You ask yourself why go GREEN? Well there are a few good reasons. Being eco-friendly is becoming more and more a trend especially with the Millenniums. Many countries like Germany have been trendsetters for being eco-friendly and environmentally continues. With more and more international Clients buying second homes in the US, this is something to think about as well.
Did you know a real GREEN consumer calls them self’s Scuppy. What is a Scuppy? A Scuppy is a Socially Conscious Upwardly-mobile Person. They desire all the best life can offer and strive for those goals in a socially conscious manner. (Chuck Failla, The Scuppie Handbook, www.scuppie.com)
Demographics:
· Median Age is 35
· Median Household Income is $82,000
· 79% Attended College, 70% Professional/Post Professional Degree
How to market to a Scuppy?
Become an Expert first. Do your research and get the knowledge.
· Eco-Broker
· AEEREP- Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate
· NAR GREEN Designation
· Comment on articles at www.treehugger.com and click on Forum to interact
Working with Buyers that are looking for GREEN features? Here are a few pointers for you.
When showing houses to a client who is looking for GREEN features, point out energy efficiencies as listed below:
· Window tinting can provide a savings of 5-10% of energy costs when applied to Western facing windows.
· High efficiency furnaces, air-conditioners, and water heaters save money every month and require less maintenance than standard units.
· Low- flow faucets, toilets, and shower heads perform well and preserve water.
· If deciding between 2-3 homes, research the energy costs of each and the potential upgrades that can be made to each home to conserve energy and save money.
· www.energystar.gov Home Energy Yardstick
Working with GREEN Seller’s?
· If they have Green features, research the energy cost savings and/or tax benefits to promote them as selling features
· Encourage your sellers to get on board so you can market the Green features of their home.
· Replace incandescent lights with compact florescent bulbs
· If replacing any appliances, encourage Energy Star
· Temporarily remove stand-alone freezers or refrigerators
· If replacing floor coverings, consider recyclable options
· Choose Eco-paint that is organic and solvent-free
Conduct an Energy Audits
Hire a Professional:
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified Energy Auditors.
Local Electric Companies sometimes offer this service as well.
Do it yourself:
· Thermal Solar Hot Water
· Recycled Cotton or Soy Bean-based Insulation
· Recycled Counter Top Materials
· Energy Efficient Fireplaces
· Recycled Wood Floors
· Energy Saving Windows
· Bamboo Cabinets
· http://www.energytaxincentives.org
These are just a few thoughts to look outside the box.
With a warm smile,
Debra Allen
YPN Top 40 under 40 - 2013
SEVRAR Realtor of the Year 2010
Real Estate Special Commissioner appointed by the court
CIPS- Certified International Property Specialist
Global Business Alliance Chair 2014/2015
Director of International Business Development
ABR, GRI, e-PRO,CIPS, AHWD, TRC, ASP, REOS, SFR, GREEN,CRMS
REALTOR / Mentor Trusted Advisor
National REO & Short Sale Instructor
Transnational Referral Certified
Military Relocation Specialist- Certified Military Residential Specialist
Military Affairs Chair 2010/2012
Certified REO & SHORT SALE Resource Specialist
MRE Society since 2005-2016
