As dust from the recent economic storm settles across the nation and the embattled housing market crawls toward recovery, a green trend in real estate is emerging with potential to help homeowners maximize what’s left of their weathered assets.

In today’s realty market, energy efficiency, sustainable features and healthy indoor air quality trump once-treasured amenities such as hard wood floors, sprawling floor plans and granite counters.  While global warming may be influencing some green seekers, financial advantages of energy efficiency coupled with the health benefits of sustainable living are leading factors swaying most others. The industry is adjusting accordingly.

In 2009, Arizona joined a growing number of states to include energy efficiency features to Multiple Listing Service postings. Real estate brokerages have begun to advertise their sustainable office policies.  In response to the increasing demand for green properties, a new classification of “Green” agents has emerged.  The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has developed a training program for agents to become NAR GREEN Designated Realtors®, and EcoBroker® also offers a comprehensive green certification program. Both programs educate agents about energy efficiency, indoor air quality and economic incentives   and train agents to navigate the growing green housing market… to read the full article in AZGreen Magazines digital publication, please  subscribe.