Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
Being a green real estate agent is more than just a self-declaration. According to Metro, green brokers need to be certified. With their expertise in ecological matters, they help buyers and renters make environmentally conscious choices when shopping for the perfect home.
With a green real estate agent guiding you through the murky waters of today’s housing market, you will have more than just a consultant for purchasing. You will have your own personal green guru to help you be smart when it comes to environmental matters pertaining to your home. But these green agents are not just self-proclaimed green superheroes. They are card-carrying members.
Among the many certifications real estate agents can obtain, two that stand out are LEED Green Associate and EckoBroker. According to the US Green Building Council (USGBC), a LEED Green Associate demonstrates basic green building expertise in design, construction, and operations. You can purchase a guide to study for the test and take online or in-person training courses.
EcoBroker is a green designation program for real estate professionals. It receives oversight from the Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals (AEEREP). Like LEED, it includes online courses and materials and eventually results in an EcoBroker designation.
Not all agents who claim to be “green” have actual certification or the same level of training as others. You have to do your homework and not be afraid to ask them directly. The benefits of hiring a green certified real estate agent are both environmental and economical. In the long run, you will live healthier and more affordable lives in your new homes.
