Help Buyers
Your buyer tells you they are interested in properties that are more energy efficient, whether that's through new windows or appliances, or some sort of green
certification. But, when you look at the search screen in the MLS, you are unsure where to begin to find them. No problem! You just need to know where to look.
- You can add easily search for green features tracked in the MLS like solar heating, radiant and zoned heat, or on demand water heater). Click here to learn how!
- Consider searching remarks for “green” information that may not have been noted the in the property features section. Descriptions here may help them to see the advantages they can expect from the home.
Help Sellers
Because having a green property means different things to different people, you should identify all features and/or certifications that their green property has to offer when the listing is entered into TREND.
You can also use the Green remarks section to promote the property’s other green features. Did your sellers use sustainable building materials, such as bamboo flooring? Were low
VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints used? Does the landscaping use native plants, which are heartier and adapted for local conditions? These are just a few of the many additional green features which can be highlighted here.
Obtaining certifications and green documents takes some time and effort, so make sure that they are highlighted - your seller will appreciate it. These certifications and documents can give a better sense of what was done to a property to make it green. For example, sellers can show that a property may be more energy efficient through an
Energy Audit. They can also provide verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across various metrics, which the
LEED certification does. For a refresher on how to attach documents to your listing,
click here.
Help Yourself
Several years ago, NAR created the Green Designation, which is “designed for…professionals looking to learn about issues of energy efficiency and sustainability in various facets of real estate.” To earn the designation, you have to complete
two courses – NAR’s Green Designation Core Course and NAR’s Green Designation Residential Elective Course regarding green concepts, principles, practices and benefits.
Then you can add the Green designation to your
TREND profile, which in turn can be added to your E-card. This designation can help you stand out to potential customers as someone who is looking toward the future. In addition, the NAR Green Designation Core Course counts toward elective credits for several other non-green designations and a non-green certification.
Let us know how you help your buyers, sellers, or yourself “Go Green” in the comments!