January/February 2009

Colorado®
REALTOR www.ColoradoREALTORS.com

INSIDE: Resource Guide 13-16 | Colorado Economy : Pg 4-5 | Technology Checklist: Pg 22

Making a Difference
in your community
U.S. POSTAGEPAID pages 10-11
PERMIT#751
DENVER, CO
PRSRT STD

309 Inverness Way South

Englewood, CO 80112

A publication of the
Colorado Association of REALTORS®
Table of Contents
President’s Message............................................................................. 3, 21
2008-2009 Calendar of Events............................................................. 3
Colorado Economy Report.................................................................... 4
Housing Stats.............................................................................................. 6
The Power of the R..................................................................................... 7
Energy Star® Windows................................................................................ 8
News Bytes................................................................................................... 9
Making a Difference................................................................................10
CARHOF’s Crunch Trickles Down to Communities...............................11
Title Insurance.........................................................................................12
CAR Resource Guide......................................................................... 13-16
Legal Digest...............................................................................................17
Foreclosure Investors and FHA..........................................................17
Government Affairs..................................................................................18
Counsel Corner..........................................................................................19
Why Become a CRE?..............................................................................20
2009 Technology Checklist......................................................................22
National RPAC Hall of Fame ...............................................................23
Colorado PSF Hall of Fame . ...............................................................23

The COLORADO REALTOR® is published by the: makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy
Colorado Association of REALTORS® or completeness of the information contained herein. The opinions
309 Inverness Way South, Englewood, CO 80112 expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of the Colorado
Association of REALTORS®.
(303) 790-7099 or 1-800-944-6550
This is a copyrighted issue. Permission to reprint or quote any material
FAX (303) 790-7299 or 1-800-317-3689. from this issue is hereby granted provided the Colorado REALTOR ® is
given proper credit in all articles or commentaries, and the Colorado
EDITOR: Tyrone Adams, tadams@coloradorealtors.com Association of REALTORS® is given proper credit with two copies of any
ADVERTISING/DESIGN: Monica Panczer, mpanczer@colorado- reprints.
realtors.com The term “REALTOR ®” is a national registered trademark for members of
the National Association of REALTORS®. The term denotes both business
The Colorado Association of REALTORS® assumes no responsibility for competence and a pledge to observe and abide by a strict Code of
return of unsolicited manu­scripts, photographs or art. The acceptance Ethics. To reach a CAR director who represents you, call your local
of advertising by the Colorado REALTOR does not indicate approval
® association/board.
or endorsement of the advertiser or his product by the Colorado
Association of REALTORS . The Colorado Association of REALTORS
® ®

[page 2]
President’s
Message
Amy Dorsey, 2009 CAR President
Happy New Year, 2009! What a great time of
year; a new beginning; a fresh start for all of
us, as well as the real estate industry. While
2008 was a challenging year with political and
financial changes, it was a dynamic one.
This year, 2009, must be the REALTOR’s® year
of focus on our business and industry. We
must all contribute not only our time and
energies, but our dollars. Yes, that’s right, I
am asking for money; right up front…no soft
sell here. Our business has been impacted
for the past few years, and while not all of us
have gone through the peaks and valleys at
the same time, every region of our State, and
Country for that matter, has felt an effect on
real estate.
As REALTORS® we share in advocacy and
policy initiatives which are created to foster
a healthy and vibrant US real estate market,
which in turn advances vital communities
in which to live and work. But in order to
carry out the REALTOR® Legislative and
Regulatory agendas, we must contribute to
the “cause”; the REALTOR® Political Action
Committee (RPAC) aka Political Survival Fund
(PSF) in Colorado. While we have Members
of our Government Affairs Committees who
contribute and toil long hours, on our behalf,
we also need dollars. RPAC was created in
1969 to promote the election of pro-REALTOR®
candidates across the United States. In
fact, in the last federal election cycle, RPAC
2008-2009 Calendar of Events
January
1-2 CAR Office Closed (Holiday)
22-23 RLI Land 101 Class - Fort Collins
February
16 CAR Offices Closed
17 REALTOR® Day at the Capitol June
State Capitol
18-19 CAR Winter Business Meetings Meetings - Crested Butte
Marriott City Center - Denver
26-27 Green Broker Course - Denver Board
Go to www.ColoradoREALTORS.com for more information on these events and meetings.
[page 3]
contributed
$12 million to pro-REALTOR® candidates to
Congress.
In 2008 NAR was the largest professional
trade association in the United States; it
represented more than 1.3 million residential
and commercial REALTORS®. NAR listed 77
Legislative/Regulatory Issues on its web-site.
That is an extensive and aggressive agenda.
CAR also has a busy effective Legislative
Policy Committee. A couple of weeks ago,
I received the initial Bill Sheet from CAR’s
Government Affairs Department. Then we
had as, of January 9, 2009, at least 14 Bills on
the List. And, there will be more. The issues
on CAR’s bill list include matters pertaining to:
Water, Business, Tax, Housing, Land Use, and
Regulatory.
Besides the “man/woman hours” necessary
to pursue our initiatives, it also takes cash to
support our REALTOR® agendas on a State and
National level. When I was a “new REALTOR®”,
my first year in the business, I got a call from
a seasoned Broker in my local association. I
couldn’t imagine why he called me. When I
returned his call, he asked me to contribute
to PSF. I had no idea what that was/is; but
at least had the sense to confess to him my
ignorance. He explained to me, in more basic
terms than I will write here, in essence PSF
consists of invested funds from REALTOR®
members who want to protect real estate
continued on page 21
March
20-24 AE Institute - The Broadmoor
April
9 Metro Area REALTOR® Rally
23-24 RSPS Course - Durango
8-11 CAR Summer Conference & Bus.
Colorado Economy Report
The good news according to the U.S. Census Bureau is that Colorado is
among the five fastest growing states July 2007 and 2008 increasing at an
estimate growth rate of 2 percent. Colorado’s population increase of 96,686
is the eighth-largest gain in the country. The state’s estimated population
was 4.9 million on July 1, compared with 4.8 million in July 2007.

The bad new is most economists are Governments, natural-resource companies

predicting that Colorado will join the rest of and health care providers are expected to
the nation in the recession in 2009. show some of the larger employment gains.

National Economist Richard Wobbekind of UNEMPLOYMENT

the University of Colorado at Boulders Leeds
Colorado’s unemployment rate is expected
School of Business announced as part of the
to rise from 5 percent this year to 6.4 percent
44th annual Business Economic Outlook
next year. That would surpass the 6.3 percent
Forum hosted December 8th that the national
rate seen in the summer of 2003 during the
economy is in a recession with no light at the
last downturn. Job losses will be heaviest in
end of the tunnel yet. This unknown makes it
construction, with manufacturers, banks,
very unsettling to the person on the street and
retailers, publishers and the tourism industry
will dramatically affect consumers and busi-
also shedding workers.
nesses confidence.
RETAIL
Low consumer confidence, coupled with the
credit and housing crises as well as stock Sales will increase only 1 percent next year
market instability point to a gloomy economic following a 3 percent increase this year, the
picture for Colorado in 2009. Outlook predicts. Adjusting for inflation,
retail sales will have contracted in five of the
Below are economic predictors provided by
past 10 years. Declining retail sales will also
Wobbekind.
put pressure on government coffers, delaying
EMPLOYMENT some projects.

