Big Picture

Whether you're buying, renting, or selling a home, your real estate agent is your medium between you and the world of green building. A great, green, realtor is your undercover agent who can expose the market's green homes, reveal hidden energy-efficient aspects of the home, and disclose an elaborate network of green service providers.

If your agent isn't familiarizing you with what makes your home green, it's your turn to blow their cover and ask—IzzitGreen?

Factoids n' Stuff

• 48% of the United States' energy consumption is allocated to buildings, whereas transportation consumes 27% and industry consumes 25%.
• Americans spend more than $160 billion each year to heat, cool, and light their homes.
• Massachusetts allows a 15% credit -- up to $1,000 -- against the state income tax for the cost of a renewable-energy system (including installation costs) installed on an individual’s primary residence.
• Energy Star is a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) has established the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index to determine whether a house can receive Energy Star certification. The lower a home's HERS Index, the more energy efficient the home is.
• The USGBC offers a more comprehensive analysis of a residence's energy efficiency through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™. The LEED Rating System ranks properties on a scale of Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

What Goes In?

A real estate agent is a resource for information, skills, and networks, thus proper training and preparation is essential. Has your real estate agent compiled a readily-available list of local green properties? Is your agent a certified EcoBroker or Leadership in Environmental Education and Design (LEED) accredited professional (AP)? Does the agency have an accessible network of local green service providers (e.g. contractors, plumbers, flooring / insulation / window / counter top providers, interior designers, and landscape designers, and green consultants)?

What Comes Out?

You rely on the informed opinions coming out of your real estate agent’s mouth to help you find a home. Look to see if your agent emphasizes the green features of the property (renewable energy systems, water conservation, access to public transportation) and promotes properties that accommodate your personal health concerns (e.g. indoor air quality). Is your agent aware of the property's potentially unsafe conditions (e.g mold, lead, contaminated soils)? Has your agent encouraged landlords to explore energy-efficient renovations, while emphasizing available tax credits and rebates? A truly green agent can provide suggestions for eco-renovations in potential properties.

How's it Run?

If a real estate agency doesn't emphasize energy-efficient practices within their own office, this might be cause to question the legitimacy of their interest in green homes. A study from the US Department of Energy (DOE) reports that lighting accounts for about 29 percent of the energy use in a typical office. Is the realty office still using incandescent light bulbs, or have they converted to CFLs? Is your realty agent recycling all of that excess paper? Is soy-based ink being used to print on both sides of recycled paper? Is the agency's office furniture from sustainable sources? Are in-office supplies (e.g. water cooler cups) recyclable or biodegradable? Are the office's computers Energy Star approved? Are property listings presented and advertised on the Internet rather than on paper? Agents log a lot of miles showing properties, but the impact of this can be reduced if your agent drives an energy efficient vehicle (biodiesel, electric, or hybrid electric) or takes public transportation. Real estate offices can also encourage clients to carpool with the agents when visiting properties, and encourage agents to telecommute.

What They Care About

As the number of green homes appearing on the market continues to increase, the values of such homes is increasing as well. It's important to ensure that your real estate agent is genuinely concerned about the impact your home will have on the environment, and not merely cashing in on a green trend. Ask your agent what sparked his/her interest in green real estate. If your agent seems truly committed to a sense of eco-consciousness, you'll rest in safe hands (perhaps even with green thumbs) throughout the process of buying or selling a home.

What to Ask

• Does the agency list LEED certified homes?
• What is the home's HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index?
• What makes this home green?
• What were the home's previous utility bills?
• What are the energy-efficient aspects of the property, and how will these aspects reduce the costs of utility bills?
• What possible eco-renovations / retrofits could make a home more green?
• How can I qualify for grants and tax credits for energy-saving improvements?
• Does the agency have an available network of green service providers?
• Why is the agency interested in selling energy-efficient homes?
• Does the agency have a website or blog discussing aspects of the listed homes?
• What are the agency’s credentials? Are you a certified EcoBroker or LEED Accredited Professional?

What to Do

Although not all realty agencies specialize in green homes, here’s how to play your part in ensuring that your home is environmentally-friendly:

• Travel to potential homes using public transportation.
• Have an energy auditor or energy rater assess a home's energy consumption.
• Contact a green contractor to assess possible elements, costs, and economic savings of an eco-renovation.
• Have a green consulting agency investigate the environmental benefits of an eco-renovation.

Find Out More

• DSIRE- Massachusetts Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency
• EcoBrokers- Find local EcoBrokers
• Green Moves- Provides an FAQ on energy-effiecient housing
• AAEEREP- Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals