If you live in Texas or any of the states from the chart below effective January 1, 2023, New Regulatory National Standards SEER Ratings takes effect.
Source: Brian Greul-Houston Greenlight Inspections, TX Certified Home Inspector
(CE completed 1/4/2023)
Continuing education is something Real Estate Agents need to take seriously. While it is natural to get excited about the holidays, I began taking continuing education in fourth quarter 2022 through present date to provide the best services for my clients in 2023. Why? Buyers and Sellers depend on Buying Agents and Selling Agents who can serve them with expertise. When buying a home, hire a Certified Home Inspector before buying. When selling a home, I highly recommend getting a Home Inspection to know exactly what the conditions are before you list.
GOVERNMENT STANDARDS ARE ALWAYS CHANGING
What this means to Buyers: Don't skip the Home Inspection! Government standards are always changing. Effective January 1, 2023, the DOE (Department of Energy) increased the minimum efficiencies for central air conditioners and heat pumps. In the Southeastern Region the national minimum efficiency increased from 14.0 to 15.0 SEER. If relocating from the North, this may be confusing because the new National DOE efficiency increases up North from 13.0 to 14.0.
What this means to Sellers: Save time and money having an expectation of what will likely come up before you put your home on the market. Not all Contractors can adjust their schedules to accommodate you in time before the buyer's walk through before closing. Although everything is negotiable, why wait? If you hope to get the most money in the least amount of time, it may behoove you to take care of repairs before the Buyer's Home Inspector comes to inspect. The way I see it, the longer you stay there, the more time and money it costs you. Also, if you have documentation in hand, from a current reputable and credible HVAC Company it may help with negotiations. Old documentation is usually useless. What is SEER?
SEER "Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio"
When purchasing new HVAC Systems, pay attention to the yellow "Energy Guide" stickers that compares the output of the unit over the course of an average season divided by the average energy used during that same season. Why is this important you might ask? When buying or selling residential properties, a Certified Home Inspector points out deficiencies and what the Buyer needs to know about their new home purchase.
INSPECTION REPORTS
One of the most important things to remember during the purchase of a home (New Construction and Pre-Existing) is the Home Inspection. What information goes on the Inspection Report for the HVAC System?
- Type of Heating Equipment
- Energy Sources
- Brand
- Year of Manufacture
- Air Filter Type
- Air Filter Location & Performance
The Home Inspector writes on the report deficiencies and recommendations. One may think if they are buying New Construction, a Home Inspector is a waste of money, think again! Here is an example for New Construction:
- "At the time of the inspection, obstruction was preventing the Home Inspector to have access to the system and poses a hazard to service personnel. The current system installation location does not meet current building codes. Builder should close the gap between the platforms to provide a safe working platform by building code."
- "Cooling Equipment: At the time of today's inspection the condensate drain trap was not installed properly. Recommend correction to comply with the international mechanical code. Trap should be sealed and deep enough that it does not get pulled empty or blown empty by the running unit."
Builders should make repairs and/or corrections before the buyer buys.
ISSUES THAT MAY COME UP WITH PRE-EXISTING HOMES
- "The gas line serving the furnace is missing a sediment trap. Tee is turned wrong direction and forms drip leg. This is a deficiency under the TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission) Inspection Standards."
- "Recommendation: Contact a qualified plumbing contractor."
FRIENDS & FAMILY
Well-meaning friends and family are well.... friends and family. Finding the right people who are licensed should always work in their clients' best interests. In the State of Texas, REALTORS® and Texas Home Inspectors are Licensed by the State. If you are in need of an experienced Residential Real Estate Agent serving the DFW area in Texas for more than twenty years, that would be someone like me!
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