While this sounds like a knock-knock joke, it's no joke! I live in San Antonio, Texas, one of the greenest cities in the country. I love that San Antonio has taken the initiative to provide electric charging stations at easily accessible locations.
What does that have to do with REALTORS? The Texas Commercial REALTORS are noticing that landlords are catching on, that electric car stations are beginning to be in demand. If HEB (a mass merchandising grocery chain in SAT) and Walgreens are offering electric car charging stations then it makes sense that other retailers and now offices put it on the improvements wish list to keep competitive.
If I owned an electric car, and it is something I am considering for 2013, then I'd definitely be shopping HEB over Target, CVS, and other retailers since I'd need to charge my car every 35-50 miles before rolling over to gasoline (I'm looking at hybrids). But if I worked in an office building then there could be an issue so REITs and Landlords are looking at this dilemma, as an opportunity not a cost. From the Landlord perspective, I could gain more traffic for my users (office or retail) if I offered the value added benefit - electric car chargers. While on that topic, why not have a solar conversion option?
While this might sound far fetched, rather Jetson's like, it's here. In fact, you can find charging stations and the city's initiative on the Alamo City Electric Auto Association's site link or My San Antonio Blog. On a national level you can find retailers that are unveiling electric car charging stations on Sustainable Business Site, which are unveiling their programs at the Sustainability Summit in Washington DC, October 3-5, 2012.
Who's already committed? Wal-Mart, Ikea, HEB, Kohl's, Walgreens, Macy's, & Costco.
From a residential perspective, Realtors should know what builders are offering and for how much, home charging stations. They should also know what retailers are proving that option so that they when a builder, such as KB Homes, Meritage, Imagine Homes, or Lennar Homes offer such upgrades they can know where they can re-charge. It's as simple as adding a plug for an outside freezer - with a 240v. To know such things is not all that different than knowing your client drives a Hummer and an F-350 and the HOA doesn't permit such vehicles - we should know about special situations.
Who is offering electic or hybrids? Audi, Chevrolet, & BMW to name a few. Click here for a great list!
For more information you can always join the Alamo City Electric Car Club!
DON'T BE A DINOSAUR! LOVE THE EARTH!
Cathy Bureau, NAR GREEN, EcoBroker, recently obtained the SunAgent certification being test marketed out of New Jersey for real estate solar education. As the founder of Green Home Realty, Cathy Bureau is an entrepreneur recognized in the industry by builders and colleagues for her expertise in green real estate. She is a member of Build San Antonio Green and the Texas Green Network-SA. You can find her via website: GreenHomeRealtySA.com, blogs: SanAntonioHomesBlog.info, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Natural Awakenings SA Magazine Please contact her directly to schedule her as a guest speaker or for media interviews for your company events.
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CATHY BUREAU Broker/Owner
MBA, REALTOR, GREEN, SFR, ECOBROKER, SUNAGENT
(210) 560-1891 Direct
www.GreenHomeRealtySA.com
I would LOVE to HELP YOU buy or sell in the San Antonio-Austin area. Please call me, CATHY BUREAU GREEN Home Realty (210) 560-1891.
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New Homes in San Antonio, Texas - How to Choose a Builder
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28 Comments on What Do REALTORS & Electric Cars Have in Common?
Cathy: Thanks for getting the word out on this. Unfortunately the trend hasn't built up nearly as much momentum here in Michigan- which is surprising, given our automotive footprint. Hopefully we'll catch up soon!
Tiffany - Thanks for the kind words.
Debbie - It is interesting; we do need to assess our client's life style to match their property needs. That is not a new idea.
Andrew - Yeah I would think Michigan would embrace that given the industry there. Maybe it has more to do with resistance????? In good time my friend, in good time.
Hey Cathy. Great post and I am seeing these pop up more and more. I still like the bicycle stations that you pointed out there in SA. Very cool. Hope you are doing well.
Do they charge for hooking up to the hub? It just dawned on me that they might.
Both are trying to go GREEN....
There are many retailers in our area who have long been supporters of electric vehicles (or hybrids) and give preference to owners of those cars as both a political statement and a means to raising awareness (since there is so much news about such vehicles).
Since I sell some commercial, if I thought there were an advantage to a client to install a plug for cars, I'd suggest it.
Very good article, bring out some good points I never gave a thought too. TY
Very interesting. I have heard a lot about the Volt and other electric cars, but haven't seen one driving around Jacksonville/St Augustine nor have I seen a charging station. I guess we are just behind the times.
Hello Cathy,
I am curious as to what they charge for consumers to use their charging stations....
That's great to hear about San Antonio. I love the idea that consumers will have choices and can frequent those businesses who adopt a green policy. Eventually, it's going to be the way that it is...
Glad to see the Gold Star Cathy!
Cathy, I'm seeing more and more charging stations around Nashville too.
Interesting. Here in my neck of the woods we rarely see these cars yet.
That's great to hear, Cathy. You could still make a good joke out of that. 8-) Electric cars will be a normal thing of the future. We've got to make plans.
Cathy....I have a Prius that I got last year. I LOVE it! And yet, when I saw the charging station that was recently installed at my favorite grocery store, I wished I had the Prius plug in. One of my clients, who also has a Prius, told me that there is a way to convert a regular Prius into a plug in. Something to think about for future reference.
Cathy: I had no idea at all that the retail businesses that you mention already have charging stations. They really have the "jump" on the other businesses in their area. And, in today's economy... businesses need whatever edge they can come up with. Good informative post.
Cathy, I am at KW Mega Camp in Austin, TX and I did see some charging station near a garage - and was wondering what's that...looks like Texas is taking lead in going green...
Cathy, I am going to a GREEN class next week and suppose I will hear all about more of these type of things. It is so interesting the trends and where they are going.
Hi Cathy. I've not seen electric charging stations around this area yet, but I'll be looking for them from now on. Like all new things, it takes a while to become familiar, but those that stay current (no pun intended) are ahead of the rest.
Thanks for sharing!
Bruce
I have a friend (also a real estate broker) that is on his second Toyota Prius. It is a GREAT car. When I am in the market for a new car, I am going to consider a hybrid and the Toyota will be on my list. LOVED my Rav 4.