Creating a New "Green" Marketing Strategy for Agents

THOUSANDS OF HOMES.... One Address www.charlesstallions.com

Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Homes for sale

"The environment will be one of the great challenges of the 21st century. Soon it will dominate virtually all aspects of life in North America -- socially, politically and economically. Today's great leaders and entrepreneurs must look at environmental problems as an opportunity to set themselves apart from the competition."

- Steve Morris, Founder and CEO, EXIT Realty Corp. International

The green real estate movement is today's mantra for everything from energy-efficient appliances and toxin-free building materials to all-natural cleaning supplies or water-saving products. Everywhere we turn, marketing screams for our lives to "go green!" Whether it's the bag you pack your groceries in, separating recyclables before putting out the garbage or checking the tags on what you buy to ensure they're organic, day-to-day living centers around being -- or quickly becoming "eco-friendly."

One of the most important things to buyers and sellers today is the environment. And in order to meet the demands of first-time home buyers (whose average age, according to the National Association of Realtors®, is just 30), agents must become savvy, green-educated professionals. Age 30 is between the Gen X/Y era where green is not merely a consideration to that demographic -- it's a lifestyle. Environmentally friendly features are deemed as "very important" by 90% of buyers, according to NAR. The stats make perfect sense, since owning a green home is said to be good for your health, will save you money and will benefit the environment. That's an unbeatable combination for this socioeconomic group.

If that's not enough motivation, green homes are expected to account for fully 10% of new-home construction in 2010, up from 5% in 2005, according to McGraw-Hill Construction. Not to mention that, while the average U.S. home lost 5.7% of its value in 2007, eco-friendly homes have actually held their value; some even appreciating in price. According to the Appraisal Institute, green properties typically appraise for 10% to 15% higher than comparable conventional homes (depending on region and upgrades).

And the good news: Buying green real estate is more affordable than ever before. The premium is minimal compared to what it used to be and can be easily offset by the long-term savings on things like energy-efficient furnaces. That alone could save a buyer $570 annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

What qualifies as a green home to one might not necessarily make the cut with another, but the key is recognizing the significance of the green movement in real estate and heading aggressively in that direction. The green housing market is creating a tipping point in the real estate industry. Realtors® who don't get on board the green train will get left behind, according to experts.

As an example, one franchise, EXIT Realty, recognizes the value in making this educational opportunity available. At the 2009 EXIT Annual Convention, EXIT announced the launch of its green initiative, "Teal is the New Green," which includes training, resources and other tools to assist its agents in marketing themselves as eco-educated, proficient green Realtors®. In addition, EXIT has aligned itself with EcoBroker® International, the world's first and largest green designation program for real estate professionals.

EcoBroker's® green designation training and communications will provide EXIT agents with the resources to be constructive, green ambassadors in an ever-changing business and consumer world. They will be able to knowledgeably assist clients in their pursuit of properties that provide affordability, comfort and a healthier environment. EXIT-EcoBroker certified professionals will also help sellers effectively market their properties with green features.

According to EXIT, EcoBroker® is the only designation that is taught by experts in both the green industry and the real estate industry. With over 5,400 agents trained worldwide, they are the largest green designation program for real estate.

"We are also the only green certification program that requires our members to take four hours of additional education each year," says John Stovall, Vice President of business development for EcoBroker® International. "Our annual Advantage Course will keep EXIT-EcoBrokers on top of the latest information in the world of green real estate."

EXIT-EcoBrokers will be equipped with additional energy and environmental information as well as tools to help them provide added value to all of their real estate transactions. "This training helps our agents address the newest topics in real estate, such as green home certification programs like ENERGY STAR®, says Tami Bonnell, president of EXIT's U.S. Organization. "It also provides practical solutions to assist them in working through issues that may arise in any real estate transaction, such as mold, radon, or poor indoor air quality, just to name a few."

By: Amy Youngren, www.rismedia.com

Joyce Kelley, CBR, SREE - 800-309-3414, The Lead Buyers Agent to Charles Stallions here in Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze, Florida. Being a buyers agent allows me to really WOW my customers, devote the time needed for them to choose and pick the PERFECT home. I don't have to weigh my decisions on the sellers needs or any third party. 100% totally to the buyer. Being the Lead Buyers Agent means I set the Standard of which our team will be judged. I want the EXPERIENCE to be spectacular and any thing less is unacceptable. Call Joyce and meet first hand some of the many buyers that we have helped buy a home where you are not another buyer, are family.

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THOUSANDS OF HOMES.... One Address www.charlesstallions.com

Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Homes for sale

Looking for a home to rent, sell or buy in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze Florida. E-mail joyce@charlesstallions.com or click here for foreclosures, short sales or homes for sale or rent in Pensacola, Florida. Charles Stallions Real Estate Services located in Pensacola Florida, a 12 member team of local experts on Loan Modifications, Certified Residential Specialist, Distressed Property Specialist with fourteen years in real estate dealing in foreclosures, first time home buyer programs and investor sales. We are the company you keep, with your one stop office for Property Management, Title and Closing Solutions, FHA, VA, Conventional Loans, Termite and Pest Control, Land Surveyors, Around the House repair company, Legal Service Provider in Pensacola Florida. Click here to view Homes for sale in Pensacola Florida or search pensacolamls for new homes on the market.

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