Mortgage 101
January 7, 2020

Why an Energy Efficient Home Matters

In addition to having a positive impact on our environment, an energy efficient home also has some major benefits for you and your wallet.

Energy efficient renovations in a home can save you money, improve the value of your home, and may even help your home sell quicker. Plus, an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) allows you to make a variety of energy efficient home improvements, without all the fuss and added time of a traditional renovation loan. It’s quick, easy, and won’t impact the time it takes to close your loan.

1. It’ll Save You Money on Your Utility Bill

Houses aren’t cheap. We’re all looking to save as much money as we can. That’s why investing in energy efficient improvements can make a huge difference when it comes to saving money. It makes sense – if you improve your insulation, it’ll take less heat to keep your house warm and, therefore, cost less.

Making renovations to improve the energy efficiency of your home – like replacing old windows or a dated, inefficient furnace – will lead to using less energy in your home, meaning you get to save some serious money. We all know how expensive those utility bills can be. Creating an energy efficient home lets you take back some control over how much you pay.

2. It Can Help Your House Sell Quicker

Other people know how beneficial it is to have an energy efficient home. The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) annual Home Buyer/Seller Profile found that 87% of those surveyed reported that the heating and cooling costs of a home were “important” or “very important.” Many people understand that an energy efficient home yields lower costs of heating and cooling. That means when it’s time for you to sell, highlighting the cost saving features in your home may help it to sell more quickly.

3. It Improves the Value of Your Home

Your energy efficient home may not only sell faster, but it may also sell for more. Just like with any other home improvement project, an investment like renovating for energy efficiency can increase the value of your home as well as the amount that someone will end up paying for it.

Many studies have shown that energy efficient homes boast shorter sale times and higher sale price. According to a 2014 study conducted by Build It Green in Los Angeles County, upgraded homes enjoyed an increase in the value of their homes of 6%. So not only do people rush to buy energy efficient homes; they also pay more for them.

How Does an EEM Work?

The EEM is here to help homeowners or those looking to buy a home add energy efficient improvements to their current or future home. You start by having a home energy assessment done on the property. From there, you’ll be provided a home energy rating, also known as a HERS report (Home Energy Savings Value). Homestead will review the report and determine your mortgage amount, based on your selected improvements.  It’s that easy.

Who can use an EEM?

EEM’s are available with FHA or VA loan programs, can be used for 1-4 unit properties, and are available in all 50 states.

What Are Some Examples of Energy Efficient Improvements that can be made with an EEM?

  • Dated windows in need of replacement
  • Insufficient insulation
  • Old, inefficient furnace
  • Inefficient water heater
  • Any feature of the home that compromises its energy efficiency

For more information about EEMs, click here.

Contact us today!

So, you’ve found a property you love, but it needs some love – Don’t sweat it! With an energy efficient mortgage from Homestead Funding, you can finance 100% of the cost of eligible energy efficient improvements right into your mortgage payment!

For more information on Energy Efficient Mortgages and to see if you qualify, contact us today!

Disclosures:

  • Cost of improvements calculation is the lesser of 5% of the appraised value or 115% of the median area price of a single-family dwelling or 150% of the Freddie Mac conforming loan limit ($510,400).
  • Max loan limit may be exceeded by amount of improvements.
  • Standard qualifying rations may be exceeded.
  • Borrower will have up to 3 months to make the improvements after closing

Find out where Homestead Funding is licensed!

Product availability & requirements subject to change.

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