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.

15021 S 47th Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,846 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763249
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fall in love, this North-South-facing Former Model Home on a corner lot, offering stunning Sunrises & Sunsets in the desirable Ahwatukee Foothills neighborhood, w/ no HOA! Step inside to Vaulted Ceilings in the living room with Natural Lighting with all New Vinyl Windows Installed (2021). Custom Tile/Wood Flooring throughout flows to the open kitchen featuring designer backsplash tile, granite countertops, an eat-in bar that flows into the great room, w/ easy access to the backyard that has a covered patio, awnings, pavers, newer pebble tech pool (2018) upgraded pool equipment (2023). All the bedrooms have ceiling fans for efficient living The primary bedroom offers a large walk-in closet and a spacious bathroom has granite counter tops, stand-up shower, plenty of Linen cabinet space a sliding door leading to a backyard. This Home is Conveniently located near freeways, shopping, dining, and featuring a new HVAC Air Conditioner installed (2021)

11757 W Montana De Oro Drive Sun City, AZ 85373

$575,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,791 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777966
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Owned Solar! In the Dos Rios Neighborly Neighborhood! This spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bath home in Sun City is NOT in an age-restricted area, offering all the benefits of the thriving North Peoria community nearby. The main floor features a friendly layout with one bedroom and a full bath, plus a living room, family room, and dining area, while upstairs adds a versatile loft space. The low-maintenance turf yard and 3-car garage provides convenience and ample storage. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity!

1580 Calle Simpatico Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,004 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761470
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This PRISTINE CUSTOM ''JEB'' home is located in the desirable PUEBLO CASSANDRA Village, where luxury meets comfort and security featuring a HEATED POOL and spa to enjoy year-round ARIZONA living. Step through the front door to be wowed by vaulted ceilings, open floorplan, plantation shutters, ambiance lighting, a gorgeous chandelier and a cozy gas fireplace. Not a detail left behind in the kitchen with stainless appliances, beveled edge GRANITE countertops, spacious island, and extensive Knotty-Alder soft touch CUSTOM cabinetry. Hide-a-way to the PRIMARY SUITE through PRIVATE DOUBLE ENTRY doors complete with a HUGE walk-in closet and separate exit to the expansive COVERED PATIO surrounded by a stucco finished wall. WOW! This EXQUISIT home with resort living is IN WICKENBURG!

7353 E Milagro Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$575,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,352 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770673
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this beautifully updated 5-bedroom home, freshly painted and move-in ready. The expansive living area on the main floor provides an ideal space for hosting and gathering. Step outside to enjoy a meticulously landscaped backyard, complete with a sparkling pool, safely enclosed by a fence. Situated in a highly desirable location, this property is within walking distance to Monterey Park, Gilbert's top-rated schools, and offers easy access to major highways, shopping centers, and dining options. An opportunity like this is not to be missed!

1018 N 25th Street Phoenix, AZ 85008

$575,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,287 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6665438
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Hard to find New Construction Home in 85008. 5 Bedroom 3 Bath with 2 car garage. 10 foot ceilings. Quartz Counters, Shaker Style Cabinets. New Stainless appliances. Could be Flex Home, as room for second kitchen with bonus room in back. Huge walk in shower in Master. Dramatic front Iron Gate Door. Drive way is gated and both side gates match. Back yard is large enough for a pool. Hard to get quality new construction in this area so close to Downtown Phoenix, Freeway access, Roosevelt District, Hospital walking distance. Close to new Valley Wise Hospital Wing just opened. Nice eclectic mix of older homes and newer builds, Beautiful paver walkway and front patio. Extended 2 car garage. NEW NEW NEW, Tired of looking at old homes with deferred maintenance. Zoned R-3 Multi Family

1560 Vista Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$575,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,952 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6642660
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Great investment opportunity!! This two-story home boasts 1,952 square feet of living space on a sprawling 3.6-acre corner lot, offering privacy and panoramic sunset views. Step inside to discover a warm and inviting atmosphere with a large family room, creating the perfect space for gatherings and relaxation. The well-designed layout features ample natural light, highlighting the beauty of the desert landscape that surrounds your home. The heart of this residence lies in its open concept kitchen, seamlessly flowing into the dining and living areas. Picture yourself preparing meals in the well-appointed kitchen while enjoying the company of family and friends. Sliding glass doors lead to multiple patios, creating an indoor-outdoor living experience that is perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the tranquility of your expansive backyard. Venture outside to discover a private oasis that includes a sparkling pool, perfect for cooling off during warm Arizona days. The vast 3.6-acre corner lot provides plenty of room for your horses to roam, and there's ample space for RVs and toys, making this property a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

