Classes: SMDRA Class Offering

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 0 CE
COST: Members Free / $30 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Jay Manasala

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Part 1 covers setting up and optimizing your YouTube channel the right way.

LOCATION: Center for African American Health
3350 Hudson Street, Denver, CO 80207
COST: FREE for Everyone
HOSTED BY:  CHFA – Colorado Housing & Finance Authority

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

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

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

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

Attendees will learn:

• The steps involved in purchasing a home
• How to prepare financially for homeownership
• What down payment assistance resources may be available
• How to build a trusted homebuying team
• How different professionals work together during a real estate transaction

Participants will receive a Passport to Homeownership and can collect stamps while visiting each educational station. Those who complete the passport will have an opportunity to enter a drawing for a prize.

The SMDRA I.D.E.A (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action Committee) will also be present with an informational table to support attendees and answer general questions about working with a real estate professional.

The entire family is welcome. The event will include food, refreshments, DJ entertainment, a playground, and access to street and lot parking.

CHFA created Own Your Tomorrow as part of its commitment to increasing Black and African American homeownership throughout Colorado. SMDRA is honored to support this important educational and community-building initiative.

Own a home to house your dreams. Own your tomorrow.

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 4 CE
COST: Members Free / $60 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Rick Culp

CLASS DESCRIPTION: A Comprehensive Course for Brokers Committed to Excellence

In today’s fast-moving real estate landscape, professionalism isn’t optional—it’s your competitive advantage. Raise The Bar is a dynamic, high-impact course designed for brokers who want to strengthen their skills, elevate public perception, and deliver a higher standard of service in every transaction. Through real-world scenarios, industry data, and practical application, this class empowers brokers to operate with greater confidence, competence, and credibility.

 What This Course Delivers
Across six focused modules, participants will examine how public perception, ethical conduct, competency, communication, mindset, education, and compensation practices all shape the client experience—and the reputation of our industry.

 Who Should Attend?

• Brokers seeking to strengthen their professionalism and skill set
• Newer agents who want clarity and confidence
• Experienced brokers looking to refresh and elevate their approach
• Anyone committed to raising the standards of the real estate industry

 Why Take This Course?

• By the end of Raise The Bar, brokers will:
• Strengthen their ethical and professional foundation
• Improve consumer communication and trust
• Deepen understanding of contracts, regulations, and expectations
• Enhance competency—and confidence
• Clearly articulate their value and compensation
• Represent the industry with pride, professionalism, and integrity

LOCATION: ON-LINE ZOOM FORMAT
CE CREDIT: 3 CE
COST: Members Free / $45 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Tod Franklin

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Learn the tools & techniques to connect and build yourInstructor Tod Franklin takes the contract and goes through very problematic sections in our speedy market. Many of these issues, if handled improperly, can result in disciplinary actions from the Real Estate Commission , the Association of REALTORS®, and the County Court. This engaging class gives agents hands-on best
practices to avoid these problems.

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 0 CE
COST: Members Free / $30 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Jay Manasala

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Part 2 is all about creating content that starts real conversations and leads to clients.

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 1 CE
COST: Members Free / $20 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Cache Nies

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Down payment is the number one reason qualified buyers sit on the sidelines. In this class, I teach agents how to use three specific programs to solve that problem — so they can help their clients, convert hesitant buyers, attract clients earlier, and close more deals.

The three programs covered:

1. HomeFundIt – CMG’s exclusive down payment crowdfunding platform. Buyers raise gifts from family, friends, and even their employer. First-time buyers can receive up to $2,000 in matching lender credits at closing.

2. Community ONE – A 2% grant up to $6,000 for buyers at or below 80% of area median income. Available in all 50 states. No first-time buyer requirement.

3. CMG Settle-In Program – A seller or builder prepays up to 36 months of taxes, interest, and insurance. Buyers ease into homeownership without a full payment on day one. Available on FHA, VA, and USDA loans.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain why down payment is the primary barrier to homeownership and how it affects their pipeline
2. Identify which buyers are a fit for HomeFundIt and walk them through the six strategies
3. Describe Community ONE eligibility and how it differs from other grant programs
4. Explain the Settle-In Program and identify seller, builder, and buyer scenarios where it creates value
5. Combine these programs with low down payment loans to serve buyers at any stage
6. Use these tools in real conversations with buyers who think they aren’t ready

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 2 CE
COST: Members Free / $30 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Yurich Cline

CLASS DESCRIPTION: This course explains what a Metropolitan District is, how it is formed, and how it can affect a buyer’s monthly payments and ability to finance a specific property—making it essential knowledge for real estate agents when advising their clients. The course also clarifies how a Metropolitan District differs from a Homeowners Association (HOA). In addition, it defines what an HOA is, examines how HOA fees and requirements can impact a buyer’s financing, and highlights the key similarities and differences between Metropolitan Districts and HOAs.

