If you’re thinking about selling your home, one of the first big questions you probably have is:
“What’s my house worth?”
It’s an important question and the main thing on a sellers mind, because knowing your home’s value can help you make the best decision and whether you plan to sell on the open market with a realtor, or sell directly to a cash buyer like me.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a ton of money to get an idea of your home’s value. In this blog, I’ll walk you through free ways to figure it out, plus explain how my team at NOLA Buys Houses can make the process fast, simple, and stress-free.
Why Home Value Matters in New Orleans
In New Orleans, home values can be tricky. We’ve got historic shotgun doubles, renovated cottages, and houses that have been through storms or floods. One street might have a beautifully updated home, while the next block has a property or properties that need major repairs.
That’s why it’s important to understand what goes in to figuring out your home’s value:
· Location – A house near City Park or Uptown might sell for more than a similar home in another area.
· Condition – Does it need repairs, or is it move-in ready?
· Market Trends – The New Orleans market goes up and down like anywhere else. The last few years our prices have been fluctuating on the higher side because of Hurricane Ida driving up insurance premiums.
· Size and Features – Bedrooms, bathrooms, and updates all play a role.
Free Ways to Estimate Your Home’s Value
You don’t need to hire an appraiser right away. Here are a few free tips you can use to get a ballpark number:
1. Check Online Estimate Tools
Websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com will give you a quick estimate based on recent sales in your area. But remember that these numbers are not always accurate, especially in New Orleans where homes are so different from each other. These websites use algorithms to guesstimate the value of any given home. Surrounding houses are a big part of these algorithm’s and since values can change so quickly (sometimes just a block or 2), it’s had for these sites to accurately reflect value. Another factor is that New Orleans homes’ age can fluctuate so much. You don’t see that as much in other cities and that can confuse the algorithm because an older home is likely to more outdated
2. Look at Recent Sales Nearby
Take a look at homes in your neighborhood that sold in the last 3–6 months. Focus on homes that are similar in size, age, and condition. This is called a “comparable sale” or “comp.” This always the best way if you are going to go it on your own
3. Ask Around Locally
Sometimes your neighbors know what houses have been selling for. Or, if you have friends who recently bought or sold nearby, ask them what the process was like. Remember to take this with a grain of salt. Oftentimes its what someone heard a house may have sold for, etc
4. Talk to a Cash Buyer Like Me
Here’s the simplest way: call me at NOLA Buys Houses. We’ll evaluate your home and make you a fair, no-obligation cash offer—completely free. This isn’t just an estimate—it’s an actual offer you could take if you decide to sell. We look at the comparable sales, create a scope of work and calculate an offer at lightning speed, also the way we close =)
The Problem with Traditional Valuations
If you’ve ever thought about selling through a realtor, you know it can take a while just to figure out your home’s list price. Realtors often recommend:
· Cleaning and staging the house
· Doing repairs or updates
· Paying for photos and marketing
And after all that, you still wait weeks (sometimes months) for buyers, appraisals, and inspections.
That’s where I do things differently. At NOLA Buys Houses, we don’t make you fix a thing. I’ll look at your home as-is, take into account the repairs it may need, and give you a fair cash number that makes sense for both of us.
Why a Local Buyer Knows Best
A national website can’t tell the story of a home in New Orleans. But as someone who lives and works here, I know the difference between:
· A shotgun in Mid-City
· A double in Gentilly
· A cottage in Algiers
· A raised house near the Fairgrounds
Each of these has its own value. That’s why when I make an offer, it’s based on real local knowledge—not just some algorithm.
How We Make It Simple
At NOLA Buys Houses, here’s how we figure out what your home is worth:
1. You tell us about the house. Call or fill out the form at nolabuyshouses.com.
2. We take a quick look. Sometimes that’s in person, sometimes just through photos.
3. We give you a fair cash offer. No waiting weeks, no hidden fees.
4. You decide if you want to move forward. If yes, we close on your schedule—even in as little as 7 days.
Real-Life Examples
· A family in Gentilly inherited a home that needed $40,000 worth of repairs. Instead of fixing it, they sold it to me as-is and walked away with cash in less than two weeks.
· A homeowner in Uptown was facing code enforcement issues. We stepped in, handled the problem, and bought the house fast—saving them from huge fines.
· An out-of-state owner had a vacant lot in New Orleans East. They couldn’t keep up with the lawn maintenance, so they sold it to us quickly and hassle-free.
Final Thoughts: Find Out What Your House Is Worth
Figuring out your home’s value doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. Start with free tools, check recent sales, and talk to local experts.
And if you want the fastest, easiest answer? Let me help. At NOLA Buys Houses, we’ll give you a free, fair cash offer on your house, vacant lot, or property in any condition. No repairs. No realtor fees. No waiting.
Ready to find out what your house is worth today? Call me at 504-264-1407 or visit nolabuyshouses.com to get started.