If you own a home in New Orleans that needs major repairs, you already know how overwhelming it can feel. Between the weather, the age of our houses, and the rising cost of materials, it’s no surprise that so many homeowners reach a point where fixing everything just isn’t realistic anymore.
Almost every week, I talk to people in Gentilly, New Orleans East, Algiers, Mid-City, the Westbank, and all across the metro area who are dealing with homes that need serious work — foundation issues, old wiring, roof damage, plumbing trouble, termite damage, mold, or hurricane repair that never got finished. Some people inherited a house in rough condition. Others couldn’t keep up with repairs year after year. And some just want to move on without sinking more money into a property they’re done dealing with.
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone — and you do have options.
I’ve been buying houses in the New Orleans area for over 20 years, and I’ve seen every repair situation you can imagine. Let’s break down your choices in simple terms, and help you figure out the best way to move forward.
Why Selling a House With Major Repairs Is So Challenging in New Orleans
New Orleans is different. Our houses are older, the humidity is brutal, hurricanes keep insurance costs sky-high, and labor shortages make repairs slow and expensive. Here are the issues I see most often:
Foundation problems
Very common in NOLA. Pier-and-beam homes settle, slabs crack, and repairs can run anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000+.
Roof damage
Between storms and brutal heat, most roofs here don’t last as long as they do in other parts of the country.
Old electrical and plumbing
Many NOLA homes still have outdated systems that won’t pass inspections.
Termite and moisture damage
Unfortunately, this is just part of living in Louisiana.
Insurance + code requirements
Insurance companies are picky, and city codes are strict — both can stop a sale in its tracks. Insurance companies have gotten even worse with all of the storm damaged that has occurred in the last handful of years.
If your home has any of these issues, selling it the traditional way can become an uphill battle.
Option 1: Fix the House Before Selling (The Expensive Route)
Some homeowners assume they have to make repairs before selling, but that’s not true. However, if you choose to fix everything, here’s what to expect:
High repair costs
Most major repairs cost far more today than they did even a few years ago. Covid sent prices on an uphill tear and they have not looked back
Long timelines
Finding reliable contractors in New Orleans can take weeks or months. And if you get with a bad contractor you have to start all over again plus the money you are out from the 1st one
Unexpected surprises
Once repairs begin, new problems often pop up — especially in older homes. This happens way more often than people realize
No guarantee of a profit
You may spend $20k, $30k, or even $60k+ and still not recover that money during the sale.
Fixing the property only makes sense if you have the money, the time, and the confidence that the market will justify it. Most sellers I talk to simply don’t want the stress or risk.
Option 2: List the House As-Is With a Realtor (The Slow Route)
Many people choose to list the home “as-is,” hoping a buyer will take on the repairs themselves. While this can work, here’s the reality:
Most retail buyers want move-in ready homes
Especially with interest rates high — buyers want perfection.
Inspections and appraisals will be an issue
If the house has big problems, the buyer’s lender will most likely deny the loan. Traditional lenders do not want to lend on properties that need major repairs.
You’ll get low offers
Most buyers will use the repairs as leverage to negotiate aggressively.
It still takes time
Even if you do get an offer, closing can take 45–60 days.
Listing as-is is an option, but it’s rarely the fastest — or easiest — path in New Orleans.
Option 3: Sell Your House As-Is to a Cash Buyer (The Simple Route)
This is where companies like mine — NOLA Buys Houses — come in.
If your house needs major repairs, selling to a local cash buyer is often the fastest and most stress-free solution.
Here’s what happens when you sell to us:
We buy as-is — no repairs needed
Foundation? Roof? Termites? Old wiring? Mold? Full gut job?
We’ve seen it all. You don’t have to fix a thing.
No inspections, no appraisals
We don’t rely on banks, so we’re not held up by their requirements.
Fast closings — sometimes in as little as 7 days
If speed is your priority, this is the best option.
No cleaning or junk removal
Leave everything you don’t want. We handle the cleanout.
No realtor commissions
You keep more of your money.
No long waits or uncertainty
We make a fair cash offer, you pick the closing date, and that’s it.
We solve title and succession issues
In NOLA, many older homes run into paperwork problems. Our title attorneys handle all of it.
Why Working With a Local Buyer Matters
There are tons of “national cash buyers” online — but most of them don’t actually buy houses. They just try to lock up contracts and sell them to someone else… usually an investor like me.
The problem?
They make big promises
Lock homeowners into contracts
Then drop the price at the last minute
Or fail to close at all
A real local buyer knows the neighborhoods, the construction issues, the insurance hurdles, and the unique challenges of buying in New Orleans. We actually buy the houses we make offers on — no games, no surprises.
Giving Back With Every House We Buy
One thing I’m especially proud of is our mission to give back. For every home we purchase, we donate $100 to the Manning Family Children’s Hospital right here in New Orleans.
So when you sell your home to us, you’re not just getting a simple, stress-free sale — you’re helping local kids get the care they need.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Fix Your House to Sell It
If your home in New Orleans needs major repairs, you’re not stuck — and you don’t have to pour money into a property you’re ready to move on from.
You have options, and selling as-is to a local buyer can give you:
· A fast, fair sale
· Zero repairs
· No surprises
· No stress
Whether your home needs a little work or a complete renovation, I’m here to help you figure out the best path forward — with no pressure, ever.
Visit NOLABuysHouses.com for your free cash offer
Or call/text me directly at 504-264-1407
I’m here to make this easy for you.