For Real Estate Listings
In the city of Portland Oregon, a Home Energy Score is required for most homes before listing the property* for sale. Over 27,000 Portland homes have been scored since 2018 when the policy was implemented, making this an important home-comparison tool for home buyer as well as sellers.
Home Energy Scores are valuable to home buyers because they provide information that goes beyond that of a standard home inspection. From energy usage types and volumes, to carbon footprint and expected utility bill, a Home Energy Score provides an in-depth examination of both the property’s energy efficiency and consumption.
HOME ENERGY SCORE
- Meets Portland Home Energy Score requirements
- Flat rate for any home of any size in the area
- Results are available the same day
- Easy online scheduling
- 1-hour appointment
FAQ
A Home Energy Score is a report compiled by gathering information about a home’s size, age, and other physical factors, as well as in in-person inspection of the home’s insulation, air sealing and any previous efficiency upgrades. Portland requires a Home Energy Score when listing a *home for sale, which must be completed before the property can be listed for sale. The Score Report is shared with potential buyers, providing them with a quick 1-10 rating of the homes comparable energy consumption levels, and an estimated energy usage rate for that property.
*Some exemptions due apply to specific locations and properties/situations as outlined in the Administrative Rules of the Residential Energy Performance Rating Disclosure created by each City.
A Home Energy Score report includes:
- A 1-10 score, where 1 is the greatest amount of energy consumed for a home versus a 10 which is the lowest amount of energy consumed for a home (when comparing the properties consumption level to that of the average previously scored Portland home)
- The home’s predicted average energy consumption and average energy bill
- The home’s estimated carbon footprint
- The energy sources the home uses (natural gas, electricity, etc.)
- An overview on the home’s energy-efficient features (furnace, insulation levels, etc.)
- Recommendation for improvements that could make the home more energy efficient
Aside from it being a requirement in the City of Portland and one of its major suburbs, Milwaukie, the Home Energy Score is swiftly becoming a tool that buyers depend on to make an informed home purchase decision. That’s why 5 other Oregon cities are considering creating their own Home Energy Score requirements (read more here on our blog).
A home Energy Score report works much like a Buyer’s Disclosure Document, providing prospective home buyers with detailed information regarding the consumption levels and efficiency of select energy systems of the property.
The Home Energy Score uses a simple 1 to 10 scoring method where, 5 is the average home in your region. Scoring a 1 on a home means that the house uses much more energy, and 10 means that the home uses less energy than an “average” home. Today, energy efficient materials are more affordable, and energy prices are going up. Combined with concerns about global climate change, homeowners are more likely to use the Score to make energy efficient improvements.
The Home Energy Score Report provides homeowners and buyers with a guide to lowering energy bills and reducing their carbon footprint through upgrades and improvements. Studies have shown that buyers respond favorably to this information, even if a home does not receive a high Score. In fact, in a survey of Portland home buyers who purchased a home in the past three years, buyers reported that the list of recommended improvements to make the home more energy efficient, was the most useful part of the Home Energy Score Report.
The appointment usually takes about an hour, and our Energy Assessor can have your Home Energy Score report available for you the same day.
We provide one simple flat rate for each Portland Home Energy Score – no hidden fees. . See above for pricing and details, or call our office at 503-330-1514 for more information.
Yes, our team works directly with homeowner, builders/developers, and Realtors. After your Score Report is complete, we will uploaded it to a central server, and provide you with a link which will allow you (and your Realtor) access to the report for viewing and downloading at anytime. We will also connect your Score Report to your Realtors MLS listing, so buyers can easily find it when your property goes “Live” on the market for sale.
Remember, no improvements are required before listing your home for sale, regardless of the results of your Home Energy Score. However, if you would like to improve your home’s energy score you may consider the following;
- Upgrade your home’s insulation, especially in the walls and attic
- Upgrade your furnace to a more efficient unit
- Install a high-efficiency water heater
- Add solar or thermal energy to your home to reduce the drain/use of electricity, natural gas, and oil-heating.
*Some exemptions due apply to specific locations inside of the city and to properties/situations as outlined in the Administrative Rules of the Residential Energy Performance Rating Disclosure created by the City.
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