Marin Energy Home Audit - California REALTOR rebate

Posted by Kristin Lee on Saturday, July 30th, 2011 at 10:45am.

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In recent years, it has become more and more popular in Marin County for Buyers to consider an energy home audit before or shortly after purchasing a home. The California Association of REALTORS (CAR) has made an effort to encourage Buyers to know more about potential energy efficiency improvements by offering a rebate to qualified home purchasers of the costs up to $250 for conducting an energy home audit. This rebate offered through the REALTOR's Energy Audit Program. Details can be found at www.carhaf.org.

As part of the purchase process, home buyers learn many details about the condition of the home. CAR wants to encourage Buyers to add energy efficiency information to their knowledge base.

These audits give valuable information such as which home improvements are the best spend in terms of reducing monthly utility bills. Also, depending on your own interests in home efficiency, auditors can point you to a variety of solutions.

The energy audit should be conducted by a certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) auditor who is qualified to rate your home and identify improvements. To qualify for this program, home buyers must:

1) Purchase a single-family home as primary residence between Oct. 1, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2011

2) Complete a HERS home energy audit of the home prior to close of escrow or no later than 60 days after escrow and use a California REALTOR in the transaction.

Your California REALTOR can complete the form for you upon your close of escrow and with your signature, send it in to complete the rebate process. Details are referenced in the Marin County disclosures (item #7, see image above).

Find a HERS energy auditor at the Calcerts website www.calcerts.com. Visit Energy Upgrade California for more ideas and information on other rebates and incentives in Marin County and beyond.