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Transparency in Real Estate

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Real Estate Agent with Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 SA5376460000

Transparency in Real Estate is something that we all strive to provide for our clients.  Without transparance, our clients are left wondering about details left unspoken, homes not shown, and contracts that aren't exactly what they wanted.  If we don't truly honor our Code of Ethics by behing transparent, are we really doing our best service for our clients? I so no!Transparency in Real Estate

 

Transparency for me includes offering even more testing during the inspection period than most agents provide for their clients.  It's typical to get a home inspection, termite inspection, an HVAC inspection if systems aren't quite right, pool inspection if more information is needed for estimates, but agents do not provide an energy audit.  

 

An energy audit provides information as to the efficiency of mechanical systems, think air conditioner, furnace, ducts, lighting, and kitchen appliances.  Home inspector standards do not include this information as they can't tell you the life expectancy or efficiency for these items.  

 

Providing an energy audit during a home inspection provides even more information than a home buyer expected to receive.  And I've never left a sale providing this extra information.  Home buyers feel as if they are fully aware of every aspect of a home's condition.  And if they need copies of electric bills, I'll ask the listing agent for them.  

 

For me, transparance in real estate is providing the most information I can about everything inside and out of a home.  With this information, buyers feel armed with the right information to make the best decisions!  

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Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I agree Jan Green it's our fiduciary responsibility to be transparent.

Jun 12, 2016 07:14 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Bob "RealMan" Timm you're absolutely right.  I started offering energy audits to all home buyers about 4 years ago after a home buyer told me her electric bill was higher than she anticipated.  I felt terrible!

Jun 12, 2016 07:31 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Thanks Jan Green 

Jun 12, 2016 11:52 AM
Robert Havana
Park and Protect- Alberta Real Estate License Parking - Calgary, AB
Alberta Real Estate License Parking

Energy audits in my area have come and gone depending upon local government policy and incentives.  At one point we had a financial grant for people to improve efficiency, something which may happen again next year.

Jun 12, 2016 07:56 AM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

The idea of energy audits just has not caught on in our area, which is surprising to me.  It's an important consideration. 

Jun 12, 2016 08:30 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Incentives do play a big role in lowering the cost.  I hope your grant comes through! 

Too bad Susan Haughton !  Learning what efficiency an HVAC is operating is a useful tool for homeowners to understand.  Existing vs. new Federal codes can vary greatly. 

 

Jun 12, 2016 08:58 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Jan we are siblings from a different mother.... I have my buyers spend a lot of up front money for inspections...which in turn I get back to them in request for repair forms.... the reality is it helps them get the best  deal and at the same time it keep everyone out of litigation... no one can say anything was covered up...Endre

Jun 13, 2016 03:39 PM
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Hi Jan Green , Energy audits have not been much of an interested issue in the past, except for a breakdown of the monthly energy bills.  With more interest now than ever in the environment, I think the focus is starting to change toward the buyers wanting more information than before.

Jun 14, 2016 06:41 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

You mean sister from a different mister Endre Barath, Jr. !  LOL!  Being transparent definitely removes liability and when folks have all the information they can make their own informed decision.  It's a win win all the way around.  Good for you for providing great service!

Larry Johnston You're absolutely correct.  A NAR study (2012 I think) shows that 86% of consumers are concerned about their heating and cooling costs.  More home buyers want better energy bills. 

 

An energy audit doesn't require a homeowner produce energy bills.  The audit is simply a way to know how leaky your house is and you'll also know (by 3rd party software results) how efficient that ancient HVAC actually is.  The house I just finished a renovation on and am working on a green certification had a 21 year old system operating as a 5 SEER!  The federal mandate is 14 SEER so you can imagine how much money I'm saving with a new 16 SEER Trane, spray foam in the attic and new windows.  I just paid last months $39 electric bill and my next bill to be paid next week is $63. In AZ, our daily temperatures have already reached over 100 and we're bracing for 118 on Saturday!  

Jun 14, 2016 06:55 AM
Larry Johnston

At 118 degrees, it would definately be time to go inside and crank up that cool energy!

Jun 14, 2016 06:59 AM