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 0 CE
COST: Free for Everyone
INSTRUCTOR: SMDRA Leadership and Staff

CLASS DESCRIPTION: **This class is required for all New REALTOR Members**
Learn the tools & resources available to you as a REALTOR® through SMDRA, CAR & NAR.
Upon completion of this class, the required GRI 106 Ethics class, and taking the REALTOR® Pledge at the end of class, you will be officially inducted as a REALTOR® and receive your REALTOR® pin and certificate.

CLASS SPONSOR: 

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 2 CE
COST: Members Free / $30 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Karen Hyman

CLASS DESCRIPTION: A home warranty is a very important aspect of the real estate transaction. It provides many benefits during the listing period, while the home is under contract, and after the close of sale. Homes with home warranties can sell faster and closer to the asking price, minimizing marketing efforts. They also reduce after sale hassles — when a buyer experiences a breakdown, they call the warranty company, not the agent. Satisfied clients will generate increased repeat/referral business.

In this class, you will learn:
 • Overview and Benefits of Home Warranty Inspections and Home Warranties
• Seller’s Coverage
• Buyer’s Coverage
• Limitations and Terms
• Ordering Process
• Placing Claims
• Red Flags and Common Mistakes to Avoid

LOCATION: ZOOM ON-LINE FORMAT
CE CREDIT: 2 CE
COST: Members Free / $30 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Jeffrey Aronheim

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Did you know that most REALTORS are leaving thousands on the table every single year—simply because they don’t know about alternative financing solutions? The difference between a struggling agent and a top performer? Knowing how to get buyers qualified—even when the banks say no. This class is designed to teach you exactly how to close more deals using non-traditional mortgage solutions like:
 Bank Statement Loans
 Investor DSCR Loans
 Foreign National Loans
 1099 & P&L Loans

This isn’t just another class. This is the information that top realtors use to unlock more closings, increase commissions, and build a stronger client base. Real estate is moving FAST in 2025. The agents who adapt first will dominate. Will you be one of them?

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 2 CE
COST: Members Free / $30 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Richard Moody

CLASS DESCRIPTION: This class will help real estate agents, and their clients, understand radon and why it is important to test properly as well as the mitigation process if necessary.
Topics include:
• What is Radon?
• Why proper testing is important
• Radon testing procedures
• What to do if the test comes back elevated
• Choosing a radon mitigation contractor
• Mitigation process
• Post testing requirements

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 0
COST: Members Free / $30 Others
INSTRUCTOR: John Reyes

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Video Strategy + Top Producer Panel: What’s Working Now
A hybrid training and panel discussion focused on: 
 – Short-form video strategies that convert
 – Listing promotion tactics
 – Authority positioning
 – AI-enhanced video workflows

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 0
COST: Members Free / $30 Others
INSTRUCTOR: John Reyes

CLASS DESCRIPTION: A hands-on session where agents will:
– Set production goals with reverse-engineered activity targets
– Identify ideal client segments
– Build quarterly marketing plans quickly
– Create structured follow-up systems
– Use AI to track and refine performance

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 2 CE
COST: Members Free / $30 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Ted Breitenstein

CLASS DESCRIPTION: This course will help real estate agents better advise their clients by providing them with detailed knowledge of what is required for a property owner to defer their capital gains taxes on the sale of investment or commercial real estate.

LOCATION: ZOOM ON-LINE FORMAT
CE CREDIT: 3 CE
COST: Members Free / $45 Others
INSTRUCTOR: John Gillam

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Are you Truly Protecting Yourself or Your Client? One of the biggest areas that causes liability is lack of disclosure and not handling the inspection process properly, resulting in complaints and law suits. There is a lot of misunderstanding of what a broker should be doing and the proper ways in which inspection / inspection issues should be handled and it is one of the least covered areas in real estate education. Don’t be left exposed! In this course, John Gillam will guide you through how you handle those situations or more so how to NOT handle those situations to reduce your liability and stay away from legal disputes and lawsuits.

This course will help you learn ways to properly:

• Disclose material defects
• Understand how to avoid slandering a property and damaging your buyer or seller
• Make disclosure to the opposing party
• Properly Handle Inspections (it probably is NOT what you have been doing!)
• Handle Resolutions and Concessions or other creative options

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDITS: 2 CE
COST: Members Free / $30 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Joe Krajnc

CLASS DESCRIPTION: The course empowers agents with the skills to explore and interrogate market knowledge using readily available REALTOR® tools. We will leverage four software programs to explore market data using a ‘Where, What, When’ strategic approach.

