Association emphasizes lower monthly expenses, more housing options and practical relief for Louisiana families.

Want Your Teen to Own a Home Someday? Start Talking Money Now Teens may not be thinking about mortgage rates or down payments just yet, but the money habits they’re building now can follow them for years. And 88% of teens surveyed by Fannie Mae and Junior Achievement said they want to own a home someday. This week’s Consumer Guide: Talk to Your Teens About Money and Homeownership makes those conversations a little easier, covering everything from credit scores and budgeting to debt, renting versus owning and saving for that eventual down payment. So yes, you may have to interrupt the doomscrolling. But helping teens get smarter about money today could put them in a much better position to get the keys to a home of their own down the road. Download all of NAR’s Consumer Guides in English or Spanish at facts.realtor. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Teen Financial Literacy Fraud Red Flags Helping Family Members Become Homeowners Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season Condominium Insurance Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their home buying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. The next Consumer Guide, scheduled for publication on Oct. 21, will cover winter cold and storm preparedness.

Homeownership Is on Louisiana's November Ballot

After months of gathering recipes from across our Louisiana REALTORS® family, the cookbook is ready! This 200+ page collection is filled with Louisiana flavor, REALTOR® heart and recipes contributed by our members. We launched sales of the cookbook at the Fall Governance Meetings. You can now purchase your copy for $30 directly from the printer and shipped to you! Additionally, we will have copies available at the RRF booth at NXT . After NXT, we will carry a limited stock at the LR office for you to purchase through the LR Merch Shop and pick-up from the office or at an LR event, as stock is available. Even better, $15 from every cookbook sold will be donated to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF) to help provide housing-related assistance to REALTORS® and their families following disasters. Pick up a copy for yourself, grab one as a gift and enjoy a taste of Louisiana while supporting a great cause!

A major change to residential appraisal reporting is approaching, but a recently announced temporary policy exception is creating some confusion about what happens on November 2. Here is what REALTORS® need to know. Beginning November 2, 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will require the new Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 for new appraisal reports initially submitted to the Uniform Collateral Data Portal (UCDP), unless the lender has received a temporary policy exception. The November 2 implementation date has not been postponed. What is the UAD 3.6 Appraisal Report? UAD 3.6 replaces the familiar legacy appraisal forms (used for the last 25 years) with a new, more data-driven appraisal report that collects much more detailed property information. For REALTORS® and consumers, the transition could mean a more detailed property inspection, additional questions about the property and transaction, and potentially longer appraisal and review times as appraisers, lenders, appraisal management companies, and other industry participants adjust to the new system. What changed? Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac recently announced a temporary policy exception for eligible lenders that need additional time to complete their transition to UAD 3.6. Lenders receiving the exception may continue submitting appraisals using the current legacy UAD 2.6 format through May 19, 2027 . Beginning May 20, 2027 , new appraisal submissions to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac must use UAD 3.6. What does this mean for REALTORS®? For several months, REALTORS® may encounter both the current appraisal format and the new UAD 3.6 appraisal report. The appraisal format is determined by the lender's assignment requirements. REALTORS® and consumers do not need to determine which format should be used. It is also important to understand that an appraiser completing a legacy-format appraisal during this period should not automatically be assumed to be unprepared for UAD 3.6. An appraiser who is fully UAD 3.6 ready may still be instructed by a lender to complete an assignment using the legacy format. How can REALTORS® help? Good communication and accurate property information will become even more important. REALTORS® can help the appraisal process by providing accurate and specific information concerning: Recent renovations and improvements Property features and amenities Sales concessions and financing terms Known property conditions or unique characteristics Relevant information about the transaction Buyers should also be encouraged to discuss appraisal requirements and anticipated timelines with their lender early in the transaction. What about FHA, VA and USDA? The November 2 requirement discussed above applies to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conventional lending. FHA, VA and USDA have their own appraisal policies and implementation schedules. Their transition to UAD 3.6 should not be assumed to follow the same November 2 timeline unless announced by the respective agency. The Bottom Line November 2 remains an important date for UAD 3.6. The temporary exception does not cancel or postpone the transition. Instead, it allows eligible lenders additional time to complete their transition. As a result, REALTORS® should expect a period when both legacy and UAD 3.6 appraisal reports are being used. Louisiana REALTORS® will continue monitoring the transition and providing members with updates as additional guidance becomes available. Louisiana REALTORS® is also planning a follow-up webinar to discuss the latest UAD 3.6 developments, what REALTORS® are seeing in transactions, and what these changes mean for agents and their clients.

Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up the 2026 Fall Governance Meetings in New Orleans! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in New Orleans September 29–October 1 at Harrah's Hotel Tower at Caesars for the 2026 Fall Governance Meetings, three days filled with professional development, governance, networking and celebration. The conference opened with the conclusion of the 2026 LR Leadership Program. Participants graduated from the yearlong program at a closing retreat, followed by a luncheon with LR officers. The 2026 graduates include: Meghan Adam, Scott Domingue, Nichole Donald, Herbert Dubuisson, Clint Galliano, Beth Graham, Ivan Jennings, Catice Johnson, Dana MacCord, Candy Modeen, Craig Morris, Ron Patron, Amber Reinking, David Rollins and Jennifer Tagliarino. That evening, the Welcome Reception at Stadium Club at Mannings celebrated the graduating class and brought back alumni from previous years for the LR Leadership Reunion. Tuesday's education kicked off with a live "Residential Real Estate Economic Update" from NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun, giving attendees an expert look at the trends shaping the market. Members who joined early for the Commercial Symposium on September 28 got a head start on the week. Wednesday brought a full day of learning and connection. After a breakfast buffet, Robert Siciliano led "CSI Protection: Cyber Social Identity and Personal Protection," equipping attendees to defend themselves and their clients against today's cyber threats. The Town Hall Luncheon followed, along with the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Open Meeting with Panel Discussion. Leigh Brown's "Fearless Agents" session gave REALTORS® the confidence and strategies to stand out in a shifting market. Wednesday night, members celebrated the 2027 Louisiana REALTORS® Officer Installation with a ceremony followed by The Sidewalk Step Second Line through the streets of New Orleans to Vue Orleans, where the evening continued with a reception. Thursday opened with Leigh Brown's "Next is Now," a session on rebuilding trust through availability, action and discipline. Regional caucuses followed, and the Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close. At the meeting, Cindy Dyer, [Northwest]; Mark Ouchley, [Northeast]; Lacy Baaeth, [Greater Baton Rouge]; Bill Boyd, [Bayou]; Marsha McGraw-Barbera, [Greater Central] and Candy Modeen, [Northshore] were elected as 2027 At-Large Directors. They will join the 2027 Board in helping guide the association and represent REALTORS® from across the state, serving a two year term. Attendees could also earn up to six hours of CE throughout the conference. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Conference at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles . We would like to thank our sponsors for their generous support in helping make this conference happen! Our Vue From the Top Sponsor: New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (NOMAR); Grand Marshall Sponsors: American Home Shield, Arena Collective, First American Exchange Company and Guard Home Warranty; Second Line Sponsor: Zillow; Brass Band Backer Sponsor: REALTOR® Association of Acadiana and Roy Appraisals, Inc.; and Sidewalk Stepper Sponsors: Bayou Board of REALTORS®, Bob Brooks School, Compass Inspection Services, LLC, Expert Insurance Services (EIS), LLC, Goosehead Insurance Brandon Katz, Greater Central REALTORS® Association, Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency and Women’s Council of REALTORS® New Orleans Metropolitan Area.

How can REALTORS® help Louisiana renters prepare for homeownership? Explore talking points, preparation tips, and resources REALTORS® can use to educate renters, build trust, and guide future buyers toward homeownership.

How does homeownership build wealth? Learn how REALTORS® can explain equity, appreciation, mortgage payments, and generational wealth to help Louisiana buyers understand the long-term financial benefits of owning a home.

How can a REALTOR® help you get more value from your home purchase? Learn how REALTORS® can guide buyers through market research, negotiations, long-term value, and the homebuying process.

