Research Louisiana financing with the property and program in view
The Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) administers state homebuyer programs, while individual lenders handle mortgage qualification. Use the city directories above to research providers, then ask whether a lender participates in the specific LHC program you are considering. A Mortgage Firm listing does not establish program participation.
Match the program name to your loan reservation
LHC now identifies the former MRB Assisted program as HomeStart Assist, Keys for Service as HomeStart Advantage, and Pathways to Homeownership as HomeStart Plus. Each program page directs borrowers with reservations made before September 9, 2026 to its legacy guidelines. If you already have a reservation, ask your loan officer which version governs it before using a newer program summary.
For a new inquiry, start with the current LHC pages and their requirements and participating-lender links. Ask the lender to name the proposed first mortgage and assistance product separately, confirm current reservation availability, and explain any conditions still to be met. A program description alone does not reserve assistance for your purchase.
Compare forgiveness conditions as well as cash needed at closing
HomeStart Assist and HomeStart Advantage provide assistance through a second mortgage with forgiveness after five years if program requirements are met. HomeStart Plus describes a different schedule: its second mortgage is forgiven monthly over ten years. These are conditional loan arrangements, so do not treat the assistance as an unconditional cash gift.
Have the lender show the assistance agreement alongside the first-mortgage offer. Ask what happens to the remaining balance after a sale, refinance or change in occupancy, and which events could require repayment. Compare the total financing costs and obligations with an offer that does not include assistance, using the same property and closing assumptions.
Check the parish and property before relying on HomeStart Plus
HomeStart Plus uses disaster-recovery funds for eligible purchases in designated Louisiana parishes affected by Hurricanes Laura, Delta or Ida. It is not a statewide entitlement. Have the lender check the exact property address against the program's parish, flood, insurance and other property requirements; a familiar city name is not enough to establish eligibility.
LHC's September 2026 lender guide also requires an environmental review for HomeStart Plus properties and clearance before closing. Ask who will supply the flood determination and insurance quotes, what remains outstanding, and how that review fits the proposed closing date. Passing a lender's initial mortgage review does not by itself complete this separate property review.
Confirm course acceptance before enrolling
LHC's homebuyer page links online education options and a Louisiana search for HUD-approved counseling agencies. Use it to locate a course or an agency for help preparing for a purchase. Before registering, have your lender confirm the accepted provider, which borrowers need certificates, and when completion is required for your chosen program.
If you want help understanding the proposed assistance debt or comparing mortgage paperwork, ask the counseling agency about individual pre-purchase appointments as well as classes. Confirm service area, remote access, language support and any fee directly with the agency. A course certificate and mortgage approval are separate steps.
Include flood coverage and storm deductibles in the buying budget
The Louisiana Department of Insurance explains that standard homeowners coverage does not cover flood damage and that flood coverage can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers. Ask the lender what coverage the property requires and ask an insurance professional for property-specific quotes, coverage terms and effective dates before finalizing your budget.
The department also advises checking for a separate named-storm or hurricane deductible, which may be based on the insured property value. Have the insurer translate the proposed deductible into dollars and explain when it applies. Include premiums in your ongoing housing budget and consider the deductible separately when evaluating cash you would need after a covered loss.
Published by Mortgage Firm, an independent directory. Program administrators and lenders determine current availability and eligibility. Our editorial approach