Valerie Demerski of  BARBARA DEMERSKI REAL ESTATE in Northampton  has earned the EcoBroker Certified® designation, the first in the Pioneer Valley, having successfully completed a unique and informative training program on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions.  Valerie joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthier design/features in homes and buildings.  The "performance home" movement is getting a boost thanks to this type of high quality real estate professional earning the EcoBroker designation.  EcoBrokers®, like Valerie, throughout the country are forging this market and creating competitive advantages for their customers.  With national surveys indicating that 80% of consumers consider themselves "green-minded," real estate professionals with the EcoBroker designation are in a better position to serve the real estate consumer.  "I'm always looking for the best ways to offer my clients the best value. My EcoBroker training will help  me ensure customer satisfaction, my number one priority," Valerie explains.  "From windows to moisture control to energy savings, I now have more resources at my disposal to help my buyers and sellers make better real estate decisions.  The EcoBroker designation doesn't make me an energy and environmental expert, but it allows me to better understand the issues and to convey this understanding to my buyers and sellers."  

EcoBroker International's education and designation program is designed exclusively for real estate professionals who care about the environment and want to help their clients benefit from the energy-efficiency, "green," and healthier features of homes and buildings.  EcoBroker provides a complete curriculum of energy and environmental training to licensed real estate agents.  Real estate professionals must complete the extensive EcoBroker curriculum and training and fulfill additional program requirements to become Certified EcoBrokers®.  "Valerie is an example of the quality real estate professional the EcoBroker designation continues to attract," explains EcoBroker International's CEO, Dr. John Beldock.  "These real estate professionals are not only distinguishing themselves in a competitive market place, but they are really giving back to the community in very constructive and meaningful ways.  We need more contributors like Valerie. The planet and our grandchildren need them too," Dr. Beldock said. 

From her Northampton office, Valerie explains, "With EcoBroker^®training, I have broadened the range of real estate opportunities I offer my clients.  Whether the transaction involves environmental assessment and mitigation (mold, radon, etc.) or the opportunity to reduce utility bills, I'm in a position to help.  The real estate industry is changing, and to best serve my clients I need to understand the newest designs, technologies, and environmental issues.  My EcoBroker designation helps me stay ahead of the game."  

EcoBroker International provides a unique energy and environmental curriculum to licensed real estate professionals, leading to the EcoBroker Designation. EcoBroker's mission is to broaden and improve the base of training and continuing education for real estate professionals and in doing so, encourage improvements to the quality of buildings, while reducing their impact on natural resources and the environment. EcoBroker is a Building^® America and Built Green^® Colorado Education Partner; the most successful green-building program in the United States. EcoBroker provides state-approved continuing education courses to licensed real estate professionals in states throughout the U.S.  EcoBroker can be reached by phone at    1-800-706-4321   , online at www.ecobroker.com, and by email at customerservice@ecobroker.com.

LOCAL REALTOR^® ACHIEVES NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® GREEN DESIGNATION

02/09

Northampton MA – Valerie Demerski with Barbara Demerski Real Estate has been awarded the National Association of REALTORS^®’ [NAR’s] Green Designation, the only green real estate professional designation recognized by NAR.

Valerie 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, Valerie 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.

“As energy costs rise along with concern for the environment, homeowners are looking for innovative ways to save money and live responsibly,” said Dick Gaylord, NAR’s immediate past president.  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, Valerie has gained the knowledge and the tools necessary to become a trusted green resource for Northampton. For more information about Valerie,  please visit barbarademerskirealestate.com, her blog at howgreenisourvalley.comm or e-mail howgreenisourvalley@gmail.com

For more information about NAR’s newest designation, visit www.greenresourcecouncil.org