The REALTOR® former known as “Green."

Last week, my husband gave me an interesting article that he knew would pique my interest. Apparently, according to  a small ( 125 votes ) Future Cities poll, urbanites voted “green” as their most despised buzzword.

The results seemed puzzling, until I read further. It seems, at least in part, the reason may lie in the ambiguity of the term “green.” Sadly, the term if often misused and abused to point of much confusion.

Does “green” conjure up images of forced initiatives, expensive building components that don’t translate into savings, or sustainability and smart design? Yes, that’s the critical element. What the heck does the word actually mean.

Agents who have the REALTOR Green designation, EcoBrokers and other well-informed REALTORS® should be able to explain the value of Green.

Personally, I think that designations mean little unless the professional commits to on-going education. Green design is constantly evolving. Plus, as mentioned before, the concept can be confusing, at best.

If you want to purchase a new Energy Efficient home, or retrofit an older home for more energy savings, be sure to have a well-informed guide. One who can fully explain the real value as promised by the features or changes in design.

It’s imperative that so-called “green” agents, possess the tools to adequately translate an energy savings feature into cost benefits to the consumer. Honestly, there are some green options don’t pencil out to added value. And in fact, don't pencil out at all as a smart choice.

CFLs, A lightbulb formerly known as Green.

One of the saddest and most confusing of the government mandated energy savings initiatives, comes in the shape of a light bulb. Actually, many shapes of Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs, all containing mercury. Sure, the new Energy Efficient models save energy, but at what cost to our personal health and the environment.

According to the EPA, if a CFL breaks, you need to evacuate the room for approximately 10 minutes and take precautions when cleaning up the debris. And, if that isn't freaky enough, according to a study, tiny defects in CFLS can emit UV light that can damage skin cells and lead to cancer.

Sure, I'm an EcoBroker, but I don't use, nor would I recommend the use of CFLs. To date, the risks outweigh the benefits. Dimmer switches ( with the old incandescent bulbs) and LEDs make more sense to me. The bottom line, CFLs create the kind of confusion and mistrust that make "green" a bad word.

From now on, you can label me as an EcoBroker with common sense, the REALTOR® formerly known as "Green."

 

 

 I hope you like what you've read. If so, please hit the subscribe button.

Debb Janes EcoBroker&Realtor Green~Sells with Soul

The Carl Group, Serving Clark County, WA
Specializing in Vancouver - Camas - Washougal - Fisher's Landing    

you can always find me at DebbJanes.com

As an EcoBroker, I combine my love of nature, people and the planet with my job as a Realtor®, that way, I can help you live in a more beautiful, comfortable and healthier environment, and save you money. Let me be your guide.

In addition, my passion for the Northwest lifestyle and our area's many neighborhoods ensure you a great selling or buying experience.

 

 Let's also connect here...