Realtor ®-The Woodlands Real Estate

Maybe even TAR should step up to the plate and offer it.  Does Champions Real Estate School even offer a course for green education?  If you don't have access to anything that close to Houston imagine all the outlying areas....

Hi Chris, GHBA is going to start offering a course but I doubt that many Realtors will go to it. Champions will probably hop in once they hear enough about it...but it would have to be approved by TREC first.  That's why all of the AR's need to hop in.  Do you agree?  I am learning it on my own...I'm thinking about the other 20,000 agents in Houston.  :)

Stephanie - I think that's a great idea - you point out obvious potential pitfalls - can't imagine the others looming. Thanks 

Thanks for stopping in Stephanie, I do appreciate it. I'm looking forward to reading your blogs and am going to subscribe to you now!

Hi Jack, there are many pitfalls.  Some that can really affect your clients.  Let's see how many people we can get to agree.  :)

Your Welcome Rochelle.  I'll reciprocate that.  :)

Stephanie, Very timely information.  I just finished registering on the USGBC website to register for some online classes. No sense waiting for the train to leave the station!

There was one Real Estate professional listed in Michigan.

Hi Gary, I am a member at the Local GBC here...but have not taken any local classes.  I also just joined GBI and will be attending the first meeting in a couple of weeks.  Way to jump in and take charge!!

But would you take one from the local AR also...or do you think they should offer it?

Stephanie - There is not much in Indy about green and I would love to learn more about it. At the least, knowing the state guidelines would be beneficial. BTW - I just read an article about a Homeshow here with green homes. I plan on going.

Paula, sounds like you might be catching the green bug.  :)  Knowing the minimum guidelines would be beneficial for all real estate agents.  Sort of like knowing minimum building codes.  Glad to hear that you are interested.  Let me know how the show goes.

I sure would like to see more awareness here as well.  Hey, Gary's online classes seem like a big plus....will check it out!

Hey Sally, Hopefully someone will read this and know that we need to get the word out to local agents.  :)

Stephanie - I have a co-worker who is very much into the Green idea.  Quite frankly, I don't think it's a bad idea myself.  If you get a chance, I'd appreciate sending any privy info you have over to me....email is fine.  I'm looking for Green lenders & banks myself.

THank you for this well thought out blog, I appreciate the point you are making, and would like to learn more on the subject myself.

Stephanie... it comes down to educating and awareness.  I am slowly learning more and teaching myself on the things that we can do.   Nicely written.

Stephanie,

Congrats on your gold star for this one.

Possibly like others, I'm still learning more on this. Truthfully I've seen more GREEN articles on AR than anything else that I can think of. Education and awareness (from Jeff B. above) is true for many of us, real estate profs. and consumers alike.

There are lots of shades of green.

• Green can mean choice of materials (recycled materials, not using formaldehyde in materials, using resin based wood-like materials for decking)
• Green can mean "free" or very low cost energy generation (geothermal wells, corn-burning stove, wind generator, solar panels, heat pump)
• Green can mean energy efficient (windows, doors, radiant floor heat, insulation)
• Green can mean uses less water (dishwasher, shower heads, toilets)
• Green can mean concrete construction rather than stick built
• Green can mean natural lighting
• Green can mean floorplans that circulates heat and air conditioning in a more efficient manner or uses windows to provide some solar heating within the home
• Green can mean no trees were cut down on the lot when the home was built
• Green can mean recycling household waste (grey water systems, compactors for recycling soda cans, built in space and containers for recycling household waste like paper and plastic)

Green can mean just about anything.  I think we need to stay away from using the term "Green Home" all together and spell out exactly what features the home has.  Even a point system can be misleading.  Points may be given for one catagory of green, but maybe the consumer understands it to be something different.

 

Stephanie, I had never heard of the term "Green Homes" until I started reading your blog. I am sure many Realtors in my area have no clue what that term means. I am with you, every association should offer a course in buying and selling Green Homes.

Look at you - you are teaching all of us something - I certainly know who to go to as I stumble through the green process - thanks for all the info you share

Great idea Stephanie!  I also like the idea of being specific about what exactly a "green home" is as I'm sure this has different connotations for different people.

 

Stephanie I was able to take a 3 hour CE course at my local board but I can tell you it just scratch the surface. Now here is the shocking part. It was free and less than 20 people showed up!

Stephanie - I love your suggestion and agree we really need it at a local level - you are my GREEN "S"Hero! 

Great post Stephanie!  There is so much to learn about being GREEN when it comes to homes.  Luckily there is a eco-pro like you to guide us all through!

