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

Refinancing to Pay for Renovations? Consider the VA's Energy Efficient Mortgage ProgramMaking 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.

1402 E Briarwood Terrace Phoenix, AZ 85048

$589,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,061 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6726149
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled in the Augusta gated community, this recently renovated, charming home features newer kitchen with quartz counters and shaker cabinets, master bathroom, tile flooring in the common areas, new interior paint as well as vaulted ceilings creating an open and airy feeling. And not only does it look inviting but renovations also include recent roof underlayment and one AC unit replacement. For those with an electric car, the newly epoxied, three car garage is wired for a car charger. With neighbors on only one side, the private backyard and pool provide an ideal spot for relaxing and entertaining. All this and easy access to the Foothills Golf course and South Mountain hiking trails make this a must see for those looking for a cozy, convenient, and move-in ready home.

513 E Angela Drive Phoenix, AZ 85022

$589,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,308 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6747667
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Pride of ownership is shown in this beautiful 3-bed, 2-bath home with custom-like charm! Great curb appeal highlighted by a 2-car garage & a mature landscape w/lush lawns. Fabulous interior showcases tons of natural light, a neutral palette, recessed lighting, & shiny tile floors w/wood-look in bedrooms. You'll love the spacious living room & the open-concept family room! The gourmet kitchen boasts SS appliances, granite counters & backsplash, oversized island, and a plethora of cabinetry. Cozy dining area w/bay window Double-door main bedroom has a walk-in closet and French doors that open to the ensuite w/dual sinks, jetted tub, & a tiled shower. Enjoy the entertainer's backyard offering a grassy area, covered patio w/extended pergola, & a fenced pool for year-round enjoyment! Just WOW!

32508 N 133rd Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$589,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,249 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6749403
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**WINNER of the Peoria/Vistancia BEST Home on TOUR!!!*** Experience the allure of this beautiful home in Vistancia Village! Offering 4 beds + den, 3 baths, desert landscape, and a 2-car garage w/paver driveway. Home exudes refined style with layered crown molding, neutral paint, tons of natural light, & wood-look tile floors w/carpet in bedrooms. Enjoy the seamless design of an open layout paired with surround sound, making entertaining a bliss! The gourmet kitchen boasts SS appliances, a walk-in pantry, quartz counters, white shaker cabinetry, mosaic tile backsplash, and an island w/breakfast bar. The den provides versatility! Main bedroom has a barn door that opens to the ensuite with dual sinks & a walk-in closet. Outback, you have artificial turf and a travertine-covered patio w/ceiling fan! You'll surely love the mountain views! Just WOW!!

1178 E Sabino Drive Chandler, AZ 85286

$589,000 - 3Br/4Ba -  for Sale in Horizon, Chandler
Open House
$589,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,239 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6687681
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Just steps from the beautiful community pool and Tumbleweed Park and Rec Center. Bright, airy and open is the best description for this home. An island , breakfast bar and large pantry highlight the entertainer's kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances. A sizable walk in closet, large private bath and dual sinks show off the primary bedroom. Located very close to shopping, schools and the freeway access. Lease expired and tenants left.

3677 E Park Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$588,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,450 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6757367
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning home in the highly desirable Gilbert neighborhood of Higley Groves! Nestled on a lush tree-lined street across from the local school, this home offers both charm and convenience. Inside, you'll find a beautifully upgraded kitchen with quartz countertops, new stainless steel appliances, a stylish farm sink, abalone backsplash, and refinished cabinets with new hardware. The master suite features double sinks and a walk-in shower, while upgraded tile flooring throughout, 5-inch baseboards, and fresh paint enhance the modern feel throughout the home. New ceiling fans with remotes are hung in every room. Garage floors have beautiful epoxy finish. Wood shelving in garage will convey, however, wood workstation will not convey. Step outside to your backyard oasis with new pavers, a sparkling pool, and a heated Jacuzzi perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Both the pool pump and spa heater were replaced within the last year for worry-free enjoyment. The front courtyard, also with new pavers, offers an inviting space to unwind. Additional newly poured concrete slab in the driveway offers extended parking to the future homeowner. Blackout sunscreens on the windows provide relief from the beautiful Arizona sun when enjoying the calm interior of your new home. This low-maintenance home is ready for you to move in and enjoy! TVs and TV mounts do not convey.

