2020 DMAR Director Candidate Slate

Central District Candidates

Kerri Duffy | At-Large Position

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

• CAR Leadership Academy, 2020 (Graduation has been delayed because of COVID-19)
• Government Affairs Committee, 2019 - Present
• Event Planning Working Group, 2019
• Central District Member, 2017 - 2019
• Central District Co-Chair, 2018 (While serving as District Co-Chair we received Mercy Housing's Mercy Award)
• Chairman's Distinguished Service Award, 2018
• DMAR Liaison to the Builder Realty Council, 2018

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

1) Technology - While a lifesaver for our profession during quarantine, technology has a dark side. It can be expensive especially for smaller brokerages and independents making it harder for them to compete with larger brokerages and unintended consequences.

2) Non-traditional iBuyers and commission compression.

3) COVID-19 - Housing affordability, lack of options and the impact on commercial. While the economic crisis has kept interest rates low making it possible for some to become homeowners, many lower-wage earners are still not benefiting from programs. If we have another crisis, we can't go much lower on interest rates without causing a bigger problem for the economy. Older generations are having trouble finding buyers for their homes, which represents a large portion of their net worth, so they're stuck in homes younger buyers don't want or are losing equity to unload their property. The greatest impact of COVID-19 will be on commercial real estate. Now the companies can run and be profitable while employees work from home. How will this impact lease renewals and office spaces in the near future? Will there be a flight from downtown urban centers?

 

 

Eric Romero | At-Large Position

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

I feel I am qualified to serve as DMAR director because I sold real estate full-time for almost two decades and have been in a leadership role for the last 13 years. I understand what real estate professionals need to be successful. I currently oversee the day-to-day operations of several brokerages totaling nearly 600 brokers. I spend a lot of my time with brokers helping them plan and grow their businesses. I am a real estate instructor with Colorado Continuing Education teaching contracts, the Annual Commission Update and NAR Ethics. My goal is to help brokers thrive through education and goal setting. I also have a degree in financial planning, am a member in good standing with the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants and hold the CCIM designation.

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

1) Poorly trained brokers

2) Syndication - we are giving away too much precious data

3) Over-regulation

Bret Weinstein | At-Large Position

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

There are many high-producing REALTORS®​ in Colorado and I'm proud to consider myself a peer of each and every one of them; however, what qualifies me to be a DMAR director - I'd hope - exceeds my production. Since I broke into the industry in 2012, I've been met with objections from the public that qualify my peers and me as nothing more than run-of-the-mill salespeople. We are anything but. I've made it my career's mission to be anything but. I took it upon myself to become educated, not just in all facets of our unique industry but educated in general. I believe that a brain that is continuously growing and learning and filling itself with new, pertinent and applicable information will be what raises the bar in this industry. Our clients need it - they come from all different backgrounds, professions, belief systems, financial positions and experience levels. How can I do my job of advocating for them if I can't at least hold a competent conversation that makes them feel heard, valued and included in our process and profession? I can't.

As my own business grew and solidified itself, my mission became to pass on what I've learned and how I continue to learn to other REALTORS® - not so they can make more money, but so they can be seen through a better public lens. I want REALTORS® to be revered and respected by our communities. I want them to be trusted advocates who are seen as friends and allies rather than buzzards circling for a commission check. With that in mind, I started my own brokerage. Our tagline is "Reshaping Real Estate," because I know we can do better. So far, so good. We've grown exponentially and our agents are consistently involved in the trainings we host and strive to be the best advocates they can be for their clients and for themselves.

All that said, I have had the excellent fortune to have earned many accolades and awards, as well as spearhead my own community service initiative that is currently known as "Community Partner of the Quarter," formerly "Charity of the Month."

