[Request for Advance Decision Concerning Reimbursement of Real Estate Expenses]

GAO was requested for an advance decision as to whether the estate of a deceased employee is entitled to reimbursement of certain real estate expenses resulting from the purchase of a residence that the employee had elected to construct at his new official station. GAO stated that, in general, expenses peculiar to and specifically related to the construction process are not allowable. However, GAO found that: (1) legal expenses related to the power of attorney are allowable, since the employee's poor health necessitated that he be represented by his wife; (2) title examination and title insurance expenses are explicitly authorized by Federal travel regulations; (3) the portion of the recording fee not associated with construction is allowable; (4) survey fees are allowable, since they were incurred for the first and only time when settlement took place on the completed residence; and (5) the credit report fee is reimbursable if it is customarily paid by the purchaser at the new official station. Accordingly, reimbursement may be made for the real estate expenses as indicated.