6728 Perkins Lane Show Low, AZ 85901

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,827 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6681585
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new custom home on a 2+ acre lot. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a second story loft. Gourmet kitchen features Quartz countertops, custom steel range hood, butcher block floating shelves and new stainless steel appliances. Electric fireplaces with reclaimed barn wood mantles at family room and master suite. Decorative wood beams. Central cooling and heating. Structural steel roof system with 2x6 wood framed walls. 25 year finish on the walls, roof with a 24 gauge standing seam roof with gutters and 26 steel gauge wall siding. 6inch foam insulated walls. Cascade dual pane windows. 12x25ft loft. 24x40x12 3 walled garage/carport being built. 2 RV dumps to the septic system. Stunning mountain getaway or a perfect mini-farm/ranch. You know what's nice about Showlow, in the summer it's 20 degrees cooler then the valley in the day and at night you can enjoy that cool mountain breeze while on your patio or in your bed. 7 highway miles to Showlow restaurants and shopping. 1/2 mile north to public lands for riding quads or horses. 5 minutes from prestigious Golf Clubs like Torreon Golf Club and Bison Golf Club. Elementary School and Fire Station just blocks away.

601 S Winthrop Street Gilbert, AZ 85296

$575,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,220 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6757371
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Act Fast! This Gem Won't Last - No HOA in Gilbert! Discover this beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in a prime Gilbert location. Recent upgrades include fresh interior and exterior paint, a brand-new roof, skylight, HVAC system, pool pump, and garage door opener. The seller is also offering special incentives for carpet and cabinetry - ask for details! This home effortlessly blends style, comfort, and functionality, making it the perfect place to create lasting memories.

3885 E Juanita Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,074 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750086
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully Remodeled Single-Level Home in Desirable Gilbert Location! This stunning single-level home features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage in the quiet community of Carol Rae Ranch. Recently remodeled, the home showcases new wood tile floors, baseboards, carpet, fresh interior paint, updated hardware, and more. The kitchen boasts modern updates, including new quartz countertops, freshly painted cabinets, and stainless steel appliances, making it both stylish and functional. Conveniently located with quick access to State Routes 202 and 60, this home is near excellent schools, hiking and biking paths, shopping, dining, and all the amenities that make Gilbert such a sought-after location.

9571 W Fossil Creek Road Strawberry, AZ 85544

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,208 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6661672
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MASSIVE $25K PRICE IMPROVEMENT!! LOOKING FOR A HIGH-COUNTRY PROPERTY THAT WILL FIT THE WHOLE FAMILY, A FEW HORSES AND ROOM TO SPARE? THIS IS IT! THIS SPACIOUS 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM HOME SITS ON AN ACRE OF AMAZINGNESS. LOCATED IN STRAWBERRY AT AN ELEVATION OF 6000 FT. IN 2020 THE HOME HAD A COMPLETE TOP TO BOTTOM REMODEL INCLUDING A NEW KITCHEN, BATHS, FLOORING, FIXTURES ETC. THIS HOME HAS EASY YEAR-ROUND ACCESS WITH TONS OF FLAT PARKING, A HUGE YARD TO ENTERTAIN, FRONT AND REAR YARD FIREPITS AND SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF THE PONDEROSA FOREST FROM EVERY ANGLE. THIS CABIN COULD BE USED FOR FULL TIME LIVING, A SECOND HOME OR IT HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD AS A SUCCESSFUL AIRBNB. THE HORSE FACILITIES ARE SPLIT/FENCED FROM THE MAIN PROPERTY AND INCLUDE MULTIPLE TACK ROOMS AND COVERED HAY STORAGE.

20961 N 96th Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,157 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6698227
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this lovely home! Enter through the formal living room and dining room and immediately sense the warmth and charm of this inviting space. Before we proceed, allow us to introduce you to the heart of the house, the great room, where a cozy fireplace and ample natural light await. Passing by the den, with its versatile double doors for added privacy, you'll discover the spaciousness of the great room and the allure of the patio and backyard beyond. You will want to linger in this tranquil outdoor oasis. Venture into the large primary bedroom, a sanctuary of comfort boasting double doors, a walk-in closet, and an bathroom designed for relaxation and convenience. . With its private exit to the back patio, it offers a seamless blend of indoor-outdoor living. Explore further to find two additional bedrooms, each with carpeting and blinds, along with a conveniently situated hall bathroom between them. The kitchen, overlooking the great room, is not only functional but also a gathering place for culinary delights and shared moments. Let's not forget the backyard, featuring a concrete extension with a gazebo and a spa that conveys with the propertya perfect spot for unwinding and entertaining. For those with storage needs and hobbies, the 3-car garage provides ample space, complete with cabinets, a sink, and room for an extra refrigerator or freezer. Plus, it offers convenient access to the north side of the house. This home offers a blend of comfort, functionality, and outdoor allure that's sure to leave a lasting impression. We're delighted to share it with you today!

11145 E Posada Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,775 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6660177
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful upgrades throughout with oversized lot. Back yard is an entertainers dream with paver walkways and seating area. Patio has roll down screen to enclose the porch. Kitchen cabinets upgraded with nice granite and tasteful colors. Furnished with desireable modern furniture. His & her closets and sinks in master bath. The owner will be taking golf cart, tools, work benches, fire pit out back and storage container out back. buyer to pay $2212.5 capital improvement fee