[Claim for Reimbursement of Real Estate Expenses]

An authorized certifying officer of the Department of Agriculture requested an advance decision as to whether an employee was entitled to reimbursement for the costs of a credit report and appraisal fees in connection with the attempted purchase of a residence at his new duty station incident to a transfer. The employee was authorized reimbursement of such expenses; however, the purchase for which the fees were being claimed was never consummated. GAO held that there was no authority to allow the employee reimbursement for the claimed expenses incurred with the unconsummated purchase of a residence, regardless of whether or not the failure to consummate the transaction was the result of a voluntary action by the employee. Accordingly, the claim may not be allowed.