Louisiana mortgage and refinance rates for September 2026

In line with national trends, mortgage rates in Louisiana have been gradually stabilizing. They’re still much higher than during the pandemic and are expected to remain that way through much of 2026. Like mortgage rates everywhere, the actual rates you qualify for will depend on things like your exact location and credit score. To secure the best mortgage and refinance rates in Louisiana, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare offers from at least three lenders.

Refinance rates follow home purchase rates, which have stayed stubbornly high in 2026 and are not predicted to drop much below 6% for the rest of the year. If you already have a low rate on your existing mortgage, you’ll need to see some benefits beyond the rate savings for refinancing to make sense. If you’ve owned your home for a long time and paid off a sizable chunk of your mortgage, for instance, a cash-out refinance might be a good option, especially if you need to renovate your home or consolidate higher-interest debt.

There are plenty of mortgage options in Louisiana. The most common types of loans include:

• Louisiana conventional mortgages: Rates and requirements will vary depending on the area you want to live in and your financial situation. You can compare mortgage rates to find the option that’s right for you.
• Louisiana FHA loans: Home loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) are offered throughout the U.S. While the FHA doesn’t offer loans directly, you can find one through an FHA-approved lender in Louisiana. They are offered to first-time homebuyers, as well as repeat buyers. FHA loans are generally designed for low- to moderate-income borrowers with lower credit scores.
• Louisiana VA loans: Guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA loans are offered to eligible veterans and active-duty service members. While the VA doesn’t offer loans directly, you can find one through a VA-approved lender in Louisiana. They require no down payment and typically have lower interest rates than conventional mortgages.

You can get a first-time homebuyer loan with virtually any mortgage lender, provided you qualify. The Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC), the state’s housing finance agency, can also connect you to partner lenders that offer additional programs for first-time buyers, including:

• Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) Program: Created for first-time homebuyers whose household income is 80% of the area median income (AMI) or less, the Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) Program offers down payment and closing cost assistance between 5 to 9% You’ll need a credit score of at least 640 to qualify. Along with assistance, the program offers reduced mortgage insurance premiums.
• Mortgage Revenue Bond Assisted Program: Not to be confused with the Mortgage Revenue Bond Program, the Mortgage Revenue Bond Assisted Program also helps first-time homebuyers who might not have enough money for a down payment or closing costs, but the income limits aren’t as restrictive.
• Premier Program: LHC’s Premier Program includes an option for borrowers getting an FHA, VA or USDA loan that does not require any borrower contribution to the purchase. To qualify, you’ll need a credit score of at least 640 and your household income cannot exceed $99,000.
• Pathways Program: The Pathways program offers down payment assistance to first-time buyers purchasing a home in a parish designated as a disaster area and who meet other qualifying requirements. It includes up to $55,000 in down payment help and up to $5,000 in closing cost assistance.
• Delta 100 Program: The Delta 100 Program is parish-specific and aimed at first-time buyers who do not have a traditional credit history, meaning there’s no minimum credit score to qualify. You’ll need to be able to contribute at least 1% of the purchase price or $1,500 (whichever is less) to get up to 3% of the purchase price for closing costs and prepaid expenses. You won’t have to pay mortgage insurance, but the maximum loan amount is $242,000.
• Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): Aimed at first-time homebuyers and also low- to moderate-income buyers who plan to purchase a property in a designated area in Louisiana, a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) offers a federal tax credit up to $2,000 per year for the life of the loan.