4 Internet Security Tips All REALTORS® Should Know
LOUISIANA REALTORS • February 22, 2017
It’s no mystery that there are countless ways for people to access information on the internet. There are entire companies built on monitoring and protecting against identity theft, aisles of software at Best Buy to keep your computer protected, and a variety of businesses making a fortune on restoring lost data. Unfortunately one of the most vulnerable populations for security breaches and data compromises is REALTORS®.
With so much sensitive information on hand, not only theirs, but their clients’ as well, the target on any REALTOR®’s network and devices is a big one. However, with these four best practices for internet and information security, that target can shrink dramatically.
Configure Your Mobile Devices for Security and Keep Them Updated
Mobile is becoming a bigger player in every facet of life, and real estate is no different. Access to information, answers to questions, and a more interactive experience make mobile devices like smartphones and tablets an ideal tool. Leverage these simple security measures on your mobile devices:
- Use all available encryption features.
- Set Bluetooth to “hidden” (or disable).
- Limit the use of third-party apps not developed by reputable companies.
- Look at tools for virus protection, firewall implementation, lost device safety (remote tracking, wiping, and relocation).
Create Strong Passwords and Use Encryption
Creating a password that features letters, numbers, and punctuation, and is at least eight characters long is the best strategy. You should also change your password every 120-180 days (if not more often). Using password management software or opting for a platform to “remember” your password is not ideal. Should a device be lost, stolen or accessed, your passwords can easily be compromised.
For the information stored on your hard drive and server, encryption is a necessity. Encryption transforms information that anyone can read to an unreadable code that can only be translated with the right access and key. So even if someone did compromise your files, the information would be useless to them.
Install and Maintain Anti-Virus Software
Whether you use a Mac or a PC, the latest version of anti-virus software is a must. Protecting your computer and other devices from malware, worms, viruses, and Trojan Horses will limit the amount of exposure you have to potentially harmful files and schemes.
Be Aware of Phishing Attempts
One of the most common internet scams is phishing. This can occur in a number of ways, and while the above mentioned tactics and tools can prevent some of the avenues for which phishing is executed, this can still be a dangerous threat for REALTORS®. “Ghost” accounts, doctored email addresses, and seemingly innocent referrals are all tactics that phishers use. The most effective attempts are disguised to appear legitimate.
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- Email addresses with a familiar name
- Email addresses that seem to be from a reputable company
- Messages disguised as authentic business transactions
It is important to be diligent when you receive any correspondence like the ones mentioned above. Anyone asking for personal information or money on behalf of a company should raise a red flag. Cross reference any communication or email address from someone by researching their contact information, or reach out to them directly. Here are some other measures to prevent phishing attempts in your inbox:
- Check and monitor your email settings. A compromised account will often have an altered “forwarding” setting.
- Maintain and delete any unneeded emails. A regular purge of your inbox lowers the chances of something going unseen or unnoticed until it’s too late. Securely save any important emails.
- Avoid using an unsecured Wi-Fi connection.
- Avoid emailing sensitive information. Use a secure file sharing platform instead.
While technology makes business easier and more efficient, it also presents new challenges and threats. However with some due-diligence, and the right tools and practices in place you can keep your and your clients’ information safe and secure.
