5 Ways That Home Sellers Can Benefit From An Energy Audit
With more cities weighing mandated energy audits for home sellers, educating consumers on risks, rewards is key
Fairfax, VA (PRWEB) June 25, 2009 -- For consumers preparing to sell their property, a home energy audit - when done correctly - can serve as a key differentiator in a down housing market by showcasing the annual savings an energy efficient home can deliver. However, home sellers must beware that if best practices aren't followed, a home energy audit will not deliver the desired results and could in fact expose them to unnecessary expenses and risk.
A handful of cities, most recently Austin, TX, are mandating that homeowners - particularly those in older homes - conduct energy audits prior to selling their property. With municipalities throughout the U.S. now weighing similar policies, debate has emerged on whether or not a mandated energy audit makes it harder or easier for homeowners to sell a property.
Whether a home energy audit is mandated by law or voluntary for the seller, below are five important ways home sellers can maximize the benefits of an energy audit and minimize the risks:
| | - Use an Independent Energy Auditor, NOT a Contractor - A window installer is not by default an energy auditor; neither is an HVAC repairman or any other contractor claiming to offer energy audit services. Consumers should be wary of contractors that will use an energy audit as a lead generation tactic and pitch, "you can improve your home's energy efficiency by upgrading your windows…or purchasing a new HVAC." An independent energy auditor does not profit from any recommended energy efficiency upgrades or purchases.
- Conduct Energy Audit BEFORE Putting House on Market - If a seller views an energy audit as an added financial burden only done if mandated or requested by the buyer, a huge opportunity is missed to highlight how energy efficient features enhance the value of the property and deliver significant annual energy savings to the prospective buyer.
- Take Full Advantage of Federal and State Tax Benefits - On February 17, 2009 President Obama signed a stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) that significantly enhanced the energy efficiency tax credits available to homeowners.
- Energy Audit Upgrades Improve Home Tours - Home sellers lacking enthusiasm for energy efficiency upgrades feel their investments are not visible to the naked buyer's eye. This is far from the case. A homebuyer touring a home can easily be turned off by a drafty basement or unbearably hot upstairs level that detract from a home's comfort level.
- Check Rebates and Cash Incentives For Energy Efficiency - Residents in some areas are seeing local energy providers and municipalities offer rebates, cash incentives and even low interest loans for homeowners who take steps to make their homes more energy efficient.
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About Home Energy Team
Home Energy Team is building the first nationwide network of independent, highly-trained energy auditors delivering unbiased energy audit services to consumers seeking to enhance the energy efficiency of their home and reduce their carbon footprint. After conducting an energy audit, each Home Energy Team auditor has access to a trusted network of local contractors available to service any recommended energy efficiency upgrades desired by the consumer. Founded in July 2008, Home Energy Team auditors are trained at the Home Energy Team (HET) Institute, and currently operate in eight states, including Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Maryland, Iowa, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, as well as the District of Columbia. For additional information visit http://www.homeenergyteam.com.
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