ECAD Toolkit For Real Estate Professionals

During real estate transactions in Austin, real estate professionals regularly counsel clients on the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance, which requires home sellers to share comprehensive energy audit details with buyers for homes that are: 

• At least 10 years old 
• Within the Austin city limits
• Served by Austin Energy

This toolkit will help you prepare for conversations with your clients about the ordinance requirements. Print the materials or use them electronically to explain important details about the process and requirements. Bookmark this page for future reference, and check back periodically for updates and new materials to help your clients.

Customer ECAD Reference Guide (pdf)

What is ECAD? How does energy efficiency impact the value of a home? Use this document with sellers and buyers to convey the benefits of ECAD, especially during a home sale.

Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) ECAD Decision Tree (pdf)

Does ECAD apply to this home? Follow this decision tree to determine if the ECAD ordinance is relevant in your current home sale transactions. 
Want more from ABoR? Check out other resources available from the Austin Board of REALTORS^® to assist professionals like you.

Guide to Understanding the ECAD Audit Form (pdf)

How do you read a completed residential ECAD Energy Audit? Share this document with clients who want to know what to expect when the ECAD Energy Professional delivers this detailed report.

Austin Energy Can Help if Your Clients Want to Make Improvements

Austin Energy residential customers can choose from an array of programs and services to help save money and energy.

• Home Energy Savings (formerly known as Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®)
  Customers who complete all recommended improvements meet ECAD requirements for a period of 10 years. Customers can take advantage of rebates and attractive financing to get started, as well as possible federal tax credits once the upgrades are complete. 
• Thermostat Rebates
  Customers can get rebates and incentives for each smart thermostat enrolled in the voluntary Power Partner program.
• Monitor Your Usage
  Log in to City of Austin Utilities Online Customer Care to check your usage, get customized tips for saving energy, and set alerts to help you avoid high bills.
• Austin Energy Green Building
  If your clients are considering a re-model of their purchased home, make sure they consult with an Austin Energy Green Building professional. We have the experience and know-how to help you construct homes that are beautiful, durable and friendly to the environment.

Options for Renewable Green Power

• Solar Photovoltaics (PV) – Your clients can find clean, quiet and efficient ways of generating electricity by harvesting sunlight. Customers can take advantage of solar incentives to help purchase solar panels for the home.
• GreenChoice – Your customers can do something good for Austin and the environment. Anyone can be a wind fan by choosing 100% renewable Texas wind energy.

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Contact Us

Please email ECAD or call 512-482-5346 if you have any questions or need additional information about the ECAD ordinance.