Amazing service and knowledge! We have never been happier with any other realtor. She was always there with answers, no matter what the situation was. Paige made us feel very happy with our purchase and we can't wait to work with her again!

- Ryan and Christina McKenzie

 

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The Greening of Real Estate

What is green real estate, and why should you care?

 

Consumer interest in all things “green” has been growing, and this includes green homes and renovations. Respondents to a 2004 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation survey were asked to rate a list of housing features they would consider when buying a new home. Energy-efficiency features topped the list, with 89 percent of respondents indicating such features would encourage their home purchase decision.
According to a 2007 survey, 72 percent of Canadians said they would look for a greener home in their next home purchase. From a Canadian Real Estate Association survey done earlier this year, REALTORS® reported their clients were 28.4 percent more concerned with “green” issues than they were a year ago. Global environmental issues, coupled with increased costs for housing and energy, have opened up the green building sector of the real estate market. So, what is a “green” home? A greener home has a lesser impact on the environment in its construction and/or operation than its conventional cousin by utilizing a combination of the following features: efficient use of energy, water, space and materials; a healthy habitat for its residents and neighbours; environmentally sustainable materials; and minimal impact on the building site and surrounding areas.  Many consumers look to REALTORS® as an information source about aspects such as energy efficiency and rebate programs, when looking to buy a home or renovate an existing one.  “REALTORS® can, should, and now are, playing a significant role in addressing the health, energy efficiency and environmental impact of our homes” says James Rodgers, executive director of the Greener Realty Association of BC.  “We’re the ones sitting down at the kitchen table exploring people’s housing needs and choices.  More and more, those needs require finding a home that’s green energy efficient and therefore affordable to heat or cool, healthy to live in and built with environmentally sustainable materials.” According to the 2008 BC REALTOR® Survey, the number one thing REALTORS® pride themselves on is offering valuable knowledge and service to their clients. Here are ways REALTORS®  become knowledgeable about greener real estate:

  • Take a course on green building or real estate.
  • Find out about rebate programs, such as those offered by provincial and federal governments and organizations like Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation.

Visit the Green Tool Kit for REALTORS® website for a wealth of information on many aspects of greener real estate (www.greentoolkit.ca).

 

 

 

 

Besides consumers and the real estate and building industries, the government is also aware of the importance of reducing the impact on the environment through the construction of buildings.  The new green requirements in the BC Building Code came into effect on September 5, 2008, and apply to all new construction and renovations. The new measures were developed in consultation with industry, local governments and the public, and include energy- and water-efficiency requirements.

Once considered trendy, consumer demand suggests interest in greener real estate is here to stay. Being knowledgeable and staying up to date on this increasingly important area of real estate benefits your clients and the environment.

Contact Paige and Al for information on green real estate in Kelowna.


Article from the Bulletin, October 2008 Trends