Green tip number three, call your senator today

Almost every time that the Massachusetts Association of Realtors takes a political stand, I find myself on the other side of the issue. Today, I got a “MAR Call to Action” to oppose mandatory energy scoring for single and multifamily homes at the time of sale that is included in energy legislation before the State Legislature.

As a buyer’s agent, I think having an energy efficiency score is a good thing for buyers (and owners.) The only thing I oppose is the “time of sale” part. I would much rather see that information required before advertising the home for sale (and if never advertised, then before closing.)

The energy scoring required by Senate Bill 2457 would cost $150-300 per house. MAR opposes the bill because they say it is bad for the market. Does any member of MAR really believe that $300 would make or break the real estate market and limit opportunities for home ownership?

Dear home buyers, present and future: Do you want to know the energy efficiency of the home you are about to buy? Is it valuable for you to know what is wasting energy (and energy dollars) in your home? If you agree that energy scoring is a good idea, write your State Senator. Tell him or her to please support S.2457 and please oppose Amendment, No. 44, to S.2457 (which would bury this bill in committee). The vote is January 9th. If you disagree, now you know what to tell your Senator, too.