Louisiana Real Estate Power of Attorney Overview
A Louisiana real estate power of attorney authorizes an agent to handle property transactions on behalf of the property owner. This includes buying, selling, refinancing, leasing, and managing real property located in Louisiana. The POA must be recorded with the county recorder in the county where the property is located before the agent can execute any documents.
Louisiana requires all real estate POAs to be notarized and requires 2 required in addition to notarization. Louisiana provides a statutory form (Civil Code Art. 2993) that is recommended for use. Title companies in Louisiana will typically accept a properly recorded POA, though they may have additional requirements.
Lenders such as Fannie Mae, FHA, and VA have specific rules about POA use for mortgage transactions in Louisiana. The POA must specifically authorize mortgage or refinancing transactions, and the borrower typically must have signed the initial loan application personally.
Required
Recording
Required
Notarization
2 Required
Witnesses
Civil Code Art. 2993
Specific form
Louisiana Real Estate POA Requirements
Critical: Record Before Using
The POA must be recorded with the Louisiana county recorder BEFORE the agent signs any real estate documents. A deed or mortgage signed by an agent whose POA has not been recorded will be rejected.
- Notarization: Required for all Louisiana real estate POAs
- Witnesses: 2 Required in Louisiana
- Recording: Must be recorded in the county where the property is located
- Specific Form: Civil Code Art. 2993
- Title Company: Must be in authentic form
- Legal Description: Including the property's full legal description is strongly recommended
Recording in Louisiana
To use a real estate POA in Louisiana, the document must be recorded with the county recorder in the county where the property is located. This gives public notice of the agent's authority and is required before any real estate documents can be signed by the agent.
Prepare the Document
Ensure the POA is properly notarized and meets Louisiana recording format requirements
Visit the County Recorder
File the original notarized POA at the county recorder's office where the property is located
Pay Recording Fees
Fees vary by Louisiana county, typically $10-$50 depending on page count
Obtain Certified Copies
Get certified copies for the title company, lender, and your records
How to Create a Louisiana Real Estate POA
Identify Principal and Agent
Full legal names and addresses of the property owner and the person who will act on their behalf. Consider naming a successor agent in case the primary agent is unavailable.
Define the Real Estate Authority
Specify what the agent can do: buy, sell, refinance, lease, manage, or all of the above. Include the legal description of the Louisiana property if the POA is limited to specific property.
Execute, Notarize, and Witness
Sign before a Louisiana notary public. Obtain 2 required as required by Louisiana law. Ensure the document meets Louisiana county recording format standards.
Record with Louisiana County
File the original with the county recorder where the property is located. This must be done BEFORE the agent signs any documents. Get certified copies for the title company and lender.
Lender Acceptance in Louisiana
If the Louisiana real estate transaction involves a mortgage, the lender has additional requirements:
| Lender | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Fannie Mae | POA must authorize mortgages; agent cannot be loan officer; borrower signs initial app |
| FHA | POA must be recorded in Louisiana; must be property-specific; principal must be verified alive |
| VA | Accepted for active duty; must comply with Louisiana law; lender documents reason for POA use |
Louisiana Real Estate POA FAQ
Answers to common questions about Louisiana real estate powers of attorney, recording requirements, and title company acceptance.
Official Louisiana Resources
Use these official resources for your Louisiana real estate power of attorney.
Other Louisiana Power of Attorney Types
Need a different type of power of attorney for Louisiana?
Louisiana General POA
Broad authority for financial and legal matters
Louisiana Durable POA
Remains valid if you become incapacitated
Louisiana Medical POA
Healthcare decisions and HIPAA authorization
Louisiana Financial POA
Banking, investments, and financial management
Louisiana Limited POA
Specific transactions or time-limited authority
Louisiana Springing POA
Activates upon a specific event or condition
Louisiana Minor Child POA
Temporary guardianship for children
Louisiana Vehicle POA
DMV transactions and vehicle transfers
Create Your Louisiana Real Estate POA
Answer a few questions and download your Louisiana-compliant, county-recordable document in minutes.
No account required. Free to create and preview.