• DMAR, CAR, NAR Realtor, 2008 - Present
• Board Member for Education Through Music (ETM), 2018-Present
• Owner/Founder/CEO of BSW Real Estate, January 2019-Present
• DMAR Rookie of the Year, 2013
• DMAR Excellence Awards Recipient, 2015 - 2019
• RiS Newmaker Award Recipient, 2018 & 2019
• Denver Real Producers Cover, January 2019
• Denver Business Journal 40-Under-40, 2019

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

1) Public Perception - We're largely viewed as used-car salesmen. Yet, this is not what we do. We do not guide clients through a half-day's worth of paperwork and test drives. We spend months and months by their sides advocating for them as they navigate the most emotionally and financially impactful decisions and transactions of their lives. Generally speaking, we're not seen this way.

2) Low Bar of Entry - I understand why this is the case. Our profession is and should be accessible. However, no brand new agent or REALTOR® is ever properly equipped to navigate transactions on their own. With the influx of agents, we've seen since our market explode and no managing broker can reasonably handle their load of newer agents and meet all of their needs. We're expected to wear so many hats - we have the power to practice limited law; we have to understand architecture, construction, structure, plumbing, electrical work, title histories, market trends, general economics, principles of forecasting, general finance, psychology; and we're expected to don all these hats at a moment's notice. Yet, anyone with an extra 160 hours for online education and the ability to take a test that's not applicable can hold a license to sell real estate. Again... it should be an accessible industry. But the level of preparation is unacceptable.

3) The state of our world - I imagine the world has never been a particularly easy place to navigate. I wouldn't know. I've only been around for 36 years and have really only been a truly observant and active participant in our world for half that long. But our world, especially right now, brings myriad challenges the likes of which none of us have ever seen. As it relates to our industry, we've all had to adapt and pivot on a moment's notice with no preparation just for the sake of being able to keep up with the needs and trends of the public on a daily basis since I entered the industry in 2012. It's an industry that demands constant attention or flexibility or threatens to leave anyone who can't keep up in the dust without apology.

Gilda Zaragoza | At-Large Position

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

I have been in the real estate industry since 2013 and am the founder and managing broker at Invalesco Real Estate. I live close to DU where I received my masters in Real Estate and Construction Management and our office is also located in DMAR's Central District near S. Broadway and Iowa. I founded Invalesco out of a desire to support REALTORS® and encourage collaboration among everyone in the residential real estate space.

In my role at Invalesco, I encourage collaboration through our THINKtank learning series and we also give back to the community through our volunteer efforts with the Sun Valley Youth Center. I'm also an active leader at the Home Builder's Association, serving on the Young Leaders Council as a founding Executive Board Member and as the Chair of the 2020 Innovations Summit, which was rescheduled to 2021.

Our motto at Invalesco is "Stronger Together." It's that spirit that I would like to bring to a director position at DMAR - to help promote the growth and success of our REALTORS® and the larger association as well.

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

Three of the most significant challenges that our profession is facing right now are transacting in a COVID-19 impacted environment, low inventory and growing online competition. The biggest issue with COVID-19 that we must focus on is keeping ourselves, our clients and everyone we interact with during a transaction safe. We all need to implement proper protocol for our safety and to eliminate liability. Additionally, the uncertainty is keeping both buyers and sellers on the sidelines. This is further exacerbating the low inventory issue that we were already facing in our market. We need to work to get clients to a level of comfort to continue transacting during this time. Lastly, we are facing growing competition from online players or non-traditional market participants. We need to focus on staying relevant and becoming an even bigger resource in the years to come.​

 

 

Dexter Degre | District Position 

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

In addition to having a marketing background and degree, I have worked in a multitude of industries prior to joining real estate. Coming from a construction family in Vermont, I have more personal construction experience than 99.9% of all REALTORS®. I grew up working in residential construction and remodeling, commercial and steel building construction, residential and commercial concrete work and plumbing and heating. After college, I gained a sales position for a hardwood, plywood and veneer wholesale distributor which saw me in cabinetry and millwork shops for over years. All of this background helps me understand the in's and out's of development and construction. In business, I have experience in management, sales, marketing, leading teams, market research and as a creative.

It would be an incredibly fun project to join the board, learn the challenges here locally and work to better our profession and help as many people as possible.

