Benefits To Lenders

Many lending institutions recognize the financial burden high energy bills can place on a family and offer incentives for the purchase of energy efficient homes. Both the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) encourage consideration of energy costs by lenders in determining a buyer's eligibility for a loan. Demonstrating that the energy bills for a home will be low allows the lender to increase the debt-to-income ratio and can help a family qualify for a loan or increase the amount of their loan eligibility.

The benefit to the lender is that more buyers qualify for loans and the value of the loan is increased. In addition, the loan is more secure since homeowners in energy efficient buildings will have lower monthly energy bills and be better able to make mortgage payments. Lenders also appreciate the fact that saving energy helps strengthen local economies, which benefits everyone.