Let’s say you read all the big eco-blogs. You’ve seen dozens of stories about green building techniques and energy efficient options for your home. But how do you know that this industry has really arrived? How can you really tell when the market is ripe? Well, one indication might be the emergence of a new type of middleman specialized in connecting interested buyers and sellers. A story in southern Oregon’s Mail-Tribune this week profiles the emerging phenomenon of the “Eco-Broker”. With the catchy motto “your house, your nest”, this company invites real estate professionals to complete three 6-hour online courses toward the “Eco-Broker” designation and a profile advertisement on Eco-Broker site. The cost of the program is $395, plus a $129 annual membership fee thereafter. Benefits include an expanded understanding of green technologies, building features, and financing incentives, which can be useful in advising earth-friendly buyers or in promoting sellers’ listings. According to one Ashland-based Eco-Broker, the program helps agents learn to speak the builders’ language. Finally, perhaps the greatest benefit of the “Eco-Broker” designation is differentiation in a highly competitive market. Alas, as with most things green, the West Coast seems years ahead of us Easterners in the demand for this type of service.
