Energy-efficient homes get fair appraisals—if you can afford the audit

What it does

This bill requires federal mortgage agencies (FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, USDA, VA) to let borrowers provide energy efficiency reports when applying for home loans, and to ensure appraisers consider this information when valuing properties. Borrowers get the right to request energy reports at no cost, and lenders must disclose that energy data may affect appraisal value—either positively or negatively. Appraisers must complete 7+ hours of training on energy considerations. The bill aims to help energy-efficient homes get fair market valuations that reflect their lower operating costs.

Why we flagged it

The bill's core mechanism is a disclosure and appraisal-consideration mandate: it requires lenders to inform borrowers of their right to provide energy reports and mandates that appraisers factor energy efficiency into property valuations. This is a transparency and valuation-accuracy measure, not a subsidy or deregulation.

What the text implies

• Appraisers must complete mandatory 7-hour training on energy considerations by March 1, 2026, creating a compliance cost and potential bottleneck in appraisal capacity during the transition period.
• The bill does not mandate that energy reports increase property values—only that appraisers 'take into consideration' energy data. Appraisers retain discretion on weight, so energy-efficient homes may still receive lower valuations if the appraiser determines the market does not yet price efficiency highly.

The full analysis lists 5 implications of this text.

Who stands to gain

energy auditing and HERS-certification firms; home builders and architects (whose energy-efficient designs may command higher appraisals); renewable energy installers and solar companies