DENVER, COLORADO-March 1 through March 7, 2026, is National Consumer Protection Week. In observance, the Colorado Division of Real Estate (the “Division”) is reminding consumers of the vital protections provided through state regulation of the real estate industry.
As part of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (“DORA”), the Division’s mission is to protect the public through the licensing and enforcement of real estate brokers, appraisers, and mortgage loan originators. The Division also educates the public on their basic rights and responsibilities when living in or working in Common Interest Communities (HOAs, POAs, Condominiums, and Cooperatives). During Consumer Protection Week, the Division is highlighting three primary pillars of its consumer protection strategy:
1. Rigorous Licensing: Before a real estate professional can assist a consumer with what is often the largest financial investment in their lifetime, an applicant must meet strict standards. The Division ensures that applicants undergo background checks and meet specific qualifying education. In 2026, this includes a newly required Fair Housing and Valuation Bias training course for appraisers which ensures that all professionals operate with equity and transparency.
2. Accountability Through Enforcement: The Division maintains a robust enforcement section dedicated to comprehensive investigation of complaints within their jurisdiction. The Division conducts financial audits of real estate brokers and brokerage firms to ensure that consumer funds are safeguarded. In addition, disciplinary action is taken when laws or regulations are violated. By investigating fraudulent practices and holding licensees accountable through public censure or license revocation, the Division maintains a fair and competitive marketplace for all Coloradans.
3. Enhanced Consumer Education: Knowledge is strength. By understanding the steps in a real estate transaction or your rights as a unit owner in a Common Interest Community, consumers can be best prepared for bumps in the road. This can be as true for real estate professionals as it is for consumers. Recently, requirements designed to enhance the quality and relevancy of professional continuing education were implemented because the Division believes that when professionals are more knowledgeable, their consumers are more protected. Additionally, through educational meetings open to the public, the Division shares essential information relevant to its programs. Finally, as the State General Assembly is currently in session, the Division tracks relevant bills and provides summaries of bills that become law.
For National Consumer Protection Week and in preparation for the months and years to come, Division Director Marcia Waters expressed the Division’s commitment to consumer protection by saying the following: “The Division takes its mission of consumer protection very seriously. Our licensing, enforcement, and education efforts are intended to safeguard Coloradans in the real estate marketplace and our licensing and enforcement teams are the frontline for consumer safety in real estate transactions. The Division also prides itself on education, outreach, and community engagement regarding policy and regulation.”
Consumers are encouraged to use the Division’s online tools to verify a license before hiring a professional and to access the HOA Information & Resource Center for guidance on Common Interest Communities. For more information about consumer rights or to file a complaint, please visit the Division of Real Estate website at dre.colorado.gov or call 303-894-2166. Although the Division has limited jurisdiction to investigate complaints, it is statutorily mandated to enforce license law against real estate licensees. Additional resources, if you or someone you know believe that they are a victim of wrongdoing by a licensed real estate professional, are:
• Colorado Office of the Attorney General at: https://stopfraudcolorado.gov/
• United States Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
• A licensed Colorado attorney for legal advice
• Local Law Enforcement to report a crime
About the Division of Real Estate:
The Division of Real Estate is the state licensing, regulation, and enforcement agency for the real estate broker, appraiser, and mortgage loan originator industries.
About DORA:
DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855 / toll-free 1-800-886-7675.