Special offer

The Right Niche at the Right Time!

By
Real Estate Agent with Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 SA5376460000

In October, 2007 at an office meeting,  my office manager reminded us of the upcoming National Association of REALTORS® convention to be held in Las Vegas.  Perusing the calendar and schedule, one session popped off the page.  An EcoBroker was speaking about her business.  What the heck is an EcoBroker?  Intrigued, I read the paragraph and decided I'd attend.  

 

I knew the real estate market was changing and I had to adapt by selecting a different niche.  I had been selling converted condominiums but that niche was drying up as the market slowed.  Considering which way to change my business had been top of mind.

 

Normally, I'm not one to travel to a city by myself for a convention, let alone one with thousands of strangers.  But onward I pushed.  The flight was scheduled; the hotel booked; and I was registered to attend the 2007 National Assocation of REALTORS® convention.  

 

After hearing that EcoBroker speak, I decided right then I'd earn my EcoBroker designation.  Her entire business aligned with my upbringing.  You see, my mom was more than sustainable. She worked tirelessly at refinishing all of the wordwork in our house, making the pinch pleat drapes, and reupholstering the furniture.  The woman bought and sold antiques out of our garage after refurbishing them.  What a business model!  

 

Of course like most families back in the 1960's, we had a garden but also a goose house.  Even though we lived within the city, the largest one in Kansas, the methods of sustainability with our own well taught me a lot about sustainability. 

 

So with those life lessons of canning vegetables and fruit from our garden, among many other projects, I started the journey that is my current niche to this day.  The difference is I don't have a well or a garden, but practice MANY sustainable practices in my personal and business life. 

 

My dining room table is over 100 years old, along with many other furniture pieces I've owned for decades.  I search for items to purchase from others instead of shopping retail stores, including my office furniture.

 

Sustainability in business means working from home with an Energy Star rated computer, printer and power strip.  In fact, my entire home is about to be Pearl certified because I've retrofitted every energy efficient measure, except solar panels, and am now reaping the rewards.  My average utility bill is $77 year round for a 1979, 1500 square foot block constructed home in Phoenix!  

 

I've also since earned the NAR GREEN Designation, further empowering me with education and knowledge.  Contributing to the new online Solar Course by Elevate Energy was awesome! 

 

Sharing these methods with my clients is top of mind in almost every conversation.  Some aren't as warm to the topic so I start by asking if they'd like to learn ways to lower their utility bills. That typically gets the conversation started.  

ABC Channel 15 interview 7_28_18

Just this morning, I was interviewed on Channel 15 in a short segment about reducing energy bills in our summer heat.  2 weeks ago I was interviewed on AM 960, Real Estate Matters on the same topic but also how I help my clients sell their homes for more if they have energy efficient or upgraded features. 

 

It's been very rewarding to also serve on the following committee's and board:

 

Residential Committee Chair, US Green Building Council, Arizona Chapter

Advisory Board Member, Efficiency First Arizona

Director, Instructor, and Committee Chair for the Sustainability Committee, Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS®

 

 Cottonwood, AZ Zero Energy Expo with DOE

Making real change has been rewarding and fulfilling.  My clients appreciate my level of involvement and my commitment to improve their homes, our MLS, our broker tours, and I've made wonderful relationships in the process.  The Riches in Niches is more about all of the above than any paycheck!

My new logo!  

 

Jan Green, Scottsdale, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Posted by

Search the Arizona Regional MLS

Search for Homes

      

 

HomeSmart Elite Group                                  

8388 E Hartford Dr., Suite 100

Scottsdale, AZ 85255                                                         

(602) 620-2699   DIRECT

www.AZGreenRealty.com

www.GotGreen.info                  facebook   Google + twitter   youtube   linkedin   pinterest   

 

Comments (33)

Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thanks Gita!  It was great that my company recommended me for the interview.  New experience for sure! 

Jul 30, 2018 04:46 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Yes, you are correct Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty !  My mom would shop for day old bread at discount and buy in bulk.  Our garden also had grape vines for jelly and fruit.  We picked fruit (I climbed) to can and have in the wintertime.  You'd think I grew up in a cave, but nope! 

Jul 30, 2018 04:47 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Did I tell you that you are a ROCKSTAR, Jan! I'm so impressed with your passion and your niche creation over the years. 

Jul 30, 2018 08:21 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Jan Green - Congratulations on the interview! What a great photo too! You have every reason to be proud! 

