The bill would help borrowers in two ways. Lenders would factor in energy cost savings when arriving at a borrower’s debt-to-income ratio, which could result in a larger loan. Lenders would add future energy savings to the home’s value, if that is not already reflected in the appraisal.
To be considered for the savings, a buyer or homeowner would have to submit a home energy report meeting guidelines from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Leading Builders of America and The Consul of North American Insulation Manufacturers co-authored the bill, Sahadi said. Supporters include the National Association of Realtors, U.S. Green Building Council, National Association of Homebuilders, American Institute of Architects, Appraisal Institute and Consumer Federation of America.
A spokesman for the Mortgage Bankers Association said the group hasn’t yet weighed in on the legislation.
A nationwide real estate consultant based in Irvine said he didn’t see a need for a law to regulate something that should be a practical matter.
©2013 The Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.)
