REALTOR® Safety: 3 Things That Aren’t as Safe as You Think

Louisiana REALTORS • September 18, 2019

We all have our habits and routines that develop over time.  It’s easy to get comfortable in these actions and not give them a second thought.  However, even if you don’t think about it, parts of your daily routine could be putting you in an unnecessary danger. Here are 3 things many REALTORS® do that aren’t safe as you may think.

Leaving Your Belongings Unattended

Whether you’re at an open house or in your office, it’s easy to get distracted or busy and leave your valuable belongings unattended.  Whether it’s a purse or briefcase, phone or tablet, or even jewelry, these can present a golden opportunity for thieves.  You should always keep your small electronics with you.  Lock your other valuables in a drawer or in the trunk of your car.

Sharing Technology

Whether you are passing your phone around or logging into a company computer, there are a lot of things that can happen to yours or your client’s information.  Forgetting to log out, responding to suspicious emails, and visiting unsecure sites can all result in identity theft and other cyber dangers .  With all of the sensitive information involved in real estate transactions, protecting this data needs to be a top priority.

Not Having Emergency Equipment in Your Car

Much of your day is spent running the roads.  Visiting clients, going to meetings, back and forth from the office.  It’s important that you are prepared should something happen to your car.  A flat tire or a dead battery can totally derail your schedule.  This is why it’s important to be equipped with emergency equipment like jumper cables, a jack, an air compressor, and even a first aid kit. 

These are only a few habits that increase your risk of finding yourself in an unsafe scenario.  While you’re first responsibility to be a knowledgeable, professional REALTOR® for your clients, it’s also important to take a close look at your daily routine to ensure that you make each day a safe one .

Benefits of homeownership
By Louisiana REALTORS® June 15, 2026
Thinking about buying a home? Discover how homeownership can help build wealth, increase financial stability, and create lasting value.
By Louisiana REALTORS® June 9, 2026
From the Louisiana Department of Insurance: During a press conference today with Governor Jeff Landry, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple announced that registration for the next round of the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) will open at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 1, and will include 3,000 grants. The registration period for this lottery will be open for three weeks, closing at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19.  During the press conference, Gov. Landry signed HB 1187 by Rep. Paul Sawyer, which will allow Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to transfer $50 million in additional Katrina bond assessment funds to the LFHP. Combined with the $30 million in funding the program will receive through taxes and fees on insurance entities, the LFHP will receive a total of $80 million this year. “By lowering overall losses, we can reduce insurance and reinsurance costs, draw more insurers into the market, motivate existing companies to write additional policies and lower insurance premiums,” said Commissioner Temple. “That is exactly what the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program is designed to do.” The list of coastal parishes that are eligible to participate is expanding to include Acadia, Jefferson Davis and Lafayette parishes. Additionally, homeowners who live in the portions of Ascension, Calcasieu, Iberia, Livingston, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Vermilion parishes that were previously not included in the program will now be eligible to participate. A map showing the full list of eligible parishes is available on FortifyHomes.La.Gov . “Louisiana is the fastest growing state in the country for Fortified roofs, and that growth is not by accident—it is the result of strong support from Governor Landry and legislators like Chairman Talbot, Chairman Firment and Representative Sawyer, targeted program design, and a clear recognition that strengthening homes is one of the most effective ways to reduce insurance losses,” said Commissioner Temple. “At the end of the day, this program is about more than just roofs. It is about protecting families, it is about strengthening communities, and it is about putting Louisiana in a stronger position—both physically and economically—to face the challenges ahead.” To participate in the lottery, homeowners must register during the June registration period. Homeowners who registered for a previous round but were not selected must register again to participate. People who register on the last day of the registration period have the same chance of being selected as those who register on the first day, so there is no need to rush to register as soon as the period opens. When registering, homeowners will need to upload their homestead exemption, insurance policy declarations page that includes wind coverage, and flood insurance declarations page if the residence is in a flood zone. Homeowners who need assistance obtaining a copy of their homestead exemption should contact their parish tax assessor. Homeowners can contact their homeowners and flood insurance companies or agents for a copy of their policy declarations page. Homeowners are required to create a profile in the LFHP system before registering for the lottery and may do so by visiting the LFHP website and clicking the Login button. Homeowners who previously created a profile may use the same one for this and future rounds. Once the lottery registration period closes, the LFHP will randomly select 3,000 participants and send email notifications to registrants about whether they were selected to participate. These selection notices will be sent via email beginning on Monday, June 22. There are several program requirements that homeowners should be aware of before registering. Those interested in the program are encouraged to review eligibility information and frequently asked questions at FortifyHomes.La.Gov to determine whether their home meets the requirements for the program. If selected to participate in the grant program, homeowners will be financially responsible for having the home evaluated by a FORTIFIED-certified Evaluator as well as costs for the roof upgrade including permits, inspections and construction costs beyond the amount of the grant The LFHP provides grants of up to $10,000 for homeowners to upgrade their roofs to standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. The program helps Louisiana homeowners strengthen their roofs to better withstand hurricane-force winds.
Educating prospective homebuyers on the true cost of owning a home
By Louisiana REALTORS® June 9, 2026
Learn how real estate agents can educate buyers about Louisiana homeownership costs, including taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance.
Show More