Please join us in congratulating the Louisiana REALTORS® who have been appointed to NAR committees for 2027. A total of 26 Louisiana REALTORS® members and staff have been selected to serve on NAR committees for the upcoming year. Bill Boyd - Insurance Committee; Member: Regional Representative Luke Bullock - Broker Engagement Committee; Member: Government Affairs Director Donna Chandler - Membership Policy and Board Jurisdiction Committee; Member: At-Large Keary Coffin - Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee; Member: At-Large Tony Cornner - Housing Opportunities Committee; Member: State Representative Beth Cristina - Commercial Federal Policy Committee; Member: At-Large Deneka Desroches - Commitment to Excellence Committee; Member: At-Large Cindy Dyer - RPAC Participation Council; Member: State Representative David Favret - Meeting and Conference Committee; Member: Immediate Past Chair Jennifer Hebert - Professional Standards Committee; Member: At-Large Carole Horn - RPAC Trustees Federal Disbursement Committee; Member: Regional Representative Misty Ingersoll - Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee; Member: State Representative Angela Lavalais - AEC/Association IDEAS Advisory Board (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Support); Member: At-Large Trish Leleux - FPC Advisory Committee; Member: State Representative Marbury Little - Public Policy Coordinating Committee; Member: At-Large ; Consumer Advocacy Outreach Advisory Board; Member: Committee Representative Ginger Maulden - RPAC Major Investor Council; Member: State Representative Andrea McKey - Strategic Planning Committee; Member: At-Large David McKey - Insurance Committee; Member: At-Large Joe Mier - Real Property Valuation Committee; Member: At-Large Norman Morris - Meeting and Conference Committee; AEC Representative Danette O'Neal - Land Use Property Rights and Environment Committee; Member: Affiliate Representative Austin Polk - Business Issues Policy Committee; Member: At-Large Rhonda Reap-Curiel - Data Strategies Committee; Vice Chair Matt Ritchie - Finance Committee; Member: At-Large Erika Sluss - Membership Policy and Board Jurisdiction Committee; Member: State Representative Evelyn Wolford - Professional Standards Committee; Member: State Representative

When buyers walk into a home, they're usually thinking about whether they can picture themselves living there, not whether their phone is charged, a pet is secured, or a potential hazard is around the corner. Those simple considerations can help make a home search safer. That's the focus of NAR's new consumer guide on buyer safety while viewing homes . It gives buyers practical tips for before, during, and after a showing, from only viewing scheduled properties and sharing their location with someone they trust to knowing when it's time to leave a property because of a potential hazard. It's an easy resource to share with clients as you help them navigate their home search safely. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Buyer Safety Guide Fraud Red Flags Helping Family Members Become Homeowners Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season Condominium Insurance NAR now has 70 consumer guides on a wide range of topics available in English and Spanish at facts.realtor . Customizable versions allow you to add your name, photo and logo. The next Consumer Guide, scheduled for publication on Oct. 7, will address talking with teens about finances and homeownership.

From the Louisiana Department of Insurance: Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple joined Governor Jeff Landry and Senate Insurance Committee Chairman Kirk Talbot today to announce that Louisiana is investing an additional $20 million in Fortified homes, bringing the total amount invested in state Fortified projects this year to $100 million. Governor Landry announced that $20 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be transferred to the Louisiana Office of Community Development Restore Resilient Opportunities for Overhead Fortification (Restore ROOF) program to strengthen residential structures and reduce long-term disaster risk. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a bill that allows $50 million in additional Katrina and Rita bond money from Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to be added to the Department of Insurance’s Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP). Also beginning this year, LFHP is projected to receive approximately $30 million annually from taxes and fees the Louisiana Department of Insurance collects from the insurance industry. “Building stronger homes is a vital part of making homeowners insurance affordable in Louisiana,” said Commissioner Temple. “I appreciate Governor Landry’s leadership and support as we work with legislators like Chairman Talbot to make Louisiana a national leader in the adoption of Fortified roofs.” The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) has finalized its promulgation of Regulation 136—Fortify Homes Premium Discounts. The purpose of Regulation 136 is to implement the statutory provisions set forth in La. R.S. 22:1483, et seq. , which require that all Louisiana property and casualty insurers provide premium discounts or insurance rate reductions for homes constructed or upgraded in accordance with the fortified standards created by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. View Regulation 136 here .

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Most real estate transactions occur safely, but there’s a growing need to keep an eye out for fraud. Increasingly sophisticated scams, including use of AI to impersonate people , can occur at any stage of a transaction and often aren’t immediately obvious. If something occurs that doesn’t seem quite right, this resource will help you understand the potential risks and take appropriate action. All guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow two weeks for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: Fraud Red Flags Helping Family Members Become Homeowners Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season Condominium Insurance Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their home buying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy.

Learn about common risks as a real estate agent and tips to stay safe during home showings.

Take advantage of safety training and other resources provided by your local REALTOR® Association in Louisiana.

