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.

16836 E Mirage Crossing Court Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$585,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,076 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6696664
Property Type Twin Home
Price Type --
: Exceptional Renovated 2-bedroom, 2- bathroom twin home in Fountain Hills, AZ, with its modern allure. The sunlit Arizona room seamlessly connects to a spacious covered patio, complete with a built-in-BBQ, perfect for entertaining, Your private outdoor oasis features a spool and putting green, adding an element of relaxation with meticulous attention to details, this residence offers an ideal winter retreat or Airbnb. Experience Fountain Hills and Arizona Sunsets!!

3149 W Golden Lane Chandler, AZ 85226

$585,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,231 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6740031
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers modern amenities and spacious living. The primary bedroom is conveniently located on the main floor, providing ease and privacy. The kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring a large island, stainless steel appliances, including a microwave, range, and dishwasher, and seamlessly opens up to a generous living space, perfect for entertaining. The fully finished basement expands the living area with a large bonus room, an additional kitchen with refrigerator, and three more bedrooms, making it ideal for guests, extended family, or potential rental income. Washer/dryer combo units for main level and basement. This home combines comfort, functionality, and style in every detail.

4499 E Jones Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$585,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,962 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6779168
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning model- like home on the Market in Cooley Station! The paver walkway leads you up to the Cobblestone front and travertine covered porch entry. What an inviting space to sip your morning coffee. Three spacious bedrooms and a den complete this floorplan. This home is loaded with upgrades everywhere. Owners suite is spacious and you will appreciate the jetted spa tub in the owners en-suite. The gourmet kitchen is spectacular offering a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, SS appliances, large custom island for dining and elegant hardware and lighting. Spacious family room for gatherings and custom built in shelving and storage. Speaking of storage- this home has a lot of it! Large pantry off the kitchen and dedicated storage and sink in the laundry room as well. You will enjoy the added design touches of plantation shutters all throughout the home and custom farmhouse valiances in the living area. Secondary bathroom has double sinks and separate door to the tub shower area. Custom batten board in the 2nd bedroom and designer paint work in the 3rd bedroom. Both of these bedrooms have large walk in closets as well. You will love the outdoor patio area with travertine and low maintenance turf with a beautiful water feature with custom lighting and gorgeous stone work surround. There is a dedicated space for a grill, shed or whatever you want near the back of the lot. Large two car garage with additional storage space near the back. Water softener, R/O system, epoxy in the garage and since this home is newer (2017) so is the roof and AC unit. Cooley Station is a unique place to live and offers 2 community pools, community events, tot lot areas, lots of green space, basketball courts, many walking/biking paths and the Legacy Traditional School within. High end restaurants and shopping are nearby at Verde and the new Fry's is just around the corner. Put this home on your list and check it out today!

31526 N 24th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85085

$585,777 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Sonoran Foothills Parcel 10 Replat, Phoenix
New
$585,777
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,204 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6789124
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Residing in the highly sought after & gated 24 North Community. This home boasts 8 ft doors, high ceilings, quartz countertops, pre-wired surround, fire pit, pavers front & back, double convection oven / microwave combo, LED lighted cabinets, RO water purification system, gas range, a spacious loft, dual walk-in primary bed closets, a large prestigious shower in the primary bath. The community pool/spa are just steps away with overflow parking available. This home is close to dining, shopping and entertainment and situated in a wonderful school district!

2124 E Nighthawk Way Phoenix, AZ 85048

$585,750
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,134 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754360
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Charming Ahwatukee Foothills home that offers the best of everything. The spacious 4-bedroom home was just updated with new carpet, paint, landscaping and some new lighting. The unique floorplan includes a downstairs bedroom, a large loft and a balcony off the oversized master overlooking the mountains and your resort style backyard with heated pool and spa. All of this in an ideal location only blocks away from the lower 202 for an easy commute to anywhere in the valley. Restaurants, shopping, high end golf courses and a resort casino are all minutes away. The quiet, safe, stable neighborhood has an elite school district and a shocking low HOA of $218 Annually!! This house checks all of the boxes you are looking for.

4098 S Lois Lane Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

$585,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,380 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787249
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning brand new build in the highly desired Sierra Reserve subdivision. This property has majestic views outside. Along with a perfectly positioned covered patio to enjoy them. Constructed with every detail carefully thought out. High end metal roof atop this 4 bedroom and 2 and a half bathroom home. Primary bedroom has its private bath with a stand alone soaking tub and separate shower along with a large walk in closet. Open concept living room to kitchen with vaulted ceilings makes the entry exceptionally grand. Finishes to this home are equally stunning to the counter tops and cabinets to the floors and fixtures. Who doesn't want a new home for Christmas? View this one today and be the first to call this home.

