This bill aims to integrate energy efficiency and renewable energy characteristics into residential mortgage loan appraisals. It mandates that creditors provide borrowers with a written disclosure outlining their right to submit or request an energy report for consideration during the appraisal process, clarifying that a qualified appraiser will consider such information, which may influence the property's final appraised value. Creditors are required to use the appraised value determined by a qualified appraiser for underwriting, and the consideration of an energy report cannot be a basis for rejecting an appraisal or loan application. Starting March 1, 2026, covered agencies must ensure that if an energy report is available and the borrower consents, it is provided to the appraiser, and underwriting systems accommodate appraisals that consider these reports. Qualified appraisers must take into account the property's energy efficiency, renewable energy features, estimated savings, and consumption relative to comparable homes. An energy report is defined as an analysis detailing energy-related features, estimated costs or savings, and expected energy generated from renewable sources, conducted by approved methods like HERS or DOE's Home Energy Score. A qualified appraiser must be licensed and have completed specific continuing education on considering energy reports. Covered agencies, including FHA, FHFA, Ginnie Mae, RHS, and VA, are tasked with jointly prescribing guidance for creditors, establishing an advisory committee of stakeholders, and ensuring origination and underwriting systems review appraisals consistent with this guidance within two years.
This bill aims to integrate energy efficiency and renewable energy characteristics into residential mortgage loan appraisals. It mandates that creditors provide borrowers with a written disclosure outlining their right to submit or request an energy report for consideration during the appraisal process, clarifying that a qualified appraiser will consider such information, which may influence the property's final appraised value. Creditors are required to use the appraised value determined by a qualified appraiser for underwriting, and the consideration of an energy report cannot be a basis for rejecting an appraisal or loan application. Starting March 1, 2026, covered agencies must ensure that if an energy report is available and the borrower consents, it is provided to the appraiser, and underwriting systems accommodate appraisals that consider these reports. Qualified appraisers must take into account the property's energy efficiency, renewable energy features, estimated savings, and consumption relative to comparable homes. An energy report is defined as an analysis detailing energy-related features, estimated costs or savings, and expected energy generated from renewable sources, conducted by approved methods like HERS or DOE's Home Energy Score. A qualified appraiser must be licensed and have completed specific continuing education on considering energy reports. Covered agencies, including FHA, FHFA, Ginnie Mae, RHS, and VA, are tasked with jointly prescribing guidance for creditors, establishing an advisory committee of stakeholders, and ensuring origination and underwriting systems review appraisals consistent with this guidance within two years.