Posts Tagged ‘Austin’
City of Austin – Energy Audit
If you have a home within Austin city limits and are trying to or thinking about selling your home, you need to find out how the Energy Conservation Audit can affect you.
Who is affected (you must meet all 3 criteria)?
Homes that are 10+ years old
Homes within Austin city limits
Homes that receive electricity through Austin Energy
Are there any exceptions?
You may be exempt if your home was a participant in the Austin Energy Residential Energy Efficiency program within the last 10 years. Check with the City of Austin at 512-974-7827.
What are your choices?
The City of Austin has declared the Energy Conservation Audit mandatory UNLESS you complete specific voluntary upgrades through the Austin Energy Residential Energy Efficiency program. A homeowner can choose from a list of approved companies who can consult with them to determine what upgrades would be necessary to complete. The primary upgrades are additional attic insulation, solar screens, and sealing the duct work in the home.
How much does the energy audit cost and what do they do?
The energy Audit typically costs $200-300 for a home with one HVAC unit and prices go up from there depending on the size of the home and number of HVAC units. The energy audit evaluates the home’s windows, attic insulation, HVAC system, and duct work. The report is about 9 pages and points out areas that are inefficient and gives suggestions on how to make the home more efficient. It will be mandatory to supply a buyer with this report if you are selling your home.
What is the benefit to participating in the Austin Energy Residential Energy Efficiency program?
Austin Energy and Texas Gas Service offer incentives to participants to offset costs of these upgrades. Homeowners can also receive a tax credit for these upgrades if it is their primary residence. When you sell your home, you will not have to complete the mandatory energy audit which will save you the cost of the audit and report. The remaining costs vary but in some cases they can be very near the same cost of completing the mandatory energy audit. In addition to all of the immediate cost benefits, you can reap the benefits of living in a home with lower bills and a more comfortable and efficient home.
When will this apply to me?
The ordinance will take affect any home that sells after June 1, 2009.
Why did the City of Austin create this ordinance?
The City of Austin created this ordinance in order to bring our older more inefficient homes up to par with newer construction homes. This will benefit all Austin Energy users as it will lower the impact that we have on our power plants. If we can reduce the dependency on our power plants then we can stop or slow the need to build more which also helps keep our energy bills more affordable.
How do I learn more?
Contact your team of Real Estate agents, the Dave Murray Team, with your questions!
II: Tuscan Architecture in Hill Country Estate
The Tuscan style lends many of its features to the Mediterranean style, and its popularity in the Texas Hill Country has led to the coined term “Texas Tuscan.” It inspires the use of stone, the same Roman arched windows and doors, and even more warm colored roofs and homes are distinctive to this style.
Bella Tesoro is a beautiful Tuscan estate. It features Italian tile throughout the first floor living areas, the vaulted ceilings with dark wood beams classic for the style, and a beautiful covered patio with outdoor dining and fireplace.
I: Mediterranean Architecture in Hill Country Estate
The Mediterranean style of architecture has experienced a huge revival in the US, particularly the Southwest and Texas Hill Country. This style of architecture invokes the sunny, open, colorful old world charm of the region it comes from. With many Spanish elements often blended with French Country and Tuscan styles, it fits into the Hill Country landscape perfectly.
Archways leading into tiled courtyards or covered patios are defining staples of the Mediterranean architectural style, and are wonderful to enjoy in warm climates. These homes are instantly recognizable – most people think of the image of the classic terra cotta colored roof. From the front, elaborate entryways usually feature a fountain. Their courtyards and covered patios are historically surrounded by wrought iron fencing leading to ornate grilled doors, and grand columns. From the front, a Mediterranean home is characterized by grand, arched windows on the first floor paired with more demure 2nd story windows. And no Mediterranean home is complete without a stone fireplace and classic metal fixtures.
Our listing at Rancho Estacia has been described as “The Best of Both Worlds,” for blending Texas Ranch comforts with this classic yet modern Mediterranean style. Exquisite details are in every room. A dip in the pool among the greens outside really makes this estate an oasis.
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What’s Happening in Austin
If you’re considering moving to Austin, or even just to a different part of town, Austin can feel like a big but exciting new place. The Austin-American Statesman newspaper creates an annual guide called Austin360 that is entirely accessible on the internet full of resources in the area that you will need, along with recreation ideas and interesting happenings. You might find a new restaurant close to you, Fun family activities, and government links you may need. If you decide to start looking for a new home, the friendly people on the Dave Murray Team can help with all your real estate needs. Many unique homes Central Texas are still available at exceptional deals, like this beautiful 4270 square foot home on 11 acres that is listed for $895,000. Bella Tesoro
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