16532 W Rowel Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$588,900 - 5Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Desert Oasis Of Surprise Parcel B4, Surprise
Open House
$588,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,201 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776532
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home to this beautifully crafted retreat! The modern farmhouse theme brings warmth and style, creating an inviting space with its wood tile floors, wainscoting walls, and barnwood accents. The spacious layout—with five large bedrooms, including a convenient downstairs bedroom and full bath—offers ample room for family and guests alike. The kitchen, with its granite countertops, white cabinetry, and double ovens, looks out over the oversized great room, making it ideal for socializing while preparing meals. The cozy gas fireplace in the great room adds charm, and the adjacent large den or office with barn doors is perfect for work or relaxation. Upstairs, the loft area and designer closets in each bedroom maximize comfort and organization. The master suite's luxurious bath, featuring a walk-in shower, large tub, and dual vanities, is designed as a serene getaway. The backyard desert oasis is a real showstopper, complete with a full outdoor kitchen, built-in grill and smoker, and ample seating around a firepit. The covered patio, synthetic grass, water feature, and enhanced lighting make this space a perfect retreat for entertaining or unwinding year-round. This home seems thoughtfully designed to blend style, functionality, and relaxation in one gorgeous setting!

9236 E Sector Drive Mesa, AZ 85212

$588,814
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,410 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778595
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MOVE IN READY HOME! This WILSON plan features a Deluxe Gourmet Kitchen with a 36'' gas cooktop and a wall mounted gas range. This home features white cabinets with polished nickel pulls throughout, zinc quartz countertop and Santorini 4x12 backsplash with Oregon Rovere 8x36 wood-tile flooring throughout downstairs. One of the most popular floorplans for a reason, the Wilson is the perfect home for hosting visiting guests in the downstairs bedroom with full bath, have a designated office downstairs and a second living room in the upstairs loft where the rest of the family can hang out!

1114 N Velma Court Gilbert, AZ 85233

$588,500 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Kaufman And Broad At Cooper Ranch, Gilbert
Open House
$588,500
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,942 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769960
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this exceptional ADA-accessible 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Cooper Ranch, Gilbert, perfectly designed for comfortable living and entertaining. Enjoy the inviting atmosphere with fresh interior and exterior paint, solid wood doors, and brand new tile flooring throughout. The spacious, brand new extended porch is ideal for relaxing by the pool, while two charming barn doors add a unique touch to the open layout. The home boasts a well-maintained AC system (only 4 years old) and a brand new roof and fascia boards (2021). Outdoor spaces feature stunning travertine pavers, pet-friendly artificial turf, and a professional putting and chipping area designed by Celebrity Greens. With recent upgrades including a new power panel box (2022), water heater for the hot tub (2021)... and a modern kitchen remodel (2020) with new appliances (2022), this home blends style and functionality. Amazing solar powered pool lift for easy access to enjoy the sparkling pool. A 220 outlet in the garage is perfect for EV charging, while an accent wall installed in 2021 adds a stylish flair. This beautifully updated home is ready for you to make lasting memories!

1017 E Wesleyan Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$588,500 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Tempe Royal Palms Unit 1, Tempe
Open House
$588,500
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,052 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766399
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Great Tempe Location! Spacious 4BR 2BA + Separate Studio/Guest Quarters/Casita in Rear - Suggs Block Built - Updated Kitchen & Baths - Quartz Countertops - Plenty of Parking Available - Spacious Laundry Room - Close to ASU, Freeways, and More! - No HOA! - Many Options This House Has!

932 W Macaw Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$588,005
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,303 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782320
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Ready End of December! Located Near all the amenities and park area.4 Bedrooms 3.5 baths, plus Study, beautiful White cabinets with Quartz Counter tops, Gas range, wood look tile, Herringbone tile backsplash and two-tone paint throughout!! View fenced backyard with covered patio to enjoy. Just steps away from all the amazing Amenities North Creek has to offer.

4129 E Nighthawk Way Phoenix, AZ 85048

$588,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,782 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782855
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Great bones on this home that is priced to sell. Owner bought this in 2010 and is ready to sell quick! Huge primary bedroom on MAIN FLOOR, 3 car garage, pebble-tec pool w/ pop up heads and heated spa! Don't forget the 3 car garage! Great area with NO HOA makes this a real find. Former rental that can be cleaned up w/ paint/carpet, etc (everything works just fine in the home) or fully remodeled and flipped.

375 E Citrus Hollow Way Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$587,979
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,678 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6629644
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!