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Energy Efficient FHA Loans

The Energy Efficient Mortgage Loan program helps current or potential homeowners significantly lower their monthly utility bills by enabling them to incorporate the cost of adding energy efficient improvements into their new home or existing housing. This FHA program eliminates the need for homeowners who are interested in making their home more energy efficient to take out an additional mortgage loan to cover the cost of the improvements they intend to make to their property. The program is available as part of a FHA insured home purchase or by refinancing your current mortgage loan.

Streamlined 203(k) Limited Repair Program

FHA's Streamlined 203(k) program permits homebuyers to finance up to an additional $35,000 into their mortgage to improve or upgrade their home before move-in. With this new product, homebuyers can quickly and easily tap into cash to pay for property repairs or improvements, such as those identified by a home inspector or FHA appraiser.

Conventional Energy Efficient Mortgages

Conventional EEMs can be offered by lenders who sell their loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Conventional EEMs increase the purchasing power of buying an energy efficient home by allowing the lender to increase the borrower's income by a dollar amount equal to the estimated energy savings. The Fannie Mae loan also adjusts the value of the home to reflect the value of the energy efficiency measures. For more information about Fannie Mae's EEM you can call 1-800-7FANNIE (732-6643). Visit Fannie Mae Exit ENERGY STAR to find a Fannie Mae-approved lender in your state. A PowerPoint presentation, Freddie Mac Energy Efficient Mortgages Power Point Presentation, is available with more information.  Source: energystar.gov

VA Energy Efficient Mortgages

The Veteran's Administration (VA) EEM is available to qualified military personnel, reservists and veterans for energy improvements when purchasing an existing home. The VA EEM caps energy improvements at $3,000–$6,000. Borrowers should ask their lender about a VA EEM at the beginning of the lending process. More information about VA EEMs can be obtained from the Web site for the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs or by calling (800) 827-1000. Chapter 7 of VA Pamphlet 26-7 (Revised)  (1.5MB) contains lender guidance on the VA EEM.

To learn more about EEMs contact Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the FHA or the VA. Additional information about writing energy-efficient mortgages can be found on the Web sites for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET).  Source: energystar.gov

Bank of America: Getting Credit for Getting Efficient

Bank of America's environment friendly mortgage discount program offers homebuyers up to a $1,000 credit toward closing costs if their newly constructed property meets ENERGY STAR® energy-efficiency requirements. The Energy Credit Mortgage is an important part of Bank of America's $20-billion dollar initiative supporting the growth of environmentally sustainable business activity to address global climate change.

To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency. New homes must be at least 15 percent more energy efficient than houses built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC). In addition, homes must include other energy-saving features that make them 20 percent to 30 percent more efficient than a standard house. ENERGY STAR homes incorporate features such as effective insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction and efficient heating and cooling equipment. Homes may also be equipped with energy-efficient appliances, lighting fixtures and bulbs, among other qualified products.

Umpqua Bank: GreenStreet

As energy costs rise and concern about the environment grows, it’s more important than ever to make smart choices about energy use. That’s why Umpqua Bank and Energy Trust of Oregon have joined forces to create GreenStreet Lending — an innovative alliance designed to help homeowners and small business owners access affordable financing to change the way they use energy.  Energy efficiency, solar energy systems or both - either way you’ll control costs and help protect the planet.  Take a look at our four loan options below and decide what works best for your needs. Regardless of which GreenStreet Lending product you choose, you can take advantage of preferred rates, no closing costs and no loan fees.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage: Green Home Financing

Wells Fargo works with you to bring long-term value of energy efficiency, indoor environmental air quality, sustainable materials and more — home to customers — through new and existing housing construction, financing and tools.