Keeping up with Californistan

PDX:  So insecure it has to be "first" - even if it is for doing stupid things.  Stupid, oppressive and nanny-state things.  Pretty soon people won't know that they are (were) supposed to be responsible for making their own mistakes.  It's as if progressive governments think the people are so stupid, lazy and weak that we need more and more laws to keep us from drowning in our own drool.

What ever happened to home inspections?  Buyer beware?  Before one buys a house, they get a home inspection that determines insulation, types of windows and age and type of HVAC equipment?  And don't forget to ask for the printout of the last year's energy use (see your PGE and NWNG bill for information).

How much do you think this will add to the cost of a home?

The most affordable homes are those that are already built.  This program targets these homes.  Government regulations always makes things more expensive, but not always better.  Government regulations give government control over your life, your money and your city.

Maybe low-income home sellers with low-scoring homes will have to sell at a discount, while those with high-scoring homes will make more?  Ah yes, perverse incentives.

And anyone who thinks this law is only for the homebuyer's sake is not thinking clearly.  The law required people proficient in doing home energy inspections.  This is not a jobs program - it is a precursor to requiring every home in the city, for sale or not, to have an energy score.  Then... tax or fine those who don't achieve a compliance rating.  Inspectors will have permanent employment keeping all those homes up to date.  Think I'm wrong?  You might need to live in Portland in order to see how opressive and arrogant government can be.

City of Portland Home Energy Score requirement beginning soon

Program provides new insight into energy use and costs of Portland homes

Know the score. Outsmart energy waste. www.pdxhes.com  

PORTLAND, Ore. – The City of Portland Home Energy Score ordinance will take effect on January 1, 2018, requiring sellers of single-family homes to disclose a Home Energy Report and Score at time of listing. Portland City Council unanimously adopted the policy (Portland City Code Chapter 17.108) in December 2016. This new policy will require people publicly selling single-family homes to obtain a Home Energy Report (which includes a Home Energy Score) from an authorized Home Energy Assessor. Complying with the policy takes two simple steps: getting the Home Energy Score and showing the Home Energy Score in any listing or public posting about the house.

Like a miles-per-gallon rating for a car, a Home Energy Score is an easy way for sellers, buyers, real estate professionals and builders to get directly comparable and credible information about a home's energy performance across the housing market.

In advance of the policy taking effect, the City of Portland Home Energy Score website is now live at www.pdxhes.com.