Buying a home in Louisiana is an exciting milestone. But before you can officially call a house your own, there’s one final step: the closing. This is where all the behind-the-scenes work comes together, from financing and inspections to legal paperwork and the final exchange of keys. It’s the last stretch before move-in day, and being prepared can make all the difference.
The Louisiana real estate closing process has unique features, including using title attorneys for closings, community property laws, and region-specific insurance requirements like flood coverage. As such, having a clear Louisiana first-time homebuyer closing checklist helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
In this Louisiana homebuyer guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step home closing checklist tailored specifically to help you know what to expect at closing when buying a house in Louisiana and arrive at the closing table with confidence.
1. Understand the Closing Timeline
Once your offer is accepted, the countdown to closing begins—but how long does that take in Louisiana? On average, the home closing process takes about 30 to 45 days from when your purchase agreement is signed. However, this timeline can vary depending on financing, inspections, title work, and how quickly documents are submitted.
- Day 1–5: Offer accepted, escrow opens, and earnest money is deposited.
- Day 5–15: Home inspection and negotiations on repairs (if needed).
- Day 10–20: Appraisal is ordered and completed.
- Day 15–30: Loan underwriting and final approval.
- At least 3 days before closing: You’ll receive your Closing Disclosure to review all final loan terms and costs.
- Closing Day: Sign documents, pay closing costs, and (in most cases) get your keys!
In Louisiana, closings are typically handled by a title attorney rather than just a title company, which can add an extra layer of legal assurance, but may also slightly affect scheduling depending on the attorney’s availability.
2. Finalize Your Financing
Securing your mortgage is a critical step before closing your Louisiana home. Even if you’ve been pre-approved, you’ll need to go through the full loan approval process to ensure everything is in place before closing day.
Here’s what to focus on:
Submit all the required documents to close on a house in Louisiana
Your lender will request detailed financial documents such as:
- Recent pay stubs
- W-2s or 1099s
- Bank statements
- Tax returns (usually the past two years)
Be prompt with submitting anything they request. Delays in documentation can delay your entire closing and affect how long does closing take in Louisiana.
Meet Underwriting Conditions
After the initial approval, the loan will undergo underwriting. The underwriter may ask for clarification or additional documentation. Make sure all conditions are met for the “clear to close” status.
Lock In Your Interest Rate
Lock your interest rate. Mortgage rates fluctuate daily, so confirm your rate lock and expiration to ensure you’re covered through your scheduled closing date. Doing this also helps you handle the closing costs in Louisiana well.
Review Your Closing Disclosure
Federal law requires your lender to provide a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. This document outlines:
- Final loan amount and interest rate
- Estimated monthly payments
- Detailed breakdown of closing costs
Review it and ask your lender or agent to clarify anything unclear. Being proactive and communicative with your lender helps prevent last-minute surprises and keeps your closing on schedule.
3. Schedule a Home Inspection & Appraisal
Once you’re under contract, have the home inspected and appraised. These are time-sensitive and essential for protecting your investment, especially in Louisiana, where weather, moisture, and termites can majorly affect a home’s condition.
Schedule a Home Inspection ASAP
Louisiana doesn’t require inspections by law, but most purchase agreements include an inspection period (often 7–10 days). During this time, you’ll want to hire a licensed Louisiana home inspector to evaluate the property’s:
- Roof and foundation
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- HVAC
- Structural integrity
- Appliances and fixtures
Additional inspections to consider in Louisiana:
- Termite (WDI) Inspection – Highly recommended and often required by lenders.
- Mold Inspection – Especially if the home has water damage or high humidity signs.
- Flood Zone review – This is important given Louisiana’s geography; check flood zone status and history.
After the inspection, you can negotiate repairs or request seller concessions based on the results.
Appraisal: Lender Requirement
While the inspection is optional (though highly advised), an appraisal is mandatory if you’re financing the home. Your lender will order this through a third party to ensure the property is worth the agreed purchase price.
Key points about the appraisal:
- It protects the lender from overloaning.
- You may need to renegotiate the price or cover the difference if the appraisal is low.
- Appraisals typically happen within the first two weeks after your contract is accepted.
The inspection and appraisal help you move forward confidently—or pause and reconsider if red flags arise.
4. Purchase Homeowners Insurance
Before you can close on your home in Louisiana, you’ll need to secure homeowners’ insurance and provide proof of coverage to your lender. But in a state known for hurricanes, heavy rain, and flooding, not just any policy will do.
Start Shopping Early
Begin gathering quotes shortly after your offer is accepted. Insurance companies will ask for basic property information and may request details from your home inspection. Compare coverage levels, deductibles, and rates from multiple providers to find the right fit.
Don’t Skip These Louisiana-Specific Coverages
Standard policies cover damage from fire, theft, and liability, but they often don’t include flood or hurricane wind damage, which are significant concerns in Louisiana.
Here’s what to consider:
- Hurricane/Windstorm Coverage: In many coastal and hurricane-prone areas, wind and hail damage may have a separate deductible or require a rider. Make sure you understand your windstorm coverage and any exclusions.
- Flood Insurance: This is not included in standard homeowners’ insurance. If your home is in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), your lender will require a separate flood insurance policy. Even if it’s not needed, it’s often a wise investment in Louisiana.
- Contents and Loss-of-Use Coverage: Consider coverage that protects your personal belongings and pays for temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable.
Provide Proof to Your Lender
Your lender will require an insurance declaration page (proof of coverage) well before closing day. This shows:
- Coverage limits
- Premium amount
- Effective date (should start on your closing day)
- Mortgagee clause (naming your lender as a loss payee)
Purchasing the right insurance gives you peace of mind and protects your most significant investment.
5. Conduct a Title Search and Secure Title Insurance
Ensuring the property has a clear and marketable title is an essential homebuying step. In Louisiana, this process is typically handled by a title attorney rather than just a title company, which adds an extra layer of legal protection for buyers.
What Is a Title Search?
A title search is a detailed review of public records to verify the legal ownership of the property and to uncover any potential issues, such as:
- Liens or unpaid taxes
- Judgments against previous owners
- Undisclosed heirs
- Errors in public records
- Easements or usage restrictions
These issues can delay your closing or affect your ownership rights if they aren’t resolved beforehand.
Why Title Insurance Matters
Even with a thorough title search, hidden issues can still arise. That’s where title insurance comes in.
- Lender’s Title Insurance: Required by your mortgage lender to protect their interest in the property.
- Owner’s Title Insurance: Optional but highly recommended. It protects your investment in the event of title disputes after closing.
In Louisiana, the one-time premium for title insurance is typically paid at closing and varies based on the home’s purchase price.
Role of the Title Attorney in Louisiana
Louisiana closings are typically conducted by licensed title attorneys, not just title companies. Your title attorney will:
- Review the title and resolve any issues
- Prepare legal documents for closing
- Coordinate with your lender and real estate agent
- Oversee the official transfer of ownership
A clear title ensures that your dream home doesn’t have unwanted legal baggage. Be sure to work with a qualified title attorney familiar with Louisiana’s unique property laws and requirements.
6. Review the Closing Disclosure
As you approach the finish line in your Louisiana homebuying journey, one of the most essential documents you’ll receive is the Closing Disclosure (CD). This five-page form outlines the final details of your mortgage loan, and you are legally entitled to receive it at least three business days before closing.
What’s in the Closing Disclosure?
The Closing Disclosure includes a full breakdown of your loan terms and closing costs, such as:
- Loan amount, interest rate, and monthly payment
- Estimated taxes and insurance
- Itemized closing costs (lender fees, title charges, prepaid items, etc.)
- Cash to close – the total amount you’ll need to bring to closing
Compare with Your Loan Estimate
You’ll want to compare the Closing Disclosure with your original Loan Estimate to ensure there are no unexpected fees or changes in terms. Pay close attention to:
- Rate changes (if your rate wasn’t locked)
- Increased lender or title fees
- Prepaid taxes or insurance amounts
- Updated escrow requirements
If something doesn’t look right, speak with your lender or title attorney immediately.
