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Louisiana REALTORS® Requests to Keep Real Estate Services Going
Louisiana REALTORS • March 22, 2020
As COVID-19 continues to impact business operations in our states and local areas, Louisiana REALTORS® has sent letters to Governor John Bel Edwards along with the Louisiana Tax Assessors’ Association and the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association on behalf of the real estate industry. The primary purpose of the letters is to acknowledge the challenging decisions faced by our officials if it becomes necessary for a statewide order to keep people at home. Additionally, we want to collaborate with the government entities that are critical to the transaction.
View the Letters Here
As stated in the correspondence, “We are specifically requesting that the state’s licensed real estate agents and brokers, home inspectors, appraisers, and attorneys be authorized to continue to transact business as their services are essential to persons who are in the process of buying, selling, and leasing homes and other property throughout Louisiana.” Many markets around the country are advocating the same messages and LR will continue to be proactive. While public safety and health throughout this pandemic is critical, the halting of real estate services can have serious and long-lasting impacts to the state’s economy.
While we are hopeful to avoid real estate services from coming to a halt, we encourage our members to continue to work with all the parties in the transaction and put into place safety precautions and making the necessary adjustments during this time. For a list of helpful resources, visit: https://www.larealtors.org/coronavirus
On March 23, 2020, Wendy Curphy Aguilllard, 2020 President Louisiana Assessor’s Association replied to the request of Louisiana REALTORS with the following message:
Ms. Callaway,
On behalf of the Louisiana Assessor’s Association I can appreciate your concerns.
Please be assured that every Assessor understands the difficulties our business owners, property owners, and communities are facing. I believe each Assessor measures his or her responsibilities to their community, staff, and families against any response or decisions they may make.
At this point I am aware that many Assessors have closed their lobbies to the public, but are still staffed and providing services to their communities via phone, fax, emails, websites and even scheduled appointments if absolutely necessary. However, since your email on Saturday the Governor has now issued a “Stay At Home” proclamation and the Assessors have been advised that they are not considered “essential” government offices so this may still change.
Most, if not all Assessors have websites that allow public access, usually for free. These websites allow the public to look up ownership of property, property descriptions, parcel information such as valuation, conveyance information, ownership history, and tax estimates. Most websites also have access available to some type of maps and even LAT business form reporting along with FAQ’s, links, and contact info. Not to mention, anyone who may buy or sell a home can file for homestead exemption anytime before the tax rolls close later in the fall and in many cases through the end of the year without worry.
At this point, each parish is facing their own unique challenges during this crisis. The situation is constantly evolving and therefore each Assessor will have to make the best decisions for his office based on those challenges. But again, please be assured that we are all determined to provide the services that we can to our communities without sacrificing the safety of our staff or the public while doing our part to comply with directives to flatten the curve & stop the spread of this virus.
Sincerely,
Wendy Curphy Aguillard, CLA
2020 President Louisiana Assessor's Association
2015 Assessor of the Year
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.
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