Article provided through SPOT Pet Insurance partnership Key Points Spot plans can reimburse up to 90% of eligible expenses from covered accidents and illnesses. Submit claims online in 30 seconds and get reimbursed — often within 48 hours. Customizable plans and nationwide vet access make emergency care easier to afford and access. Why Emergency Vet Coverage Matters When a pet faces a sudden illness, accident, or injury, every minute counts — and so does every dollar. Emergency vet bills can be overwhelming, especially when costs climb into the thousands. That’s where Spot Pet Insurance can help. Spot’s plans are built to help pet parents handle the unexpected by helping cover eligible emergency vet costs for accidents, illnesses, and injuries. From X-rays and emergency surgeries to prescription medications and hospitalization, Spot helps make sure your pet can get the care they need — with less financial stress. What Do Emergency Vet Visits Cost? Emergency vet care can vary widely based on your pet’s condition, breed, and location. On average, an emergency visit can range anywhere from $150 to $5,000 or more — and that’s before factoring in surgery or ongoing care. Here’s a breakdown of what common emergency services might cost. Diagnostics (bloodwork, imaging, exams): $180 – $450 Pain medication: $40 – $80 Hospitalization: $800 – $2,500 IV fluids: $60 – $95 Surgery: $1,500 – $5,000+ Common emergencies like broken bones, poisoning, heatstroke, or severe infections can quickly become expensive — and unexpected. With Spot Pet Insurance, you can get help covering these eligible costs and focus on your pet’s recovery instead of worrying about the bill. How Spot Pet Insurance Helps with Emergency Vet Bills Spot’s plans help pet parents manage the financial impact of sudden veterinary expenses. Coverage can include: Emergency exams and diagnostics (like X-rays, blood tests, and imaging) Surgery and hospitalization Prescription medications and follow-up care Emergency or specialty clinic visits Spot reimburses up to 90% of eligible costs for covered emergencies, depending on the plan you choose. Whether it’s a late-night visit to an emergency hospital or an unexpected illness, Spot is there to help you cover the cost of care — fast. Customizable Pet Insurance Plans That Fit Your Budget Every pet — and every budget — is different. Spot gives pet parents the flexibility to customize their plan with: Annual coverage limits that fit your needs Deductibles you’re comfortable with Reimbursement rates of up to 90%1 With Spot, you’re in control of your coverage, helping give you confidence when unexpected emergencies happen. 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Flexible reimbursement options: Choose up to 90% back on eligible costs. Extensive coverage: Plans include accidents, illnesses, and even alternative therapies for covered conditions. Spot is designed to help give pet parents the freedom to make the best care decisions — with less worries about financial limitations. FAQs About Emergency Vet Coverage with Spot Pet Insurance Does Spot Pet Insurance cover emergency vet visits? Yes. Spot Pet Insurance helps cover the eligible costs of emergency vet care for covered accidents and illnesses — including exams, diagnostics, surgery, and hospitalization. Can I visit any vet during an emergency? Absolutely. With Spot, you can visit any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada — no network restrictions or referral requirements. How much can I get reimbursed for an emergency vet bill? Depending on your plan, Spot can reimburse up to 90% of covered expenses after your deductible. How quickly are claims processed? Spot aims to make reimbursement simple and fast. Most claims are processed within 48 hours, helping you recover costs quickly. Does Spot cover follow-up care after an emergency? Yes. If the condition is covered under your policy, Spot also helps reimburse eligible follow-up visits and treatments after the initial emergency care. Key Takeaway When emergencies happen, Spot Pet Insurance is there to help — helping to give pet parents financial relief and peace of mind during stressful moments. With plans that cover eligible costs for accidents, illnesses, and emergency treatments, Spot helps you focus on what matters most: getting your pet the care they need, when they need it. With customizable plans, fast claims processing, and up to 90% reimbursement, Spot makes it easier for pet parents to handle the unexpected — because caring for your pet shouldn’t come with financial worry. Follow this link to learn more about pet insurance, or get a free quote today! Melina Acra, Author With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.

Buying a historic Louisiana home? Learn about inspections, renovation rules, insurance, flood risk, and incentives before you make an offer.

With rising housing costs, first-time buyers made up just 21% of all home purchases between July 2024 and June 2025—the lowest share since NAR started tracking the data. That helps explain why 44% of Gen Z respondents expect parental help funding their first home, according to Northwestern Mutual’s 2026 Planning & Progress Study. NAR’s latest shareable consumer guide helps consumers think through ways to support their children or other family members on the path to homeownership. The guide encourages families to start with a clear understanding of the full cost of homeownership and the parameters around any family support. All guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow two weeks for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Helping Family Members Become Homeowners Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season Condominium Insurance Seller Handoff Checklist Defining Home Buying Needs vs. Wants Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their home buying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. The next Consumer Guide, scheduled for publication on September 9, is on fraud red flags to watch for.