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.

2122 W Virginia Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85009

$595,000 - 5Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Greenway Terrace 2, Phoenix
Open House
$595,000
5 Beds
2 Baths
2,150 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6760861
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Come see this Newly Constructed, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, New AC Units, A Casita, or Mother-in-law suite, near Encanto Park, Easy access to I -10 & I -17 Freeways, Shopping, Restaurants, Great Schools, Arizona State Fair Grounds, Downtown Phoenix's Vibrant Cultural Scene, Dining & Entertainment, Easy Access to Encanto 18 Golf Course

17605 W Blue Sky Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$594,995
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,840 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772324
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning 2,840 sq. ft. Darius floorplan is a single-level home offers luxurious living with 10-ft ceilings, an open-concept floor plan, and a separate guest suite. The gourmet kitchen features quartz countertops, high-end finishes, and a spacious island—perfect for entertaining. With a 3-car garage, neutral color palette, and November completion.

20144 W San Juan Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$594,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,693 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786755
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Topaz sitting on a large lot with an 8' gate. Multi slide door that leads out to the extended covered patio. Owner's bath has separate tub and shower & dual vanity sinks Stainless steel gas appliance package with a 36'' cooktop, wall oven, built in microwave, and T-shape hood. Sonoma Linen-off white cabinets with pull out trash drawer and 42'' kitchen uppers. AZT Tawny quartz countertops at kitchen and all baths. Kitchen backsplash 2x5 linear hex tile. Upgrade flooring includes Beaumont Olmo 7x22 plank tile in all areas of the home except for bedrooms and closets. Dual sinks at bath 2, soft water loop, gas stub for future BBQ, 8' tall garage door for those high profile vehicles and garage service door and so much more. Estimated to be complete in February. Please verify all information with onsite agent . Thank you!

4359 N 203rd Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$594,990
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,674 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6736229
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This Gorgeous Altena floorplan curated with Classic 'Looks' interiors selections offering a gorgeous cohesive design. Your spacious kitchen is designed with a large island, pendant lighting, quartz counters, stunning stacking cabinets and GE profile stainless steel appliances. Feel the openness of your great room and dining room with coffered ceiling and crown molding. Enjoy indoor-outdoor living with your 12 ft sliding glass door. The Primary Suite includes an Upgraded no step rain shower. Wood look tile throughout most rooms and plush carpet in bedrooms, plus window coverings included! ^^Short/long term interest rate buydowns available when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

20257 W Catalina Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$594,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,510 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783696
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the beautiful Jade floor plan with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Multi slide door that leads out to the covered patio. Large walk in shower at owner's bath with tile surrounds. Kitchen features include a stainless steel gas appliance package with a 30'' cooktop, wall oven, canopy hood. Barnett Boulder cabinets. AZT Hana Sky Quartz countertops on the expanded kitchen island. Stainless steel undermount single bowl sink. Upgrade flooring includes DT Valance Gray 6x24 plank tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. Gas stub for future BBQ, soft water loop, 8' tall garage door with two remotes. Garage service door for easy access into the backyard and so much more.

22873 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$594,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,234 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764472
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
''The Sunflower floorplan is ideal for modern living, featuring an expansive kitchen with a large island, pantry, and generous dining and Greatroom areas, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying quality family time. Step into this stunning quick move-in home, offering a thoughtfully designed 2234 sqft layout with 4 bedrooms, a guest retreat, 3 full bathrooms and 2.5 car garage. The home radiates elegance with finishes from the Oxford Collection, showcasing 6 x 36 Vicinity Natural plank tile floors in the main living areas, plush carpeting in the bedrooms, and stylish 42'''' Fairview Sarsaparilla shaker cabinets adorned with sophisticated Champagne Bronze hardware. The kitchen is truly a showstopper, featuring Della Terra Quartz countertops in Carrara Breeze and a 3 x 12 Matte White brick-pattern tile backsplash, creating a seamless blend of luxury and functionality. Additional highlights include a paver driveway and entry walkway, two-tone paint, and 8' doors throughout, adding to its refined appeal. The spacious Greatroom is accented by a 4-panel sliding glass door that seamlessly transitions to the covered patio and backyard, making it perfect for embracing indoor-outdoor living. This home is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, white washer and dryer, blinds, soft water loop, and a garage door openermaking it truly move-in ready. This Sunflower plan combines thoughtful design with elegant details, creating an inviting and meticulously finished space that's ready to welcome you home. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this gem firsthand.

2173 N Iowa Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$594,990 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Arbor Square, Chandler
Open House
$594,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,881 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774238
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand New Home Alert! Welcome to Arbor Square, where luxury and convenience meet in the heart of Downtown Chandler. Nestled within walking distance to the vibrant Downtown Chandler Entertainment District, our community provides the perfect balance of urban living and peaceful escape. Each home at Arbor Square boasts top-of-the-line amenities, designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. From elegant quartz countertops to luxury vinyl plank flooring, every detail has been carefully selected to provide you with a high-end yet modern living experience. Our homes also feature pre-wiring for EV chargers, making it easy for you to stay connected and eco-friendly. Our community is designed to give you all the perks of luxurious living without the hassle of upkeep. Experience the best of urban living in a peaceful and modern setting at Arbor Square. Come find your perfect home today! Photos are of the builder's model of a similar floor plan, actual home is under construction. Contact listing the agent for additional incentives. Agents Must accompany their clients upon their first visit.

