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.

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

12800 N 172nd Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$594,325

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,159 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756193

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN!!!!! SELLER IS OFFERING INTEREST RATE AND CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE! This beautiful new home is a must see. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, loft and a 3-car tandem garage. 1st floor Owner's Suite! Beautiful, tiled floors on 1st floor including the Great Room, upgraded carpet upstairs and in bedrooms, The home has a large open kitchen and great room. Beautiful gray Cabinets, Quartz countertops, Stainless steel appliances and a large kitchen island. Secondary bedrooms are good size, and some have walk in closets, they are all surrounded by a spacious loft. The home is on a large lot that gives you many entertaining opportunities and has no backyard neighbors. THIS HOME IS COMPLETED!

View Property

18710 E Rio Lane Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$594,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,954 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6743115

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Being sold *COMPLETELY FURNISHED*, large townhouse in Rio Verde with golf and mountain views. Located on the 3rd green of the Quail Run golf course . With 1954 Sq Ft, two Primary En-Suites, large great room and dining areas. This home has been remodeled with tile floors, carpet in the bedrooms. Kitchen recently remodeled, featuring new cabinets and stainless steel appliances, both bathrooms have been remodeled as well. Large walk-in pantry. Split floorplan with security roller shields on each window, pavers on the back patio. Two new AC units in 2023. Across the street is a small community pool! The Country Club is within walking distance with fine and casual dining. the Community Center, Tennis, Pickle Ball and Boccee Ball Courts as well as the large community pool and heated spa.

View Property

8814 E Sunnyside Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$594,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,385 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739588

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Quiet neighborhood in a fantastic North Scottsdale location with easy access to Loop 101. This 3 bedroom home offers a 2 car garage with a Brand New epoxy floor, a newer tankless water heater (2023), and spacious living. Welcoming courtyard & private backyard. The sizeable living room has newer ceiling fans and plantation shutters. Breakfast area in the kitchen, large primary bedroom with walk-in closet & open vanity area, ceiling fans in every room, and all appliances are included. Very well maintained community with heated pool, spa, & tennis/pickleball. HOA maintains the front yard too!

View Property

253 E Sherri Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296

$594,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,141 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762235

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Great home in a fantastic location! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 3 car garage. Boasts a formal living room with dramatic ceilings, in addition to a family room. The kitchen features Shaker cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a pantry and a breakfast bar. The master suite is spacious and includes separate tub and shower, dual vanities and a walk-in closet. The backyard space has a new, (3 yr old) beautiful, heated pool and spa, with new app control technology. Backyard also has gas stub ready for your firepit, bbq, etc. Only 5 minutes to downtown Gilbert and walking distance to Gilbert town square. A must see!

View Property

3230 E Woodside Way Gilbert, AZ 85297

$594,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,166 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756120

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

CORNER LOT in beautiful Santan Ranch. This community is full of beautiful parks and walking trails and located just 10 min from Mesa Gateway Airport and only 1.5 miles north of Gilbert Regional Park! This home offers stunning high vaulted ceilings that allow in our beautiful Arizona light! But is also equipt with new sun shades for the windows to keep it cool. Enjoy your open plan, modern living space with new floors and appliances as of 2023. You'll be able to enjoy 3 spacious bedrooms upstairs and a bedroom and full bath on the main floor as well. Your stunning back yard will feel nice and open on the corner lot. This yard has all new landscaping and a new pool pump as of late 2023. Come check this beauty out today! We can't wait to have you!

View Property

1712 E Chelsea Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$594,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,166 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781270

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to a highly upgraded, detached 3 story townhouse-style home located at a beautiful, gated community Lakes at Annecy in Gilbert! This Maracay Home was built with Modern custom statement walls on each level and upgraded fixtures throughout the entire home along with an attached 2 car garage. Enter the lower level where you will find a large living space you can set up as a guest meeting area, home office or even a gym. Follow the custom oak open rail staircase up to your bright, open concept living space with an amazing gourmet kitchen. All bedrooms are on the third level, you will always have a quiet and calm environment when you rest. It is the seller's secondary home and has barely been used for less than 6 months. The entire house has top-tier builder upgrades over $65k, real hardwood flooring, Arabescato Como Quartz countertop, GE Gourmet Appliance etc., everything is like new. Perfect location, walking distance to shopping and school, less than 5 mins get on highway, top school district. If you are looking for a luxury, modern and easy-care home, this is a must see!

View Property

287 E Citrus Hollow Way Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$593,818

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,678 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6597679

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This brand new Valletta model is move-in ready! It features a spacious layout with plenty of natural light. The kitchen is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. It has a gourmet kitchen, gas cooktop and will be the perfect place to entertain your guests. Both bathrooms are highly upgraded with tile surround and upgraded fixtures. The resort collection at Encanterra offers you the perfect balance if you are a seasonal owner or full time. Book your tour today and start living the good life at Encanterra now!