Colorado employers next year will shed a net CONSTRUCTION

4,300 nonfarm jobs, which represents a 0.2
The number of housing permits pulled in the
percent decline, the Outlook predicts. Given
state is expected to fall to 17,700 next year
deteriorating conditions since the forecast was
from 19,500 in 2008, representing the fifth
prepared in the fall, a 1 percent job decline
year of declines. Tighter financing require-
might be more likely, estimated Tim Sheesley,
ments will hamper nonresidential construc-
a corporate economist at Xcel Corp. who par-
tion projects for a second year, said Patty
ticipated in the Outlook. That would translate
Silverstein, an economist with Development
into more than 20,000 jobs lost.
Research Partners who was involved in

[page 4]
preparing the forecast. Overall, the value of ties. Fourteen of the state’s top 20 exports are
construction projects in the state is expected manufactured goods. Colorado’s top manu-
to drop to $8.7 billion next year, a 12.5 percent facturing exports, excluding computer and
decline from $9.9 billion this year. electronic components, will show double-
digit growth this year, paralleling the national
TRADE, TRANSPORTATION AND
trend. Exports are expected to decrease 3
UTILITIES
percent in 2009, following an increase of 5
Colorado’s largest job-producing sector will percent in 2008.
lose jobs in 2009 for the first time since 2003,
shedding 4,800 jobs for a total employment
of 428,700 people in the state. Retail jobs will
lead the sector in jobs lost in 2009, with 2,500
jobs. Retail sales will climb 1 percent, the fifth Why Are You Reading This?
time this decade for negative real growth.
Taxes from retail sales are a primary source of
income for many of Colorado’s municipalities. Probably because you’re curious
On the transportation side, slight declines are about real estate like CAR’s
expected as airlines reduce capacity and busi- 26,000 + members.
ness travel slows.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE Get your message here next issue

Colorado exports recorded a welcome turn- for as low as $250/issue.
around in 2008, driven by a weaker dollar, the
reopening of beef markets, strong increases
in print machinery and robust commodity ex-
Call 303.790.7099 for details.
ports, such as mineral fuels and molybdenum.
Growth in these areas offset declines caused
by the closing or relocation of high-tech facili-

[page 5]
Housing Stats
As Colorado became more populous,
What’ Going on in Colorado?
where the University of Colorado makes its
national real estate trends followed and home, Boulder will do much better than many
as most of the country saw their markets other places in the state during the current
plummet Colorado followed suit. A downturn.
combination of the credit crunch, job losses Boulder is forecast by Housing Predictor to
and foreclosures has hit Colorado housing see average homes deflate just 5.7% in 2009.
markets hard with some rare exceptions. Low inventory levels of homes on the market
Previously, at least Denver danced to its own are adding to Boulder’s strength.
beat in housing booms and busts against the Grand Junction is the biggest exception in
rest of the nation, but home prices in Denver all of Colorado real estate. A natural gas boom
have been on a two-year run south and 2009 has sent new home builders in to fill a supply
will bring another down year in housing values of much needed new homes. Companies are
forecast by Housing Predictor to drop 12.8% on still hiring workers in northwest Colorado to
the average home through work in the fields in the natural
the year’s end as sales remain MARKET AT A GLANCE 2009 gas boom. Many had been living
slow. City Forecast in trailers and RV’s waiting for
Foreclosures are Denver 12.8% homes to be built.
accounting for nearly 40% The healthy local economy
Aurora 11.9%
of Denver’s sales volume as is forecast to grow over the
more and more homeowners Boulder 5.7% next year and appreciate at a
get kicked out of their Grand Junction 3.1% moderate 3.1% in 2009, which
homes, unable to make the Colorado Springs 7.4% is better than most places in the
mortgage. In the suburb of Fort Collins 7.1% nation.
Aurora home sales had a In Colorado Springs, homes
summer run-up only to slow are selling much slower. The
down after bargain hunters shopping for rental community grew during the boom only to
properties fled when the weather turned cold. see home prices fall during the downturn and
Aurora has been hampered by a foreclosure deflation is forecast to continue through the
epidemic, which forced city officials to year at a stronger 7.4%.
seek federal funds to maintain the vacant Fort Collins is a place where many new
homes. Foreclosures are projected to residents have moved to escape big city blues
increase throughout 2009 in Aurora as more only to see the community grow during the
homeowners fall behind on their mortgages, real estate boom. Now with financing harder
adding to an excess inventory of homes on the to get for a mortgage, Fort Collins sales pace
market. Housing Predictor forecasts Aurora will has slowed, sending the market’s home values
see home prices deflate 11.9% in 2009. lower, which are forecast to remain that way
In other parts of Colorado it’s not as over 2009 deflating 7.1%.
devastating. In Boulder prices have fallen in
single digits and the market still has some This article is contributed by HousingPredictor.
movement. Known for being a college town, com.

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[page 6]
The Power of the R

©2007 National Association of REALTORS

What’s in a brand? You probably recognize
brands from McDonald’s® to Microsoft®
without even realizing it. Brands are symbols
that make personal connections to consumers
by evoking thoughts, emotions, and feelings.
Branding helps people understand what a
business or service is and what it stands for. As
a member of CAR and the National Associa-
tion of REALTORS®, you have the power of the
REALTOR® brand working for you and your
business.
Think of it as a
Research shows that consumers will pay more
for a brand if they believe in its quality. NAR
new business magnet.
Your REALTOR® pin does more than just identify you as a starts conversations. Simply wearing it lets potential buyers

commissioned a study with a leading brand proud member of the National Association of REALTORS®. It’s
a powerful new business tool, one that attracts attention and
and sellers know on sight alone, that you’re the person they
can trust for all their real estate needs.

valuation firm and discovered that the REAL-

Of course, you can only take advantage of the
Tell them. Show Them.
Wear your REALTOR® pin with pride.

TOR® brand is worth, on average, more than

power of the REALTOR® brand if you use it. Tell
$4,500 annually to each individual member,
clients and potential customers that you’re a
and that the average lifetime value of the
REALTOR®. Use the materials available to you
name REALTOR® is $32,000. That means that it
at REALTOR.com. Include the REALTOR® R in
would cost the average real estate profession-
your marketing materials and on your busi-
al that much money to license a brand worth
ness cards and on your signs.
as much as the REALTOR® name.

Thanks in part to the Public Awareness Cam-

paign, consumer focus groups have shown Download the REALTOR® R logo and
that homebuyers and sellers believe that
REALTORS® are of higher caliber than are other other handy REALTOR® logos at
real estate professionals. Consumers surveyed www.ColoradoREALTORS.com.
were nearly 10 times more likely to use a REAL-
Select “Resources” then logos.
TOR® than a real estate agent who is not a RE-
ALTOR®. And in this increasingly competitive
environment, the percentage of home buyers
and sellers who believe that REALTORS® earn
their commission has grown by 72 percent
over the past 5 years.

