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.

624 Leisure World -- Mesa, AZ 85206

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,269 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782156
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful home on the lake. Large open floor plan, lake views from the entrance. Two great patios for entertaining. Large 2 car garage as well as an additional door for your golf cart. Located in a quiet cul-de -sac in a central spot in Leisure World. This community is a safe, fun and clean place to live in full time or for your winter get away. All this in the Premiere Active Adult Community of Leisure World with 36 holes of private golf, new tennis complex, pickle ball, swimming pools, library, state of the art fitness center, theater, arts and crafts, billiard room, and much more!

8143 E Obispo Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$575,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,516 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774113
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Move in ready home in a super convenient location! Convenient floor plan with ample living space and large bedrooms w/ walk in closets. NEW Interior paint. Wood plank tile flooring and modern fixtures. Kitchen features granite counters, newer cabinets, custom tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. Bathrooms updated with custom tile showers, vanities, toilets, tile accents, and lighting fixtures. Lots of storage and indoor laundry room with large pantry. French doors lead to the spacious low maintenance grassy backyard with pool and covered patio & RV gate. Playset conveys with property. 1 New AC unit! Community park is 2 doors down. Did I mention the private pool? 2 doors down from a community park

22850 E Calle Luna -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$575,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,311 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779462
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful one level 5 bedroom 3 bathroom home located in Meridian community which features a community park walking paths and community pool. Upgraded kitchen featuring stunning cabinetry granite counters mosaic backsplash black/stainless steel appliances gas range and a spacious island that fits 4 barstools & large pantry. Kitchen opens to the dining area & great room. Home has high ceilings tile flooring and recessed lighting throughout. The great room has a sliding glass doors leading to private backyard, plumbed with a gas line for outdoor cooking/barbecuing. Low maintenance front & backyard with paver boarders & paver walk path. 2 front side gates. Primary bedroom has walk in closet and walk in shower 2nd bedroom has private bathroom. Home has reverse osmosis and a water softener.

27602 N Denver Hill Drive Wittmann, AZ 85361

$575,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,278 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778733
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your private desert retreat! A home that offers not just comfort and space, but a true sense of community in a peaceful neighborhood. Set on a quiet dirt road, this property is surrounded by friendly, welcoming neighbors and picturesque land with expansive mountain views. Both levels provide a cozy, private flow between the separate rooms. Designed to accommodate a range of outdoor interests, this property is ready for whatever you envision—from horseback riding, gardening, ATV trails, and more. An RV station with power and water hookups ensures guests can comfortably share in the beauty of this property. Located only 30 minutes from Wickenburg, and 20 minutes from Surprise, this home offers the perfect balance of rural living, without being a far drive from the city.

905 S Canal Drive Unit 17 Chandler, AZ 85225

$575,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,092 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779711
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Home Sweet Home! Discover the charm of this beautiful 3-bed, 2.5-bath townhouse in Mission Crossing at Chandler Ranch! This Home exudes elegance with modern light fixtures, neutral paint, tons of natural light, and wood-look tile flooring w/plush carpet in all the right places. You'll LOVE the spacious, perfectly flowing open layout! The impressive kitchen boasts black SS appliances, quartz counters, a pantry, ample white cabinetry, & a large island w/breakfast bar. There is an ample storage room under the stairs! All bedrooms await upstairs, along with a versatile loft. Main bedroom has an ensuite with dual sinks & a walk-in closet. Outback, you have a covered patio, artificial turf, & well-laid pavers. Community Pickleball Court is right next door! Move-in ready!

1260 Haisley Road Prescott, AZ 86303

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,739 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6778214
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled on an elevated homesite in the pines of Prescott's Haisley Homestead, this single-level home feels like your own private, luxurious treehouse. The open, split floor plan welcomes you into a bright and inviting living room, where vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace with a marble surround and wood mantle create a warm, elegant focal point. The well-appointed kitchen features new granite countertops, lots of cabinets, and a 4-burner gas cooktop, along with a separate oven and microwave. Enjoy your meals in the breakfast nook, at the breakfast bar, or in the dining room, offering space for both formal & informal dining. The spacious master suite includes a large walk-in closet and a luxurious ensuite bath with a dual-sink vanity, walk-in shower, & soaking tub, perfect for unwinding. Two additional bedrooms, each with ceiling fans and ample closets, are flanked by a full bath, offering comfort and privacy for family or guests. Outdoor living is just as appealing, with a bright and airy front patio for enjoying the fresh mountain air, and a private, covered back patio for more intimate gatherings. Additional features include new carpet and wood flooring, a tile roof, a low-maintenance stucco exterior, concrete patios, and a 2-car garage. This home perfectly blends luxury, comfort, and the beauty of its natural surroundings.

