Summer Homebuying in NOLA — Three Advantages You Can’t Ignore

New Orleans is a town with a unique musical beat, classic Southern architecture and a vibrant culture. Buying a home in NOLA puts many amenities at your fingertips. Whether you love jazz music and want to be near the heart of the French Quarter, or you prefer quieter living away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, NOLA offers something for everyone.

Summer is the perfect time to start your hunt, with numerous advantages during the warmest months.

Three Unique Advantages to Buying a NOLA Home in the Summer

Real estate is shifting in buyers’ favor after years of a seller’s market, making it the perfect time to buy and secure the best value. Housing inventory is at a five-year high nationwide, offering more choices and leaving room for negotiation. In addition to plenty of homebuying options, there are numerous advantages to house hunting in the summer.

1. See How Cool the Home Feels

Looking at past electric bills only shows you part of the picture when house hunting. Everybody has a different comfort level, and you know your heat tolerance better than anyone else. When touring a house, note the thermostat setting, if the house stays cool in the hottest part of the day and whether exterior shade reduces the heat. 

Here are some additional factors to consider.

• Ventilation: Does the home have ceiling fans? How well do they work?
• Insulation: Does the house retain heat? 
• Airflow: Are windows positioned for cross-ventilation during milder weather? 
• Musty smells: NOLA is practically synonymous with heat and humidity. Pay attention to unusual smells or condensation inside the windows, which could suggest a mold issue.

Though NOLA summers are notoriously muggy, the advantage to house hunting in the summer is that you’ll know if the house feels comfortable on the hottest days or needs significant ventilation and insulation upgrades. Market prices are down about 16.7% over highs in 2022, allowing buyers to find excellent deals on houses with advanced cooling systems or energy-efficient materials. 

2. Find Homes With Heat-Resistant Features

You’re no stranger to heat and humidity if you’ve lived in the South. Summer home shopping is the best time to evaluate how well a home’s internal fixtures work for you. Here’s what you should pay attention to.

• Flooring: In NOLA’s climate, quality materials keep floors cooler and provide a break from the heat. Professionally installed tiled floors are durable and prevent moisture damage in a humid environment. 
• Insulated windows: While touring homes, look at the windows. Older homes may still have single-pane windows, which let much of the cool air out and hot air in. Upgraded windows with double or triple panes will keep the home more comfortable in any season. Condensation on glass panels may clue you into broken seals or outdated weatherstripping.
• Shade: Look for mature trees, landscaping features, screened porches, awnings and other elements that offer a break from the summer sun. 

Many features that naturally keep homes more comfortable also offer aesthetically pleasing upgrades that increase value. 

3. Get to Know the Neighborhood

Summer in New Orleans is the perfect time to enjoy festivals, music, parades, impromptu porch jazz concerts and get to know the city’s beat. French Quarter street performers give you a taste of the culture. In the Garden District, chefs try new dishes using locally grown ingredients. Some of the benefits of house shopping in the summer include the following. 

• Relaxed pace: The heat forces people to slow down. You might pop into a local cafe to take advantage of the air conditioning and talk to a few locals about the neighborhood. 
• Rain and drainage: Because NOLA sits below sea level, drainage can be an issue in some areas. Scheduling a showing during summer rains offers the perfect opportunity to see how well a home handles additional water, which you won’t see during the dry season.
• Walkability: You may not want to be outside as much during the hottest months. Pay attention to how close the house is to amenities like grocery stores, banks and entertainment venues. The average cost of car insurance is around $180 per month. Finding an area where you can save on transportation expenses may mean you can afford a nicer home.

Spending time in an area is the only way to feel its pulse. When shopping for a home, drive by local schools, eat at local restaurants and ask your potential future neighbors what they like and dislike. 

Every season in NOLA is full of events, such as unique fall festivals and parades that give you a taste of all the thriving area has to offer.

Summer Homebuying in NOLA Is Strategic

Shopping for a New Orleans home in summer offers multiple advantages to ensure you enjoy your next house for years. Knowing what features to look for will help you afford your dream home.

Embrace Louisiana’s leisurely pace and make it a time of new beginnings. Moving in the summer gives you plenty of time to settle in before cooler fall weather brings Saints football and numerous local festivals.