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[page 7]
Energy Star® Windows
Raise the Bar for Energy Efficient Window Performance

By Bruce Lang
In recognition of America’s critical need to a range of energy conservation performance
reduce demand for energy resources, the US from R-4 to R-9.
Department of Energy (DOE) is raising the
Heat Mirror film, which creates multiple
window performance standards of its Energy
insulating cavities, is a superior technological
Star program that rates the energy efficiency
alternative that extends performance well be-
of appliances and building components. New
yond the R-4 level of generic Low-E insulating
window performance standards will become
glass available today.
effective in 2009. The agency proposes even
more demanding requirements in 2013. Among Energy Star’s objectives is increased
market penetration of higher performance
More stringent Energy Star window perfor-
glass products, such as Heat Mirror glass, that
mance standards will reduce energy usage,
are constructed with multiple air spaces for
improve home values, and provide monthly
superior energy savings. DOE’s new standards
savings to home owners. For Colorado home
will define the new criteria for high perfor-
buyers, this means better, more energy
mance windows until at least 2018 (assuming
efficient windows will be available for new
a five year window product life cycle).
construction and renovation. But not all
windows entitled to the coveted Energy Star Clearly, film-based, multi-cavity insulating
designation today will be so entitled when the glass is tomorrow’s state-of-the-art window
new standards take effect. glass available today. It has been saving
energy in hundreds of Colorado homes and
Many window manufacturers will need to
in such landmark Colorado buildings as the
re-engineer their products to meet the new
Boulder Municipal Library, the Eagle County
standards. Fortunately, windows equipped
Justice Center and the Jefferson County
with energy-efficient Heat Mirror insulating
Courthouse.
glass, with an insulation value of R-9, not only
meet, but already exceed, the proposed 2013 Bruce Lang is Vice President of Marketing & Busi-
requirements. R values measure resistance ness Development at Southwall Technologies,
to heat flow and are a measure of insulation Inc., in Palo Alto, CA. Windows with Southwall’s
performance. Heat Mirror insulating glass already meet Energy
Star’s 2013 window energy performance stan-
Heat Mirror windows consist of a technologi-
dards. He can be reached at blang@southwall.
cally advanced low emissivity and solar reflec-
com.
tive film mounted inside an insulating glass
unit in a variety of configurations (one or two
coated films, clear or Low-E glass) providing

Get educated…
Get designated...

ONLINE!
Earn your CE in the comfort of
your home, office – anywhere.
www.ColoradoREALTORS.com/Education

[page 8]
News Bytes
NAR-DOJ: Final Settlement Details
On May 27, 2008, NAR and the U.S.
Department of Justice reached a favorable
settlement, concluding a two-year DOJ
investigation (followed by two and a half years
of litigation) regarding NAR’s multiple listing
policy as it pertained to the display of listings
from the MLS on brokers’ virtual office Web
sites, or VOWs. Important changes to the NAR
MLS policies and model rules require action by
all MLSs no later than February 15, 2009. Learn
more at www.Realtor.org.
REALTOR® Rally April 9th in Denver
Make plans now to attend the metro area
REALTOR® Rally on April 9th at the Colorado
Convention Center in downtown Denver.
Hosted by the metro area boards/associations,
the one-day REALTOR® Rally offers education,
a trade show and Keynote speakers Larry
Kendall and Lawrence Yun. Learn more at
www.RealtorRally.org.
the local market. However, FHA does not
allow a borrower to pay a tax service fee,
and the borrower cannot be charged an
origination fee greater than one percent
on forward mortgages.
For more information go to www.fha.gov
Participate in the CAR Winter Business
Meetings
CAR members are encouraged to participate
in the 2009 CAR Winter Business Meetings
that will be held February 18-19 at the Denver
Marriott City Center. These meetings are an
important aspect in shaping the future of
the Colorado real estate industry, and your
local and state real estate associations. All
Colorado REALTOR members are welcome
to participate. No registration is needed. To
view the meeting schedule and committee
agendas go to the “events” tab at www.
ColoradoREALTORS.com

One-stop Resources for REALTORS®

NAR Field Guides provide information on
dozens of topics. Each single-subject guide
links to articles, books, Web sites, statistics,
and more. Check out these guides at www.
realtor.org.

Not the Same Old FHA

Improvements made in recent years:
Colorado’s finest selection...
• FHA’s loss mitigation program authorizes
extraordinary service
lenders to assist borrowers in default.
• FHA offers the Technology Open to
Approved Lenders (TOTAL) Mortgage
Scorecard. HUD developed the TOTAL
Scorecard as an automated underwriting
system to evaluate the credit risk of FHA
applications.
• FHA has also changed its guidelines for
appraisals to make them the same as
conventional appraisals. The new focus is
on the valuation of the property. Repairs
are no longer needed for cosmetic or
minor defects or normal wear and tear. Louisville Showroom
1130 Pine Street
• FHA’s loan to value ratio is now Louisville, Colorado 80027
Phone: 303.665.6850
comparable with other prime products. Fax 303.665.6895

Upfront premiums, which may be M-F 9:00am - 5:30pm

Sat. 9:00am - 4:00pm
financed, cannot exceed. 3.0 percent.
Premiums for first time homebuyers Steamboat Showroom
445 Anglers Drive
who complete a counseling program Sundance at Fishcreek
Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80488
cannot exceed 2.75 percent. The annual Phone: 970.879.8316
Fax: 970.879.8317
premium is 0.5 percent. By Appointment

• Borrowers can now pay any closing costs Toll Free 1.877.668.6844
that are customary and reasonable in www.mountainhighappliance.com

[page 9]
Making a Difference
Volunteer Where Your
Heart Leads You!
Sometimes the most difficult decision when
it comes to volunteering is “where should I
volunteer?” The answer is simple- where is
your heart?

Volunteering not only improves the lives of

others, it also can improve your life and those
around you. It can teach and give: work expe-
rience, job skills, responsibility, self-respect,
self-esteem, perspective, passion, hope,
leadership skills, generosity, tolerance, under-
standing, awareness, fun, credibility, confi-
dence, community connections, appreciation
for others, sense of belonging, cooperation,
public speaking, planning, organizational
skills, working for something beyond their
own lives. Everyone -- from small children to
senior citizens -- has something to offer the
world. It is too easy to say “but I am so busy” or “I just
don’t have the time” or “I don’t know where to
We all should have a since of responsibil-
start” and let your talents go to waste. Think
ity to help those that are less fortunate and
about this, what if it was you who needed
contribute to the common good. It may be
something or someone to fill a gap in your
your time or it may be financial contributions
life? Ask yourself today what gift do I have
or a combination of both. Whatever the case
that I can share? Then…Go where your heart
every little bit truly helps when it comes to
leads you!
good works.

4 Ways to Give Back >>

1. Support affordable housing and become a CARHOF REALTOR®. This only
involves a little set-up time and no monetary commitment from you. Learn
how at www.CARHOF.org or call 303-790-7099.

2. Volunteer at your local board or association. Keep your eye out for
upcoming charity events your board or association is taking part in and
either donate your time or money to the event.

3. Get fit and help out. CAR has teams for the MS150 bike tour and the
Brent’s Place fun run/walk in the summer months. Get ready to sign up for
these or other fun run’s in your community and get fit while you give.

4. Join NAR’s habitat for humanity efforts at their Annual Convention. Each
year, NAR continues the tradition of helping one family in the Conference
city realize the American dream of home ownership. You can be part of the
experience by volunteering to help build with Habitat for Humanity. Learn
more on NAR’s convention web page at www.REALTOR.org.

[page 10]
 Team Colorado REALTORS®
Let Team Colorado REALTORS® help you promote your
charitable efforts and opportunities for your col-
leagues to get involved in too. Just send an e-mail
detailing your community efforts with photos if
available to tadams@ColoradoREALTORS.com. Many
times the kick start people need is to know what op-
portunities are available.

Thanks for caring and sharing!

CARHOF’s Crunch Trickles

Down to Communities
It’s no secret times are tough on everyone
which is why donations and volunteering is
dwindling in record proportions. Non-profit
organizations like CARHOF (Colorado Housing
Opportunity Foundation) are starting to feel
the strain of a weak economy, even though
they have built a strong foundation and have
received recognition like being named in the
top ten for Corporate Foundations by the
Denver Business Journal last month.
With interest rates low and the real estate
market struggling CARHOF’s return while still
helpful will fall way short in its ability to help
all of the non-profit housing organizations
that have come to rely on this foundation.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors, I would like
to extend my sincere thanks for the $2,500 grant
award. Your support will assist us in providing
invaluable emergency shelter, services and sup-
port for victims of domestic violence.”
-Safehouse Progressive for Non-Violence
the homeless, victims of domestic violence,
first-time homebuyers, families threatened
with eviction or losing their homes, victims
of a natural disaster and more. Only housing
organizations are eligible for funding and they
must be based in Colorado with a 501(c)3
status or be a public agency.
“CARHOF grants are vital to our efforts to pro-
vide safe shelter, food, support services and an
avenue to self-sufficiency for homeless adults in
our community.”
- Boulder Shelter for the Homeless
Help one of Colorado’s most reliable and
steadfast non-profit housing advocate
foundations continue its mission of provid-
ing safe, decent and affordable housing for
those in need by encouraging your real estate
brokerage and title companies you work with
to open a CARHOF account and by making a
contribution online to CARHOF today at www.
CARHOF.org.

CARHOF isn’t just a foundation that gives

money, it is a foundation that creates hope for

[page 11]
 (Paid Advertisement)
Title Insurance...
It’s the Consumer’s Choice - Providing an Educated Recommendation
By Garry Wolff
In the Colorado Real Estate Industry, percep-
tion is reality because most consumers have
the belief and expectation that their real
estate brokers are looking out for their best
interests when recommending a title compa-
ny for their real estate transactions. However,
recently adopted consumer protection mea-
sures will dramatically challenge the reality of
this perception.
The Colorado Real Estate Commission has
clarified its position that consumers have the
responsibility to shop and compare title insur-
ance and closing services for their transac-
tions. In addition, the Commission recently
revised the following approved forms titled
“BROKERAGE DUTIES DISCLOSURE TO SELLER/
BUYER” (BDD56-9-08, BD24-9-08 & SD16-9-08)
(Mandatory 1-09), that contains the following
new disclosure language that puts consumers
on notice as to their responsibility.
“DISCLOSURE OF SETTLEMENT SERVICE
COSTS. Seller/Buyer acknowledges that costs,
quality, and extent of service vary between
different settlement service providers (e.g.,
attorneys, lenders, inspectors and title com-
panies).”
It should be noted that although the title
insurance industry is regulated, title rates
and closing fees can vary substantially from
company to company.
On a federal level, HUD on November 17, 2008
released their new RESPA rule (mandatory
1-2010) to simplify and improve the process
for obtaining mortgages and makes it easier
for consumers to shop among settlement
service providers.
The objectives of these state and federal ac-
tions are to educate and protect consumers.
Most importantly, these actions were taken
to give consumers the ability to shop among
providers of title related services.
In summary, the new Real Estate Commis-
sion approved disclosure is intended to make
consumers aware of their responsibility for
[page 12]
shopping and selecting their title company,
but does not diminish the role of real estate
brokers to provide consumers with recom-
mendations needed to make an informed
decision. Based on this reality and the need
for consumer education, real estate brokers
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mendation that encompass the elements of
quality service, protection and costs.
To make educated recommendations to your
clients, knowledge of the ever changing title
insurance market place is essential. myTi-
tleIns.com is a FREE online title insurance
resource (not a title company) that can assist
you in making educated recommendations
to your clients for selecting the right title
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nity to shop and compare title insurance and
closing services of different title companies.
myTitleIns.com
PROVIDE YOUR CLIENT WITH
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Subscribing title companies to myTitleIns.com
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of their title insurance and closing service
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3) additional closing protection assurances.
Knowledge of these elements will assist you
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Garry Wolff has 34 years of title insurance experi-
ence and is the owner of TISERVICES LLC., a title
insurance consulting & services provider. Garry
can be contacted at gswolff@tiervicesllc.com or
303-795-1667 for more information about www.
myTitleIns.com.
 CAR Resource Guide
Compliments of the Equal Opportunity/Cultural Diversity Committee

REALTOR® ASSOCIATION INFORMATION

RESOURCE GUIDE
Colorado Assn of REALTORS® (CAR) 303-790-7099 www.ColoradoREALTORS.com
Colorado Association of REALTORS®
Housing Opportunity Foundation(CARHOF) 303-790-7099 www.carhof.org
Colorado Home Programs www.COHomePrograms.com
National Assn of REALTORS® (NAR) 800-874-6500 www.realtors.org
NAR Housing Opportunity Program www.realtor.org/housopp.nsf
NAR Action Center www.naractioncenter.com
The NAR Action Center - Government Affairs Division.
NAR Official Site www.realtor.com
Publicly accessible web site/national property search tool

NAR INSTITUTES, SOCIETIES & COUNCILS (Specialty organizations affiliated with NAR)
Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute
(CCIM) 312-321-4460 www.ccim.com
Council of Residential Specialists (CRS) 800-462-8841 www.crs.com
Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) 312-329-8427 www.cre.org
Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) 312-329-6000 www.irem.org
Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers
(CRB) 800-621-8738 www.crb.com
REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI) 312-329-8440 www.rliland.com
Society of Industrial & Office REALTORS (SIOR) 202-737-1150 www.sior.com
Pull out pages 13-16 for your reference!

Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) 800-245-8512 www.wcr.org

INSTITUTES, SOCIETIES & COUNCILS – COLORADO CHAPTERS

Colorado/Wyoming CCIM Chapter www.cowyccim.org
CRS Colorado Chapter #1 www.coloradocrs.com
CRE - (Chapter info on National site) www.cre.org
IREM – Northern CO Chapter #17 www.iremdenver.org
IREM – Southern CO Chapter #53 www.ppar.com
Rocky Mountain CRB Chapter www.rmcrb.com
RLI - Colorado Chapter #5 www.coloradorli.com
SIOR - (Chapter info on National site) www.sior.com
WCR - Colorado www.coloradowcr.org

REAL ESTATE ORGANIZATIONS

Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) www.areaa.org
Colorado Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals
(CAHREP) www.cahrep.com
Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW Denver) www.crewdenver.org
National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals
(NAHREP) www.nahrep.org
National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) www.nareb.com

ASSOCIATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS

American Society of Appraisers (ASA) www.appraisers.org
Appraisal Institute www.colo-ai.org
Association of Real Estate License Law Officials www.arello.org
Colorado Apartment Association www.caahq.org
Colorado Assessor’s Association www.e-caa.com
Colorado Association of Real Estate Investors www.carei.com
Colorado Association of Home Builders www.hbacolorado.com
Colorado Bankers Association www.coloradobankers.org
Colorado Bar Association www.cobar.org
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless www.coloradocoalition.org
Colorado Contractors Association www.coloradocontractors.org
Colorado Counties www.ccionline.org
Colorado Foundation for Water Education www.cfwe.org
Colorado Municipal League www.cml.org

[page 13]
 ASSOCIATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS CONT.
Colorado Nonprofit Association www.coloradononprofits.org
Community Association Institutes www.caicolorado.org
Latin American Research and Service Agency (LARASA) www.LARASA.org
Rocky Mountain Home Association www.coloradohome.org
RESOURCE GUIDE

FAIR HOUSING INFORMATION

American With Disabilities Act (ADA) 800-514-0301 www.ada.gov
ADA & Information Technology Center www.adata.org
Disabilities www.hud.gov/groups/disabilities.cfm
Independent Living Centers www.ilusa.com
National Fair Housing Alliance - 202-898-1661 www.nationalfairhousing.org
U.S. Dept. of HUD www.hud.gov/groups/fairhousing.cfm

FORECLOSURE INFORMATION
Homeownership Preservation Foundation:
Colorado’s Foreclosure Prevention Hotline 1-877-601-4673 (HOPE) English & Spanish
National Foreclosure Prevention Hotline 1-888-995-4673 (HOPE)

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION – STATE

State of Colorado www.colorado.gov
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
-Convicted Sex Offender Site http://sor.state.co.us
Colorado General Assembly www.leg.state.co.us
Department of Regulatory Agencies 303-894-7855 www.dora.state.co.us
Division of Civil Rights 303-894-2997 www.dora.state.co.us/civil-rights
800-262-4845
Division of Insurance 303-894-7490 www.dora.state.co.us/insurance
800- 930-3745
Division of Real Estate 303-894-2166 www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate
Department of Local Affairs Div. of Housing 303-866-2033 www.dola.state.co.us/cdh
Secretary of State www.sos.state.co.us
State Land Board 303-866-3454 http://trustlands.state.co.us
Mold FAQ’s www.realtor.org/realtororg.
nsf/pages/moldfaq
Radon information www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/rad/
radon
Voter Registration www.elections.colorado.gov

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES – FEDERAL

Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov
Federal Housing Administration www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/
hsgabout.cfm
Federal Housing Finance Board www.fhfb.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) www.fema.gov
Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov
The United States House of Representatives www.clerkweb.house.gov
The United States Senate www.senate.gov
US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development www.hud.gov
US Dept. of Agriculture, Rural Development www.rurdev.usda.gov
US Dept. of Veterans Affairs - Benefits and Services www.homeloans.va.gov

HOUSING INFORMATION
Affordable Housing Management Association (Colorado) www.rockyahma.org
Colorado Home Programs www.cohomeprograms.com
Colorado Housing Counseling Coalition www.housingcounseling.com
Colorado Housing Search (Free statewide listing service) www.ColoradoHousingSearch.com
Community Housing Resource Board 720-423-2789 www.chrb.net
Community Housing Services 303-831-1750 www.chsico.org
Colorado Association of Home Builders 303-691-2242 www.hbacolorado.com
Enterprise Foundation www.enterprisefoundation.org
Habitat for Humanity
www.habitatforhumanity.org
Housing Assistance Council (HAC) www.ruralhome.org
Housing Colorado 303-863-0123 www.Housingcolorado.org

[page 14]
HOUSING INFORMATION CONT.
Housing Justice! www.housingjustice.org
HUD Home Property Listings www.hud.gov/homes/homes
forsale.cfm
National Affordable Housing Management Association www.nahma.org
National Association of Home Builders www.Nahb.org

RESOURCE GUIDE
National Association of Housing & Redevelopment www.nahro.org
Officials (Colorado Chapter) www.conahro.org
National Council of State Housing Agencies www.ncsha.org
National Housing & Rehabilitation Association www.ncsha.org
National Low Income Housing Coalition www.nlihc.org
NeighborWorks America www.nw.org
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/
sfh/res/respa_hm.cfm
LENDING / MORTGAGE
Center for Responsible Lending www.responsiblelending.org
Colorado Assn of Mortgage Brokers (CAMB) 303-991-2440 www.camb.org
Colorado HOA Law www.cohoalaw.com
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority (CHFA) 303-297-2432 www.chfainfo.com
Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation www.coloradohousingassistance.org
Colorado Mortgage Lenders Assn (CMLA) 303-773-9565 www.cmla.com
Fannie Mae www.fanniemae.com
Federal Housing Administration www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/
hsgabout.cfm
Federal Housing Finance Board www.fhfb.gov
Freddie Mac www.freddiemac.com
Freddie Mac Predatory Lending www.dontborrowtrouble.com
Funding Partners for Housing Solutions www.fundingpartners.org
Ginnie Mae www.ginniemae.gov
Mortgage Bankers Association of America www.mbaa.org
National Association of Mortgage Brokers www.namb.org
US Dept of HUD Predatory Lending site www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/
buying/loanfraud.cfm
USDA Rural Development www.rurdev.usda.gov/co
VA www.vamortgagecenter.com
Veterans Benefits and Services www.homeloans.va.gov

MISCELLANEOUS
Action 22, Inc. www.action22.org
ChoicePoint- (C.L.U.E. Reports) 866-312-8076 www.choicetrust.com
Colorado Legal Services www.coloradolegalservices.org
E-Star (Energy Rated Homes) www.e-star.com
FCC’s On-Line Consumer Complaint –
Unsolicited fax www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html
FDIC Special Alerts www.fdic.gov/quicklinks/bankers.html
Federal Trade Commission - consumer complaints www.ftc.gov/bcp/index.shtml
Find Your Legislators - Vote-Smart www.vote-smart.org
Government Services Admin/links to Fed agencies www.usa.gov
Homebuilder.com (New Construction) www.homebuilder.com
KnowledgePlex www.knowledgeplex.org
Lender Alerts – termination of lender approval www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/
lender/lendterm.cfm
National Consumer Law
– Low Income Consumer Justice www.consumerlaw.org
Partnership for Home Energy Efficiency www.energysavers.gov
Progress 15 www.progressive15.org
Real Estate Library www.relibrary.com

[page 15]
 INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE TOOLKIT
REALTOR® RESOURCES
CIPS Membership www.REALTOR.Org/CIPShome.nsf
/pages/Membership
Country Profiles www.REALTOR.Org/IntlProf.nsf
RESOURCE GUIDE

International Consortium of R.E. Associations www.REALTOR.Org/CIPShome.

nsf/pages/ICREA
International Real Estate Research www.realtor.org/Research.nsf/
pages/reportsintl?OpenDocument
Power Tools for International Practitioners http://narblog1.realtor.org/
mvtype/international/
World Properties www.worldproperties.com

GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
CIA World Fact Book www.cia.gov/redirects/factbookre
direct.html
FIRPTA www.irs.gov/businesses/small/
international
Tax Rules www.RIS.Gov/Businesses/Small/
International/
Visa Information www.Travel.State.Gov/Visa/
Visa_1750.html
www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Business Culture and Etiquette www.executiveplanet.com/index.
php?title=Main_Page
www.getcustoms.com/2004GTC/
index.html
Consular Corps www.ColoradoREALTORS.com/
car_resources_main.asp?
section=&module_id=152
Business Address Formats & Communications www.bspage.com/address.html
International Real Estate Digest www.ired.com/
National Immigration Forum www.immigrationforum.org/
Reuters Real Estate www.reutersrealestate.com/

