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Louisiana REALTORS® Resource - (03-05-2018)
Amy P. Fennell • Mar 08, 2018
#1 SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION REPORT
While legislators are still not able to reach a consensus on how to resolve the budget deficit, one bright spot is that issues important to the REALTOR® family have so far been protected. Louisiana REALTORS® was once again successful in preventing sales taxes being placed on your services.
House Bill No. 19 was heard in the House Ways and Means Committee and did not move forward. THANK YOU to those members who responded to our Call for Action! Your voices were heard and gave Louisiana REALTORS a win on this issue.
A crucial bill regarding the renewal of 1/4th of the additional penny sales tax set to expire June 30th and the repeal of various exemptions to the state sales tax (HB No. 23, Representative Dwight) failed to pass the House of Representatives Sunday evening. If the legislature adjourns without passing any budget reform or revenue measures there will likely be a second special session following adjournment of the regular session. This leaves approximately three weeks before the beginning of the 2018-2019 state fiscal year to address the budget shortfall.
#2 SAVE THE DATE: REALTOR® DAY - APRIL 24, 2018
Save the Date and plan to join us on April 24, 2018 for REALTOR® Day an event in conjunction with the Spring Into Action Conference!
This event is a chance for members to rally together as an industry at the State Capitol and discuss issues and concerns that affect Louisiana's homeowners while elected officials are in a legislative session.
This year we will also celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and recognize the important role that has played in homeownership.
Watch the video for what last year's attendees had to say!
#3 LREC MANDATES REVISED PROPERTY DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT
The revised Property Disclosure Form is mandatory as of March 1, 2018. REALTORS® are encouraged to download the form from LREC's website to insure the proper version is used. Many members have asked whether this applies on active listings. While it is good risk management practice, the form is only mandated on listings taken on or after March 1.
To read more about how and why the changes came about, click here.
PLEASE NOTE: LREC has closed their P.O. Box. Any mail sent to P.O. Box address will be subject to at least a two-week delay due to post office sorting. In order to avoid this delay, send mail to the physical address: 9071 Interline Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809.
#4 NAR COMMITTEE APPLICATION OPENS MARCH 1
Louisiana REALTORS® encourages more of Louisiana's members to get involved and represent viewpoints at all levels of the organization! The National Association of REALTORS® is now accepting applications for members interested in serving on a committee in 2019.
Submissions are being taken through May 1. NAR’s committees are a great forum for debate and discussion. Being on a committee allows you to contribute to the decision-making process, and gain national experience beneficial for those seeking a leadership role and a great way to build contacts around the country. Applying to a committee is simple; visit the committee application webpage to get started: www.CommitteeApp.realtor.
#5 UPCOMING EDUCATION
New Home Construction & Buyer Representation
April 25, 2018 | Baton Rouge
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Solid increases in single-family, still historically low interest rates, and high buyer demand point to healthy sales of new-home construction.
This one-day course provides buyer’s representatives with the product knowledge and increased confidence to make new-home construction a win-win transaction for buyer-clients. Earns 1 ABR elective credit, 1 GRI credit & 8 hours of CE credit. Early Bird Registration ends 3/25.
WEBINAR: Fair Housing Compliance
April 30, 2018
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Fair housing is more than a list of dos and don’ts, rights and penalties, and mandatory continuing education. As stewards of the right to own, use and transfer private property, fair housing protects our livelihood and business as REALTORS® and depends on a free, open market that embraces equal opportunity.
Louisiana REALTORS® is partnering with the Louisiana Attorney General's office to host an informative 2-hour webinar. Limited seating available. More information and link to register will be provided as the event is closer.
Selling a home without a REALTOR® can create all sorts of different risks that can cause your property to be misperceived and potentially undervalued. Here are three things you’re risking if you decide to sell your home without the knowledge and skills of a trusted REALTOR®.
NAR President Kevin Sears joined the Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered podcast answering questions about the future of NAR and the recently announced settlement agreement. The podcast can be viewed here .
Last week NAR President Kevin Sears checked in from Wyoming, where he met with REALTORS® from six western states at the Region 11 Conference. Kevin’s attended many member town halls across the country to answer questions about the settlement; keep up with the latest at facts.realtor . You can watch Kevin’s video here to learn about a valuable member service we’re offering at no additional cost, as well as how members can engage with NAR committees. This video is also in the video section of our website. Stay tuned for Kevin’s next update. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Throughout 2024, NAR is making the popular Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation course, typically $295, available to REALTORS® at no cost. Take the first step toward earning your ABR® designation at become.abr.realtor . NAR members can continue to access the latest information about the settlement on facts.realtor . NAR will also continue to provide updates about the settlement process for non-members – such as clients and consumers – on competition.realtor . Visit ThatsWhoWeR.realtor to view the consumer campaign ads, and to leverage turnkey advertising and social assets to share. The campaign demonstrates the expertise of REALTORS® helping their clients navigate the risks, pitfalls, and complexities of buying or selling a home or property, reinforcing their expertise, commitment and consumer-first approach.
821 Main StreetBaton Rouge, LA 70802
821 Main Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802