Realtors
Click here
to register online.
In February 2007 the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS), the region's
most authoritative source of information on home sales, added the leading
green building programs into its searchable listings database.
This effort, spurred in part by Earth Advantage, Inc. a Portland-based
non-profit specializing in the delivery and certification of green building
programs. The RMLS green home listing is a critical part in the market
transformation toward green building that is in progress nation-wide.
It enhances the value proposition of green homes for homebuyers. The green
building movement is a both a driver of, and responsive to, the newly
invigorated efforts within the US to address global climate change.
The green home listings on RMLS will help builders and homeowners assess
the value of energy efficiency and green building measures added to homes.
It allows real estate agents and appraisers to compare groups of properties
with and without energy efficiency and green building standards to see
how they affect sales prices. This may eventually encourage lenders to
offer bigger loans to borrowers with resource efficient houses, with the
understanding that the borrower can afford a higher mortgage because of
paying lower utility bills.
The new search form allows real estate agents to help a home seller describe
the property's green qualities with more ease and precision than before.
A key feature will allow agents to select a green building certification
program from a pull-down menu that has a list of programs from which to
choose.
Each of the certification programs are nationally known and feature rigorous
third-party certification. The programs are all offered by Earth Advantage,
Inc., the largest third-party verified program in the nation. They include
ENERGY STAR®, an energy efficiency program designed by the U.S. Department
of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency; Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED®) for Homes, developed by the U.S.
Green Building Council, and Earth Advantage® a green residential building
program prevalent in the Pacific Northwest.
In response to the RMLS listings, Earth Advantage, Inc. will be offering
a top-quality training sessions to realtors, inspectors, appraisers and
related industries in the Portland metro region. Those who successfully
complete the program will receive certification as Earth Advantage S.T.A.R.
Accredited Professional Brokers.
WHO
The audience for this program is realtors who want to differentiate themselves,
and assist their clients in assessing the relative merit of homes in terms
of energy and water efficiency, air quality and other “green”
home features. Other professionals involved in real estate transactions
such as title agents, inspectors, mortgage brokers and appraisers should
also attend so they can more knowledgeably participate in transactions
involving green homes. The training program will have relevance to both
the existing and new home market.
WHAT
To develop accredited educational program whereby members of the Real
Estate Industry can become certified in their understanding of the essential
elements of what constitutes a green home and how it provides for market
differentiation.
At the core would be a class-room based educational program to introduce
real estate professionals in the fundamentals of the four green building
‘pillars’ that make up a green home:
- Energy Efficiency
- Indoor Air Quality
- Resource Efficiency
- Environmental Responsibility
In addition participants will learn about the key marketing strategies
and the value propositions the realtor can use in translating value to
their clients
During 2 day workshop, Realtors will learn to identify value and market
green homes and speak more knowledgably about green home benefits to their
clients. Attendance during both days is mandatory for certification which
will also entail passing an on-line exam at the end of the course. Realtors
who successfully fulfill these requirements will receive Earth Advantage
S.T.A.R. Realtor certification and be listed on the Earth Advantage web
site and have access to on-line technical assistance from the Earth Advantage
staff.
WHERE
The Earth Advantage office in SW Portland is well equipped to offer this
course to 40 professionals at a time. The program may also be held on-site
at appropriate locations by arrangement with Earth Advantage.
WHEN
Classes begin in May 2007 and continue monthly thereafter. E-mail info@earthadvantage.org
or click here to register online.
FEE
$365 per person includes course materials and workshops.
Refund Policy
$365 per person is non-refundable.
Contact information:
To speak to an Earth Advantage representative, give us a call at 888-EARTH33
(888-327-8433).
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