Cindy's Blog

I hope that this Thanksgiving was a happy one for everyone, and that you were able to rest, as well as eat and enjoy time with family and friends. We certainly did, after our marathon two dinner tango, we returned home stuffed and exhausted, but overall, very thankful for our families and everything that we have.

During the course of the day, I answered the question, "What is an EcoBroker, anyway?" more times than I could have possibly counted, so I thought that it may be a good idea to clear that up and answer a few questions that folks might have. Currently, I am the only EcoBroker in the Richmond Metro area, so that makes it all the more confusing for people.

As a recipient of the EcoBroker Certified^® designation, I've successfully completed a unique and informative training program on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. While this area is on the slower end of the spectrum regarding the environment,  across the country there is a  movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthier design/features in homes and buildings. The “performance home” movement is getting a boost thanks to this type of information and designation. EcoBrokers^®, like me throughout the country are forging this market and creating competitive advantages for their customers. With national surveys indicating that 80% of consumers consider themselves “green-minded,” real estate professionals with the EcoBroker designation are in a better position to serve the real estate consumer.

From windows to moisture control to energy savings, I now have more resources at my disposal to help my buyers and sellers make better real estate decisions. The EcoBroker designation doesn’t make me an energy and environmental expert, but it allows me to better understand the issues and to convey this understanding to my buyers and sellers.

EcoBroker International’s education and designation program is designed exclusively for real estate professionals who care about the environment and want to help their clients benefit from the energy-efficiency, “green,” and healthier features of homes and buildings. EcoBroker provides a complete curriculum of energy and environmental training to licensed real estate agents. Real estate professionals must complete the extensive EcoBroker curriculum and training and fulfill additional program requirements to become Certified EcoBrokers^®.

With EcoBroker training, I have broadened the range of real estate opportunities I offer my clients. Whether the transaction involves environmental assessment and mitigation (mold, radon, etc.) or the opportunity to reduce utility bills, I’m in a position to help. The real estate industry is changing, and to best serve my clients I need to understand the newest designs, technologies, and environmental issues. My EcoBroker designation helps me stay ahead of the game.

This is a really exciting time for real estate, as there are so many available options to make your home more energy efficient, and build homes that are "kinder" to the environment. If you are of the mind that you would like to make your home "greener" and also put that money in a place that will also make it more marketable, please give me a call. I can help direct you to the contractors and provide information to help you make those changes. If you have a home that has those features, I can really help market them to show off their best qualities, and if you're looking for a home that has more energy efficient features, I know the questions to ask that will help find you what you want.

On something of the same note, I wanted to take this opportunity to announce the opening of my new venture.

The next time you're in the Patterson and Libbie area, stop by The Shops at 5807- MonkeyGrass and The Green Alcove are all the way in the back, and we have all sorts of "green" gifts for everyone (and lots of things you are sure to want for yourself, too!) From super cool totes made from recycled vinyl banners, to Sigg Reusable water bottles, natural soaps and cleansers, and lots of lead free, fun and healthy toys for kids!

You can also check us out on www.MonkeyGrassOnline.com!