Hybridrealtygroup’s Weblog

Certainly. As your real estate professional, I would be happy to take you on a tour of properties that have been certified by a “green” rating program. We can discuss the features in these properties, and you can see the kinds of benefits such properties are creating in the form of lower utility bills. We can also look together at some of the press and other literature describing property owners’ positive savings and health experiences with such properties. It might also be helpful to take clients on a tour through a nearby “Parade of Homes.” These homes often showcase some of the most elegant advances in energy efficiency and indoor air quality, among other green features.

Actually, purchasing a green home may allow buyers certain privileges which they would not have otherwise, and these advantages are quite straightforward. For example, you may be able to borrow a bit more money to purchase a certified property since lenders recognize that the owner of such a property will have a better monthly cash-flow due to lower utility bills. Courtesy EcoBroker.com

No, there should not be any challenges that are unique to buying a property with green features, except perhaps on a case-by-case basis and as is true of any real estate transaction. In fact, lower utility bills and improved indoor air quality may be examples of factors that can make properties easier to understand than convention properties without such features. Courtesy EcoBroker.com

 Living in a green home should not require any special effort on the part of the homeowner or occupant. In fact, green home features are generally very durable and, in fact, may actually require less maintenance over time than those of a conventional home. In terms of the services that the property provides, it is rare that anyone would notice a difference in conveniences. For example, a tank-less water heater provides the same type of hot water. The user doesn’t wait any longer for hot water and there is no less hot water available. In fact, in most cases the hot water is available more quickly and is more abundant, addressing both the relative advantage and the compatibility issues at the same time. Courtesy EcoBroker.com

There is “no such thing as a free lunch.” In some cases builders and remodelers will demand a premium for homes with green features. In areas where there is more competition amongst these green builders and remodelers, they may be able to demand less of a premium, if any. Considering the energy and dollar savings potential of green home, a green home that is purchased for a similar price to a comparable conventional home is effectively being purchase at a discount. Courtesy EcoBroker.com

   Consumers are always happy to hear that a property with green features is likely to have lower utility bills each month. Owners and/or occupants of homes with green features are also likely to experience an increased level of comfort. This is a result of, for example, less drafts and less noise relative to conventionally constructed properties. In some cases, greener properties can offer health benefits through improved indoor air quality. In yet other cases, green properties may be easier to maintain and incur less maintenance costs as is the case, for example, with water-wise landscaping and natural drainage designs. Courtesy EcoBroker.com

Unless there is signage or you have previous knowledge of the property, you are not likely to be able to tell whether a home is a certified green home just by driving by, or based on any initial visual inspection. Certified homes don’t stand out because they are all painted a bright green color or because they have unsightly fixtures or oddly sized doors or windows. Homes with green features tend to look just like their more conventional neighbors. Courtesy Ecobroker.com

Hello reader: Wow, I just got this weblog started and before I begin my journey on “green” topics and my experience with Miami’s eco-friendly home supply I’d like to refer to this media alert, so you know where I am coming from. If you are a green vendor or service provider please join my business networking group “The Green Room” on meetup.com and feel free to call me anytime.

MIAMI REALTOR® GOES “GREEN” AND BECOMES FIRST
IN AREA TO EARN ECOBROKER® DESIGNATION

REALTOR ANDREA CRILLY WILL FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY  FEATURES OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES IN SERVICES TO SELLERS AND BUYERS

MIAMI, FL — September 3, 2007 — Andrea Crilly also known through her Hybrid Realty Group of Keller Williams Realty in Miami Shores has become the first Realtor in Miami to earn an EcoBroker Certified® designation, having successfully completed a unique training program on energy efficiency, environmental and health and wellness factors in residential homes. An EcoBroker is an industry certification provided by AEEREP (Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals). EcoBroker’s mission is to broaden and improve the base of training and continuing education for real estate professionals and in doing so, encourage improvements to the quality of buildings, while reducing their impact on natural resources and the environment. EcoBroker is a Building® America and Built Green® Colorado Education Partner; the most successful green-building program in the United States.Crilly joins the movement of professionals addressing the needs of a growing number of buyers and sellers who value these factors in the properties they buy or sell.  The “performance home” movement is getting a boost thanks to this type of high quality real estate professional earning the EcoBroker® designation.  EcoBrokers like Crilly throughout the country are forging this market and creating competitive advantages for their customers.

With national surveys indicating that 80% of consumers consider themselves “green-minded,” real estate professionals with the EcoBroker designation are in a better position to serve their clients. An energy-efficient home is going to be an asset in the coming years. Many east coast buyers are already with the program — searching for homes that save money, are comfortable, and protect the environment.  Proper marketing of these “green” aspects of a property is important, as it better attracts needed attention in today’s slow market.

Crilly explains, “With EcoBroker training, I have broadened the range of real estate opportunities I offer my clients.  Whether the transaction involves environmental assessment and mitigation in regards to mold, radon, etc., or the opportunity to reduce utility bills, I’m in a position to help.  The EcoBroker designation doesn’t make me an energy and environmental expert, but it allows me to better understand the issues and to convey this understanding to my buyers and sellers.  My EcoBroker designation helps me stay ahead of the game.”

EcoBroker International’s education and designation program is designed exclusively for real estate professionals who care about the environment and want to help their clients benefit from the energy-efficiency, “green,” and healthier features of homes and buildings. “Andrea is an example of the quality real estate professional the EcoBroker designation continues to attract,” explains EcoBroker International’s CEO, Dr. John Beldock.  ”These real estate professionals are not only distinguishing themselves in a competitive marketplace, but they are really giving back to the community in very constructive and meaningful ways.  South Florida needs more contributors like Andrea. The planet and our grandchildren need them too.”

Crilly earned her EcoBroker Certified designation in August 2007 and is actively putting the tools and additional expertise to work.  She says, “I look forward to working with green-minded buyers and sellers who want to live in homes that match their green-aware lifestyle!”

Andrea Crilly, Realtor, ASP™, Certified EcoBroker can be reached at Keller Williams Realty, 305-333-5345, Email: AndreaCrilly@kw.com, and online at http://www.stagedhomesmiami.com/

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