Finding a Green Real Estate Agent

     When buying or selling a home, having a good real estate agent helps the process go smoother. In the search, you are looking for a person who fits your personality as well as one who is qualified to handle the complicated transaction of a property sale. When you want to buy a green home, you have added additional realtor requirements that need to be addressed.

     It helps immensely to find an agent who has a respect for energy-efficiency and the environment. The ideal agent would also be at least somewhat knowledgeable of what makes a home green. When screening potential realtors, ask them how much they know about home energy performance and other environmental issues that matter to you. If you need help finding a real estate agents there are a few sites that offer these services like EcoBroker, Modern Green Living, and other green residential sites. EcoBroker specializes in green real estate. Look for a realtor that has earned a Green designation from the National Association of Realtors. These realtors have completed green training and certification and are in great demand. Just be sure that they are truly certified.

     When you’ve narrowed down the search, there are specific questions you can ask your prospective agent to start a dialogue.

     What do you know about renovating property to be green and energy-efficient?

     Can I see 12 months of utility bills for that home?

     Are all south and west windows shaded by trees or porches?

     Do you have any homes offering rain water harvesting?

     How do you feel about an energy inspection before closing?

     Once you’ve found the right help, you are well on your way to getting or selling a green home. It will make your life easier and will help to keep pushing a green life.