Online Safety Tips for REALTORS®
Louisiana Realtors • October 23, 2018
Technology is changing the way we do just about everything in our lives, especially from a business perspective. The convenience of the connectivity that the internet provides makes our professional performance more efficient, agile, and thorough; but it’s not without its risks. With more and more prospecting, organization, and transactional operations moving in a digital direction, it is very important to be aware of online dangers, and how to avoid them. Here are a few tips to keep you and your clients safe.
Protect Your Wireless Router
One of the simplest and most common points of entry to your data is your office’s wireless router. Be sure to change the router’s password from the factory’s default one. This will help to prevent someone from gaining access to your network, installing malicious software, tracking your key strokes, and stealing sensitive information.
Be Aware of Phishing Attempts
Not all digital attacks occur from behind the scenes of a firewall. Many times information can be accessed, or access can be granted without a single line of code. Phishing is the practice of sending what appears to be a legitimate email from a reputable company (like a bank), asking for information like passwords, account numbers, etc. When you respond to these requests or click on any attached links, you are providing all of the information and access needed to compromise your data and/or your network. If you suspect that an email may not be a legitimate inquiry, contact the company’s main support line before you respond.
Mobile Devices Are Also Susceptible
More work is being done on mobile devices than ever before. The capabilities of phones and tablets have made it easier to work while on the go. However, the information that is shared, sent, and stored on these devices can also be compromised without the proper precautions. Be sure to encrypt all of your inbound and outbound data. This prevents anyone but the intended recipient from being able to use the information. This can be easily be done on iPhone and Android devices. It’s also a good idea to avoid using unsecured wireless networks while you are out and about.
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.
