What the June 1 Energy Ordinance Means for Sellers and Buyers in Austin

At Austin Residential Properties, we believe in maximizing energy efficiency and fully support the green energy movement. To help you improve your home’s energy efficiency either before selling your home or after you've bought your new home, Austin Residential Properties will help you find contractors or service providers you can trust to make the changes noted on the home's energy audit.

The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) Ordinance for single-family homes went into effect in Austin on June 1st of this year.
Now, all homes over 10-years-old that are sold must have an energy audit performed by the seller. The seller must give the report to potential buyers (by attaching it to the Seller's Disclosure). The ordinance only applies to homes that are over 10 years old and that are also served by Austin Energy.

The energy audit typically costs a home seller between $200 and $300. Sellers are not required to make the repairs listed on the audit, however sellers are required to disclose the audit results to buyers and prospective buyers.

Once a buyer purchases a home, the new homeowner is not required by law to make the energy-efficiency improvements. However, Austin Energy offers rebates to homeowners who want to improve their home's energy efficiency by implementing the changes.

In addition, buyers who make the suggested changes may also have access to lower-cost loans in exchange for making the improvements.

Helpful Energy Audit Links:

In order to see if your home requires an audit before putting it on the market, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/auditcheck

For more general information, visit: http://tinyurl.com/AustinEnergy

To see the actual ordinance, visit: http://tinyurl.com/energyordinance