Zero energy home at 2328 NW Dorion Way in Bend illustrates how green building technology can bring power consumption to zero averaged over a year. This home has been sold to an enthusiastic new owner.
Green real estate
Like many individuals and organizations, agents and staff at The Garner Group embraced green practices gradually. We didn’t jump on a bandwagon or join a movement so much as we did what came naturally. It is natural in today’s world to recycle, to turn off the lights, to conserve water.
In the process, the green real estate paradigm shifted. Building practices changed. The fringe became the mainstream. And we were carried along by the current.
Moving our Bend Oregon real estate headquarters to NorthWest Crossing broadened our green horizons. Marketing lots for West Bend Property Co. and building our residential sales business to a dominant position in the neighborhood required that we learn a lot in a hurry about Earth Advantage, Energy Star and a the broader energy and resource conservation landscape. And to pass this information on to prospective Bend Oregon home buyers in a coherent and understandable way.
People like Bruce Sullivan of Earth Advantage Institute helped steepen our learning curve.Meanwhile, we joined the Environmental Center in Bend after we completed a checklist that qualified us for inclusion in the Green Spot sustainable business directory. Turns out we didn’t have to change a thing--just keep on doing what we were doing.
Advanced training
Professional training is an important part of the real estate business. We have more agents with advanced green certification than any other Bend Oregon real estate office.
Nine agents have earned the National Assn. of Realtors GREEN designation: brokers Rob Davis, Carol Donohoe, Alison Garner-Mata, Matt Garner, Shelley Griffin, Melody Lessar, Jody Tuttle and principal broker Sara La Faver.
This certification by NAR’s Green Resource Council came upon completion of a three-day classroom course focusing on fundamentals of green building practices, consumer awareness and marketing of homes built to green standards.
In addition, two agents have earned Earth Advantage STAR (Sustainability Training for Accredited Real Estate Professionals) certification: brokers Jody Tuttle and Phyllis Mageau.
Combining classroom and on-site training, this program gives real estate professionals the knowledge and skills to communicate with clients about the value and benefits of green homes, focusing on specific features and products that provide energy efficiency and a healthy living environment.
