Focusing on green real estate may seem overwhelming—there are a wide variety of professional designations available, dozens of organizations to join and a lot to learn—but Johnson says that a genuine inner passion can help guide you. “Find out what it is about sustainable building and green homes that really speaks to you, and focus on learning more about that,” she says. “When you are passionate and knowledgeable, that authenticity will attract the kind of clients you really enjoy working with.”
Altic echoes the importance of being genuine when she describes her connection to her clients. “The bulk of my buyers have found me online because my core values resonate with them,” she says. “Often they aren’t in the market for a green home, but upon learning more about options in their price point, [they] are more than willing to go in that direction.” Even when sustainability isn’t a top priority, clients can envision a green home as part of a more efficient and environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
RETROFIT INCENTIVES
Homeowners interested in energy efficient remodels as a way to boost a home’s value or shorten the time it’s on the market may find that financial help is available. “There are a number of states and utilities that are rolling out energy-efficient retrofitting programs with financial incentives for participants,” Altic says. “This could be a tremendous tool for realtors, contractors and lenders in terms of informing their clients about the option of getting up front monies at a very low interest rate to make the retrofits.” Real estate agents and lenders can partner with local utilities and municipalities to better understand the options available in their area.
64% of households associate the Energy Star label with “efficiency or energy savings.”
*Source: EPA Office of Air and Radiation, Climate Protection Partnerships Division. National Awareness of ENERGY STAR® for 2010: Analysis of 2010 CEE Household Survey. U.S. EPA, 2011.
NETWORKING FAR AND WIDE
Sustainability groups across the country offer real estate agents, lenders, and appraisers the opportunity to connect with other like-minded professionals. Local chapters of national organizations provide face-to-face networking events and educational offerings, while regional groups give members the chance to focus on issues that affect them specifically. “Being part of the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild community gives me access to ongoing educational events, and networking and collaboration opportunities with green builders, architects and other related professionals in Seattle,” Johnson says. Many groups encourage cross-industry networking through partnerships and co-sponsored events. Ongoing education, workshops and conferences add to the value of memberships in these organizations and give professionals greater exposure to others in the field.
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