Midwest Real Estate Data LLC (MRED) is helping home sellers and their real estate agents meet a requirement that sellers disclose utility costs to prospective buyers.

Sellers of detached, attached and two- to four-unit properties in Chicago are required by the city’s municipal code to disclose utility costs to prospective purchasers. The city of Chicago has partnered with CNT Energy and Midwest Real Estate Data LLC (MRED) to make the information available online.

On June 26, the MLS added four fields to the listing input for Chicago properties — estimated monthly and annual electricity costs, and estimated monthly and annual gas costs.

Real estate agents can look up estimated utility costs using a tool, “MyHomeEQ,” that allows them to input utility account numbers they obtain from sellers. A PDF of the disclosure of utility costs is created for download and attachment to listings.

Making data on utility costs available through the MLS will not only help buyers make informed decisions, but help accelerate Chicago’s efforts to use data to promote energy efficiency and create green jobs, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement.

Homeowners who have invested in energy-saving upgrades may not realize their fair value when they sell their homes if those improvements are not recognized by buyers, appraisers and lenders. More than 200 multiple listing services provide “green fields” that allow real estate agents to list a home’s green features. Source: mredllc.com.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×