While finishing my Eco Broker certification I thought I should expand my green contacts outside of Pasadena and the Pasadena Eco House. This led me to the Green Real Estate 2008 conference in Denver. It took place July 16th and 17th and was a wealth of information backing the claim that Green = Value. There were many vendors at the conference supporting the fact that Green not only makes sense, but dollars too!

I was eager to find out more about Energy Efficient Mortgages, water conservation, wind power, solar power, rebate programs and energy raters. These subjects have been spoken of for some time but have seemed off limits to people of average means.

This is what Eco Broker encompasses. It pertains to informing and educating home buyers and sellers about home energy usage. The more competitive the “Green” field becomes the more affordable “Green” products become. Bottom line is “It’s Easy Being Green”. I was amazed that with some education and effort you can make your existing home more energy efficient.  The US Building Council has even set new guidelines (LEED) for certifying existing homes, not just new construction. This is great news to the people of Pasadena since the majority of homeowners live in homes built in the 1920’s to 1960’s.

This is important because I believe selling your home in the near future will include the Energy Ratings, which will become as ubiquitous as the square feet and lot size measurements. Just two moths ago a bill authorized by former speaker Fabio Nunez was in front of the state assembly requiring an energy rating on each home sold. It was not passed at this time but other states are also claiming to be taking an energy conscious approach such as Colorado & Arizona, and possibly Texas. I believe we will see it is on the verge of passing in our near future. With the rise of energy costs, it will not be mandated by law, but by necessity. In the Pasadena Star News, So Cal Edison may possibly increase rates by 30% in the next year alone. This enforces my motto for selling your home “Go Green 2 Be Seen”.

This is a fascinating field. It will explode over the next  year and my job is to learn about all Green aspects and keep you Up2date. I will be writing a series of articles about Green technology, so stay tuned….

Pictured: Top, Dr. John Beldock, President & CEO of Eco Broker International with Deena Willis, Broker & Contributing author of up2date. Bottom picture: manning the booth at Vibrant Solar

Tags: green housing, greening your california home, pasadena eco broker, pasadena green realtor