As previously noted in our 2026 legislative session update, HB 468 by Rep. Troy Hebert was adopted with no opposition and was effective August 1, 2026, as Act 807. The Act amends portions of the Louisiana Real Estate License Law (La. R.S. 37:1430, et seq.) to regulate the practice of wholesaling with respect to residential property. Specifically, the Act establishes newly defined terms of “residential real property”, “wholesaler” and “wholesaling” (La. R.S. 37:1431(35) through (37)) and enacts La. R.S. 37:1448.5 to specifically address wholesaling of residential real properties, including required disclosures, written agreements, notices and deposits and also provides for enforcement of the new law. The Act does not prohibit real estate wholesaling. Rather, there are certain requirements for “wholesalers” solely with respect to “wholesaling” of “residential real property.” Each of those terms are defined below. The intent is to make sure that sellers (homeowners) understand the true nature of the wholesaling transaction. To accomplish that, the law requires wholesalers to clearly disclose whether they intend to assign, transfer, or market any rights they have under a purchase agreement for financial gain. The wholesaler must prominently disclose that intent along with advising the seller to seek legal advice before signing each contract and that the seller has the right to cancel the wholesaling contract for any reason and without penalty for at least five calendar days after the execution of the contract. The law expressly requires that each wholesaling contract include the following: "NOTICE REQUIRED BY LOUISIANA LAW: You may cancel this contract at any time before 11:59 PM of [Insert Date]. [Insert Name of Wholesaler] CANNOT ask you to sign or have you sign any cash sale, conveyance or deed, or any other document until your right to cancel this contract has ended. See the attached notice of cancellation form for an explanation of this right. It is advisable that you find your own attorney before signing the contract. The law requires this contract to contain the entire agreement. You should not rely upon any other written or oral agreement or promise." The “notice of cancellation form” referenced above has been published by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission as the “Wholesaling Residential Real Property Mandatory Cancellation Notice” and can be found here . Failure to include that notice renders the contract void and terminable by the seller and in the event of such a termination due to failure to include the notice or other non-compliance by the wholesaler, the seller will receive the deposit. However, if the contract is terminated within the 5-day rescission period, the wholesaler receives the deposit in full. Notably, the Act requires a minimum deposit equal to at least 1% of the purchase price, with funds properly held in escrow, in all wholesaling transactions. In addition, wholesalers are also prohibited from: (a) acting or purporting to act on behalf of the seller whether pursuant to a mandate, power of attorney, or otherwise; (b) representing himself as holding any license or certification or being a member of a licensed profession without the license or certification; (c) placing any lien or other encumbrance on the property; and (d) engaging in any deceptive or unfair trade. Louisiana REALTORS ® is proud to have supported this Act to promote transparency and consumer protection in the real estate industry while allowing for continued investment in our communities through real estate transactions. Definitions: "Residential real property" means real property consisting of one or not more than four residential dwelling units, which are buildings or structures each of which is occupied or intended for occupancy as single family residences. "Wholesaler" means any person or entity that is either engaged in or intends to engage in the wholesaling of residential real property. "Wholesaling" means securing, negotiating, or facilitating the purchase or sale of residential real property with the purpose of transferring, assigning, or selling a contractual right to purchase or any other equitable interest in the residential real property, whether directly or indirectly, for financial gain. The marketing for sale of the contractual rights or other equitable interests constitutes a presumption that the person or entity marketing or selling the rights or interests is engaged in wholesaling. "Wholesaling" includes but is not limited to the following: (a) Entering into a contract to purchase residential real property with the intent of assigning or selling the contractual rights to another party before taking possession or legal ownership of such residential real property. (b) Simultaneously consummating or closing two separate transactions relative to the same residential real property, including one transaction with the original owner and seller of the residential real property and another transaction with the end buyer, without the purchaser providing all funds needed to close the sale transaction with the original owner and seller and without the intent to reside in, occupy, or otherwise materially improve the residential real property.
NAR is sharing its latest consumer guide, Seller Handoff Checklist . Sellers can create a smooth transition for the new owners using the new one-page guide. It offers a handy checklist of information and resources that sellers can pass along—from appliance manuals to paint colors to garbage pickup schedules—as well as suggestions for goodwill gestures that will help buyers feel they made a great purchasing decision. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow up to 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: Seller Handoff Checklist Defining Home Buying Needs vs. Wants 10 Tips For Unpacking Smartly After A Move UPDATED: Multiple Listing Services Overcoming Roadblocks to a Sale or Purchase 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. Check out the next consumer guide on condominium insurance.
NAR Community and Transportation Preference Survey reinforces need for housing choices and shows support for community design to easily access daily destinations.
