March 2026
Four Oregon cities, Bend, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, and Portland, require sellers to obtain and disclose a Home Energy Score (HES) before publicly listing a qualifying home for sale. If you work in any of these markets, here's what you need to know.
What is a Home Energy Score?
A certified assessor evaluates a home, including insulation, windows, and heating and cooling systems, and produces a score from 1 (least efficient) to 10 (most efficient). The score reflects the home's assets, not occupant behavior, so buyers can compare homes consistently. No city requires a minimum score to sell.
Which homes are covered?
The requirement applies to detached single-family homes and attached units (duplexes, townhouses, condominiums) where the unit runs from foundation to roof. For exemptions, check the relevant city's program website.
Your responsibilities as a licensee
The legal obligation to obtain and disclose the score rests with sellers. However, licensees have two important roles:
- Informing sellers of the requirement so the assessment is completed before listing
- Ensuring the report is correctly uploaded in the multiple listing service (MLS)
If the upload isn't done properly, the report won't be transferred to public platforms like Zillow and Redfin as required. Each city's program website provides step-by-step MLS upload instructions.
Cost and finding an assessor
An assessment by an authorized Home Energy Assessor typically cost $150 to $300.
You can find a list of authorized Home Energy Assessors on Earth Advantage's website.
All four cities offer free assessments for households at or below 80% of Area Median Income.