View Property

1732 E Dobbins Road Phoenix, AZ 85042

$593,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,866 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786266

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Two Homes, One Incredible Opportunity! This unique property offers two private living houses on the same lot, surrounded by stunning South Mountain views! Featuring a private pool, a separate large multi-use room, a spacious fenced backyard and new AC units! The main house boasts 1,866 SF of beautifully upgraded living space, including 3 bedrooms, 2 remodeled bathrooms, and a renovated kitchen with modern finishes. Tile flooring adds style and durability throughout the home and enjoy large picturesque windows overlooking the glistening pool which has a new pump. The primary suite includes an ensuite bathroom and a sliding glass door to the backyard. The 512 SF guest house has a spacious bedroom, a full kitchen and bathroom, washer/dryer hookup, and tile flooring throughout. It also features its own private backyard for added convenience and privacy. Oversized, low-maintenance yard, 2 car garage and plenty of parking. NO HOA! Savor breathtaking mountain views just steps from your door, complemented by dazzling cityscapes and sparkling lights that come alive at night. Bus stop and local shopping just minutes away, enjoy easy access to hiking and mountain bike trails nearby. This property provides the perfect opportunity to subsidize your mortgage, provide multigenerational housing or host extended family and friends with ease. Don't miss out on this rare gem!

View Property

5727 N 16th Street Phoenix, AZ 85016

$593,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,696 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760351

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located in vibrant Uptown, this updated mid-century gem features a 3-bed, 2-bath main house and a newly remodeled 1-bed, 1-bath guest house, offering flexibility for rental income, a home office, or visiting guests. The main house boasts spacious bedrooms, a modernized kitchen and bathrooms, new vinyl flooring, a newer AC system, and a charming patio that opens to a fully fenced backyard for privacy. The 400 sq ft guest house is equipped with a kitchenette, living room, bedroom, and bathroom, and it has its own entrance and parking. This versatile space offers numerous possibilities, including short or long-term rental potential (currently generating $950/month), a quiet, spacious home office, a professional space to meet clients with dedicated parking, comfortable living quarters for extended family, an art studio or workshop, a private master suite, or ideal guest accommodations for seasonal visitors. Both front and back yards are designed for low maintenance, ensuring easy outdoor enjoyment. Just minutes from shopping, dining, and recreation, this home offers a 5-minute drive to the Phoenix Mountain Preserve for hiking, a 5-minute bike ride to the Arizona Canal, and only 10 minutes to downtown Phoenix. An excellent opportunity for first-time buyers, investors, or those eager to embrace the Uptown lifestyle!

View Property

9935 S Centennial Road Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$592,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,432 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750764

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. The Avelino floor plan offers a refined single-story design with four bedrooms, including an AllGen suite, and a spacious flex area ideal for an office, TV room, or study. Featuring front yard landscaping, this home will be ready for occupancy in October or November. Conveniently situated near community parks, grocery stores, and dining options.

View Property

4311 Sawbuck Way Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$592,561

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,538 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770321

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the Thrive floor plan featuring 1,507 sq ft, 2 beds & 2 baths, located in the desirable Homestead neighborhood. This Shea Designer Home includes a built-in induction cooktop, quartz countertops in the kitchen & baths, custom mosaic tile, & soft-close drawers with generous cabinet pullouts & recycling. Enjoy a heavy glass enclosure in the primary shower, satin nickel hardware, a 15ft sliding glass wall in the living room, extended patio, $20k in upgraded tile flooring, a 4-ft extended garage, & custom landscaping front & back. Additional features include under-cabinet lighting, audio/video wall sleeve, & Blanco under-mount sink at the kitchen island. Discover current incentives at Shea sales office.

View Property

22431 E Oriole Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$592,327

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,726 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784920

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRIGHT GREAT ROOM HOME THAT IS READY TO MOVE IN! FULLY LANDSCAPED FRONT AND BACK, WITH ARTIFICIAL TURF AND PERGOLA IN THE BACKYARD. 3 BEDROOM , 2 BATH, 3 CAR GARAGE. BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT FINISHES, PLANK TILE FLOORING EVERYWHERE EXCEPT BEDROOMS, GRANITE TOPS, TILE BACKSPLASH, SPA SHOWER IN MAIN BATH, INCLUDES WINDOW COVERINGS , CEILING FANS,, GAS TANKLESS WATER HEATER ENERGY STAR RATED,, ETC.! . ALL THIS IN THE NEW PREMIER MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY, LOCATED IN QUEEN CREEK. FEATURING A 22 ACRE LAKE, THAT IS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE COMMUNITY. KAYAKING, CANOEING, AQUATIC CENTER WITH LAP AND SPORT POOL, SPLASH PAD, BOCCE BALL, PICKLE BALL. BOARDWALKS AND RAMADAS AROUND THE LAKE AND MUCH MORE...KATHERINE MECHAM BARNEY SCHOOL IN THE COMMUNITY.

View Property