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.

14823 W El Cortez Place Surprise, AZ 85387

$558,961
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,594 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747471
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Oxford plan with expected completion in November. Have toys? This home has a 4-car tandem garage. Professionally designed with quartz countertops, wood-look tile, light gray cabinets, etc. Located in beautiful Miravida surrounded by mountains and many neighborhood amenities like playgrounds, pickleball courts, and picnic areas.

14189 W Sand Hills Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$558,688
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,226 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758381
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6758381 January Completion! The 50RM1 floorplan at Rancho Mercado combines functionality with elegance. Step into the foyer and discover an inviting open-concept design that effortlessly connects a spacious gathering room, dining area, and gourmet kitchen. The outdoor living area is perfect for al fresco dining and memorable family moments. The owner's suite, thoughtfully tucked away for privacy, features double vanities and a large walk-in closet, adding a touch of sophistication to this stunning home. Structural options include: alternate A/C Location.

4008 E Cholla Canyon Drive Phoenix, AZ 85044

$558,500
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,098 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6732455
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! RIGHT OFF THE I10 AND LOOP 202, .THIS GORGEOUS HOUSE IS FULLY UPGRADED INCLUDING NEW PAINT, NEW CARPET AND TILE, NEW BLINDS, NEW CEILING FANS, NEW MIRRORS IN THE BATHROOM AND LIGHT FIXTURES, NEW BATH AND KITCHEN FAUCETS, NEW HARDWARE, NEW TOILETS, NEW APPLIANCES EXCEPT THE REFRIGERATOR WHICH IS ONE YEAR OLD, NEW A/C, NEW ROOF, ALL NEW LANDSCAPING WITH NEW IRRIGATION, NEW GARAGE DOOR AND THE LIST GOES ON!

1401 E Osborn Road Phoenix, AZ 85014

$558,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,921 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6667358
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful 1947 home in Ashby place neighborhood is in the heart of Phoenix just north of Cheery Lynn Historic District. Nicely updated with brand new dual pane energy efficient windows throughout entire house, fresh interior and exterior paint, new shower tile, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in kitchen, new roof in 2022. Detached carport, shop/storage. Solar lease. Close to Phoenix Country Club, Phoenix Children's Hospital, quaint eateries, freeways 51 and 10 freeways. You don't want to miss out on this lovely home.

2527 W Brookhart Way Phoenix, AZ 85085

$558,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,446 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6736947
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wake up to beautiful mountain views from the primary suite of your new home, where convenience meets natural beauty! There are 3 spacious bedrooms upstairs and an office conveniently located downstairs—perfect for work-from-home days or a hobby space. Don't forget the fantastic pool out back complete with a calming water feature. There's easy access to the AZ Canal Trail System, Deem Hills Rec Area, and the Sonoran Nature Preserve. On the filp-side you're close to shopping and entertainment with the Norterra Entertainment District just two miles away. Dive in, relax, and enjoy the sunny side of life in this wonderful home!

18583 W Swayback Pass Pass Surprise, AZ 85387

$557,995
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,088 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770088
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this exciting fully furnished Emerald model home with a mulitgen suite ready for November move-in, on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front/back yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a study in lieu of a bedroom; a spacious great room; an open dining area; a well-appointed kitchen offering quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, 42'' cabinets, a roomy pantry and a center island; a beautiful primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; double laundry appliances; a covered patio, and a 3-car garage. This home also offers additional windows, ceiling fans, and full appliances and stone tile flooring in select rooms.

16412 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$557,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,260 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6686256
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
3 Bed 2.5 bath Elevation C Approximately 2,260 SQ FT. Gourmet kitchen with 42'' white upper Cabinets with 2-1/2'' molding and Quartz counter tops Gas cook top Range. Master bath Walk-in Shower, 3 Car Garage and garage Service door, 10Ft Tray Ceiling at extended entry. Has Tile Wood Laminate through out and Carpet in Bedrooms.

12004 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$557,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,570 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741423
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this stunning Celeste home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry with a tray ceiling; a quiet study; 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; a spacious great room boasting center-meet doors leading onto a relaxing covered patio; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous 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.

16371 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$557,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,262 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6702055
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the essence of luxury in this home featuring an upgraded gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, 42-inch cabinets, & walk-in pantry. The spacious design includes 10-foot ceilings, upgraded modern floor tile, and multi-slide patio doors that enhance the open, airy feel. The Primary suite bathroom features an upgraded shower with an added secondary rain shower head. Practicality meets style with a primary, 2-car garage, secondary side turn single car garage, 8-foot garage doors & paver driveway, offering ample space for storage and vehicles.

17684 W Pierson Street Goodyear, AZ 85395

$557,990
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,530 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784018
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BRAND NEW, energy-efficient home available in GATED COMMUNITY! The showstopper single-level Bailey floorplan boasts a charming front porch, 5 bedrooms each with a spacious walk-in closet and a 3-car garage! This home has white cabinets featuring a white backsplash, quartz countertops in kitchen, wood look tile flooring and beige carpet. ALREADY INCLUDED - washer, dryer, window blinds (except slider), refrigerator, soft water loop and MORE!!!! Enjoy EXCLUSIVE amenities right at your doorstep including parks, pickleball, soccer, play area, walking trails, basketball court, ramada with outdoor kitchen, gas grill and fireplace, and more!!! Each home is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you ENJOY more SAVINGS!

20994 S 231st Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$557,990
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,232 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784390
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new phase!. Our Clark 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.

1521 W Saddle Run Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$557,990
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,432 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750824
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. The Avelino floor plan offers a refined single-story design with four bedrooms, including an AllGen suite, and a spacious flex area ideal for an office, TV room, or study. Featuring front yard landscaping, this home will be ready for occupancy in October or November. Conveniently situated near community parks, grocery stores, and dining options.