Louisiana REALTORS® Requests to Keep Real Estate Services Going
Louisiana REALTORS • March 22, 2020
As COVID-19 continues to impact business operations in our states and local areas, Louisiana REALTORS® has sent letters to Governor John Bel Edwards along with the Louisiana Tax Assessors’ Association and the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association on behalf of the real estate industry. The primary purpose of the letters is to acknowledge the challenging decisions faced by our officials if it becomes necessary for a statewide order to keep people at home. Additionally, we want to collaborate with the government entities that are critical to the transaction.
View the Letters Here
As stated in the correspondence, “We are specifically requesting that the state’s licensed real estate agents and brokers, home inspectors, appraisers, and attorneys be authorized to continue to transact business as their services are essential to persons who are in the process of buying, selling, and leasing homes and other property throughout Louisiana.” Many markets around the country are advocating the same messages and LR will continue to be proactive. While public safety and health throughout this pandemic is critical, the halting of real estate services can have serious and long-lasting impacts to the state’s economy.
While we are hopeful to avoid real estate services from coming to a halt, we encourage our members to continue to work with all the parties in the transaction and put into place safety precautions and making the necessary adjustments during this time. For a list of helpful resources, visit: https://www.larealtors.org/coronavirus
On March 23, 2020, Wendy Curphy Aguilllard, 2020 President Louisiana Assessor’s Association replied to the request of Louisiana REALTORS with the following message:
Ms. Callaway,
On behalf of the Louisiana Assessor’s Association I can appreciate your concerns.
Please be assured that every Assessor understands the difficulties our business owners, property owners, and communities are facing. I believe each Assessor measures his or her responsibilities to their community, staff, and families against any response or decisions they may make.
At this point I am aware that many Assessors have closed their lobbies to the public, but are still staffed and providing services to their communities via phone, fax, emails, websites and even scheduled appointments if absolutely necessary. However, since your email on Saturday the Governor has now issued a “Stay At Home” proclamation and the Assessors have been advised that they are not considered “essential” government offices so this may still change.
Most, if not all Assessors have websites that allow public access, usually for free. These websites allow the public to look up ownership of property, property descriptions, parcel information such as valuation, conveyance information, ownership history, and tax estimates. Most websites also have access available to some type of maps and even LAT business form reporting along with FAQ’s, links, and contact info. Not to mention, anyone who may buy or sell a home can file for homestead exemption anytime before the tax rolls close later in the fall and in many cases through the end of the year without worry.
At this point, each parish is facing their own unique challenges during this crisis. The situation is constantly evolving and therefore each Assessor will have to make the best decisions for his office based on those challenges. But again, please be assured that we are all determined to provide the services that we can to our communities without sacrificing the safety of our staff or the public while doing our part to comply with directives to flatten the curve & stop the spread of this virus.
Sincerely,
Wendy Curphy Aguillard, CLA
2020 President Louisiana Assessor's Association
2015 Assessor of the Year
2025 Extraordinary Legislative Session Wrap-up
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!
