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.

2020 S Sabrina -- Mesa, AZ 85209

$599,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,161 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779287
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in The Villages at Eastridge, in Mesa, Arizona, w/ greenbelts, parks, & access to shopping/dining. Recently updated single-level residence offers 3 bedrooms & spacious bonus room w/ glass paneled barn door that can easily adapt to your lifestyle—currently set up as an office, it could also serve as a home gym, theater room, or be converted into a 4th bedroom. Discover modern updates throughout, including stylish flooring & 5'' baseboards. The kitchen is a standout w/ oversized butcher block island, quartz counters, under-cabinet lighting, beverage center/wine fridge & contemporary neutral hexagon tile backsplash. Generously sized primary suite, w/ sitting area, & separate door to the backyard covered patio. Large oversized lot ready for your backyard design! The property sits on a large oversized lot, providing a blank canvas for your dream backyard - imagine the possibilities! Whether you envision a sparkling pool, a relaxing spa, or even a mini golf course, this outdoor space is perfect for entertaining year-round. The RV gate and a spacious 3-car garage with ceiling storage racks and built in cabinets, provide plenty of room for parking and recreational toys. Don't miss the opportunity to make this home yours!

2180 S Winchester Road Apache Junction, AZ 85119

$599,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,962 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776558
Property Type Manufactured Home
Price Type --
One-of-a-kind 1.25-acre property with detached 70x26' 6+ car garage w/ 4 automatic garage doors. Plus, 31x40' covered 2 RV parking structure w/ 14' clearance & RV hookups, and additional 46x29' 4+ car covered parking area. Owned 14.22kW Solar system. The entire property is fenced by block and currently divided to have a large front and back yard, and the 1.25-acre lot leaves plenty of space for a horse set-up. Commercial-grade electronic gate separates the front and back detached garage, RV, and parking/utility areas. The home has 3 beds, 2 baths, and 1960 sqft. The interior features vaulted ceilings, new dual-pane windows, excellent mountain views, a remodeled Kitchen with high-end cabinetry, soft close pull-out drawers, large pantry cabinets, and a vast island.

18387 W Brookwood Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$599,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,770 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776393
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover your private sanctuary in this nearly new 5-bedroom, 3-bath, 2,770 sq. ft. luxury home. Lightly lived in—just 6 months over the past 3 years—this home promises both exclusivity and tranquility with stunning mountain views and a peaceful setting away from the city's hustle. Experience the epitome of modern elegance in the gourmet kitchen, featuring granite countertops, sleek stainless steel appliances, and a spacious walk-in pantry. Every detail speaks of refined comfort, from the expansive living spaces to the serene bedrooms designed for ultimate relaxation. Picture yourself unwinding with breathtaking sunsets in this immaculate retreat where sophistication meets nature's beauty. Welcome to a lifestyle of serene luxury—welcome home!

1315 E Gemini Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$599,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,924 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778194
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Charming updated block home with a pool, no HOA and RV gate. Bright and open remodeled kitchen with white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances including a fridge. Luxury vinyl flooring throughout including the bedrooms. Real fireplace in the living room. The roof was replaced 3 years. HVAC replaced in 2018. Primary suite bathroom remodel with walk in shower, white vanity and quartz countertops. Entertainers backyard. Covered patio, Pebble Tec diving pool, pavers and a pergola for shade. RV Gate. Located in a desirable Tempe neighborhood with no HOA, this home is within walking distance to all three schools and conveniently close to freeways, shopping, and dining. North/South exposure

1712 E Chelsea Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$599,000
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!

5423 W Range Mule Drive Phoenix, AZ 85083

$599,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,175 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781710
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Rarely do you find a true premium view lot with mountain views in Stetson Valley. This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features an open study/den/living room, with the master bedroom conveniently located on the main level. Enjoy a beautifully designed kitchen with 42'' cabinets, granite countertops, a large breakfast bar/island, and stainless steel appliances. Open floor plan, with custom stair railings, a built-in credenza on the upper landing, along with 12'' accent windows that fill the home with natural light. The curb appeal is fantastic, with lush mature landscaping, a sparkling pool, synthetic lawn, extended cool decking, multiple seating areas, with a true view fence overlooking the meticulously maintained greenbelt. Within walking distance of two trailheads for walking and biking.

