Windermere Real Estate Southern California Realtors^® recently completed a course for a Green Designation with the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This relatively new program provides advanced training to the real estate community on green building and sustainable business practices related to environmentally conscious, green properties.

The three-day course covered a litany of subjects, including defining green home features, protocol for green designations, and how to assist clients with setting up and financing a green home, with information on available green mortgages, tax credits, rebates, and grants. “With this certification, we can appeal to a broader spectrum of home buyers and sellers,” said David Cantwell, Managing Broker. “We can help buyers find the right green property or assist them in making a home more environmentally friendly. For sellers, we know how to properly promote their home and maximize the sales price based on the energy-saving features.” According to a 2012 UCLA study by Nils Kok and Matthew E. Kahn, the value of a “green label” in the California housing market is 9% greater than that of an equal residence without green features.

“This course was incredibly informative and spawned the idea to form a new committee that focuses solely on green initiatives in the Coachella Valley,” stated Jim Webb, a Windermere Southern California Realtor^® and President Elect for the 2015 Palm Springs Regional Association of Realtors (PSRAR) Board. “This is such a critical topic that needs representation in the Coachella Valley. It encourages us to be greater stewards for the environment we live in and opens up so many doors for better serving our clients and differentiating our businesses.”

“I am proud of the Windermere representation at this three-day course,” stated Bob Deville, Co-Owner of Windermere Real Estate Southern California. “The green movement is definitely gaining momentum, and rightfully so. It is outstanding that our team is better equipped to assist our clientele with purchasing and setting up homes that are environmentally friendly. Hopefully this is just the beginning of something even greater in the way we choose to live and consciously reduce our carbon footprint.”

Windermere would like to recognize all of its agents and brokers who achieved a green designation, including: David Cantwell, Mike Deveau, Rob Driscoll, Jerry Foshee, Dean Keefer, Tom Lathrop, Tony Niemela, Rick Olson, Gail Perry, Roy Rigsby, Nancy Steinfeldt, and Jim Webb.

For the Windermere Real Estate Southern California office nearest you, visit www.WindermereSoCal.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @WindermereSoCal.