Purpose:
HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA) administers mortgage insurance programs that help low- and moderate-income families become homeowners by lowering some of the initial costs of their mortgage loans. FHA mortgage insurance also encourages lenders to make loans to otherwise creditworthy borrowers who might not be able to meet conventional underwriting requirements by protecting the lender against loan default. Section 245 contributes to these goals by helping first-time buyers and others with limited incomes--particularly young families, who expect their income to rise but may not yet be able to handle all of the upfront and monthly costs involved in homebuying--to tailor their mortgage payments to their expanding incomes and buy a home sooner than they could with regular financing.

Type of Assistance:
Section 245 insures mortgages for first-time (and other) buyers who have low and moderate incomes--and who thus cannot meet standard mortgage payments--but who expect that their income will increase substantially in the next 5-10 years. Potential homeowners who are considering using a graduated-payment mortgage to purchase a home must remember that their monthly payments to principal and interest will increase each year for up to 10 years, depending on which of five available plans they select.

Three of the five plans permit mortgage payments to increase at a rate of 2.5, 5, or 7.5 percent during the first 5 years of the loan. The other two plans permit payments to increase 2 and 3 percent annually over 10 years. Starting at the sixth year of the 5-year plans and the eleventh-year of the 10-year plans, payments will stay the same for the remaining term of the mortgage. The greater the rate of increase and the longer the period of increase, the lower the mortgage payments in the early years.

Before using this type of financing, would-be homebuyers need to assess their potential for increased income to offset mortgage payment increases. Also, they need to be aware that over the life of the mortgage they will pay more interest than if they had a mortgage with payments that stayed the same.

In most other respects, Section 245 loans are similar to basic FHA-insured single-family mortgage loans. Down payment requirements can be low--3 percent or less--because FHA insurance allows homebuyers to finance about 97 percent of the home's cost through their mortgage. In addition, some closing costs can be financed, reducing up-front costs. FHA also limits some fees that lenders charge--for example, the loan origination charge. Finally, FHA sets limits on the size of the mortgage loan that vary with the location and the number of units in the property.

Growing Equity Mortgage Insurance (Section 245(a)) (new buyer, homeowners) - (Top)

Section 245(a) enables a household with a limited income that is expected to rise to buy a home sooner by making mortgage payments that start small and increase gradually over time. The increased payments are applied to reduce the principal owed on the mortgage and thus shorten the mortgage term.

Purpose:
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) administers mortgage insurance programs that help low- and moderate-income families become homeowners by lowering some of the initial costs of their mortgage loans. FHA mortgage insurance also encourages lenders to make loans to otherwise creditworthy borrowers and projects that might not be able to meet conventional underwriting requirements, protecting the lender against loan default on mortgages for properties that meet certain minimum requirements--including manufactured homes, single-family and multifamily properties, and some health-related facilities.

Like HUD's Graduated Payment Mortgage Insurance (Section 245), Section 245(a) contributes to these goals by helping first-time buyers and others with limited incomes--particularly young families, who expect their income to rise but may not yet be able to handle all of the upfront and monthly costs involved in homebuying--to tailor their mortgage payments to their expanding incomes and buy a home sooner than they could with regular financing. However, this program adds an innovative twist to this basic product: growing equity mortgages (GEMs) enable the homeowner to apply scheduled increases in monthly payments to the outstanding principal balance of their mortgage and thereby to considerably shorten the term of the mortgage. This reduced term and the faster repayment of principal make GEMs more attractive to lenders and investors than other fixed-rate investments.

Type of Assistance:
GEMs are eligible for insurance under Section 203(b) for one- to four-family homes, Section 203(k) for home purchase or refinancing and rehabilitation, Section 203(n) for shares in cooperatives housing, and Section 234(c) for units in condominiums. GEMs must meet all the requirements of the section under which they are being insured, with certain exceptions.

There are five GEM plans. Each plan provides for the monthly payments to be increased by a fixed percentage during each year of the loan. For the initial year, the monthly payments to principal and interest are based on a 30-year level-payment schedule. Thereafter, the amount of the monthly payments due for the next 12 months will increase each year by between 1 percent and 5 percent, depending upon the plan selected. The actual term of the mortgage will not be more than 22 years and may be less, depending on the GEM plan used and the interest rate. As part of its effort to streamline and terminate obsolete programs, HUD is considering eliminating GEM and removing its regulations.

