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.

14874 W Luna Circle Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$578,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,285 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785958
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom + Den home on an oversized corner lot in the desirable Village at Litchfield Park. The bright, open floor plan features a spacious great room that flows into the kitchen and dining area, perfect for entertaining. The kitchen boasts gorgeous upgraded cabinets, granite countertops, stylish backsplash, a large island with a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances and a gas cooktop with double ovens. The primary suite is separate from the other bedrooms, offering privacy and luxury with a bathroom that includes a soaking tub, dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. The lush backyard features an extended covered paver patio and mature landscaping—an ideal spot for gatherings and enjoying stunning Arizona sunsets.

11941 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$577,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,370 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762180
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this dynamic Raleigh home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; an impressive guest suite; a gourmet kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a double oven, a walk-in pantry and a center island; an open dining area; an expansive great room with center-meet doors leading onto a charming covered patio; a beautiful primary suite showcasing an immense walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a mudroom and a 3-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.

16364 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$577,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,570 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6724796
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Thoughtfully designed 4-bedroom home with 3 baths and 10-foot ceilings. Deluxe master bath with walk-in shower, Gourmet kitchen includes 42-inch upgraded cabinets, and a center-meet slider at kitchen nook, paver driveway, walkway to entrance, laundry sink pre-plumb and an impressive tray ceiling entrance.

1400 E Orchid Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

$577,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,237 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751890
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home located in the highly sought-after golf course subdivision. As you step inside, you will be greeted with warm and inviting neutral colors and new flooring/carpet throughout. The spacious family room with a cozy fireplace is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day. Designed with your comfort in mind, this meticulously maintained home offers 4 generous sized bedrooms and a den, providing plenty of space for everyone in the family. Prepare to be amazed by the completely remodeled chef's kitchen featuring brand new cabinets and stunning quartz countertops. With ample cabinet and counter space this kitchen is ideal for hosting dinner parties or simply cooking up a homemade meal. This home has been recently upgraded with new exterior and interior paint, as well as a new vanity in the lower-level bathroom. And for the icing on the cake, a brand new A/C unit has been installed, ensuring comfortable living all year round. But that's not all, as you step outside, you'll find a large and private backyard with a covered patio, perfect for summer barbecues and gatherings with friends and family. Don't miss the opportunity to make this house your new home and experience the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and style. Trust us, you won't want to leave!

8245 E Quintuplet Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$577,828
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,752 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784443
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6784443 January 2025 Completion! The Imperial floor plan at Hawes Crossing seamlessly combines functionality and style, thoughtfully designed with modern touches to suit your lifestyle. Step through the inviting front porch into a welcoming foyer, where you'll find a powder room and access to the 2-car garage. From here, ascend to the second floor or move into the heart of the home—an open-concept great room, dining area, and kitchen, all connected to a covered outdoor living space ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Upstairs, the home features a luxurious primary suite with a spa-like bath and spacious walk-in closet, three additional bedrooms (two with walk-in closets), a shared bathroom, and an en suite bathroom. This level also boasts a versatile loft and a conveniently located laundry room, making the Imperial both practical and luxuriousyour perfect at-home retreat. Structural options include: gourmet kitchen, paver driveway and walkway.

21355 E Sparrow Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$577,511
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,185 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6753927
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning home in Ascent at Jorde Farms, featuring numerous upgrades! Inside, you'll find a gourmet kitchen with designer cabinets, quartz countertops, and Whirlpool stainless steel appliances. The open-concept great room is ideal for entertaining. The private primary bedroom has spacious walk-in closet. This house also boasts upgraded paint and flooring, among $75K of other options and upgrades.

2030 E Duke Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$577,500
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,652 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6736889
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This TEMPE Home is in a GREAT LOCATION, Plus NO HOA! It's a Turnkey home! EVERYTHING has been Remodeled with Modern Up-grades! 3 Bedrooms, 2 beautiful modern primary Bath and Guest bath. Large Gathering Room and Huge kitchen! Your buyer will love the Chef's kitchen, Granite Counter's, Double Oven, and Lot's of kitchen storage. No carpet and new windows have custom blinds and shades! 2 Car Garage with garage and a side Service Door. No maintenance Front and a Huge backyard with a Covered Patio! Close to the 101 and 60 freeways. New Roof, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical,Windows, Doors all done in 2022.

43227 W Caven Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$577,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,955 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758139
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Must see this GORGEOUS HACIENDA home located in Pecan Groves, Maricopa's most desirable community! This multi-level floorpan with 5 Beds & 3 Baths + LOFT is accented by soaring ceiling & Travertine Tile! Create an incredible life with this 3,901 Sq ft nestled in the GREAT- The Villages of Rancho El Dorado. CHECK OUT THE SPECTACULAR VIEW of the LAKE and the GREAT AMENITIES as YOU enter the subdivision ! You'll love the beautiful Grand Front Porch! Bright open floor plan w/ separate living room & dining room, Lovely KITCHEN w/ Stunning Granite Counter Tops, S/S Appliances w/ Double Oven, Gas Stove & Dishwasher, S/S French door Refrigerator & Microwave Oven.

2352 W Willow Breeze Road Chino Valley, AZ 86323

$577,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,512 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6728432
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This gorgeous home sits on 3.45 acres of fully fenced property offering breathtaking views from your whole property. The large circular driveway offers more than enough room for parking and guests. The interior of the home is elegantly done, with modern finishes including tile throughout, quartz countertops and a butcher block island. Both bathrooms are well finished with tile and upgraded vanities. The large patio is a perfect place for entertaining or just enjoying the amazing views. The property also features is a large detached shop as well as being equipped for horses and other livestock with stables, tack shed and separately fenced portions of the property. Brand new roof!

3536 N Snead Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$577,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,466 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748270
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this beautifully updated home + casita w/ full bath surrounded by a private backyard oasis featuring multiple entertaining areas, covered patio & gorgeous water feature. Charming courtyard entrance with pavers. Elegant Great Rm with vaulted ceilings & French doors to patio, game table or dining area & entertainment area with media cabinet. Rich wood cabinets, granite counters, stylish tile backsplash, SS appliances incl gas stove (new in 2012), portable prep-bar, walk in pantry & breakfast bar. The primary suite offers a cozy sitting area, patio access, bathroom with dual sinks, shower & walk-in closet. Addtl guest bdrm, full bath, home office/den. Travertine tile throughout home. Re-imagined laundry/craft room with extra storage. GORGEOUS HOME!

11938 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$576,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,480 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759753
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this dynamic Townsend home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered front porch; a quiet study and convenient powder room off the entry; an expansive great room with center-meet patio doors; a gourmet kitchen showcasing 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a large island, a walk-in pantry and an adjacent nook; a formal dining room; an eye-catching primary suite offering additional windows, a walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; two secondary bedrooms; a shared hall bath; a convenient laundry and a welcoming covered patio. This home also boasts dramatic 10' ceilings, a tray ceiling at the entry, wood laminate flooring, cultured marble bath countertops, front yard landscaping and concrete pavers at the driveway and walkway.

20923 S 231st Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$576,490
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,264 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786619
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new phase!. Our popular Sage plan is conveniently located to all that Queen Creek has to offer. Minutes from the brand new Costco, Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek Market Place and the Queen Creek Olive Mill. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.