Green homes incorporate technology, smart design, construction, and maintenance elements to greatly reduce the negative impact of the home on the environment. Thisis often done through increasing energy efficiency,conserving water, recycling products, using sustainable

materials and improving indoor air quality. Green homes use less energy, water and natural resources

than typical homes, and they create less waste and arehealthier for those living inside. They are also ideally near public transportation and amenities. Building materials often come from sustainable resources and the homes are built to minimize impact on the surrounding environment. According to the U.S. Building Council, green homes not only save the owner operating costs, but also benefit owners by reducing waste, conserving natural resources, improving air and water quality, minimizing the strain on local infrastructure and contributing to an overall better quality of life. More and more builders are building green homes, but existing homes can also be converted into green homes.

Green makeovers can happen all at once or through gradual changes.

According to the 2006 Residential Green Building SmartMarket Report published by McGraw-Hill

Construction, Green homes are expected to make up more than 10% of new home construction by 2010. Many local and state governments, utilities and other companies offer rebates, tax breaks and other incentives for green home owners. Green homes benefit you, your family, your community

and the world! Now, with this guide, you’ll have the answers to “When is the payback?” This guide is a trusted resource for both the American Institute of Architects and the National Association of Realtors. It will help provide the foundation for you to begin saving energy, money and the environment.

What is EcoBroker®? The Green DesignationSM EcoBroker is the premiere green designation program for real estate professionals. EcoBroker Certified® professionals help clients market properties with green features, save money, and live comfortably, through energy efficiency and environmentally-sensitive choices. Founded in 2002, EcoBroker is the first and largest green real estate training and communications program in the world. With members in all 50 United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and New Zealand, EcoBroker and its members serve real estate consumers, communities, and the environment with an unparalleled level of care, commitment, and follow-up. With the benefit of oversight from the Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals (www.aeerep.org), EcoBroker's green designation training and communications provide professionals with the resources to be constructive green ambassadors in an ever-changing business and consumer world. EcoBroker offers education and tools to real estate professionals that in turn help consumers take advantage of energy efficiency and environmentally sensitive design in real estate properties. Through EcoBroker’s unique energy and environmental curriculum, real estate professionals acquire the knowledge and resources to become Certified EcoBrokers. These real estate professionals assist clients in their pursuit of properties that provide affordability, comfort and a healthier environment (reducing carbon footprints). In order to earn the EcoBroker Designation, licensed real estate agents must fulfill a straight-forward set of requirements.

The most important requirement of EcoBroker Certification is that you complete our energy, environmental, and marketing training program. Why EcoBroker? EcoBroker is the premiere provider of green designation training for real estate professionals. EcoBroker® is the one true green designation, taught by experts in the green industry and the real estate industry. Our superior green training gives real estate professionals the absolute best green resources. Once certified, EcoBroker continues to provide you with business building tools, marketing templates, networking opportunities, and more to support your real estate business. We are the only green designation that requires our members to take 4 hours of additional education each year. Our Annual Advantage course keeps EcoBroker Certified agents on top of the latest information in the green real estate industry. EcoBrokers® are equipped with additional energy and environmental information and tools that help them provide added value to all of their real estate transactions. EcoBroker training helps real estate agents address the newest topics in real estate, such as "green" home certification programs like Energy Star® Qualified Homes, energy-efficiency, and environmentally-sensitive design. The EcoBroker designation assists real estate agents in working through issues that may arise in any real estate transaction, such as mold, radon, and poor indoor air quality, providing real solutions. EcoBrokers grow their client base by attracting the green-minded consumer and providing valuable energy and environmental information to all types of clients. With expertise and Affiliate relationships, EcoBrokers are known for providing exceptional value to all of their relationships.

Now that you understand who I am and how I can help, please call me at (215) 969.3200, ask for Laurence Elliott, Broker.