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.

7637 E Chaparral Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$597,500
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,700 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777379
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Charming Mid-Century Modern Home with Expansive Upgrades. Welcome to your perfect blend of modern comfort and classic mid-century charm! This beautifully updated one-story home is located in a highly desirable Scottsdale 55+ neighborhood, offers a sophisticated lifestyle wrapped in understated elegance. Stylish Interiors Step inside to find an open-concept great room filled with natural light, featuring neutral tones and contemporary finishes that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The spacious family room flows seamlessly into the dining area and kitchen, perfect for entertaining. Large sliding glass doors lead to the lush backyard, enhancing the indoor-outdoor Arizona lifestyle. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, equipped with gleaming granite countertops, custom wood cabinets Relaxing Bedrooms and Luxurious Baths The home boasts two generously-sized bedrooms, each with updated flooring and custom window treatments. The primary suite offers an expansive retreat with access to the backyard, and it includes a sleek, spa-inspired ensuite bath. The bathrooms have been upgraded with high-end fixtures, frameless glass showers, and stylish vanities, providing an elevated sense of comfort. Outdoor Living at Its Best The spacious backyard is a private oasis, featuring lush artificial turf and mature trees that provide plenty of shade and privacy. Enjoy the extended covered patio, perfect for hosting gatherings or simply unwinding with a good book. A modern epoxy-coated two-car carport offers ample parking, and the front of the house features tasteful xeriscaping, providing a low-maintenance, yet attractive curb appeal. Upgrades Galore This home includes numerous recent upgrades, including modern ceiling fans, updated lighting throughout, a spacious laundry and storage room, and quality flooring in every room. Every inch of this home has been thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and style. Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of Scottsdale paradisea property that perfectly embodies the spirit of modern Arizona living, offering a comfortable and stylish retreat while being close to all the amenities and entertainment the city has to offer. Location, Location, Location Beyond the property's attractive features, its location is second to none. Nestled just minutes away from Old Town Scottsdale, residents can enjoy a diverse array of world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Scottsdale Fashion Square, with its upscale shops, is just around the corner, while a variety of local restaurants, cafés, and nightlife venues provide endless opportunities for leisure and enjoyment. Chaparral Plaza and The Shops at Hilton Village offer additional shopping and dining conveniences nearby. Whether you're in the mood for an afternoon of boutique shopping or an elegant evening out, everything is right at your doorstep.

10245 E Trent Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$597,500
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,979 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782763
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Corner Lot! Adult Community Living at its finest! Property boasts custom cabinets, three skylights, insulated garage door, with custom cabinets in garage! Open floor plan, with large kitchen island for entertaining. Soft water system! Landscaping includes automatic drip system. Back patio includes electric shades with remote. Community includes pickleball courts, pool, tennis courts, game rooms and restaurant. Select furniture available for sale with the property.

25325 N Naples Street Paulden, AZ 86334

$597,500
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,980 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6700936
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Two parcels are seamlessly merged together to equal a total of 9.795 acres. Nestled on sprawling acreage, this picturesque single family home offers an idyllic retreat enveloped by panoramic mountain vistas. Offering 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this charming residence exudes warmth and character. The inviting living room features a cathedral ceiling adorned with rustic beams, accentuating the space and charm. A wood-burning fireplace with exquisite Mexican brick infuses the room with cozy ambiance for chilly evenings. The ornate front door welcomes guests, while new storm doors on both the front and back entrances providing weather resistance. Recent upgrades include a new air conditioning and heating unit, new windows, and fresh exterior paint, ensuring modern comfort and aesthetic appeal. The home and its accompanying three-car garage, complete with storage and workbenches, boasts new roofs, offering peace of mind and longevity. A newly installed gravel driveway with gated entrance leads to the residence, which sits back a quarter-mile, offering unparalleled privacy and tranquility. The landscaped grounds boasts a variety of trees, including elm, mondell pine, Arizona cypress, juniper, purple robe locus, Arizona ash, locus and chase. Fruit trees, include apple, plum, mulberry, and Arizona walnut, creating a serene oasis. The driveway is flanked by majestic pine trees, while automatic irrigation ensures lush greenery thrives. Additional amenities include a shed, well house, chicken coop, and greenhouse with two garden beds with carrots, sweet potatoes, celery and basil. A fenced and cross fenced perimeter, complete with chain link and wire fencing, ensures security and functionality, while an interior yard with wire fencing and gates offers versatility. Great for children and the family pets. Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the covered back patio, perfect for al fresco dining, and rustic red barn with four stalls, corrals and turnouts. A horseman's paradise with room to expand. A 10x16 concrete and block patio with redwood railing off the dining area provides a serene spot to admire the breathtaking sunsets to the west. With one RV hook-up equipped with 30 amp, power, water, and sewer access, the additional RV hook-up has 30 amp, power and is near water. This property offers endless possibilities. Update this home to your own personal style. Enjoy the relaxation and recreation of this beautiful property! Parcel numbers: 304-01-032A and 304-01-032B, both parcels combined are being sold at the list price.

