Message From the CEO: COVID-19 Update
Louisiana REALTORS • March 16, 2020
LR Volunteer Leaders,
As I update you with this email on the COVID 19 Virus, the issues surrounding this pandemic continue to rapidly change and be very fluid! I first want to say that I hope everyone is safe and taking precautions and caring for those that need assistance. I also want to stress to everyone to be calm and keep up with the news and alerts.
It appears that there have been many closures/restrictions enacted by State Government/Federal Government and the legislature is looking at recessing until a later date. In light of these events and potentially other actions, the LR will have a very limited staff on site at the physical office. Our voice mail will give members information how to reach staff immediately to be able to get information on real estate issues and association services/programs as staff is equipped to work remotely just like being here in the LR office. Let me be clear that the LR staff is working and ready to help members on a moment’s notice!
The LR has postponed the following events to a later date:
LR Leadership Retreat
CCIM Energy Conference,
Louisiana IREM luncheon & live education courses,
Other events scheduled for a live setting
The LR Spring Into Action Conference will be rescheduled as we are waiting on the legislature and other event notices before we can release a final determination on when the meetings will occur, but we will be updating you on the new dates as soon as we can. As soon as we have a final plan for the Spring Into Action Conference we will work with all of you that have already registered and secured a hotel room.
I have asked Patty McMurray, our legal counsel to put together a best practice dealing with real estate transactions in light of issues surrounding the COVID 19 Virus, along with guidance for local associations on employment issues brought up by the situation. As soon as we have these memos we will forward to you this information. However, for your general needs at this time, Baker Donaldson has put together a Corona Virus Resource Center with articles, webinar recordings and links to keep you apprised of the changing landscape which can be found right below. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ON ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS LINK PLEASE EMAIL KIM CALLAWAY at kim@larealtors.org who will work with Baker Doneldson on facilitating answers to your questions.
Baker Donelson : What You Need to Know
As soon as the President signs into law a stimulus package, we will forward this information out to the membership on how this legislation may affect or help independent contractors and broker-owners and their employees. Please stay safe and know we will come out of this event stronger than ever!!
Other resources for coronavirus information:
CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on state and local tax (SALT) deductions . This guide explains federal tax law changes that temporarily quadruple the amount of state and local taxes (SALT) that taxpayers can deduct and will make homeownership more accessible and affordable, especially for people in higher-tax states. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days 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: Assistance Programs Real Estate Auctions Working with a Real Estate Attorney Making Your Home More Energy Efficient Buying a Historic Property 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 homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on August 6, which will cover packing tips and tricks.
The Louisiana REALTORS® Board of Directors will elect six (6) LR At-Large Directors at its October 8th meeting. Qualifications and an application for the position can be found below.
From flood zones to hurricane season, Louisiana clients have big questions. Learn how REALTORS® can confidently respond with local insights that build trust and close deals.
