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Eco Broker vs. NAR's Green Designation

Recently, NAR rolled out its' Green Designation. I have not had the pleasure to attend either of these designations training. But, 15 years of living green and off the grid does give me some stomping rights. I am looking at both websites right now and I am trying to discern which of the designations is more intensive and educational.

It looks like the NAR's Green Designation is more about raising the awareness of green issues in the Real Estate Down to earth image industry. Students will be taught about the basics of today's green generation. The class covers how sustainability impacts smart growth, new urbanism, and community development. Attendees are also instructed as to how NAR's Green Designation can attract green clients. Students are required to complete a 12 hr. core course and a six hour elective course. The designation can be earned on line through Realtor University.

Now, mosey over the Ecobroker.com . Eco Broker is the first and the largest green real estate training system in the world. The Eco broker course offers in depth training for three subjects: environment, energy, and the green market. In some states Eco broker classes will qualify for CE credits. The Eco Broker course gives a full 18 hrs. of green instruction.

When I decide to designate my green status I plan to use the Eco Broker program. I love the website and all Eco Broker Designation Logo the green knowledge it contains. The professional Eco-Broker's directory is also a nice little perk for the Realtor and a gleaming star for the consumer. I also like the fact that the Eco-Broker program continues to provide its' members with the latest updates on new trends and technologies related to the green industry.

Posted by Teller, Park and El Paso County Colorado Sabrina Kelley Pikes Peak Region Realtor on 03/29/2009 10:25 PM

Comments (30)

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30 Comments on Eco Broker vs. NAR's Green Designation

MAR

2009

Thanks Sabrina for the info. I don't have training in either but plan on it in the future. Now I know a little more about the 2 choices.

It seems like NAR's approach is to educate folks that are new to green, while Eco Broker is for folks that may already have some exposure. Would you say that is correct?

MAR

2009

Hi Sabrina--

I've been an EcoBroker for almost 2 years now. I have gotten referrals because I have the designation. I too have a long history of "green" (I tell people I was green before it was a color ;-))

I have not done the NAR course, so I can't give it fair comparison. I can tell you that even with all my background, the EB course took me to places and provided resources that I didn't know existed. It was a huge learning experience for me. One piece of advice, pick a few days where you won't have any interruptions and go face down in the course. It took me 3 very full days because I explored all the links and the links from those links... Several of my friends that have taken it have taken months to try to fit it in... I know it's hard to block the time, but sooooo worth it!

Good luck!

Tamara,

The way you speak about the course it seems I may need a green Shaman to guide me through the process. Perhaps, I may have some time this summer. It is good to hear from someone who has taken the course that it is as intensive as I suspected.

My brain is a sponge for green issues.

Sabrina--

Green Shaman, I like that. It is intensive and certainly being a sponge will take you on so many side trips that it takes much longer than the 18 hours! But sooooo worth it! Good luck!

Having just completed the NAR Green designation curriculum online this past weekend, I thought I'd share my two cents since I completed EcoBroker's last June. Both designations comprise 18hrs of courses. EcoBroker currently $395, NAR Green $420 to complete the Core and Elective.

Both are offered in-class and online. NAR's course compared to EcoBroker is as Tamara suggest more targeted to awareness and someone who has no knowledge of Environmental and Energy issues. EcoBroker's content has more nuts and bolts information. NAR's new Learning Library delivery system is state of the art and they do have 3 different tracks, residential, commercial and property manager. This alone will be a big draw to the Commercial and Property Management crowd. But, EcoBroker's website is a wealth of information and hands down is a significant resource for any agent after the designation. Plus with EcoBroker, you can go back to the course and review your submissions on the assignments and the responses from the instructor. EcoBroker has the referral network in place nationwide. I personally have not utilized it but, it is a big plus as we all go forward in this "green" world.