DESIGNATIONS
CIPS Home Page www.REALTOR.Org/CIPShome.nsf/
pages/cipshome
Transnational Referral Certification www.REALTOR.Org/CIPShome.nsf/
pages/TRC
Resort & Second Home Property Specialist www.REALTOR.Org/Resort

ORGANIZATIONS, INSTITUTES AND ASSOCIATIONS

Association of Foreign Investors of Real Estate www.afire.org
Central European Real Estate Associations Network www.cerean.com
FIABCI International Real Estate Federation   www.fiabci.org/
India Institute of Real Estate www.iire.co.in/
International Housing Coalition www.intlhc.org/
International Real Property Foundation www.irpf.org/irpf.nsf/homepage?
OpenForm
Mexican Real Estate Association www.ampi.org/english.php
World Trade Center Denver www.WTCdn.com

MISCELLANEOUS
Basic Language Translation www.google.com/language_
tools?hl=en

[page 16]
Legal Digest
Foreclosure Investors Not
Exempted from FHA Seasoning
By: Jon Goodman and Jeremy Durham
Buyers at foreclosure auctions must purchase
with cash (eliminating much competition),
often don’t have the opportunity to inspect
the interior of the property, and risk being
redeemed out by junior lien holders. Gener-
ally, foreclosure buyers acquire properties at
below their retail fair market value. While it is
intuitive that they should be exempted from
FHA’s seasoning requirements when flip-
ping property, foreclosure buyers are not so
exempted.
The commonsensical premise of the FHA sea-
soning requirements is that the rapid resale of
a property at a price over the acquisition price
makes the resale price suspect, therefore mak-
ing the financing that funds the flip transac-
tion, and is secured by the flipped property,
suspect. Federal regulation 24 CFR Part 203.37
restricts the availability of FHA mortgage
insurance for properties that are re-sold less
than 90 days following the date of acquisition
by the seller.
The 90 day clock starts on “the date the seller
acquired the property.” FHA underwriters
seem to interpret this language to mean that
the 90 day clock starts on the date on which
the flipper’s acquisition deed is recorded, not
the earlier date when the flipper receives title.
Under Colorado foreclosure law, title passes to
the holder of the certificate of purchase eight
business days after the foreclosure auction,
unless a junior lien holder files a notice of in-
tent to redeem. If no junior lien holder files a
America’s First and Foremost Home
Inspection Association
To find an ASHI Inspector in your area,
go to www.ColoradoASHI.org
[page 17]
Notice of Intent to Redeem, the public trustee
later issues a “Confirmation Deed” that merely
confirms that title passed after the expira-
tion of the eight business day period. But the
public trustees cannot issue the deed until 15
business days after the auction, and the deed
typically doesn’t get recorded for another sev-
eral business days. This impedes the investor’s
ability to sell the property to an FHA buyer for
essentially an extra month beyond the FHA 90
day waiting period.
Can the contract come before the 90 day
period if it closes after the 90 day period? The
rule states that the re-sale date is “the date of
execution of the sales contract that will result
in the FHA mortgage insurance.” Therefore,
the contract that closes for the resale of the
property must be mutually executed more
than 90 days after the lender’s acquisition.
There are logical exceptions to the FHA sea-
soning requirements. The resale of real estate
owned (REO) by lenders is exempted. Yet if
someone other than the foreclosing lender
acquires title at the foreclosure auction by
outbidding the foreclosing lender, the investor
doesn’t benefit from an exception. The lack
of an exception for foreclosure buyers inhibits
the speed with which affordable housing can
be sold to owner occupants.
To read more about this topic, visit www.Colo-
radoREALTORS.com and select “Legal Tools,”
then “Legal Hotline Article.”
Government Affairs
INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE; ATTEND
REALTOR® DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Register today for REALTOR® Day at the Capitol

on February 17 and take advantage of your
opportunity to discuss Colorado Real Estate
related issues with your local and state legisla-
tors. Your support with grassroots efforts like
this is needed and speaks volumes as CAR
continues to protect and promote favorable
real estate policies in Colorado.

Don’t miss out on your chance to have a voice
on issues such as:
• Improving the Quality of Life in your
community
• The marketability of property in your
neighborhood
• Protecting your income and maintaining
your commissions and
• Educating and screening policy makers who
support REALTOR® issues, plus more!
Your support with grassroots efforts like this is
needed and speaks volumes as CAR continues
to protect and promote favorable real estate
policies in Colorado.
Pre-Register by Tuesday, February 10, 2009 for
$40 (includes lunch, materials and trans-
portation to Capitol). Register after Tuesday,
February 10, 2009 for $50 (onsite registration
subject to availability for luncheon).
Tentative Schedule, Subject to Change:
Denver Marriott City Center
1701 California Street
Denver, CO 80202
10:30-11:30am – Registration and Check-In
11:30-1:00pm – Luncheon and Legislative
Briefing (Marriott)
1:30-4:30pm – Afternoon Program (State Capi-
tol, Old Supreme Court Chambers)
5:30pm – Evening Reception with Legislators
(Marriott)
Register online today at www.Colorado
REALTORS.com. See you at REALTOR® Day at
the Capitol!
CAR GETS A RUNNING START IN 2009
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The 2009 Colorado General Assembly
convened on Wednesday, January 7. CAR’s
Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) is already
at work looking out for the best interests of all
Colorado REALTORS’®.
While they can never fully anticipate every
piece of legislation that will significantly im-
pact Colorado’s real estate industry, the group
does expect the return of some familiar issues
relating to affordable housing, joint-tenancy
statutes, and regulation of 1031 Qualified
Intermediaries.
Other issues the LPC will also weigh in on
issues concerning water, land use, business
and taxation, housing, and regulatory issues
affecting REALTORS® and the communities in
which we live and work.
The LPC, appointed by the CAR President, will
meet regularly and on an as needed basis to
discuss, to support, to oppose, or to remain
neutral on proposed legislation which will
then be lobbied at the State Capitol.
You too can assist Colorado REALTORS® by
answering CAR and NAR “calls to action” and
investing your local or state Political Survival
Fund (PSF).
To stay up-to-date on real estate related
legislative issues go to the Government Affairs
page at www.ColoradoREALTORS.com or sign
up to receive the NEW Government Affairs e-
mail report. Contact CAR’s Government Affairs
Division at 303-790-7099 to learn how you can
get the latest political news that affects your
business.