321 W Palo Verde Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

$597,500
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,090 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759949
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**Distinctive character and unique SW design on preferred N/S lot ideally situated close to downtown Gilbert!!**Beautifully updated 4 bedrooms with private bath off guest room + additional bonus/media room.**Practical stained concrete flooring throughout, freshly painted with newer light fixtures and ceiling fans and gas fireplace.**Well-planned kitchen with Brazilian Quartzite countertops, custom cabinetry, huge island/breakfast bar & double French patio doors.**Additional amenities include RV gate w/concrete pad, sliding barn door in master suite, stackable washer & dryer, reverse osmosis, soft water and refrigerator!!**Private backyard with no rear neighbors, extended covered patio, shed and lush, mature landscaping.**

23866 N 72nd Place Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$597,500
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,346 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6740738
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New Price! The best deal in North Scottsdale. Beautiful property located in the gated community of Los Portones. Updates include wood plank tile flooring, newer carpet in bedrooms, and newer paint inside and out. New roof in 2022 and comes with a warranty. Open floorplan. Large backyard with plenty of room for a pool. Located near world class golf, hiking, dining, shopping, and so much more. This property is a must see!

23142 E Thornton Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$597,500
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,960 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763042
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Why wait for a new build? This property offers a delightful curb appeal with a desert landscape. The interior boasts an open floor plan bathed in natural light with areas that flow together seamlessly, promoting a greater traffic flow. Tall Ceilings, recessed lighting, wood-plank tile flooring, and stylish light fixtures are attributes worth mentioning. The multi-sliding glass doors connect the indoors with the outdoors for easy entertaining. The kitchen showcases wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a gas cooktop, and an oversized island. The primary bedroom hosts a full ensuite with a large dual vanity, soaking tub, step-in shower, and a walk-in closet. The tandem garage features an epoxy floor and a paver driveway. The no-fuss backyard has a covered patio, pavers, and artificial turf, allowing you to relax in solitude while sipping your favorite beverage or hosting fun gatherings on the weekends. The choice is yours! This fantastic community offers parks & playgrounds, a splash pad, basketball & pickleball courts, a pool, and much more! Truly a resort-like living! Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Act now!

6202 E Mckellips Road Unit 299 Mesa, AZ 85215

$597,300
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,818 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6747158
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Golf Course Lot! Beautiful Tuscany Villas at Painted Mountain single family with no shared walls.18 in ceramic tile,neutral carpet,10 ft ceilings,great room floor plan,stainless steel appliances,maple cabinets,granite counters,kitchen island,recessed lights.Primary bed with bay window,separate tub & shower,cultured marble, w/in closet.Dining room bay window,breakfast nook.Exterior stone accents, stuccoed eaves, exterior fireplace, covered extended patio with pavers. Built in BBQ. Upgraded ceiling fans, inside laundry, HOA covers: roof, exterior, front landscaping, internet, cable and blanket insurance policy. Clubhouse, heated pool, 2 spas, pickle ball, fitness area and media room. Light & bright, close to everything, including 202 Loop and Superstition Springs Mall, this home has it all!