The NAR core 12hr course covers the basics as does EcoBroker. I chose the Residential 6hr Elective and it was very thorough and geared to support the agent. EcoBroker, at present has more information at the Agent's fingertips. Whether that remains the case in the future will depend on whether NAR provides an in-depth resource for the NAR Green Designee in the future? Right now, advantage to EcoBroker.

EcoBroker is a solid program with a track record for 6 years and over 5,000 satisfied designees. NAR Green just started last November but, I must say from first hand knowledge, NAR is putting a significant amount of resources behind the designation and promotion of same.

Bottom line, they both are very good and worth an agents dollars in todays market. And if I could modify Tamara's last statement a little: Every real estate agents brain should be a sponge for green issues. Green knowledge will prove to be an asset and differentiator in the coming years.

Bud,

I can't thank you enough for your feedback. I was hoping that this post would inspire others to share their experiences that they have had with one or the other program. I didn't expect that some Realtors would already have trained under both programs. I appreciate your dedication to going green and sharing your thoughts and experiences.

Sabrina--Hope you don't mind, but I have to say I'm thrilled at Bud's comparisons! I haven't known anyone who had done both, so it's great to get his feedback! And the modification to every agents brain is a good one.

Hi Sabrina, Thank you for posting this. I don't hve either designation, but have been thinking that it's time for more school. I think this topic is critical, not only for future business, but for the future, period. Thank you again for this information!

MAR

2009

This is great! I have my EcoBroker but was wondering how it compares to the new NAR designatiion. Now I know. Thank you!

I would like to add a third and expectional option for your consideration. I just got my Certified Green Professional certification from the National Association of Home Builders. I found this three-day in-person class to be the best so far. Not only was the instructor a builder but the information was focused on building green and all of the attendees but me were in the buiilding side of the business. I loved hearing their discussions! As a CGP I will also be added to NAHB lists of green professionals as well. It really helped to get the EcoBroker first as this class helped me to better understand what I learned from the EcoBroker classes.

Sounds like something I really should pursue, but also sounds intimidating, timewise! How about relative costs for the programs?

Another comment as I read the additional post. I can promise you as the GREEN revolution moves to the more mainstream real estate industry you'll find more and more CE courses offered covering green topics. For obvious reasons there has been primary growth of EcoBroker in the western states. Thankfully, in the last 12 months that is changing and rapidly.

My company is a national course provider and we struggle everday as to what topic next to develop? What's the market? Where's the market? etc. I've felt for a long time now that we should be providing the additional GREEN topics and where possible try to get the regulators to approve the topics for CE. That is the one benefit of EcoBroker. They have their basic material approved for CE in a lot of states. Because NAR does not really run a "licensing" school they have to depend on the state and local associations to work the approval process with each state.

I predict more and more topics will come into the market place and some will be "regional" in focus to accomodate what the "green" market is in that locale. The challenge going forward will be weeding out the fluff and not being trapped into spending your discretionary dollars on courses that aren't "additive" to your knowledge base. Obviously, those that have chosen EcoBroker or NAR Green are looking for a solid foundation and will be able to decipher the coming onslaught of CE courses. The average real estate agent won't have that capability unfortunately.

With Diane Aurit's post now I'm interested in NAHB's program. LOL

Laura ^The cost is about the same. I think there may be a $50-100 diff. but the classes from NAR and EcoBroker both fall in the $350-$450 range. Bud ^ Thanks for the additional insight. I think more and more agents are considering education that can really boost their knowledge and not just qualify for a CE credit. As much as there is to learn in this industry agents don't want to pay for or attend a course that is a rehash. It is good to see that you still have a hankering to keep learning. I think that is one of the best values we all reap from Active Rain. Diane^ What a great idea. I bet a few green builders in my area might be interested in putting something together so that agents can obtain the CGP designation in the area. Considering my region I bet there are many agents that would love to attend. Your insight is invaluable.