Mortgage Insurance for Older, Declining Areas (Section 223(e)) (new buyer) - (Top)

Section 223(e) provides mortgage insurance to enable people to purchase or rehabilitate housing in older, declining urban areas. Section 223(e) can be used only to supplement other HUD mortgage insurance programs.

Purpose:
HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA) administers mortgage insurance programs that help low- and moderate-income families become homeowners by lowering some of the initial costs of their mortgage loans. FHA mortgage insurance also encourages lenders to make loans to otherwise creditworthy borrowers and projects that might not be able to meet conventional underwriting requirements, protecting the lender against loan default on mortgages for residential properties that meet certain minimum requirements.

Section 223(e) provides mortgage insurance for a home or project that may be otherwise difficult to finance because it is located in an older, declining urban area. By agreeing to insure the property under this program, HUD places the obligation under the Special Risk Insurance Fund, which is separate from the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund (which finances most of its single-family mortgage insurance) and the General Insurance Fund (which finances most of its multifamily mortgage insurance). This allows HUD to manage more effectively the greater risk supposed to be inherent in these loans, thus lowering the insurance premiums for the vast majority of borrowers.

Type of Assistance:
To meet the need for adequate housing for low- and moderate-income families, Section 223(e) insures lenders against the risk of default on mortgage loans to finance the purchase, rehabilitation, or construction of housing in older, declining, but still viable urban areas where requirements for other mortgage insurance cannot be met. The property must be in a reasonably viable neighborhood and an acceptable risk under mortgage insurance rules.

This is not a separate program--it supplements other HUD mortgage insurance programs. Mortgages for housing eligible under Section 223(e) may be insured under any one of several HUD programs. The terms of the loan vary according to the HUD/FHA program under which the mortgage is insured. The maximum amount of the loan, the down payment, and other mortgage terms vary according to the HUD program under which the mortgage is insured. The mortgage insurance premium is 0.5 percent per year on the outstanding loan balance. Fees are established under the applicable HUD program.

Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance (Section 203(k)) (new buyer, homeowner) - (Top)

Section 203(k) insurance enables homebuyers and homeowners to finance both the purchase (or refinancing) of a house and the cost of its rehabilitation through a single mortgage - or to finance the rehabilitation of their existing home.

Purpose:
Section 203(k) is one of many FHA programs that insure mortgage loans -- and thus encourage lenders to make mortgage credit available to borrowers who would not otherwise qualify for conventional loans on affordable terms (such as first - time homebuyers) and to residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods (where mortgages may be hard to get).

Section 203(k) fills a unique and important need for homebuyers in another way as well. When buying a house that is need of repair or modernization, homebuyers usually have to follow a complicated and costly process, first obtaining financing to purchase the property, then getting additional financing for the rehabilitation work, and finally finding a permanent mortgage after rehabilitation is completed to pay off the interim loans. The interim acquisition and improvement loans often have relatively high interest rates and short repayment terms. However, Section 203(k) offers a solution that helps both borrowers and lenders, insuring a single, long - term, fixed - or adjustable - rate loan that covers both the acquisition and rehabilitation of a property. Section 203(k) insured loans save borrowers time and money, and also protect lenders by allowing them to have the loan insured even before the condition and value of the property may offer adequate security. Insurance commitments for 17,000 homes were made in FY 1996; the estimated number of homes to be insured under Section 203(k) for FY 1997 is 19,000, and 15,000 for FY 1998. For housing rehabilitation activities that do not also require buying or refinancing the property, borrowers may also consider HUD's Title I Home Improvement Loan program.

Type of Assistance:
Section 203(k) insures mortgages covering the purchase or refinancing and rehabilitation of a home that is at least a year old. A portion of the loan proceeds is used to pay the seller, or, if a refinance, to pay off the existing mortgage, and the remaining funds are placed in an escrow account and released as rehabilitation is completed. The cost of the rehabilitation must be at least $5,000, but the total value of the property must still fall within the FHA mortgage limit for the area. The value of the property is determined by either (1) the value of the property before rehabilitation plus the cost of rehabilitation, or (2) 110 percent of the appraised value of the property after rehabilitation, whichever is less.

