If you would like to purchase existing or build a new "Green" home there are special mortgage financing options.  Sometimes you will receive a lower interest rate, less expensive closing cost and / or the qualifying ratios will vary.  The theory for varying the ratios is, you will spend less on average utility bills therefore can afford more payment.  These mortgages are call "Energy Efficient Mortgages" (EEM)

Lenders include and are not limited to: Aspen Creek Financial, LLC
Mortgage Marketplace, Inc
Countrywide Home Loans Western Regional Green Mtg Services
Bank of America
ICON Mortgage Lending

There are two types of energy mortgages:

• Energy Improvement Mortgage - Finances the energy upgrades of an existing home in the mortgage loan using monthly energy savings
• Energy Efficient Mortgage - Uses the energy savings from a new energy efficient home to increase the home buying power of consumers and capitalizes the energy savings in the appraisal

If you would like to  find out how energy efficient the home is that you are purchasing, you may order a "Home Energy Rating Score".  This test is done by accredited individuals or companies.  http://www.resnet.us/directory/raters.aspx  defined:  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.nh_HERS   This test usually be rolled into the loan if needed.

Angie Ridley, EcoBroker Certified^®
Genesee County, MI