PEEL, SARAH THORSTEINSON, AND DISHON LUTZ
BRIAN ANZUR, COURTNEY PEEL, AND DANA COTTRELL
AE SPOTLIGHT KENDRA MURRAY
AE VAIL BOARD OF REALTORS®
How long have you been an AE and how did you get your start? A neighbor initially invited me to take on a part-time role answering phones and distributing videos for the association. I quickly recognized opportunities to expand the role and align with the organization's broader needs, ultimately transforming it into a full-time position. That was 20 years ago, and I’ve been committed to REALTOR® association management ever since.
What do you love most about the job? love my job because every day is different, and I get to make a real impact—whether its helping members succeed, working with the board on strategic decisions, or advocating for policies that protect property rights. I enjoy being the connector, the problem-solver, and the one who helps move things forward. It's rewarding to know that the work I do supports our members, strengthens our community, and helps shape the future of real estate.
What is one of the challenges that your association is currently facing or that you expect to face in the next few years? One challenge we’re facing is continuing to show the value of the association in a rapidly changing industry. With shifts in the real estate landscape, everything from legal challenges to evolving consumer expectations, we have to stay ahead of the curve. That means being proactive with member engagement, strengthening advocacy efforts, and ensuring our MLS and services stay relevant. It’s about finding the right balance between innovation and tradition and making sure we’re delivering what members truly need to succeed.
Is there something your association does regularly to give back to the community? Yes, giving back to the community is an important part of what we do. Our association regularly supports local housing-related causes, partners with nonprofits, and encourages our members to volunteer their time and expertise. Whether it's organizing donation drives, hosting community events, or supporting housing affordability initiatives, we’re committed to being a positive force in the community we serve. It’s part of who
we are as REALTORS®—we don’t just sell homes; we help build stronger communities.
What would your members be most surprised by about your job? I think members would be most surprised by just how many hats I wear on a daily basis. From strategic planning and budgeting to handling legal issues, tech systems, advocacy, and member support, no two days are the same. A lot of the work happens behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly, and most of it they never see. It’s a mix of big-picture vision and small details, and I genuinely love the challenge of balancing it all.
Which talent would you most like to have? If I could have any talent, I think I’d love to be able to sing, like really sing. There’s something so personal and powerful about music, and I’ve always admired people who can express themselves that way. It’s not something I’ve ever been great at, but I think having that kind of creative outlet would be both fun and fulfilling.
What is your favorite TV (or streaming) show to watch? My favorite show to unwind with is Ted Lasso. I love the mix of humor, heart, and leadership lessons. It’s a feel-good show that reminds me how far kindness, resilience, and a positive attitude can go, even in tough situations. Plus, who doesn’t love a little soccer with their life wisdom?
Motto or piece of advice you try to live by? One piece of advice I try to live by is: “Do the next right thing.” It keeps me focused, especially when things feel overwhelming or uncertain. I may not have all the answers right away, but taking one thoughtful, intentional step at a time has always led me in the right direction.
KENDRA WITH HUSBAND CASEY
KENDRA AND SON CAMRYN
Wildfire Mitigation in Real Estate: New Training for Colorado REALTORS®
CAR is pleased to offer a new, in-depth training opportunity for members as part of our ongoing work through the Colorado Project Wildfire forum. In partnership with Fire Adapted Colorado (FACO), this course—Wildfire Mitigation in Real Estate—is designed to equip REALTORS® with the knowledge and tools to better understand and communicate the risks and responsibilities surrounding wildfire in residential real estate.
This four-hour, CE-approved course explores the fundamentals of wildfire behavior, current best practices for home and community mitigation, and the regional programs and financial incentives available to homeowners. It also highlights how REALTORS® can collaborate with local wildfire mitigation professionals to support informed transactions and safer communities.
Whether your work is in high-risk areas or you simply want to be better prepared to guide clients with accurate, actionable information, this course offers practical insight and timely relevance for today’s real estate landscape in Colorado. The
format is flexible—offered both virtually and in-person—and can be tailored to address regional considerations and local expertise.
Participants will receive 4 hours of continuing education credit upon completion.
If you have questions or are interested in bringing this training to your local association, please contact Carla Blanc and Marty Schechter to explore participation options.
Preparing Colorado for Wildfires. Together.
TRAINING PROPOSAL
Prepared for the
Colorado Association of Realtors
Contact: Becca Samulski
Executive Director
Fire Adapted Colorado rebecca@fireadaptedco.org 970-739-7899 www.FireAdaptedCO.org
Project Description: Realtor Training Course
The Colorado Association of Realtors seeks a turn-key training to educate Realtors about wildfire mitigation for private homes
Fire Adapted Colorado (FACO) has subject matter experts with extensive related training experience and curricula
FACO can provide a four-hour interactive 'Wildfire Mitigation in Real Estate' course that covers: Wildfire Behavior Overview Wildfire Mitigation Best Practices for Homes & Communities, customizable by region Programs and Financial Incentives, customizable by region How Mitigation Professionals & Realtors Can Work Together
This course is built for local delivery wildfire mitigation experts can partner with FACO to customize and deliver the training, either in-person or online FACO’s Training Specialist is getting the course approved for Realtor continuing education credits
We will collaborate with local experts to tailor the course to regional programs and priorities The online version can be adapted to two two-hour sessions, four one-hour lunch-andlearns, or another format that best fits Colorado Association of Realtors needs
We’re interested in a standing contract to deliver this course in 4–8 locations across the state each year, plus 1–2 virtual sessions
Workshop Cost
In-Person: $2,500 (includes, prep, supplies, travel, and course delivery)
Virtual: $1,500
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety