Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway showcases big real estate change

When I have previously reported on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for TheStreet, I focused primarily on a new tax deduction for older Americans that was introduced.

Beginning in 2026, adults 65 and older can take a $6,000 income deduction, even if they haven’t started receiving Social Security, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

I frequently write about retirement issues as part of my personal finance news coverage, but a major part of that beat also involves the largest financial investment many people will make during their entire lifetimes: buying and maintaining a home.

Related: Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway predicts real estate shift

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) recently highlighted a provision of the OBBBA that repealed many clean-energy programs under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022.

But BHHS explained that even though many of those programs were repealed — including those involving financial incentives and tax credits — several ways to save money in 2026 remain.

"While many incentives have recently expired and others are due to be scaled back, (Consumer Reports) maintains that you can still save money by either buying a new energy-efficient home or improving your home’s energy consumption through careful product selection," Berkshire wrote.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices explains key homebuyer program

"As a first-time home buyer, your new favorite internet destination should be EnergyStar.gov," wrote BHHS.

Energy Star is a voluntary certification program overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The program is intended to give consumers better guidance when selecting energy‑saving products and push appliance makers to enhance their efficiency standards.

"If appliances and operating systems meet the EPA's higher standards, they can be labeled with the Energy Star tag," Berkshire wrote. "The most efficient appliances are awarded the Energy Star Most Efficient label."

Berkshire Hathaway outlines benefits for homebuyers

• Consumers benefit from incentives (even though some are repealed or scaling back) — such as rebates, tax credits, and upfront discounts — when they choose Energy Star-rated products.
• Efficiency upgrades will still deliver long‑term savings on utility bills.
• Consumers contribute to lowering overall carbon emissions.
• People cut back on their personal consumption of limited natural resources, such as water and fossil fuels.
• A home will feel more comfortable to live in.
• A property’s long‑term value will benefit.
  Source: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Home builders and owners rely on Energy Star

Even without incentives, the Energy Star label still holds value. People will continue to see products on the market that carry the label, and the labeled items they already own are still saving them money.

"The 33-year-old program is so popular with consumers, builders, and green developers that the EPA is being inundated with protests and has postponed its decision to close it down," wrote BHHS.

They argue the following points:

• Energy Star motivates consumers, builders, and developers to prioritize energy efficiency.
• The program has contributed to saving 5 trillion kilowatt‑hours of electricity, cutting energy expenses by $500 billion, and preventing 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse‑gas emissions.
• Builders use Energy Star certifications to set their homes apart from competing properties.

"You can search EnergyStar.gov, the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice page, the Department of Energy, the EPA, and other government sites for information on what labels, tags, and efficiency ratings to look for in appliances and systems that will give you the most savings," Berkshire explained.

Consumer Reports discusses in-home EV charger tax credit

Even though the electric vehicle tax credit has now expired, Consumer Reports emphasizes the fact that people can still receive a tax credit for installing an EV charger in their garage until June 30, 2026.

"Note that the EV charger credit falls under the separate Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit, which means that its $1,000 annual limit is separate from the other energy-efficiency or clean-energy credits," Consumer Reports wrote.

More on mortgages, housing market:

• Zillow sounds alarm mortgage rates, housing market
• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices predicts housing market pivot
• Redfin sends strong message on mortgage rates

The publication explains that the tax credit is 30% of the cost of the charging equipment and up to $1,000 per year for a real estate property where the equipment is installed.

"This credit applies to the charger itself, as well as all 'components and parts essential to the operation of the charging port' and installation and construction costs," wrote Consumer Reports.

"The credit applies only to EV chargers installed in a primary residence, which has to be in a low-income or rural census tract. (The Department of Energy has a map showing eligible locations.) There are no limitations on the type of EV charger you install."

FAQ: Energy Star, One Big Beautiful Bill Act

• What did the OBBBA change for older Americans? Beginning in 2026, adults age 65 and older can claim a $6,000 income deduction, even if they have not yet started receiving Social Security benefits. (Source: Internal Revenue Service)
• Did the OBBBA repeal clean‑energy incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act? Yes. The OBBBA repealed many clean‑energy programs created under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, including several financial incentives and tax credits. (Source:One Big Beautiful Bill Act)
• Are there still ways for homeowners to save money on energy‑efficient upgrades? Yes. Even with many incentives expired or scaling back, people can still save money by buying energy‑efficient homes, choosing efficient appliances and systems and making thoughtful upgrades that reduce energy use. (Source: Consumer Reports)
• What is Energy Star? Energy Star is a voluntary certification program overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It helps consumers identify energy‑saving products and encourages manufacturers to improve efficiency standards. (Source:Berkshire Hathaway Home Services)
• How does a product earn the Energy Star label? If appliances or home systems meet the EPA’s higher efficiency standards, they can display the Energy Star label. The most efficient models may receive the Energy Star Most Efficient designation. (Source: Energy Star)
• Is Energy Star still relevant if some incentives are ending? Yes. Energy Star remains widely used and valued. Products with the label will continue to be available, and existing Energy Star appliances still save people money. The program is so popular that the EPA has postponed a decision to close it due to significant public pushback. (Source:Berkshire Hathaway Home Services)
• How does the EV charger tax credit work? It covers 30% of the cost of the charging equipment and up to $1,000 per year. It applies to the charger and all essential components, installation, and construction costs. It is available only for chargers installed at a primary residence located in a low‑income or rural census tract. There are no restrictions on the type of charger. (Source: Consumer Reports)

Related: Zillow predicts key real estate, housing market change