March 16, 2026
Finance New Orleans Launches Legacy Home Renovation Loan Program to Help New Orleanians Repair, Restore, and Preserve Their Homes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Finance New Orleans Press Contact:
Jacques Hawkins
jhawkins@financenola.org
NEW ORLEANS — Finance New Orleans (FNO), in partnership with Eustis Mortgage Corporation, has launched the Legacy Home Renovation Loan Program. The Legacy Loan offers a flexible and affordable financing initiative designed to help New Orleans residents complete essential home repairs, modernize aging properties, and preserve long-term housing stability.
The program provides a streamlined mortgage with downpayment assistance, allowing borrowers to purchase and renovate a home in a single loan, or refinance to complete critical repairs on a home they already own. Borrowers earning up to 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI) are eligible for homebuyer assistance up to 5% of the first mortgage.
A Renovation Program Designed for New Orleans Families
Developed to address longstanding quality housing challenges across Orleans Parish, the Legacy Home Renovation Loan Program offers residents a straightforward, affordable path to complete a wide range of home upgrades, including:
- Roof repair or replacement
- HVAC, plumbing, and electrical modernization
- Kitchen and bathroom rehabilitation
- Foundation and structural stabilization
- Weatherization and energy-efficiency improvements
- ADA and accessibility modifications
- Storm resilience and climate-readiness upgrades
“Finance New Orleans has been working diligently to offer a full suite of affordable loan products to make homeownership attainable and sustainable – both from a financial and climate resilience perspective,” said Sydney Shivers, FNO Director of Housing Policy and Programs. “We are excited to introduce the Legacy Loan because it empowers current or future homebuyers to define what that means for them through the renovation process. We can’t wait to start seeing new home renovation photos in the city!”
Unlike traditional renovation loans, the Legacy Program emphasizes accessibility, home preservation, and neighborhood stability, particularly for longtime residents and families with intergenerational homes impacted by deferred maintenance, storms, or rising repair costs.
A Partnership Supporting Preservation and Resilience
The collaboration between Finance New Orleans and Eustis Mortgage leverages the strengths of both institutions: FNO’s community-focused investment mission and Eustis Mortgage’s deep expertise in renovation financing. Through this partnership, residents gain access to a trusted lending process, streamlined renovation approvals, and renovation financing tailored to the unique needs of New Orleans’ historic housing stock.
“Eustis Mortgage is proud to introduce a one-time-closing down payment assistance loan that also allows borrowers to finance renovation costs. After nearly 70 years of serving the New Orleans community, we are excited to partner with Finance New Orleans to offer an innovative product that provides families with the resources they need to rehabilitate and improve their homes,” said Timothy leyoub (NMLS 399809), SVP – Capital Markets at Eustis Mortgage (NMLS 70345). “This program empowers homebuyers to purchase properties often below market value and build equity as they complete essential renovations.”
Accessible Financing for Homebuyers and Existing Homeowners
The Legacy Home Renovation Loan Program is open to:
- Existing homeowners interested in refinancing to enable essential repairs, modernization, and resilience upgrades to their home
- Prospective homebuyers purchasing older or storm-damaged properties
- Small landlords purchasing or refinancing owner-occupied homes with up to four units
- Families preserving and returning to live in generational homes
Loan terms, rates, and down payment options are designed to serve a wide range of income levels, helping New Orleanians maintain, rehabilitate, and preserve their homes.
Get Started Today
New Orleans homeowners or homebuyers interested in repairing or renovating a home can learn more and begin the intake process at:
- Legacy Home Renovation Program Overview: www.financenola.org/legacyloan
- Submit an FNO Homebuyer Programs Intake form to express your homeownership interest: Click Here
- Finance New Orleans contact: singlefamily@financenola.org###
About Finance New Orleans
Finance New Orleans is a public investment bank that aims to improve the quality of life in Greater New Orleans by funding climate-resilient housing and infrastructure. Since 1978, we have supported New Orleans residents with affordable mortgage and home financing tools designed to strengthen neighborhoods and expand access to safe, stable homeownership. Today, the agency continues this legacy by helping families protect their homes through accessible financing that supports sustainability, resilience, and long-term affordability.
To learn more about our resilient homeownership work, visit www.financenola.org
About Eustis Mortgage Corporation
Eustis Mortgage is a Louisiana-based lending institution with over 70 years of experience helping residents achieve homeownership and complete renovation projects. As FNO’s lending partner for the Legacy Home Renovation Loan Program, Eustis provides underwriting, loan origination, and renovation loan expertise tailored to the renovation needs of New Orleans homeowners and homebuyers. Visit www.eustismortgage.com for more information.