That is a great idea. I wondered why they don't offer it, but it is a political thing with NAR. Sorry to say! But HAR recognized the ECO designation that you have for continuing education credit so that is good! We should also take it upon ourselves to read more about it, find out more if we are interested in claiming any 'green' things in promoting listings etc. It is so sad that it has not caught on here in Florida in our area at all. A builder was so excited to build an eco friendly house and no one came to buy it. The buyers are not willing to pay for it. There needs to be alot more education to the public about it. Katerina

Stephanie I think this is a great idea.  I think the lending industry should also try to encourage going green as well.  We have programs for  Teachers, Police, Fireman why not for a green home as well?

Stephanie - Great information. In the Grand Rapids area we have educational courses for the builders and contractors but that has not really dripped down to the GRAR yet. You are very forward thinking in suggesting this - the real estate community will be an integral part of getting this information out.

I have been reading many Green or ECO post on AR and am slowly picking up on the vocabulary.  Green has not made its way into the Raleigh Market but I see it making a huge impact very soon.

I thought I'd weigh in here...

The big hurdle was mentioned in your first sentence - "...and is not easy to explain".  Realtors aren't stupid people.  The people who have been the early adopters of new technologies and sustainable practices are already literate in the "lingo" of the green homes movement.  Everyone else, as Mana astutely pointed out, isn't.

How to bridge this gap?  Classes would be a start, but the movement has to define itself more clearly and cogently, basically distilling the excitement down to a clear, attainable goal.  There's not much to differentiate the kooks from the serious ones right now.  Yes, NAR needs to get on board by not treating this as a fad.  But the question is can even the second-tier adopters (like you, me and Stephanie) clearly explain why this is so cool to our fellow Realtors?

It's a big topic with 1,000 rabbit trails.  

 

Personally I would like to see Green homes start being built here. We have none. The course would not be worth a poo if no one is building them.

Stephanie, I would take something from the board, the only barrier for me is money. Everyone has their hand out. not sure about return on investment at this point.

Stephanie, 

When I think of education that I am excited about in the future something that excites me the most is gaining a  greater understanding of Green Building, a dream that is getting easier and easier to realize. 

Wow, looks like I have a lot of catching up to do.

Hi Jason, I am still trying to find lenders for Green/EEM loans myself.  I'll send you an email with what I do know...I would also recommend visiting with Mary Bigelow.  She has been doing some good research on the mortgage side.

Thanks Levi, I'm hoping if enough agents ask for it we shall receive. :)

Thanks Jeff, I agree that it comes down to education and awareness.

Thanks Lynda, I'm hoping all of the AR's will catch on too.

Hi Patty, I mostly agree with what you have said.  Much of that starts higher than Realtors..with the builders and Building Associations though.  In the mean time, I think agents having more education would help the consumer incredibly.

Hi Mana, I am glad you have an interest.  Knowing the local guidelines should be available..at the least.  :)

Hi Thesa, Thanks!  Call anytime.

Hi Ana, you are so right. Green means many different things to many people.  It will be really confusing when green homes become more prominent.  Like I tell my sellers..let's not chase the market, let's lead it.

Ashley, I'm so glad they offer something!  And free on top of that!  Wow.  I'm impressed.  I am not surprised with the low turn out.  It's to be expected in the beginning.  You bring up a great point though.

Thanks Cyndee, from my understanding...Florida is seriously considering this.

Thanks Leah, I'm trying.  :)  Trying to make some green waves in the big real estate ocean.  I know, sounds corny.  Ha!

Hi Katerina, I wish I could have helped that builder.  Keep an eye out for green in Florida.  You might be hearing more about it soon.

Hey Matt, there are some products available. Fannie, Freddie, FHA and VA.  FHA is really a 203K product for resale homes.  I don't know much about the FHA that is not 203K. I hear there is one...but I have not been able to find out anything on it yet.  Most people do not even know they are available.  I am really having a hard time finding lenders that know about them.  :(  Any help there?

 

Hey Buzz, so nice to see you stop by!  The GHBA (Greater Houston Builders Association) is going to offer a class for Realtors...but I don't know how that will go over.  I just joined the Association so I could attend the GBI meetings and try to give some ideas on how get the word out to Realtors.  Hang in there...the AR's will catch on eventually.  Thanks for the compliment.

