4 Reasons Home Sellers Need a REALTOR®
LOUISIANA REALTORS • March 9, 2017
Every now and then we need an expert’s opinion, advice, and direction. Does your shoulder hurt after a workout? Go see a masseuse. Got into an accident? Call the body shop. Looking to sell a house? Use a REALTOR®. The first two scenarios play out that way more often than not, however all too often the third situation is handled in a different manner- like as For Sale By Owner. Similar to the ability to relieve muscle tissue or fix a damaged automobile requires an expert, so does a real estate transaction with a lot of moving parts. The following four reasons explain why home sellers need to enlist the help of a knowledgeable and professional REALTOR®.
1. The Power of Search
Google has put all of the information in the world at our fingertips. REALTORS® have the ability to share and market a listing to a larger network of other REALTORS® as well as to the public. Listing your house without a REALTOR® does not give you the same amount of online exposure and the more time a house sits on the market, the more it can cost you.
2. REALTORS® Code of Ethics
What sets a REALTOR® apart from a real estate agent? The strict standards and Code of Ethics set forth by the National Association of REALTORS®. These standards and codes mean that your REALTOR® will always act with your best interest in mind. REALTORS® in addition to their continuing education requirement must maintain their knowledge of the Code and can be sanctioned for violating any of the articles of the Code.
3. Skilled in Negotiation
There are a number of variables that go into selling a home. Between getting offers and negotiating contract terms, the transaction can be intense especially when buyers demand or expect more. Luckily a REALTOR® represents you in the sale and is a savvy negotiator that will get the best options to you. A REALTOR knows the value of your property and can get the best price for you. Acting without this valuable resource could cost you thousands.
4. Industry and Pricing Expertise
The real estate world is full of data and valuations that can make your head spin. This unique language, coupled with the changing markets and regulations makes selling an overwhelming task. Thankfully REALTORS® understand what needs to be done, how to communicate it, and most importantly can prepare the best deal for you while avoiding costly delays and mistakes.
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While this addresses just a few of the reasons for home sellers, they should leverage the power and expertise of a REALTOR® in order to make their experience a good and successful one.
Louisiana’s 2026 Regular Session opened this week with several developments that matter directly to REALTORS ®, property managers and housing providers, alongside some broader political shifts worth watching. HB 292: Security Deposit Return Timelines Rep. Delisha Boyd’s HB 292, which addresses procedures for returning residential security deposits, was deferred to next week. This provides additional time for stakeholders to engage with members on practical impacts for lease administration, move out inspections and documentation standards. We’ll continue working to ensure any changes to deposit law are clear, workable and do not expose housing providers to unreasonable liability. Land Use and Development: St. James Parish Decision The Louisiana Supreme Court’s recent St. James Parish decision significantly tightens the standards for overturning local land use decisions, reinforcing that zoning and permitting authority rests with parish and municipal governments as long as their decisions are not arbitrary or capricious. For real estate and development, that means more predictability if projects are aligned with adopted plans and ordinances, but also higher stakes in local elections, planning processes and parish-level negotiations. Governor’s State of the State In his State of the State address, Governor Jeff Landry reiterated his push to phase out the state income tax, expand the LA GATOR and MJ Foster scholarship and workforce programs, and replace vehicle inspection stickers with a QR code system. These programs frame a debate around long-term competitiveness, workforce readiness and household cost of living which are all key drivers of housing demand and migration patterns. Business & Market Trends The business community is focusing the session on insurance, workforce and energy. Commercial and property insurance costs remain a top concern for employers and property owners, and we are monitoring civil justice and insurance reform proposals that could affect market stability and availability. At the same time, Louisiana is seeing more than $100 billion in announced industrial and data center projects, which could reshape local markets, labor conditions and housing needs in multiple regions of the state. Please view the weekly bill tracking report at the link below provided by our lobbying team over at Harris, DeVille and Associates.
Learn how Louisiana real estate regulations, disclosure laws, and licensing standards help protect homebuyers and create safer, more transparent transactions.
Nominations are open now through April 24, 2026, for the Louisiana REALTORS® 2025 REALTOR® of the Year & the 2025 Lawrence R. DeMarcay, Jr. Distinguished Service Award. Both awards are aimed to showcase an individual who has volunteered their time in service to the real estate industry. Recipients of the awards will be recognized during the Spring Legislative Conference. (Registration coming soon!) Please see the below links with the selection criteria and consider submitting a nomination today. Contact Donna Teekel at (225) 224-0704 or dteekel@larealtors.org with any questions.
