My niche in Real Estate

My niche in real estate started back in 2007.  

Buying a condo in 2004 to remodel and re-sell in 2005, I realized the housing market was starting to change.  The housing market was hinting at a slow down as my condo took longer to sell.  What was supposed to be in investment for me turned out to be  a signal for change in my career.

Because condos are the first to feel the slow down in the market, it's wise to watch this segment of the market.  As the condo took longer to sell, I started to pay attention to the rest of my business and which direction to take so my business would be more sustainable.   

Searching for a different niche than selling condos, I noticed that the upcoming 2007 National Association of Realtors convention included a session about green real estate.  The session included how an agent had transformed her business to include an EcoBroker designation, networking group of vendors, website and more.  I attended the convention in Las Vegas by myself to hear her speak.  And since I'm not a gambler, you can bet I spent 100% of my time going to sessions, trying to connect with others, and generaly working full time.  

That session in 2007 changed my career - permanently!  Not only had I found my calling, but I've continued to work to improve my real estate construction knowledge ever since.  Assisting buyers and sellers with ways to improve their indoor air quality, save money on utility bills, selecting efficient products and services, has been hugely rewarding!  I've built a following and I'm very proud of that because it all rolls back into giving something of value first, without expecting a sale or reward.  Although maybe the rewards come in a different form! 

Here's a list of what I've accomplished since 2008:

2008 - Earned the EcoBroker designation.  This was the first national green designation available to realtors nationwide.  Later earned the NAR GREEN designation.

2008 - Built my consumer site for the public:   www.gotgreen.info   this site is filled with helpful links and  local green building resources.  I've received notifcations from teachers across the US who use the site for classroom work.

2009 - Volunteer, US Green Building Council, Arizona Chapter, Residential Green Building Committee; added the first green features to the Arizona Regional MLS and many more projects listed below.

2010 -  Volunteered  (USGBC) by hosting the USGBC Booth at Realtor Expo's at every Realtor Association in Maricopa County to educate realtors about homes with energy efficient features.  Also volunteered at two green home tours that included public speakers, vendors and sponsors.

2011 - Created the first speaker panel relating to how to sell homes for more with green features; recognizing green features; choosing green partners.  This first event was attended by 75 and held at the AE England Building, ASU.  

2012 - Spoke at the EEBA Conference in Scottsdale and in 2014. 

"The Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) provides an invaluable platform for insight, collaboration and education. EEBA delivers unique and relevant, multi-platform educational resources with the intention to manifest sustainable and responsible building principles in the design, marketing and execution of the building process."

2013 - Began working to add 60 features to the Arizona Regional MLS.

Integrating features so as to encourage agents to pose more questions of their seller clients. The folks at ARMLS embraced the changes!

2013 & 2014 Volunteered to host the first solar & energy efficient education courses for appraisers in Arizona; raising funds to support the class; and advertising and marketing to increase attendance.  The list of appraisers who have taken all 4 days of courses we've hosted can be found on the Appraisal Institute Site.

 Instructor - Arizona School of Real Estate & Business.  Hosting and co-creating the event "Energy Urgency" and "Knowledge is EmPOWERing" which was held at ASREB for new agents.  This course was designed to assist agents in understand ways to help their clients understand the steps necessary to reduce their clients' utility bills, selling homes with these features, and understanding energy ratings and efficiency measures.   

2014 - Nominated as the only realtor in Arizona to the Efficiency First Arizona (EFAZ) Board of Directors.  Currently in 10 states, this organization works to educate, promote and work with public policy makers to enhance homes with sustainaible features.  Signing on as a member is a privilege and I look forward to providing real estate expertise to raise the bar for homes in Arizona.

Volunteering alongside 4 others, I speak monthly now at title companies, mortgage companies and realtor associations.  Together we talk about building codes, energy audits, energy efficient mortgages, and specifically how realtors can help their clients understand ways to save money on energy bills and how to better service clients by understanding energy efficiency. 

2015 - Recently nominated to The Green Chamber of Greater Phoenix,  Board of Directors.   As a 4 year member of the Green Chamber of Commerce, I am humbled to be nominated and if elected, I look forward to contributing in any way possible to promote this worthwhile organization.  Members sign an agreement to work sustainably in every day life to lower our carbon footprint, reduce, reuse and recycle responsibly.  I drive a Hybrid vehicle; use Energy Star equipment at work to name a couple of other examples.

2016 - Phase III of updating the Arizona Regional MLS is the next task to align our green features with NAR and their Green Implimentation Guide. NAR has sought to enforce green features by creating the Green Implimentation Guide so MLS will have the same definitions and *****

Currently I'm working to complete work being done on my own home. I purchased a 1979 home with original finishes and features, except for the new windows and roof that the owner wisely added before listing for sale.  I've gutted, remodeled, and added the following features:  LED lighting throughout, WaterSense faucets, low flow showers, dual flush toilets, spray foam insulation (R50) in the attic; 16 SEER Trane HVAC unit;  programable thermostat and of course Energy Star appliances, including a low use washing machine.  This home is going through the National Green Building Standard to earn at least a  Silver Award by the National Association of Home Builders.  This project is a dream come true as I can explain which features to add first based on a budget and also why I added these features to a home with block construction. 

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in the Greater Phoenix area and prefer value added service, give me a call.  I'm happy to share My Niche in Real Estate and help you save money on utility bills and live a healthier lifestyle!