Chris Lehman, and Austin Realtor and chairman of the Austin Sierra Club, talks about controversial point of sale provisions in the Austin Climate Protection Plan. “Realtors took a strong line against the point of sale provisions even before the measures were defined. Their concern is cost and delay to the buyer and seller.” However, he says that “many Realtors see point of sale improvements for energy efficiency as a positive move for sellers and buyers.” [Link]
Costs are financed with the buyer’s mortgage at the best possible interest rate where they are offset by reduced utility bills for the buyer.
Energy-efficient homes and buildings are better homes and buildings. They use less energy, cost less to operate and save the buyer money in the long run. Upgrading existing housing and buildings in Austin will reduce costs to owners and boost Austin’s clean-tech economic growth.