2627 N 30th Place Phoenix, AZ 85008

$594,900
2 Beds
1 Bath
800 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6688674
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
ATTENTION INVESTORS AND BUILDERS. Small rental home on this amazing RARE LARGE parcel size of 17,000sf!! Zoning is R1-6, so each lot (without a variance) needs a minimum of 6,000sf per lot, but many lots in the area are less than 6,000sf. No variance needed if you split the site into two lots and you could build one home on the South lot and keep the small home on the North lot as rental income ($1,500/mo) until you are ready to tear it down and build a new home. Phoenix zoning now allows ADUs (Additional Dwelling Units). Many new homes are being built in the immediate area and this is a RARE parcel size!! See photos with potential development ideas. Check with city to verify all info. Please don't disturb the tenants by walking the lot without permission from agent. THANK YOU!

15 W Palmcroft Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$594,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,608 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767877
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully updated mid century gem with all the historic charm intact in the heart of downtown Tempe! Impeccably maintained with updates galore featuring 3 bed/2 baths, large professionally landscaped lot, award winning schools, walking distance to ASU, downtown Tempe and Gammage. Updates include: new roof, new Trane a/c, plantation shutters, professionally landscaped backyard including irrigation system, block wall/fence, gate, extended covered patio & large storage shed, new windows, interior and exterior doors, remodeled kitchen, stainless appliances, remodeled bathrooms, interior and exterior paint & newer water heater. Date Palm Manor is a historic designated neighborhood which reduces owner property taxes by half.

9919 E Radioactive Drive Mesa, AZ 85212

$594,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,115 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6655238
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Major Price Reduction! Better than New! 3 Bed + Den, 3 Baths, 3 Car Tandem Garage. Very spacious floorplan. Wood Plank Like Tile Flooring w/Upgraded Carpeting. Across the street from a park. Features Include: Butler Pantry, Large Kitchen Pantry, Gas Cook Top, Granite Countertops throughout w/ Island &Breakfast Bar, White Cabinets with Pull Handles, Wood Shutters, Soft close drawers & cabinets, Gas Stub for BBQ, Walk-In Master Shower, Extra Insulation to Garage, Built in Classy Closets in Garage w/overhead cabinets, Epoxy Garage Floor, Backyard Fully Landscaped w Brick Pavers and Artificial Turf, Water plumbed to backyard to add irrigation for garden boxes, Pavers at Front making driveway wider, Overhead cabinets in Laundry. 5 minute freeway access. Eastmark Community offers: Heated Pool, Splash pad, Dog parks, Many Parks, Tennis courts, Fishing Pond, Ball fields, Frisbee golf course and Rec Center. There are many recreational spots close by including a regional sports park just south of this home on Ellsworth and Pecan Lake Entertainment which offers many various attractions and restaurants.

122 W Foothill Street Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$594,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,645 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6771553
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful 1645 SQ. FT. slump block constructed home has been remodeled and refinished with all new and updated finishes. New roof & fascia boards, new exterior stucco & paint, new ac unit & hot water heater, all new dual pane windows, all new lighting inside & out, all new interior doors & baseboards, the kitchen has new white shaker style cabinets w/soft close drawers, new beautiful quartz countertops, new SS dishwasher & refrigerator, new barn style doors on walk-in pantry & laundry room. All interior floors are plank style tile. Both bathrooms have been remodeled and updated with the right touches. This open floor plan flows gracefully together and creates a wonderful place to entertain family & friends in. The property is 1.25 acres and is completely ..... fenced in with all new gas pipe fencing which also includes a large RV gate. No HOA to contend with here. Large enclosed chicken coop to convey and you can even have the chickens & the ducks. All new granite minus has been installed. The full length covered patio faces north and provides wonderful mountain scenery to soak up and enjoy. Cargo container located on property can be purchased on a separate bill of sale out side the COE and offers a great space for storing side by sides or what ever you might have. The land is very flat & buildable for any future additional buildouts that one might need and the owner has plans available and they are uploaded into the document section. The new plans are for an addition to make this a 4 bedroom & 3 bathroom home. Apache Junction is a hidden gem amongst our growing city population. Come see the beauty that surrounds this property from the Superstition Mountains up to the Tonto National Forrest. You won't be disappointed. Also, roof still has a 9 year warranty. 4 ton ac unit with a 16 seer rating. This area is known for it's equestrian areas and low key life style.

2451 E Glencove Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$594,900
6 Beds
3 Baths
2,950 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778523
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the charm of this 6-bedroom, 3-bath property, NO HOA, now for sale! You'll love the sizable living areas featuring tall ceilings, neutral paint tones, and hardwood flooring, creating an inviting atmosphere for hosting and entertaining. The kitchen is the heart of the home, equipped with generous counter space, a mosaic tile backsplash, rich wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, and a breakfast bar. Retreat to the main suite, boasting two ceiling fans, a sitting area, an ensuite, and a walk-in closet. Venture upstairs to find more sizable bedrooms! Experience the ultimate outdoor lifestyle with weekend BBQs, refreshing swims in the crystal-clear pool, and endless opportunities for relaxation and fun. What are you waiting for? Make this gem yours today!