3-2-1 Capitol Connection – January 27, 2026
3 Things to Know
The 2026 Legislative Session Has Begun! Colorado’s General Assembly reconvened on January 13th, launching 120 days of work that will impact how properties are bought, sold, built, taxed, managed and regulated. From affordability and inventory to insurance and private property rights, real estate will be deeply woven into this year’s session. The Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) is tracking every bill that touches our industry and the CAR Government Affairs team is working daily with legislators to ensure REALTOR® voices are heard early and often.
Governor Polis’ Final State of the State Address. Governor Polis, in his final year as Colorado’s Governor, outlined his priorities for the legislative session on January 15th at his State of the State Address. Housing issues he noted include housing affordability, transit-oriented residential construction, the senior homestead exemption, and rising homeowners’ insurance premiums.
The CAR State Political Coordinator (SPC) Program is Back! CAR has relaunched the State Political Coordinator (SPC) program, previously known as Key Contacts. SPCs are representatives of CAR, trusted experts on real estate policy, and—most importantly—a direct line between their state legislator and those who elected them. CAR and members alike are excited for greater opportunities to educate lawmakers about real-world impacts of proposed policies and provide on-the-ground- insight from the field. If you have any questions about the SPC program, reach out to Carla at cblanc@coloradorealtors.com.
2 Things to Share
Taxes on Vacant Homes. “Local Taxes on Vacant Residential Property” (House Bill 1036). CAR opposes this bill because it would allow local communities to levy a tax on “vacant” residential properties. Each local government entity would be able to define “vacant” based on unit type, number of bedrooms, or square footage, creating a nightmare tax scenario from community to community. There are no exemptions and a vacant home for sale, or a rental unit that is unoccupied, could be taxed under this bill. This bill also exposes homeowners to layers of vacancy taxes with new Housing Authorities created with tax authority too. This bill is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Finance Committee (Room 0112) on Monday, February 2nd at 1:30 PM. Click here to testify against the bill in person or on Zoom. If you testify, it is on your own accord and not on behalf of CAR or your local association. Feel free to contact govaffairs@coloradorealtors.com with any questions.
RPAC. With a slew of real estate–related bills already taking shape and Colorado’s next statewide elections on the horizon, investing in RPAC is more important than ever. It’s the best vehicle we have to not only elect new pro-housing champions, but also to retain lawmakers who understand the needs of REALTORS® and the communities we serve. Your RPAC investment ensures our profession has a credible voice in the rooms where policy is decided—turning REALTORS®’ experience and insight into informed discussions that safeguard property rights, support housing opportunities, and strengthen Colorado’s real estate marketplace. Click here and pledge to be a 2026 Major Investor today.
1 Thing to Do
Who are Your Legislators? Colorado politics continues with legislative musical chairs between elections — 29 legislators are now serving by vacancy committee appointment, not general election. That means a significant number of legislative districts have new faces under the Gold Dome, and relationships may still be forming. Now’s the perfect time to make sure you know who represents you and your clients. Find your legislator here – and be sure to use your home address!
NAR
Inside the Advocacy Strategic Plan: What It Means for Your Business
It’s a new year and the Advocacy team is ready to go! In this episode, Shannon and Patrick outline the advocacy portion of NAR’s new Strategic Plan and discuss our policy goals for 2026, which include unleashing housing inventory, confronting NIMBYism and the growing equity gap, and protecting access to homeownership and REALTORS® representation.
The 2026 New-Home Market: A Rare Opportunity for Buyers?
For the first time in years, the price gap between newly built homes and existing homes is narrower than ever—and in some markets, the typical resale home is actually more expensive than a new build.
Lower Mortgage Rates Help Push Home Sales to Nearly 3-Year High
Existing-home sales jumped 5.1% in December, the strongest reading in nearly three years, even after adjusting for seasonal factors, the National Association of REALTORS® reported Wednesday. Sales are up 1.4% from a year ago.