Taking a Greener Path for Realtors

“Going Green” has become somewhat of a catch phrase lately, but have you wondered what this means exactly, and how it relates to realtors and their clients? One myth to dispel, right off the bat, is that “Going Green” is expensive; it is NOT expensive; you need not make a gigantic life-changing leap, you can take baby steps that will carry you as far as you would like to go, and lead you on your way to a greener path.

I’ll start by explaining the basic intent of “Going Green.” It relates to your mark on this planet, we can sum it up by calling it your carbon footprint. This is the sum of how your life relates to the earth, your impact, by the choices you make on the way you live, consume, discard, travel, and maintain your lifestyle. The larger your carbon footprint, the harsher your overall impact is.

Everything you do has a direct effect on the earth. Being aware of your choices, and how they effect your contribution to the planet, will help you look at your current lifestyle and decide if there are alternatives that you can choose that will lesson your overall impact on this planet, ultimately improving your carbon footprint.

These choices not only lessen your impact on the environment, but can save you money-not only in the long run and the short term as well. Once I changed out all my light bulbs to CFLs, and started using smart power strips for my plug-in appliances, I immediately saw a reduction of $100 monthly on my electric bill. My total expense in this modification was less than $200, so I will make my money back in 2 short months. I like that.

There is so much information out there on different ways to “Go Green”; where does one start?

Hiring a Green Irene Eco-Consultant is a good first step on your way down a greener path; you will receive a thorough evaluation of your home or your business, along with a report that includes information and suggestions to implement at your discretion, and a 3-month membership to our online database of “green information.”

How can hiring an Eco-Consultant help a Realtor’s business?

As with any business, realtors can green their personal business, their office space, and can suggest a green home make-over to clients, both buyers and sellers.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is actively working toward the greening of property disclosures; there are already seven different MLX regions across the country that have included green features as part of their disclosures; NAR has already created a standardized list for nationwide implementation. Texas is working toward a minimum energy audit standard to be included as part of the property sale process.

Being a part of the leading edge of this green movement will add to any business and increase marketing power.

As a Realtor myself, I feel it is important to assist sellers in finding value-added features for their properties in this declining market. This will help stabilize value for our sellers. Make them aware of value-added features that won’t break the bank, and information for the potential buyer that can help them increase the value and equity in their home for years to come.

The green suggestions, information and products at Green Irene are exactly that. We offer an affordable green makeover, with suggestions and products to be implemented at the home owner’s own pace, one step at a time. We can also offer an outline for future improvements that can be implemented later, when larger repairs and improvements become part of the plan.

Arming sellers with this valuable knowledge will help promote the sale of their property, while adding value without a large investment. Additionally, they will be able to reap the benefits of their green improvements while they still own the property, by lowering their utility bills and lessoning their overall impact on the environment. They will also be able to take their green knowledge with them to their next property. Some green improvements will even benefit from state and federal tax incentives. Pretty cool.

A good starting point for real estate professionals is in the greening of their office and practice, with a Green Office Makeover. You’ll be able to promote your green practice at your office and business, a nice addition to your marketing plan. Offering a green home makeover is a great closing gift as well. Suggesting a green home makeover during the listing process as a part of preparing their property is a great investment for your sellers, not to mention how important it is to our planet to make these types of commitments.

For more information, contact your local Green Irene Eco-Consultant.

Katherine Hansen, Authorized Eco-Consultant
http://greenirene.com/MaineStreamGreen
katherine.midcoastmaine@greenirene.com
207-751-2598