Thinking of Selling in Berkeley and Wondering When and If To Make Energy Efficiency Upgrades ?

If you are thinking of selling a Berkeley 1-2 unit property that currently has natural gas any time soon, you may want to time any energy-efficiency upgrades based on the sale date.

Why? Because Berkeley limit the number of years a home upgrade qualifies for points toward their energy efficiency program.

As of this writing, condos are exempt from BESO requirements. See all the property types and rules. Be sure to confirm if ADU upgrades can qualify for points toward BESO certification, if you have an ADU.

For those subject to BESO, there is a long list of energy-efficiency improvements that can qualify toward points that satisfy the BESO requirements.

This is important to know about and think about because if a property that uses natural gas* does not earn enough BESO points, the city will hold money from the seller (currently $2500) and the buyer (another $2500) for 2 years until the buyer makes enough upgrades that add up to the required points.

*Currently the city says that all-Electric homes “that use no gas and have capped gas service lines are exempt” as are some first-time buyers. In both cases, verification is required. This entire post was inspired by an email from PG&E all about how to plan a heat pump installation.

Getting rid of gas could be an easy win to make a property totally exempt from BESO. (You could reward your new buyer with a Berkeley-made electric Copper stove if you have funds left after your electriciation!)

For those whose houses or duplexes have natural gas, you may replace your knob and tube wiring and get a new electrical panel, insulate, and install double-paned windows (all with permits). If you sell 6 years after doing this expensive work, those upgrades may no longer count toward your energy-efficiency score.

At the moment, “You can get credit for any upgrades that you made in the five years before selling.” Plus, “Work must be permitted and meet code requirements.”

CHECK BERKELEY FOR THE LATEST! Assume this program will change frequently, and be sure to talk to your Realtor® and check the Berkeley BESO page for the latest details on which property types are subject to the rules, the qualifying upgrades, number of points, etc

Get in touch if you need suggestions for vendors to help with your home electrification, if this post needs updates, or if you have vendor recommendations.