Buying a Home in Louisiana: a step-by-step guide
Deposits, due diligence, disclosures and the act of sale, explained in plain terms for Louisiana homebuyers.
Buying a home in Louisiana follows the same broad path as other states, but several steps and terms are different. Louisiana uses civil law, the good-faith money is called a deposit, sellers complete a state Property Disclosure Document, and closing is a notarial act of sale. This guide explains the process for buyers on the Northshore and across Greater New Orleans.
Step 1: Get pre-approved and set your budget
A lender pre-approval shows sellers you are ready and tells you your real price range. Budget for more than principal and interest: property taxes, homeowners and possibly flood insurance, HOA dues and closing costs. Try our payment calculator.
Step 2: Choose your agent and understand agency
In Louisiana, real estate licensees give buyers an agency disclosure explaining how representation works. Your agent should explain who they represent, how they are paid and what your buyer agreement says before you tour homes.
Step 3: Search smart
- Check the flood zone on every home you like. Use our Flood Zone tool and read the St. Tammany flood zone guide.
- Check the school attendance zone yourself. Use our School Zone tool and confirm with the school district.
- Get insurance quotes early. Homeowners, wind and flood costs can change your monthly payment more than a small price difference.
Step 4: Make an offer the Louisiana way
Good-faith money
Louisiana calls it a deposit, not earnest money. The amount and terms are negotiated.
Inspection period
Your time to inspect, review the Property Disclosure Document, insurance and anything else that matters to you. The length is negotiated in your agreement.
Property Disclosure Document
In most residential sales the seller completes the LREC Property Disclosure Document about known conditions.
Appraisal & loan
For financed purchases, the lender orders an appraisal and finalizes underwriting.
Step 5: Close at the act of sale
Closing in Louisiana is the act of sale, signed before a notary and usually arranged through a title company or closing attorney. After it is recorded with the parish, the home is yours.
Step 6: After you move in
Apply for the homestead exemption on your primary residence with your parish assessor’s office, keep your closing documents and elevation certificate in a safe place, and read our Hurricane-Ready Home checklist.
Explore nearby Northshore communities
Mandeville • Covington • Slidell • Madisonville • Selling in St. Tammany • Buying in Louisiana
Frequently asked questions
What is a deposit when buying a house in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the good-faith money a buyer puts down after an offer is accepted is called a deposit. The amount and terms are negotiated in the purchase agreement and it is typically credited toward the purchase at closing.
Who handles the closing in Louisiana?
Louisiana closings, called the act of sale, are signed before a notary, commonly arranged through a title company or closing attorney. The act is then recorded in the parish conveyance records.
What is the Louisiana homestead exemption?
A property tax exemption on a homeowner’s primary residence. After you buy, apply with your parish assessor’s office, such as the St. Tammany Parish Assessor. Ask the assessor about current amounts and deadlines.
Do I need flood insurance to buy a home in Louisiana?
Lenders generally require flood insurance for homes in a Special Flood Hazard Area (zones beginning with A or V). Many Louisiana homeowners outside those zones buy coverage anyway. Get quotes during your inspection period.
Can I use a VA loan to buy on the Northshore?
Many eligible service members and veterans do. Talk with a VA-experienced lender. Our broker is an active-duty Army NCO and holds the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) designation.
Ready to start your home search?
Talk with a licensed Melrose Group Realty professional about your budget, timeline and the areas you are considering. No cost, no obligation. Call the office at (985) 250-0071.
1 St. Ann Drive Suite #92, Mandeville, LA 70471 • Office (985) 250-0071
Licensed in Louisiana • Broker: Ulysses A. Barnes, Jr. • LREC License BROK.995713916-CORP
Equal Housing Opportunity. This page is general information, not legal, tax, insurance, lending or engineering advice. Verify every property-specific fact with the official source named and the appropriate licensed professional.