Why the 3-Day Rule Matters
The three-day review window gives you time to fully understand the terms of your loan and ask questions before the big day. If significant changes are made, such as a different loan product or a substantial increase in APR, you may receive a revised disclosure and a new waiting period.
Reviewing your Closing Disclosure carefully helps ensure there are no surprises at the closing table.
7. Prepare Closing Funds
As closing day approaches, you’ll need to prepare your closing funds—the money required to purchase your new home officially. This includes your down payment, closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, and any other fees due at settlement. Getting this step right is critical to avoiding last-minute delays.
Know How Much You Need
Your Closing Disclosure will tell you the exact amount you need to bring to closing, listed as “Cash to Close.” This is typically 2% to 5% of the purchase price in Louisiana, depending on your loan type and whether you’ve negotiated any seller-paid closing costs.
Your closing attorney or title company will provide final wiring instructions and a settlement statement (also called an ALTA statement) confirming the total amount due.
Understand Accepted Payment Methods
In Louisiana, closing funds must be provided as either:
- A certified or cashier’s check from your bank
- Or a wire transfer to the title attorney or title company handling the closing
Personal checks are not accepted.
Pro tip: Contact your bank at least 1–2 days before closing to initiate the wire transfer, especially if you have daily limits or require in-person authorization.
Watch Out for Wire Fraud
Wire fraud is a serious and growing risk in real estate transactions. To protect yourself:
- Never trust wiring instructions sent via email without verifying them verbally with your title attorney or real estate agent.
- Call a known phone number (not one from a suspicious email) to confirm the details.
- Be cautious of last-minute changes in wiring info—this is a common scam tactic.
Preparing and verifying your closing funds beforehand helps your final step go smoothly.
8. Final Walkthrough
The final walkthrough is your last opportunity to inspect the home before closing physically. It’s not a formal inspection but a chance to ensure the property is in the agreed-upon condition and that any requested repairs have been completed. In Louisiana, this typically takes place 24 to 48 hours before closing.
What to Bring
- A copy of your purchase agreement
- Your inspection report (if applicable)
- A checklist or notes from your repair requests
- Phone or camera to document any issues
What to Look For
During your walkthrough, make sure to:
- Check that all agreed-upon repairs have been made
- Confirm that appliances, fixtures, and systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) are working
- Look for any new damage that may have occurred since the inspection
- Make sure the seller has fully vacated the property (unless otherwise agreed)
- Verify that items included in the sale, like window treatments, lighting, or appliances, are still in place
What If You Spot a Problem?
If you find issues during the walkthrough:
- Contact your real estate agent immediately
- Document the problem with photos or video
- In some cases, the closing may be delayed, or you may negotiate a repair holdback or credit
While most walkthroughs go smoothly, taking this step seriously is important—you’re about to take legal and financial ownership of the property, so having a final walkthrough checklist for Louisiana homebuyers is extremely useful.
Treat the final walkthrough like the last quality check before making one of the most significant investments of your life. A few extra minutes of attention can save you from big headaches down the road.
9. Bring These Items to Closing
Closing day is finally here! To ensure everything goes smoothly, you’ll need to bring a few essential items to the closing table. Being fully prepared helps avoid delays and gets you one step closer to receiving the keys to your new Louisiana home.
Government-Issued Photo ID
You’ll need to present a valid, unexpired photo ID, such as:
- A driver’s license
- State-issued ID card
- Passport
Some title attorneys may ask for two forms of identification, so it’s a good idea to bring a secondary ID (like a Social Security card or credit/debit card with your name), just in case.
Certified Funds or Proof of Wire Transfer
You must bring the final closing funds in the form of:
- A certified or cashier’s check made out to the title company/attorney
Or
- A confirmation of wire transfer if you’ve already sent the funds
Make sure the amount matches what’s listed on your Closing Disclosure and that you’ve verified all wire instructions ahead of time to avoid fraud.
