To be eligible for Texas Veteran Housing Assistance financing, new-construction homes must meet the federal government standards for energy efficiency in the Energy Star™ program.  The following link has more information about the requirements:  http://www.glo.texas.gov/vlb/veterans-benefits/veteran-loans/home-loans/energy-star.html

If the veteran buyer signs the sales contract with the builder AFTER the home is 100% completed, then these requirements may not be necessary.  Typically a Certificate of Occupancy or final inspection by the city or county will be necessary to confirm the home was completed prior to the contract. ...

As I write this blog post, fires are still raging in Bastrop, Texas.  It is a horrible tragedy and fire damage is unbelievable.  For the unfortunate buyers in the process of purchasing or refinancing a house in the Bastrop area, things only get worse.  When the fires were first reported, lenders started requiring a re-inspection of properties prior to closing.  Now, with such devastating damage, lenders are requiring a brand new appraisal if the current appraisal was completed prior to the start of the fires.  With the potential of comparable ...