If you've started the process of looking for a new home, or you've found the new home you've been looking for, your mind has to be filled with all kinds of details. We suggest you take a moment and think about the costs associated with operating that new home after you've moved in. With steadily rising energy costs, it makes sense to ask your self questions like these:

Certified Energy Efficient

New Homes - Our Raters determine whether a builder has used the high quality systems, techniques, materials and appliances for a more comfortable energy efficient home that’s cleaner and quieter. The result is a home that is expected to meet and exceed Michigan’s standards and requirements for energy efficiency. And remember, energy efficiency is the key to lower utility bills.

Existing Homes – Our Raters follow the same guidelines as when rating a new home. Many existing homes were well built and with a few upgrades like a new furnace, windows, or attic insulation they can exceed today’s standards. Certified Energy Efficient homes are worth more.

A Certified Energy Efficient rating report gives you a profile of energy efficiency. It can include:

• A summary of existing conditions of the home.
• Overall Rating Score of the home, as it is.
• Recommended cost-effective energy updates.
• Estimates of cost, annual savings, and useful life of upgrades.
• Improved Rating Score after the installation of recommended upgrades.
• Estimated annual total energy cost for the existing home before and after upgrades.

Certified Energy Efficient Raters are independent professionals who work closely with builders in Western Michigan. They've been well trained, they're knowledgeable and they know what it takes to build a house that will meet Michigan standards for energy efficiency. When a house is Certified Energy Efficient you know the inspection and verification process has been thorough and precise.

Certified Energy Efficient homes may qualify for an Energy Efficiency Mortgage (EEM). An EEM looks at the utility costs for qualifying and buying a home. The brand new home you may be thinking about, qualifies for an EEM if it has a HERS rating of 80 or lower, and meets ENERGY STAR® guidelines. An EEM allows you to afford more home! Why? It allows the mortgage lender to stretch your qualifying ratio on the basis of the reduced monthly utility bill costs resulting from greater energy efficiency. By counting lower utility bills as an increase in income, you have more borrowing power. With an Energy Improvement Mortgage (EIM) the lender can finance the cost of energy efficiency upgrades to the home.