Closing Disclosure & Any Final Paperwork
While your closing attorney will have everything prepared, it’s helpful to bring:
- A copy of your Closing Disclosure
- Purchase agreement
- Any documentation related to agreed-upon repairs, credits, or personal property
This ensures you have proof of any outstanding items and can reference them during the signing if needed.
A Pen and Patience
You’ll be signing many documents—loan paperwork, title documents, affidavits, and more. Your real estate agent, lender, and title attorney will walk you through each step, so take your time and ask questions.
With the right documents and a calm mindset, closing day can be a smooth and exciting experience. Once everything is signed and sealed, you’ll officially be a Louisiana homeowner!
Sign the Paperwork
Closing day is when everything comes together, and it all becomes official once you sign the paperwork. In Louisiana, closings are typically conducted by a title attorney, who will guide you through each document and answer any last-minute questions before the home is legally yours.
What You’ll Be Signing
Be prepared to review and sign several key documents, including:
- Promissory Note – Your promise to repay the loan.
- Mortgage or Deed of Trust – The agreement that secures the loan with your property.
- Closing Disclosure – Confirms the terms of your loan and the final closing costs.
- Loan Application – A final review and confirmation of your submitted information.
- Title Documents – Verify the legal transfer of ownership and title insurance coverage.
- Affidavits and Disclosures – Various legal statements regarding occupancy, identity, and the property’s condition.
Your title attorney will explain each form, and you’ll have time to ask questions—don’t feel rushed. This is a big deal; you must understand what you’re signing.
Who Needs to Be There?
Typically, the following parties will attend the closing:
- You (the buyer)
- Your real estate agent
- The title attorney
- Sometimes, the seller and their agent (though in Louisiana, seller and buyer closings can be done separately)
If someone involved uses a power of attorney or needs special accommodations (e.g., remote notarization), let your closing attorney know well in advance.
What Happens After Signing?
Once all documents are signed:
- Your loan is funded (if applicable)
- The deed is recorded with the parish clerk’s office
- You’ll receive copies of everything you signed
- And—most exciting—you’ll get the keys (unless the seller has arranged a delayed move-out)
Signing the paperwork is the last legal step before becoming a homeowner. With your real estate agent and title attorney by your side, you can feel confident and supported as you wrap up your homebuying journey.
10. Get the Keys and Celebrate!
Once all the documents are signed, the funds have been disbursed, and the deed is officially recorded, you’ve done it! You are now the proud owner of your new Louisiana home.
When Do You Get the Keys?
In most Louisiana transactions, you’ll receive the keys at closing after all signatures are complete and everything is funded. Sometimes, there may be a slight delay if the closing occurs late in the day or if the seller requested time to move out. Your real estate agent will coordinate this for a smooth handoff.
What’s Next?
Now that you have the keys, it’s time to:
- Walk through the home one last time and make sure everything is as expected
- Start moving in or scheduling deliveries
- Set up utilities (if not already transferred)
- Change the locks or codes for added security
- Introduce yourself to the neighbors—southern hospitality is alive and well in Louisiana!
Time to Celebrate!
Buying a home is a huge milestone, especially in a state as unique and vibrant as Louisiana. Whether celebrating with beignets and café au lait or throwing a crawfish boil in your new backyard, could you take a moment to soak it all in?
You’ve navigated the entire homebuying process and closed the deal. Now it’s time to make memories, decorate your space, and enjoy the place you’ll call home.
Conclusion
Closing on a home involves a lot of moving parts, but with the right home closing checklist Louisiana, proper guidance, and preparation, it can be a smooth and exciting milestone. From understanding your financing and completing inspections to reviewing documents and picking up the keys, every step plays a vital role in ensuring your homebuying journey ends successfully.
At the Nicole Spellman Group, we’re more than just real estate professionals—we’re your trusted partners through every stage of the process. Whether buying your first home or selling a property you’ve outgrown, our experienced team guides you through all the closing details confidently and clearly.
Thinking about selling your home? We’ll help you navigate pricing, negotiations, showings, offers, and closing, ensuring no question goes unanswered and no step is overlooked.
Ready to buy or sell in Louisiana? Reach out to the Nicole Spellman Group today, and let’s start making your next move successful.