11590 N 170th Lane Surprise, AZ 85388

$585,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,467 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6633496
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6633496 Ready Now! The Appaloosa at Paradisi Venture is a single-story floor plan that boasts 2,467 sq. ft., 3 beds, 2.5 baths, a 2.5-car garage, and a study. A captivating paver courtyard, enclosed by the home, offers privacy for relaxation or entertaining. The foyer leads you to secondary bedrooms, study and into the living area. The open layout of the gathering room, kitchen, and dining area forms the heart of the home. The gourmet kitchen features upgraded 42'' maple cabinets with undermounted lighting, white quartz countertops, & gas cooktop with double oven. The owner suite features walk-in closet, double sinks and countless design upgra Structural options include: pavers at courtyard, garage service door, gourmet kitchen, and gas line for future outdoor kitchen.

5595 W Mercer Lane Glendale, AZ 85304

$585,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,348 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784014
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home! Nestled in a tranquil cul-de-sac with no HOA, this property has everything you need and more. Step inside and be greeted by an open-concept entertaining floor plan with vaulted ceilings and new LED can lighting that illuminates every corner with warmth and style. The fully remodeled kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring brand-new cabinetry, modern appliances, and a convenient pot filler that makes cooking a breeze. New laminate flooring flows seamlessly throughout the home, offering both beauty and durability. Cozy up by the fireplace in the spacious living room, or enjoy the peaceful view of the mature trees from the large windows with elegant plantation shutters. You'll find ample storage space throughout, perfect for keeping things organized and tidy. Outside, the good-sized yard is a blank canvas just waiting for your creative touch. Imagine the possibilitiesa garden, play area, or custom outdoor oasis. With a lemon tree ready to provide fresh fruit, you'll love the potential this space offers for entertaining and relaxation. This beautifully updated home is move-in ready and waiting for you to make it your own. Don't miss outon this home!

10902 E Silver Mine Road Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$585,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,838 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6724593
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
!! ASUMMABLE 4.5% Mortgage!!! Come take a look at this Immaculate home with breathtaking views of the Superstition Mountains on a cul-de-sac. This 2 bedroom home with den, and bonus room, with 2 bathrooms features tile flooring, large kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and breakfast bar, updated bathrooms as well as extended garage with built in cabinets. Whether it's morning coffee or an evening glass of wine. Your very own backyard oasis will not disappoint with heated pool and spa, putting green, BBQ, and AMAZING mountain views. All this in the gated community of Peralta Trail where you are close to amazing golf, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, off roading trails and much more. Come take a look. You'll be glad you did!!

14450 N Thompson Peak Parkway Unit 216 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$585,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,421 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6727148
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Stunning 26 foot ceilings in this modern and elegant townhouse. Conveniently located off the 101 and Raintree with access to great shopping and all that Scottsdale has to offer. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms with updated kitchen, appliances, and bathrooms. 1 car attached garage with extra storage. Spacious loft perfect for a home office. Beautiful community pool and heated spa. Very private and quiet.

6830 N 10th Place Phoenix, AZ 85014

$585,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,401 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746114
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located in central Phoenix, this beautiful 4bd/2bt split floor plan offers a great room, upgraded stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. The house features tile flooring throughout the home, lots of storage rooms, and a beautiful green/lush backyard with a large patio. This beautiful home is in Madison school district-2nd Best Elementary School District in Arizona - Ranking Arizona: Top 10 elementary school districts for 2024.

3055 N Red Mountain Unit 77 Mesa, AZ 85207

$585,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,571 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781421
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home to this gorgeous single-story, 3BR/2BA split-level home situated on a north/south facing corner lot in the highly coveted community of Las Sendas! Enter to a light, bright and spacious home through a wide hallway leading to the extensive great room with vaulted ceilings, built-in book shelves, upgraded tile flooring and plenty of space to host family and friends. The beautiful kitchen opens to the great room and showcases a breakfast bar, gas range with dual ovens, plenty of cabinets plus an eat-in kitchen with bay window. Retreat in the evening to your expansive and stunning owner's suite w/private access to backyard and an exceptional owners bath complete with exquisitely upgraded vanity w/dual sinks, lighting and mirror; separate soaking tub & shower and a huge walk-in closet. The additional 2 bedrooms and guest bath are split from the owners suite, for maximum privacy. Plus one of the bedrooms has private access to the guest bath which exhibits a beautifully upgraded vanity, lighting and mirror. See Documents section for a complete list of home upgrades & features! Relax at days end in your private backyard oasis complete with a sparkling pool, large turf area, beautiful stamped concrete patio, large stepping stones and low maintenance landscaping throughout. BRAND NEW ROOF (Sept 2024) w/double underlayment and transferable 10-year warranty completes this amazing home! Home is walking distance to two of Las Sendas' largest parks featuring numerous amenities to suit every lifestyle. Minutes away from Saguaro Lake, Salt River, Tonto National Forest, Usury Park and Loop 202. Las Sendas offers activities for every age group, including hiking/biking trails, 2 heated pools and spas, fitness center, lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, parks w/playgrounds, splashpad, bocce ball, pickleball courts, an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and dining at the Las Sendas Patio & Grill which features breathtaking views of city lights and sunsets.