Buyer Benefits - ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes

ENERGY STAR qualified new homes provide the buyer the following benefits:

• Access to energy-efficient mortgages (EEMs) - as a potential buyer of an ENERGY STAR qualified home, new buyers use the projected energy costs savings of their ENERGY STAR qualified home to qualify for larger mortages.  There are several types of EEMs available to buyers:

• Conventional EEMs increase the purchasing power of buying an energy efficient home by allowing the lender to increase the borrower's income by the dollar amount equal to the estimated energy savings.

• FHA EEMs allow lenders to add 100% of the additional cost of cost effective energy efficiency improvements to an already approved mortgage loan. Additional costs cannot exceed $4000 or 5% of the value of the home up to a maximum of $8,000, whichever is greater.  No additional down payment is required.

• VA EMMs are available to qualified military personnel, reservists and veterans.  The cap for energy improvements is $3,000 - $6,000.

Learn more about energy efficient mortgages (EEMs).

• Peace of Mind - an ENERGY STAR qualified homes takes the complexity out of looking for a "true" energy efficient home.  Purchase an ENERGY STAR qualified home and enjoy peace of mind knowing that it meets strict energy efficient government guidelines.

• Lower ownership cost - ENERGY STAR qualified homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and water heater than standard homes.  This can add up to thousands of dollars over the average of 7 to 8 years you may live in your home.  Additional maintenance savings can be substantial.

• Better performance - when properly installed, energy-efficient improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, moisture, pollution and noise.  An ENERGY STAR home helps ensure consistent temperatures between and across rooms, improved indoor air quality, and greater durability.

Locate an ENERGY STAR partnered new home builder.

Locate an ENERGY STAR partnered manufactured home builder.

Locate an ENERGY STAR partnered lender.