The green movement has moved into the mainstream, and Alabama Realtors could soon have a chance to get in on the action.
When it comes to consumers, few sectors are seeing growth in demand for sustainability more than the housing market, where homebuyers are increasingly informed on resource-efficient homes.
In fact, the recent Realtors and Sustainability 2017 Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that more than half of consumers are interested in sustainability in housing.
This increased consumer demand elevates the level of priority for sustainable products that provide environmental, social and economic impact.
The Green designation course will be taught by Alabama Center for Real Estate Education & Marketing Coordinator Cherie Moman on September 27 and 28 at the Tuscaloosa Association of Realtors. Alabama Realtors can meet the growing demand for green by becoming a leader in the marketplace. Click here to register
The following are some other key findings from the 2017 NAR sustainability report
- A majority – 71%– of agents and brokers say that energy efficiency promotion in a listing is very or somewhat valuable.
- Forty-two percent of agents and brokers said solar panels increased a property’s perceived value.
- Transit and commuting features that clients listed either as very or somewhat important include commute times and distance (81%) and walkability (51%).
Further, a McGraw Hill Construction SmartMarket report on green homes estimates that by 2018, the green, single-family housing market will represent about 40 percent of the market, and 84 percent of all residential construction will have sustainable features.
Now more than ever, real estate and building professionals have to communicate knowledgeably with consumers about resource-efficient homes and demonstrate the skills to be a trusted resource for both new construction and retrofitted existing homes.
NAR established the Green designation in response to this demand.
The program focuses on identifying and certifying resource-efficient homes, ways to improve resource efficiency and smart home technologies in addition to identifying consumer motivation, green home valuation and marketing strategy and energy-efficient mortgage options.
Green Designees also receive ongoing education about green materials, energy efficient technology and green incentives and membership in the Green Resource Council.