Many of the rules and restrictions that make FHA's basic single - family mortgage insurance product (Section 203(b)) relatively convenient for lower income borrowers apply here. But lenders may charge some additional fees, such as a supplemental origination fee, fees to cover the preparation of architectural documents and review of the rehabilitation plan, and a higher appraisal fee. However, unlike other FHA single - family mortgages, Section 203(k) borrowers do not pay an upfront mortgage premium.

Streamlined 203(k) Limited Repair Program - (Top)

Like the regular Section 203(k) program, Streamlined (k) is available:

• To augment an FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM)
• To insure the mortgage on a single-family housing unit sold from HUD's REO inventory
• To insure a mortgage that covers both repairs costs and the refinance of an existing mortgage.

What improvements are eligible under the new Streamlined (k) program?

The Streamlined (k) program is intended to facilitate uncomplicated rehabilitation and/or improvements to a home for which plans, consultants, engineers and/or architects are not required. The Streamlined (k) program includes the discretionary improvements and/or repairs shown below:

• Repair/Replacement of roofs, gutters and downspouts
• Repair/Replacement/upgrade of existing HVAC systems
• Repair/Replacement/upgrade of plumbing and electrical systems
• Repair/Replacement of flooring
• Minor remodeling, such as kitchens, which does not involve structural repairs
• Painting, both exterior and interior
• Weatherization, including storm windows and doors, insulation, weather stripping, etc.
• Purchase and installation of appliances, including free-standing ranges, refrigerators, washers/dryers, dishwashers and microwave ovens
• Accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities
• Lead-based paint stabilization or abatement of lead-based paint hazards
• Repair/replace/add exterior decks, patios, porches
• Basement finishing and remodeling, which does not involve structural repairs
• Basement waterproofing
• Window and door replacements and exterior wall re-siding
• Septic system and/or well repair or replacement

What are the minimum and maximum amounts for repair costs under this program?

Given the need for homeowners to make minor repairs without exhausting personal savings, and in consideration of the increasing cost of materials, the minimum repair cost of $5,000 is eliminated and the ceiling is now raised to $35,000. This revised maximum repair/rehabilitation amount recognizes the cost of making older homes more energy efficient. Note that as described below, when the repairs exceed $15,000, the mortgagee must perform or obtain an inspection to determine that all listed repairs were completed.

Can this program be used for repairs and improvements on purchases of HUD Homes?

Like the regular Section 203(k) program, Streamlined (k) may be used for single-family housing sold by HUD. REO properties that have been designated by FHA's Management and Marketing contractor (M&M) as "insurable" with repair escrow ($5,000 or less in required repairs) or "uninsurable" (with more than $5,000 but no more than $35,000 in required repairs) are eligible for the Streamlined (k) program provided that the repairs qualify as eligible work items outlined in above.

In addition, mortgagees are reminded that nonprofit purchasers of multiple HUD Homes using the Streamlined (k) program must comply with the approval and financing requirements described in Mortgagee Letter 00-8.

What if the REO property requires lead-based paint stabilization?

The Streamlined (k) program may be used for the financing of REO purchases where a pre-1978 property has been determined to contain lead-based paint and the M&M Contractor has completed a stabilization plan and cost estimate to stabilize (mitigate) the deteriorated paint. The purchaser must sign a 203(k) rehabilitation financing lead agreement requiring that a clearance examination and report be included in the work write-up and conducted before release of the final construction disbursement and before occupancy. The credit from HUD, received at sales closing by the purchaser, associated with the lead-based paint stabilization plan is not included in the $35,000 Streamlined (k) limit. The Streamlined (k) program may be used for all eligible repair items as shown above, including the cost of lead-based paint stabilization not paid for by HUD when it sells a property requiring lead-based paint stabilization. A state or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified lead-based paint inspector, certified risk assessor or sampling technician, must perform the clearance examination.

When the Department sells a single-family REO property, the M&M Contractor determines whether repairs are necessary to stabilize any lead-based paint. HUD's regulations for pre-1978 housing require the stabilization of paint except for paint determined not to be lead-based paint. HUD may reduce the sales price by the amount of a credit equal to the Department's contribution toward the cost of lead-based paint stabilization. Any lead-based paint stabilization costs in excess of this credit become the responsibility of the purchaser.