16848 W Alice Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

$575,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,017 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784462
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Northern Farms! This 4Bed+Den/3Bath/3,017sqft home has everything you need & is less than 2 years old! Upon entering, you're greeted by a bright & open floorplan which blends contemporary style w/ modern finishes throughout! Custom stair railings open the space & custom barn doors give it a warm feel. Fire up the built-in electric fireplace on those cool winter nights. Celebrate holiday cooking in the modern kitchen complete w/ quartz countertops & stainless-steel appliances. Custom gazebo w/firepit bench & artificial turf is ready for entertaining & no neighbors behind gives you ultimate privacy. Massive upstairs loft is your perfect game or theatre room. Conveniently located right off of the 303 & Northern. Don't miss your chance to own your dream home today!

6943 N 88th Drive Glendale, AZ 85305

$575,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,466 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786607
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning 4-Bedroom Home with a Pool, Gourmet Kitchen, and Prime Location 1 mile from the Arizona Cardinals Stadium. This magnificent 2,466 sq. ft. residence boasts 5 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 luxurious bathrooms, perfectly blending comfort and style. Step into the heart of the home—a gourmet kitchen designed for the culinary enthusiast! Featuring granite countertops, a double oven, gas cooktop, and wood-look tile flooring, this kitchen is both functional and elegant, ready to inspire your inner chef. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the kitchen to a spacious living area, ideal for entertaining or cozy family gatherings with 9ft+ Ceilings downstairs as well as upstairs Escape to your private backyard oasis, meticulously landscaped with turf and showcasing a brand-new pool with massive baja shelf. This outdoor haven is perfect for relaxing under the Arizona sun or hosting unforgettable poolside parties. This incredible property is just 1 mile from the Arizona Cardinals Stadium and the exciting new Via Resort, placing you in the heart of Glendale's vibrant entertainment district. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a slice of paradise with proximity to world-class entertainment, dining, and shopping. Outdoor Projector, Roku, and Outdoor Screen with Attachments can stay with the new owner for Movie nights or to entertain when friends and family are over.

4512 W Suncup Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$575,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,345 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783153
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Look no further! This beautiful 4 bed, 3 bath residence in San Tan Ridge is for you! Charming curb appeal, an easy-care front yard, and a 2 car garage are just the beginning. Come inside to discover a spacious open floor plan w/elegant wood-look flooring and neutral palette throughout. Prepare delicious meals in this gourmet kitchen, comprised of wood cabinetry w/crown moulding, a walk-in pantry, granite counters, subway tile backsplash, SS appliances, and an island w/a breakfast bar. You'll love the primary bedroom, boasting soft carpet, a walk-in closet, and a lavish ensuite w/dual sinks. Don't forget about the cozy den, ideal for an office or reading nook! Lastly, the expansive backyard w/its covered patio, is a blank canvas just waiting for you personal touch! Don't miss out!

10312 N 58th Lane Glendale, AZ 85302

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,286 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783627
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wow Location! What a GEM! Tastefully updated last 2022, this gorgeous home with POOL will surely impress you. 4beds, 2 baths, low-care landscape, and a 3-car garage w/cabinets. The fabulous interior boasts vaulted ceilings, neutral paint, recessed lighting, archways, and wood-look floors t/out. You'll LOVE the formal living/dining room and the open-concept family room w/fireplace! The surround sound is a plus. The spotless kitchen has SS appliances, quartz counters/backsplash, ample white cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, and a waterfall island w/breakfast bar. The double-door main bedroom offers outdoor access and an ensuite with a soaking tub, dual sinks, & a walk-in closet. Enjoy the entertainer's backyard with a covered patio, artificial turf, well-laid pavers, & a fenced pool! Just Wow,

20972 N Canyon Whisper Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$575,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,101 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786955
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This exceptional home with detached casita offers a perfect blend of style, functionality, and versatility. Boasting high ceilings and an open floor plan, the spacious design flows seamlessly, making it ideal for entertaining and everyday living. The expansive kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring abundant storage and plenty of counter space for all your culinary needs. The detached casita/ADU, complete with its own private full bathroom is bright and spacious. Whether you're hosting guests or providing a private space for a family member, this additional unit offers unmatched flexibility. The property is enhanced by mature, low-maintenance landscaping, creating a serene outdoor retreat. The garage features ample storage. Don't hesitate, these homes rarely hit the market.

11520 W Citrus Grove Way Avondale, AZ 85392

$575,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,096 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786868
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Multi-Generational/Next Gen custom floor plan with solar! Privacy under one roof. Two primary suites with separate AC units, two hot water heaters, & two kitchens. Living spaces are separated by bonus room. Private entrance to both suites. Plantation shutters throughout. Laminate wood floors, quartz countertops, & stainless-steel appliances. Inviting courtyard that leads to extended patio leading to pool with water feature, all surrounded by lush landscaping.