Here’s the latest on the proposed energy audit.

If you remember, there was a proposed law that would state that before any seller could sell thier home, they would need to make “necessary repairs” to make thier home energy efficient.  This proposal could have made it so some/many homesellers would not even be able to afford to sell their homes, as some cases could cost several thousands of dollars to do so.  This would be something that would not only affect sellers, but buyers alike.  If you think any market could slow down due to economy, just think what asking every seller to spend money on a home that they are no longer wanting to live in would do the real estate market. 

Upon hearing this proposal, Real Estate proffessionals began to look at ways to curb this idea.

Well it looks like we have come up with some sort of agreement.

Just recently it was approved that instead of flat out requiring repairs to me made, that there will be the following:Beginning June 1st 2009, this will take affect

  • All sellers in Austin, and within the Austin Utility District will have to conform
  • Before your home can be sold, you will have to hire a certified energy audit proffessional to perform an energy audit
  • These audits will cost no more than $300
  • The audit will tell of everything in and about the home that is not up to today’s standards of energy efficiency (we are also trying to make it so that the report will read in easy terminology, explaining the money that could be saved if repairs were to be made, and how much those repairs would cost)
  • Once a buyer is interested in the home, the report has to be made available and signed off that the buyer is aware
  • The Energy Audit will be dealt with as an attachment, or possibly become part of the usual Seller’s Disclosure statement, that is required on all 1-4 Family Residential Transactions

Although most don’t feel this to be a perfect situation, it is defenitly more affordable and does allow for Sellers and Buyers to be aware of how we can help make our homes more efficient.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.