Can the Streamlined (k) program be used for refinancing the mortgage?

The Streamlined (k) program is also available for mortgage refinance transactions including those where the property is owned free-and clear. Only credit-qualifying "no cash out" refinance transactions with an appraisal are eligible for the Streamlined (k) program. The form HUD-92700 provides instructions for calculating the maximum mortgage permitted for Streamlined (k) loans for purchase and refinance transactions.

If the borrower has owned the property for less than a year, the acquisition cost must be used to determine the maximum mortgage amount. The requirement to use the lowest sales price within the last year does not apply to the Streamlined (k) program.

What are the appraisal requirements under the Streamlined (k) program?

The Streamlined (k) program may be used for discretionary repairs and/or improvements that may not have been identified in the course of a pre-purchase inspection or appraisal. The mortgagee must provide the appraiser with information regarding the proposed rehabilitation or improvements and all cost estimates so that an after-improved value can be estimated. A description of the proposed repairs and/or improvement must be included in the appraisal report as well as the contractor's cost estimate. The appraiser is to indicate in the reconciliation section of the appraisal report an after-improved value subject to completion of the proposed repairs and/or improvements.

What are the mortgagee's requirements for examining the contractor bids? For paying the contractor prior to beginning construction? For inspections of the work?

• Contractor bids: While mortgagees are not contractors, participation in this program requires that they examine the contractor's bid(s) and determine that they fall within the usual and customary range for similar work. Mortgagees must also ensure that the selected contractor(s) meet all jurisdictional licensing and bonding requirements.



• Payments in advance of construction: The mortgagee, at its discretion, may provide the contractor with up to 50 percent of the estimated cost of any work item prior to beginning construction. Such payments should only be made where the mortgagee is satisfied with the reputation of the contractor(s) and the contractor is not willing or able to defer receipt of payment until completion of the work or the payment represents the cost of materials incurred prior to construction.



• Payments for Inspections:
  
  • For repair costs not exceeding $15,000, the mortgagee is not required to perform, or have others perform, inspections of the completed work. However, the mortgagee may choose to obtain or perform inspections if it believes such actions are necessary for program compliance and/or risk mitigation. Mortgagees may also ensure that the repairs and/or improvements have been completed by obtaining contractor's receipts or by a signed Mortgagor's Letter of Completion. If the mortgagee determines that an inspection(s) by a third party is necessary to ensure proper completion of the proposed repair or improvement item, the mortgagee may charge the borrower for the costs of no more than two inspections per each contractor.
  
  
  
  • For repairs in excess of $15,000, the mortgagee must perform or obtain an inspection of the completed work by a third party.

What are the mortgagor's requirements for selecting the contractor? And what are the mortgagee's requirements for review of the contractor and the rehabilitation proposal?

The mortgagor must use one or more contractors to complete the repairs. "Self-help" arrangements, in which the mortgagor performs the work, are not to be approved unless the mortgagor can sufficiently demonstrate that he or she has the necessary expertise and experience to perform the work competently (e.g., mortgagor is an electrician and will perform electrical repairs/upgrades to the property).

The mortgagor will select the contractor(s) who will provide estimates for work to be done. The mortgagee reviews the mortgagor's proposed work plan and cost estimates to ensure the planned work meets all program and repair recommendations as noted on the appraisal report. The mortgagor must provide the mortgagee with a written cost estimate(s) and references from a duly licensed and bonded contractor(s) for each specialized repair or improvement. If "self-help" arrangements are utilized, the mortgagor must provide written estimates from the suppliers of the materials. Those repairs and improvements must meet any local codes and ordinances and the mortgagor and/or contractor must obtain all required permits prior to the commencement of work.

The cost estimate(s) must clearly state the nature and type of repair and the cost for completion of the work item and must be made even if the mortgagor is performing some or all of the work under a self-help arrangement. The mortgagee must review the contractor's credentials, work experience and client references and may require the mortgagor to provide additional cost estimates if necessary. After review, the selected contractor(s) must agree in writing to complete the work for the amount of the cost estimate and within the allotted time frame. A copy of the contractor's cost estimate(s) and the Homeowner/Contractor Agreement(s) must be placed in the insuring binder. The contractor must finish the work in accordance with the written estimate and Homeowner/Contractor Agreement and any approved change order. As in the regular 203(k) program, the Rehabilitation Construction Period begins when the mortgage loan is closed.

