Trainings Teach Real Estate Professionals how to Help Clients Save Money by Going Green
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT
OAKLAND, CA – September 1, 2011 – Build It Green announced today that Energy Upgrade California in Alameda County (https://energyupgradeca.org/county/alameda/overview) is offering a steep discount on green real estate trainings to help real estate professionals take advantage of the growing market for more resource efficient, healthier homes. The trainings teach professionals about green building concepts, green lending options, rebate programs, and more.
Real estate professionals can get an introduction to these concepts at a 4-hour workshop, Making Money Selling Green Homes, offered on Sept 29 (http://www.builditgreen.org/en/cev/398) or Nov 3 (http://www.builditgreen.org/en/cev/399), or take advantage of the $400 discount at the more in-depth 2-day Certified Green Real Estate Professional Training on Oct 19-20 (http://www.builditgreen.org/en/cev/393).
This is the first time these trainings are being held in Northern California. The trainings focus specifically on existing homes in the California marketplace, and complement other national green real estate trainings. Build It Green debuted both trainings earlier this year in Southern California drawing over 160 attendees. “Excellent class,” said Luz Padilla of Global Realty in Arcadia. “I now have a better understanding of what ‘green’ is. It will help my personal and professional life.”
Green real estate trainings reflect the growing demand by homebuyers for green homes. According to a recent Washington Post article (http://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/is-green-good-for-home-resale-value/2011/08/19/gIQAMUGzfJ_story.html), homes with third-party certifications for sustainability and energy efficiency sell for more and spend less time on the market than non-certified counterparts. The article points out that training for real estate professionals, and appraisers in particular, is needed so professionals can recognize the value of green home features.
For homeowners considering a green remodel, there has never been a better time to invest. Local governments and utilities are now offering attractive rebates for green and energy upgrades. Energy Upgrade California in Alameda County is offering up to $4000 in energy upgrade rebates and up to $1000 in green label rebates to Alameda homeowners. Real estate professionals can also get a $200 referral fee for any project they refer that results in a green label. Learn more at www.GreenPointRated.com.
Build It Green is a membership supported non-profit organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient homes in California through consumer education, professional training, and local government support. For more information, visit www.builditgreen.org. | 
