Augment Your Texas Real Estate License with EcoBroker Certification

Article Written By: Tina.Walker

In 2007, MSN named Austin, Texas, as one of the Top 10 Greenest Cities in America. Austin Energy has the greenest power grid in the country, the city leads the nation in wind and bio-diesel production, and is a hotbed for start-up companies developing green technologies. Among other city initiatives, they aim to increase energy efficiency in any new construction by 75%, and have all new single-family homes be energy neutral (meaning they produce as much energy as they use) by 2015. Now it is more important than ever for real estate professionals to have the skills and resources to support their eco-conscious clients. One way to augment your Texas real estate license is to become EcoBroker Certifiedandreg;.

What is it?

Founded in 2002, EcoBroker is the first and largest provider of green designation training. The program is overseen by the Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals and provides education on energy and environmental issues, and strategies for capitalizing on the growing green market.

What are the benefits?

There are several reasons to obtain this designation. First and foremost, as there are no other national programs that offer this kind of training, the EcoBroker Certification is an excellent way to distinguish yourself from thousands of other real estate agents in Texas. Continuing education is essential to the real estate profile, and its important to focus on topics that are relevant. Environment issues like mold, radon, water quality, and others create liabilities for both yourself and your client. Educating yourself about these potential challenges, and other topics that are pertinent in todayandrsquo;s green market, will give you a competitive advantage.

Help sellers understand that green features increase the value of their home and learn how to best market them. Help buyerandrsquo;s find those homes that satisfy their growing desire for an energy efficient and environmentally friendly home. EcoBroker also provides tools like energy efficient mortgages that help buyers create more purchasing power.

With both the buyer and seller, you will be bale to work through environmental issues and improve on the efficiency and cost of a home. In short, you will improve customer satisfaction by enhancing each transaction with training and tools from EcoBroker.

Finally, you can increase your business by identifying new buyers and sellers, and will expand your network of professional resources and referrals.

How do I do it?

You do not have to be a broker to get certified, the designation is available to all real estate professionals. To obtain the EcoBroker Certification, you must complete the required amount of coursework. These courses are Texas Real Estate Commission approved for 18 hours of Mandatory Continuing Education elective credit or can be used toward obtaining your brokerandrsquo;s license. The three six-hour courses are: EcoBroker Environmental Advantageandtrade;, EcoBroker Energy Advantageandtrade;, and EcoBroker Green Market Advantageandtrade;. The Austin Institute of Real Estate offers these courses via live sessions or online. The initial cost varies slightly, but the yearly EcoBroker membership fee is $129 and includes a four-hour continuing education course each year.

Environmental and energy issues drive the current real estate market in Austin, Texas. Consider the EcoBroker Certification a valuable supplement to your Texas real estate license allowing you to provide additional benefits to your clients.

About the Author

Helen Walker. Get your EcoBroker Certification at The Austin Institute of Real Estate. They provide online real estate classes, correspondence real estate classes, and live real estate classes for credit towards a Texas real estate license.

You Can Link Directly to "Augment Your Texas Real Estate License with EcoBroker Certification" by using the url:
http://www.allbestarticles.com//finance/real-estate/augment-your-texas-real-estate-license-with-ecobroker-certification.html

This Article Has Been Published on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 and Read 120 Times

Find All Best Articles at http://www.allbestarticles.com

Rating: Not yet rated

Comments

No comments posted.

Add Comment

You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.

Related information on Real Estate

Why do I need a conveyancing solicitor when buying or selling real estate?
London Living: The Best in the World
Real Estate Toronto Neighborhoods and Property Hunting for Leases
The Affordable Secret of Mayfair Office Space
10 Ideas To Follow When Selling Your House
Property in Belgravia - London's Centre of Architectural Splendour
Is Abu Dhabi facing Dubai-like property slump?
Chesire England Serviced Offices.
Find out About Relevant Ideas To Choose Horse Stables
Pros and Cons of locating an office in Mayfair
Things to keep in mind when choosing where to locate an office in London
Guide To Buying A 2 To 5 Million Dollar Home In The Dell In Hollywood
When Selling A Home On Sunset Plaza, Point Out The Exclusiveness For The Fastest Sell
An In-Depth Look At The Toronto Home Market
What a Phoenix Real Estate Listing Will not Show That A Neighbor May
Which are the prime areas for office space in London?
Tips to make the most of your office space
How have commercial property prices in London been affected by the recession?
Benefits of working in Covent Garden
Investment opportunities in Pakistan Real Estate sector
Quit Claim Deed Basics
Dubai The Place To Be In Terms Of Property
Buy House in Philippines
Best way to write professional advertisement for Dubai properties
Things to consider while getting a house on rent