The National Association of Realtors (NAR) issued a “Myths and Facts” memorandum with regard to HR 2454. Fortunately, this bill only indicates that federal funding would be offered as incentives for owners of existing properties to voluntarily improve the energy efficiency of their structures:
HR 2454 does not require that buildings be energy retrofitted. It does however provide for federal funding to states in order that they may offer financial incentives, such as loans or grants, to property owners who voluntarily improve the energy efficiency of their property. There are guidelines and conditions to meet in order to receive funding and also with regard to exactly how states may spend the money. Some type of verification that the energy improvements have been properly made will be required to help ensure against fraud.
In sum, at least at this point, there are no point-of-sale guidelines or any other such requirements of any sort. Of course, this bill has only been passed by the House. It must still be passed by the Senate and then signed by the President to become law. It may not happen at all. Time will tell.