If you live in Portland, and you are thinking about selling your home, come 2018 the city will require that you obtain a home energy score prior to going on the market. The city estimates it will cost between $150 and $250, though initial costs may be higher until certified assessors dial in their efficiencies.
Why is Portland doing this? City officials believe that measuring energy efficiency is the best way to reduce carbon emissions from heating and powering a home. They liken the score to the miles-per-gallon comparison that buyers may evaluate when purchasing a car. Similar programs exist already in Berkeley, Boulder, Santa Fe, and Austin.
What does the home energy score measure? Note that the score does not measure a current occupant’s energy usage. Rather, it evaluates (on a scale of 1 to 10) the energy systems in the home, the appliances, and things like windows and insulation levels. If your home scores below average, the report will provide recommendations of upgrades one can make to raise the energy efficiency of the home. It also estimates annual cost savings if you were to follow the recommendations. Unknown at this time is how buyers might try to leverage a home’s score in price negotiations.
Are there exceptions? Do I have to do this? If you own a single-family home or a townhouse in the city of Portland, and you list in 2018 or later, you must obtain your score prior to going live on the market. Exceptions exist for stacked units (like condos), ADUs, mobile homes, as well as bank-owned properties. Of course, everyone is currently exempt because it is 2017.
If you are thinking about listing your Portland home for sale, you might consider listing this year rather than next year. Bud and I stand ready to help you do exactly that. Feel free to contact us.
Posted by:
Danni Duggan and Charles “Bud” Garrison | OR Brokers | Premiere Property Group, LLC | Licensed in Oregon | Danni’s Cell: 503-719-2279 | Bud’s Cell: 503-679-1893
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