2625 S Bonarden Lane Tempe, AZ 85282

$597,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,669 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6703367
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Amazing opportunity to own this nicely updated 4 bedroom, 2 bath home on a corner lot with RV Gate. Step inside and you will find easy care wood like laminate flooring through out and designer baseboards. Clean and bright galley style kitchen with plenty of cabinet space, stainless appliances and bar style breakfast counter overlooking the cozy brick fireplace and family room. Large covered patio overlooks generously sized block fenced back yard with low maintenance desert landscaping. Prime location close to the Orbit Bus with easy access to ASU campus, dining, sporting events and night life! Fantastic central location!

8548 E Inca Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$597,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,753 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6781863
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Pride of ownership speaks volumes in this immaculately kept home on corner lot. Owner's attention and continuous care to Critical Cost Items such as HVAC (2018), Pool and Landscape will put new Buyer mind at ease. New Pebbletec pool surface, New Variable-speed pump, New control panel and filter system syncs w/New Hayward Omni-Logic Remote App. Enjoy days and evenings under your Covered Patio with Remote shades (3 sides), Built-in Grill, Firpit. Kitchen updated (2018) with All New Appliances, New leather-look granite on island/breakfast bar, Cabinet up-lights/under-cabinet lights on dimmer, lower cabinet pull-outs, soft-close doors/drawers. Hunter Douglas remote shades adjust to desired light. Queen-Murphy Bed in 2nd Guest BR (Conveys w/home). There's more! See full list-Doc-tab! There's an attraction to Mountain Bridge that brings community experiences to life where you will find resort style living at its finest. Community amenities (included in HOA): Pool, Tennis, Pickleball, Basketball, Fitness Center, Playground, Clubhouse, Walking and Biking Trails and more. Fantastic location surrounded by Great Schools, Restaurants and Shopping. Minutes to Usury Mountain Park, just 5 mins to Freeway, 15 minutes to Saguaro Lake, 20 Minutes to Sky Harbor Airport and Scottsdale.

41988 W Rosewood Lane Maricopa, AZ 85138

$597,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,325 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6773609
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Exquisite Waterfront home in the Award-Winning Active Community of Province. Over $95,000 in upgrades to this beauty! Tuscan-style gated courtyard; beautiful security screen door; fenced to the water; remote-operated sun screens to fully enclose a portion of the patio. Gorgeous custom landscaping with travertine patio, seating area by the water; solar lighting; upgraded PVC yard irrigation. This highly sought-after Redding model features a whole-home Wi-Fi mesh network; whole-home water filtration system; shutters thruout; beautiful engineered wood floors. Chef's kitchen is light and bright with an island; quartz countertops; pull-out drawers; under cabinet lighting; S/S appliances; gas cooktop and wall oven. The spacious living room picture window frames the amazing water views. Owner's suite is spacious and has a large closet, dual vanities in the bathroom. The garage features blown-in cellulose insulation above the garage; A/C system with heat; LED lighting; floor composite tiles; iron security door.

6340 W Saddlehorn Road Phoenix, AZ 85083

$597,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,578 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6722138
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, two-story home nestled in a tranquil community. Spanning 2,542 sqft, this residence boasts an inviting family room with an abundance of natural light, vaulted ceilings, and high ceilings throughout. The kitchen features a pantry, granite countertops, and custom white cabinets with soft-closing doors. Enjoy meals in the formal dining area or the eat-in kitchen. Open the 4-panel sliding glass doors and bring the outdoors in! Enjoy a refreshing dip in the large Pebble Tec volleyball pool in your private, landscaped backyard. Relax on the balcony or patio and take in the beautiful views. This is the perfect blend of style, function, and resort-like living!

812 W Cooley Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

$597,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,051 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6750880
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully remodeled home in Cooper Ranch features a modern kitchen including new white shaker cabinets, white quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a gas range, and a large island with a breakfast bar that opens up to the spacious family room that features high vaulted ceilings and built in modern shelving. The master bedroom has brand new windows and french door to the back patio. The master bathroom was also fully remodeled with a huge walk-in shower and new floating vanities. The 4th bedroom has double doors and built in storage- perfect for an office! The home has new flooring throughout, fresh paint inside and out, and an indoor laundry room, Don't miss the 3 car garage, private pool, paved, extended covered patio, and artificial turf in the back with no neighbors behind.