Austin home run energy audits before sale
On June 1, a new city ordinance kicks in that requires sellers of homes older than 10 years to get an energy audit and disclose the results to prospective buyers.
City leaders say it is one more way to reduce Austin's energy consumption and make Austin greener, although sellers are not required to make any improvements as a result of the audit. The idea is to encourage sellers or buyers to make their houses more energy-efficient.
But with the requirement taking effect in a slower housing market, some real estate agents say it could delay or torpedo sales and will add costs for sellers.
The audits are expected to cost $200 to $300 for a typical home of 1,800 square feet or less. Austin Energy anticipates that 3,000 to 4,000 homes a year will be audited under the ordinance.
A City Council resolution accompanying the ordinance includes a goal of having 25 percent of homes sold between June 2009 and June 2010 receive upgrades and more homes in later years.
The reports must be done by auditors who are certified by the Building Performance Institute, a national educational organization for home performance contractors.
The audits will cover issues such as how much insulation the house has and the condition of the heating and cooling equipment and include recommendations for improvements.
Sellers must provide a copy of the report to buyers. The auditors are required to provide a copy of their report to Austin Energy within 30 days.
The ordinance says violations are a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.
However, an amendment bound for a conference committee in the state Legislature could strip the ordinance of its teeth.
The amendment says that "a municipality may not impose a criminal penalty on the seller of real property for the failure to perform an energy audit."
Energy audit highlights
Who needs one: Sellers of homes 10 or more years old in Austin that get their electricity from Austin Energy.
Who can skip it: Owners who have made certain improvements under Austin Energy programs in the previous 10 years. The ordinance does not apply to condominiums or mobile homes.
Who does the audits: City-approved firms that are certified by a national organization.
Costs: Estimated at $200 to $300 for a typical home of 1,800 square feet or less. Austin Energy recommends getting at least three bids.
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