Trends, "Green" Horizons, & Thanks, Active Rain IF you are like me, a fast-track to real estate news and views is a big "Plus"- one "Plus" I've appreciated since I joined Active Rain back when there were just a few thousand members. Another "Plus"- connecting. I love to "listen" to the authentic voices/opinions of our colleagues. Come to think of it, the various Groups at AR remind me of charrettes where conversations
can turn into action- particularly conversations about the red-hot and mighty "green scene".
There's a lot happening here at AR. Given this, when I was asked to write AR's 2007 (Green)Year in Review and highlight just 12 posts, I had to shake my head and exclaim, "This is going to be one major-challenging assignment!" I mean, how would you go about finding just 12 posts when there are hundreds, if not thousands, of amazing offerings here at Active Rain? Nevertheless, I scoped out who was writing what about the "green" real estate market, and thought about who was writing what about "green" trends on the horizon.
Who Knows What
In 2007, Active Rainers gave us myriads upon myriads of posts on eco-friendly topics-from the demand for green-built homes and how much clients wanted sustainable products, to how it "feels" to be/or not to be "green". Someone quoted REALTOR Magazine: "It's easy soundinggreen. . .the triple whammy of gas prices, global warming, and health concerns about chemicals has made green buildings red hot," our trade rag told us. But folks, we all know that "sounding green" and really being eco-savvy are two different things. And, whether buyers, sellers and investors are aware of it or not, they (and therefore WE) must know certain facts and obtain certain information regarding Environmental Laws. That means now we must to be able to:
- Point the way to reliable information,
- Shed light and perspective on the community including relevant environmentally-sensitive issues,
- Understand the relationship between eco-related topics and issues of disclosure and material fact,
- Inform clients as a resource for resources,
- Refer clients to information sources they need to keep them "out of trouble with the law."
With the aforementioned 5 "musts" at my fingertips, I "dug into" a year's worth of posts at the Eco-All-Stars Group. You can find Eco Certified ® Real Estate Consultants, LEED literate, and EcoBrokers® with advanced training in eco-related real estate matters there. And that's where I "unearthed" hundreds of eco-savvy treasures - information about sustainable innovation in land planning and design, "green" retrofits with energy efficient modifications, "green-built" new construction and eco-friendly features. . . and much more. Thanks to all of you who contribute so much!
It took awhile but, at last, I settled almost on the Green Dozen posts that follow. I know you will have fun reading, be inspired, possibly learn something intriguing as you review these posts from your colleagues at Active (Green) Rain.
AR 2007 Year in Review: The Green Dozen
1) Where Does GREEN Begin? by Ines Hegedus-Garcia
As we begin . . . Ines asks a question many of us at Active Rain asked this year.. . ."As kids we get bombarded with information about helping the environment, recycling, caring for our earth, [but] what happens when we are no longer kids? Do we forget all those responsibilities? Do we forget we can make a difference? Do we go on with our day to day life and don't take a little time to think that no matter how small, at least we are doing something? The great thing about starting small is that you create awareness, influence others, and slowly become more and more "green conscious". Ines asks us what we can do as REALTORS® to make a difference, even if you are not "green". . .. . .read noteworthy suggestions here..
2) Kermit Had it Right - it ISN'T Easy Being Green! by Liz Foley 
In this post, Liz makes a point. . . "I'll be honest" she writes, "I am not "green". Heck, I'm not even in the color spectrum of green, or olive, or pea soup. But I admit it - it is time. So this is a great chance to do a little research and see what simple steps I can take, without turning everyday life upside down. . . .Possibly clues you can use?.
3) A Green Building Conversation For Today's Changing Market by Jeff Geoghan 
Here is a quick and painless immersion into the "eco-essentials" ...
Jeff opens up an on-going conversation about green building and resources ! AR members across the board Jeff invites you to discuss various financial impactsof "Green Building" - reduced insurance, up front costs, greater longevity, eco-friendly mortgages, affordability... the health benefits that come with a green building focus... the technology and physics behind the latest products for healthy-built homes, and to examine the prospects of an AR team-effort in 2008 to create a consulting network of resources for clients and professionals interested in high-performance buildings and eco-friendly land use." . . . Keep an eye out for more
4) How Does Your MLS Handle Energy Efficient, Sustainable, or Green Construction?
by Gary Smith 
Practical matters . . . Real estate professionals, Gary wants to know how your MLS handles "green tags". . . energy efficient, sustainable, or green construction? Gary knows a lot about energy efficient homes, sustainable homes, energy star homes and green trends. He wants to know DETAILS like...Are you allowed to enter a specific type of construction or are there other ways? If not, what would you suggest? . . . Let him know your suggestions.
