Real estate buyers, sellers beware

Are you thinking about buying or selling a house? Your Georgia District 2 representative in the U.S. Congress won't tell you this, but he has some surprises for you. They are contained in the "Carbon Cap and Trade" energy tax bill for which he voted on June 26. Almost no member of Congress had the time, or desire, to read the huge bill before voting on it. However, a few legislators who have examined it report that it contains the following:

Home buyers: You may need to save more money for your purchase. The energy bill will dramatically increase new home costs by mandating the California building codes for the entire nation. Upon enactment the bill will demand a 30 percent increase in energy efficiency for new construction. A couple of years later the bill will require an additional 50 percent improvement. The cost to buyers is mind boggling, but do you think your congressman cares?

Home sellers: Are you having a hard time selling your home? Here’s one more hurdle for you to jump over: All home sales will be conditioned upon an energy audit, a new energy rating assessment, and energy labeling program for your home. If you think you can sell your property with a fresh coat of paint and some granite kitchen counters, think again. Now your home will be subjected to an energy law that will penalize you for older windows, original fixtures and dated appliances. So the bill will bring down the value of your home.

There's more: New lights, no matter the cost. As early as 2012, the bill eliminates existing lighting technology used in many outdoor lighting sites such as parking lots, stadiums and factories. If there is no feasible alternative technology available for existing outdoor lighting, the new law may force some businesses to close their doors.

Do you think your congressman cares? If he does, why did he vote for the bill? Home buyers, home sellers, builders and business owners, contact U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss. Tell them how you feel about this energy tax bill before the Senate votes on it.

Michael Dixon

Americus