FORTIFIED Legacy Home Renovation Loan Program
Finance New Orleans and Eustis Mortgage have partnered to help New Orleanians purchase or refinance a home while financing renovation costs through one simple, affordable mortgage. Through Housing Trust Fund support, eligible borrowers may also receive assistance for a FORTIFIED Roof™ upgrade, helping create stronger, safer, and more resilient homes.
The FORTIFIED Legacy Home Renovation Loan Program is designed to help residents invest in their homes, reduce future storm and insurance risks, and preserve New Orleans’ housing stock for generations to come.
Financing Structure
1. First Mortgage:
Freddie Mac HFA Advantage Renovation Mortgage
2. Housing Trust Fund Assistance:
- Up to $25,000 for a FORTIFIED Roof™
- Up to 5% Down Payment Assistance
- 0% Interest Assistance
- Forgivable assistance available for eligible borrowers
PROGRAM BENEFITS
1. All-in-One Mortgage:
Combine your home purchase (or refinance), renovation costs, and resilience improvements into a single affordable mortgage
2. Up to $25,000 for a FORTIFIED Roof™
Receive assistance to install a stronger roof designed to better withstand hurricanes, high winds, and severe weather.
3. Up to 5% Down Payment Assistance
Reduce upfront homebuying costs and make homeownership more accessible.
4. Flexible Renovation Financing
Finance repairs and upgrades that improve safety, resilience, efficiency, and long-term property value.
5. Local Support Throughout the Process
Finance New Orleans and Eustis Mortgage work together to connect borrowers with financing resources, contractors, and homeownership guidance from application through project completion.
Eligibility Qualifications & Terms
Who can apply:
- First-time homebuyers
- Repeat homebuyers
- Current homeowners seeking refinance and renovation financing
- Borrowers who will occupy the property as their primary residence
INCOME & CREDIT requirements:
- Maximum household income: 120% Area Median Income (AMI)
Find out income thresholds with AMI (Area Median Income) using this tool!
- Minimum FICO credit score: 620
- Additional underwriting requirements may apply
ELIGIBLE PROPERTIES
- Located in Orleans Parish
- Owner-occupied 1–4 unit residential properties
- Existing homes requiring renovation or rehabilitation
- Homes that can support a FORTIFIED Roof™ installation
ADDITIONAL requirements:
- Complete a HUD-approved Homebuyer Education Course
- Work with a participating Eustis Mortgage lender
- Provide licensed contractor estimates for renovation work
- Renovation scope must include a FORTIFIED Roof™ upgrade
- Maintain the property as a primary residence
Eligible Renovation IMPROVEMENTS:
Funding may be used for a variety of renovation and resilience projects, including:
- FORTIFIED Roof™ installation
- Structural repairs and modernization
- Energy-efficient upgrades
- HVAC, plumbing, and electrical improvements
- Kitchen and bathroom renovations
- Accessibility improvements
- Storm resilience and home-hardening measures
- Other eligible property improvements
Explore how the FORTIFIED Legacy Home Renovation Loan can help you transform your home for generations to come.
SUBMIT Your Homebuyer Program Intake form
with Finance New Orleans!
ABOUT EUSTIS MORTGAGE CORPORATION
Founded in New Orleans in 1956, Eustis Mortgage Corporation is one of the region’s most trusted mortgage lenders. With decades of experience helping families achieve homeownership, Eustis provides personalized lending solutions and local expertise throughout the home financing process.
As Finance New Orleans’ lending partner for the FORTIFIED Legacy Home Renovation Loan Program, Eustis Mortgage helps borrowers access affordable financing solutions that support homeownership, neighborhood investment, and housing resilience.
Learn more about Eustis Mortgage by visiting www.eustismortgage.com
