Energy Audit and Efficiency Requirements for Resale

Reno/Sparks Real Estate - Selling Real Estate in Reno/Sparks, Nevada

The Nevada Association of REALTORS® (NVAR), a group that had an active role in the crafting of SB 437 from the 2007 Legislative Session, reports that they are in full support of R148-10 as crafted by the Energy Commission.

In summary, R148-10 amends SB 437 to:
- only require that the seller provide a 12-month average of the utility bill to a prospective buyer.
- ensure that the form developed by the Energy Commissioner would not cause any additional costs or burdens to the homeowner.
- provide the seller and the buyer with the option to waive that requirement.

The bill, as introduced, and supported by some other interests stipulates that a comprehensive energy audit be conducted at point of sale and that a rating system be utilized to determine the property's energy efficiency. NVAR opposed this requirement because the result would not only increase costs of buying and selling real estate in Nevada for both parties, but also potentially stigmatize poorly rated properties.