The ""Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Realtors"":http://www.dfwrealtors.com group is the first local real estate association in the United States to offer the ""National Association of Realtors"":http://www.realtor.org (NAR) ""Green Designation Course"":http://dsnews.comview_story.cfmxid=2868. Specifically designed for member Realtors, the course provides an in-depth understanding of ""what green means"" for every aspect of real estate: residential, commercial, and property management. DFWRealtors says it is a leader in advocating green education for Realtors and will launch the course on November 18-19, 2008.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that its 2007 Profile of Buyers - Home Feature Preferences showed home buyers who consider energy efficiency as a ""very important feature"" purchase homes that have a median price $12,400 higher than others.
""We have Realtors coming from all over North Texas, the state, and the Southwest region to complete the Green Designation Course,"" said Rich Thomas, CEO, DFWRealtors. ""Upon completion, Realtors will be able to address the concerns of consumers that are seeking real green expertise,"" Thomas added.
%{=FONT-STYLE: italic; TEXT-DECORATION: underline}Through the course curriculum, Realtors will learn about: %
- Green building concepts
- Principles and best practices
- Marketing to the green consumer
- Financial advantages of eco-friendly and energy-efficient properties
- Significance of LEED, Energy Star, and other rating systems
- Regulatory issues, zoning, and building codes, as they relate to sustainability
Upon completion of the course, Green Realtors will be able to understand what makes a property green; guide buyers in purchasing resource-efficient homes; explain the cost benefits of green building features; and be a positive force for creating sustainable and energy-efficient communities, the DFW association said in a press statement.
To obtain the NAR Green Designation, you must complete the two-day core Green Designation course of green real estate principles; pass a written, supervised exam; and complete an eight-hour course specific to residential real estate, commercial real estate, or property management. For more information, ""click here"":http://www.dfwrealtors.com.