Interview with Beth Brockette, REALTOR® about green homes and healthy homes
I understand you have some long-standing interest in green living.
In my past career, I had the opportunity to learn a lot about energy efficiency and renewable energy. According to the National Association of Realtors annual study of buyers & sellers, heating & cooling costs continue to be the most important “environmentally friendly” feature for today’s home buyers.
You mentioned “renewable energy”. What are the current trends for homeowners & buyers?
In a national survey of architects, builders & designers, solar panels were by far the most popular renewable energy source for single-family homes. You’ll see that to be true even in this neighborhood!
You’ve hosted a lunch and learn for area realtors about Healthy Homes. Tell me more about that.
I think it’s important, as Realtors, that we keep abreast of new technologies in home building, as well as what’s important to our home buyers. By helping to educate fellow agents, I better serve my sellers. Agents have more information to share the value of healthy home features to buyers.
What do you mean by “healthy home” features?
The top 4 homebuyer concerns are 1) Indoor Air Quality, 2) Water Quality, 3) Absence of harmful materials/chemicals and 4) other issues like light, noise, etc. Two big concerns that come to mind are things like radon gas & lead-based paint.
Do you have special training for buyers or sellers who are interested in healthy homes?
When I started in real estate nearly 10 years ago, I saw my past experience as a differentiator. The National Association of Realtors offers a Green Designation. I took that training and earned the designation and continue to learn about the latest advances.
How can buyers and sellers learn more?
Our website, BrocketteHomes.com, has blog articles and links to resources for buyers and sellers to learn more about green living or healthy living. I’m always happy to talk with people or connect them to resources.
Linn County Healthy Homes Website
Top Homeowner Home Health Concerns – National Association of REALTORS® GREEN Council