Real Estate Support for Military Families
Military families often have unique needs when it comes to buying or selling a home — and having a real estate professional who truly understands those needs can make all the difference.
Our team brings firsthand experience with the PCS process and a deep understanding of the VA Loan’s Minimum Property Requirements. We stay current on local Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates and use that knowledge to help service members and their families find homes that fit within their financial and logistical parameters.
We also partner with industry professionals who share our passion for serving those who serve — professionals who understand that military moves don’t always go as planned and who are prepared to help navigate unexpected challenges with flexibility and care.
It’s our responsibility to anticipate those challenges and make your transition as seamless and stress-free as possible.
You’ll find helpful military-specific resources below, but the best support starts with a conversation.
Click “Meet the Team” to connect with one of our trusted Real Estate Advisors.
2025 BAH Rates for New Orleans Area
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a key factor for military families relocating to the Greater New Orleans area. It helps offset housing costs for service members living off base and is determined by rank, dependency status, and duty zip code.
For 2025, the BAH rates for the New Orleans Military Housing Area (MHA: LA124) have been adjusted to reflect local rental market trends, making it more manageable for service members to secure suitable housing in and around the city — including popular areas like Belle Chasse, Algiers, Metairie, Slidell, and Mandeville.
Tips:
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The BAH for New Orleans generally covers modest rental homes or mortgages in nearby communities.
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Many families opt to live in Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, or Plaquemines Parish for more space, top-rated schools, and a suburban lifestyle — often within commuting distance to NAS JRB, USCG Base New Orleans, and MARFORRES.
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VA Loans can be used in conjunction with BAH to help finance a home purchase with $0 down.
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TRICARE East to West Transition: What Louisiana Military Families Need to Know
Starting January 1, 2025, Louisiana will officially move from the TRICARE East Region to the TRICARE West Region — a shift that impacts all active-duty service members, retirees, and their families enrolled in TRICARE living in the state.
What’s Changing:
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Louisiana residents will now be covered under TRICARE West, which is administered by Health Net Federal Services (HNFS).
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If you currently receive care through TRICARE East (Humana Military), your coverage will automatically transition to the new regional contractor on January 1, 2025 — no action is required unless you need to update your provider or contact info.
What You Should Do:
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Confirm your Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) information is up to date.
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Be on the lookout for new welcome packets from TRICARE West (HNFS).
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Contact your healthcare providers to confirm whether they will remain in-network under TRICARE West.
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Register for a beneficiary account at www.tricare-west.com to view claims, referrals, and benefits once the transition is complete.
Helpful Links:
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TRICARE West (Health Net Federal Services)
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TRICARE Plan Finder Tool
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Update DEERS Info
This change applies to all TRICARE plans, including Prime, Select, and TRICARE for Life. Your benefits remain the same — only the regional contractor is changing.
Whether you're PCSing in or just getting settled, here's a quick snapshot of the major military commands located in and around Greater New Orleans. From NAS JRB to Coast Guard Sector New Orleans and MARFORRES HQ, our region is home to a strong and supportive military community.
No matter which branch you're with, you'll find resources, camaraderie, and Southern hospitality waiting for you here.
Click on the images below to learn more
about local military housing.
Do you have questions regarding VA Loans, Minimum Property Requirements, Associated Costs or the VA Appraisal Process? Check out the video series below.
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Costs Associated with the VA Loan
VA Appraisal Process
Minimum Property Requirements for a VA Loan
Location. Location. Location.
Whether you're reporting to NAS JRB New Orleans, Marine Forces Reserve, or one of the many U.S. Coast Guard units in the region, understanding commute times and local geography can help you choose the right place to call home.
The Greater New Orleans area offers a wide variety of communities — from vibrant city living to quiet, suburban neighborhoods and everything in between. Here's a general breakdown of what you can expect in terms of commute times and driveability from popular duty stations:
Property Tax Exemptions for Retired Military & Veterans with VA Disability
Louisiana offers full property tax exemptions for qualifying disabled veterans, making it one of the most veteran-friendly states in the country when it comes to homeownership benefits.
100% VA Disability = 100% Property Tax Exemption
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are completely exempt from parish property taxes on their primary residence in Louisiana. This exemption applies regardless of the home's value, offering significant long-term savings for eligible veterans and their families.
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Veterans rated 100% Permanent and Total or 100% due to Individual Unemployability (IU) also qualify.
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The exemption may extend to the surviving spouse, provided they remain unmarried and reside in the home.
How to Apply:
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Provide documentation of your VA disability rating.
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Apply through your local Parish Assessor’s Office.
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Be sure the home is your primary residence and homestead exemption is filed.
Important Note: This exemption applies to parish property taxes only. City or other special taxes may still apply, depending on location.
Helpful Links:
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
Click the image for the CGMA Site
CGMA Assistance Programs
Emergencies:
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Shut Down Loan
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Disaster Assistance Grants and Loans
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Emergency Travel Loan
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Safe Harbor Program
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Basic Living Expenses Loan
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Vehicle Repair Loan
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Home Repair Loan
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Funeral Expenses Loan
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Medical/Dental Loan
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Stillborn Funeral Grant
Education
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Supplemental Education Grant
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Education Loan
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Education Advocate Grant
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CG COOL Loan
Credentialing Opportunities OnLine
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Stafford/Plus Loan Fee Grant
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Spouse Professional Requirements Loan
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Debt Management Loan
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Financial Counseling
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Financial Education Childcare Grant
Day to Day:
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Welcome Baby Layettes
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Rental Assistance Loan
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Special Needs Grant
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PCS Childcare Grant
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Non-rate Uniform Loan
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Vehicle Repair Loan
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Bridge Loan
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Closing Costs Loan
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Assisted Reproductive
Services Loan
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Adoption Home Study Grant
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Adoption Loan
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Respite Care Grant
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OCONUS Rental Car Loan
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Breastmilk Shipment Grant
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PCS Incidentals Loan
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POV Shipment Loan
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Pet Expenses Loan
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Eldercare Loan
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Childcare Loan
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Dept Management Loan
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Child Support Loan
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Financial Counseling Grant
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Financial Education
Childcare Grant
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Working Animal Grant
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