Dear Cherie,
I am one of San Diego's Green Realtors and am currently advertising on NBC 7/39 as such. But the reality is that very few homes in existance are green today, so I green them up at close of escrow for free. Depending on the property I spend about $500 to $1,000 per home at close of escrow.
Each new home buyer when I represent the buyer gets a full eco-green book that I design for the property that is customized for that home. It shows the new owners the energy consumption the home currently has and what can be done to reduce it.
I provide all my green remodeling resources and contact names but it's more than that. It's education for this new home owner about recycling in their ZIP code and tells them about green activities in their own neighborhood. It's sort of a wow experience for me to write it and learn, and for the recipient to get it. That plus the greening makes for one sweet and extravagent closing gift.
I wish you luck on your business. If you ever want help or to share ideas, please let me know!
Sincerely,
Kimberly Dotseth
broker/owner
GreenBoxHomes.com
San Diego's Green Realtor
P.S. I personally do not support the eco-broker designation because it's not recognized by the department of real estate. I have spent years on my own building this brand and methodology and I very definitely walk the walk. However, I have it on good authority that NAR is about to launch a green brokerage designation that I feel will be definitely worth my time and money. Live green, work green, be green. Good luck everyone! - Mon Jan 19 2009, 10:33