About Chris Donaldson

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So far Chris Donaldson has created 16 blog entries.

New Louisiana Real Estate Agent: 6-Month Success Plan

From Classroom to Closing Table: The Louisiana New Agent's Roadmap for the First 6 Months A new Louisiana real estate agent's first six months are best spent building a sustainable business foundation by choosing a supportive broker, creating a client database, mastering local market nuances, and implementing a consistent daily lead generation plan. That mix of pure excitement and gut-wrenching anxiety you’re feeling? It’s the official uniform of the new real estate agent, especially the "Career Switcher" stepping away from a steady paycheck and into a commission-based world. We see you, we understand that feeling, and we’re here to tell you it’s completely normal. At Donaldson Education, we’re not just a school; we are Louisiana's premier career-development partner. For decades, we have successfully guided thousands of professionals from their very first Pre-Licensing class to their first closing table and far beyond. This post provides a clear, month-by-month roadmap to navigate the critical first six months in the dynamic Louisiana real estate market. We'll break down the journey into three manageable phases: building your foundation, activating your business, and gaining momentum. [...]

New Louisiana Real Estate Agent: 6-Month Success Plan2026-08-13T03:05:57+00:00

Temporary Licensing of Louisiana Insurance Producers

Emergency Rule 38 - Temporary Licensing of Certain Insurance Producers The Louisiana Department of Insurance has announced a new Emergency Rule regarding insurance licensing. Due to the Governor's stay at home orders, the ability for new applicants to complete the licensing process such as sit for an insurance exam is not currently possible. In order to address this concern, the Emergency Rule establishes a few key temporary measures: Any individual who has completed a Louisiana approved insurance pre-licensing course and would normally be eligible to sit for an insurance exam may request the issuance of a temporary license Such individuals must have completed a Louisiana approved pre-licensing course within the 12 months prior to making an application for a temporary license All temporary licenses issued pursuant to this Emergency Rule will expire on May 15, 2020 Any temporary license issued pursuant to this Rule will have the option to convert to a permanent license by completing the additional required licensing requirements such as sitting for an insurance exam and submission of fingerprints For the full text and scope of the [...]

Temporary Licensing of Louisiana Insurance Producers2026-06-05T17:26:33+00:00

Complete your Continuing Education Needed for LREC License Renewal Early and Save!

Don't get caught up in the end of year rush trying to complete your LREC license renewal and continuing education last minute. No, not this year! Take advantage of our limited time offer to sign up for all 12 hours, including the 2018 LREC mandatory topic, for the lowest tuition available all year! Registration special ends on May 18, so take advantage and beat the rush! ALL 12 HOURS OF LOUISIANA CE - at a special introductory price - available exclusively to you for a limited time. What are the LREC License Renewal Education Requirements This Year? In accordance with the License Law, the annual continuing education requirement is twelve (12) hours. Four (4) of these hours must be completed in the mandatory topic specified by the commission each year. For 2018, the LREC mandatory topic is "Real Estate Best Practices." Other renewal requirements can be found in completion on the continuing education page on our website, or you can also click here to see the complete list of requirements on the LREC's webpage. As a reminder, all continuing education hours must [...]

Complete your Continuing Education Needed for LREC License Renewal Early and Save!2026-06-05T17:26:12+00:00

License Renewal Updates for Insurance Producers and Adjusters

The laws regarding insurance producer and adjuster license renewal have changed effective January 1, 2018. Read below for details on the changes, links to appropriate resources, and other information to help ensure your producer or adjuster license stays in compliance per new laws. Producer and Adjuster License Renewal Update Insurance Producer RenewalsInsurance producers now only need to file a single license renewal, which will renew all eligible lines on the license. Licenses still renew on the last day of the birth month, but now with the license number determining the renewal year. Licenses that end in an even number renew in even-numbered years and licenses that end in an odd number will renew in odd-numbered years.Adjuster RenewalsAdjuster licenses still renew on the last day of the birth month, but now with the license number determining the renewal year. Licenses that end in an even number renew in even-numbered years and licenses that end in an odd number will renew in odd-numbered years.Business Entity RenewalsThe license renewal date for both producer and claims adjuster business entities is March 31 in an [...]

License Renewal Updates for Insurance Producers and Adjusters2023-04-03T12:29:07+00:00

Donaldson Education Mardi Gras Hours

Donaldson Educational Services Mardi Gras Office Hours 2018: Monday, February 12 (8:00am - 3:30pm) Tuesday, February 13 (CLOSED) Wednesday, February 14 (8:00am - 5:00pm) All websites and online course access to portals such as real estate school online, insurance online courses, and others will remain online and available 24/7/365 as usual.    

