Key Takeaways
- The Colorado Division of Real Estate operates under DORA (Department of Regulatory Agencies) and regulates all real estate licensees
- In Colorado, entry-level licensees are called "brokers" (not salespersons or agents)
- The Real Estate Commission consists of 5 members: 3 licensed brokers and 2 public members
- DORA has authority to issue, suspend, and revoke licenses, investigate complaints, and impose fines
- Colorado real estate law is found in Title 12, Article 10 of the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.)
Colorado Division of Real Estate
Important: This content covers Colorado-specific real estate laws and regulations. You should complete the National Real Estate Exam Prep first, as the Colorado exam includes both national and state-specific questions.
The Colorado Division of Real Estate is part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and is responsible for licensing and regulating real estate professionals in Colorado.
Key Terminology - Colorado is Different!
Critical for Exam: In Colorado, the entry-level real estate license is called a "broker" license, NOT a salesperson or agent license.
| Colorado Term | Other States Call It |
|---|---|
| Broker | Salesperson or Agent |
| Employing Broker | Broker or Designated Broker |
| Associate Broker | Associate Broker (same) |
DORA Structure
The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) oversees multiple professional licensing divisions:
| Entity | Role |
|---|---|
| DORA | Parent state agency |
| Division of Real Estate | Administers real estate licensing |
| Real Estate Commission | Policy and rulemaking body |
Real Estate Commission
The Colorado Real Estate Commission consists of 5 members appointed by the Governor:
| Member Type | Number |
|---|---|
| Licensed Brokers | 3 |
| Public Members | 2 |
Members serve 3-year terms and are responsible for:
- Adopting rules and regulations
- Hearing appeals of Division decisions
- Setting standards for education and practice
Exam Tip: Remember "3 + 2 = 5" for Colorado: 3 broker members + 2 public members = 5 total commissioners.
Division Authority and Functions
The Colorado Division of Real Estate has broad regulatory authority:
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Issue, renew, suspend, and revoke licenses |
| Education | Approve pre-license and continuing education providers |
| Enforcement | Investigate complaints and take disciplinary action |
| Rulemaking | Implement Commission rules |
| Records | Maintain licensee records and history |
Disciplinary Authority
The Division can impose:
- License suspension or revocation
- Fines and civil penalties
- Required education
- Letters of admonition
- Cease and desist orders
Colorado Real Estate Law
Colorado real estate law is found in:
- C.R.S. Title 12, Article 10 - Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons (now "Brokers")
- Colorado Real Estate Commission Rules - Chapter 4 of Code of Colorado Regulations
- Rule E - Brokerage Relationships
- Rule F - Record Keeping
Key Statutory Provisions
| Statute | Topic |
|---|---|
| C.R.S. 12-10-201 | License required |
| C.R.S. 12-10-203 | License qualifications |
| C.R.S. 12-10-217 | Grounds for discipline |
| C.R.S. 12-10-218 | Trust account requirements |
DORA Contact Information
Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 925, Denver, CO 80202 Phone: (303) 894-2166 Website: dora.colorado.gov/real-estate Email: dora_realestate@state.co.us
In Colorado, what is the entry-level real estate license called?
How many members serve on the Colorado Real Estate Commission?