GOING GREEN - 10

GOING GREEN
What are REALTORS Doing about Sustainability?

By Steve Wright

For Realtor Tricia Jumonville, a self described “old hippie,” sustainability has been woven into her life a far back as she can remember.

“An astute Realtor can always help a buyer or seller find affordable ways to add to the sustainability factor of more traditional construction. You can't change the way an existing building is placed on the lot, for example, but you can add rainwater harvesting systems, solar attributes, screening that helps with the energy demands for cooling landscaping to decrease energy usage and quite a few other affordable aftermarket tweaks that will increase sustainability of even traditional construction,” said Jumonville, who works for ERA Colonial Real Estate in rural Texas about a long hour’s drive out of progressive Austin.

“Clearly, energy auditors are going to be an important partner in the Realtor's life in future. As will lenders familiar with the energy-efficient loans that are available that make sustainability more affordable for the average person,” she added. “I'm currently looking for one of each locally to add to my team of home inspectors, mortgage lenders, contractors, and others to serve clients.”

TOMORROW: Christopher Alexander's A Pattern Language

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