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.

600 N Mariposa Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$559,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,902 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6717080
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your new Territorial home! This remodeled home, located on ~2/3 acre corner lot offers a blend of Southwestern charm and modern convenience. Living room with panoramic views of Bradshaw Mtns to the north. Large living spaces bathed in natural light designed for both relaxation and entertainment. Beautiful and practical upgrades include custom travertine tile floors, custom (real) granite countertops, custom cabinets and totally remodeled master bath with Rohl fixtures. Kitchen boasts matching Frigidaire Gallery stainless steel appliances. For outdoor enthusiasts an RV shelter with water and electric hookups provides an ideal space to park your home on wheels or, if you prefer, your boat, motorcycles and/or ATVs. New window coverings include top of the line Hunter Douglas motorized blind, top down-bottom up front picture window shade and no-cord shades. Foam roof still under transferable warranty, new rain gutters with fun rain chains. Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of old west Arizona! Relax in Wickenburg, the Most Western Town in Arizona, where it's easy to imagine yourself back in a slower paced time.

20047 N 109th Drive Sun City, AZ 85373

$559,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,246 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787401
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
ntroducing this beautiful home in the highly sought-after Ventana Lakes! This gem displays a 3-car garage and low-care landscape. Inside, you'll find tall vaulted ceilings complemented by tile flooring, dual pane windows, and mirrored walls in the living & dining room. Desirable great room offers a gas fireplace and sliding glass doors that connect seamlessly to the back patio, creating an easy flow for indoor-outdoor living. High-end SS appliances, abundant honey oak cabinets, a two-tier island with a breakfast bar, track lighting, newly installed India marble counters, and a breakfast nook complete this impeccable kitchen. Large romantic main retreat will impress you with a sunny bayed window sitting area, an ensuite with two vanities, and a walk-in closet. Don't miss the dedicated office space. Create lasting memories in the spacious backyard, featuring a screened-in patio, fire pit, and citrus tree. Act now!

2110 Leisure World -- Mesa, AZ 85206

$559,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,666 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785475
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is an amazing, golf course property that you can not miss. The home sits on the 14th fairway of Coyote Run and faces south for the winter sun. The back patio has a large covered area with an outdoor kitchen and pavers all the way out to the wall for a huge area to entertain. This split floorplan has high vaulted ceilings in the main living areas and primary bedroom and bathroom. The kitchen has newer stainless steel appliances and opens up to the back patio. The home comes with all the furniture inside and out and even a golf cart. 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!

4125 W Bradshaw Creek Lane New River, AZ 85087

$559,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,851 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770710
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Circle Mountain Ranch. This Stunning 2019 Built Single Story Home Features a Pool and Split Floor Plan. Upon Arrival You Are Greeted with a Professionally Landscaped Yard, Paver Driveway and Gorgeous Entry. This Home Has 4 Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms, and Just Over 1850 Sq Ft. The 2.5 Car Tandem Garage with Built In Ceiling Storage and Water Softener is Sure to Wow! The Kitchen Features Quartz Countertops, Dark Cabinets, Stainless Steel Appliances, Gas Stove and Full Pantry. The Primary Suite Offers Upgraded Luxury Vinyl Flooring, Full Bathroom with Separate Tub and Shower, Oversized Closet and Access to the Patio and Pool. Enjoy the Pool and Turf Area to Cool Off and Enjoy The Beautiful Views Anthem Community Has to Offer. Enjoy the Amenities Anthem has to offer - walking/hiking paths, parks, shopping, dining, golf & more all with EZ freeway access.

21955 S 219th Place Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$559,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,429 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6696421
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
$35,000 UNDER APPRAISED VALUE. Oversized private lot. Come see this well-maintained original owner home in Crismon Heights that sits on a premium oversized homesite with no backyard neighbors! This floor plan offers 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths in 2429 SqFt with an open great room layout. The kitchen features staggered white cabinets with crown molding and a built-in desk, granite counters, tile backsplash, stainless appliances including a gas range with double ovens, a walk-in pantry, an island with breakfast bar, and a spacious dining area with new large picture windows overlooking the backyard. Glass French doors in the great room let in tons of natural light and lead out to the covered patio and beautifully landscaped backyard. The extensive paver patio provides lots of room for entertaining, and the backyard also has grass for kids and pets to play on, a tranquil fountain, and side yard with lemon and lime trees and a double gate. The primary bedroom has a charming window seat, and a private en-suite bath with dual sink vanity with granite countertop, separate tub & shower, and a big walk-in closet. Other features include a spacious laundry room with upper/lower cabinets & sink; tile, luxury vinyl, and laminate flooring throughout (no carpet!), vaulted ceilings, and an oversized 3 car tandem garage with service door. Great location close to parks and trails within the community, and just a short bike ride to the upcoming Queen Creek Aquatic center opening soon!

