The BeSMART Home Loan Program provides financing to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. By replacing and upgrading appliances, heating, ventilation and cooling systems, and whole house envelope improvements – homeowners can save on the utility bill.
Eligibility
The BeSMART loan is an unsecured loan based on verification of credit and ability to pay.
- Maryland homeowner
- Credit score of 640 or greater
- Debt to income ratio that does not exceed 50%
Loan Terms
Rate is 4.99% APR
Up to $30,000 in financing is available for energy efficiency measures for a term up to 10 years.
Minimum loan amount is $5,000.
How to get a BeSMART Home Loan
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Submit the
online BeSMART Loan Application or the
paper BeSMART Loan Application
- Email all required income documentation to get pre-approved on a financial basis.
-
Submit project specifications - including scope of work, contractor estimates, and ENERGY STAR® equipment specifications
-
Complete loan documents - Once the specific project is approved, the loan documents provided by DHCD must be signed and notarized.
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Start your project – the project kicks off with an initial draw of funds to start work
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Complete your project – You and your contractor will confirm work has been completed to specifications, your contractor will submit photos, and you will both sign a Certificate of Completion for the final draw to be issued
Eligible Energy Saving Measures
- Insulation and air sealing
- ENERGY STAR® heating and cooling systems
- ENERGY STAR® hot water heating equipment
- ENERGY STAR® appliances, roofing, windows, doors
- Lighting and controls
- Programmable and smart thermostats
- Ceiling fans and ventilation fans
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Solar photovoltaic*
- Health and safety costs related to energy improvements **
- Other improvements identified in a certified energy audit
*Financing for solar photovoltaic installation is capped at a 1:1 match to the cost of energy efficiency measures.
**Up to 25% of the cost of the energy measures can be used to complete health and safety improvements that are necessary for the energy improvements – including ventilation, radon mitigation, abating asbestos, mold or lead, and code compliance.
Borrowers may be required to pay for any costs not covered by this percentage to complete the project.
How to Find a Contractor
For BeSMART, homeowners may choose their own contractor. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development requires that the contractor have a valid Maryland Home Improvement Contractor license or a Maryland HVACR license and they must meet the BeSMART insurance requirements. They must also agree to the BeSMART Contractor Terms and Conditions. You can check your local utility website for a list of contractors.
Information for Contractors
More Information
CONTACT: BeSMART Home Loan Program
Community Development Administration
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
E:
BeSmartHome.dhcd@maryland.gov
P:
301-429-7402
BeSMART Home Loan Brochure
