Antitrust Policy

A goal of the Louisiana REALTORS® is to improve the level of products and services offered by its members to the public and to assist customers in comparison shopping for products and services. Consistent with this policy, it is the policy of Louisiana REALTORS® to comply strictly with the antitrust laws. Louisiana REALTORS® will not knowingly permit discussions of individual company prices or the related types of sensitive information listed below. Louisiana REALTORS® membership is open to any individual or entity meeting the membership qualifications set forth in the Bylaws. Statistical reporting by Louisiana REALTORS® will be voluntary and will relate to comparisons of past transactions of general interest. Data collection will not be limited to the membership, and the results will be available to non-members for a reasonable fee. The development of any guidelines of standards in which Louisiana REALTORS® participates will be open to wide participation by affected parties, and adherence to the guidelines or standards will be strictly voluntary. In conducting any collective research, Louisiana REALTORS® will take care to avoid anti-competitive effects.

Louisiana REALTORS® counsel is well versed in antitrust matters and the Association relies heavily on counsel’s judgment to see that topics that may give an appearance of an agreement that would violate the antitrust laws are not discussed at Louisiana REALTORS® meetings. In addition, it is Louisiana REALTORS®’ policy that its staff be well versed in antitrust matters. The fact that Louisiana REALTORS® staff or counsel is present at a meeting, however, should not invite probing to determine how far a discussion can proceed before it becomes apparent that it is improper and is cut off. It is the responsibility of each member in the first instance to avoid raising improper subjects for discussion. This policy statement has been prepared to assure that participants in Louisiana REALTORS® meetings are aware of this obligation. The Do’s and Don’ts presented below highlight basic antitrust principles. Members should consult counsel in all cases involving specific situations, interpretations, or advice.