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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.
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on preparing for homeownership. This guide covers what prospective buyers should consider as they kick off the home purchase process, including the importance of credit scores, mortgage pre-approval, down payments, budgeting, and educational resources. 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: NEW: Preparing for Homeownership Escrow and Earnest Money Pricing Your Home Preparing to Sell Your Home Fire Damage and Policy Coverage Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with potential clients to ensure they have the information they need to be successful 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 Wednesday, which will cover property taxes.
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on escrow. This guide covers what homebuyers should know about earnest money deposits, including the general terms and use cases in real estate transactions. 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: NEW: Escrow and Earnest Money Pricing Your Home Preparing to Sell Your Home Fire Damage and Policy Coverage Flood Insurance 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 Wednesday, which will cover preparing prospective buyers for homeownership.
The Louisiana REALTORS® Board of Directors will conduct several elections this Spring. Interested candidates that meet the qualification who are looking to serve at either the state association level or the national association level are encouraged to view the criteria and submit an application. An application that is not submitted on the appropriate form or not submitted pursuant to the instructions shall not be considered as submitted timely.
821 Main StreetBaton Rouge, LA 70802
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Baton Rouge, LA 70802