The Austin Board of Realtors was successful in defeating a Point-of-Sale ordinance that was to require sellers to upgrade their homes to meet a set of energy efficiency standards before the home could be sold. The concern was that the cost of bringing a home into compliance would have to be passed to the consumer and thereby raise the cost of purchasing a home.

Instead, the city adopted a voluntary program which requires some Austin residents to conduct energy audits for a home that is for sale and disclose the findings to a potential buyer.

The ordinance will take effect June 1, 2009 and apply to most single family and multi-family residents as well as commercial properties. Currently, the cost of an energy audit is between $200-300. Audits will be conducted by certified building home performance analysts who have been approved by Austin Energy of the city of Austin. Exemptions will apply to foreclosures, pre-foreclosures, properties subject to eminent domain, properties under court order, in probate, related to a marriage dissolution, transactions between family members, homes built within the last 10 years, manufactured homes designed without a permanent foundation, properties owned by participants in Austin Energy Electric Utility programs and for buyer's who agree in writing to participate in the program within 6 months of purchasing the home.

Remember, if you live in a municipal utility district (MUD) or a surrounding community like Pflugerville, Round Rock, Cedar Park or Kyle this probably does not apply to you. This is a City of Austin ordinance.

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988