Louisiana Officially Moves to Phase One of Roadmap to a Resilient Louisiana
LOUISIANA REALTORS • May 15, 2020
Governor Edwards has officially issued the order that will lift the stay at home directive for Louisianans and to allow additional businesses to open under strict occupancy, protection, and social distancing guidelines.
View The Order Here
Pursuant to this order, Louisiana will be in Phase One of the effective Friday, May 15, 2020 through Friday, June 5, 2020.
In preparation for this order, Louisiana REALTORS® hosted an informative session with the attorneys at Baker Donelson to assist you in your business as we all move towards a full reopening of the economy. We encourage you to view the webinar and related materials to learn more about operating in the new normal.
1. How does the new order impact my business?
Short Answer:
(1) Consider revising your policies and procedures; (2) Implement enhanced cleaning procedures, and (3) Close areas of the office open to the public.
Brokers and offices should consider revising their policies and procedures pertaining to office operations and sanitation measures. We encourage all our members to implement enhanced cleaning procedures in their offices and have hand sanitizer, face masks and other personal protection equipment available to agents, employees, third party contractors, and guests. More information about this can be obtained in the webinar materials or by viewing the recorded webinar.
In addition to measures recommended during the webinar and in previous guidance, your office should close the following to the public (including vendors): waiting rooms, lobbies, or other areas where the public may congregate (except for bathrooms). Clients and members of the public should be advised to wait outside while maintaining social distancing, or in vehicles, until such time as they are needed in the office.
2. Can we hold open houses?
Short Answer:
Yes, open houses can be held subject to limitations, but virtual showings are still highly encouraged over open houses and live showings.
Louisiana REALTORS® urges you to continue to show property through virtual means and limit in person showings as advised in previously issued guidance. However, should you choose to have an open house or show a home in person Louisiana REALTORS® recommends that you adhere to all government orders regarding social distancing, gathering limitations and protective measures as well as follow best practices issued by the National Association of REALTORS®.
3. Will Governor Edwards issue any new guidance from Friday, May 15, 2020 and Friday, June 5, 2020?
Short Answer:
Possibly.
The new order authorizes the Resilience Task Force and its industry task forces to develop further guidance and states that the guidance may be incorporated into the latest order upon written approval of the Governor. This means that is possible that new guidelines may be issued in the next two weeks.
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NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide offering homeowners factors to consider when deciding whether to sell their home. The guide includes seven discussion points to help potential sellers think through the decision with the help of a real estate professional who’s a REALTOR®. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow up to two weeks 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: NEW: Thinking of Selling? 7 Factors to Consider How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient Can’t Pay Your Mortgage? You Have Options 8 Tips for Selling Your Home in Winter Hiring a Remodeling Contractor Real Estate Contract Contingencies 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 home buying 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 the next consumer guide, which will look at factors to consider when deciding whether to purchase real estate as an investment.
