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.

10852 E Texas Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$552,888
5 Beds
3 Baths
1,960 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761136
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6761136 November Completion. Welcome to the Harlow at La Mira! This charming single-story home greets you with a cozy front porch. Just steps away, the open-concept kitchen with an island seamlessly flows into the dining and gathering rooms, creating an ideal space for entertaining. The private owner's suite boasts a corner-entry bathroom with dual sinks and a generous walk-in closet. Three equally sized secondary bedrooms share a full bath, providing ample comfort for everyone. Structural options include: bedroom 5 and bath 3, garage service door, raised bath vanity at bath 2 and 3, paver front porch, soft water loop, and garden tub in primary.

3454 E Jasmine Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$552,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,530 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752588
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
You'll love this beautiful ranch-style home in the desirable Community of Bella Vista Farms! With 5 beds, 3 baths, & a 2-car garage, this 2024-built gem offers comfort & style! Inviting hallway ushers you to the spacious open layout enhanced by tall ceilings, wood-plank tile flooring, multiple exits, & recessed lighting t/out. The impeccable kitchen is outfitted with sleek SS appliances, granite counters, rich wood shaker cabinetry with crown molding, & a sizable island with a breakfast bar. The grand main suite has plush carpeting, a pristine ensuite, a walk-in closet, & outdoor access. The home's elegance extends outdoors to the serene backyard that comes with a extended covered patio, artificial turf, & pavers. Enjoy amenities like a community pool, playgrounds, sports fields, etc.

3131 N Central Avenue Unit 3021 Phoenix, AZ 85012

$551,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,125 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6585352
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
*Construction completed* 5% BUYER INCENTIVE! Introducing Edison Midtown Phase 2 with 60 new construction condominiums. This spacious two bedroom condo offers ten ft. ceilings, an open floor plan, and large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Chefs kitchen offers expansive cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Edison Midtown features incredible amenities for that perfect Urbanite lifestyle. A beautiful pool and lap pool, 2000 sq. ft. fitness center and lounge, and gated parking garage.

4417 S 111th Drive Tolleson, AZ 85353

$551,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,524 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780759
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
A rare find! You'll surely love to own this beautiful 4-bedroom residence in Tolleson! Meticulously maintained interior boasts a desirable great room graced with bountiful natural light, wood-look tile flooring, and neutral paint that creates an inviting vibe. Impeccable kitchen offers recessed lighting, glossy stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, stylish tile backsplash, plenty of white cabinetry with crown moulding, and a peninsula equipped with a breakfast bar. Romantic primary bedroom provides a private ensuite with dual sinks, a sit-down shower, and a walk-in closet. As a bonus, this gem includes a fully equipped guest's quarter! Spacious backyard features a covered patio, pergola, and artificial turf. Seize the opportunity while it's still available!

4634 N 177th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$551,190
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,530 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769363
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BRAND NEW, energy-efficient home available in GATED COMMUNITY! The well-designed Bailey is perfect when a bit more space is needed. Each of the five bedrooms in this floorplan features a spacious walk-in closet. White cabinets with quartz countertop and grey tile flooring and carpet in bedrooms. ALREADY INCLUDED - washer, dryer, window blinds (except slider), refrigerator, soft water loop and more!!!! Residents will enjoy future amenities right at their 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!

11417 S 50th Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339

$550,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,380 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755226
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The notable Elderberry plan boasts four bedrooms, including a relaxing primary suite with a spacious walk-in closet and a private bath. At the heart of the home, you'll find an impressive great room, a dining room, and a well-planned kitchen showcasing a center island and a generous walk-in pantry. An upstairs loft and covered patio offer additional versatility. A convenient laundry room is also included. This home will be built with a main-floor bedroom with a full bath

16837 W Fetlock Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$550,296
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,420 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747381
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
On the hunt for a new home? Here's a wonderful home in the heart of Surprise that just released to the MLS. Very spacious high performance Wrightson plan. This popular floor plan includes a Gourmet Kitchen, Loft, Study space, Tub/Shower combination in the primary, Home Automation, Geofencing, whole house air purification system, and 5 bedrooms with 3 full baths. With one full bed and bath located down stairs. All rooms are very spacious!

22274 E Cherrywood -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$550,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,083 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786964
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Best Lot in La Sentiero! This stunning home sits on an oversized cul-de-sac lot with an RV gate that opens directly to the park! Located in Queen Creek, it's just minutes away from shopping, dining, and entertainment. Step inside this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence, complete with a spacious 3-car garage. The open-concept layout is filled with natural light, highlighting the home's modern finishes. The upgraded kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring extended cabinetry, sleek white quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Key features include: stylish wood-look tile flooring in high-traffic areas, a grand front entry with a dramatic hallway leading to a spacious great room, a generously sized laundry room with room for an extra refrigerator or freezer

93 S County Rd 1120 Street Greer, AZ 85927

$550,000
1 Bed
1 Bath
520 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6689446
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located on Main Street, Zoned for a business or your private cabin! Open 87 days of the yr. If you have been to Greer since 2021, you have seen the Coffee Cure & seen the lines for coffee, food, fudge, wine, jewelry & t-shirts. Cabin has 2 bedrms & 1 bath, a basement that is an approved commissary kitchen with in-floor drain & 3 compartment sink. Cabin has new windows, new flooring in bedrms, new electric & new plumbing. Liquor License (in state producer) & Starlink internet included with acceptable offer. All this on 1.34 acres of land! 1200 customers per week come to the food & coffee trucks. This does not count for customers who walk up to the other vendors. Exterior animal sculptures included (appx. value for re-sale = $20K) 40 foot garage is new, insulated, heated + a window A/C unit

20033 W Turney Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,270 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751119
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful newer home with great upgrades. 3 bedrooms with a den, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage and North/South facing. Paver drive and sidewalk lead into soaring 11 foot ceilings and luxurious wood plank tile to a gourmet kitchen with upgraded tall white cabinets, gas stove, stainless steel appliances and quartz counter tops. Open living and dining concept, ceiling fans, curtains, and blinds make it feel like home. Luxurious Master bath with full glass walk in shower, huge closet and mirrors and two sinks. Edison light fixtures give a soft touch. 2 Enormous glass sliding doors extend living space into the outdoors, a short walk to 2 huge grassy parks complete with shaded tables. Verrado is one of the biggest master planned communities around with great amenities. Come see it today!

Yuma Prooving Guard AZ 85365

$550,000
1 Bed
1 Bath
1 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752994
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
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Yuma Prooving Guard AZ 85365

$550,000
1 Bed
1 Bath
1 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6756933
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --