The 18th annual Boulder Valley Real Estate Conference is scheduled for November 20 at the Limelight Hotel in Boulder. The event will bring together industry professionals to discuss pressing topics in the residential and commercial sectors, including office vacancies, housing affordability, and rising insurance costs. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn seven continuing-education credits.
Key Takeaways
- The conference will take place on November 20, 2025, at the Limelight Hotel in Boulder.
- Real estate professionals can earn seven continuing-education (CE) credits, offered through BoLo Realtors.
- Key topics include the future of the office market, insurance challenges, middle-income housing solutions, and a national economic forecast.
- Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, will provide a national outlook for 2026.
- Registration is available online, with an early-bird rate of $80.35 available through October 7.
Conference Details and Professional Development
The full-day conference will run from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a comprehensive agenda for professionals in the real estate industry. The event is designed to provide valuable insights and practical knowledge for navigating the current market landscape in the Boulder Valley and beyond.
A significant draw for attendees is the availability of seven continuing-education credits. These credits are officially offered through BoLo Realtors and are recognized by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, making the conference a valuable opportunity for license renewal and professional development. The CE credits can be purchased for an additional $20 during the registration process.
Event at a Glance
- Event: 18th Annual Boulder Valley Real Estate Conference
- Date: November 20, 2025
- Time: 8:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Location: Limelight Hotel, 1295 University Ave., Boulder
- CE Credits: 7 hours available
Expert Forecasts and Market Outlook
The conference will feature several high-profile speakers who will provide expert analysis on national and local real estate trends. These sessions are designed to equip attendees with the data and predictions needed to make informed decisions in the coming year.
National Housing Market Predictions
Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, will deliver the national outlook. His presentation will address critical questions about the future of the U.S. housing market. Yun is expected to cover projections for housing starts, home sales figures, price fluctuations, and mortgage rate trends for 2026 and beyond, providing a macroeconomic context for local market conditions.
Local Residential and Commercial Analysis
Focusing on the local market, Jay Kalinski, managing broker of Re/Max of Boulder, will present a detailed forecast for the residential sector. His insights will be crucial for agents and investors working directly within the Boulder Valley. On the commercial side, Geoffrey Keys, CEO of Keys Commercial, will lead a panel discussion examining the trends, challenges, and opportunities within the region's commercial real estate market.
Why These Forecasts Matter
Economic forecasting is a cornerstone of the real estate industry. Presentations from figures like Lawrence Yun provide a broad perspective on interest rates and national inventory, while local experts like Jay Kalinski and Geoffrey Keys offer granular insights into the specific dynamics of the Boulder market, which can differ significantly from national averages.
Addressing Critical Industry Challenges
A series of panel discussions will delve into the most significant issues confronting the Boulder Valley real estate sector today. These sessions aim to foster dialogue and explore potential solutions to complex problems.
The Future of the Office Market
One of the most anticipated panels, titled "Office at a Crossroads," will tackle the challenges facing Boulder’s office market. Panelists will discuss the impacts of persistently high vacancy rates, the looming renewal of major leases and loans, and the evolving demands of tenants in a post-pandemic world. The session will also highlight potential opportunities, exploring how emerging industries such as aerospace, quantum technology, and artificial intelligence could become key drivers of future office occupancy and regional growth.
Insurance and Risk Management
The "Insuring the Future" session will address the complex insurance and warrantability hurdles affecting the local market. Experts will discuss rising insurance costs, limitations on coverage, and stringent lender requirements. The conversation will focus on the implications for buyers, developers, and investors, offering strategies to navigate these evolving risks while maintaining project viability and market confidence.
"Exploring the complex insurance and warrantability challenges impacting the Boulder Valley’s real estate sector is more critical than ever. This panel will provide insights for navigating evolving risks."
Retail and Restaurant Revitalization
Titled "Vacancies to Vibrancy," another panel will explore Boulder's changing retail and restaurant scene. Industry leaders will discuss strategies for filling vacancies and highlight both national and local brands entering the market. A key point of discussion will be the potential impact of major events, such as the Sundance Film Festival, on downtown vibrancy, tourism, and long-term economic health.
Solutions for Middle-Income Housing
Building on discussions from the Boulder Valley Middle-Income Housing Summit, this session will present actionable strategies to address the region's housing affordability crisis. Panelists will examine specific policy tools, innovative financing mechanisms, and new development opportunities aimed at creating more attainable housing options for the local workforce.
New Construction and Development Pipeline
Finally, the "Breaking Ground" panel will provide a comprehensive overview of new construction projects throughout the Boulder Valley. Development directors from across the region will update attendees on the status of major commercial and residential projects, from those in the early planning stages to those already under construction.
Registration Information and Sponsors
Professionals interested in attending the conference can register through the BizWest website. An early-bird registration fee of $80.35 is available for those who sign up by October 7. The optional purchase of CE credits is a separate transaction costing $20, with a link provided on the registration site.
The event is supported by a number of key sponsors. The charter sponsor is Re/Max of Boulder, and the title sponsor is Elevations Credit Union. Associate sponsors include Ent Credit Union, the Longmont Economic Development Partnership, and the law firm Lyons Gaddis.