Hi Rebecca, I'm glad to hear that it interests you. You might want to nose around a little in your area. I thought the same about Houston and boy was I wrong.  Open mouth, insert foot.  :)  Find out if your area has a GBC.  (Green Building Council)  You might be surprised.  If not..you will just be ahead of the game when it gets there.  :)

Hi Jeff G, you are always welcome to weigh in.  :)  I love your input.  I agree. there needs to be a more solid/clear criteria.  If it is going to stay vague...I think that is more reason for Realtors to have a course.  ARgh.  The serious ones vs. the others.  That's a soap box for me right now. 

Hi Jeff F, LOL. 

Hi Gary, if it was FREE?  :)  Your point is valid though. Money would be a hang up for many agents.

Hi Gabe, nice to see you stop by.  How are you liking AR?  You have one of the best teachers right in your office.  :)  You are lucky, lucky.  I get excited when it comes to more education too.  The dream is MUCH easier.  Thanks for mentioning that.

 

Well, at least TREC lets us get 18 hours towards our requirements with the EcoBroker course.  It's a start. 

 

I love seeing this topic come up more and more around here among many other places on the web.

For those that did not see them, here are a few other links or blogs that address the "GREEN" issue:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/163951/Green-Friendly-Weed-killer

http://activerain.com/blogsview/163983/Great-Green-Links-Post

I would recomend everyone go to these as well and leave your comments.  Let's kkep these at the top of the list for a few day to help enusre that the message is getting out there.

DJ Breckheimer
SW Mpls Specialist
www.djBreck.com

 

Absolutely offer more green class's with the caveat that it doesn't make anyone attending an expert. We have a few Realtors in town that advertise their listings as green or energy efficient that clearly are miss leading potential buyers. But a little education never hurt anybody and it doesn't qualify people either!

Hi Tricia, Very True.  Thanks for stopping by!

Hi DJ, good idea.

Hi Dena, I know.  I'm not asking for expert...just a little knowledge.  :)

OK Everyone,  This post ranks in the first one or two spots on Google for Green Education in multiple searches.  Let's see if we can get someone's attention!!  :)

GREEN BUILDING FOR REALTORS is here!

Already approved in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Georgia, Illinois-Submitted to in DC, Maryland California, Pennsylviania, Iowa, Miinnesota, etc- Being taught now--throughout FLorida! 

    Green Real Estate Education: ARELLO-ECCP Course # 175012, "Green Building for REALTORS(R) - Green Leadership" has been certified.

On behalf of the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), we are pleased to inform you that your application for ARELLO Education Content Certification has been completed. Content Certification has been granted for the course listed above.

The topic is mainstream, now. Please help us bring this to your members.

Ms. Kerry Mitchell
Green Real Estate Education
http://activerain.com/blogsview/163416/
E Mail: http://activerain.com/blogsview/163416/
Of: 941-779-4582
Fax: 813-961-8518

Leading an effort...
to a new way of life.
 
Proud Member of
The Gulf Coast Chapter USGBC
The Florida Green Building Coalition

NOTICE: This message is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to which it is addressed.
The message may contain information that is privileged.
If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are
hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying
of this communication is prohibited.
If this message has been received in error, please
contact http://activerain.com/blogsview/163416/

 

Congrats on the feature Stephanie! I have read through this a few times now - each time there are more comments! I like the idea. I think it is a very important step if the MLS will eventually add more categories to note "green" and "energy efficient" features. It will also help the realtor to be able address their clients needs while educating them to the ever changing standards. I am amazed with the writing material you come up with! Fantastic!

Great idea! Green education offered by the local boards would benefit all of us!!!

Stephanie~

First of all..CONGRATULATIONS on your Featured Post. When-you consider there are thousands of Active Rain Bloggers out on the network now, that is quite an accomplishment.

AND..you know how I feel about eco-wise choices and our part in raising awareness about those choices..That includes education. As you point out, " Without enough background on the topic there is a chance of increased liability."

Hi! Just in case you didn't see it. Your post was featured in Active Rain's Week in Review 7/29/07-8/5/07, written by Desiree Daniels. Congratulations!

Hi Kerry, Thank you so much for the information and it was nice visiting with you.  I will hold on to it in hopes we make it to HAR sometime soon!!  Cross your fingers.

Thanks Mary,  I wrote this in hopes it would be seen by NAR or atleast HAR.  Kerry just proved they do get read!  :)

Thank You JaneAnne!  I am hoping that Houston brings some Green Classes for Realtors.  Actually, Kerry's information shows they are working on getting a class approved for appraisers as well!  Yeah!!  We need more appraiser's on board too!  I am hoping to make some Green Waves in Houston this year!!

Thanks Angie, I had not gone over to check it out yet.