Fannie and Freddie Officially Adopt New Credit Score
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Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now allowing lenders to use a new credit score, VantageScore, when underwriting mortgages. This comes after years of work by NAR to advance credit score competition and alternative data in mortgage lending. The change opens the door to homeownership for qualified borrowers who may have been overlooked by older credit scoring models, including those with strong histories of on-time rent, utility, and other payments that are not always reflected in traditional scores. Introducing more competition and more complete credit data has the potential to lower costs, improve efficiency, and support fairer assessments of mortgage-ready borrowers over time.
Insider Insight: NAR EVP and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn
“The implementation of VantageScore marks a major milestone for credit scoring, introducing competition among score providers and the use of alternative data such as telecom and utility bills as well as rent payments. This change is the first time a credit score using alternative data has been available to the broad housing finance system and represents years of testing and vetting by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the GSEs, industry, and academia. NAR has been a steadfast proponent of the use of alternative data and credit competition for years, and in time, this important change may lead to better access and affordability for some homebuyers.”
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NAR invited CEO of the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) Sam DeBord to pen an op-ed in REALTOR® News calling on MLSs to adopt RESO standards. The piece argues that MLSs’ customers—brokers—want better data management, and rely on MLSs to comply with the recognized industry standards. DeBord calls on MLSs to “give brokers’ data the modern foundation it deserves, and secure the authoritative position of brokers’ MLS data in the global technology marketplace.” This aligns with NAR’s position, who for more than a decade, has called on MLSs owned and operated by REALTOR® associations to follow recognized real estate data standards, promulgated by the Real Estate Standards Organization.
As AI reshapes the marketplace, the industry needs to define what real estate data means before outside technology models do it for us. NAR is working with RESO to advance standardized definitions and data structures that strengthen the industry’s shared data foundation, improve consistency across the marketplace and preserve the authority and value of brokers’ MLS data. The op-ed urges MLS leaders to work with their technology providers to prioritize current certification and broader adoption
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Comite Diversion Advances But Flood Insurance Questions Remain
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The Comite River Diversion Canal/Amite River Basin Task Force met August 31 to review construction progress and questions surrounding flood maps and insurance costs. Officials reported the project is approximately 64% complete, with 17 of 23 construction contracts finished.
FEMA representatives did not attend, as expected, leaving lawmakers seeking clarification about when the project will be recognized in updated flood maps. The dispute centers on whether a 50% completion threshold applies to the overall project or the main diversion structure, which is approximately 35% complete. That structure could reach halfway in spring 2027, but this does not establish a guaranteed date for insurance relief.
For REALTORS® and homeowners, construction progress does not guarantee immediate insurance savings. Under Risk Rating 2.0, premiums reflect individual property characteristics rather than broad flood zones alone. Updated maps therefore should not be presented as a promise of lower premiums.
Buyers should obtain property-specific flood-insurance quotes early and confirm coverage requirements with their lender rather than rely on a seller’s existing premium. Homeowners should consult their insurance professional before changing or dropping coverage.
Louisiana REALTORS® is monitoring these developments for their implications for insurance affordability, property ownership, and development across the region. Our focus remains meaningful flood protection and clear, reliable information for members and property owners.
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Small Business Legislative Roundtable
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Louisiana REALTORS® is partnering with Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch, NFIB, LMTA, the Louisiana Retailers Association, the Louisiana Loggers Association and other statewide organizations to host the Louisiana Small Business Roundtable on September 23, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Petroleum Club in Shreveport. The luncheon will feature a candid discussion on lawsuit abuse, recent legislative developments and legal reforms, as well as issues ahead, including workers’ compensation and commercial insurance.
The panel will include state senators and representatives, along with a member of the Louisiana Department of Insurance leadership team. The event will be moderated by Moon Griffon and broadcast live. The event is free to Louisiana REALTORS® members and association staff and includes lunch, but space is limited. Members are encouraged to attend and share their perspectives on issues affecting independent contractors, small businesses, property owners, insurance affordability and the real estate industry.
Register >>
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Attention Brokers: Save the Date
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Running a brokerage means wearing a dozen hats at once — which is exactly why Louisiana REALTORS® built the Broker Summit specifically for you. Join us November 18-19, 2026, at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge for a day and a half of education, advocacy and connection designed for brokers, by people who understand what brokers actually deal with.