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

1) The professional image of REALTORS® and real estate in general.

2) Combating third-party companies that misrepresent listings and listing information and face no repercussions because of this. Zillow should be out of business from lawsuits by now but nothing sticks.

3) The "old guard" in real estate that fights positive industry change. A lot of the long time REALTORS® are inept and fight positive change for the industry because it scares them and they seldom know how to use tech. I've worked with REALTORS® that are successful and can't turn on a computer - this is NOT good for our industry. These brokers will eventually be pushed out of the profession but not soon enough. If you're not able to help your clients in the ways that you promise them via a working relationship, then you shouldn't be allowed to maintain a license. Too many people in this business overpromise and under-deliver so they can cash a commission check.

Al Galperin | District Position 

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

• Professional Standards Committee Member since 2010. I have served on the Grievance Committee's Hearing Panels.
• Managed offices up to 160 agents and currently manage a growing office with approximately 40+ agents.
• Our office has held food, coat, personal hygiene drives and, most recently, as part of our franchises National May 1 Anniversary, we provided food for Rose Medical Center Staff while supporting five local businesses to purchase the food for the event.​

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

1) Low inventory levels

2) Affordable housing

3) Staying relevant in the real estate transaction with all of the third-party companies vying for clients on-line

Dana Goldfarb | District Position 

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

I speak fluent Hebrew and can carry a conversation in Spanish and French. I served in the Israeli Defense Force for two and a half years in an intelligence unit. I graduated from Tel Aviv University with a double major in business and psychology. I have been a REALTOR® for 15 years and I still have my Florida license as well as my Colorado license. My first year of real estate, after just coming to the US, I was the Rookie of the Year 2005 for the whole region of central Florida and closed on 35 transactions. As a mother for two beautiful kids, I am very involved in school activities and have been the co-chair of the fundraiser committee for the last four years.​

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

The market is going to change from a seller's market to a buyer's market, prices will drop significantly and people will not be able to pay their mortgage and will have to either short sale or foreclose on their property. I think the market will be similar to the market in 2008 and for that reason, we need to be very creative and think outside the box how we should do our business since what we have been doing will change a lot.​

Colton Harris | District Position 

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

Aside from being well-acquainted with the community, I'm actively social within my immediate community with widespread influence and many connections throughout. I serve part-time at Saint Joseph's Hospital as a medical professional with an influential reach within the medical community of Denver. I'm an ambassador to many newcomers in town and find myself a source of referral for more than just real estate but also local happenings, events, geography and many finite details of our beautiful city. I get along with everyone and am able to confidently lead and direct a group of people for a better and successful purpose for our community.​

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

1) Supply and demand is one of the top significant challenges whether we are facing it now or in the future.

2) The image of real estate and our professionals hasn't always been a high note, so changing that image can be a challenge.

3) The ebb and flow of our market on a day-to-day basis (however, I feel we were able to act and adjust quickly when COVID-19 occurred).​

Amy Hulsey | District Position 

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

I have never taken on a position with DMAR because I had a young family that I was raising, but I am at a point now in life and my career where I can invest the time to give back. I have been in real estate all of my adult life and I believe that starting out as an assistant allowed me to be an extremely well-rounded agent, whether it's writing and negotiating contracts or marketing (which I still do for my team ) there isn't an aspect of real estate that I haven't been involved with. I was mentored by some of the top Colorado agents and I took the lessons that I learned from them on customer service and collaborative negotiations and was able to turn that into a career all my own.

I ran the Lowry Aviator Fund for many years which is the fundraising arm of the Lowry Elementary PTO. I also ran the school auctions for many years which is a big event with live bidding. I was a founding member of the Lowry Business Alliance and actively participate through our past company initiatives through Meals of Wheels - we have transitioned to HomeAid, which I hope to play an active role in in the future.

