The Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) has included HERS® Index Scores of homes in their Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as part of their effort of “greening” the MLS. NWMLS is the largest full-service MLS in the Northwest.. The organization, based in Kirkland, Washington, currently serves 21 counties in Western and Central Washington, which together encompass approximately 80 percent of Washington’s population. It services includes the cities of Seattle and Tacoma. Additional searchable green features in the MLS include: Construction methods – such as Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), Advanced Framing, Double-wall framing, etc. Heating, cooling, and auxiliary systems – such as ductless heat pumps, high efficiency 90%, heat and energy recovery ventilation systems Home performance scores – energy rating score of the home Energy sources – ground source, solar photovoltaic, wind power, etc. In addition, NWMLS also released a Green Building Information Supplement to its members to provide in-depth information on a home’s green features. NWMLS has joined MLS in the states of Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire and Vermont that allows for the inclusion of a HERS® Index Score in its property listings. Steve Baden, RESNET’s Executive Director commented that, “Including the HERS® Index Score in the MLS is a significant push to the mainstreaming of the HERS® Index Score in the housing market in the state of Washington. REALTORS® rely on the MLS to guide potential homebuyers and appraisers use the service to locate comparable properties. Having this information will make it easier for builders to market their HERS® Index Scores and appraisers to calculate the market value of rated homes.”
