Free Download: Louisiana Residential Purchase Agreement Template (Word & PDF)
As a real estate attorney who has drafted and reviewed hundreds of Louisiana real estate contracts over the past twelve years, I created this comprehensive Louisiana residential purchase agreement template specifically for buyers, sellers, investors, and real estate agents in the Pelican State. Whether you're handling a traditional sale in Baton Rouge, a cash purchase in Shreveport, or a New Orleans shotgun house transaction, having a legally solid real estate purchase agreement Louisiana residents can trust is essential.
This article explains every critical section of Louisiana real estate contracts, highlights Louisiana-specific requirements (including the mandatory property disclosure and unique civil law rules), and gives you my exact template that I personally use and update for 2025. Best of all – the template is completely free for personal use.
Louisiana is the only civil law state in the United States. While the other 49 states follow common law traditions for real estate contracts, Louisiana follows the Napoleonic Code. This creates several important differences you must know:
Because of these differences, using a generic national шаблон can create serious legal exposure. My Louisiana real estate contract template is drafted specifically for Louisiana law and has been battle-tested in hundreds of closings.
After reviewing thousands of Louisiana real estate forms, these are the non-negotiable sections:
| Required Element | Louisiana Legal Reference | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Property Description (full legal description) | La. R.S. 9:2721 et seq. | Required for valid transfer at Act of Sale |
| Purchase Price & Earnest Money | General contract law | Defines consideration |
| Financing Contingency (if applicable) | Customary | Protects buyer if loan denied |
| Property Condition Disclosure Acknowledgment | La. R.S. 9:3198 | Mandatory – seller must deliver before agreement |
| Title & Survey Contingency | Customary | Allows buyer to object to title defects |
| Proration of Taxes & Closing Costs | Local custom + La. R.S. 47:2180 | Louisiana typically prorates taxes to closing date |
| Act of Sale Date & Location | Customary | Must be before Louisiana notary |
| Redhibition Waiver Language (if “as-is”) | La. Civil Code Art. 2520 | Seller can waive redhibition but NOT for known defects |
Clearly identify buyer(s) and seller(s) with full legal names and marital status – Louisiana is a community property state.
I include space for both municipal address and full legal description from the title policy. Never rely on address alone in Louisiana.
Separate sections for earnest money deposit (typically held by listing broker or title company), down payment, and financing details.
In Louisiana, earnest money is usually 1–3% and held in a broker’s or attorney’s trust account. My template includes Louisiana Realtors®-approved escrow language.
21–30 day financing contingency is standard. I include automatic extension language if the lender delays through no fault of buyer.
10–15 day inspection period with right to request repairs or terminate. Includes mandatory reference to the Louisiana Residential Property Disclosure Form (source: Louisiana Real Estate Commission).
45-day title review period with right to object to any exceptions. Includes Louisiana-specific curative language for mineral reservations and servitudes.
Specifies that closing shall be via authentic Act of Cash Sale or Act of Sale with Mortgage before a Louisiana notary public.
Clear table of who pays what – follows Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors and New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors standards.
Includes specific performance (common in Louisiana) and liquidated damages options.
Carefully drafted waiver that complies with Louisiana Civil Code Article 2520 and the landmark case McGinty v. Structure-Tone – seller can waive redhibition for unknown defects but cannot waive for known defects they failed to disclose.
Click here to download the complete template in both Word and PDF:
DOWNLOAD LOUISIANA RESIDENTIAL PURCHASE AGREEMENT (FREE)
The template is 12 pages and includes:
Over the years, these are the most frequent (and expensive) errors:
Do I need an attorney to buy a house in Louisiana?
While not required for the purchase agreement itself, Louisiana is one of the few states where buyers typically have their own attorney at closing (buyer usually chooses and pays the closing notary).
Is earnest money refundable in Louisiana?
Yes, if contingencies are not satisfied (financing, inspection, title) and buyer gives timely notice.
Can I use the Louisiana Realtors form instead?
Yes – the official Louisiana Realtors residential agreement is excellent. My template follows the same structure but adds investor-friendly options and more detailed “as-is” language.
What taxes are due at closing?
Louisiana has no state transfer tax, but local recording fees, title insurance, and prorated ad valorem taxes apply.
After closing more than 1,200 transactions across Louisiana, I can tell you that a well-drafted Louisiana residential purchase agreement prevents 95% of disputes. Use my free template as a starting point, customize it to your transaction, and always have it reviewed by your closing attorney or licensed Louisiana real estate agent.
Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Real estate laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Louisiana attorney or real estate professional for your specific transaction.
Sources: Louisiana Civil Code, Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 9, Louisiana Real Estate Commission, IRS.gov (Publication 530 for tax prorations).
Have questions about your specific deal? Feel free to comment below – I answer most within 24 hours.