On Being an EcoBroker®

That little planet in a nest graphic that I have on our website and blog actually has a meaning. I have earned the right to use it by becoming a Certified EcoBroker®.

EcoBroker® is an education and designation program for real estate professionals who care about the environment and want to promote energy-efficient and "green" features in homes and buildings. Since environmental issues are near and dear to me, becoming an EcoBroker® was a natural step on my real estate eduction.

That little logo, the EcoBroker® logo, is the symbol of environmentally responsible and sustainable practices in the real estate industry. Certified EcoBrokers® help our clients and the planet get the most when buying or selling a home.

BENEFITS FOR BUYERS
As an EcoBroker®, I can help you find homes that are healthy, comfortable, and cost-effective.

• Save Money: EcoBrokers® know energy-efficiency and the monthly cost-savings you can realize with insulation, windows, appliances, and heating and cooling systems.
  
• Find Homes with "Green" Features Easily: With interest in energy-efficient, healthy, and safe home features, EcoBrokers® make it easy to either find homes with these attributes or to help you make improvements.
  
• Live Comfortably: EcoBrokers® help you improve your home environment by addressing indoor air quality, ventilation, use of low VOC paints, radon testing, and reliable water testing.

BENEFITS FOR SELLERS
Anyone can price your home. It takes marketing to really sell It. Promoting green features sets you apart from the competition.

• Sell for More: EcoBrokers® understand the benefits of green features in your home and are able to effectively promote them, selling your home's value and increasing your sales price.
  
• Distinguish Your Home from the Competition: Many home owners do not promote the energy efficiency and environmental attributes of their homes, missing a large market.
  
• Attract More Buyers: Over 90% of buyers identify energy savings and home environment as key factors when deciding to buy a home.

Being an EcoBroker® is about more than just talking PV panels and geothermal heating. It also means I have received additional education about issues many people do not consider environmental, things like asbestos, radon, indoor air quality and more.

Whether you are a full out greenie driving an EV and looking for a vegetarian lunch in this rural community or a mainstream buyer who still forgets to recycle sometimes, an EcoBroker® has specialized knowledge that can help you in the home buying or selling process.

And if you want that vegetarian lunch, try visiting Cafe Claudeen in Monroe. They have great coffee and teas, superb desserts and usually have a veggie option or two on the rotating lunch menu.