As originally proposed, the Austin Energy ordinance would have required all homeowners to upgrade their homes to current energy standards before selling their homes. These mandatory upgrades could have cost thousands of dollars and put an extreme economic stress on cash strapped sellers. However, due to the efforts of the Austin Board of Realtors (ABOR) and city leaders, the city chose not to require homeowners to make the mandatory upgrades, but rather, require that some homeowners to conduct energy audits before the sale of their home. This ordinance goes into effect on June 1, 2009 and will apply to most residential, multi-family and commercial properties in Austin. For more Austin Texas Real Estate information, visit http://www.RomeoM.com