26001 S Drifter Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$559,900
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,979 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6635749
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Spectacularly remodeled 2 bdrm+Den & 2.5 bath home on HUGE corner lot w/ low maintenance yard, large covered patio, & a beautiful fountain w/new pump. New cabinets & quartz counters throughout home w/ HUGE Kitchen Island. Ample storage incl. HUGE pantry w/barn door! Large beautiful wood-burning fireplace. New AC unit on roof & new Split-System. New roof w/ transferrable warranty. Solar panels prepaid w/nearly 8 years left on FULLY prepaid solar assignable lease. All floor-level windows are new. Brand new SS appliances incl. fridge, drawer microwave, & wine/soda fridge convey. New plank tile floors throughout. New water heater. Both showers are newly tiled w/lge glass enclosure in master & separate tub for soaking. All new fixtures + ceiling fans w/remotes! Fresh paint in/ out. OWNER/AGENT

13447 W Ballad Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$559,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,618 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6696003
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
You are going to love this home! Briarwood CC Golf Course Corner lot. Remodeled 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home with a convenient double front door entry, vaulted celing in the Front Room/Dining Room. New granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms. New Stainless Steel Appliances and tile and carpet flooring throughout. All cabinets have been painted and popcorn ceilings have been removed. Master Bedroom has a dressing table, walk-in closet and private entry adjacent to the Rose Garden. Back Porch is an enclosed Arizona Room. The Back Porch/Garage floors have been coated and sealed. 2.5 car garage (room for a golf cart) is a handyman's delight with workbenches and lots of storage cabinets. Enjoy this Sun City West treasure! Comes with a CC membership. ARMLS CMA value of $600,270

860 E Paradise Lane Phoenix, AZ 85022

$559,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,786 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741464
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
*HOME INTERIOR IS BEING PROFESSIONALLY PATCHED AND PAINTED IN NEXT 2 VWEEKS!*Exceptional value on this turn-key, fully remodeled desert ranch home. Greentrails is special enclave in Moon Valley that offers outdoor enthusiasts walking/jogging paths and access to mountain trails right inside the community, along with a private park, playground and sprawling greenbelt just steps away. This home captures the essence of AZ living with gorgeous surroundings, remodeled interiors and charming outdoor spaces, located on a cul-de-sac lot. Exceptional curb appeal with easy-care landscaping, slump block exterior and entry courtyard. The fresh remodel brings luxe finishes and modern appeal, in an open floorplan. Wood plank tile flooring is paired with neutral paint throughout. The updated kitchen features white shaker-style cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite counters and a breakfast bar. This home features an open floorplan and no interior steps. Retreat to the split primary suite which opens to the rear patio and features a large walk-in closet and remodeled private bath with fully-tiled shower, double sink vanity, dual flush toilet and tile flooring. The hall bath is also fully-remodeled. All bedrooms have closet organizing systems and ceiling fans. Whether you are dipping into the renovated pool ('20) or entertaining under the spacious covered patio, you'll find that the rear yard offers opportunities for year-round enjoyment. The pie-shaped lot provides room for potentially adding a casita, which is now legal in Phoenix. A side parking slab leads to an RV gate and gravel parking area beyond. Home is located in the Paradise Valley school district and is nearby many local staples/destinations along with the best culinary, retail, and entertainment epicenters.

7032 S 38 Place Phoenix, AZ 85042

$559,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,766 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6757238
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Here's an opportunity to live in the charming, gated golf course community of The Pines at the Raven. Breathtaking golf course & mountain views. This single level home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a desirable split floorplan, is located in a cul-de-sac backing to beautiful golf course. Chef's kitchen is open to the family room. Ceramic tile in the entire house. Fireplace in the great room and much more! Community Amenities Include Pool/Spa. Close to Restaurants, Shops, Golf, freeways and Airport,

22510 E Via Las Brisas -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$559,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,202 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775767
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The search is finally over! This stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bath residence features a 2-car garage, tasteful brick accents, and a welcoming front porch. Has both an office and team room. Discover a spacious great room with high ceilings, Brand new carpet and paint throughout. Kitchen comes with granite counters, abundant wood cabinetry with crown molding, pendant/recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar for casual meals. You'll also find a cozy den ideal for an office or lounge. The primary bedroom offers plush carpeting, an ensuite with double vanities, a soaking tub, and a walk-in closet. Enjoy outdoor moments in the quaint backyard, showcasing a covered patio, pristine artificial turf, and a refreshing pool.

11520 E Kiva Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$559,900
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,993 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776202
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the highly desirable Adult Community of Sunland Spring Village, where your retirement home becomes a reality! Discover this gorgeous home, boasting stone accents, a desert front yard, a 2-car plus a golf cart garage, and an inviting front patio. The lovely interior impresses you with a spacious living/dining room, vaulted ceilings, designer paint, a kitchen hutch, and wood-look tile flooring. Kitchen is fully equipped with ample counter space, panel lighting, wood cabinetry, and a breakfast nook with a bay window. The primary retreat has tray ceilings, plush carpeting, an immaculate ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Attached workshop for your creativity! Unwind under the covered patio in the tranquil backyard with artificial turf and colorful vegetation. Act NOW!!

9812 E Pampa Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$559,900
5 Beds
2 Baths
2,472 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6752414
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This 5 bedroom single level home is ready for new owners! With an oversized guest quarters/living space this property is perfect for multi generational living or an oversized office/game room. Equipped with NEW AC Units and a bright open floor plan you will love the layout of this well cared for home. The kitchen has a large island, tons of cabinet space and a large dining table for gathering. With a walk in pantry and oversized laundry there's plenty of room for storage. The oversized 3 car garage is air conditioned and has plenty of room for a workshop or gym. In the backyard you'll find a covered patio, garden with citrus and pomegranates, a water retention system and irrigation, as well as chicken coop! With quick freeway access you will love this location!