3 Real Estate Trends Coming in 2018
LOUISIANA REALTORS • November 15, 2017
This is the time of the year when experts take a look in their crystal ball to see what the future may hold. Whether its major changes, new developments, or simply a continuation of things from the current year, having an idea of what is around the corner can help you plan for success and avoid unexpected challenges. Here are a few things that you should expect in 2018.
Smart Home Automation
Just as smartphones have replaced cell phones, smart automation in homes is taking priority. A typical security system is no longer a differentiator. Offering platforms that can keep a homeowner connected and in control everywhere is going to be high on a buyer’s
list. Shading, light, and A/C automation to control costs, along with surveillance and cloud access can all be vital in garnering consideration.
Generation Z
As the calendar turns another year, we get closer to a new generation entering the home buying market. This year that will start to become Generation Z. Anyone born between 1995 and 2014 falls into this category, meaning the original Gen Zer’s will be turning 23, graduating from college, and beginning the home buying process. In the coming years this will be a bigger part of the shopping market.
Focus on Specialization
For real estate agents
it is becoming more difficult, and more important to differentiate yourself. Fortunately there are more tools than ever before to help you carve out your own niche. Social media, web presence, and networking can all help you attract the types of clients that you want. These platforms can also help you be found by buyers and sellers
that are looking for a certain type of service level.
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While these are only a few of the expected trends coming in 2018, they offer you a good place to start and get prepared for what should be a great year.
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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