Spring Market Tips for Homebuyers and Sellers
LOUISIANA REALTORS • March 23, 2018
Spring has arrived. And, after a colder, snowier, and icier than normal winter across Louisiana, the temperature isn’t the only thing that’s heating up. The real estate market is ramping up for home buyers and sellers alike. Here are a few things to help navigate the spring market whether you are buying or selling your home.
Use a REALTOR®
No matter if you are housing hunting or putting your home on the market, the experience and expertise of a REALTOR® is invaluable. From helping you find your next home to getting yours sold quickly and for the best price, their skills and resources will be put to work for you.
Pay attention to mortgage rates
Whether you are planning to buy or sell, a mortgage
may be in your future. After years’ of historically low rates, they are on the rise. Rates have increased in 9 of the 10 weeks so far through 2018. Currently, a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is 4.58% (according to Bankrate.com).
Inventory is expected to be up
The number of homes for sale in Louisiana is expected to increase throughout the year. As supply catches up to demand, it’s important to take the necessary steps that will set your house apart from the rest. Landscaping, repairs, paint, etc. all make a huge difference when it comes to curb appeal, especially as buyers have more options.
Know the market conditions
Currently, in Louisiana, the median listing price is $200,000. Of course there a lot of factors that go into these values beyond just the home. Schools, infrastructure, location, amenities, convenience, etc. Your REALTOR®
will be able to help your determine both a fair asking price if you’re selling, and a fair offer if you’re buying, based on all of these conditions.
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Louisiana’s 2026 Regular Session opened this week with several developments that matter directly to REALTORS ®, property managers and housing providers, alongside some broader political shifts worth watching. HB 292: Security Deposit Return Timelines Rep. Delisha Boyd’s HB 292, which addresses procedures for returning residential security deposits, was deferred to next week. This provides additional time for stakeholders to engage with members on practical impacts for lease administration, move out inspections and documentation standards. We’ll continue working to ensure any changes to deposit law are clear, workable and do not expose housing providers to unreasonable liability. Land Use and Development: St. James Parish Decision The Louisiana Supreme Court’s recent St. James Parish decision significantly tightens the standards for overturning local land use decisions, reinforcing that zoning and permitting authority rests with parish and municipal governments as long as their decisions are not arbitrary or capricious. For real estate and development, that means more predictability if projects are aligned with adopted plans and ordinances, but also higher stakes in local elections, planning processes and parish-level negotiations. Governor’s State of the State In his State of the State address, Governor Jeff Landry reiterated his push to phase out the state income tax, expand the LA GATOR and MJ Foster scholarship and workforce programs, and replace vehicle inspection stickers with a QR code system. These programs frame a debate around long-term competitiveness, workforce readiness and household cost of living which are all key drivers of housing demand and migration patterns. Business & Market Trends The business community is focusing the session on insurance, workforce and energy. Commercial and property insurance costs remain a top concern for employers and property owners, and we are monitoring civil justice and insurance reform proposals that could affect market stability and availability. At the same time, Louisiana is seeing more than $100 billion in announced industrial and data center projects, which could reshape local markets, labor conditions and housing needs in multiple regions of the state. Please view the weekly bill tracking report at the link below provided by our lobbying team over at Harris, DeVille and Associates.
Learn how Louisiana real estate regulations, disclosure laws, and licensing standards help protect homebuyers and create safer, more transparent transactions.
Nominations are open now through April 24, 2026, for the Louisiana REALTORS® 2025 REALTOR® of the Year & the 2025 Lawrence R. DeMarcay, Jr. Distinguished Service Award. Both awards are aimed to showcase an individual who has volunteered their time in service to the real estate industry. Recipients of the awards will be recognized during the Spring Legislative Conference. (Registration coming soon!) Please see the below links with the selection criteria and consider submitting a nomination today. Contact Donna Teekel at (225) 224-0704 or dteekel@larealtors.org with any questions.