On the agenda:
Wednesday opens with a breakfast with an economic update, followed by Terry Watson's "I, Robot, You Liable? The Lawsuit You Never Saw Coming" — a look at the liability risks AI is quietly creating in your brokerage. Lunch brings NAR's Sherry Chris with a national broker update, then Tim Weisheyer takes the afternoon with "Leveraging AI in Your Brokerage." A NAR legislative update with Ryan Rusbuldt, evening reception and offsite networking event caps off the first day.
Thursday continues with breakfast and Terry Watson returning for "Be Less Annoying(TM): What the Public Wishes You Would Fix, and How to Engineer It Out of Your Brokerage," wrapping up with a closing lunch and a NAR legal update.
Book your room at the Renaissance Hotel Baton Rouge (7000 Bluebonnet Boulevard, Baton Rouge 70810) by October 21, at a group rate of $169/night, plus tax. Advanced registration is $89 through November 11. Seats and hotel rooms are limited, so don't wait to register. We'll see you in Baton Rouge!
More information >>
Register >>
View agenda >>
Book hotel >>
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From Congress to your local community, your vote helps shape what happens next.
National Voter Registration Day is September 15. Take a minute to check your registration, confirm your information and make sure you’re ready to vote.
There are two elections remaining in 2026.
- November 3 - U.S. Senate General/Open U.S. Representative Primary/Open Primary Election.
- December 12 - Open U.S. Representative General/Open General/Special Primary (State Senator, 14th Senatorial District, Parish of East Baton Rouge) Election
The deadline to register to vote in the November election is October 5 in person or October 13 if registering online. The deadline to register to vote in the December election is November 12 in person or November 21 if registering online.
Register to vote >>
Update your registration >>
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September is REALTOR® Safety Month
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As REALTOR® Safety Month is underway this September, NAR is highlighting the tools, training and technology that can help members reduce risk. NAR’s Safety Program was created to educate and empower REALTORS® to avoid job-related risks and to create a safety plan for themselves. Explore the available resources here.
In the latest Change Agents podcast, REALTOR® Niall Phelan discusses how AI-powered tools can help protect agents during high-risk moments while also helping them serve clients more effectively.
The latest shareable consumer guide lists six red flags that should give your clients and customers pause, as well as how they can respond with help from their agent.
Example:
- Red flag: During a transaction, you receive an email with instructions for
transferring funds.
- What it could mean: Criminals engaged in wire fraud could have compromised
communications to redirect escrow money, down payment funds or sales
proceeds to their own accounts.
- What to do: Any instructions for wiring funds should be verified with a trusted
advisor, such as your real estate agent. Especially when you receive last-minute
changes, be skeptical.
Read NAR's articles on both personal and professional safety, and share some for your clients. Make your REALTOR® Safety Pledge today!
Learn more >>
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NAR NXT™ is Just Two Months Away!
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NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience is heading to New Orleans, November 6-8, bringing together thousands of real estate professionals from across the country for an unmatched experience filled with networking, education, inspiration and industry celebration. This is a unique opportunity to experience one of the industry’s premier events right in your own backyard while showcasing the culture, hospitality, and energy of Louisiana to attendees from around the nation.
As members of Louisiana REALTORS®, NAR Is offering $75 off Premier or Day Passes using promo code LAREAL75.
Attendees can also take advantage of exclusive local perks, including 20% discounted parking at participating local lots, exclusive restaurant discounts for NXT attendees, and special hotel rates throughout the city. For more details on these offers, and special events just for YOU, stay tuned to our NXT 2026 page on the LR site. More details will be posted soon!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event and connect with REALTORS® from across the country while celebrating all that New Orleans has to offer.
Learn more >>
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Did you miss the 'Representing Buyers with Confidence' or 'Ask the Appraiser Live' Webinar? You can access the recordings and corresponding handouts in the Resources area of the LR Member Info Hub (powered through GrowthZone). You will need to be signed into your account you created in order to access these materials. If you cannot recall your login info, reset your password. If you have not created an online account through the LR Member Info Hub, please do so here. Please note this is a new system LR rolled out in March and all members needed to set-up online access. All documents and recordings are available via your access as a member of Louisiana REALTORS®.
If you have trouble accessing these documents, please email Danielle.
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Louisiana REALTORS®
821 Main Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 923-2210
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