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

I think that the biggest challenge is the constant threat of the "new and fancy" programs that our clients are always bombarded with, not because I believe that any of them would ever be a viable option but because it takes a lot and time and energy for traditional agents to combat the growing stereotype that a "full service" broker isn't needed anymore. Also, fighting for commissions and learning to show your clients your value. Lastly, the proposed/changing laws that adversely affect homeowners/homeownership which dramatically impacts our profession... I believe it's important to be vigilant as to who and what try to get initiatives passed that are not good for our clients or for ourselves.

 

 

David Schlichter | District Position 

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

I am the candidate committed to representing the interests of DMAR members on the DMAR Board of Directors.

I have nearly a decade of experience as a Denver REALTOR® and joined Compass in 2019 after leading the #1 producing group in the #1 producing office in downtown Denver. My team received the 2019 Titanium Award at the DMAR Excellence Awards and is also consistently among the highest-ranked teams in Denver for customer satisfaction. In addition to my brokerage work, I am an active Denver real estate investor managing an LLC with a portfolio of 23 Denver area investment properties. In addition to my career in real estate, I have taught in the Denver Public Schools, organized the community around local and state education issues, served in Mayor Hancock's transition on his committee for Children's Affairs and served in the White House in the Executive Office of the President under President Obama. I hold a master's of business administration degree from Washington University in St. Louis, which I earned while working as a REALTOR® full-time in 2015. I live near Cheesman Park with my wife, Jessa; son, Ari; and daughters, Edie and Thea.

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

Some people see "challenges" as threats. I see challenges as opportunities.

1) Technology - Technology is something that many agents feel threatened by. Instead of viewing it as a threat, I wonder the best ways we can work together to leverage it do be even more effective and efficient for our clients? Are there ways in which we as agents can get the same amount of work done with less time spent, providing even more value and actually seeing our compensation go up, instead of down? What role can DMAR play in this regard? Sites like Zillow scrape our listings from local MLS's, republish them in a format that consumers like and then make money selling leads back to us. Regional MLS databases are highly inefficient. When MLS databases each have to design their own infrastructure, have their own staff and require agents to pay dues to multiple places, sites like Zillow come out as the winners and agents suffer (as the IRES and REcolorado fiasco demonstrated). How can DMAR bring us together to improve the agent and consumer experience with MLS's, reduce the amount of dues we spend annually and get our own leads back from sites like Zillow?

2) Alternative Business Models -  Discount brokerages, iBuyers and other alternative business models are viewed by many as a threat. Instead of viewing them as a threat, what can we learn about their business models that make them appealing to the consumer? What are their shortcomings? How can agents better demonstrate the value of the service they provide? What systems can be put in place so that consumers better understand the value of REALTORS®? What role does DMAR have in this conversation?

3) Barriers to Entry/Education Requirements - I am so thankful that our industry is one of the few high-earning potential industries that is is dominated by women - 67 percent of REALTORS® are female! The industry has become more and more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community and people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, though I believe it still has significant work to do on these fronts. Real estate is an industry you can do in your later years, with a median REALTOR® age of about 54. These are all aspects of real estate that I celebrate. At the same time, our barriers to entry are very low, apprenticeship requirements are nonexistent here in Colorado, continuing education requirements are low and continuing education classes aren't highly valuable. How can we elevate our practice, make our professional requirements more rigorous, ensure that consumers respect and trust us, preserve the longevity of the profession and ensure that the industry is still accessible to people of all backgrounds? I believe this is one of the most important ongoing conversations DMAR should be having. REALTOR® organizations are viewed by many agents as an entity that takes our dues and doesn't deliver much value. I'd like to explore the ways that we can work together to deliver a better agent and consumer experience, enhance the value of being a REALTOR®, leverage technology to improve the efficiency of DMAR, increase the services/CE classes/events that are offered by DMAR without increasing dues and work together to improve the profession.

I'd be honored to represent you on the DMAR Board of Directors!

