Windermere Real Estate’s Kate Castle has been awarded the National Association of REALTORS ® [NAR’s] Green Designation, the only green real estate professional designation recognized by NAR.

Castle achieved this prestigious designation after completing 18 hours of course work designed specifically for REALTORS^®.  The courses were created in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of industry experts from across the country; ensuring designees gain comprehensive knowledge of green homes and buildings and issues of sustainability in relation to real estate.

More specifically, Castle was trained in understanding what makes a property green, helping clients evaluate the cost/benefits of green building features and practices, distinguishing between industry rating and classification systems, listing and marketing green homes and buildings, discussing the financial grants and incentives available to homeowners and helping consumers see a property’s green potential.

“Living green is about making healthy choices that are also easy on your wallet. NAR Green Designees have the necessary resources & relationships to effectively work with you on your next green project,” said Kristen Short, Executive Director of NAR’s Green Designation.  NAR’s Green Designation was developed in response to growing consumer awareness of the benefits of resource-efficient homes and buildings. The designation helps consumers who care about energy efficiency and sustainable building practices identify REALTORS^® who can help them realize their green real estate and lifestyle goals.

As an NAR Green Designee, Castle has gained the knowledge and the tools necessary to become a trusted green resource for Palm Springs.  Castle currently serves as Vice Chair on the Palm Springs Sustainability Commission and was instrumental in the recent passage of the plastic bag ordinance. For more information about Kate Castle, please visit www.PalmSpringsTeam.com or e-mail kcastle@windermeresocal.com.

About Windermere Southern California:

As the desert area market leader, Windermere Real Estate Southern California consistently lists and sells more than any other local real estate brokerage. Founded by owners Bob Bennion and Bob Deville in 2001, Windermere Real Estate Southern California provides superior, professional real estate services to their clients in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Indio. Windermere’s Premier Properties program showcases and markets some of the valley’s finest homes and estates for maximum impact and worldwide exposure.

An invited member of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and exclusive local affiliate of Luxury Portfolio International®, Windermere’s extensive network of agents, clients and partners is truly the largest, top-producing network for real estate available in our desert real estate market. For the location of the Windermere Southern California Real Estate office nearest you, visit us on our new, user-friendly and ever-evolving website atwww.WindermereSoCal.com.