ESREP (Energy Smart Real Estate Professionals) and RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) sign a Memorandum of Understanding

ESREP (Energy Smart Real Estate Professionals) and RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) sign a Memorandum of Understanding.

ESREP, who provides the Energy Smart Real Estate Specialist (ESRES) designation to real estate agents around the country has partnered with RESNET to help educate agents and homeowners about the value of the whole house approach and obtaining energy audits for both buyers and sellers. RESNET is a national not for profit membership organization and a national standards making body for building energy efficiency rating systems.

“The Obama administration’s top housing official, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Shaun Donovan, says consumers deserve more information on the energy efficiency of the houses they buy, both resale and newly built,” according to a recent Washington Post article.

ESREP agrees that energy audits are a valuable tool in determining a home’s energy use. We also believe that education is a vital component in reducing home energy consumption and real estate professionals are one of the most important stakeholders in relaying this information to the consumer. The ESRES training invites HERS raters to speak to the agents about the importance of an energy audit and the tools used in determining air leakage.  Air leakage can account for more than 50% of a home’s heating and cooling costs, and contribute to problems with moisture, noise, dust, pollutants, insects, and rodents.  Agents learn about a HERS rating, and the importance of blower door tests, and an IR camera scan.

Once the “Energy Smart” training is complete, the ESRES agent can assist homeowners in improving their home’s energy efficiency to positively affect the environment; reduce the costs of home ownership through energy savings; add value to their homes; and make their homes stand out in a competitive market.  ESRES agents have the tools and resources to effectively market “green” homes, work with LEEDS, ENERGY STAR and other green builders, and provide knowledge about energy efficient financing and local financial incentive programs that will help their clients.

ESREP and ESRES looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with RESNET and it’s members.