[page 18]
Counsel Corner
This column is a legal resource for local associations, local
association counsel, and REALTORS®.
RESPA REFORM: FINAL RULE
While reactions to the most significant
provisions of the final RESPA reform rule
(“Final Rule”) range from applause to criti-
cism, industry experts and officials seem
convinced that the Final Rule will ultimately
be pushed through. Therefore, REALTORS®
should understand the final rule’s impact on
the services you provide. A detailed report on
this 341 page Final Rule is beyond the scope
of this article.
Arguably, the real estate brokerage industry
is one of the settlement service industries
least impacted by the Final Rule. HUD listened
to constructive comments presented by NAR
and redrafted the Good Faith Estimate (“GFE”)
and the HUD-1 language to synchronize the
documents and allow for easier consumer
comprehension. Further, in response to
concern from small businesses, HUD chose to
scrap the proposed modifications to the term
“thing of value.” While the modifications would
have explicitly allowed negotiated discounts
and possibly steered lenders and consumers
to larger service providers, HUD made it clear
that in most circumstances if an individual
settlement service provider negotiates a
discount on behalf of the borrower, and then
passes 100% of that discount to the borrower,
there is no violation of the Final Rule.
Even though HUD listened to industry
leaders and made several positive changes to
the Final Rule, HUD has not yet collaborated
with the Federal Reserve to update the Truth
in Lending Act to comport with the Final Rule.
As a result, the real estate brokerage indus-
try must comply with both laws, and there
may be some confusion. The HUD-1 will be
R
othgerber Johnson & Lyons has more
than 30 years’ experience advising real
estate brokerage firms across Colorado
in commercial, residential, property manage-
ment, investment, leasing, industrial, resort,
and farm and ranch transactions.
From listing and commission issues to
licensing, regulatory and tax matters, we assist
with the legalities of brokerage needs.
Denver · Colorado Springs · Casper
[page 19]
By: Kristine Poston, Esq.
& Dick Clark, Esq.
three pages with the third page replacing the
“script” to be read at closing which was pro-
posed in an earlier draft of the Rule. Closings
may be longer because consumers may have
questions stemming from the longer HUD-1.
Although the effective date of the Final
Rule was January 16, 2009, it actually has two
implementation phases, as follows:
January 16, 2009: (1) the new definition of
“required use” is applicable; (2) the use of aver-
age charges by all settlement service provid-
ers is permitted; and (3) three proposals have
been implemented without change which are:
(a) revisions to the mortgage servicing disclo-
sures, (b) removal of expired escrow regula-
tion provisions, and (c) recognition by HUD of
the applicability of ESIGN (i.e., allowing for the
electronic transmission of disclosures).
January 1, 2010: (1) the new three page
GFE and affiliated requirements take effect;
(2) the new three page HUD-1 are required;
and (3) all other definitions and provisions not
previously effective are implemented.
Links to the New Rule, new GFE, new HUD-
1, other forms and pertinent information may
currently be found at www.hud.gov/respa.
Please contact your attorney/local board
counsel with specific questions.
Kristine Poston’s practice at Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons
LLP. She can be reached at 303-628-9538 or by e-mail at
kposton@rothgerber.com. This Article is published for
general information purposes only. The content should
not be construed as legal advice or opinion. You are
urged to contact a lawyer concerning your specific legal
situation. Determination of the need for legal services
and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important deci-
sions and should not be based solely upon advertise-
ments or self proclaimed expertise.
· Affiliated business · Licensing
arrangements · Listings and contracts
· Commission disputes and · Oil & gas leases
collections · Regulatory matters
· Environmental challenges · Tax matters
· Homeowners’ · Title issues
associations · Trials/appeals
· Insurance
Contact Dick Clark at 303-628-9531 or
rclark@rothgerber.com
303-623-9000 · www.rothgerber.com
 Why Become a CRE?
By: Ryan Toole, CRE
So, why become a CRE? Becoming a CRE is
not for every senior real estate professional.
For me, the CRE® (Counselors of Real Estate)
designation is as much about access as it is
about demonstrating my own professional
qualifications. It is about the opportunity to
attend local and national meetings with people
at the very top of their professions- bankers,
appraisers, mortgage professionals, asset
managers and consultants.
CRE®, formerly known as the American Society
of Real Estate Counselors, is one of five diverse
commercial affiliates of the National Association
of REALTORS®. The other four are CCIM, SIOR, RLI
and IREM. The other affiliates are well known,
highly regarded, main stream designations
with many thousands of members. Their
members are typically specialists who have
met the training, education and experience
requirements to join these organizations and
use the designation. Today there are only 1,100
CREs world-wide.
Members come from real estate, financial, legal
and accounting firms as well as from leadership
positions in government and academia. The
essential business linkage among them is that
they all provide advisory services to clients or
employers in the real property arena.
What is real estate counseling? “It is the act
of providing advice or guidance on real estate
decision-making for a client or employer. The
advice is rendered solely for the use of the
parties receiving the advice and it is rendered
without personal bias or conflict of interest. Real
estate counseling is not considered a real estate
discipline such as brokerage, management or
appraisal, but rather a process.”
This definition reflects the long-standing
requirement that the Counselor’s compensation
be based upon the inherent value of their
knowledge and experience as opposed
to being contingent upon an outcome or
otherwise being linked to the value of a real
estate transaction. Membership does include
[page 20]
some very senior commercial property agents,
but these are individuals whose long careers
and depth of experience have allowed them
to become advisors as well as commissioned
brokers. Nor does one have to be a “consultant”
in the common sense of the word. Many
CRE’s have spent their careers as “single-client”
advisors, working for a company or institution in
the real estate business.
You might ask how one becomes a CRE. The
CRE designation is awarded twice a year by
invitation only, in recognition of an individual’s
achievements in counseling and adherence to
a strict code of ethical conduct. There are no
formal classes or tests to complete. However,
applicants must:
1. have at least ten years experience in real
estate, three of which must be in counseling;
2. hold a senior position in their firm, university
or government section;
3. show evidence that they provide meaningful
professional real estate counseling services;
4. be recognized by his or her peers for
excellence as an advisor; and
5. conduct their business activities with
uncompromising adherence to ethics and
professional standards.
Application may be self-initiated, although
many applicants are sponsored by members of
the CRE organization. It is also more expensive
than some other designations. You can learn
more at CRE.org.
I belong to several other professional
organizations, but only the Counselors of
Real Estate (CRE) provides exclusive access to
top professionals in such a wide spectrum of
disciplines in a small group setting. This access,
combined with the collegial atmosphere of
the Counselors, provides a unique professional
experience.
Ryan Toole is a single-client advisor with The Pyne
Companies, a boutique real estate investment
management firm.
President’s from page 3
interests and private property rights. Yes, PSF
does contribute money to support candidates
on all levels; local, state and national, and a
majority of the money is used in our local
communities. However, a very important
point is that PSF/ Political Survival Fund is
nonpartisan. We support REALTOR® interests.
As the years have gone by, and my business
has grown, I have been able to contribute
more than the initial $25. I have always
considered it my good fortune that I am
able to contribute larger amounts. And, my
RPAC pin is truly one of my favorite pieces of
jewelry. I feel it is my badge of success and
honor. I’ve always been quiet about much
of my involvement as a REALTOR®; to each his
own, and no one likes a zealot. But, that stops
now. I owe you my utmost and fidelity to the
REALTOR® agenda. If you are not contributing,
why not? Why are you allowing others to
“carry you” and fight the fight to allow you to
do business as you always have; or promoting
private property rights on your behalf? More
importantly why are they protecting your
right to compensation as you deem it, or
dealing with tax and business issues which
greatly affect the sale of private property?
If you happen to go on to the Colorado
Association of REALTORS® web-site, you
will note on the PSF Contribution Form the
following statement, “Your contributions are
voluntary and used for political purposes. You
may refuse to contribute without affecting
your membership rights. Your contributions
will be allocated according to the following
formula: 30% of your contribution will be used
by RPAC…, 20% of your contribution will be
used to support local candidates. 50% of your
COLORADO CRS CHAPTER #1
CRS 201 Listing Strategies
February 9th - 10th, 2009
Instructor: Chuck Bode
2009 CLASS SCHEDULE
Co-Sponsor: Loveland/Berthoud Association
CRS 204 Building Wealth through
Residential Real Estate
April 14th - 15th, 2009
Instructor: Dale Carlton
Co-Sponsor: Denver Board of REALTORS®
Course descriptions & registration at www.ColoradoCRS.com
All courses are $250 or $225 for Chapter Members.
[page 21]
contribution will be used by RIPAC to support
ballot issues…”
I know it has been a tough business year
for some of you. But, if you do not have
CAR and NAR Government Affairs Divisions
working, daily, on your behalf, the upcoming
years could be tougher. I am still asked to
drop by the Vail Board of REALTORS Monthly
Orientation for New Members. I usually give
them a quick five minutes about many things;
one of which is “why” we will ask them for PSF
Dollars. One of the things I always say is that
each day, someone wakes up and gets in a car
or on a plane to work on REALTOR® initiatives
and on behalf of you the individual REALTOR®.
This is the year of change and involvement,
step up and give. You will never miss the
dollars.
My first job was babysitting. My mother
always told me when I left our home to go
sit for the neighborhood children, to leave
their home in clean orderly condition…she
always reminded me that I should leave the
home in better condition than I found it. That
is what each of us must do this year; leave
our industry better than we find it today. If
you have the pleasure to meet our 2009 PSF
Committee Chair, Bob Fullerton, please give
him your thanks for accepting his very “big
job” of asking Membership for contributions.
Thank you and I wish you all health,
happiness, and great fortune this year.
CRS 205 Financing and Tax Class
– Newly Revised, Two Dates & Locations
May 18 - 19th, 2009
Instructor: Pat Zaby
Co-Sponsor: Aurora Association of REALTORS®
November 3rd - 4th, 2009
Instructor: Tina Daniel
Co-Sponsor: Denver Board of REALTORS®
2009 Technology Checklist
By Michael Antoniak | www.realtor.org
Is your real estate office ready for 2009?
Technology is so interwoven into the real
estate business that keeping up with new
product introductions and services is neces-
sary to stay competitive and efficient. In 2007,
65 percent of sales agents and associate
brokers spent anywhere between $251-$2,000
on technology for real estate purposes, ac-
cording to the 2008 REALTOR® Technology
Report, conducted annually by the Center for
REALTOR® Technology. Here’s an overview of
key products and solutions to help you make
those dollars stretch in 2009.
THE 4 ESSENTIALS
Many real estate pros are finding they can’t
live without these four essentials: a mobile
phone, computer, digital camera, and naviga-
tion solution. New products are constantly
being introduced, but there’s good news for
bargain shoppers: You can find great deals
across the board on these products as vendors
work to move product in a sluggish market.
1. Phones: The smartphone is the smart
choice for most real estate professionals,
giving you a portable office in the palm of
your hands. NAR’s 2008 technology survey
found 42 percent of real estate pros already
are using some form of Web-enabled phone.
Notable introductions like the latest iPhone
and Blackberry Bold have garnered the kind
of publicity and visibility that helps legitimize
the smartphone for more people.
Phones are evolving in other ways to be-
come the one indispensable device for all
your mobile needs. The 5-Megapixel Kodak/
Motorola Motozine ZN5 was unveiled in June
as a mobile imaging device good enough to
replace a digital still camera. More models are
on their way.
2. Computers: For most real estate pros, a lap-
top makes sense as a primary computer. You
have many choices, even under $1,000: Dell’s
Vostro line-up, Hewlett Packard’s “balanced
mobility” laptops; and Lenovo’s Thinkpad SL
series.
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Another notable trend is the increased selec-
tion of ultra-compact mobile computers. For
some, this might be the ideal compromise
between a smartphone and laptop, delivering
basic functionality and mobile Web access in a
truly portable package. Examples include the
Lenovo IdeaPad S-10, Dell Inspiron Mini-9, HP
2133 Mini-Note, or Asus Eee PC 900.
3. Cameras: The one area where camera
phones continue to lag behind digital-still
cameras is lens optics. Wide-angle capabili-
ties can be especially important for real estate
photography, and the selection of wide-angle
cameras continues to grow.
Nikon’s Coolpix P80 launched this year is
one good example: It has an 18X zoom for
highlighting features and a wide angle setting
for getting the whole room in the picture.
Newer wide-angle models include Canon’s
PowerShot SX 10 and the Olympus SP-565
Ultra Zoom.
4. Navigation: This year’s technology survey
found that more than a third of real estate
practitioners—34 percent—now rely on GPS
navigation for help getting around. The tech-
nology is evolving in two directions: hardware
and service.
On the one hand, you have hardware systems
like Sony’s Nav-U line, TomTom’s car naviga-
tion systems or the Gamin nuvi 880. But you’ll
likely see more GPS capabilities becoming
a function built into other hardware, or
provided as a service, rather than requiring a
dedicated device. For example, services like
Verizon’s VZNavigator, AT&T Navigator, Sprint
Navigation, and Telenav offer point to point
directions on your cell phone.
TECH TRENDS FOR 2009
1. More mapping mashups.
2. Virtual tours grow up.
3. Social networking becomes mainstream for
real estate.
4. Not text messaging? You will be soon.
To learn more, visit www.Realtor.org and
select the technology tab. If you have technol-
ogy questions or problems, CAR members can
call the Tech Helpline for FREE at 1-866-3027,
Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm.
 PSF Hall of Fame list updated 11/15/08

