As the birthplace of jazz, the home of Mardi Gras, and a one-of-a-kind cultural melting pot, New Orleans is a special place. Locals get to enjoy the magic of New Orleans every day, which is one of the biggest advantages of buying a home in New Orleans. In addition to its everyday enchantment, the economy is also in good shape, with NOLA gaining a total of 15,000 jobs in the past two years.
While buying a new home is new and exciting, the challenges associated with being a homeowner can feel overwhelming. To make the home-buying process as smooth and stress-free as possible, here are some quick tips for buying a home in New Orleans.
Hire a real estate agent.
While it might be tempting to handle the home-buying process on your own, hiring a real estate agent can provide peace of mind while helping you land your dream home. By law, real estate agents are required to keep their buyers’ best interests in mind when striking a deal with the seller, meaning a buyer’s agent will negotiate on your behalf when interacting with sellers and listing agents. Because buying a home is a significant financial decision, it’s a good idea to hire an expert to help you obtain the best outcome.
Real estate agents can also help you understand market values on homes, how to compare properties, and how to decide whether a particular neighborhood is a right fit for you and your family. Between utilities, zoning, traffic patterns, and schools, your real estate agent can provide up-to-date data to help you find the perfect New Orleans community.
Perform a home inspection.
The inspection process for buying a new home is extensive and multi-faceted. Home inspections provide buyers an opportunity to address potential problems with the home before closing the sale. Home inspections can be used as a contingency in your contract with the seller, meaning that if there are significant defects found during the home inspection process, homebuyers can back out of the purchase offer without any penalty.
Some things to inspect before buying a home include outdoor areas, home appliances, entryways and exits, and water pressure and plumbing. In addition to a visual inspection, many general inspectors also offer additional inspections, including radon tests, water damage, and pest inspections, to provide a more detailed report on the condition of the home.
Working with a professional home inspector can help you determine whether each problem constitutes a safety issue, minor defect, or major defect (such as foundation issues or asbestos). Your home inspector can also let you know which problems need replacements and which should be repaired. After performing a thorough home inspection, you can confidently move forward in the home buying process.
Prep your home for the heat and humidity.
If your home inspector finds any problems with the HVAC system during the home inspection process, it’s a good idea to invest in replacement or repair services. It’s well known that the heat and humidity of a New Orleans summer can be brutal—and preparing your home for the brutal heat and high humidity in advance can help you enjoy a comfortable summer later on.
If you’re new to the area, Fontenot’s Air Conditioning & Heating offers heating and air conditioner repair and installation for Broussard, Lafayette, and surrounding areas in Acadiana. Whether you need an HVAC repair, a new heat pump, or a solution to indoor moisture issues, it’s imperative to work with a team that has the experience and expertise to provide trustworthy solutions at affordable prices.
With beautiful sights and scenes, New Orleans is a unique place to call home. Whether you’re a prospective homeowner or real estate investor, taking the time to prepare for the home-buying process can help you land the perfect property.
