Why the NAR Residential Green Designation?

Buildings account for:

  • 72% of electricity consumption
  • 14% of potable water consumption
  • 38% of all CO2 emissions1

Because of the resource consumption and pollution caused by buildings our federal, state and local governments are instituting regulations to require that new construction and retrofit of buildings be done using green building practices.

Green Building Industry is Growing

Currently the value of todays green building market is $50 billion and is projected to double or nearly triple to $150 billion by 20132. Now that's a lot of green real estate to sell!

Be among the 1st Realtors in your area to earn the NAR Green Designation. In the Green Designation course you will become educated and up to date on what qualifies as green and sustainable real estate. Learn about the different green building certification programs and be able to speak a language that is extremely important in capturing the green buyer and seller.

Generate More Leads with Your Green Designation

According to a NAR survey 90% of buyers said environmentally friendly features were important.

Two-thirds of consumers are in tune to green building and understand that there is a link between green homes, cost savings and healthy living3. Currently most green certifications are voluntary and Realtors who know what to look for or know how to market a green listing will have the competitive edge for buyers and sellers; and will be better able to protect their clients from getting "green-washed".

A New Green designee from NC just told me that it is exclusively because of her Green Designation that she is getting to list a brand new Hybrid Solar House. She sent a press release to her local newspaper announcing her Green Designation and the builder of the Hybrid Solar House saw the press release and called her. After meeting with the builder a few times he was impressed with her knowledge and hired her to list his home.

Recently here in Sarasota a buyer walked into a local brokerage looking for a Realtor knowledgeable in green real estate. Unfortunately they could not produce an agent. This illustrates that there is an underserved market of green buyer/sellers.

Realtors are on the front lines of this massive change that is taking place in the way homes are being built. Join the nearly 5,000 Realtors who have already earned their Green designation and you will be able to position and market yourself as knowledgeable about green real estate.

The Numbers Show That Green Real Estate Sells Faster and For More

Environmentally certified homes sold for 4% more and sold up to 18% faster compared to conventional homes and green homes had a 37% higher per sq. ft. value4.

The green buyer spends on average $12,500 more for a green certified home5.

Benefits of the Green Designation

  • Market Differentiation - buyers and sellers will be able to search for you in Realtor.com and Realtor.org by your Green Designation.
  • The Green Designation Course qualifies as a requirement toward earning the ABR Designation and RSPS Certification.
  • National Media Campaign
  • Marketing Tools and Resources
  • Green Designee "Linked-In" Group for exchange of ideas and information with fellow Designees Nationwide.
  • Webinars, Ongoing Education and Support
  • Referrals

NEXT: Why the NAR Commercial Green Designation?

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Sources:

1. U.S. Green Building Council 2008
2. McGraw Hill Smart Market Report 2007
3. McGraw Hill Construction 2007
4. Green Works Realty from NWMLS 9/07 to 5/08
5. McGraw Hill Construction 2007