Santa Cruz County Home & Community Information

SANTA CRUZ ENERGY EFFICIENT MORTGAGES

Going Green is the new thing and there is a new loan product - Energy Efficient Mortgages -that allows a homeowner to borrow up to 5% of the purchase price up to $32,000 to put in energy efficient features in their home.

Going Green when buying a home is not only good for the environment it is good for your pocketbook as well.  In Santa Cruz where many are very environmentally conscious, homebuyers really like to see energy efficient features in a home.  Many of the homes in Santa Cruz are older, especially on the Westside of Santa Cruz where we have many Craftsman and Victorian homes.  These homes almost always need upgrades for energy efficiency and this Energy Efficient Mortgage can help you improve your home.

Here are some examples of what the Santa Cruz Energy Efficient Mortgage can be used for:

1) Replacing older furnaces with new energy efficient furnaces and air conditioning units

2)  Upgrading old single pane windows to double paned vinyl windows (this really helps insulate your home from heat/cold and noise)

3)  Upgrading or installing insualtion in attic or walls

4)  Upgrading water heater (we just put in a tankless gas water heater and it not only saves a lot of space but $ too)

5)  Weatherizing doors, windows, walls

These changes will really help your home be more energy efficient.  You can complete the work after you close escrow.  These Energy Efficient Mortgages can be used in conjunction with FHA loans, VA loans as well as a refinance.

Making your home more energy efficient will save you money in the long run and make you more comfortable and happy in your home now.  It is definitely worth looking into a Energy Efficient Mortgage when buying a home in Santa Cruz or anywhere.