CALL FOR ACTION: HELP IMPROVE TAX REFORM FOR HOMEOWNERS
Amy Fennell • December 4, 2017
REALTORS® are once again being asked to continue their efforts as advocates for homeowners and respond to the latest Call for Action on Tax Reform by the National Association of REALTORS®. The REALTOR® voice has positively influenced tax reform in some key areas this past month. For example, both the House and Senate have agreed to maintain deductibility of state and local property taxes up to $10,000 and to maintain Section 1031 tax-deferred exchanges in their present form for real estate investments.
BUT OUR WORK IS NOT DONE.
REALTORS® still have an opportunity to influence Congress to help make the tax reform bill more favorable to homeowners and consumers. Now that both the House and Senate have passed The Tax Cut and Jobs Act, a Conference Committee will begin to address the differences between the two bills. (See graphic below)
Important improvements in the legislation are possible by encouraging Congress to maintain the current law for the mortgage interest deduction and capital gains exclusion. Retaining current law makes the bill more favorable to homeownership. Be on the lookout for an email or text message alert or click the button below. You can also text "REALTORS" to 30644 to receive alerts via text message.
For more information on the issue: https://www.nar.realtor/tax-reform
2026 Louisiana housing market outlook for agents. Learn how local data, pricing strategy, and negotiation tactics shape success in a balanced market.
From the Louisiana Department of Insurance: Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple announced today that the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) continues its work to develop a regulation creating benchmark discounts for Fortified roofs in Louisiana. The LDI is working with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to develop the benchmark discounts using Louisiana-specific data, hurricane modeling and actuarial considerations. “With over 11,000 Fortified roofs in Louisiana and two years-worth of insurer experience with rating for those roofs in our state, now is an appropriate time for the LDI to establish benchmark discounts for homeowners insurance companies operating in our market,” said Commissioner Temple. “These benchmarks are being thoughtfully developed to help consumers receive the discounts they deserve for fortifying their homes while making sure insurers know the benchmarks reflect how much Fortified roofs actually mitigate their exposure to risk across Louisiana.” Like in Alabama’s Fortified benchmark discount structure, the LDI regulation would require Louisiana insurance companies to either meet the minimum benchmark discount established by the LDI or provide actuarial justification for why the company’s discount does not meet the benchmark. Louisiana is the fastest growing state for Fortified roofs in America. To date, over 11,000 Fortified roofs have been installed in Louisiana, including over 4,100 through the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program.
Built for How You Work
