🟨 Step 1: Get Ready to Buy in New Orleans

Buying a home in New Orleans can be one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—experiences of your life. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for your next move, success starts before you start scrolling listings.

Here’s how to get prepared the right way:

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💳 1. Understand Your Budget and Credit

Before you fall in love with a home on Magazine Street or Uptown, make sure you know what you can really afford.

• Check your credit score (most lenders want to see 620+)
• Calculate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio
• Don’t forget: monthly costs include taxes, insurance, and maintenance—not just the mortgage

💡 Pro Tip: Talk to a local lender early, even if you’re not 100% ready. It gives you a game plan.

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🏦 2. Get Pre-Approved by a Trusted Lender

A pre-approval letter tells sellers you’re serious—and in NOLA’s competitive market, that matters.

• Pre-approval ≠ pre-qualification — it’s stronger
• You’ll need recent pay stubs, W2s, bank statements, and ID
• Ask your lender to estimate your monthly payment range

🎯 Need a local lender recommendation? [Contact me] — I’ve got trusted partners who know this market inside and out.

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🌊 3. Learn About Flood Zones & Insurance

Welcome to the 504 — where the crawfish boil and the water rises 🌧️

• Some neighborhoods require flood insurance (extra cost)
• Even areas that didn’t flood in Katrina may have changed risk maps
• Get a quote early and factor it into your monthly payment

🧠 You can check flood zones here: FEMA Flood Map Service Center

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🎯 4. Define Your Non-Negotiables

It’s easy to get distracted by finishes and French doors — but stay focused on the must-haves.

Ask yourself:

• What neighborhoods make sense for your lifestyle?
• How many bedrooms do you really need?
• Are you open to renovations or only move-in ready?

✍️ Make a “must-have vs. nice-to-have” list and stick to it.

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📥 BONUS: Download Your Pre-Buy Checklist (PDF)

Want to make this easier?

✅ Download our Free Pre-Buyer Checklist with:

• Budget worksheets
• Mortgage prep docs
• Neighborhood comparison chart
• Agent Q&A cheat sheet

👉 [Download the PDF]

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💬 Ready to Talk About Buying?

You’re not alone in this. Whether you’re just thinking or ready to move, I’m here to give you honest answers and local insight that Zillow can’t match.

👉 [Book a Free 15-Minute Buyer Call]
👉 [Message Me Your Questions]

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🔑 Bottom Line:

Before you look at homes, get your money, mindset, and must-haves lined up. That’s how you win as a buyer in New Orleans.