Real Estate Blog - Hey Guys, Gotta Sec?

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Hey Guys, Gotta Sec?

Hi Everyone,

With all of the green insanity going on out there right now I was wondering if you could help me? I put together a short video explaining what I'm doing - Just takes about 5 seconds. I promise. :) Unless you want to join the conversation.

Thanks Everyone. Any thoughts you have, I would love to hear it!

Posted by Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® Spring/Woodlands, TX Real Estate on 10/05/2009 02:13 PM

Comments (16)

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16 Comments on Hey Guys, Gotta Sec?

OCT

Organic food was bigger a year ago..a local grower says his organic market is off 40%. When economy was rolling, folks figure let's eat some organic, no pesticide product..cost a little more, but I'm worth it attitude and it's healthy. Economic belt tightened, folks fell to the wayside. Back to the cheaper vittles. As for green..it became a buzz word, folks care about the environment, ecology to a point but unless tax credit, something to help the wallet, it too wanes in desire. Save the buyer money and he sits up and takes notice.

I don't really have people asking about 'green' in that way but I DO have clients who want to know what their energy bills are going to be. As Andrew mentioned, it seems to be the items that will help their wallet that they are interested in. Not green for the environments sake (sadly, in my opinion).

I think that this is going to grow over time as Gen Y starts buying more.

I do get asked for new construction homes with all the energy savings, allergy questions, passive/active solar etc... But as far as resale homes go, no I don't get asked for these things. Maybe it's an education thing? Maybe it's a money thing? Regardless, now that I've branded myself as an Ecobroker - Do the Right thing clients expect me to bring these subjects up for them. Maybe they don't feel comfortable or educated enough to pull these ideas together with the house they want to buy. I'm not sure how to get my education and interest in green building combined with the clients and the resale houses. I've started using "I sell recycled houses" in my elevator pitch and that is opening up some conversations, but not many.

Hi Andrew, I heard a news report the other night saying that fast food restaurants were doing VERY well and obesity is on the rise again because people are 'going cheap' with food. I thought that was interesting. We have all been wondering what the economy would do for green initiatives.

Hi Julia, It's interesting that you say that. Do you believe that if they could have a more environmentally friendly product for the same price they would choose it over the other?

Hey Dena! If your clients with resale homes knew it was an option do you think they would ask more questions?

"If your clients with resale homes knew it was an option do you think they would ask more questions?" Yes, I do. I need to better educate my clients, they need to know they have options. I will tell buyers, for instance, that one house is more energy efficent than another and why, but clients see that as my preverance and not theirs. Same for sellers. I will ask them to change something because the house will be better while they are still in it and sell better later. Again, they see that as "a Dena thing" rather than a healthy or energy saving thing. The Green Movement, for lack of better words, is spreading. But on the whole, I see people who think it's a fade, a joke, a political agenda, not a reason to change their lives.

I haven't had anyone ask specifically about "green" but almost every single buyer wants to see a year's worth of utility charges.

"Do you believe that if they could have a more environmentally friendly product for the same price they would choose it over the other?"

I think it's about 50/50. Lots of people around here think worrying about the environment is a waste of time and energy -no pun intended. Then you also have the better educated, more environmentally aware hipsters who would definitely go for something green if it were the same price. There aren't many (even among the hipsters) who would be willing to pay significantly more unless the energy savings justified it (slightly more, maybe).

Dena, Thanks for clarifying. I think you are on to something. :)

Hi Lorrie, Thanks for chiming in.

Julia, Thanks. I'm doing some research on this and hitting up the general public next. :)

Why is it that every time I comment it says my keys are lost? Hmm...

I voted.... I can't resist a poll.

Thanks Maureen!

Stephanie~

I really, really like your video. I really, really like the idea of connecting the video to/with a poll. I am especially happy that here in Asheville , the hub of sustainable innovation, my clients DEMAND all you listed...and more =)

OCT

OK. I voted on both polls. I've NEVER been asked for anything "green", although there is one community here that has built all "green" houses and has a walk-through that shows the difference. As far as double-pane windows go, if a house has them, I include that in my listing comments, but because of the humidity, and the fact that nobody realizes they need to re-seal them, most double-pane windows are not a good thing in Florida =/

Hi Stephanie, great post and living in Austin, we do have a lot of interest, BTW I did vote in your poll, great idea!

I think you've hit a nerve here. People like taking polls, they do have an opinion on most any subject - bet your videos are a success!

As you know, Stephanie, I'm trying to get the word out to the real estate consumers that they DO have options when in the process of buying a home. Despite all the effort that many folks are putting in, there still isn't a groundswell here in PA. But I'm optimistic. And we have a good "buy local" emphasis going and farm markets are in full swing throughout Lancaster County.

I finally spent the $ and got the NAR green done. One other little piece of the puzzle, I guess!

You rock!

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