How to Get a VA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM)

Energy Efficient Mortgages are an excellent option to pay for qualified improvements to increase a home’s energy efficiency and save money on utility bills. EEM homes can provide increased protection against heat, cold, pollution and moisture, and are also great at reducing your carbon footprint.

Types of VA Loan Energy Efficient Improvements

A VA EEM is a great way to finance improvements for your home, especially when used in conjunction with other VA loan products like a streamline refinance.

There are many updates you are eligible to make with the VA EEM, including:

• Installing a solar water heater or insulating the current one
• Adding solar panels
• Weatherproofing additions such as caulk
• Modifying furnace efficiency
• Adding new insulation to walls, the ceiling, etc.
• Installing a storm door or windows

Ineligible VA EEM Home Improvements:

VA EEM Improvements typically need to be considered permanent to the property. Window air conditioning units wouldn't be considered permanent, and adding central air conditioning to a home wouldn't likely increase a home's energy efficiency.

Ineligible updates can include:

• Energy Star-rated appliances
• A/C units
• Vinyl siding
• New roof or shingles

Pros and Cons of a VA Energy Efficient Mortgage

There are many benefits to making energy-efficient updates, especially through the VA. Even though you’ll reap the benefits of savings in future years, it is important to recognize the upfront costs of such updates.

Pros:

• Added comfort in all seasons
• Reduced noise and pollution
• Overall improved health
• Potential resale value

Cons:

• Borrowing more money to cover the cost of upgrades
• Spending limit of around $6,000 in most cases
• It may take years to fully recoup costs

3 Cost Tiers for EEMs

There are three cost tiers of VA Energy Efficient mortgages:

1. Improvements totaling $0 – $3,000: This is the easiest tier to get approved. You will generally need to provide a copy of a contractor bid or quote itemizing the costs, and you will need to provide manufacturer information for each product.

2. Improvements totaling $3,001 – $6,000: In addition to the information required in the first tier, you'll also have to obtain an energy audit showing a year's worth of utility cost averages for the home. These documents will then be reviewed to determine if the proposed EEM improvements will significantly impact the utilities to be cost-effective.

3. Improvements of $6,001 and up: It's challenging to obtain an EEM greater than $6,000. Requests for this tier have to be approved by the lender and the VA. In addition, it's important to understand that financing the cost of acceptable energy efficiency improvements cannot count toward meeting the minimum loan amount necessary for VA loans utilizing second-tier entitlement.

The Veteran typically has six months after closing to have the VA energy efficiency improvements completed. Small fixes can be taken care of before closing. Otherwise, the lender may decide to open an escrow account for the improvement funding.

VA Energy Efficient Mortgage Uses

There are three basic approaches to using a VA Energy Efficient Mortgage:

• You can use an EEM on an already energy-efficient home. The VA home loan allows qualified borrowers to finance up to $6,000 worth of upgrades if the home meets the HERS' energy-efficient standards.

• You can use an EEM to buy an older home that needs energy improvements. Improvements like thermal windows and insulation can be applied, so the home meets HERS standards.

• You can refinance into an EEM if your current home needs energy improvement. If you have an outdated house that needs energy improvement, consider the benefits of refinancing under an EEM.

In the long run, an EEM can pay terrific dividends and reduce your carbon footprint. But every buyer's situation is different.

Depending on the property and your particular interest, talk with a Veterans United loan specialist about your energy efficiency options.