Realtors go green

WASHINGTON – Sept. 5, 2008 – The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has introduced a Green designation for Realtors.

“As energy costs rise along with concern for the environment, homeowners are looking for innovative ways to save money and live responsibly,” says NAR President Richard F. Gaylord. “Realtors who earn the Green designation will add value to the real estate transaction with their knowledge of resource-efficient building materials and processes, as well as their understanding of simple actions that can reduce energy and water waste.”

According to NAR, 40 percent of Realtors say that green building is important to their business and clients, while 87 percent believe it will be of even more interest a year from now. NAR is engaged in various green building issues through initiatives like the Smart Growth Action Grants Program that helps Realtor associations create livable communities. In addition, many state and local Realtor associations are developing programs to teach members about energy-efficient and environmentally conscious home features.

The first Green designation courses will be held Nov. 5-6, 2008, at the 2008 Realtors Conference & Expo in Orlando, and Nov. 20-21, 2008, at NAR’s headquarters in Chicago. To earn the designation, Realtors must complete the core course plus one elective. The program is designed to help Realtors:

• Understand what makes a property green.
• Explain to clients and customers the cost benefits of green building features and practices.
• Distinguish between industry rating and classification systems.
• List and market green homes and buildings.
• Discuss the financial grants and incentives available to homeowners.
• Guide buyers in purchasing resource-efficient homes.

For more information about the designation, or to register for the course, visit www.greenresourcecouncil.org or e-mail greendesignation@realtors.org.

© 2008 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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