National Association of Realtors' Green Designation
I had a conversation with an old friend last evening, in which we discussed how individuals can make a difference vis-à-vis sustainability in the choices they make in their lives. He told me about an associate of his, a realtor in New Jersey, who will not sell a house if it doesn’t have a “green designation.”
Apparently, the National Association of Realtors has created this designation, and offers advanced training in green buildings, so that realtors can seek out, understand, and market properties with green features.
Great idea. And kudos to that realtor for her commitment.
There are actually two green designations (the other is EcoBroker) and neither is particularly rigorous; I’ve personally talked to Realtors about both and they don’t seem to understand what I think they need to to help clients make client understand how to select a green home. It’s simply not possible to impart the necessary level of understanding of home energy issues in 3 days of classroom time to an audience without any science qualifications. That said, I do tend to choose Realtors with such designations if I have nothing else to go by, since I figure at least they may be able/interested to learn something from me and help future clients.
If the NAR were really serious about improving environmental performance, they would change the MLS system so that it could handle green features in MLS listings, such as a place to enter insulation R values and HVAC efficiency (if known) along with “City views” and the type of roof covering (asphalt, tile, etc)
“If the NAR were really serious about improving environmental performance, they would change the MLS system so that it could handle green features in MLS listings, such as a place to enter insulation R values and HVAC efficiency (if known) along with “City views” and the type of roof covering (asphalt, tile, etc)”
VERY GOOD!!
People do not generally build a house and live in it until they die. When building or buying a house, it is important to consider resale value. One could build very expensive energy conserving features into a house, but if the investment cannot be recovered on resale, doing so would be unwise.
If home buyers are convinced that it makes sense to buy a house that is energy efficient, they would be more willing to pay more for such a house.