5) Happy California Cows Make Electricity by Gena Riede
On "the other end" of practical matters (I'm smiling) . . . How about a peek or two at alternative energy sources? "YES," writes Gena, The California Cow is a Happy Cow! And now, the dairy farmers are happy, too! It seems that we can now call our ‘happy California Cows', ‘happy California Green Cows.' PG & E as well as SMUD due to Government regulations have been mandated to reduce their toxic admissions into the California environment and have come up with a marvelous plan that some ranchers have been accomplishing for awhile now. That is that these companies will use the manure to make electricity." . . .Hmmmm. could this be a Green Plan?? . . .
6) Green Is Not Just Smart, It's Really Common Sense by Stephanie Edwards-Musa 
Here's a little deeper exploration into alternative energy.. . . "Let's consider Renewable Energy..." writes Stephanie. Many people around the World are starting to utilize Solar and Wind for Electricity and Geothermal for A/C and Heat along with other sources for both. How fantastic is it that we have found a way to use what is given to us freely for what has become our necessities?" And on the matter of Energy Efficient and Healthier Homes- "Why not reap the benefits of healthier and energy efficient homes. . . let's explain how changing and using new technology can benefit everyone." . . .I'm going back to re-read this post ...You can,too right here
7) How "SUSTAINABLE" is Your City? by Ann Cummings
Have you thought about sustainability and your city?. . .
Ann, who is famous for her wisdom,wit and common sense wants you to know about cities that are ranked as being among the most 'sustainable' in America. "To be considered 'sustainable'," she writes, " the group who did the ranking looked at public transportation, local food sources, energy usage, water and air quality, park space, walkability, and more. . . . .Yes! Another gem . . ..
8) The New GREEN STAGING CHECKLIST - Please add on! by Lisa Kaufman-Tharp 
Active Rain is a great place to expand your knowledge...
Here, Lisa challenges us to "use this incredibly powerful forum to begin amassing a checklist for GREEN Staging. What are all the ways that the staging process can stay or become GREEN? Lisa offers a STARTER GREEN STAGING CHECKLIST
Add a couple items to her list here
9) Build Value with Energy Efficient Homes-Part 2 by Adam Bearup
Words to the Wise from an Active Rain Newbie... .
Adam writes, "According to Money Magazine(which I read cover to cover every month) the United States is in the worst housing slump since the Great Depression. This should concern all of us, but should also be used as a gut check to see if you are really ready to take part in this game. When I sold new Toyota's my General Manager insisted that I study and learn all I could about, not only Toyotas, but the competitors too. He told me to spend my slow times educating myself if I was not picking up the phone book and cold calling people to buy a car. If you are slow right now, research what homes are considered green. First and foremost, make sure the house is actually green, or else you will lose a sale to the market that is actually buying right now. . . .That's smokin', Adam. . .Right on!
10) Green Confessions of a "Gen Y" Mom. by Lola Audu
Food for thought from a Top Blogger. . .
Lola tells us that "Green goes beyond purchasing the right home and making sure we are not surrounded by toxins. Green is loving ourselves and our neighbor enough to limit our conspicuous consumption. "
Writes Lola. "Looking to the future and trends that real estate professionals will want to note, she points out, "Unlike me, Green for my Gen Y kids is a matter of principle, not theory."
11) Change Starts with Each of Us by Jo-Anne Smith 
Jo-Anne advises. . . "Change starts with each of us and while we have a voice, heart, mind and soul, it is our paramount responsibility to be an agent for change. . . . it's up to each of us to take steps as intelligent and compassionate beings. . ."
Could this be the challenge for all of us in 2008?
After all. . .Pink is the New Green
Earlier this month, Dena Stevens spearheaded a challenge to all the Active Rain members to showcase choices and trends in the "green" residential market. In the "if money were no object...what would you incorporate in your own home . . .a fascinating conversation...and an invitation to all Active Rain Members. . .
. . . and this applies to commercial properties, too...
as Margaret Rome points out in
One Scary Ladder
12) Are YOU Being Fooled with GREEN? by Mary Bigelow
Read this one for sure so that you know about. . . "Green Washing". What is "Green Washing"? FIND OUT HERE! and then go out and CELEBRATE 2007
and the coming New Year!
Resources:
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®' smart growth publication, On Common Ground.
NAR cosponsored exhibit The Green House at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. Find it on the Web at www.nbm.org .
LEED literate
EcoBroker ®
The Amazing Eco-All-Stars Group at Active Rain
Top 100 Bloggers
" May All Enjoy a GREEN and prosperous New Year!"
Copyright © 2007 All Rights Reserved Asheville ECO Real Estate: Trends, Legacies & The Home Place Greenolina
janeAnne, "Green-o-Lina" e-PRO, ECO, -The Convivial Blogger-
Posted by 
janeAnne, Excellent choices. Thank you for all the effort you put in to make this group a wonderful resource. Happy New year!
Ginger