APR

2009

Thought I'd give an update on NAR Green. Got my official notice from NAR today and logged into the NAR Green world. Lots of links, PDF's to download and a monthly newsletter coming. Should be interesting to watch the two designations improve and mature into the future of GREEN as it becomes more mainstream in the Real Estate Industry.

It sounds as if the two are vying for attention. Is NAR Green World only for brokers with the designation or is it a public site?

APR

2009

Members only login. EcoBroker is public for a lot of information. That is a big plus.

APR

2009

I agree with Diane Aurit that NAHB'S Certified Green Professional (CGP) Designation courses are an excellent way to learn about green building . You also become aware of the Green scoring guidelines & how it works as a systematic approach . It was a tremendous help in building my 1st Gold Level Green home . Edward D. Nikles CGP ,CGB , GMB, CGR

APR

2009

I am a certified EcoBroker® in the South Metro Denver area. I really like how the EcoBroker® program separates green real estate into three distinct areas: Energy, Environment, and Green Marketing. It makes it simple to understand so that you don't have to be an Environmental Science major to be able to express the value in living efficiently and sustainably to your clients.

APR

2009

Welcome aboard the Active Rain train Andrew. I hope to see some good green posts from you soon.

APR

2009

I've done both EcoBroker® and the GREEN core class. I think that Bud has put it as clearly and correctly as I ever could. I would only add that I've been waiting a month now for notice from NAR green REsource council that I have passed,let along received the designation. And I value the "search for your local EcoBroker®" tool on the EB site. No tool like that yet from NAR???

P.S. I was notified by the local Assoc. that I was one of the attendees who did pass. I bet we all did. It was a good learning experience.

APR

2009

I called the Council this morning, they had a typo in my email address! I've been a designee for two weeks. Time to update the marketing!

APR

2009

I chose EcoBroker--although I am still doing the course work. I know there are some that like the fact that the NAR course gives them an 'official' designation. Personally, I have plenty of designations, I am looking for the content and liked what EcoBroker has.

I hear again and again that the EcoBroker program is chock full of information. The scales seem to be tipping with each new post.

MAY

2009

I have been debating a last minute invitation to spend Wednesday-Friday to earn the Green Designation. I also think I would rather do the EcoBroker program. Your post came at a very good time for me while I am trying to decide about this week.

I am happy my post could be of help as yours on Growth Leader was to me. This blog has been helpful to many people. Bud, has made some great contributions which have rounded the blog out very nicely.

MAY

2009

Sabrina, your post helped me to decided which course to take. Thanks Bud for details. I am going with EcoBroker.

Very interesting post and responses. I think I will go with the EcoBroker course. Like you, I'm already all about green living. I am going to reblog this! Thanks!

MAY

2009

Thanks for the reblog Georgina. Our homes should be places which are in harmony with the Earth, not at conflict. Each time we are able to effectively educate the consumer about green issues than we are helping generations down the line.

I've enjoyed reading through all the comments, and would add one other thought. I was in the first NAR Green Class in Tucson and am currently working on my EcoBroker certification, so I decided to do both. I agree with Bud's comments about the NAR class being more for those with limited experience and the EcoBroker curriculum being more in-depth for many topics. The biggest benefit, for me, in doing both courses is the networking. Many of us from the NAR Green class have stayed in communication and we openly share ideas and dates of 'green' events that are happening around town. Also, now when I meet another Realtor who has a GREEN designation, there's an immediate connection and sense of some shared values and interests. With EcoBroker, there's opportunities for both national and local networking. The EcoBroker website has a wealth of information and many of the social networking sites (including ths one!) have EcoBrker interest groups. Being able to say "I'm an EcoBroker" makes a statement about who you are!

OCT

2009

I hope to see more and more Green Realtors networking and gaining recognition by way of the new NAR Green Designation and green issues in real estate.

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Teller, Park and El Paso County Colorado Sabrina Kelley Pikes Peak Region Realtor

Woodland Park, CO

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