Donaldson Education Mardi Gras Hours2023-04-03T12:29:08+00:00

Broker Mandatory Dates Added Across Louisiana

The broker mandatory course is a unique one-time requirement for all licensed Louisiana real estate brokers. In addition to the normal mandatory continuing education course, Brokers also have a unique broker mandatory course in 2017. This course must be completed in order to renew a broker license for 2018. This one-time requirement is also must be taken in a live classroom format. Online or similar courses will not be allowed for the broker mandatory. Therefore, it is important to locate and complete a broker mandatory course before the typical December 31 license renewal deadline. The LREC still requires the same 12 hours of continuing education for renewal for all Louisiana licensees. Licensed salespersons can choose to take the broker mandatory course as an elective, but it will not replace the 2017 mandatory course on insurance and contract timelines. Donaldson Adds Broker Mandatory Sections In order to better serve our Louisiana broker licensees, we here at Donaldson Real Estate School have committed to schedule and hold as many broker mandatory courses as possible. Since this course is required to be taken [...]

Broker Mandatory Dates Added Across Louisiana2023-04-03T12:29:09+00:00

News: Flood Insurance Reform Bill Reaches Key Agreements

WASHINGTON - Flood insurance reform is an ongoing issue on the national stage. The current flood insurance program expires on September 30, 2017. Here is the latest: The 21st Century Flood Reform Act The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) aims to reduce the impact of flooding on both private and public structures. This federally subsidized program provides affordable insurance to property owners. The NFIP also works with communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations. This floodplain management helps reduce costs and help mitigate loss. To date, the NFIP insures over 5 million properties. As it stands now, this program is slated to expire in its current form on September 30, 2017. This expiration could potentially result in a severe shortage of affordable flood insurance, with catastrophic effects in certain areas of the country which are at higher risks for flooding. Therefore, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are aware of the importance of reaching an agreement on permanent flood insurance reform before the program is allowed to expire. The 21st Century Flood Reform Act aims to strengthen and [...]

News: Flood Insurance Reform Bill Reaches Key Agreements2026-06-05T17:25:50+00:00

New Law Makes Practicing Real Estate without a License a Crime

  New Law Makes Practicing without a License a Crime A new real estate law in Louisiana strengthens the penalties for unlawful real estate activities. This new real estate law makes it a misdemeanor for anyone practicing without a real estate license. Furthermore, it strengthens certain requirements for out of state licensees or brokers who wish to work or practice in Louisiana. An out-of-state licensee will need to either become licensed in Louisiana or work with a licensed broker in Louisiana. The new real estate law takes effect on August 1, 2017. Who Needs a Real Estate License? In the state of Louisiana, the current real estate law regarding licensing states: "Real estate activity" means any activity relating to any portion of a real estate transaction performed for another by any person, partnership, limited liability company, association, or corporation, foreign or domestic, whether pursuant to a power of attorney or otherwise, who for a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration or with the intention, in the expectation, or upon the promise of receiving or collecting a fee, commission, or other [...]

New Law Makes Practicing Real Estate without a License a Crime2023-04-03T12:29:11+00:00

Advertising Fines Raised on Real Estate Agents

Advertising Fines Raised on Lousiana Real Estate Agents A big change is coming for real estate licensees in Louisiana as the LREC has adopted new policy concerning advertising violations. The advertising fines are being raised, and real estate brokers will need to pay closer attention to their agents. If you have a real estate license in Louisiana, you need to read this article! Important keys to take from this article: Advertising fines are being raised for violations in Louisiana Real Estate Brokers will have to match the fines levied on their sales staff New policy to be enforced beginning June 1, 2017 Brokers and agents should review advertising guidelines as part of regular risk management plan A free downloadable guide is available at the end of this post Louisiana Real Estate Commission Raising Advertising Fines for Violations A big change is coming for real estate licensees in Louisiana as the LREC has adopted new policy concerning advertising violations. If you have a real estate license in Louisiana, you need to read this article! However, before we get into the changes, [...]

Advertising Fines Raised on Real Estate Agents2026-06-05T17:22:02+00:00

Proration – 3 Easy Steps

Breaking Down Proration Welcome to episode 3 on proration of The #AskDonaldson Show, where we answer your questions about real estate in order to help you pass the real estate exam and succeed in furthering your career.  Whether you are studying for the National portion, looking to get licensed in Louisiana, or obtaining your license in Mississippi; if you have a question - we have the answer.  Our goal is your success! In this episode we answer the question of - calculating proration in a real estate transaction.  Of course, we understand when it comes to financial math problems that this can cause some stress to real estate agents, so we have created a simple 3 Step process for solving the problem of proration.     Donaldson 3 Steps to Solving Proration:  Count Days  Daily Rate  Days x Daily Rate   So, let's break this down a little more.  First, in counting the number of days, remember that as real estate professionals we use the banker's calendar.  In the financial world, regardless of the month - 30 days are used, which equates [...]

Proration – 3 Easy Steps2026-06-05T17:24:35+00:00