This bill could kill the already struggling housing industry in California. As numbers are falling in most of the areas of the state, this bunch of money hungry politicians are bent on killing the golden goose. For years the market has been strong and could have supported this legislation (even though we think it is a bad idea no matter what) but if this is passed, you could possibly see California’s housing market slide right over the edge.

What are the facts? Here is a note from California Association of Realtors:

AB 2678 would require, among other things, that ALL homes and commercial property in California have an energy audit at point-of-sale, and that mandatory energy efficiency investments be made. While C.A.R. appreciates the goal of energy conservation, C.A.R. strongly opposes the point-of-sale requirements in AB 2678 because they are not necessary to achieve the bill’s objectives and such mandates will weaken the housing market. If enacted, AB 2678 could add thousands of dollars to the cost of purchasing a home, including up to $400 just to have the home audited. AB 2678 will next be considered by the state Senate.

- Mick Orton