Refinancing to Pay for Renovations? Consider the VA’s Energy Efficient Mortgage Program

Making renovations that are energy efficient is not just a great way to reduce energy output, but it’s also an effective way of decreasing monthly utility costs. It serves as a one-time investment that will save money in the long run.

However, renovations are costly and not everybody has the extra finances required to make energy efficient changes. This is where the VA’s energy efficient mortgage (or EEM) program comes into play.

The program is designed to allow veterans to apply for a new mortgage or refinance an existing one with extra funds to renovate the home to be up to energy efficient standards.

The Three Tiers Under The VA’s Energy Efficient Mortgage Program

The VA has three tiers for the cost of renovations to be done under the EEM program. The lowest, and easiest to be accepted for, is for improvements that will total under $3,000. A list of costs or a contractor’s quote may be required in the application process.

The second tier is for renovations that will cost between $3,001 and $6,000. This will require the homeowner or homebuyer to get a Home Energy Rating System report to detail how efficient a home is currently and what can be done to decrease its HERS rating.

The final tier is for any improvements to the home that will cost over $6,000. This is the most difficult tier to receive acceptance for as both the Department of Veterans Affairs and the private lender will need to approve the renovations.

Types Of Improvements Under The EEM Program

The program covers a variety of renovations for the home. These include: new insulation to walls, floors and ceilings, solar powered heating and cooling systems, thermal doors, thermal windows and new caulking and weather stripping.

There are also items that will not be covered by the program, including new roofing, vinyl siding and air conditioning units.

Using The EEM Program To Receive A Larger Loan

Any veteran or currently active military member looking to buy a brand new home can still benefit greatly from the energy efficient mortgage program. If a new home undergoes a HERS report and passes as being energy efficient, this can be applied to a VA mortgage to receive as much as $6,000 extra on the loan.

Speak with your local mortgage professional to go into more detail on the intricacies of refinancing under the EEM program and whether or not your home will qualify.  If you need mortgage professional, give me a call – 602-320-4253.

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2101 E Oak Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

$465,000

3 Beds

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1,188 SqFt

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MLS # 6679967

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Exquisitely remodeled from top to bottom. This modern home boasts 3BR, 2BA, and an array of upgrades. This home features a new kitchen with plenty of cabinet space, Quartz Countertops. Nicely done Bathrooms, some new plumbing and electrical, New Roof, New Windows, New AC, Fresh Paint inside and out, and more. Entertain effortlessly in the backyard oasis featuring a sparkling pool and RV gate for added convenience. Desirable location, close to everything. Immediate access to freeways, minutes from Sky Harbor Airport and Downtown Phoenix. No HOA. Don't miss this opportunity!

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1502 E Garfield Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

$465,000

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1,032 SqFt

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MLS # 6685102

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Beautifully updated 3 bed-2 bath home on spacious lot in Historic Garfield. Walk to vibrant downtown Phoenix restaurants, art, festivals, and more! Natural light floods all rooms creating bright + airy ambience. Home has an open floor plan with high ceilings, split bedrooms, indoor laundry, + all new luxury vinyl plank flooring. Kitchen has freshly painted cabinets, quartz counters, + ss appliances. You can live in an adorable historic home w/ all the modern conveniences. Low maintenance desert landscaping in front. Large backyard provides option for casita or office space for those who WFH. 2016 - roof replaced, HVAC replaced, new Pella windows, updated bathrooms & kitchen. 2024 - all flooring + baseboards replaced, all fresh interior paint, and more. This home is an absolute gem!

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1925 W Joan De Arc Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85029

$465,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,898 SqFt

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MLS # 6675275

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Sit under the covered patio and enjoy mountain views from your backyard in this energy-efficient home conveniently located to elem school, parks, golf, gorgeous Moon Valley hiking. Fresh paint, new carpet, dbl-pane windows/sliding door. 16-seer HVAC system, incld ductwork inspected and cleaned for your convenience. 4 bdrms pls room off kitchen for office or pantry, gas range with dual ovens, newer dishwasher, Corian countertops, integrated sink. Outside has Tex-Coat cool wall heat reflective coating and a 50yr rated, heat-reflective roof (2011). Other systems replaced: bathroom underground flex pipe, laundry room/kitchen sewer line, thick blown-in insulation in attic, which has extra storage build-outs. Oversized yard with RV gate to store the big toys. Beautiful 50yr-shingle roof.

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129 S 82nd Way Mesa, AZ 85208

$465,000

4 Beds

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1,994 SqFt

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MLS # 6678829

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Welcome to this beautiful 2017 home featuring a wonderful floorplan with a split master bedroom and large kitchen with plenty of cabinets and walk in pantry. Exterior of home was recently triple coat painted and has a large RV gate, 30 amp RV plug, and 20x20 storage shed in backyard. House has water filtration system and softener and is solar financed with a $39,000 balance. You will love the vaulted ceilings in the family room and plenty of windows for lots of natural light coming in. Water heater is only 2 years old and the attic and walls are double insulated. Much pride of ownership in this fantastic home just waiting to become YOUR home next with no HOA.

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