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Here is a place where we can share our knowledge and expertise with each other. What do you know about your profession and industry that others don't? If you have some tips you'd like to share with your fellow Chamber members, this is where to post them. Our goal is to have each member industry listed in a category, so we can add to our knowledge pool, and get to know each other better. Initial blog entries should be emailed to: cjm@pictureperfectvacations.com, and we will make sure they are uploaded in the appropriate category. Members and guests will then be free to add comments, more tidbits, or ask questions right here.... ready for some enlightening conversation? ... Let's Blog........
NEW City of Austin 'Energy Efficiency Ordinance' Soon to Impact Homeowners wishing to Sell
5/16/20092:31:07 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Attention all City of Austin residents: As of June 1, 2009 your City of Council has enacted what is known as the" Energy Efficiency" Ordinance. This ordinance will have an impact on the seller's wanting to sell their homes.
Quick Facts on the Energy Efficiency Ordinance:
1. What is required under the new ordinance?
Homeowners selling their homes will be required to obtain an energy audit and to disclose the findings of that audit as part of their regular seller's disclosure notice.
2. Who does it affect?
Homeowners with properties that lie within the Austin city limits, are serviced by Austin Energy, and are 10 years or older are affected by the ordinance.
3. Who will conduct the audits?
Energy audits will be conducted by professionals who have been certified by either the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) or the Building Performance Institute and who are registered with Austin Energy as approved contractors for this program. The list of registered professionals can be found at www.austinenergy.com/go/ecad.
4. When do the audit need to be completed?
The energy audit is required as a part of the seller's disclosure, so it must be completed before the home sale closes. Austin Energy and ABOR encourage homeowners seeking to increase their energy efficiency and save money on the high cost of utility bills to have an energy efficiency audit conducted before thinking of selling their homes. Early audits may help homeowners identify possible areas of improvement and could help prevent last minute scrambles should a homeowner decide to sell his property at a later date.
5. How long do the audits last?
Each energy efficiency audit will be good for 10 years under the current ordinance rule.
6. Are there any exemptions?
Yes, several. Properties in foreclosure or pre-foreclosure, properties subject to eminent domain, transactions between family members and properties under court order, in probate proceedings or under decree of legal separation or dissolution of marriage are all exempt. In addition, properties that are fewer than 10 years old, manufactured homes disigned for use without a permanent foundation and properties owned by participants in designated Austin Energy Electric Utility proograms or buyers who agree in writing to participate in these programs within six months are aslo exempt. Condominiums are also exempt.
I know this will raise a lot of questions, so I'm going to give you my email address, please send me your comments or queries and I will be happy to help or send you to an expert who can answer your questions.JaniceCampbell@janicecampbell.com
Your Realtor in Action! Janice Campbell, Owner/Broker of Top Realty Services, LLC serving the austin area since 1988.
