Louisiana REALTORS® Resource - (03-05-2018)
Amy P. Fennell • March 8, 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.
Discover how real estate professionals can use technology to enhance client relationships, streamline transactions, and stand out in a digital market.
Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up 2025 and looks forward to 2026! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in Baton Rouge from October 7–8 for the 2025 Fall Governance Meetings, a dynamic two-day event filled with professional development, strategic planning and member engagement. The day before the conference offered the conclusion to the 2025 LR Leadership Program with participants graduated from the yearlong program after a half-day session. The 2025 graduates include: Torri Byrd, Shawn Carter, Bradley Cook, Stefany Deroche, Mignon Richard Díaz, Alfra Dixon, Thaddeus Dixon, Glen Elliott, Yvonne Graham, Charlotte Johnson, Michelle LaBanca, Slagle McGuffee, Ellen Monroe, Matt Noel, Ros Pack, Tiffany Pellerin, Latonia Riggs, Shannon Rodi Nash, Trish Skellham, Rebecca Slone and Charlotte St. Romain. Additionally, a sold-out, full-day AI-Powered Real Estate Professional Certification course led by industry expert Matthew Rathbun blew away attendees and had them leaving the session with such invigoration. The first official day of the conference held focus on professional development and networking. Tuesday opened with an informative session entitled Professional Liability 101 from Rice Insurance Services Center, offering critical insights into E&O and risk management. RPR's session brought a wealth information to attendees and offered a hands-on learning experience for the tools offered online. Targeted sessions like the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Advisory Council Open Meeting provided space for peer exchange and innovation. The day concluded with a festive Opening Reception sponsored by Louisiana YPN, bringing members together to celebrate and connect. The next day offered collaboration and celebration with Closing the Affordability Gap, presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, equipping REALTORS® with tools to better serve clients in today’s market. Regional caucuses followed, allowing members from across Louisiana to discuss local issues and share best practices. The Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close with strategic decisions for the year ahead. At the Board Meeting, Chris Brock, Northeast REALTORS® of Louisiana; Trish Leleux, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; Synde Devillier, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Scott McCubbin, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Amber Morrow, Greater Fort Polk Area REALTORS®; and David Moses, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; were elected as 2026 At-Large Directors. The grand finale? A spirited LSU Pregame Fan Experience and the highly anticipated Installation Ceremony, where new leadership was formally welcomed in a celebration of community and commitment. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Leadership Conference, March 3-4, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. We would like to thank our sponsors Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® (GBRAR) , Zillow , Dax Roy Appraisals, Supra, American Home Shield, Guard Home Warranty fo r their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
Discover the best time to sell your home and how a real estate professional can help you maximize profit, attract buyers, and navigate the market with confidence.
