The NAR's core course for the Green Designation includes many ways to address a property's "green" potential - many of them are high cost items such as installing energy efficient windows, purchasing ENERGY STAR appliances, and having solar photovoltaic panels installed on the roof.
But there are many low-cost ways to increase a property's green potential (including your own home):
I'd also recommend an energy assessment. My local utilities provider (Tampa Electric) came to my home and inspected everything from the attic to the weatherstripping and then recommended ways I can lower my energy bill -
and the assessment was free. Plus he gave me an 8-pack of CFC light bulbs!
Peggy Edwards, REALTOR, GREEN DESIGNATION
Coldwell Banker
Tampa, FL
(813) 787-2923
www.PeggyEdwards.com
As more and more people begin to think about and discuss "green" living, you will probably hear the term "walkability." Wikipedia defines "walkability" as...
"The extent to which the built environment is friendly to the presence of people living, shopping, visiting, enjoying or spending time in an area".
So what makes a neighborhood walkable? There are many components that are taken into consideration, such as:
I was interested in checking on the walkability score of the Westchase area in northwestern Hillsborough County, Florida. There are thousands of homesites in Westchase along with business centers, sidewalks, ponds, bridges, and schools.
I visited http://www.walkscore.com and entered the address of my real estate office in the Westchase Town Center. The walkability score for this area was 58 out of a possible 100 - making the area "somewhat walkable."
You might want to check out the walkability scores of your listings or properties you plan to show your buyers.
Peggy Edwards, REALTOR, GREEN DESIGNATION
Coldwell Banker
Tampa, FL
(813) 787-2923
www.PeggyEdwards.com
Is Your Toilet Over 15 Years Old?
If so, you are wasting precious water and money. The plumbing code changed in 1993 and specifies a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush.
And Hillsborough County, Florida has an Ultra Low Flow Toilet Rebate Program going on right now that will pay you up to $270.00 for replacement of three toilets in a single-family home.
Call Water Resource Services at (813) 274-6800 to find out more details about this great rebate program. They'll also give you a list of approved plumbing contractors who are familiar with the program.
I replaced both toilets in my home and received $150 rebate on the first toilet and an $80 rebate on the second.
If you live in another county or state, check with your local water department to see if they have a similar rebate program.
Quit flushing your money down the drain. Replace your older high-volume toilet with a new ultra low flow model....save water....and save $$.
Peggy Edwards, REALTOR, GREEN DESIGNATION
Coldwell Banker
Tampa, FL
(813) 787-2923
www.PeggyEdwards.com
If you haven't been asked about rebates and incentives from your customers who are interested in green design, construction, and system installation, don't worry, you will be....
And when you are asked, direct your client to http://www.dsireusa.org, a searchable database to find rebates and incentives available for such things as new roofs, heat pumps, ductwork, and energy efficient windows, to name but a few.
According to their website, DSIRE is a "comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency."
Your clients will love you for it....and won't you look smart!
Peggy Edwards, REALTOR, GREEN DESIGNATION
Coldwell Banker
Tampa, FL
(813) 787-2923
www.PeggyEdwards.com
There are many well-done websites out there that can provide real estate professionals with the knowledge and awareness of green building principles.
We need to be able to list and market green residences, green commercial properties and green developments, as well as guide our buyers in purchasing these properties.
Here are a few to get you started:
http://www.conservationfund.org
And you might want to check out your family's carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is a measurement of your environmental impact on our planet. It's a real eye-opener!
Peggy Edwards, REALTOR, GREEN DESIGNATION
Coldwell Banker
Tampa, FL
(813) 787-2923
www.PeggyEdwards.com
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Your family will LOVE the Citrus Park and Westchase area in northwest Hillsborough County! I specialize in the neighborhoods in Westchase, Waterchase, Fawn Ridge, Fawn Lake, Citrus Park & Odessa.
Your family will LOVE the Citrus Park/Westchase area in northwest Hillsborough County! It's a great area to live, work and play! I focus on the neighborhoods in and around Westchase, Waterchase, Fawn Ridge, Fawn Lake, Citrus Park, and Odessa. I am committed to personal growth, professional development, and the pursuit of excellence. I pledge to give my customers exceptional service and guidance.
If you are a potential buyer, I would be honored to find your family's new home. I am an experienced business professional with a strong background in the legal field and sales/negotiations. I meticulously adhere to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors. Please visit my website at www.GreenTampaBayRealtor.com for more real estate resources. Thanks for stopping by!
JUST FOR FUN
These are our two Beagles, Cooper (adopted from Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue - he was f/k/a BJ) and Baxter (adopted from the Humane Society of Pinellas County). They are definitely a huge part of our family and their funny antics bring us joy and laughter.
"I worked with Peggy Edwards recently on the sale of my home. She was prompt, dependable, professional, and friendly. She has great knowledge of my neighborhood and could speak to all its strengths to potential buyers. She kept me informed throughout the process and helped my know how to best show my home and set an asking price that was in my best interest in terms of potential profit as well as to encourage buyers to view the home. In a sluggish market, my home sold in three months even though I had projects I was still completing during that time. I closed without a hitch, getting more than comparable houses on my street. I could not be happier with her work." Susan Martinieri, Tampa, FL
"Peggy is a bright, hard-working REALTOR. I would recommend Peggy to friends, family and colleagues. She is conscientious and extremely thorough and most importantly creative and knowledgeable." Joe Faw, General Partner, Bay to Bay Properties, Safety Harbor, FL
~Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate
~Member of the National Association of Realtors
~Member of the Florida Association of Realtors
~Member of the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors
~Volunteer, Fawn Ridge Homeowner's Association, Architectural Review Committee
~Volunteer, Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue
~CLA Designation (Certified Legal Assistant) through the
National Association of Legal Assistants, 1993
~Member of the National Association of Legal Assistants
~Notary Public, State of Florida at Large
~Certified Notary Signing Agent, 2007
~Member of the National Notary Association
~2008, At Home With Diversity Designation
~2008, Green Designation from NAR
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