Louisiana

VA Loans in Louisiana

The VA Loan is one of the most powerful tools available exclusively for military families and veterans. In Louisiana, veterans and active-duty military have been taking advantage of the benefits of the VA Loan in cities such as New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Metairie, and Lafayette.

The cost of homes across the United States has been steadily increasing in recent years. With a $0 down payment requirement, no PMI, lower interest rates, and a more relaxed credit score requirement, the VA Loan is making home ownership a reality for more military families and veterans in Louisiana now than ever before.

 

Property Taxes in Louisiana

At just 0.55%, Louisiana has the fifth lowest effective property tax rate of any U.S. state. The median annual property tax payment in Louisiana is $1,065, though this can drop to around $200 in some counties. Nationwide, the median property tax payment is a significantly pricier $2,795.

VA Disability in Louisiana

Louisiana Homestead Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses: In addition to the standard homestead exemption authorized under Article VII, Section 20 of the Louisiana Constitution, which applies to the first $7,500 of the assessed value of property.

Disabled Veteran Exemption: Disabled Veterans may be eligible for an additional exemption of ad valorem property taxes based on their disability percentage.

Veterans who have the following disability ratings from the VA are eligible for an exemption of the specified amount:

• Service-connected disability rating of 100%, individual unemployability, or totally disabled is exempt from all ad valorem taxes.
• Service-connected disability rating of 70-99% is eligible for an additional exemption of $4,500.
• Service-connected disability rating of 50-69% is eligible for an additional exemption of $2,500.

The Surviving Spouse of an eligible deceased disabled Veteran (listed above) is also eligible for this exemption if they remain the owner and live on the property.

Surviving Spouse Exemption: The unremarried Surviving Spouses of a Service member who was serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or the Louisiana National Guard and died while serving on active duty are eligible for an exemption from all ad valorem taxes. If a Surviving Spouse moves to a new property, they can still receive the exemption but only up to the amount of the exemption on the first property.

Those eligible for an exemption should contact their local Parish Tax Assessor for more information.

Insurance Programs in Louisiana

Natural disasters can happen anytime and are often unexpected or occur suddenly, which makes it critical that you and your family are sufficiently covered. Louisiana is particularly prone to hurricanes, floods, and severe storms. In fact, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and more recently Hurricane Ida in 2021 are stark reminders of the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage.

Flood insurance is particularly important in Louisiana due to the state's low elevation and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Homeowners should also consider hurricane insurance to cover wind damage and other related risks. Consulting with a licensed insurance company can help ensure you get the best coverage for your location and needs.

Military Presence in Louisiana

Louisiana is home to several key military installations, providing substantial support to the state's veteran and active-duty communities:

• Fort Polk: Located in Vernon Parish, this is a major Army installation and one of the largest training bases in the United States.
• Barksdale Air Force Base: Situated in Bossier Parish, this base is home to the 2nd Bomb Wing and the Air Force Global Strike Command.
• Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans: Located in Belle Chasse, this base supports Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force Reserve operations.
• Camp Beauregard: A Louisiana National Guard training site located near Pineville.

These bases not only serve as important training and operational centers but also contribute significantly to the local economies and communities.

FAQ’s about VA Loans in Louisiana

How do I buy a house in Louisiana? The best way to get started is to give us a call or fill out this form to get started!

How do I find more information about property taxes and exemptions for veterans in Louisiana? Click here to read more details regarding major property tax exemptions in every state.

What are the average interest rates in Louisiana? Interest rates for VA Loans are often lower than the national average rates for conventional loans. Click here to learn more about interest rates.