6321 S Teresa Drive Chandler, AZ 85249

$599,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,813 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784569
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This lovely 4-bedroom home features 1 bedroom & full bath downstairs + loft upstairs, new roof w/warranty 2019, newer AC, remodeled pool & pump 2024, therapeutic jacuzzi w/bluetooth, water heater 2022, brand new smart appliances (never used 2024 w/ThinQ Tech), new carpet 2024, new interior & exterior paint, new turf, new bathroom fixtures, hardware & blinds T/O & epoxied garage w/radiant barrier. This home has it all! Discover an inviting living room w/tons of natural light. The spotless kitchen comes w/tile counters, white cabinetry & breakfast bar. Upstairs, you'll find a large loft w/closet, ideal for a workspace or playroom. The cozy primary bedroom offers an ensuite w/double sinks & a huge walk-in closet. Enjoy your backyard oasis w/new covered patio, pool & spa. Don't miss this gem!

27248 W Mohawk Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$599,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,612 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785443
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Popular Gala model on a premium oversized golf course lot overlooking tee boxes. Enjoy outdoor living on the covered patio that runs the full length of the house ($80k in upgrades). This home is move-in ready with NEW interior/exterior paint, tile floors in all but MBed closet, NEW Silestone quartz counters in kitchen/guest bath (2022), NEW kitchen sink and pop-up outlets/phone chargers for convenience (2022), newer HVAC w/ 10 year warranty, NEW gas oven (2024), NEW Washer (2024), Sola tubes, great room & patio wired for sound, tankless hot water system, water softener in garage & R/O at kitchen sink, security screen door, garage racks/sink/shelving, gas bib for BBQ, gas line to dryer, AND an owned Solar system for savings! Too many things to list here. Come see it in person.

3473 E Bruce Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$599,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,127 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786513
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful home in the sought-after Gilbert community of Higley Groves, it offers a perfect blend of comfort and location. Set along a scenic, tree-lined street, it enjoys the added benefit of being across from the local school, making it an ideal choice for families. This home boasts several recent upgrades, including fresh interior paint throughout, new flooring in all bedrooms, and a brand-new master bathroom shower for a modern, luxurious feel. The kitchen features all-new appliances, providing a sleek and functional cooking space. Additionally, the AC unit is only two years old, ensuring efficient cooling for years to come.

25409 N 40th Lane Unit 0 Phoenix, AZ 85083

$599,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,134 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786652
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
DROP DEAD GORGEOUS PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING ...A LARGE FAMILY...WORKING FROM HOME...CLOSE TO MANY AMENITIES

19766 W Heatherbrae Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$599,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,585 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6733049
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the charm of Verrado living in this stunning home, just a short walk from shopping and dining, and conveniently located 2 miles from the I-10 and 3 miles from the 303. This residence boasts one of the neighborhood's most popular floor plans, featuring 9+ foot ceilings for a spacious ambiance throughout. The primary bedroom is thoughtfully separated from the other three bedrooms, ensuring privacy. Two of the additional bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bathroom, accessed through a versatile ''teen room'' area, which could also serve as an ''in-law'' suite. The fourth bedroom is located down the hall, providing further flexibility. The expansive kitchen is perfect for entertaining, equipped with a gas stove, dual ovens, and a built-in microwave. You'll lov oversized island and ample cabinet space for all your culinary needs. The kitchen seamlessly connects to the great room, making it an ideal spot for gatherings with family and friends. Step outside through the double sliders to enjoy the backyard's lap pool, built in 2023 and pre-plumbed for gas heating. The home is also outfitted with numerous electrical outlets and pre-wired ceiling fans throughout. Additional insulation was added during construction to help keep cooling costs low during peak months. This property comes with an assumable VA loan with a balance of approximately $370,000 at an attractive 2.9% interest rate. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the best of Verrado living!

13827 N 41st Place Phoenix, AZ 85032

$599,000
6 Beds
3 Baths
2,235 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6759305
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Rare 6 bedroom home in sought after North Phoenix neighborhood. Close to Desert Ridge, High Street and new Paradise Valley Mall Development. Large covered patio and cozy gazebo for entertaining. Freshly painted exterior and low maintenance desert landscaping. All furniture included.