Reduced Rate On Mortgage Loans

 

P.O. Box 95085, Lincoln, NE 68509-5085, Phone 402.471.2867, Fax 402.471.3064

April 26, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information Contact:

Jerry Loos 402-471-3356 Jack Osterman 402-471-2817

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Energy Office is offering 2.5% Dollar and Energy Saving Loans through eligible Nebraska lenders for the construction of single family, detached ENERGY STAR® Five Star Plus homes. ENERGY STAR qualified homes meet or exceed state’s energy code by 30% or more and are independently verified for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes save money on utility bills, provide comfortable living with better indoor air quality and help protect the environment.

Potential borrowers have the option to choose a conventional construction loan or self finance the construction. Long term permanent financing is also available. The Energy Office's written approval of the construction plans prior to the start of construction is required. Construction loans of up to $417,000 at 2.5% interest for 12 months are available from any participating Dollar and Energy Saving Loan lender in the state. Reduced fixed interest rate mortgage loans for up to 30 years are available through Tecumseh Federal Bank.

“Homebuyers are increasingly more interested in green building practices and energy efficiency is the place to start,” said Neil Moseman, Director of the Energy Office. “ENERGY STAR qualified homes can include a variety of tried and true energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality, homeowner comfort and to lower energy demand.”

ENERGY STAR 5 Star Plus homes typically feature higher levels of properly installed insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment and Energy Star appliances, lighting and water heaters. Additional information is at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes.nh_features.

The first step to building an ENERGY STAR 5 Plus Star Home is to have a Certified Home Energy Rater complete a rating of the construction plans provided by the designer and builder to verify the most appropriate energy saving features have been included in the home.
More information on the Nebraska Energy Efficient Housing Loans is at http://www.neo.ne.gov/loan/index.html. Names of Certified Home Energy Raters are at http://resnet.us/.

The Nebraska Energy Office was created in 1977 to promote the efficient, economic and environmentally responsible use of energy. It is an authoritative voice and comprehensive resource center for energy issues in the State of Nebraska. In addition, the Energy Office plays an important role in fostering new growth in our renewable energy industry and helping Nebraska lead the way in the new clean energy economy. For more information, please visit www.neo.ne.gov.