National RPAC Hall of Fame

(Cumulative Lifetime Monetary Commitment of $25,000 or more to PSF and RPAC)

Amy Dorsey Chris McElroy Bonnie Smith-Allen Kay Watson

Vail Fort Collins Summit South Metro

Colorado PSF Hall of Fame

(Cumulative Lifetime Monetary Commitment of $10,000 or more to PSF and RPAC)

Okie Arnot Joseph Clement Kevin Cook Kit Cowperthwaite Amy Dorsey William Hurt

David Jenkins Dennis L. Johnson Jeff Kirkendall Michael Labout Adam Malachi Scott Matthias

Nancy McBride Chris McElroy Ron Myles Tyrone Olson Bill Osnowitz Carolyn Osnowitz

Bud Patterson Kay Deen Patterson Bobbi Price Jim Rhoades Bonnie Smith-Allen Tami Spaulding

Terry Storm Debbie Tamlin Kay Watson Gus Williams Greg Zadel Metrolist

Become a PSF Investor in 2009

Investing in the Colorado Association of REALTORS® Political Survival Fund (PSF) and the REAL-
TOR® Small Donor Committee (RSDC) is one of the smartest investments you can make in your
real estate career. Best yet, PSF and RSDC represents the REALTOR® party - not the Republican or
the Democratic party!
By investing in PSF and RSDC, you are helping to:
• Protect your income and maintain your commissions
• Educate and elect policy makers who support REALTOR® issues and
• Improve the Quality of Life in your community and the marketability of property in your
neighborhood.
Become an investor today in your business by going online to the Government Affairs tab at
www.ColoradoPSF.org or contact your local association.

Donate Online at www.ColoradoPSF.org

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