[Claim for Real Estate Expenses]

A decision was requested as to whether an employee could be reimbursed real estate expenses incident to a permanent change of station where the sale of his residence was delayed approximately 4 months beyond the authorized time limit. The employee had requested, and was granted, a 1-year extension of his initial settlement date limitation for reimbursement of real estate expenses. At the time the extension was granted, he was informed that the 1-year extension was the maximum time authorized. The employee stated that the delay in the sale of his home was due to the severely depressed economy and the housing market. Federal regulations applicable to real estate expenses are clear that the additional period of time after the initial 1-year period allowable may not be extended. These regulations may not be waived or modified by GAO or any agency concerned even though an employee's inability to sell his home may be due to difficulties beyond his control. Accordingly, the employee was not entitled to reimbursement of these expenses.