WHAT ARE REALTOR ASSOCIATIONS DOING ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY?
By Steve Wright
Not that long ago, if a buyer wanted a Realtor for search for a Green house, it could have meant only two things – the shade of paint on the walls or the amenity of a glassed in structure perfect for growing flowers and vegetables.
Now Green is spelled with a capital G and means environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient, healthy and sustainable.
And as more and more buyers are seeking homes with everything from better air quality and insulation to solar power and rain catch basins, a lack of knowledge about going Green can result in a shrinking client base and a lack of sale commission green.
To separate the junk science from best practices, a number of large regional Realtor Associations are creating Green councils, trainings, conferences, certification procedures and partnerships.
Consumer demand for sustainability also has created some nationally-recognized companies that create coursework and certification programs for Realtors.
“We have developed a brochure, Green Living: A Resource Guide for Residents of King County. The brochure may be downloaded from our website and our members are encouraged to provide a copy of the brochure to new homeowners,” said Russell Hokanson, CEO of the Seattle King County Association of Realtors (SKCAR). “The brochure provides valuable information and resources relating to energy efficiency inside and outside of homes, improving vehicle fuel economy, recycling, calculating carbon footprints, and other valuable Green tips.”
SKCAR partners with a local instructor to offer a classroom course – Green Cities & Housing. It also is collaborating with the Independent Brokers Association to offer a new course -- Selling Green Homes.
TOMORROW: The Realtors Environmental Council
Wright frequently writes about smart growth and sustainable communities. He and his wife live in a restored historic home in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana. Contact him at: stevewright64@yahoo.com
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