Green Mortgage Homebuyer Roadmap
The Roadmap is designed to help you define and achieve your homeownership goals. Through this process you will become more prepared and empowered to make the best decision when it comes to:
- Shopping for a loan
- Preparing for future home expenses
- Making investments to improve efficiency and climate resilience of your home
In order to become a Green Mortgage Borrower, there are eight steps to complete
Step 1: Register with Finance New Orleans
Fill out this form to let us know you’re interested in becoming a Green Mortgage Borrower and start your homeownership journey!
Step 2: Complete Required Courses
Download List of Certified Financial Fitness and Homebuyer Counseling Agencies
Green Home Training
All borrowers must complete FNO’s Green Home Education video and return the Green Home Agreement stating they will coordinate with Energy Smart to complete Whole Home Assessment and follow-up services with Energy Smart trade allies. Borrowers who do no take these actions will not be eligible for the $2,500 Green Home stipend provided by Finance New Orleans after purchasing their home.
Financial Fitness Counseling
We recommend all borrowers consult with a qualified counselor prior to completing Homebuyer Education.* Our Financial Fitness Self-Evaluation can help you decide if financial fitness counseling is the best place for you to start.
Sign up for Financial Fitness counseling with a qualified partner from our list
*Failure to complete financial fitness consultation will not prohibit a Borrower from qualifying for a loan.
Homebuyer Education
All borrowers must complete a homebuyer education course with a HUD certified agency. Lenders will not work with Green Mortgage borrowers unless they have obtained a certificate of completion, and post-closing education is not acceptable.
Complete Homebuyer Education with a qualified partner from our list
Report your progress through Milestone Form provided by FNO Staff
Step 3: Select a Lender and Get Pre-Qualified for a Mortgage
DOWNLOAD THE LIST OF APPROVED PARTICIPATING LENDERS
Your lender is your point of contact to discuss program eligibility and the mortgage application process.
Select a Green Mortgage Lender from our list of participating lenders and update FNO staff
Step 4: Shop for your dream home in Orleans Parish
Contact FNO Staff or Complete a Green Home Purchase Milestone Survey once you are under contract for a home
Step 5 & 6: Close on Your Green Mortgage and Move into Your New Home!
The $25,000 Green Mortgage loan can be applied as down payment assistance, prepaids, and/or closing cost assistance. Your lender will facilitate this process.
Step 7: Order Whole Home Energy Efficiency Assessment through Energy Smart
After closing on your home, all Borrowers must order a Whole Home Assessment of their home. Borrowers should coordinate scheduling their Energy Smart Whole Home Assessment within one month of closing.
Register for a Whole Home Assessment with Energy Smart
Receive Whole Home Energy Efficiency Report, Provide to FNO
Step 8: Make Green Home Improvements
Green Mortgage Borrowers who successfully close on a green mortgage loan and complete the Whole Home Assessment are eligible to apply a $2,500 stipend towards green improvements to their home within 6 months of closing on their loan.
Coordinate with Energy Smart to schedule Weatherization and A/C Tune Ups
Contact FNO Staff to unlock this additional assistance through the Green Home Stipend after Trade Ally led weatherization and A/C Tune Ups are complete
