Message From the CEO: COVID-19 Update
Louisiana REALTORS • March 16, 2020
LR Volunteer Leaders,
As I update you with this email on the COVID 19 Virus, the issues surrounding this pandemic continue to rapidly change and be very fluid! I first want to say that I hope everyone is safe and taking precautions and caring for those that need assistance. I also want to stress to everyone to be calm and keep up with the news and alerts.
It appears that there have been many closures/restrictions enacted by State Government/Federal Government and the legislature is looking at recessing until a later date. In light of these events and potentially other actions, the LR will have a very limited staff on site at the physical office. Our voice mail will give members information how to reach staff immediately to be able to get information on real estate issues and association services/programs as staff is equipped to work remotely just like being here in the LR office. Let me be clear that the LR staff is working and ready to help members on a moment’s notice!
The LR has postponed the following events to a later date:
LR Leadership Retreat
CCIM Energy Conference,
Louisiana IREM luncheon & live education courses,
Other events scheduled for a live setting
The LR Spring Into Action Conference will be rescheduled as we are waiting on the legislature and other event notices before we can release a final determination on when the meetings will occur, but we will be updating you on the new dates as soon as we can. As soon as we have a final plan for the Spring Into Action Conference we will work with all of you that have already registered and secured a hotel room.
I have asked Patty McMurray, our legal counsel to put together a best practice dealing with real estate transactions in light of issues surrounding the COVID 19 Virus, along with guidance for local associations on employment issues brought up by the situation. As soon as we have these memos we will forward to you this information. However, for your general needs at this time, Baker Donaldson has put together a Corona Virus Resource Center with articles, webinar recordings and links to keep you apprised of the changing landscape which can be found right below. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ON ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS LINK PLEASE EMAIL KIM CALLAWAY at kim@larealtors.org who will work with Baker Doneldson on facilitating answers to your questions.
Baker Donelson : What You Need to Know
As soon as the President signs into law a stimulus package, we will forward this information out to the membership on how this legislation may affect or help independent contractors and broker-owners and their employees. Please stay safe and know we will come out of this event stronger than ever!!
Other resources for coronavirus information:
CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
Want Your Teen to Own a Home Someday? Start Talking Money Now Teens may not be thinking about mortgage rates or down payments just yet, but the money habits they’re building now can follow them for years. And 88% of teens surveyed by Fannie Mae and Junior Achievement said they want to own a home someday. This week’s Consumer Guide: Talk to Your Teens About Money and Homeownership makes those conversations a little easier, covering everything from credit scores and budgeting to debt, renting versus owning and saving for that eventual down payment. So yes, you may have to interrupt the doomscrolling. But helping teens get smarter about money today could put them in a much better position to get the keys to a home of their own down the road. Download all of NAR’s Consumer Guides in English or Spanish at facts.realtor. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Teen Financial Literacy Fraud Red Flags Helping Family Members Become Homeowners Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season Condominium 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 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. The next Consumer Guide, scheduled for publication on Oct. 21, will cover winter cold and storm preparedness.
Homeownership Is on Louisiana's November Ballot
After months of gathering recipes from across our Louisiana REALTORS® family, the cookbook is ready! This 200+ page collection is filled with Louisiana flavor, REALTOR® heart and recipes contributed by our members. We launched sales of the cookbook at the Fall Governance Meetings. You can now purchase your copy for $30 directly from the printer and shipped to you! Additionally, we will have copies available at the RRF booth at NXT . After NXT, we will carry a limited stock at the LR office for you to purchase through the LR Merch Shop and pick-up from the office or at an LR event, as stock is available. Even better, $15 from every cookbook sold will be donated to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF) to help provide housing-related assistance to REALTORS® and their families following disasters. Pick up a copy for yourself, grab one as a gift and enjoy a taste of Louisiana while supporting a great cause!