Douglas Elbert District Candidates

Matt Mathias | District Position 

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

• DMAR Board of Directors, October 2017 - September 2018 and October 2019 - present
• Member Electronic Lock Box Task Committee, October 2017 - March 2019
• Chair, Douglas Elbert District Committee
• Chair, South/East District Committee
• Member, DMAR Douglas Elbert District Committee, as member able to participate in the planning of District activities
• Member, DMAR Professional Development Committee, as member able to provide input for educational development, instructors and content delivery methods
• Member, DMAR Government Affairs Committee, as a member able to become informed about the legislative issues that affect the real estate industry locally, statewide and nationally, and then educate others about their impact
• DMAR Ambassador to the Keller Williams Park Meadows office, responsible for informing agents in the office and creating excitement about upcoming DMAR activities including educational, social and networking
• Earned RENE certification and SRES designations
• CEO, American Institute of Timer Construction (AITC), a national technical trade association (1993-1999)
• Restaurateur, opened, managed and operated family-owned Fox's Pizza restaurant (2006-2012)
• Board of Directors, Douglas County 4H Foundation, an organization dedicated to "generate and distribute resources to support programs that increase achievement, foster lifelong learning, develop citizenship and provide Douglas County 4-H youth opportunities to become contributing citizens"
• Board of Directors, Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), an organization inspired by Colorado Pioneers, John and Bea Lowell to provide an opportunity for people of "all ages and abilities" to experience the agricultural lifestyle through educational programs and projects on a working ranch in order to better understand the importance of agriculture in our daily lives

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

There are challenges, to be sure. Perception/credibility, market disruptors and assaults on private property rights are the most concerning, I believe. While not ignoring or marginalizing important issues, I prefer to look at the glass "half full" instead. Ann Turner has given the extra measure to DMAR during her tenure as CEO. Words are inadequate to describe our gratitude and appreciation for her loyalty and commitment. The silver lining is that the future presents itself with new opportunity as a result of Ann's decision to retire. DMAR just hired a new CEO in May. His name is Nobu Hata and he comes from the National Association of REALTORS® where he was Director of Industry Outreach and Engagement Strategy. DMAR hit pay dirt when Nobu said, "yes." Our Association is now in a position to tap into Nobu's real estate industry experience, knowledge and passion. At NAR, he has had the benefit of a nationwide view of trends in MLS's and issues that affect local boards both positively and negatively. I have the perspective and experience of having worked with Ann and her effectiveness and am now able to build a bridge to the future by working with Nobu and all he brings to the table. I would like to be a part of helping Nobu and DMAR's exceptional staff move DMAR forward by not only facing inevitable challenges head-on but also seizing certain future opportunity.

North District Candidates

Michael Bruce | At-Large Position

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

1) I was a founding member of DMAR's YPN in 2013 and served for two years on the committee's board. I then went to the Metro North Chamber and started a Young Professionals Networking group. I was the president of the YPN for four years where we held networking, educational and charity events. The Chamber was eventually absorbed by Adams County Economic Development in 2020 and YPN was terminated.

2) I was born and raised in Longmont, CO, graduated from Berthoud High School and the University of Northern Colorado. After graduating, I moved to Denver, got my Real Estate license in 2013 and joined the KW Downtown office. I joined specifically to be the go-to agent for northern Colorado referrals.

3) Within six months of starting, I took over as Technology Coordinator of the office where I taught agents how to structure their database, create websites and set-up marketing plans. I was the Tech Coordinator for six years at the Downtown office until I passed the torch in 2020 to someone who has more time to spend one-on-one with agents in an office of almost 400 agents.

4) I have been involved in the DMAR Government Affairs Committee and RPAC since starting in 2013. It has been a pleasure listening to the group and giving my input on current events.

5) I served as a Chamber Ambassador for six years and received Ambassador of the Year in 2017 and 2018 Rockstar of the Rockies awards.

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

1) We need to make sure that REALTORS® adapt and implement the ever-changing technology evolving our industry and make sure technology doesn't replace the REALTOR®.

2) Overcoming the current market shift. There are changes going on that have never been seen before. With constant changes and updates coming from every direction, agents need to be informed and aware of the changes happening and shift their business to adapt to the new norm.