What are the mortgagee's requirements for paying contractors?

No more than two payments may be made to each contractor, or to the mortgagor if the mortgagor is performing the work under a self-help arrangement. The first payment is intended to defray material costs and shall not be more than 50% of the estimated costs of all repairs/improvements. When permits are required, those fees may be reimbursed to the contractor at closing. The final payment to the contractor will be made following completion of all work and release of any and all liens arising out of the contract or submission of receipts or other evidence of payment covering all subcontractors or suppliers who could file a legal claim. When necessary, the mortgagee may arrange a payment schedule, not to exceed two (2) releases, per specialized contractor (an initial release plus a final release.) Mortgagees are to issue payments solely to the contractor, except if the mortgagor is performing the work under a self-help arrangement, in which case the mortgagor may be reimbursed for materials purchased in accordance with the previously obtained estimates; the mortgagor may not be compensated for his or her labor.

To eliminate the need and cost for an inspection of the completed repair(s) or improvement(s) when not exceeding $15,000, the mortgagee may accept receipts or proof of completion of the work to the homeowner's satisfaction from the contractor. Before a final release is made, the mortgagor must sign a statement acknowledging that the work has been completed in a professional and satisfactory manner.

May the mortgagee establish a Contingency Reserve?

The Streamlined (k) program does not mandate a contingency reserve be established. However, at the mortgagee's discretion a contingency reserve account may be set up for administering the loan. Funds held back in contingency reserve must be used solely to pay for the proposed repairs or improvements and any unforeseen items related to these repair items. Any unspent funds remaining after the final work item payment(s) is made, must be applied to the mortgage principal.

Is there a maximum mortgage amount worksheet that must be used?

Form HUD-92700, 203(k) Maximum Mortgage Worksheet must be used to calculate the mortgage amount. Also, the appraiser must provide an after-improved value since 110% of that amount is used in calculating the maximum mortgage. Architectural and consultant fees, line items 6 and 7 of Section B of the worksheet are not applicable to the Streamlined (k) program. For Item 3 of Section D, please refer to handbook HUD-4155.1 REV-5, paragraph 1-7 which provides the various maximum loan-to-value ratios.

Expenses that may be included in the total amount of the improvements, not to exceed the $35,000 limit, are inspection fees, building and other permits, the supplemental origination fee, title update costs and the amount of any contingency reserve required by the mortgagee.

Can we combine the Streamlined (k) with an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM)?

The EEM program, as described in ML 05-21, may be used in conjunction with the Streamlined (k) program. The amounts permissible under the EEM program-as well as the qualifying requirements-are in addition to those available under the Streamlined (k) program and, thus, combined may exceed the $35,000 Streamlined (k) repair cost limit. Both the cost of EEM improvements as well as weatherization items (not to exceed $2,000) may be added to the total FHA loan amount.

What are the "closeout requirements" under the Streamlined (k) program?

The mortgagee electronically certifies the closeout via the FHA Connection and is not required to forward the closeout documents to FHA. As with all FHA case binders, the originator must retain the file, either in hard copy or electronic format, for two years following endorsement of the mortgage. Proper close-out means that the mortgagee has certified that it has reviewed and verified for accuracy of the following without limitations: mortgagor's acknowledgement of satisfactory completion, evidence of release of lien(s), mortgagee's inspection report(s), change orders, mortgagee accounting of the escrow funds, and record of disbursements.

Are there specific data entry requirements under the Streamlined (k) program?

The mortgagee must enter "203KS" in the 203(k) Consultant ID field in the Case Number Assignment Screen (and the Insurance Application Screen) to identify the Streamlined (k) product and enter the amount of the repairs in the Repair Escrow Amount field in the Insurance Application Screen. In the event that the mortgagee had originally begun processing the case as a purchase mortgage without repairs, the mortgagee should update the existing case data in the Case Number Assignment screen, changing the ADP Code to a valid 203(k) ADP Code and the Construction Code to Substantial Rehabilitation.

If the Streamlined (k) mortgage is for a refinance transaction, please enter "substantial rehabilitation" in the drop down screen labeled "Construction Code" and "Not Streamlined" (the refinance type) in the drop down screen labeled "All Refinances" in the Case Number Assignment Screen in FHA Connection.

