Saving to buy a home can feel like a daunting task. REALTORS® understand the challenges and complexities of navigating the homebuying process. Here are some knowledge and strategies you need to create a realistic and achievable savings plan. We'll cover everything from setting goals and creating a budget to exploring additional income streams and maximizing your savings potential.   Savings Strategies for Baton Rouge Homebuyers The first step is understanding your current financial situation. Gather your income statements, bank statements, and any existing debts. This will help you creat ..read more

2024 Regular Legislative Session Successes Real Estate Licensing Law Louisiana REALTORS® was proud to support changes to the real estate licensing law requiring all real estate licensees to have buyer agreements. HB 366/Act 690 by Rep. Paula Davis, R-Baton Rouge, passed, has been signed by the governor and goes into effect August 19.   Real Estate Service Agreements Louisiana REALTORS® supported legislation making it an unfair trade practice actionable by the Attorney General to secure a real estate service agreement with a mortgage or other encumbrance. SB 506/Act 363 by Sen. Rick Edmo ..read more

Reminder from National Association of REALTORS®  Ahead of the August 17 implementation of NAR’s practice changes, we wanted to provide a few reminders of actions that are required to obtain a release of liability and protect your organization from claims related to broker commissions: We recommend all MLSs implement practice changes by August 17. REALTOR® MLSs (those owned exclusively by one or more REALTOR® Member Boards) must implement the changes by this date to remain in compliance with NAR policy. Offers of compensation are prohibited on MLSs. Offers of compensation will continue t ..read more

When it comes to buying a home one of the most important steps is the home inspection . The items discovered during this process can be the difference in you purchasing or passing on a property. It can also be the difference in saving or spending thousands of dollars. So when the time comes for your prospective home to be inspected, how can you be sure that you’re getting best inspection possible? Here are a few questions to ask. “What are you going to check?” Understanding what is going to be checked will give you a clear picture of what to pay attention, as well as what to expect. “What a ..read more

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you will ever make. Getting a mortgage is a critical stage in this process, and getting a mortgage  with favorable terms depends in large part on your credit score. Lenders use your credit score to determine your creditworthiness, which affects the interest rates and terms of the loans they offer. Preparing your credit before applying for a mortgage can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of the loan. Understanding Credit Scores Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, typically ranging f ..read more

The Louisiana REALTORS® Board of Directors will elect six (6) LR At-Large Directors at its October 2nd meeting. Qualifications and an application for the position can be found below. LR At-Large Directors The election of six (6) Directors At-Large to serve a two (2) year term on the Board of Directors of Louisiana REALTORS® will be held during the Louisiana REALTORS®' Fall Board of Directors meeting. According to the Louisiana REALTORS® Constitution & Bylaws, any member who is a REALTOR ® in good standing for five (5) consecutive years is eligible to apply. Once elected, Directors m ..read more

For many people and families, becoming a homeowner is an important turning point in life as it comes with many advantages beyond simply having a place to live. Owning a home has several benefits, ranging from financial stability to emotional fulfillment. Building Equity The ability to accumulate equity over time is one of homeownership's most important benefits. In contrast to renting, which requires monthly payments to cover the landlord's costs, homeownership enables people to make improvements to their own homes. Homeowners build equity, which they can use to fund retirement or leverage f ..read more

Earlier this week President Kevin Sears visited NAR's Chicago headquarters. While there, Kevin recorded his latest On the Road video, where he addresses the new Board of Directors governance structure and shares positive updates on both NAR membership and the Veteran's Administration recent decisions around the VA loan product.    Watch Kevin's video here to also learn about additional member benefits, including the recently released Written Buyer Agreements 101; the Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®) designation course, offered at no cost through 2024; and an upcoming Broker ..read more

When it comes to choosing where we live, there are a number of options. You can opt for the city, go out in the country, or choose somewhere in between. However, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is whether to buy or rent. While renting has some benefits in terms of ease and access, there is a reason why homeownership is a big part of the American dream. Here are a few reasons why owning your home is better than renting it . Owning a Home Costs Less than Renting Over Time When you factor in the steady monthly note of your mortgage, the different tax advantages available to hom ..read more

Being a homeowner is a major life milestone for many people, but without the proper assistance and advice, navigating the complicated homebuying process may be stressful. Here's where a REALTOR® comes into play, providing vital support at each step of the route.   Expertise and Knowledge REALTORS® possess extensive knowledge of communities, property values, and market trends, making them experts in the local real estate industry. They can assist purchasers in determining appropriate properties, negotiating the best price, and comprehending the state of the market. Access to Listings Mul ..read more