Guides
Louisiana-specific answers for first-time buyers: flood zones, the homestead exemption, storm insurance, FORTIFIED roofs, how the act of sale works, and how HomeStart, CAFA and JPFA really compare.
Offshore contractors, storm-season roofers, charter captains and other Louisiana business owners can use HomeStart help. See how lenders read your tax returns and what to fix first.
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart drivers in Louisiana can use HomeStart help. Here's how lenders count app income, why mileage shrinks it, and how festival-season swings play out.
How flood zones work on a Louisiana home purchase: when your lender requires flood insurance, what HomeStart Plus allows, and how to price a policy before you sign.
Louisiana's homestead exemption takes $75,000 of market value off most property taxes on your home. Here's how it works, the New Orleans difference, and when to file.
What first-time buyers should know about Louisiana homeowners insurance: hurricane deductibles, wind exclusions, replacement cost and when Louisiana Citizens is the backstop.
How Louisiana's Fortify Homes Program grant of up to $10,000 works, what a FORTIFIED roof does to your insurance, and what first-time buyers should do before and after closing.
Louisiana closings run on civil law. Here's what the notary does, why there are two witnesses, why your spouse may have to sign, and what to bring to the act of sale.
A side-by-side look at buying a first home in Orleans, East Baton Rouge and Lafayette parishes: income limits, local help, property tax rules, closing taxes and storm costs.
Louisiana's HomeStart programs need a 640 credit score and a 50% debt-to-income ratio. Here's how married buyers' debts count, how student loans are figured, and what to fix first.
HomeStart's 4% help rides on a 30-year fixed FHA, VA, USDA or HFA conventional loan. Here's how each one costs out for Louisiana buyers, from Bossier to Vernon to the suburbs.
How lenders count Louisiana teacher pay spread over 9, 10, 11 or 12 months, summer school and coaching stipends, new contracts, PSLF, and teacher-only perks like GNND.
Louisiana has three bond-funded first mortgages with 4% help: LHC HomeStart, CAFA First Home and JPFA. You can use only one. Here's how their forgiveness, limits and rules compare.
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