What items remain ineligible for the Streamlined (k) program?

Properties that require the following work items are not eligible for financing under the Streamlined (k):

• Major rehabilitation or major remodeling, such as the relocation of a load-bearing wall;
• New construction (including room additions);
• Repair of structural damage;
• Repairs requiring detailed drawings or architectural exhibits;
• Landscaping or similar site amenity improvements;
• Any repair or improvement requiring a work schedule longer than six (6) months; or
• Rehabilitation activities that require more than two (2) payments per specialized contractor.

Mortgagors may not use the Streamlined (k) program to finance any required repairs arising from the appraisal that do not appear on the list of Streamlined (k) Eligible Work Items or that would:

• Necessitate a "consultant" to develop a "Specification of Repairs/Work Write-Up";
• Require plans or architectural exhibits;
• Require a plan reviewer;
• Require more than six months to complete;
• Result in work not starting within 30 days after loan closing; or
• Cause the mortgagor to be displaced from the property for more than 30 days during the time the rehabilitation work is being conducted. (FHA anticipates that, in a typical case, the mortgagor would be able to occupy the property after mortgage loan closing).

Energy Efficient Mortgages Program (new buyers, homeowners) - (Top)

The Energy Efficient Mortgages Program (EEM) helps homebuyers or homeowners save money on utility bills by enabling them to finance the cost of adding energy-efficiency features to new or existing housing as part of their FHA-insured home purchase or refinancing mortgage.

Purpose:
This program seeks to help achieve national energy-efficiency goals (and reduce pollution) and provide better housing for people who might not otherwise be able to afford it. By considering the savings on monthly utility bills when determining how large a mortgage the household can afford, as many as 250,000 more new homebuyers could qualify per year, according to a 1986 study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies. Although EEMs have been available in some States since 1980, they have been little understood or marketed. With EEMs, borrowers do not need to get a separate, costly loan for energy improvements when buying an existing home.

Type of Mortgage:
EEM is one of many FHA programs that insure mortgage loans--and thus encourage lenders to make mortgage credit available to borrowers who would not otherwise qualify for conventional loans on affordable terms (such as first-time homebuyers) and to residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods (where mortgages may be hard to get). Borrowers who obtain FHA's popular Section 203(b) Mortgage Insurance for One- to Four-Family Homes are eligible for approximately 97 percent financing, and are able to fold closing costs and the up-front mortgage insurance premium into the mortgage. The borrower must also pay an annual premium.

EEM can also be used with the FHA Section 203(k) rehabilitation program and generally follows that program's financing guidelines. For energy-efficient housing rehabilitation activities that do not also require buying or refinancing the property, borrowers may also consider HUD's Title I Home Improvement Loan program.

How to Get an EEM:
FHA-approved lending institutions-which include many banks, savings and loan associations, and mortgage companies-can make loans covered by EEM insurance.

Eligible Customers:
All persons who meet the income requirements for FHA's standard Section 203(b) insurance and can make the monthly mortgage payments are eligible to apply. The cost of the energy improvements and estimate of the energy savings must be determined by a home energy rating system (HERS) or an energy consultant. Up to $200 of the cost of energy inspection report may be included in the mortgage. Cooperative units are not eligible; individual condominium units may be insured if they are in projects that have been approved by FHA or the Department of Veterans Affairs, or meet certain Fannie Mae guidelines.

EEM can also be used with FHA's Section 203(h) program for mortgages made to victims of presidential declared disasters. The mortgage must comply with both Section 203(h) requirements, as well as those for EEM. However, the program is limited to one-unit detached houses.

Eligible Activities:
EEM can be used to make energy-efficient improvements in one to four existing and new homes. The improvements can be included in a borrower's mortgage only if their total cost is less than the total dollar value of the energy that will be saved during their useful life. The cost of the improvements that may be eligible for financing as part of the mortgage is either 5 percent of the property's value (not to exceed $8,000) or $4,000--whichever is greater. The maximum mortgage limit for a single-family home is $160,950, plus the cost of the eligible energy-efficient improvements. (Limits may be lower in some areas of the country.)

Additional Resources

For more information about EEMs, see Handbook 4155.1, Sections 2-19 and 2-20.  See additional eligibility requirements.