Every business should be conscious of their impact on the planet. If you think only the largest multinational corporation's impact the environment, think again. It starts in our own backyard. If you‘re a REALTOR® this means looking at your everyday business. Make the necessary changes starting today. Are you wondering where to start? These five simple steps will help you become a more eco-conscious REALTOR®. Buyers and sellers care about the environment more than ever before, show them you care too.
•1) Drive less:
If you are showing buyers property for the day map out a home tour and plan the most efficient route. Not only will this help with gas, but it will keep your buyers happy by not spending too much time in the car.
•2) Go Paperless:
Learn how to scan, store, and backup all of your transaction files on your computer. Not only does this produce less waste, but it becomes a simple filing system accessible from your laptop anywhere. Use a fax service that allows all faxes to be automatically converted to .pdf files and sent to your email inbox. This is even easier than scanning and they usually have a digital signature option so you can copy and paste your signature right on the documents. Next, embrace the internet and use less direct mail marketing. Nearly 100 billion pieces of direct mail is sent out each year and the majority of that ends up in the landfill. The internet is the most go to source for home buyers and sellers. Use it to the fullest.
•3) Recommend Local Green Resources to your buyers and sellers:
Buyers and sellers always appreciate a good resource list for local utilities and miscellaneous home related things, especially if they are relocating. Find out if local utility companies offer credits for energy star rated homes and appliances, and if they use energy from renewable resources. Learn about local eco-conscious options in your area and create your own custom list. Think about neighborhood recycling centers, organic lawn care providers, nontoxic house cleaning services, and green remodeling companies just to get you started.
•4) Join Green organizations:
Look into getting an ecobroker ® certification and joining your local USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) chapter. The website www.builditgreen.org offers some membership programs and certifications. It is a must see for any green building or renovation project. Don't just join, get involved!
•5) Educate yourself:
This is the most important step because everything you learn translates directly into your everyday business. All of your new knowledge gets passed along to your clients, then to the community in which you do business, then to the planet as a whole. Learn about green building techniques and green renovation techniques. Visit www.regreen.org to see new standards in green home and commercial renovation. Learn about things that can affect the every real estate transaction like Radon, asbestos, mold, indoor air quality, and lead. Know how to spot potential dangers and address them before they are a danger to your clients. Learn about specific environmental problems in your local community and do your part to protect the neighborhoods in which you live and do business.
www.insideoutrealestate.com for free MLS searches of Sun Valley and Boise Idaho.
Comments(5)