3) How do we maintain a keeping a state as amazing and beautiful as Colorado with the number of people that keep moving here? Real estate has definitely benefited from the massive increase in population growth over the last few years. We need to work closely with the developers, politicians, government and other real estate partners to ensure Colorado continues to be a great home for everyone without being a burden to the environment, economy and traffic.

Dan Fortune | At-Large Position

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

My time serving as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, contractor/consultant for a Fortune 500 top 50 corporation, running a private equity fund and eight years as a mentor to other real estate agents has given me the tools to help DMAR and agents in Colorado increase their success. I've also filled leadership positions for two non-profit organizations as President of the University of Colorado Executive MBA and Board Chair for iEmpathize, an organization combating the exploitation of children in the U.S. and Mexico.

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

1) Protecting agent and organizational (such as DMAR and REALTOR®) revenue from online data scrapers (such as Zillow) from utilizing MLS and other paid sources without paying or being members.

2) Maintaining a clear value proposition to the public. As online tools and search engines make "finding a home" easier, the real estate profession must increase its offerings.

3) Adjusting to what may become an even more virtual business with COVID-19.

 

 

Jay Lopez | At-Large Position

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

I have been a REALTOR® since 2010 which is when I received my real estate license. I have an extensive background in leadership as I have served and protected my community for over 20 years in a law enforcement capacity. Whether working in law enforcement or real estate, there is a common responsibility for having the utmost integrity and honor, which is why I have been successful in this dual capacity. In December 2019, I graduated from the University of Denver Daniels College of Business Public Safety Leadership Development program. This program emphasized developing leaders and understanding team dynamics. As I transition into a leader within the real estate community, I look forward to collaborating with other REALTORS® and building partnerships that advance the membership objectives and goals. I am also excited about the opportunities that the committees present and hope to be involved in a few of these committees as well as commissioned groups.

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

1) The first significant challenge is the current Coronavirus pandemic and its impact on how real estate professionals conduct business and adapt to the constantly changing executive orders handed down by the State. Following the rules of the executive orders, balancing client safety and continuing to be productive in the industry will be a challenge for all in this profession. This could include the ability for REALTORS® to attend closings, inspections and other aspects of a real estate transaction.

2) The second challenge that the profession will face is the emergence of the iBuyers into the market place. iBuyer companies use technology to make an instant offer on a home which, in turn, completely removes the REALTOR® from the home selling or homebuying transaction. This technology uses advanced analytics to reach out directly to said seller or buyer. It will be imperative for REALTORS® to continue to understand and evolve their technology skills in order to compete with and reach out to sellers and buyers.

3) Lastly, the third significant challenge facing the profession will be the economic conditions over the next several years. This includes, but is not limited to, home affordability, unemployment rate and economic growth.

South/East District Candidates

Jen Routon | District Position 

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

I am a full-time REALTOR® with Madison & Company Properties and also a current DMAR Director. I am very excited to run for re-election to continue to be on the board at DMAR. I've served a two-year term and I feel as if I've just figured it all out and have my feet underneath me! I would love the opportunity to continue to serve the REALTOR® members of DMAR. I am excited about the direction DMAR is going with our new CEO and would love to help advance our Association over the next two years.

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

My answers are different than they would have been three months ago.

1) I think we are facing a new reality after COVID-19. How will our industry change due to COVID-19 and how can we get in front of it to teach our REALTOR® members best practices and how to move forward in this new reality? We still have a lot to learn about the virus but I think business practices will change going forward and we need to be proactive as an Association. I think we did an amazing job communicating to our members as news came out daily about changes to our business and how REALTORS® should and could be working for our clients.

2) I continue to be concerned about the level of professionalism of REALTORS® and agents in our marketplace. I am a huge advocate for getting the word out about joining a board if you are not already on one and then taking advantage of training and advanced designations. The REALTOR® brand is being challenged and the business is shifting, I think we face a significant challenge ahead and the way we do business will change, we need to change with it.

