A Green Designation
Adds Value For Clients &
Distinguishes You From The Competition
Agents with a green designation offer specialized services that will benefit all clients.This increased environmental awareness has no doubt also created a new niche market...'green' clients...which would make an ideal target market for green-designated agents.
The marketing and business development benefits of a green designation include a stronger personal brand and enhanced client service.
Susan
Emo
is the only green accredited agent in her area...Gananoque,
Ontario
and the Thousand Islands on the north shore of Lake Ontario.
Here are some of Susan's thoughts on the green designation and how it helps her.
I am always looking for more added value and becoming an Accredited Green Agent was one more way to assist my Buyers and Sellers.
Energy efficiency is uppermost in people’s minds these days whether they’re concerned about the planet or their pocketbook.
Helping my clients to find real world green expertise will have a long term positive impact on my community.
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Interesting & Informative Courses
For my green designation, I chose the National Association of Green Agents and Brokers.This association is committed to
- promoting ways and means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- increasing building energy efficiency
- conservation
- overall sustainability
- increasing environmental awareness
- Home Hydro Use
- Green Home Heating & Cooling Options
- Home Energy Efficiency.
I continually found myself jotting down notes as to how this could be applied to my business as well as to my personal life.
It was important to find the program serious and yet appropriate to everyday life.
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Learning & Applying Lessons Learned
I appreciated that the courses could be completed online and in my own time.
I also took advantage of some local classroom sessions which were great fun and very informative.
Our numbers were few but I feel leading by example is the only way forward.
When Buyers are considering a particular home, they need to know the energy-efficient features that keep a home’s operating costs down as well as the conservation opportunities that will improve the home’s comfort.
I call it the 2nd price tag!
Alternatively, Sellers want to know what energy and cost-saving features buyers will value and what energy-efficiency upgrades can improve resale marketability.
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Stand Out From the Crowd
I have been able to distinguish myself from the crowd by learning green concepts, principles, practices and benefits from the ground up in a way that makes sense to my clients.
An NAGAB Angus Reid survey showed that almost three quarters of Canadians (72%) say they will look for a green-improved property in their next home purchase.
The survey also reported that 63% will be willing to pay more for an environmentally friendly home.
These individuals recognized the link between Green properties, cost
savings and healthy living.
Having a green designation allows me to be a positive force for change with my clients and my community.
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Kermit
Was Wrong
We
live in a
beautiful old century home and have been applying green practices as
we restore whilst keeping the charm and character intact. With a little thought and consideration, there is no reason the building practices of 2 different centuries can’t co-exist!
Kermit was wrong . . . it is easy to be green if you’re committed!
Other Agents' Comments
"...Education
is most important with any cause.
"As Realtors, we have a lot of connections within our community and should get involved to preserve our real estate for future generations!..."
"As Realtors, we have a lot of connections within our community and should get involved to preserve our real estate for future generations!..."
Renee Caperton
Century 21 Marrs & Associates
Corsicana TX
Century 21 Marrs & Associates
Corsicana TX
"These are good things to work for...
"I am going to look into the green designation, hopefully to get involved in the community..."
Evelyn
Johnston
Prudential One Realty
Elkhart IN
Prudential One Realty
Elkhart IN
The above comments were made in response to my ActiveRain blog post about earning a green designation.
What are your thoughts about earning a Green Designation?
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