Plus, you have evolved because you had the courage to make a positive change  back in the Fall of  2007. Those weren't exactly the best years in TX and I don't know how well things were in AZ, but by 2008 - 2010 weren't we all hoping for business and helping those who were in foreclosures. Who would think, that one convention could change your life if you're willing to have an open mind. 

I'm so proud to read this story about you!

Jul 31, 2018 12:13 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you so much Debe Maxwell, CRS !  It has certainly grown into such a passion that it's sometimes hard to so no to projects.   Today I'm about to head out on a field trip to an area where land available would make a great tiny home project.  Fingers crossed I can find an investor and get this off the ground.  They'd be super energy efficient! 

Jul 31, 2018 08:18 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you Patricia Feager !  It certainly has been an evolution.  Behind the scenes, I visited home shows, met vendors and built my green site for consumers.  It's a great way to refer vendors to the public and to realtors who don't know where to turn.  I love meeting new vendors and adding them to the site.  Feel free to check it out for information - www.gotgreen.info! 

Yes, 2008 - 2012 were slow years in real estate.  Sales were down, short sales and foreclosures were up and we had to adapt.  I kept attending green lectures and thankfully now, they've picked up steam and real progress is being made!  Thanks for for reading.  Have a great day!

Jul 31, 2018 08:21 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Jan Green - As a person who has a positive attitude, who doesn't believe the sky is falling! The sky is falling! you excel with confidence like an angel who earned her wings!

I'll be sure to visit the website. I have an appointment. I'm so thrilled to know you are a living testament to the fact that nothing is impossible. 

 

Jul 31, 2018 08:29 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Ahh, thank you dear!  You are a doll!    Good luck on your appointment!  And thank you!  I think that if we believe in something and it's a good thing for everyone, then we should never give up!

Jul 31, 2018 08:34 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

When I think of Green I think of you Jan Green and the impact you have had in that venue.

Aug 02, 2018 08:31 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you Debbie Reynolds !  It's been great connecting with leaders in the industry.  I'm super excited to have been chosen as part of a group to re-create LEED ND tiny homes.  These won't be out for a while.  But the consulting fees are nice!  Have a great weekend!

Aug 03, 2018 11:26 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

This was a very interesting read - I love your new logo - it's perfect!

Sep 01, 2018 03:48 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Jan Green,

I'm so glad that Carol Williams included your post in her Second Chance Saturday series! I missed it and am wowed by your accomplishments@ Kudos to you for creating a niche that is obviously working for you. Love your new logo!

Sep 01, 2018 06:14 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you Kat Palmiotti !  It's been very rewarding not only gaining the knowledge of energy efficiency, but also meeting the vendors and gaining friends in that industry.  It's wonderful to pull up a vendor in my phone to share with clients. I've listed them in the Resource tab at Gotgreen.info, a site I created 10 years ago.  Thank you for reading! 

Sep 01, 2018 09:37 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you Dorie Dillard !  I so appreciate that as well.  I need to pop over and thank her!  She is a gem :)  Yes, the niche is definitely a win for me.  Just recently, I was able to certify my house through Pearl Certifications at the Gold level, another accomplishment as my house is a case study house. I continue tweaking it and making changes to improve indoor air quality, energy efficiency and comfort, all of which affect health.  I appreciate you stopping by! 

Sep 01, 2018 09:39 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Jan

Wow, I am so impressed with what you have accomplished in your business niche but also in your personal life, which is such a great example of what can be done with some focus and dedication to energy savings and efficiency!

Jeff

Sep 01, 2018 10:06 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you Jeff Dowler, CRS !  It's a constant drive as I'm on 3 boards!  Volunteer work requires commitment but really pays dividends in gaining a reputation in the industry.  Thank you so much for commenting! 

Sep 01, 2018 02:50 PM
Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

Congratulations on your accomplishments and being recognized for all your hard work. Your efforts to adapt and adjust to the market changes years ago have certainly paid off!

Sep 01, 2018 10:07 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you so much for commenting Diana Zaccaro !  I appreciate you stopping by with kind comments!

Sep 01, 2018 10:37 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

What an amazing story .I always knew you were  green but did not know the story behind it Jan Green . So glad that Carol Williams  featured it in SCS  

Sep 02, 2018 12:10 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you for reading Hannah Williams !  Earning my EcoBroker certificate was the beginning of all that I'm doing now and it's paid off ten-fold!  Thanks again!

Sep 02, 2018 08:43 PM