AUSTIN (Austin American-Statesman) – To encourage sellers and buyers to make their houses more energy efficient, owners of homes older than ten years will soon be required to conduct energy audits on their homes before putting them on the market.

The city ordinance, which takes effect Monday, will not require sellers to make any improvements, but it will require them to disclose the results to prospective buyers.

The ordinance also has provisions for multifamily properties and commercial buildings but does not apply to condominiums or mobile homes. Owners who have made certain improvements under Austin Energy programs in the previous ten years also can disregard the ordinance.

The audits are expected to cost $200 to $300 for a typical home of 1,800 sf or less.

The reports, which will cover issues such as how much insulation the house has and the condition of the heating and cooling equipment, must be done by auditors who are certified by the Building Performance Institute.

Violations of the ordinance will be a Class-C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Courtesy of

RECON

Real Estate Center Online News

May 26, 2009