The course will begin by focusing on the monthly SMDRA Statistics, exploring how they are generated and where you can find them. It will then delve into why SMDRA statistics differ from those of other associations, highlighting both their advantages and disadvantages.

Next, we’ll delve into the quick and easy reports offered by FastStats. These reports boast a professional appearance and can be utilized for various purposes.

If you need a wide array of metrics and customized details, InfoSparks is the solution. In this course, we’ll show you how to use InfoSparks to analyze both monthly data and trend data to identify key statistical characteristics. We’ll then dig deeper into specific neighborhood areas and demonstrate how market expertise can help you interpret the data effectively.

Finally, we’ll delve into RPR, the most comprehensive of the available options. We’ll explore how to use RPR data throughout the transaction lifecycle, examining both neighborhood trends and on-market property details. We’ll even explore creating custom search results to further refine your analyses.

Prerequisites
A basic understanding of real estate terms is necessary. Terms like Active Listings, Days In MLS, and Pendings, should be familiar to the students.
A basic understanding of math is helpful however no manual calculations will be required. If the software doesn’t calculate it, then it won’t be discussed.

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 1 CE
COST: Members Free / $20 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Tracey Christopher

CLASS DESCRIPTION: This course provides Colorado real estate brokers with a comprehensive understanding of Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs available to homebuyers with the state.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Explain what Down Payment Assistance is (DPA) and how it functions in Colorado
• Identify at least three major DPA providers e.g. CHFA, CHAC metro DPA, county/city programs
• Describe eligibility requirements including income caps, minimum credit scores, homebuyer education expectations, and property use restrictions
• Recognize myths and misconceptions about DPA (e.g. “only for low income,” “not allowed with conventional loans)
• Help buyers evaluate which DPA programs may be suitable.

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 1 CE
COST: Members Free / $20 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Karen Hyman

CLASS DESCRIPTION: This course will provide real estate agents and brokers with an understanding of HVAC systems and the new regulations instituted by the EPA in 2025. They will understand how the systems work and why costs are up so they can better inform and help their clients.

LOCATION: ZOOM ON-LINE FORMAT
CE CREDIT: 13 CE
COST: Members Free / $45 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Rich Sands

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Coming Soon!

LOCATION: ZOOM ON-LINE FORMAT
CE CREDIT: 4 CE
COST: Members Free / $60 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Mickey Sanders

CLASS DESCRIPTION: This class will review the updated and new contracts and forms for 2027 and give you the knowledge to stay compliant while implementing the changes as of January 1, 2027.

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 2 CE
COST: Members Free / $30 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Russell LaPlante

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Learn why it is important for REALTORS to know about Radon in real estate transactions. Topics include:
 – Radon overview
 – Health risks
 – Testing & Mitigation
 – Inspection & types of mitigation systems
 – Radon in water
 – Avoiding bad mitigation systems
 – CDPHE low income radon mitigation assistance program

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 0 CE
COST: Members Free / $30 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Sy Park

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Come learn about RE-Sure, the new platform for Colorado real estate business management. You will learn how to use the RE-Sure tools to add contacts to your CRM, create offers, listings, and other documents for transactions, email templates, docs and clauses, and use RE-Sure Sign. You will learn from RE-Sure experts about new and upcoming features being added to RE-Sure.

LOCATION: IN-PERSON AT SMDRA
CE CREDIT: 4 CE
COST: Members Free / $60 Others
INSTRUCTOR: Doug Emmerich

CLASS DESCRIPTION: This class will review the updated and new contracts and forms for 2027 and give you the knowledge to stay compliant while implementing the changes as of January 1, 2027.

LOCATION: ZOOM ONLINE FORMAT
CE CREDIT: 0 CE
COST: Members Free / $30 Others
INSTRUCTOR: RETech Academy Instructor

CLASS DESCRIPTION: This 60-90-minute, high-energy, interactive educational class is designed to teach real estate agents how to turn their social media from a “toy” into a powerful marketing tool. Attendees will learn tips, tricks, and strategies across all of the top marketing platforms to:

• Increase Overall Online Presence
• Increase Website Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Capture and Nurture Leads
• Advertise on Social Media
• Create Content that Resonates with a Consumer-Audience
• Effectively Communicate with Customers During Challenging Times
• Use Technology to Streamline and Automate Marketing

Content covered:

• ChatGPT (AI) Integration & Other Top AI Platforms
• Social Media Best Practices
• Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X
• Stories and Reels
• Facebook Advertising
• Video Marketing
• SEO, Blogging for Success & More