New California Seller Disclosure for Home Energy Rating

New California Seller Disclosure for Home Energy Rating

The California Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Program provides a reliable way to estimate and compare the energy efficiency of California homes and identify wise energy saving improvements. Whether you are buying or selling a home, or staying in your current residence, knowing your homes energy rating will help you choose smart energy upgrades and investments that will save you in energy costs, improve your home comfort, and protect the environment. As buyers become more aware of the benefits of an energy-efficient home, homes with a favorable home energy rating may be more appealing to buyers.

In California, new homes must be built to comply with the latest Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Standards). A majority of homes were built before the first Standards were established in 1978 with limited energy efficiency measures. Additionally, homes built after 1978 continue to have significant opportunities for energy efficiency improvements.

 This is especially true in Berkeley, where 90% of the homes were built pre-WW2.  Berkeley has long had in place the Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance which requires certain energy saving upgrades be made shortly after close of escrow, if already not in place. To find out more go to: reco@cityofberkeley.info

An Example for the Advantage for Sellers to make energy saving improvements is adding dual pane windows.  It not only lowers your heating bill, but gives you a tax credit, and makes your home more appealing to Buyers.

Of Buyers Interest;While location is considered an important factor in buying a home, the energy efficiency of a home should also be high on your list of priorities.
The Home Buyer's Energy Efficiency Checklist covers the areas you should consider when looking around for properties.

The new edition of the HERS Booklet: What Is Your Home Energy Rating? is a colorful and informative publication created by the California Energy Commission to:

• Describe Whole-House Home Energy Rating services and their benefits, and how to find a certified professional HERS Rater.
• Provide home buyers, sellers, brokers, and appraisers with information about the opportunity to invest in energy efficiency improvements at the time-of-sale.
• Identify the potential of adding sales appeal and value to your home through energy efficiency upgrades.
• Offer options for financing energy efficiency improvements and explain where to find tax credit and rebate information.

As Realtors, we must have the Seller's provide this booklet to the Buyer's, and in representing the Buyers, we need to remember to ask for it if not provided.

Click here to download and print the  version of What Is Your Home Energy Rating?

Here is the code explaining our responsiblity: California Civil Code Section 2079.10 

For more information, contact:
Energy Standards Hotline
Phone: (800) 772-3300 or (916) 654-5106     E-mail: title24@energy.state.ca.us              
E-mail: title24@energy.state.ca.us

Rayne serves her clients from a broad perspective gained from her full-time experience in Real Estate counseling and sales since 1978 for most of the San Francisco area's East Bay cities. Rayne has lived in, and enjoyed raising her family in many of those cities. Rayne is experienced in all types of transactions: first-time Buyers, 1031 Exchanges, Foreclosures, Short Sales, Probate Sales, Move-up Buyers/Sellers. She has done just about it all, and keeps learning! She is a certified Pre-foreclosure Specialist by Partners first. Rayne is a member of California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. Her huge base of knowledge, contacts, experience and latest use of technology helps you achieve your goal. She believes in continually educating herself and her clients for a fresh view on what it takes to have a successful, safe transaction. Her clients have commented on her open-minded, creative approach in negotiating for your best interests. Rayne lives with her significant- other and their cat Puddin' in the East Bay Hills in a cottage with a Mt. Tam view and a garden. She enjoys spending time with her family, three Grandchildren, dining out, and doing activities outdoors! Rayne has a background in Graphic Arts, Personal Style Counseling and management. Rayne enjoys all the referrals from her friends, family and colleagues. Thank you all so much for visiting my website. Take a look around and avail yourself to the services offered ContactRayne at; 510 502 2063, and BHG-Mason McDuffie Real Estate