3) Lastly, I would like to see more REALTORS® get involved with the Association! It is such a huge benefit and I don't think REALTORS® understand how impactful it can be to be involved. I feel like I am at the forefront as things change in the industry and that is a huge benefit to my clients. I feel better prepared for market changes and understand why the market is changing. I've also created amazing relationships with other REALTORS® that I will have forever!

West District Candidates 

Richie Averill | At-Large Position

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

• DMAR GAC, Member since 2017
• DMAR GAC Vice-Chair, 2018
• DMAR GAC Chair, 2019/2020
• DMAR GAC Candidate Interview Panel Member, Multiple Years
• DMAR YPN Member, 2017 & 2018
• DMAR YPN Extreme Community Makeover, Multiple Years
• DMAR West District Chair-Elect, 2018
• West District Chair, 2019
• CAR Leadership Academy Graduate, 2018
• CAR Leadership Academy Mentor, 2019 & 2020
• CAR Mic Drops Host, 2019 & 2020
• Arvada Community Connector Task Force Member
• Arvada Land Use Development Code Advisory Committee Member
• Served on several short-term committees/task forces including Events/Community Service Working Group and CAR Leadership Academy Task Force

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

If you know me, you know I'm an optimist - so let's talk about opportunities! Three significant opportunities for us in real estate right now are affordability and the "missing middle", public policy and COVID-19.

Homeowners have enjoyed healthy appreciation over the last several years, which is fantastic for wealth building and those of us that own real estate. The opportunity is helping those that can't afford the price points we see today. Down payment assistance and other first-time homebuyer programs are great, but many are missing the middle. Those folks that make too much to qualify for one of those programs, but not enough to buy a home near where they work. Teachers, nurses, police and other first-responders all too often fall into this category. Without attainable housing near work, they must take long commutes to work daily which adds stress to their lives and contributes to our congested highways and streets.

Over the last many years, we have seen our share of bad public policy in our metro and state. The Green Roofs Initiative, numerous limited growth discussions and owner-opposed landmark designations are just a few examples. All of which make homeownership more expensive and less available. As an Association and industry, we must be diligent and aware of these issues and speak out to protect our industry and those we serve.

As we ramp up after the stay at home order, we all see the impact that COVID-19 is having on all of us. I'm so proud to be a part of an industry and organization that didn't quit. Collectively we found a new way forward and although we aren't business as usual, we are business in the new normal. The virus isn't gone, nor is the threat of another wave, and we must continue to innovate and educate in order to continue to thrive and serve our clients. They are looking to us now more than ever, at least that's how it feels.

Fortunately, we have a path forward with these opportunities, and that is education! Keep our membership educated and step outside of our REALTOR® community with direct education for consumers. DMAR has a voice and a platform, and I'm thrilled to be a part of that voice!

 

 

Michelle Schwinghammer | At-Large Position

What are your qualifications to serve as a DMAR Director?

I became licensed in real estate in 2006 and an active Broker Associate in 2016. Prior to starting my real estate career, I was in sales and marketing management with Johnson & Johnson. In addition to field sales, I was highly active in training, analytics and database development. Through my 20-year tenure, I worked territories across Colorado calling on hospitals, community centers and medical professionals (1997 - 2016).

While I have not yet held a position in a REALTORS® Association, I am excited to have the opportunity to do so with DMAR representing the West District. I value and respect this organization, and believe my experience from inside and outside our industry will enable me to be an effective, insightful and enthusiastic contributor.

Community activity includes volunteering for Habitat for Humanity (since 2016), the Denver Dumb Friends League (since 2017) and Mile High Lab Mission (since 2019). I was also a Founding Board Member of COMBA, the Colorado Mountain Bike Association (2008 - 2010). Thank you for your consideration.

What do you feel are the three most significant challenges facing the real estate profession?

1) Housing affordability. We have an increasingly expensive supply of housing while a large percentage of consumers' effective ability to buy is decreasing.

2) Building trust and delivering value to our consumers.

3) Incompatible and redundant technology platforms.